Thanksgiving in Korea

We enjoyed thanksgiving with a few friends and co-workers. Here are a few photos from the kid table printable via Pinterest. 

Christmas fun

Here are a few of my creations this Christmas season!

Snowman smoothie

Kids decorate cup with banana, pineapple, and almond milk smoothie.

Reindeer soup! Hot chocolate, mini candy cane and marshmallows!

Healthy Reindeer toast 

Whole Wheat bread

Blueberry eyes

Strawberry nose 

And touch of honey to make it all stick 

Autumn Fun

It has been very busy the past month. First there was Halloween! Then the kids magic party, the 10k, a soup party, the Melbourne cup party, and finally we moved out of our stinky stinky house into a nice, new, bigger andmuch cleaner and nicer house.

Here are a few photos documenting the many events. Monster door decorated for Halloween!  Me receiving the third place finishers trophy, and Melbourne cup fun!

Been a long long time

Took a long break from blogging summer started and the fun started and the reflective writing stopped. I am now back into the swing of things with exercise, school for kids and everyday life. I have been spending lots of time exercising and planning the Magician birthday party for Tobias and Tabitha's sixth birthday. Here are a few photos of what I have done thus far. 

Here is magic hat and rabbit trick tic-tack - toe

Here is the invitation I made. Got inspiration from various pins on pinterest.

Go Mummy Go!

It has been a long time since my last post. I have been preoccupied with training for a half marathon which I am proud to say I successfully completed this past weekend. Despite a lull in training due to illness, I was able to train enough to complete the race in 2hours 1 minute and 23 seconds! I was happy with that time. I got a call from my husband Stephen when I was a few 100 yards away from the finish line and he and the kids cheered me on with "go mummy go!" love!!!
Now I am back on track and will focus my training for the sprint triathalon in July. My training will include, running, swimming, biking, strength training and yoga. I started today with yoga and Thursday will be swim and strength training.

This blog has been all over the place but I think now it will pretty much focus on health and family living and how they happen for me no matter where I may be living.

Tomorrow I am taking a trip into busan to visit the Jin market a market where fabrics and Korean goods are sold. I am hoping to find some unique gifts and keepsakes.

A little picture Tabitha drew for me on Mother's Day!

Sadness all Around

I don't know where to start... the terror the insanity in this world the sadness it is oh so much. The bombings at the Boston Marathon. My dear God what can we do to help this world be a better place. I fear the hatred and terror is gaining momentum and we will all soon be gone.
When trying to find some peace in this world, I look at the innocent faces of my children and think how can I make the world better for them?

The waiting games

So the ballistic talk is still coming out of north Korea and there has been a clear threat of a missile launch sometime soon. Hmm does that mean war will start or does that mean North Korea will now back down from all this as they realize threats are going nowhere.
The whole not knowing and leaving in constant fear/ wonder of what will happen is really getting to me.
Originally this blog started as me living as an ex-pat and some fun things I do with my family, now it is me trying to deal with stressors way beyond my control,
I am hoping that this waiting patiently and. It reacting will be beneficial in the end.

Keep Calm and Carry On

Monday April 8th
Today's news reported that North Korea may be launching a missile this week. The crazy talk is hopefully just that crazy talk but as reported by CBS news in a John McCain interview the chance of accidental war is also a concern. I have felt this all along that something could easily happen to start both sides fighting on the border. I also heard today that a family living from OIS has gone back to their home country to escape the unforeseen happenings on the peninsula.
As for now we will continue to keep updated on the latest news and try our best to not worry too much and go on with our everyday lives.

Anxiety levels

So I have not posted in a very long time. Lack of motivation was the initial deterrent now it is preoccupied and stressed out mind. The North Korean ballistic threats and craziness has been keeping me up at night. I have been reading lots of info on the situation and surprisingly the more I read the less worried I am. In essence the north has nothing but it's military threats to try and lift the nation out of the trenches of poverty and starvation.
As I am getting my anxiety under control I have decided to run a half marathon in May. This is giving me something to really work on. I am also thinking of doing a mountain bike race with the MTB group here on the island.
I am using motivational quotes to help me achieve my physical goals along with mental well being.

Picnic and Pebbles

This past weekend we ventured to the south of the island to a very pebbly beach. We to a short walk on the beach which included throwing some of the many stones into the water along with having a yummy picnic lunch upon the rock faces. After walking on the beach we took a short drive to find a hiking spot. There are many places to hike but there was a terrible smell in the air , fertilizer, so we opted to take a few photos and then head back home.

Mommy' Best Kisses and Other Great Reads

Last night like every night Tabitha and Tobias pick stories for me to read to them.  Last night Tabitha picked one of my favorite stories Mommy's Best Kisses. I was given this book while pregnant and when I read it I immediately teared up. Of course there were hormones involved but the sweetness and intimacy the book creates is one that allows a true loving interaction with your children while reading it. The book takes the reader through the affectionate ways animal mums give their babies kisses.While reading the book I act out the kisses and the kids love it. It makes my heart smile that they still get the same feeling as when they were very young. I know it won't last forever and that is what makes the experience so very special.

Another favorite that was pulled out to read this week was If I Could Keep You Little
A delightful story of why we need to let our children grow and learn and become independent. This book too makes my heart smile.  I like reading this book because it too reminds me to cherish these days.

Individual Appreciation

February 21 Quick notesI came upon this quote today and I immediately thought of my beloved children. This is one to keep in mind when not only raising children, teaching children and everyday social reactions with people.

Busan, Love Bug and Stomach Bug

Well we got. Tabitha was hit first and then me and Tobias. Stephen was luckily spared the mayhem. It was a doozie.  About 8 hours of vomit nastiness. After about 3 days of being out I am feeling better and hope to get things back on track.








Before the stomach bug hit we took a nice two day trip to Busan. It was lovely. The weather was great. We stayed a wonderful hotel with an indoor pool and gym. We went to the aquarium and enjoyed a wonderful Thai dinner. We also managed to squeeze in a Costco trip on the way home.

My little lad enjoying a cup of hot chocolate in our high rise hotel.  You can see him sporting his lost tooth too. 

Lovely Tabitha outside the Busan train station

That night Tabitha was hit with the stomach bug. The poor thing was up all night it was no fun all. She was the first victim me and Tobias would soon follow. In the middle of the stomach bug we managed to have a little Valentine's Day fun. Starting with a heartfelt breakfast with pink milk, strawberries and festive waffles and some lovely Valentine's Day cards and gifts.

We were all better by Sunday however the weather was pretty gloomy which allowed us to investigate our rocket balloons again and expand on the idea.This weekend's weather was a bit gloomy and rainy so we were mostly indoors. We bumped up our  rocket balloon experiment into a zip line for animals and action figures which then progressed into a swing. It was hours of excitement.

Groundbreaking Day

Groundbreaking Day at OIS (Okpo International School) I went and I was honored to help with the actual ceremony I was representing. It was a enlightening experience. After many speeches describing the process of the development, a group of about twenty individuals were called to grab a shovel and heave the first shovels of dirt. The new school is scheduled to open January 2014! Very exciting

Getting ready to throw the dirt on the construction site for the new home for OIS 

There goes the dirt! 

Keeping on the topic of groundbreaking, I want to do my own groundbreaking.  I want to have my own groundbreaking and I still searching for what ground it is I want to break. I am trying to stay focused yet explore different options.  As I go through my journey I will journal my thoughts, from this I will gather my ideas. Reflecting on my daily activities and thoughts should give me some insight.

Activities from the week of after school activities included Rocket Balloons and Sight Word Balls for reading and throwing.



Rocket Balloons.
Raining Day yesterday so we made some rocket balloons. Super easy and super fun and entertaining along with being scientific and educational.

Tobias powering up his balloon rocket with his hot air. :)

Tabitha powering up her balloon rocket.

The course, string and two chairs

Sight word balls

Tobias has his favorite word, Daddy!

You and Daddy 

I bought a inexpensive bags of plastic balls and wrote sight words on the balls. The kids read the ball and then try to throw it in the basket. One point for reading one point for getting it in the basket. Working on two great skills! 

Frozen Puddles and Sticks

Studying the Cracking Ice

Yesterday we went on one of our family hikes, one of the activities we can do as a family in the cold Okpo weather.  We explored a new section of Okpo and we were saddened to see the trails being encroached on by roads and trash. However, once we got past that there were some nice trails with streams and ice.

On our descent we came upon a frozen puddle. The puddle was not big but it sure was entertaining. As I kid I remember the best part of a walking on a frozen puddle was when you could walk along the edge and break the delicate white ice and listen to the cool cracking sound. Well some things never change I enjoyed this right along with Tobias and Tabitha. There was cracking and sliding on the ice puddle and boy was it fun. As adults we tend to loose our enthusiasm for the little things such as ice puddles. Children have the wonderful eyes of seeing the fun in almost anything.

Tabitha on ice!

Tobias on ice! 

Tabitha balancing her stick!

Along with the entertaining frozen puddle T  & T found some great sticks. Super long and very flexible.  The thing one can do with a stick......, measure how tall mummy and daddy are, imagine yourself as that tall, balance the stick on your head, pretend you're leading a parade, run the stick along the metal fence and listen to the different sounds, oh what fun a stick can be while your hiking down the trail.  

Looking back on the hike, it makes me smile and think of how I have so much to learn from my kids! 

My Kids
Some reasons why I love my kids so much. Last night we were playing a family game of uno and Tobias being so enthusiastic, could not help him self from bouncing up and down on the couch. Stephen asked him to please try and sit still. Tobias responds with," I'll try but I really don't think I can do it."  Love him
My independent thinker Tabitha is so curios about the world around her. After washing her mermaid duvet cover, I noticed an obvious cut in it. Then I remembered seeing scissors in her room (kid scissors) and I put two and two together. When confronted, Tabitha quit innocently responded, I just wanted to see what was inside, meaning the down comforter.

These two occasions got me thinking.... Tobias I will try but I don't think I can. I know he really does try to but the kid is so full of life and energy it is so hard for him to contain it. From his amazingly enthusiastic laugh to his incredibly big heart.

Tabitha my little inquisitive daughter really didn't think she was doing anything naughty she is so curious about the world and has oh so many questions. xoxox

Impact

What The Purpose
As I was hiking the rainy, slippery hills I was listening to one of my new favorite podcast, The Accidental Creative. As I was listening I was trying to absorb the information and to figure out how it fits into my life. One thing that was stated was a posing question by a guest regarding an individual's impact in our world and how to create impact.  This struck me as a very useful question as I am at a point in my life were are have endless opportuniites to do something new, creative and impactful. The only problem is is I don't know what the act is!

What I've done today:
Morning rolled of bed made pancakes for the kids. Slowly woke up, got things finalized to walk out the  door to school but of course at the last minute Tobias wants different gloves and Tabitha doesn't like her tights. :) After a few fits by all of us we make to school just on time.
I head out for a rainy day hike. While hiking I am trying to decide what I should be when I grow up. :)

Get home return a few emails. Research blogging, podcast and graphic design, not sure if I am wasting my time. Now I sit here and write about the days events thus far. I guess it isn't wasting time if it is clearing and organizing my mind as my mind is seems to be very cluttered at times.
Still looking to find a greater purpose.

Becoming what you want to be

A pretty uneventful weekend. We were able to experiment with some of my latest pinterest finds for Valentine's. We made thumbprint heart cards. Well me and Tobias did, Tabitha made jellybean thumbprints and then watercolored over it. That girl sure is an independent thinker, no idea where she gets it from:) We were also able to work on our moody cow stategies I think I use them more than the kids. Remembering to keep patience and understanding in my thoughts while a fit is being thrown is something I am continuously working on.
Today I concentrated on yoga and mediation for me. I was actually able to get into the mediation this time. I found a new meditation clip on youtube along with a new yoga video. I am feeling optimistic.
I was reading through my words of wellness board on pinterest and found a quote I will use as an ongoing mantra. I have my work cut out for me!

Podcasts

Friday January 18th
Today I discovered a very interesting podcast, the Accidental Creative. I am not sure where I fit in with all the information they are sharing but it is interesting and I feel connected somehow. I will continue to listen and be inspired.
I also started listening to  Manager Tools. I am not a manager of a fortune 500 company, but I am the manager of a family and sometimes my employees are very demanding and hard to manage :) I felt there were many topics that can be applied to various aspects of my life now and perhaps future endeavours as well. I am trying to broaden my horizons and educate myself on various topics that are interesting to me and make me more productive, spiritual and thoughtful.
Each day I will try to reflect on what I have learned, discovered or felt on that particular day and perhaps find some inspiring quotes to capture what the mood was that day and here it is for today.

Diary of a Middle-Aged Mummy

So I have tried a few times to write a blog and each time I get caught up in what I want and should write about. My thoughts, interests and ideas are all over the place. So..my blog is going to be all over the place.

My Mid Life Adventure is now in Okpo South Korea where I am living my life as an ex-pat. Adapting to a very different culture and a way of life. I am staying home with my kids and trying to figure out how I am WAY less productive now that I am not working than I was when I was working full-time and running a household virtually on my own. Part of my journey is discovering what it is that I want to do during my days and what I want to do to prepare for my coming days. A journey of reflection and soul searching that will lead me on a path of joy.

What did I do today to help myself in my journey? Hmm

I had a great morning workout. I researched how to get packages delivered. Finding all the products I like and want to provide for my family isn’t always easy but there are for sure many resources that I have been able to tap into. One such resource is the online company iherb. It is fantastic! iherb.com A large selection of earth friendly, people friendly and animal friendly products shipped to my house in South Korea for very cheap.

One the highlights of my day was getting my shipment of annie’s cheddar snacks, mojo bars, and avalon face cream. Yes it’s the little things that I need.

Okay what else did I do? Well before the 9:00 workout I got the kids ready for school yes sounds easy enough but the strong-willed, independent thinking kids I have tend to test me ever morning.

I hung at a load of laundry, put a load away and put another one on to be washed. Changed the sheets in both kids bed’s. Wrote a flyer for the school’s upcoming movie night.

Those a few of my accomplishments today. I know not very impressive hey I am doing my best and this is part of my mission to find my little avenue to travel down. Of course I love planning crafts and parties and that has been a focus of mine but I am looking to add more substance.

January 17, 2013 at 6:37 PM