our Virginia boy

"Look! I'm sitting up all by myself!"

pictures worth a thousand words...

We had a wonderful visit with Mom and Dad Puffenbarger. It was so easy to share our life in Korea together, and we had such a good time getting out to enjoy this fun place we live in.   Here are just a *few* highlights from our time together:

We took them to a Korean BBQ restaurant to eat "Kalbi".

Mr. Lee graciously drove us South out of Seoul to the Korean Folk Village for a little glimpse of life in Korea 60 years ago.

 Mom and Dad Puff braved the city by themselves as they went out for the day on the Seoul City Tour Bus...

...and ended up spending most of the time at the Seoul Tower, checking out the 360 degree view of Seoul...

... and trying on traditional Korean clothing for the Korean Chusok holiday, which also happened to be Joe's birthday!

 Then they went to the DMZ (demilitarized zone) to learn more about Korean history and see the reality of a country divided.

AND best of all... they were able to spend time loving on their youngest grandson, Marc!

He loved playing with his grandparents! 

It is so sad to see them leave.  Once again we are left in the wake of our visitors' whirlwind trips that seem to speed by... and their presence is sincerely missed. When most people ask me how it is to live on the other side of the world, I tell them that the only thing really missing is our (extended) family. It is times like these when the two worlds collide that make it feel more complete. We Praise God for such a wonderful visit together and for the blessing of our family.  As Mom and Dad Puff begin their long journey home, please join in us prayer for their safety and for a smooth transition back to their timezone, routines, and busy work-week ahead.

"Love never fails."

1 Corinthians 13:8

*almost* on the move!

So, how do you teach someone to crawl?

Marc is so funny.  He will face plant to hike up his legs and scrunch up a little, and then reach with is arms afterward. It is so cute to watch!

Way to go! :) Now to just get that belly off the ground...

 What a reward! (yes, Mommy helped...)

Back to School!

Our YISS Back to School picnic was postponed due to a Typhoon that rolled through Seoul, and moved to last night.  This was great, because it gave us an opportunity to share our school community with Mom and Dad Puff beyond the classroom.  They were able to sit in on a couple of Jarrod's classes as well. :)   

 Even our school mascot, the Guardian, came out for the event! :)

While it was fun to go to YISS, this coming week is Korea's Chuseok holiday (like Thanksgiving in the US), so we are all looking forward to spending the entire week with Jarrod at home and around town.  I will post pictures as I am able of our activities - hopefully to entice you to book your tickets to come visit as well! :) 

They're HERE!!!

Jarrod and I love having visitors!  Last spring we were able to spend time with my mother and sisters, Denise and Rachel - and enjoyed sharing a little bit of our side of the world with them.  Yesterday, we had some more highly anticipated visitors arrive....  Jarrod's parents traveled for 24 hours and finally made it to Seoul with big smiles on their faces and lots of goodies in their suitcases! :)

We Praise the Lord for safe and smooth traveling, and are looking forward to spending time together exploring and experiencing this culture.

reMARCable!

According to www.thefreedictionary.com, the definiton of remarkable is:

re·mark·a·ble adj.

1. Worthy of notice or attention.

2. Attracting notice as being unusual or extraordinary.

Marc is always remarkable to his parents. But today was a special day in his life, the day when he began solid foods. Or well.... can you call Rice Cereal a solid food? More like semi-thick liquid? Anyway, it was something more than just his mommy's milk - and so worth noting! 

 Jarrod and I have been thinking for some time about when to start giving him other foods.  We noticed for the past week or two how he was watching us every time we ate in front of him, and sometimes would move his mouth as he watched.  :) It was cute.  I let him play with a spoon a few days ago, he knew just want to do with it and took it straight to his mouth (or.. he just puts everything in his mouth these days :).  Since he is now 5 months from his due date, 6+ months from his birth date, and showing interest - we decided it was time.

I gave Marc his first few bites, and then his daddy took over.

We had fun, and I think - overall - Marc enjoyed himself... though I'm not sure how much rice cereal was actually swallowed!  He wasn't exacly sure what to think of the cereal, but enjoyed playing with the spoon! :)

What a face!

This is just one more fun adventure we get to experience with our sweet little boy. It is truly remarkable to experience the world anew through our son... what a gift he is!

the rooftop

At least once a day, Marc and I will go up to the rooftop - to get outside and look at the view and the plants that are growing, and sing songs. :)
We both enjoy it.  Here is what we saw when we went up there today:

Our rooftop was COVERED in "sunbathing" red peppers!  Our "ajuma" will be able to make red pepper paste to last her the entire year... pretty impressive!  Other shots from our rooftop:

 

Enjoy the view!