Wicked!

Earlier this month, Jarrod took me on a date to see the Broadway Musical Wicked!  It is the background story to Oz - from the Wizard of Oz - and we thoroughly enjoyed it (well.. let us know if you want the full critique ;)

We went to Samsung's Blue Square Musical Hall in Itaewon, right across the street from YISS! We have been watching the construction on the building since we moved here - and it was finally completed last spring.  Wicked is the first major Broadway musical at Blue Square.  The show was in English - for those of you wondering - but the theater has built in screens that project the words to the show in Korean.

We had a wonderful night out together!  The kids were at home (sleeping) with one of my friends.. we did our first ever "date night babysitting swap" - a great idea to be repeated soon!

This is definitely one of the benefits to living in a large city: a Broadway musical theater 10 minutes from our house!

Looking forward to Phantom of the Opera this December!
(Blue Square, where have you been these past 3 years?!)

Happy 4th Anniversary!

Yesterday Jarrod and I celebrated our 4th wedding anniversary.  These 4 years have gone by quickly, and  each year gets better and better.  So glad I get to spend the rest of my life with this man!

Jarrod surprised me coming home with roses and the urge to "go get ready" because we had reservations at a very nice traditional Korean restaurant, the Samwon Gardens.  This place is special to us because Mr. Lee (Jarrod's former employer in Seoul) took us to this same restaurant 5 years ago, during my first visit to Seoul.  He arranged a babysitter to come and take care of Marc (the first person other than Mom and Dad to put Marc to bed at night... tear! ;)

 So, with that we left on what will possibly be our LAST (for a while) pre-baby date night, - a night complete with tasty food, great atmosphere, and wonderful company. :)

The garden area was decorated with Christmas lights, making the evening magical...

 ...despite the COLD. ;)

AND then... Dessert! YUM.

 Over the course of the evening we were able to reflect on our marriage and together decide on goals for this coming year,  highlighting both a Fruit of the Spirit and one of the Five Love Languages to focus on for the year.  I am excited about the direction we are heading and the journey we are on together.
Thank-you, Sweetheart, for a wonderful evening!

Baby, I'm the Lucky One!

Today marks the end of final exams - and official completion of the Spring semester! Not only am I incredibly relieved to have all of the work, projects, papers, exams, and presentations behind me - I am also thrilled to have 2 weeks to relax before entering the final semester this summer! Yes, I came home following the exam this morning and began that relaxing... :)

This past semester has held a lot of learning as I began my clinical practicum in the Coronary Care Unit (CCU)- for which I would be in the hospital 12-13 hours day or night learning about patient care. I have thoroughly enjoy the clinical aspect of my schooling experience, but I am looking forward to the day when I will be DONE with classwork all together (Aug. 1)! I will continue my practicum experience this summer in the CCU, and I'm looking forward to furthering my knowledge of this patient population.

I would like to publicly say thank-you to my wonderful husband who walked with me through the entire semester. The numerous ways in which he gave his support and encouragement helped me to get through our toughest semester yet - and I am so grateful for him!
Last night Jarrod even surprised me with dinner and flowers in anticipation and (pre)-celebration of the semester's end. :)
There's no doubt about it. My husband rocks! ;)

playing outside!

Jarrod and I have been enjoying this BEAUTIFUL weather! Yesterday was my last day of classes for the semester, and so we celebrated with a picnic at a nearby park. It was a relaxing afternoon laying in the shade, exploring the park, and even playing some frisbee. I LOVE having a built-in playmate all the time! :) That evening, I watched and cheered for Jarrod as he played for Trinity Presbyterian in the church softball league. I was proud of him as he played catcher for the first time, even getting his opponent out at home plate while the other team was trying to score. He played hard, hit the ball well, and scored a run for his team! It was a fun evening at the ballpark - and we are looking forward to many more games!

so blessed!

Not so long ago, we were anticipating Jarrod’s return from Asia, Stephanie’s completion of another semester of nursing school, and our wedding. Much time was spent dreaming, planning, and taking steps to prepare for the special day, shared together with you, in which we joined our lives before God. Now that the wedding and the holidays have all come and gone, the whirlwind of these events leave us amazed at how quickly time has passed. As the dust settles, we look back on our wedding day with fond memories of a day that has changed our lives forever.

We remember the sweet songs that were played and sung, the words spoken from the heart, the laughter and tears shared, a bit of smashed cake, and even some dancing fun. How incredible it was to have so many of our favorite people together in one place to celebrate with us. Our only regret was not being able to spend more time with each of you, to introduce our spouse to you, to thank you personally for braving the weather and being there to support us, and to let you know just how important you are in our lives. For those who were unable to attend for various understandable reasons, we are still so very grateful for your role in our lives and look forward to the day when we are able to see you again, face-to-face.

After the wedding, we headed south to Tennessee where we spent the week relaxing and reflecting on all that had gone on. We stayed in a beautiful cabin in the woods and enjoyed the holiday sights and sounds in both Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.

We enjoyed going to several fun museums and shows during our time there...

Did Stephanie shrink, or is that chair just really big??

Jarrod braved a bed of nails..

And we both enjoyed the food and entertainment at the Dixie Stampede!

We returned from our honeymoon to find many wedding presents and cards in our apartment. Needless to say, we were both overwhelmed by your generosity, and want to take this opportunity to extend our heartfelt gratitude. Your gifts have helped us to set up our home and provide a head start in our marriage. God has truly blessed our lives, and we see that many of them have come through knowing you. We do hope to see you sometime in the near future. Know that you are always welcome in our home here in Charlottesville.

Thank-you, again!

where has time gone?

SO much has happened since Jarrod's return!

The fall semester of school has continued - and I've been in various clinical settings, continuing to learn and practice my nursing skills. I have also enjoyed visits from my grandparents and company for many UVA football games. They know how to tailgate with the best of 'em! :) I definitely enjoy it!

Any moment I am not in school, I am traveling to Harrisonburg to BE WITH JARROD in person! :) It has been so good to have him around... and just a couple weeks ago, he moved to Charlottesville - which means almost all of my time is spent at his apartment. :) Our families have helped to move in Jarrod and my things and have blessed us by giving us many household items that we need. Now all I have left to move in when we get married are my clothes, school books, and myself! :) I can't wait!

Here are some fun pictures from this Fall:

Dinner with Jarrod's siblings


Jarrod moving in to the apartment with his parents' help


Going to Caleb's football games with my family, rain or shine!


Date night with Jarrod's grandparents, Mom-mom and Pop-pop

I am so happy to have Jarrod back!