Exercise?

Ever since school has ended, I have been trying to figure out a way to really make use of my time. I have sometimes felt "lost" not having a book in my hand and either writing a paper or doing a presentation. Thankfully, that feeling didn't last long. I am now really enjoying not having homework. However, I know that all of that sitting and reading hasn't done my body any good!

So the second week in May, I went to the YMCA and signed our family up for a membership. I also knew that the boys needed a place to take some swimming lessons and to do some karate.

I was doing well for about two weeks. I have been receiving coaching to find out how much body fat I have, how strong (or weak) I am and to eventually figure out a program to help me get in shape. The first time I exercised on one of the machines, I worked up such a sweat, I had to take a shower. Now, that's saying something! I also have taken the boys swimming twice and we swam about 3 hours each time. I was told by my coach that swimming is one of the best exercises. Am I glad to hear that! Anyway--I was on a roll. But today, I was feeling as if this whole exercise thing is really overrated. I really need an exercise partner who can keep me motivated. If I had to put an ad in the paper, it would sound something like this.

"Seeking an exercise partner who can work around my crazy schedule. Sometimes I am available in the mornings, other times, later at night. Mostly, I don't exercise on the weekends. You must be talkative and entertaining. The partner must be so engaging and so interesting, that I forget that I am actually exercising. Partner must be able to put up with complaining that the exercise is too hard and that I am sweating way too much. Partner must also be able to keep up a pace that is faster than me, but not too fast, so I don't feel bad. If you're interested, call me. If not, oh well. I can say I tried. You can find me at home surfing the web to see if there is an alternative to sweaty exercise."

Seriously, I need to get into an exercise routine that is beneficial but also enjoyable. I hope I can. Even if it's only because I am taking the kids to the YMCA and I need to do something. I am hopeful.

Zachary 8--Already!

Zachary will be turning 8 years-old next week on March 23rd. Of course the way life is right now, I figured I should post this while I had the chance! I actually worked on this in January!

I don't think anything prepares you for your very first child. It was more special than I could have imagined.

Zachary melted my heart with his big smiles. (3 months old)

Zachary imitated all of Jason's facial expressions. This was so funny!

3 Months old.

Zachary sucked his thumb from the day he was born. (1 year-old)

Zachary was sick on his first birthday and was less than enthusiastic about his cake.

Zachary pulling off the handsome look.

Zachary was 2 years old--going on 3 in a few months. He broke his arm falling out of bed. He went through a "train" stage where it was all about trains.

Zachary in one of his many creative outfits. (3 years old) He still loves to dress up.

It snowed in April! (4 years old)

Five years old.

Six years old. Biking in cold Minnesota.

Handsome guy.

Finding Randy

Actually, I didn't find him. But let's start from the beginning.

When my siblings and I were in Korea, we met an incredible man at the orphanage.

Randy was in the Navy. But what mattered to me as a little girl was that he was warm and friendly. In a place full of little children who were given up by their parents for various reasons, a smiling, friendly face was a welcome sight. I was intrigues with Randy. And it seems that it was mutual.

Certain people leave everlasting impressions on our hearts and Randy was one of them. Even though we had only really known each other for a month, I always wondered what happened to Randy. The truth was, I had hopes that he would end up being my dad.

So fast forward to today. On Friday, after a fun evening with a pastor and his family, we came home and I checked my phone. I noticed that there was a message from a Randy Lewis and the subject was: "Maybe Remember Me." I was astounded and shocked to think that we had finally found each other again.

Emotions began swirling inside of me. It was an event that I had longed for. But here it was and I was beside myself. I didn't have the words to express what I was feeling. But I felt overwhelmed and thankful. Then the questions came flooding in. What will it be like to talk to him? How has it been? How will he take what's happened in my life? Here I was contemplating my chance to finally talk to Randy and connect with him once again.

As we e-mailed and set up a time to talk, I realized that it was really going to happen. After all of these years. I had the wonderful blessing of being reunited with my mom in person last year at this time. Now, another blessing. The blessing came with a responsibility. I had to come to terms with aspects of my past once again. All of the things that happened as a kid, came rushing back to me. I was now an adult expected to be able to handle those things that I could not handle all of those years ago. So here I am.

Randy and I talked. I think my heart is still processing it. It is hard to describe. It went better than I could have expected. I am still in the middle of it all. It seems to a dream. I haven't woken up. But God is here, right beside me. Walking with me. Helping me. Letting me make peace with my past.

Karsten-- Six years and Growing

Karsten's first day! Welcome Karsten! Looks like dad already!
Karsten at 5 months old. He was a smiley, happy baby most of the time. Although Jason will tell you that he favored me and was pretty fussy if he wasn't held by me.

Karsten at 1 year-old. We started seeing more of his funny side at this age.

Karsten 21 months old. We noticed he was very outgoing and curious.

Funny boy with funny smile. (2 1/2)



Big smiles all of the time at every age. (3 years and 3 months)

Karsten at 4 years old.

Karsten mastered riding his bike when he was 4 years old (going on 5).

Mr. Happy. (5 years old)

Karsten just recently. Karsten's enthusiasm, love for life and people are some of his best characteristics! He is an amazing little guy and we are so glad he's a part of our lives.