Jaden's BIG DAY

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JADEN!

Jaden is an ONE-YEAR old now!

This time last year, we were in Florida and welcomed the newest member of the Kim Family.
What a joy and blessing he is!











Look how big he is now, and still a cutie...













Here's what happened for his birthday...When a baby turns ONE, it is very significant in the Korean family tradition because it signifies their strength for survival!


Jaden and me at the portrait studio












Jaden's birthday was held at the Fort Lee Hilton Hotel on December 18th.
Decorations were amazing, food was tasty, and we all throughly enjoyed the cake!


Cake time!













Let's blow out the candles!














In traditional Korean Dol, Jaden had to pick 3 out of 5 items in front of him- yarn, rice, books, pencil, money, which determines what his interest/skill will be. But GOD IS SOVEREIGN and Jaden is called to whatever God has called him to, but this is for fun! He picked the book first, then the yarn, lastly the pencil. He's going to be a smarty!















Jaden also had a mini party with a few of his buddies... the theme was 'Chicken Little'!





We missed Owen, Hailey and Caitlyn!

WE LOVE YOU JD!

Time to Celebrate!

JADEN TURNS 1 TODAY!!!!

I'll post pictures from his party soon!

Ready, Set, GO!! Winter's here!!!

Well, I can't believe it's going to be December soon! Yeah, Christmas is around the corner! The weather here has been just amazing. Cool, cold and sunny. It's a little warmer today, but beautiful! I'm not up to much...but I'm thoroughly enjoying spending time with my friends and family. We had a ton to catch up on!

I'm really trying to get my spiritual walk in order. Finding time for yourself is difficult, let alone finding time with God! It seems impossible! Being a mom has truly challenged me to the core. I see God doing some miraculous work in my heart regarding past issues, and etc. He's softening me---my spirit, my heart---many people mistake that I'm shy or I'm passive b/c I'm quiet and reserved, but deep inside, I'm really not those things... my nature is just cautious and critical. But God's working...

Sunday nights are my favorite time to watch TV b/c of two shows---Desperate Housewives and Grey's Anatomy. I love the show Desperate Housewives b/c I sense a deep relation/connection to the four women.

Lynette is my personal favorite b/c I relate to her the most. Like her, I have a deep longing to be part of a company and having a career and much of my image build-up is work. I enjoy the hard work, the meetings, the adrenaline, the accomplishment of goals, the promotions, the teamwork, and etc. But deep inside, there's a softness and care about her and I know it's due to being a mom who adores her kids.

Susan...what can I say, but that she's an emotional mess. I AM AN EMOTIONAL MESS. Women are emotional! Yes, I am a woman!

Gabrielle is hilarious. I have the same superficial materialistic tendencies as she does. I'm not saying that I need to spend a fortune on an Aston-Martin, but I love fashion, some luxuries and of course, exotic vacations. I grew up near NYC and the NorthEast society thrives on high end fashion and luxuries. I'm a product of that image...but God has changed me! Thank you! To be honest, I enjoy splurging a little! (God knows this and has done an amazing job instilling wisdom, maturity, and character in me)

Bree is outwardly everything I want to be. Proper, sophisticated, and PERFECT. Everything move she makes, everything she touches is with utter perfection. She has a inner life full of fears compounded with grief, disappointments coupled with anger, and expectations that fail her. She's not in control the fragility of being human is so evident in her inner life. I too am like her.

Just some thoughts...

Anyways, here are some new pics of little Jaden!

Birthday, Birthday!

Yesterday, I turned 26! Yep, I'm still in my mid-twenties. Won planned a romantic day for me and it was so awesome. He's the best! Also, thank you to all my wonderful friends who gave me shoutouts, phone calls, e-cards, and gifts. I felt special, really special!

Being back in NJ/NY is great and we feel so right here. We are near so much culture, not only a diverse group of people, but a myriad of things to do, an array of interests and numerous options for restaurants. I absolutely love it.

Right now, I beginning to plan for Jaden 1st birthday. I can't believe it. I'm so sad that Owen, Hailey and Caitlyn won't be able to come!!!

Well, i'll write more later!!!

2 by 2 MEME!

I'M IT! Tagged by EJ... :)

2 names you go by:
1. BOAH- my Korean name
2. CA- my close high schools friends call me that

2 parts of your heritage:
1. Korean
2. Korean

2 things that scare you:
1. Heights
2. Childbirth

2 of your everyday essentials:
1. Coffee
2. Prayer

2 things that you are wearing right now:
1. Black Juicy velour pants
2. White Tank from Gap

2 favorite songs (at the moment):
1. Heard 'Em say - Kanye West & Maroon 5 (it doesn't mean I condone his political views/lifestyle)
2. Collide - Howie Day

2 things you want in a relationship (other than real love):
1. friendship/connection
2. understanding

2 truths:
1. You are loved by God, no matter what
2. Life is a journey...sometimes long, sometimes short, sometimes neither

2 physical traits in the opposite sex that appeal to you: (MY HUSBAND)
1. I love Won's smile...so genuine!
2. I love Won's arms...so muscular!

2 of your favorite hobbies:
1. shopping
2. photography

2 things you want really badly:
1. a vacation
2. a king-size bed

2 places you want to go on vacation:
1. New Zealand
2. Africa

2 things you want to do before you die:
1. Set up an orphanage in Cambodia
2. Travel all over the world

2 ways you are stereotypically a dude/chick:
1. Cry during emotional scenes in movies
2. Everything Jaden does melts my heart

2 things you are thinking about right now:
1. "Man, I need to finish unpacking."
2. "I'm tired..."

2 stores you shop at:
1. Bloomies
2. Target

2 people you would like to do this:
1. Wonki
2. Jonnieboi

More Whirls & Twirls

Won and I arrived safely to NJ! Yes, we made it. Our apartment is wonderful and I am so thrilled to be here. Well, let me begin...

Our movers came an entire day later, so we didn't leave until Monday, 10/31/05. Due to Hurricane Wilma, everything was backed up. We were so upset since we didn't even get a phone call to let us know. Then, we finally made it to New Brunswick, NJ on Nov. 1st by 5pm, 30 minutes before the leasing office closed. We got our keys and settled in as much as we could. Then our close friend, John, came to visit us on the 2nd of November and is staying with us until Monday. Then, the movers came on Thursday, Novermber 3rd.

Lastly, today, MY GRANDMOTHER PASSED AWAY. I am devastated and extremely sad. But, the reality of her death still has yet to set in since I'm so exhausted and a myriad of things are running through my mind. She was so beautiful and loved JESUS whole-heartedly. Since she was 97, we were all expecting her death at any moment, but the fact that it has happened today was such a downer for me. The viewing is on Sunday and the funeral on Monday. I feel as though this might be the last straw that will lead to my emotional outpouring of utter helplessness. Funny, God truly seems to close a door in my life as He opens another.

Timing has been a theme in my life and surely, God works in mysterious ways (but sovereignly). Pray for me and I have been meditating on the song lyrics "Blessed be Your Name" by Matt Redman, which is also chapter in Ecclesiates.

Blessed Be Your Name

In the land that is plentiful

Where your streams of abundance flow

Blessed be your name

Blessed Be Your name

When I'm found in the desert place

Though I walk through the wilderness

Blessed Be Your name

Every blessing you pour out

I'll turn back to praise

When the darkness closes in

Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord

Blessed be Your name

Blessed be the name of the Lord

Blessed be Your glorious name

Blessed be Your name

When the sun's shining down on me

When the world's 'all as it should be'

Blessed be Your name

Blessed be Your name

On the road marked with suffering

Though there's pain in the offering

Blessed be Your name

Every blessing you pour out

I'll turn back to praise

When the darkness closes in

Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord

Blessed be Your name

Blessed be the name of the Lord

Blessed be Your glorious name

Blessed be the name of the Lord

Blessed be Your name

Blessed be the name of the Lord

Blessed be Your glorious name

You give and take away

You give and take away

My heart will choose to say

Lord Blessed be your name

On a side note, my sister, Stephanie, really wanted to celebrate Halloween with Jaden, so she and Eddie bought this pumpkin costume. Jaden really does look absolutely precious.

Whirlwind

Hmmm...
It's been a month since my last blog and so much has transpired. I'm going to keep it very concise.

1) Won got a job offer and he took it
2) Moving back to NJ before the first week of November
3) Cancelled our closing on the house
4) Won resigned from Relevant
5) I threw out my back and was bedridden for 2 days
6) Got my wisdom teeth pulled out
7) I resigned from my job
8) Jaden is signing "mommy" and "daddy" and "eat"

Okay. I'm so excited! But I'm feeling all kinds of emotions right now!

Birthday cheer!

Today is Won's 27th birthday! Please post, call or e-mail him a cheer!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY! Love you!

It's ours!

So, the house is ours! But, the process of getting a house is extremely stressful! Financing, appraisals, inspections and etc. We are closing on September 20th and are excited! The house is beautiful. See, here it is below!

HOME sweet HOME

We found a house! It's a 3 bedroom/2.5 bath townhouse built in 2004 and no one ever lived in it! It's located in Sanford, right by International Parkway, near Lake Forest. We put in an offer yesterday and we will find out if the Seller accepted by 5pm today. Pray for us. God is good.

MEME

Tagged by E... but replying late

5 names i can't use for my kids, but i love:

Hunter
Trinity
Moses
Jude
Coco

5 movies you've seen recently

Guess Who?
Kung Fu Hustle
War of the Worlds
Batman Begins
Diary of a Mad Black Woman

5 nice things that happened to you lately : (in the last week)

got a job
Won told me I'm the love of his life (he does this often)
got a pre-approval for a mortgage
Jaden kissed me
My mom sent me a cool package

5 magazines i subscribe to...

Lucky
InStyle
Shop, Etc.
Budget Travel

Sweet life of planes, work and friends

It's been a while since my last blog. I have had a whirlwind of a week... First of all, I travelled to the Northeast (NY and NJ) to visit family and friends. I flew up there with Jaden. But, planes scare me sometimes. I don't think I have a "fear of flying" per se, but I definitely freak out when there is a lot of turbulence. Yup, the flight up had plenty of turbulence...pretty frightening. Maybe that's why I never got into the show "Lost."

Anyways, my trip was beautiful! The love and care your family provides is priceless. The pleasant company of close friends makes the heart grow softer. I was able to catch up with my friends and hang out with them. When I saw my parents, my sister and my sister-in-law, Helen, I was in tears. I missed them so much and realized how difficult it is living so far away from them. Not having them around to see Jaden growing is intensely challenging. But we are called here for now.

So, here's the deal with my friends. My absolutely lovely friend, Cheryl is pregnant and is due in October. I am planning her shower and can't wait until Jaden meets his buddy. My other wonderful friend, Eunice has 3 boys and they are the best! I admire her so much for her dedication to her boys. Another friend of mine, Sarah and I met up in NY and we had brunch. Flora, Cindy and YMK came out to visit Jaden and me too. I also visited my home church, Harvest, and met up with many awesome friends. Seriously, God has placed so many good people in my life and I know I am blessed.

Cicero said, "Life is nothing without friendship." It's so true...life is about the essence of the human heart...love, connection, intimacy, joy, beauty, purity, pain, disappointment and etc. I realize I want to live my life where I strive to develop a heart like Christ and experience life with wisdom and discernment as well as love and grace and of course, passion.

On a side note, I got a job! It's great...first of all, it's part-time. Secondly, it pays well. Thirdly, it's Marketing. I don't have a specific experience in Marketing, but I've worked in big companies where Marketing is incorporated into every aspect of the departmental structure. Plus, Marketing involves using both sides of my brain...the creative and the mathematical. So, from now on call me...Marketing Coordinator!

Animals, giraffes and oooohhh-ahhahhs!

hi, i'm jaden kim. i wanted to write today to tell you about my best friend, owen jackson. he's a little older than me, but he's so cool. he can walk really fast and say actual words like my name. he calls me "jaaa-din!" i hope to catch up to him soon. we're really great buddies because he lets me play with all of his toys especially his exersaucer. it's the coolest. yesterday, he also let me play with his red ball. well, this past weekend, we went to animal kingdom. it was a blast, but as you all can see, it was hot. owen and i are sweating in the pictures. we got to see so many different animals. owen really likes monkeys. i'm not sure what i like yet. we went to see this show "a bug's life" and it ended up being a little scary... okay. i'll write more later.

Charlie Brown...

I love the peanuts gang! The comics have so much insight to life. What you do guys think about the two comic strips??? I'm definitely Charlie Brown...I think way too much.

JD...

Dedicate...to the one I love

Jaden was dedicated to the Lord today!!! Here is a copy of our dedication speech...

"You are an absolutely beautiful child. Jaden means “God has heard” and when we first saw you, we knew that God had answered every prayer we lifted up about you. We dedicate you today because we believe firmly in the Lord Jesus Christ and the importance of honoring you unto the Lord as Hannah did for Samuel in the Word. You are a gift from the Lord and we promise to raise you in light of His grace.
Not only will we tell you of God’s good deeds, but we will teach you about His character, embrace you in His mercy and walk with you on your spiritual discovery. As parents we will help you find your gifts and help you experience the wonderful joy of the spiritual disciplines—prayer, reading the Word and serving others. Jaden, we feel so privileged to be your parents, and we will do our very best to shine God’s love on you."

A shout out to MC & Bernice for being there and taking pictures for us.

Just in...

I finally succumbed to the world of blogging. My good friend, Elizabeth (pictured left), inspired me to. I went on her blog and thought it was just so cool!

I realize that I have tons of things that I need to catch everyone up on since my move to Orlando. So much has happened and lots of experiences to write about. Hopefully, I will be able to sort my thoughts together and get going on my interesting (or not) ruminations.

Before I begin, I dedicate this blog to my hubby and son, whom I love with all of my heart, to all of my dear friends, whom I am thankful for, and to Christ, the sole essence of who I am.

The extraordinary of everyday

I never thought of myself as being a mother, well so soon that is. However, it is the unexpected moments that make life "extra-ordinary." Jaden Daniel Kim is definitely one of those moments. His existence makes everyday extraordinary for me. God knew Jaden would spice up my life in a myriad of ways.