This year for Thanksgiving the whole Oh clan gathered in Redding, CA to celebrate Grandma Oh's 90th birthday party. Grandma Oh had had a health scare a few months ago, when she had heart failure and had to remain in the hospital for a few days. We all hoped and prayed she would make it to celebrate with all her grandkids and greatgrandkids. Miraculously, her health improved greatly, and she was all smiles all week, even maintaining daily exercise and bible study. It's what I was most thankful for this Thanksgiving, to see her again and spend time with her. Grandma, I'm thankful for you!***Our festivities started on Wednesday evening, when we arrived in Redding:
Chowing down on my MIL's delicious ddukbokkee:
Got laptop, will travel:
First niece sighting!
The guest of honor:
Preparations for the party:
My cousin-in-law, Gina, made all these towers & brought them with her (+3 kids & luggage) all the way from Phoenix. I was so amazed...
Thanksgiving day, Korean-style:
I have the funniest video of Casey's dancing:
Somehow, I've always had a little luck on my side. In '05 I attended a Prospective Student Weekend at Fuller Seminary. They had a gift giveaway, and the grand prize was an Ipod shuffle. I had this hyperintuitive feeling right before they called the number, and sure enough--I won an Ipod that day. Last Monday, I played Bingo at work. It's played bimonthly (or so) and based on work-related injuries. If no one gets injured, the pot goes up. The pot is paid in cash, and sure enough--I won $200 that day.Well, I figured that, with this bit of luck handed to me, I would pay it forward. I'd like to do something memorable, something finite with this money. I welcome all suggestions for how to spend this money, that will profit someone else in a specific way. Please help me to "pay it forward."
Hello Friends. How have you been? Let me backtrack a little, since I'm so behind! This summer was a busy one. Joey was gone frequently on trips with church and other pastor-related events. He visited Costa Rica for a mission trip, NorCal for PUC Campmeeting, and my hometown in Portland, OR for a pastor's conference. I missed my husband alot! It's all been a learning curve, in figuring out my role(s) and identity as a pastor's wife this year. I know I spent some fruitless time running away from the title 'sahmohnim', the way Jonah did with Ninevah. Recently, however, I've been very thankful for the Peace that God has provided me. I think it involves praying more--ALOT more, and accepting that (no matter my shortcomings) we are called to this life for a reason. Well, without further ado, here's a photo update of summer & autumn!****1) This weekend, the Kims threw a big bash for Megan's 3rd birthday. 
Candies, cupcakes, and cookies, Oh My! 
Balloon makers
The birthday girl
The BIG kids
And the little kids
2) Southern California Softball Tournament. We came in 3rd place this year! woohoo!
3) We had a reunion with Michigan friends, Phil & Rebecca.
4) Sabbath afternoon at church
My cousin's fiance, visiting from Korea
Why are you moving back? Why?!?
5) We reinstated 'date night' and ventured out to try a new restaurant, Chandra Thai. (Is this your favorite Thai place Jean? I can't remember. The red curry was good!)
We ran into a fun activity, Yoko Ono's Wish Trees. You write your wishes down, tie them to a tree, which will then be transported to Reykjavik, Iceland as a memorium of John Lennon's birthday. What would your wish be?
6) My sister visited from NY. We did the usual girly things, discovered some gems at the Citadel Outlets (who knew?), did a run to Grand Spa for the ddeh massage, and ate lunch at the Milk shop:
Blue velvet cake with blueberries
Arugula salad with apples, dates, and walnuts
7) One of many church activities, to Malibu Creek State Park, where they filmed M*A*S*H. We did a short & easy hike there:
8) Went to my first Dodger game, with front row seats. Exciting moments: Manny's first home run, first Dodger dog, and nearly catching Casey Blake's home run ball. Arthur was so sad that he had left his mitt at church...
9) Joey turned the big 3-0 this summer. We went to watch Wicked again:
And met the cast! Fiyero:
Glinda, the redhead! She was the 'Glinda' in Chicago when we saw it back in December. We liked her performance the first time, so it was doubly fun this time around.
10) My cousins John & Sonia came to visit, while Joey was gone. We did our usual run to the favored Yogurtland. This place is only 30 cents/ounce, and self-serve, so we're here about 1x/week. Come visit us in LA, & we'll take you!
The cousins at Hwa Ro for Ddukbosahm
Chowing down on my MIL's delicious ddukbokkee:
Got laptop, will travel:
First niece sighting!
The guest of honor:
Preparations for the party:
Thanksgiving day, Korean-style:
I have the funniest video of Casey's dancing:
I'm so happy to get this photo op:
Make a funny face Caleb!
Bowing to Grandma as part of her birthday. Joey said it was okay to say "happy new year". So we did. But then everyone started laughing. Because it's not the new year!! Ha. Ha.
Family portraits:
The men playing football in their suits:
The cutest pajama quintets ever:
