Reunion

Last night I spent some time with an old friend. We hadn't seen each other in years, and at our class reunion she showed up. We laughed together, we cried together, and we talked about the time that we'd missed out on over the past 10 years. She was the same as I always remembered, just grown up.

Part of me wishes I wouldn't have woken up. My dream was truly a blessing. I haven't had a dream that real feeling in a long long time. The problem is that when I woke up, I remembered the reality that it was only a dream.

Something happens when you lose someone close to you in your life. You never forget them, but as time goes on, the reality of them actually being gone is ever present, but slowly fades into the back of your mind and over the months and years, it gets easier to get out of bed, do the things you used to do together, and accept that you can't change anything that is already done.

Then there are days when you have a relapse, and they're all you can think about : your last conversation (boyfriends), last goodbye (class), regrets (too many to name).
You never forget where you were, what you were doing, and what you did after you find out the news when you're faced with a personal tragedy. At the time that my friend Mandy was killed in a car accident at 16 years old, I had just experienced the death of my dad 3 months earlier. I think that's part of the reason that I don't remember a lot about the week Mandy died. I've had friends remind me of events and gatherings we had before, during, and after the funeral and I remember very little.

Today, I don't know how any of us got through it. At the time I claimed that God was getting me through it, but honestly, I wasn't sure how much I believed it. Looking back now, I don't have any other explanation than it was my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who carried me through that year.

I will turn their mourning into joy and will comfort them and give them joy for their sorrow.
Jeremiah 31:13

I can't help but be joyful for the short 10 years we knew each other. And more than that, I am overjoyed about the decision she made just weeks before she left this earth to make Jesus Christ the Lord of her life. This is where my true joy is, in the promise that she is with Him.



This is my favorite Mandy-Moo; the Mandy that played Nintendo 64 till midnight with me and danced around singing to Usher and Jewel albums.


Thank you Lord for my friend Mandy. Thank you for the friendship we shared and the joy she brought to my life.

Labor Day...errrr week

We are officially on vacation. Actually, we are officially halfway through vacation. Boo!
Jaden has been a wonderful traveler and we have been enjoying time with family thus far. We're off to Jville tomorrow to visit friends to finish off the trip. :)
Those of you who know what it's like to travel with a baby will understand the same feeling I had when I finished packing for our 16 hour trip...




Stay tuned for more on J's cross country adventure, and now I'm done because

"you're on vacation too, no editing!" (wonderful words from my husband)

Fab Fried Friday: Pancake, Flower, and Gelatin

I can hear her now-
"Why haven't I been her fab friend friday yet?"
"...and why is she not capitlizing her letters and spelling things like capitlizing wrong?" (I did it because I knew it would drive her nuts)

Bonnie Childers...a.k.a. Bon Bon, Boony, Bons, Chavon, Bon Bon Chavon, Boondocks, Bony....is my fab friend this Friday.
>
Bonnie wanted to name her kids: Pancake, Flower, and Gelatin when she grew up: no joke. :S This is the Bonnie I love.

Remember my story about my friend Erin? Bonnie was one of the girls who didn't care to talk to me that day I met Erin. In fact, Bonnie resented me a little bit for the first couple of months she knew me. I stole Erin from her...or so she thought. Eventually Bonnie realized how cool I was (just kidding. Have you seen pictures of me from elementary school?) and decided I was ok to befriend. Long story, but when "the split" (haha) happened we were inseparable and our friendship grew from there. :) Even though we went to different schools, we spent SO much time together. I couldn't count the number of times we played house in her parent's den, the number of slumber parties spent in the basement, the hours of late night conversations about boys bouncing off the walls of her blue bedroom walls, or the amount of board games played from her dining room table.

Bonnie is opinionated. I love Bonnie's laugh and her sarcasm (even when it's at my own expense) She is a hugger. She is passionate. Bonnie likes board games, sitcoms, and dry humor. Her favorite snacks include popcorn, goldfish, and strawberry twizzlers. (often combined) Bonnie is predictable, and I love that. If fried ravioli is on the menu at a restaurant, you can bet that she'll be ordering it.

I love all these things about Bonnie, but when I think about Bons one thing really stands out to me: The Way She Gives A Compliment.
Bonnie is sincere, and because she's opinionated, you know she's sincere. ;) When Bonnie gives you a compliment you know she truly means it. Maybe it's the pitch of her voice or the way she'll look at you (eyebrows pointed as though she's in deep thought), or the way she leans back and says "Mary Kim, I really like that". Whatever it is, she really knows how to give one. Not only that, but she always seems to give one about something, nearly every time I see her.

Here are my favorites with "Shake yo Bon Bon":
* church choir musicals - (my favorite was Shep the Sheep during Prime Time Christmas)
* cruising around in Stumpy, John Mayer playing in the background
* being freaked out at her house when she had hamsters in her basement
* high school and college slumber parties
* REAK adventures
* MB2004
* JEMB get togethers
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and so many more!! Boony, your patience paid off. I miss you, your hugs, and your compliments (haha! Jk).

Bring back my Bonnie to me.

Fab Friend Friday: Sister from another Mister

There I sat in what seemed to be the worst class of my college career- BIO 111. When would I ever need this? I was after all a speech communication major at the time. I must be the worst Asian ever. I'm not that good at math and I don't like science. I struggle with using chopsticks and only get pedicures a couple times a year. (but that conversation is for another time) I admit to being extremely lazy in this class, especially since it was right after lunch. With my belly full and a the monotone sound pouring out of my professors mouth, I often drifted off into dreamland, head nodding and all. I don't remember much from that class but I took away something from BIO 111 that is more important to me than cells and phylums.

I couldn't help but notice the cute little Asian girl who sat in the same row as me. She must have been a really good Asian- sits in the front row, answers questions from the professor, and asks lots of great questions. She was always polite as we exchanged hellos and goodbyes between lectures. Right about now was the time that facebook was starting. This was back when you had to have a college email address in order to register. I'm not for sure how it started but somehow we added each other as friends and started messaging via facebook. After a few conversations and realizations of our similarities, we decided we should hang out sometime. After the first time we hung out I knew we'd be doing a lot of hanging out together. :)

It was so strange the similarities we discovered with each other. Both adopted from South Korea, both raised very similar, both loved music, we even had the same Korean name!

Suddenly I felt as though we were long lost sisters somehow and was glad we'd found each other.

Over the next few years Nicole and I got to know each other, lived together, and laughed together. Here's what I've learned about Nicole in the few years that I've known her...

Nicole is one of the most caring people I've ever met. Her profession (nursing) allows her to show this on a daily basis to her patients. I've never seen her in action but I can only imagine that she is one of the best. She is constantly asking about how you are and you know that she really means it.

Nicole has a huge heart. She loves to GIVE. One thing I really learned about Nicole when we lived together was that her love language is giving. I don't know how many times I would come home from work or school and there would be a small little gift with note that said "Just because" :).

Bam-Bam loves Chinese food. Being college students, many of the times we hung out together included ordering Chinese from China King. (It's nice to know that I'm not the only one who gets asked questions about where they're from in a Chinese restaurant or nail place. ) Chicken with vegetables and brown sauce is her fav. ;)

Nicole is a hard worker. Graduating first in her class, Nicole worked harder and studied harder than anyone I knew. She spent a lot of time in the library in college but would even bring textbooks when we would hang out together so she could study in between conversations. She deserved every bit of recognition she received because of the work she put into her studies.

She is organized. I never realized how unorganized I am until I lived with Nicole. She makes me look sloppy.

Nicole is stylish. Nicole introduced me to Anthropologie and I am now forced to want clothes from there but can't afford any of them...not even on the clearance rack. :)

Some of my favorite memories with Bam Bam include:

- vegging out in our pjs catching up on Grey's Anatomy

- long talks till wee hours of the night from our apartment bedroom
- our trip to Chicago :) (can we go back sometime? )

- visiting Chris and J.T. on nights we were bored

- attempting new recipes and concoctions in the kitchen
- getting our nails done together and both wondering what they were saying about us (haha!)

Nicole, I am so thankful I was put in that dreadful biology class after all. I couldn't manage an A in class, but I recieved something better- a friendship that will last for years to come.

Nicole, Saranghaeyo! :)

Fab Friend Friday: The Beginning

I've come to realize over the years that I truly have a lot of fabulous friends in my life. I'm pretty certain they know they are special to me, but just in case they don't realize how much they mean to me, I've decided to dedicate every Friday for the remainder of the summer, to one of my fabulous friends.

This being my very first post, it only make sense that I dedicate this Friday to my very first friend.

I remember walking into Sunday school that morning a little apprehensive- A new church, new dress, and new people. A woman took my name and visitor information down. "What's your name?" she asked. "Mary Kim," I stated shyly and quietly almost mumbling as I stared at all the kids playing like monkeys in a zoo. "Monica?" she asked? "Mary Kim," I said quietly again. "Attention everyone, this is Monica," she announced to the Sunday school class. In order to avoid more embarrassment, I quietly accepted the name Monica without argument and waited while every 5 year old stared at the giant bow in my jet black hair and squinty eyes.
Disaster is what I would have been thinking if I would have known that word at five years old. Instead it came out as fear. Just at that moment a blond-haired girl came to me and introduced herself as Erin and informed me that I could join her and her friends over at the table with the play dough. My fear turned to acceptance and I hoped I'd made a new friend. From that point on we were inseparable.
Living in different towns, Erin and I only saw each other twice a week: Sundays and Wednesdays at First Baptist Church Vandalia. Sundays were spent in Sunday school and passing notes and writing on each other's hands during service. Nearly every Sunday we would go to either her house or mine. Sundays were fun.

That was the start of our 20 year friendship we've maintained. We remained friends throughout high school and even roomed together in college. Some of the best times we've had together include:

* making music videos in her basement
* riding bikes around Pana on Sunday afternoons
* Myrtle Beach 2004
* Watching episodes of Lost and Lifetime movies in our Cougar Village apt. on Saturday afternoons
* line dancing at Wild Country

The day after my dad died Erin and her mom came to visit us at the house. We had what felt like millions of visitors that day. People brought food, cards, and offered words of comfort, but more than all those gestures, the best gift was what Erin brought to me. After a crazy and hectic night, Erin showed up to my house with a VHS tape of dance videos we made in elementary school. What seemed at that moment, slightly inappropriate, later had me crying because I was laughing so hard at what idiots we were. She brought me the greatest gift anyone could. She brought me authentic, holding your stomach, almost-pee-your-pants, laughter, and for that I am forever grateful.

In the 20 years I've known her, this is what I've learned about Erin.
It's hard not to like Erin. To be completely honest, she's one of those people you'd love to hate but can't because she's so dang sweet. I've watched Erin grow spiritually over the past few years and am both encouraged and excited by it. Erin has never met a stranger. I'm amused by her random medical ailments. I love that she is super trendy and has a different hair cut every time I see her. She has a phenomenal voice and is never afraid to praise her creator. When she laughs, she laughs with all her heart. She is confident. She is sometimes...I mean always a crazy driver. She is driven and passionate. Most importantly- Erin Recycles...ALL her water bottles. Haha.
This week I'm thankful for my fabulous friend Erin because without her my life would be bland.

Baby Hayden - 13 Days old

Ok, so we FINALLY got to make it down to see my friends Julie and Dave's little baby girl: Hayden Claire. :) Isn't she precious?? Julie and I have been friends since we were kids. Fast forward 20 years later and she and her husband Dave have a beautiful baby girl. We were thrilled when we found out that Julie and Dave were pregnant for a couple of reasons-

1. to experience pregnancy together- both myself with Julie and Steve with Dave
2. to be in the same stage of life with another couple
3. to know that Jaden will have a friend to play with when we get together
and the most important one...
4. to know that Jaden will have good in-laws...:)

{Prince Charming & Sleeping Beauty}

Haha. All joking aside, that really would be awesome, but we're not prophets.

Hope you guys enjoy the images.










P.S. Sorry About throwing in the images with Jaden- they just were so cute I couldn't help myself. :) Here's the slideshow from the images. :)

22 Weeks

I'm 22 weeks along, pushing 23. I'm feeling rather pregnant these days, and everyone else is starting to notice too. Yay- I'm out of the "fat" stage! haha. I guess people are noticing the rather large bump underneath my clothes. I've been feeling great though- no complaints really. I've been going to the gym a few times a week and I think that's helped tremendously! I've gained what I feel like is a siginficant amount of weight, but the baby books and the doctor would disagree. Let's hope I can stay on target. :)





A few weeks ago we visited home. I got to spend the weekend at my sister's (also pregnant) and have a baby shower for her. :)


-me 21 weeks, Crystal 31 weeks

I also got to spend the day with my girls. Even though we didn't do much, we still had a good time catching up and hanging out.






Julie-9weeks, Me-21 weeks

Some exciting changes are coming up for us in the very near future...stay tuned for the exciting conclusion!

Labor Day weekend!

Labor day weekend we were able to meet up with our friends Julie, Dave, Aaron, and Chelsie at Pigeon Forge, TN. We rented a quaint little cabin up in the mountains. What a great weekend! We got a considerable amount of shopping done at the outlet malls and ate really good food while we were there! The weekend was pretty relaxing and a great getaway.

Since the return of our trip, baby Loeffler has grown a lot! He/she (which I think is a he) has grown to be the size of a peach this week at 13 weeks. The first trimester is quickly coming to an end. No more nausea I hope! I've been fighting the flu/a cold all weekend so hopefully I'll be feeling better soon. Drugged with Benedryl (yes it's safe during pregnancy) I am going to attempt to make it through the workday with my little munchkins. Our friends the Moores find out the sex of their baby today! I'm so excited to hear their news. We still have till Oct 30 to find out. My belly is still kind of small- I still feel more like I have a beer gut than a baby inside there. I'm sure that won't last long though.

The coming weeks are pretty busy. This weekend I have a wedding to shoot followed by a family session on Sunday. New pics to come soon!! Until then, enjoy this...

20 years of Service

This week we had the opportuinty to attend our friend Adam's retirement ceremony. First Sergant Caetta has faithfully served our country in the Marine Corps for 20 years. Adam and Stephanie are very close to us and we will miss them when they're gone. :(
It was an honor to have wittnessed this special and touching ceremony.

my hubby looking good in his camis. :)

Caitlyn and Justin Wed

We traveled to Illinois last weekend to attend my college roommate Caitlyn's wedding. I was not the photographer at the wedding but I did manage to capture a few shots that I really loved.
Caitlyn and Justin got engaged last March on Surf City Beach while visiting us. :)

Caitlyn was so excited all day long while she waited and prepared. :)I love her expression in the bottom left corner...
Caitlyn looked absouletly stunning on her wedding day. As the photographer captured some shots with the lighting through the front doors of the church, I couldn't help but steal a few shots. :) I can't help but get a little weapy on the father daughter dances. I would have given the world to have danced with my dad at my wedding. I am thankful for those who are lucky enough to have the wonderful privelage... I love their expressions in this picture.

First dance and man and wife...

Proof that I was in attendance...haha. :)

Illinois Adventure Pt. 3: Lays

On our visit to Illinois we had to catch up with Julie and Dave. Jude and I have been friends since we were kids and we've still maintained that relationship even now. They are both such an encouragement to us both as a married couple and as Christ followers. :) We're blessed to have them in our lives. :)

Why I'm usually behind the camera....