Woo Two now Woo Three

I joked about how if we were to start a band we'd call ourselves Woo Two. Now that's the term we use when we eat out at Sushi House and McDonalds, In-n-Out and Panda Express, you get the idea... But along came our little Sweet Pea, and now we are Woo Three - one step closer to the Von Trapps.

For her 100th day of life outside the womb, we decided to opt out of a party and just document the occasion with a photo shoot with all three of us in the pictures. To help us out, I hired Grace Baek. I know Grace from serving her class in Covenant Flock Group (and was immensely blessed as I studied various topics, observed this group grow, and made some life-long friends). She wasn't available for the day of, so we ended up taking these pictures a few days after Selah turned four months. It must have been a tiring day for the little Sweet Cheeks because she knocked out toward the end. I do wish she would've showed her smiley self, but we like the pictures no less. Now the task of choosing one to canvas for our living room wall...

See more on Grace's website!

Quilt: Handmade by one of Mr. Woo's crafty former middle school students
Headband: Handmade by the lovely Kristin at Petal + Thorn
Dress: Kissy Kissy
Lamb: Macy's 
Plaid shirt/jeans: Carters (Thanks, Unc Joe!)
Cardigan: Gap

Special thanks to Grace and Olivia.
 

Outing on the Missoni bandwagon

Our little bears' den was running low on some supplies, so last week we strapped our precious cargo into the car seat, grabbed the pretty stroller, and headed out the door to Target. (Thank you for all the gift cards!)

Before we even reached the aisles for items on our list, I somehow found myself surrounded by Missoni products. I wasn't one of the people up before opening a la Black Friday and didn't realize why their website was down until later. But there before me was one last pair of rainboots. It was meant to be. While I was trying it on, baby and husband beside my happy self, a Target worker put back a small Missoni box that also looked promising. I snatched it up before the herd of college sorority girls made their way to the end of the aisle. It was smaller than my normal shoe size, but it also fit! It was meant to be.

Meanwhile, Mr. Woo kept himself busy taking pictures of Selah's first time in her stroller. It was an exciting moment for all of us. I did feel a little guilty using money from returned baby gifts (there were lots of doubles and items that we weren't planning on using), but I found the "perfect" Cal wear for our little bear. (Picture coming later!)

Later we had the blessing of babysitters (Thank you, Nolie and Nat Kat!) so that Hubby and I could take a 45 minute breather and go on a little date. We went to Kohl's to use a free $10 card that came in the mail (yippee!) and then grabbed ice cream at Tuckers (get Tin Roof!) before our time was up. We came home with our four-decibels-higher "Selah, did you miss Mommy/Daddy???" only to find her sleeping soundly. Don't worry, she missed us when it came time for a diaper change, especially the 3:00 A.M. ones. Yes, I often change her diaper several times within the hour.

I look forward to holding a hot cup of Starbucks in my hand. Oh wait, I can put it in the "parent cup holder" attached to the stroller. No, I'll hold it. Plus, Mr. Woo has claimed dibs on pushing. He said it's his "man's job." I guess that leaves me with control of what goes in the shopping cart... ;)

Wife of a working man

Mr. Woo is officially done with teaching (at least for now)! God has been so good (as usual) in guiding and directing our little family's steps. From his start date to insurance, and even some things that we hadn't considered, has been panning out in His perfect timing and we're so grateful for it all. Mr. Woo's involvement in the students' lives won't be as much (right?), but I'm sure they'll keep in touch. As a parting gift, I had the middle schoolers decorate vest cards and write a note on the back which I'll later use to put together another scrapbook. On his last day of school, two of his students (twins) pooled their own money (and using some of their baby sister's birthday money) to buy him a gigantic present. Meet the new guest in our home:

He took up two of the three seats in the back of our car, but I'd say he's made himself at home and is adjusting well with us.

This week, Mr. Woo completed his first week of training at his new job. He had his first quiz, which he earned 100% on, had his first meeting with all employees with the founder of the company, and survived it all. I'm so proud of him! On the first day, we woke up to the call of, "I'll be in front of your house in a few minutes," so he got ready in five. I, more than anything that would happen that day, wanted to feed him so I made him a breakfast sandwich, kissed him good-bye, and sent him off. We got better about waking up as the week progressed.

Here's what my mornings are starting to look like now:

6:00-6:15  Wake up and make breakfast for Husband
6:15-6:20  Send Husband off to work with verbal reminders and lunch in hand
6:20-6:35  Wash up and eat breakfast
6:35-6:45  Pack my fruits and snacks for the day
6:45-7:00  Get dressed for work
7:00-7:15  Turn on computer for devotions
7:15-7:30  Check e-mail / play with make-up / light cleaning around the home
7:30-7:45  Wait for carpool ride

My evening routine has changed now too. I'm able to do dishes, pack Mr. Woo's lunch for the next day (which I never had to do before due to school lunches), and even try to squeeze in laundry or tackle some cleaning before going to bed around 10:00 P.M. It's been so wonderful coming home much earlier than when he was teaching. I cannot express how happy it makes me to be able to do accomplish these tasks before turning in for the night. Is that strange of me or just how God designed women? Unfortunately, I only have a few more months of this blissful "playing wife (only)" business. Once Baby Woo arrives, I'll have double duty. I look forward to making up for lost time in the summer when I won't be working at school anymore.

I'm still looking for their Achilles' heel, but all that I'm hearing/reading about this company (I read through their benefits packet before he did and can list my favorite facts) seems too good to be true. Or perhaps it sounds so good to me for a different reason. Light is much brighter when contrasted with darkness after all.

One week down, seven more to go.

What he must be

The book fair is here this week at school. I remember how excited I'd get to see the hundreds of books lined up on portable cardboard stands inside the library, the cuddly-looking animals gracing the glossy bookmarks, and of course insisting that I must own every single item that my heart desired. Now I have the entertainment joy of watching my students going through the same experience, practicing the money skills that I've taught them and forgetting the money-management skills that I've hounded at them.

Last night, Mr. Woo and I went on an impromptu make-up date (we missed last week to hang out with our co-working gang). Though brief, it was a sweet time. One of the topics that came up was the book fair, specifically "the one book that caught [his] eye." Drumroll please...

Here it is:

What He Must Be ...if he wants to marry my daughter
Source: Amazon.com

Oh, dear Husband. I don't know what he'll do if we have a daughter. He'll smother her with love and be the overprotective father that girls never wanted. If the time comes I'd like to marry her off early, but I have a feeling she's not going to have very many suitors...

 

Back at CAL's Greek Theatre

Mr. Woo and I were back at the Greek Theatre, a second time since graduating (we also saw Jason Mraz there and it was awesome!). This time around it was for our dear brother Nolie's graduation.

My number one goal was to use the loudest pots and pans that I own. After failing my number one goal, my new number one goal was to make sure Brother looked the part by getting him a/n (overpriced-but-what-can-you-do-since-you-don't-have-the-time-nor-resources-to-make-it-yourself) lei. Mission accomplished.

He had a great support team: 

I was more excited than he (must have been those finals he was still studying for):

Mr. Woo and I hooted and hollered for our dear c/o 2010 MCB grads, fully aware that we had to teach again the next day, but this day doesn't come around too many days. I made sure everyone around me knew that I was a proud sister. :)

We took pictures:

We were in pictures:

By the way, we did follow the blue hats to find everyone:

And there were more pictures:

 

They're serious, people (cf. Senior Banquet):

Of course, the goofballs couldn't resist:

Kernan sought out a another graduate whose facial features resembled Nolan's. Personally, I think the resemblance was uncanny when the dude had his sunglasses on, but not so much once he took them off:

Whew! What a day. To top it off we took the parents to Sushi House after we dropped off a burger to Nolan who was studying for his next final in a couple of hours (I know, how brutal is that? Everyone else is done and playing!). Next time, Brother!

Congrats, Nolan! We're so proud of you! :) :)

(Obligatory Family Picture: )

Unforgettable

It's our ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY! :)

In celebration, I'd like to share some good 'ol memories from the "big day"...

One year ago: 

My favorite shot of the day:

If we had a fireplace, I'd hang this one above it. CAL has some great architecture for photo ops, my veil was caught by a gentle breeze, and Mr. Woo just looks GQ. Gorgeous shot, Yong.

For the slideshow, you can click HERE. Our photographer was extra-nice and put it together for us as a gift. :)


Our super MCs had guests wrote haikus for us. They were gathered and are still sitting in a bag, waiting to be added to our guest book. Here are a few selections from our friends and family:

I will write a poem

For you, Cyrus and Jane Woo

Dang I'm out of space

Let me remind you that haikus are a Japanese-style of poetry in which there are 3 lines - the first and last having 5 syllables while the second has 7 - which make beautiful imagery and/or metaphors. Let us proceed...

Roses are red HAH

Violets are Bue HAH HAH

Cyrus & Jane are cool!

Yup, make it work.

This one I was impressed with because it, like the others, came from a male:

Rise, the new day comes

the Radiance fills our Hearts

Don't forget to smile

I'm telling you, these guys are so ready to romance a lady friend. Ladies, start dropping those hankies!

A kiss, tis so sweet

It fades swiftly from the lips

Like the ebbing tide.

This one was anonymous, but it looks like male handwriting (Is that safe to say?):

Under unseen stars

Your ship sails strong in love's hold,

Grace your compass-guide.

From couples:

Korean Chinese.

Together like ham and cheese.

Make marriage sandwich.

The night is still young

Sanctify the marriage bed.

Have lots of babies! :)

Jane and Cyrus Woo

Now the man has a helper

God is so faithful!

Not a haiku but I like it, nonetheless:

The Old Woman Who Lived in a shoe

There was a young couple,

played a game with their shoes

'Cuz on this special day,

they both became Woos.

Asked myriad questions,

they learned many things

Among them that marriage

is more than just rings.

And this person was so compelled that he (with the help of a she) wrote us three matching haikus:

Cyrus, don't get fat

Even if the food tastes good

Cyrus, don't get fat

Jane, do not get chubs

Don't be tempted by the grub

Jane, do not get chubs

You guys don't get plump

Go to exercise and jump

You guys don't get plump

Very heartfelt indeed. And with that inspiration, I'm off to get "chubs" by sleeping instead of exercising.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, POOKI! (heart)

Pooki and Boo Woo
Treasured times from our journey
By God's grace, with love

Looking forward to this next year being each others' mirror! 
Lord, help us - we're going to need it! :)

Any one-year haikus?

Reflection

Another year has come and gone again. Our first anniversary is right next door! I thought jumping into work right after graduating was a tough transition, but it turned out to be cake compared to all that 2009 has brought us!

On the 2nd day, we married then took off on our 7-night honeymoon on a cruise to Mexico Riviera. A week later, we returned still married and lovey-dovey to our respective jobs at the same school, Mr. Woo in 6/7/8 Math and Mrs. Woo in Third grade.


Mr. Woo has been teaching at school, while also being a full-time student for his credentials. He's been thoroughly enjoying his time at school - staying as late as possible - in attempts to build relationships with students and genuinely caring for their souls. However, he hasn't liked being a student again. He is back in school for his credentials as a means to provide for the family as he is called to do. Mr. Woo's leadership has been a blessing to the family, and still he strives to be a better husband with each new day. Mr. Woo has been adjusting into his role of Children's Ministry director at church, overseeing the Toddlers', Childrens', Youth, Awana, The Eastbay Academy Tutoring programs. And preaching every Sunday for the Childrens' service as well. (He covets your prayers!) This year has been one of diving into the Word as he's been finding glimmery nuggets of Truth and sharing them with others. I'm so encouraged (and challenged) to wake up most mornings and see him already up to prepare himself for the day's battles.

As for me, I've been enjoying the hands-on training that I get as a teacher. I'm making mental notes of what I would like and would not like to implement in child-rearing and educating (we're thinking about homeschooling) as we save up for future "investments." I've also been helping out in Toddlers' Ministry at church. Though I was bummed to not be serving in the college Covenant Flock Group, I'm happy to be ministering to the parents in this way and co-laboring alongside Husband. I've had my fair share of drama this year (pun intended), but rather than jumping into (musical) theatre, God opened doors to join the WEBS Praise Team. It's been a joy serving, knowing that I'm edifying the body. I'm thankful for your encouragement. This past year also gave me more responsibilities behind-the-scenes. Taking care of the home, cooking for my family, working full time, serving in TM, and helping with weddings has kept me very busy. It's been incredibly humbling and sanctifying but a great lesson in my need to set priorities and work heartily for the Lord, even if no one else acknowledges it.

The Woos as a couple have learned so much about themselves, especially our sinful tendencies. Every argument has been due to selfishness and a resistance to putting the other first. Of course, Mr. Woo has been persistent in not letting the sun go down on our anger (cf. Eph. 4:26), and so I'm able to laugh about the matter shortly after. If you think of us, please pray for us and our growth in 2010!

• Mr. Woo - Selfless and bold leadership
• Mrs. Woo - Humble and joyful submission
  

A New Year's post wouldn't be one without the (90%-of-what-we-set-will-probably-not-cross the-2-week-mark) resolutions...

For 2010:

1. Become a Berean.
2. Become a Proverbs 31 woman.

Simple, right? So after I master that, I'll tackle the following more measurable goals:

1. Change my e-mail address.
2. Change my drivers license.
3. Change my passport.
4. Change my CCs... (hey, at least I finally changed my legal name!)
5. Lose the wedding weight.
6. Write a few songs.
7. Write a children's book.
   
8. Budget consistently.
9. Vacation frequently yet while being budget savvy.
   
10. Get pregnant (and glow).

Which tasks have you listed after the phrase "For the year 2010, I will..."? ;)

Do You Hear What I Hear

We're back from SoCal, and what.a.trip. Not only did we stuff our faces (surprise, surprise) with "awesome" food, but we spent time with extended family members ("love that"), and came back with still a few days of vacation left - "perfect."

Christmas with Mr. Woo's family is so different than what I'm accustomed to. Spending several days with a bustling house filled with much noise was something I had only seen on TV and heard on the other line when I called friends to wish them a happy holiday. I guess being an only child with relatives living across borders makes it difficult to gather in such conditions. But, you know, this Christmas was a bit different from last year's in that his cousin's husband's sister's family joined us too.

Meet the cousins + the Lavenders (circa Summer 2008):

Yes, they have 5 girls. Yup, they all live under the same roof. Yeah, it's fun with them. I'm convinced that the more children the merrier - maybe not on the bank account, but in love, laughter, and cherished memories. Each is their own little person wrapped up with a different personality than the rest. What a joy! We're hoping to go visit them in the South sometime. It'd be my first trip to "my roots!"

I'm sitting here in the living room (which I've been "poofing" this past fall), and I never realized how quaint and quiet our place was until now...

Chummy bunny

As announced at our wedding by my MOH, I sought to graduate with my M.R.S. degree upon completing enough units of the "requirements." This desire of mine came at a young age.

I prayed for my future husband (though initially it was for items such as: tall, athletic, Korean, sweet, ... you get the idea; very superficial), made donations for two individuals - on behalf of myself and my future husband - whenever possible (yes, I really did call in to the radio station for the Thanksgiving food drive and paid for two people), and did other ridiculously "wow" deeds.

One more that I'm willing to share tonight is a purchase that I made. No, I didn't buy a dress thinking 'When I get a boyfriend I can totally wear this on our first date," nor 'Ohh this tie would be so nice for my [non-existent] fiance,' (though the two have cross my mind...). It's a smaller scale to represent my marriage-happyness.

These pellet-filled bunnies were ordered through a Scholastic Book Order in elementary school:

I thought the pair was really cute and decided that I would buy it and give one to my future husband. After the long wait, with triumphant fists in the air, I finally have been able to cross the finishing line.

I keep mine next to a picture of hubby on my desk (along with the picture holder he made me during VBS):Mr. Woo placed his among (mostly) framed pictures of us on his desk in the study/guest bedroom:

Was it worth it to be able to tell him that I prayed for him (for more substantial things later), made dinner purchases in his name, and show husband the gift I had bought for him so many years ago? You bet. Vintage is definitely "in."

Be Our Guest

It's been a busy fun week at the Woo's residence. Take a look...


First, we had the extended Woo clan over for a few nights. Mr. and Mrs. Woo Sr. came up to trade cars with us (so yes, we got a new car but it's old too). And we in return had the pleasure of sharing our home life with them. It was a full house (well, apartment, really) with us in our room, the parents in the guestroom, and Nolie in the living room.

We also hosted two dinners this week!

Our guests had helped Mr. Woo with the flyering aspect of VBS. Thank you for your hearts of service! Which reminds me that Jonny and I are still waiting on our ice cream from our little friendly game of poker...

Which reminds me of when we had our not-so-monthly Poker Night earlier in the year. Yes, there's only been one officially planned evening. And yours truly, surprisingly, beat the boys! It must have been my "poker face."
Yes, I really wore those glasses the entire game.
Okay, so I had a few practice games with hubby the month leading up to Poker Night... My "p-p-p-p-po-ker face":

All this to say: Your life is not over once you walk down the aisle; Married people have fun too!