Happy Korean New Year!

We have been quite busy this week, celebrating the new year.  Last year I went into Poppy's classroom to make a Korean snack and read a book about the Korean culture.  This year I was asked by the directors of her school to come in and present to the entire school.  Poppy was soooo excited that I would be teaching her friends about Korea. 

First I went into her classroom and made hoddeok (Korean sweet pancakes) which were a huge hit with the kids...

Then Poppy changed into her hanbok and together we did a little lesson about the Korean culture at chapel...

       

We talked about where Korea was on the map and how Poppy was born there, we talked about her hanbok and the tradition behind it, we showed them her dojang stamp and finally we listened to a few Korean songs.

I was surprised by how excited the students were to learn about Poppy's culture.  They're still talking about how beautiful her dress was and how yummy the pancakes were.  And Poppy was in her absolute glory being able to stand in front of the entire school with her mom.  She said she wishes we could do that every day.  Sniffle, sniffle.

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In other news, at any given time on any given day, you can find Poppy writing a love letter to Ty.  It's her new favorite thing to do...

                                    

Yesterday we had a crafty playdate at Ty's house and Poppy made this beautiful valentine's day garland...

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 I'm addicted to pinterest and I'm not afraid to admit it.  But at least I've been putting my pins to good use!  This was one of Poppy's all time favorite crafts we've done together...

And you know how I feel about owl crafts...

And I had a surprise 40th birthday party to go to last weekend and when I saw this idea on pinterest, I knew it would be a hit.  And it was so easy to put together!

Day at Poppy's school

So my Korean lesson at Poppy's school went really well!  Poppy was sooooo excited to have me and Marc at school with her.  

I brought a little map with me and told the kids that Poppy was born in Korea (and Poppy was proud to point out where Korea was and tell the kids what they typically eat there) and then we talked about celebrating New Years Day and the different traditions they follow in Korea.  Then Poppy and I read Bee-Bim Bop! to them and they all seemed to really like the story. I was really surprised at how well behaved this little class of 3 year olds was.  

 Poppy was in her glory when she got to hand out coloring sheets (from Christine's shop!) to her friends.  This girl wants to be a teacher when she grows up BAD.

Then it was time for Poppy to change into her hanbok.  She was super shy when she had her dress on in front of the other students, but all the little girls in her class absolutely loved it.  And a few of the boys asked her if she dances in her dress (which she told them, no I do not dance in this dress).

 While the boys and girls worked on their coloring sheets, Poppy and I made hoddeok (Korean pancakes).  They were a big hit with everyone.

I wish I could share more pictures, but I don't want to post the other kids without their parents permission.  All in all, it was a great experience and Poppy was so proud to be able to share her Korean culture with her friends.

Happy Korean New Year!

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Tomorrow is Korean New Year, but we decided to celebrate it this past weekend.  We made a feast of galbijjim (Korean beef short ribs) and buchujeon (vegetable pancakes).  Poppy dressed up in her hanbok and we did a little photo shoot.  When she came home from Korea, her foster mother gave her two hanboks in two different sizes.  Both of them are somewhat adjustable so she has been able to wear the same one for the past 3 years and I thought she would still be able to fit into this year, but my little baby has had quite the growth spurt and we had to get out the larger one.  Check out the pictures to see how much she has grown!  (the picture above is in the newer hanbok we got out this year)

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These first 2 are from her first birthday in Korea...

 (she chose the pencil which means she is supposed to be a scholar when she grows up)

And here she is with her foster mother...

{May 2008}

{February 2009}

{February 2010}

{February 2011}

Check out how much of her wrists and ankles are showing compared to last year!  CRAZY!!!

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On Friday I am going to Poppy's school to do a little lesson with her class about the Korean culture.  Me trying to teach a bunch of 3 year olds about a foreign country?  Wish me luck!