Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Amelia Lynn Reinker

My sister Jaime had a baby girl last week. Congratulations Jaime and Mike!!! She's an adorable little thing named Amelia Lynn Reinker. Everything went well and there were no complications - as Jaime said she's good at having babies.

I'm always happy for my sisters when they have babies but I'm usually a little sad for myself. I've never been there when they've given birth. Not that I'd want to be in the room with them, no offense, I'd just like to visit them in the hospital and be around when everyone is feeling all happy and amazed at the little things. I usually get to visit soon after for baptisms or a convenient holiday, but not this time. I won't get to meet Amelia until she's almost a year old. I hope she'll be as excited to meet me as I will be to meet her next year.


Big sister Abby and big brother Ben. I really think they should have chosen a C name for this one. :)

Snug as a bug...

Aunt Theresa and little Amelia.

Sunday, February 10, 2008

Oegosan Pottery Village

Jason and I went to a traditional pottery village with Jared, Sarah, and Luke a few weeks ago. Although it was one of the poorest areas I've seen in Korea they produce some beautiful stuff and it was a great experience. Koreans are revered for their pottery throughout Asia, especially a bluish green colored pottery that they produce. They also make a ton of kimchi pots since everyone here eats kimchi for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. (no joke)

Many of you probably know and love kimchi (at least my Minnesota friends) but for those of you who don't know, it's the national dish of Korea. When a Korean asks if you like kimchi there's only one response...an enthusiatic yes. Actually most Koreans I've met don't necessarily ask if I like Korean food. Instead they say, "Korean food. Is it delicious?"

There are over a hundred varieties of kimchi but the most popular or common one is spicy fermented cabbage. No matter what you order at a restaurant you will receive a number of side dishes - at least one of them will be common kimchi. I've come to like a pickled radish one. It's neon yellow, crunchy, and a bit sour. My taste buds are changing already.

The aforementioned side dishes.
stacks of pottery

Traditional pottery kiln...

still in use.

I'm a little frightened of goats - I have been ever since I was chased by one when I was in kindergarten. This guy was roaming around the pear orchards near the pottery village.
Asian pear trees

Kimchi pots and me.

Jason checking out the goods. (notice the bluish green pottery in the background)

Sarah and Luke. Isn't he a cutie?


The redevelopment plan for the village. I think they're going to tear down the old houses and put in condos.

Yep, there they are.
Just kidding - I think.