Remembering Dad

Christopher Kyoung Ho Yoon

January 17, 1942 ~ October 24, 2014

Beloved Husband, Dad, Grandfather, Brother, and Friend.

Dear Dad,
We are so deeply saddened by your passing and there is not a day that will go by, where we won’t feel the weight of your loss. You bravely fought cancer for the last two years and eventually, that awful disease would deteriorate your body, but never your heart.
We celebrated your life earlier this week with a humble gathering of dear family and friends. Richard gave a beautiful eulogy in honor of you and I have never been more proud of him as I was that day.

Nearly forty two years ago, you brought your family here from Korea with $300 in your pocket and you worked tirelessly to give your children every opportunity we could have ever hoped for. You passed down your work ethic, your loyalty, your devotion to family, and your generous heart. We received your adventurous spirit, your love of baseball, fishing, the beach, cooking, good food, and your love of road trips.

I love this picture of you, Dad because everyone knows it was rare that we could get you to smile for a photo. Here, you are not only smiling, but there is life and joy in your eyes.

This is how we will remember you. 

This is how you looked every time you were around your grandchildren. Your whole face lit up. You were so proud of them and loved them all dearly. In fact, I’d never heard the words, “I love you” so often as you said them to Faith, Grace, Kylie, and James. They were blessed to have you for the short time they did. Madilyn and Zachary have missed out on their Hapajee but you can be sure, we will keep your memory alive with the stories we share with them, year after year.

You and mom were married for 47 years and in the end, you passed away in the loving arms of the bride of your youth. I’m certain, that’s just the way you wanted it.


You loved mom more than life itself and you counted yourself the luckiest guy in the world to be married to such a beautiful woman for all these years. Thank you for showing us what a marriage covenant looks like. To love someone through the good and the bad, through sickness and health, for richer or poorer, to sacrifice daily without complaint, and to take care of your loved ones, even until your last breath.
Although this life will never be the same without you again, our faithful God has given us a great comfort in His promises.

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.” ~John 5:25
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.” ~John 11:25

Dad, we will miss you terribly but we cannot mourn as those who have no hope. Our hope comes from the Lord and we know that we will see you again and share eternity together… 

…And what a glorious reunion that day will be.

Until then, rest in peace, daddy.
We love you and we miss you already.

Madilyn’s Baptism

My adorable niece, Madilyn Rose was baptized over the weekend.

Her proud parents.

Too much cuteness going on here!

And don’t forget the newest cousin… sleeping baby Zach! He did great!

Morgan and I are honored to be her God parents.

Just baptized!

Look at that gorgeous crocheted dress and bonnet!

The special “Lamb” cake.

It was such a joy to make a trip to Orange County over the weekend for the baptism of my newest niece, Madilyn. She’s getting so big and she’s absolutely beautiful, too! Morgan and I look forward to encouraging her in her faith journey as she grows and starts a relationship with the Lord. 
May God bless you and keep you, sweet Madilyn!

To Overflowing

That’s the Golden Gate Bridge. Faith said the card was from Zach, too.


Grace sewed together this ‘nest’ for me. I loved the 3 eggs!
 

Daddy and the girls made me breakfast.


Roses from my love.
So, my birthday comes the day after our anniversary and I knew this year was going to be VERY low key. Just the way I like it. In fact, the night before, Zach had an awful bout with colic so I was up for much of the night and felt pretty exhausted by morning. I walked downstairs to three eager smiling faces, waiting to greet me with a warm breakfast, hot coffee, and sweet sweet homemade cards.
It was all I needed (or wanted) on my birthday. It was perfect. 
Around 8:30, I had planned to get in a little exercise when all of a sudden, the door bell rang…
Hmm, who could that be??


SURPRISE!!!
Four of my closest girlfriends and all their kids were standing there with balloons, a cake, gifts and well-wishes. It was the sweetest thing! They sang “Happy Birthday” to me at the door and YES, I was TOTALLY SURPRISED!! Apparently, my hubby knew they were coming….also, apparently, he knows how to keep a secret.

Never mind the makeup and clothes, I hadn’t even brushed my teeth yet! Lol!


And what’s this??
Oh. My. Word.  

My friends are just too much. In fact, there were no words.
I was so very humbled and overwhelmed by their love and effort. I love these girls and all their children! 
And listen, 44 is not old but it’s no small number either! In fact, it took not only one but TWO frames to complete this gift! :)
It ended with one of my favorite verses in the bible.

“Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,
But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.
Give her of the fruit of her hands,
And let her own works praise her in the gates.” ~Proverbs 31:30-31

Definitely a birthday to remember!

Lucky #13

This man...

Thirteen years ago, I would have never imagined the '”adventures” that God had planned for us. We’ve always felt, “We’ve had it pretty easy thus far.”

Or maybe it just seems that way with him by my side? 

I can honestly say we have grown so much TOGETHER. Each, in our own way but together, in pursuit of the life we’ve been called to. Today, it’s seems like the world is full of boys but very few real men. Men who love Jesus, take care of their families, love their wives, their children, and their neighbor. Men who are willing to sacrifice and stand for what’s right.

There is not a day that goes by that I am not thankful to be his Mrs. This is the man that God gave me to help me be more like Christ. The man He knew I needed so I could learn what it means to be brave. To do the hard things, daily. To lose my life, so I could find it again.

For the first time in our marriage, we faced something really hard this summer. Instead of welcoming home a new son, we almost had to bury one. There were moments when the prognosis was so unbearable, I could hardly stand on my own two feet. But I didn’t need to. He was right there holding me up. In the desperate hours, he was the one who decided to take a picture (and video) of Zachary at his worst, just so he could show him one day what a miracle God had done in his life.

He was the one who despite the grim reality of what the doctors had told us, paid all the adoption fees that very same day.

He was the one who assured me that whatever happened to Zach, it would all be for God’s glory.

And despite our exhaustion and anxiety about the whole situation, he was the only one who could still make me laugh through the tears.

I love this man.

This year, more than ever, I realized that the good and easy times are great but it’s enduring the hard times together that makes our marriage even greater.

Happy Anniversary to my one and only.

I am so honored to live this undeserved life God has given us and I am absolutely privileged to walk it beside you.

All my love. All my life. –Cat

*The picture above was taken last week when sleep was highly lacking but we mustered up the energy to go on a date night anyway!

I’m so glad we did. :)

Our Growing Boy!

Love his little smirk/smile.


Sibling love!


Praying these precious feet will always walk closely with the Lord.


Outgrowing his newborn clothes quickly!


She said she didn’t want to move because he fell asleep on her. So sweet!


“Little Mommy” in training.
Zachary has been home for 3.5 weeks now and Praise the Lord, he’s doing GREAT.
He weighs almost 10 lbs. and he’s moved up one size in diapers and clothes. It’s been amazing to see him change daily and grow so quickly.
He currently enjoys: cuddles, baths, watching the ceiling fans in the house, being swaddled at night, and listening to his sweet sisters sing to him!
We continue to thank the Lord for His whole healing in Zach. In the NICU, he had a condition in his eyes called ROP (Retinopathy of Prematurity). This is a common eye disease for babies born prematurely. Advanced stages of ROP require surgery and lead to eye impairment or even blindness. When he left the NICU, he was diagnosed at a stage 2. After a follow up appointment in Loma Linda, he has now regressed to a stage 1. At this stage, no treatment is needed and it is very likely that the issue would resolve itself. Hallelujah!

Operation Christmas Child

I can hardly believe it’s already THAT time of year again!

The girls got another incredible opportunity to encourage others for the Lord this year as they were asked to speak at church on behalf of Operation Christmas Child.

This year’s theme: “Our change can change the world.”

They practiced all week and Praise Jesus, they delivered a sweet and encouraging message at both services. Not many kids their age get the opportunity to practice speaking in front of so many people, let alone encourage others for the Lord. We couldn’t be more proud of them. 

God has a very special plan for these two!  

Our Community Fair

First time in a photo booth!

Photo booths, bounce houses, animals, cotton candy, face painting, balloons, neighbors and much more!
Our gated community’s Annual Fair was this weekend so daddy and the girls stopped by to check it out. Gotta love a fair… especially when it’s just a short walk away from your front door!

Another Year of CBS!

This picture was taken a few weeks ago when Community Bible Study started up for the year but the girls have been enjoying their weekly bible study and fellowship time with their friends. This year, we’re studying Romans and so far, it’s been fantastic!

I’ve missed the last few weeks since I’ve been laying low at home with Zach but thankfully, my girlfriend, Melissa has been taking the girls each week for me.

Lord willing, I will be able to return this week… with Zach!

So many of the dear women at CBS were fierce Prayer Warriors for us throughout the summer when Zach was sick in the NICU.

I know they can’t wait to meet him and witness for themselves, God’s miracle boy!

We seriously don’t know what we’d do without the fellowship and support we receive at CBS. It’s such a big commitment every year but so totally WORTH IT!!

Welcome Home, Zachary!

Hailey & Karen.




Let the Fiesta begin!




Our sweet friends!


Soccer in the backyard.


A beautiful day!


Hailey taught me how to properly wrap Zach.


With my #2 & #3.


The kids were having fun outside.


The girls with cute little Miss Aubrie (photo bomb by Joshua).


“Tough Guy” poses.


“Tough Guy” poses.


I’m a blessed woman!


The Guest of Honor.
Sunday was all about thanking God for what He’s done in healing our son, fellowship, and fiesta!
We gathered after church with our dear friends and enjoyed barbequed carne asada tacos with all the yummy fixin’s. Zach made his appearance every once in a while but for the most part, he was snoozing away upstairs.
We are so grateful for not only these dear friends but our beloved family, as well as entire communities of people who came together to pray and support us through Zach’s miracle recovery.
Praise God for answering our prayers!