"No" and A Party....

Kate is almost 2 1/2 years old; therefore, her favorite word is "No"!  Sometimes, when saying "No," she hides her head because she knows she shouldn't be saying it.

Other times, she just tells us "No" and looks at us....

When Luke was two years old, he did tell us "No" at times, but I wouldn't say he did it as often as most 2 year-olds.  I don't think Luke was "normal" in this sense (for lack of a better word).  SO now, with Kate, I feel like Marc & I are in uncharted territory -- Ha!

All of Kate's repeated "No's" have gotten me thinking....

How often do I say "No" to God?  Do I say it as much to God as Kate does to us?  Am I as emphatic with my "No's" to God as Kate is to us?

When I really think about it AND am honest with myself, I would say that "Yes" I am to those questions.  I say "No" to God each time I choose to willfully disobey & sin.  I say "No" to God when I think & know He's asking me to do something and I don't....

Hmmmmm....it's simply amazing to me how God uses our kids to teach me something.

One of my prayers right now involves asking God to show me clearly where I need to be saying "Yes" instead of "No" to our Great God!

*****

Our youngest niece (of 4) turned 2 on Friday.  My brother & sister-in-law had a party for her (Sydney) that evening.  My brother stood in the cold & grilled hot dogs & bratwursts.  The rest of us chipped in with food.

Kate's pretty serious with her applesauce!

Sadly, I didn't get a great pic of Sydney...She's 2....SO, I'm not sure I would've gotten a great still pic anyways -- Ha!  BUT, she's at the far end of the table in this pic (with the curly hair) next to one of her Grandmothers.

Amber (my sister-in-law) came up with a couple of activities for the polka-dot themed party.  One was painting turkeys using "dot" paint.

I was secretly hoping Kate's 2 year-old "busy ADD" would kick in, and she wouldn't be interested.  That did not happen.  I guess, in all reality, that was ok so that all 6 cousins could do the activity together (rarely do all 6 cousins do one activity all together -- other than eating).

The other activity (which Kate really enjoyed) was putting polka dot stickers on a balloon!

After "craft" time, Sydney opened her presents, and I guess here's a better and closer pic of Sydney in her Mama's lap...

And now -- for Amber's (my sister-in-law) "Pinterest" win...a polka dot cake WITH polka dots inside the cake (required making cake balls first to put inside of the cake).  It was really cute!

Since I'm not on "Pinterest," I have to admire others' "Pinterest" wins (and laugh at others' "Pinterest" fails -- Ha)!

I have nothing against "Pinterest" or any of you who use "Pinterest".  I just already spend plenty (way too much) of time on other social media sites ("Facebook," "Instagram") as well as reading blogs AND texting quite a bit that I figure I better stop on the things that take up time (extra things I don't need)....

That's what works for me.  You other people -- Keep on "Pinteresting"!  It doesn't offend me nor will I think anything down on you.

And, just a bit about our week...

And, as I stated in my last post -- winter suddenly (and rather rudely) arrived this week.  But, I'm striving to not complain because as I stated on Facebook awhile back (repeating from a FB friend), "complaining about the weather is complaining about the One (God) who created it".

So, we'll just go with it and still find joy!

Since it got cold, Kate got to debut her "new to her" pink coat.  If I do say so myself, I think she's cute in it....

On Tuesday, after picking up Luke from school, I needed to make a quick run into Wal-Mart.  Kate insisted that her brother hold her hand in the parking lot.  I managed to capture a pic!

Changing subjects -- Since Luke's in kindergarten, he's learning to read.  Watching our oldest child learn to read has seriously, in my mind, been one of the most rewarding things to watch -- as in one of the most rewarding in my life.

Last night, *just* as we were getting the kiddos ready for bed, Kate gave into temptation by thinking it would be just sheer awesomeness to touch the hot fireplace.  There were MANY tears.  We soaked her little hand in cool (not cold) water, and our little girl actually ended up sitting with her hand in water for over 2 hours.  Wowsers!

Because of the burn, I did not get accomplished last night some things I had intended on accomplishing.  And, despite Kate usually being awesome with going to bed and sleeping through the night in her own bed, the only way we could get her to lie down and *eventually* go to sleep was for Marc to make her a little bed in the living room.  She & I slept on the floor in the living room.  Though it was a late bedtime, Kate did sleep all night, despite her injury.  We won't discuss how I slept.  Needless to say, I napped today.

And Kate -- well, I just went to check on her, and this is what I found (sorry it's slightly blurry)...

Her extended nap allowed for the writing of this post.  And, how is her little burnt hand?  There are a couple of big blisters, but she seems to be fine!

Hopefully, this evening's bedtime routine goes a bit more smoothly!

Today -- Seemingly the End of Fall....

I'm About 1 1/2 weeks ago, Luke checked out a nonfiction book from his school's library about airplanes & such.  That evening he checked it out, my parents just so happened to be here.  My dad is a science teacher.  In fact, for over 30 years, he taught high school chemistry & physics.  SO, this nonfiction book thrilled both Luke and my dad (aka "Papa Andover").

After looking through the book, my dad mentioned to me that there were a few experiments in this book AND that he had some other experiments Luke would like.  My dad suggested that before the book was due, the kiddos & I should come over one day after picking up Luke from the bus stop (just one more reason I love 1/2 day kindergarten).  Well, today was that day!

So, after the bus arrived with some cute kindergartners, the kiddos & I headed to my parents' house.  The day, up until about 4:00 this afternoon, was windy but decently warm. Around 4:00ish or so, a cold front moved in, and the temperature went south in a hurry.  The wind also picked up even more.  SO, knowing the forecast, we picked up lunch at "Subway".  We went & ate at a park, and then, the kiddos had time to play one last time outside (at least for this week).

And, true to Kate's personality, she was telling us "No" very loudly.  "Why," you might ask?  Who knows!  It's just Kate, and though we love her immensely, sometimes, her antics are annoying -- Ha!

Kate took a bit to get brave enough to go down this slide.  I'm not sure why it scared her so much, but it did.  She ended up liking it!

After we got back to my parents' house, Kate went down for a nap, and Luke & his Papa Andover started experimenting.  I could most definitely not explain to you everything they did, but I know Luke had some smiles.  Overall, I'd say it was a good day and worth our time!

And then, to top it all off, the electricity went out at Marc's office.  So, he got to leave work early!  Since my parents live a lot closer to the city Marc works than we do, Marc & I decided to make an impromptu supper trip to "Red Robin" as a family!  Woo-Hoo!!!!

And then, because it's now SO much colder than earlier today, my two favorite guys (Marc & Luke) brought in firewood and started a fire in our fireplace once we got home!

(And, you can tell that we have a little girl living here based on the fact that a pink doll stroller is in the center of our family room.  BUT, I wouldn't have it any other way)!

Several Things to Post....

I have just a series of random things to post for tonight -- nothing deep -- just good ol' fashioned ramblings about our Little Friesen Family of 4!

We've started our annual Thanksgiving tradition of writing things we are thankful for on leaves & posting them around our kitchen.  It's pretty awesome to now have Luke wanting to learn to spell out words on our leaves!  Kindergartners are fun little people to have around.

I especially love that our kiddos are thankful for each other (or at least Kate appears to be since she really doesn't verbalize thanks too much yet)....Their hugs & kisses toward each other are some of my greatest joys in life!

This past Friday was "Grandparents' Day" at Luke's school.  My parents were able to go.  Because of the format of the day, Luke went to school in the afternoon (he's only a 1/2 day morning kindergartner).  SO, that day, Kate & I took Luke to the bus stop instead of picking him up (Marc normally takes Luke each morning to the bus stop).

And, watching a small group of kindergartners race to the bus is cute!

I wasn't planning on this happening with Luke's one day change of scheduling, but Kate had a rough time.  Normally, she gets (and apparently expects) a hug & a kiss from her brother before nap time.  That day, with Luke gone in the afternoon, she didn't get it.  If you can't tell in this pic, she was crying about it.  (Fortunately, after singing & rocking with me, she did take a good nap).

Many of you know that Marc's parents are elderly (ages 90 and almost 82).  Also, Marc is an only child.  They are currently on a list for an apartment at a retirement facility here in town.  SO, we could get a call tomorrow or in 3 months that an apartment is available. Soon after they move, we will need to sell their house.  SO, we have now officially started the process of slowly cleaning out their home for the "Mother of All Garage Sales" (at least for us) in the spring.  Like all good depression-era people, they've kept a lot of stuff, and as busy people with small children, I/we can only do so much at a time (especially considering they aren't really physically able to help).  SO, I have the first load now here at home, fully realizing there will be MANY more loads to come!

Awhile back, Marc & I came upon 4 Wichita State University volleyball tickets.  So, 3 girlfriends & I spent Friday evening at a volleyball game (and coffee afterwards).  It was really fun, and it especially helped that WSU WON!

Awhile back, somebody anonymously left an erector set on our front porch for Luke.  Finally, this weekend, Marc & Luke pulled it out.  Luke has spent many hours this weekend, working on building a car.  Earlier this evening, he completed the car -- nearly by himself. I was seriously impressed.  And, I promise he did not get these engineering abilities from me.  My dad used to teach physics & is engineering-minded.  I'll give the genetics' credit to him'

The Umpteenth Zoo Visit...

Oh, you know -- in the over 6 years I've had this blog (at times going through long periods of not posting routinely), I am well aware I have a fair amount of zoo posts.  BUT, since the zoo is indeed a KEY part of our little Friesen Family of 4, how about another post?

My dad (aka "Papa Andover") and I took the kiddos to the zoo today.  It was a wee bit chilly, but personally, I like going to the zoo in the fall.  Though some of the warmer climated (if that's a word) animals are off exhibit for the winter, I have found that the majority of the animals are much more active in the fall than at any other time of the year.  PLUS, the zoo's not crowded at all!  SCORE!

So first -- the obligatory tiger picture...I do this pic every time, but I enjoy how both kids automatically run over for a picture together!

The Tigers were active.  Luke really liked having his pic taken close to the tiger.

Up until recently, the lion sculpture was left alone by our kids.  Now, they run to it as well for a pic!

The giraffes were simply awesome today!  They were walking around and came close to us several times!

For whatever unexplainable reason by us, Luke is FASCINATED, fascinated -- I tell you, by the anteater.  Admittedly, they are one of the more interesting animals of God's creation.  Anteaters sleep quite a bit. Earlier in the summer, one of the zoo employees was working in the anteater area during one of our visits.  Luke was asking some questions, and she said that the anteaters are a little like teenagers in that they like to sleep a lot!  Numerous times (during our repeated visits), the anteater has been sleeping -- which has made Luke sad.

But TODAY, the anteater was up AND moving around.  Our guy was EXCITED!!!!!  When he's excited, I get excited!!!!

That one time, when we did talk with the zoo employee, she told us that our zoo actually has 2 anteaters, but the two anteaters don't get along very well.  There is a female & a male.  The male likes the female, but she doesn't like him...Ha!  So, they are separated.  They're rotated on a daily basis!

Until next time zoo!!!!!

A Parable I am Loving Right Now....

If you read my post on Halloween (scroll down and read), you know that I'm thinking of ways for our little Friesen Family of 4 to be Lights for Christ in a year from now (next Halloween). I haven't yet come up with creative ideas, but in the meantime, I want to share something.

About 1 1/2 weeks ago, the kiddos & I were in our church's library.  We came across a children's book called "The Pumpkin Patch Parable" by Liz Curtis Higgs.  We ended up checking it out, and it turns out that it's now one of my favorite books!  In fact, after we turn it back in, I will be purchasing my own copy.  Then, I will store it way up high, completely away from Kate's little hands, to avoid having it damaged -- Ha! (Don't worry -- I will most certainly let Kate see it & read it -- completely SUPERVISED)!

**Note: The author, Ms. Higgs, quotes scripture in this book from the "International Children's Bible".  For the purpose of this post, I will quote scripture from the NIV, 1984 edition!

It starts out with a note to parents stating that this book is supposed to be an alternative to scary Halloween messages.  Yes!

And, for a quick synopsis.  Go & buy the actual book for the real thing.  I promise it'll be better than my synopsis!

First, the farmer plants the pumpkin seeds.  "This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God".  Luke 8:11

Next, the farmer patiently waits on the pumpkins to grow.  "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness.  He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance".  2 Peter 3:9

The pumpkins grow, and they are all different.  But, they are all pumpkins.  "Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being?"  Isaiah 66:2a

The pumpkins are now ready for harvesting.  Which one would he choose first?  "Do you not say, 'Four months more and then the harvest?'  I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields!  They are ripe for harvest".  John 4:35

Then, the farmer washes away all of the dirt AND cleans out all of the slime and gunk inside of the pumpkin.  The messy part goes into the compost pile, never to be seen again.  Then, the pumpkin got a new face!

"And now what are you waiting for?  Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name".  Acts 22:16

"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me".  Psalm 51:10

"For the word of God is living and active.  Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart".  Hebrews 4:12

"I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve".  Jeremiah 17:10

"As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us."  Psalm 103:12

"And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit".  2 Corinthians 3:18

"The eye is the lamp of the body.  If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light".  Matthew 6:22

"A happy heart makes the face cheerful".  Proverbs 15:13a

The pumpkin then glowed once the farmer put a candle in it.  As the night grew darker, the pumpkin glowed even more!! 

"For God who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ".  2 Corinthians 4:6

AND, a new favorite verse of mine (from the message given in our church yesterday)...

"In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your father in heaven".  Matthew 5:16

Seriously -- go and pick up this book!  I PROMISE it will not let you down.  The kids & I have read it multiple times.  I have explained the connection to Luke.  Though he does not yet *completely* understand it (6 years old -- in kindergarten), my prayer as a Mama is that one day, he (and Kate as well) understand just what Christ did for them and how Christ can and will make them new!!!!

Halloween....

I, by no means, feel as if I have to defend our "stance," for lack of a better term, on Halloween.  But, I will anyways -- just in case some are wondering OR are curious!

We do let our children dress up and get candy because, quite frankly, it's fun!

BUT, we basically, in the past, have only let them Trick-or-Treat on our little street (which amounts to 5-6 neighbor's who hand out candy; we live on a very lovely and quiet cul-de-sac).  This year, however, as you saw in my last post, we did also go to Trunk or Treat at our church.

We have most definitely minimalized Halloween as compared to most of the rest of the USA!  They simply don't *need* all of the candy, and personally, I'd rather our kids look forward to, recognize, and understand holidays such as Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.  We'll save the big festivities for those.

Over the last several years, my parents have switched, each year, back and forth between our little Friesen Family of 4 and my brother's and his wife's family. In my humble opinion, it's worked out well!

This year was our year -- which was awesome because Marc was busy at church with Judgement House (hopefully -- I'll get around to posting on that important topic).

So, last night, the kids were all costumed up again, and we went up our street.  The only thing that happened was a COLD front seriously had moved in, and it was rather chilly -- especially compared to the evening before when we attended Trunk or Treat.

The really good thing was that Luke decided to actually wear his construction hat -- so as to actually complete a costume.  And, Kate actually remained in a good mood in her "Strawberry Shortcake" dress throughout the evening!

Waiting on Papa & Grandma to arrive....

It tuned out that one of our next door neighbors was going to be gone for the evening.  But, she fixed up little goody bags for Luke & Kate & delivered them early.  Our other next door neighbors (who go to the same church as we do) were participating, with Marc, in Judgement House.  So, we couldn't go there either.  A third neighbor was out of town.  A 4th neighbor leaves their porch light off -- which I assume means they don't hand out candy.  So, we were left visiting a whopping 3 neighbors -- which I'm not complaining.  Though we enjoy all of our neighbors, visiting 3 homes equaled plenty of candy for Luke & Kate!

Kate was not shy about walking up to our neighbors' door (and she also proved she was not shy about walking in their homes either; I only wished I would've taken pics of those incidents).  And, if you can't tell, Kate's favorite blanket ("Nigh Nigh") went with us for the evening.  Admittedly, this Mama thought it was cute!

Our neighbor across the street suggested she take a pic of all of us -- of which I'm grateful for the suggestion!

AND finally, I'm thankful that we do live on a non-busy street because Kate took over the street.  It took quite a bit to get her to move to the side of the street.

After the short trick-or-treating, the 5 of us went out for pizza.  Then, my parents stayed with the kids so I could walk through Judgement House at church!  Kate took advantage of having grandparents stay with her and was able to get rocked a long time by Grandma and stay up way past her bedtime -- Ha!

NOW, today, I read something on Christian artist Natalie Grant's Facebook page that really has me thinking about next year.  I'm glad Halloween, 2015, is 364 days away so Marc & I can think & talk!

Ms. Grant talked about using Halloween as an opportunity to be a Light to others on such a dark holiday (as in letting Christ's light shine through).  It's an opportunity to be around other kids and let other children up to your home.  I love it!!!!  But, it will take thought because we get so few trick-or-treaters on our little street...like I said, 364 days of thinking!

"You are the light of the world.  A city on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.  Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven".  Matthew 5:16