Our Sunday Evening....

This past Sunday evening, our Community Life Group from church met at our house.

Roughly once a month or so, our group has a "game night" or a "fun night." In other words, it's a little bit more of a layed back evening. We fellowship through games or other activities as opposed to the normal study.

Generally speaking, our group has dinner together. However, this past Sunday night, Marc and I opted for dessert only (whoever hosts makes the decision about dinner and/or dessert).

Rather than making a dessert myself, I ordered a really W.O.N.D.E.R.F.U.L. carrot cake from Dillon's -- our local grocery store chain.



And Mmmmmm.....was it ever tasty!

And, just to prove how tasty it really was....check out this nutrition label from the cake.



All in moderation, right?

After enjoying the cake, some set out to play Cornhole.







I'm actually not sure who won. But, it sure is fun to be with our Community Life Group. Thanks guys!

And, we did miss you Mark and Lisa...See you next Sunday!

Chits and Meal Plan For the Week....

In case you didn't already know it, CHIPS (as in, potato chips) are Luke's Junk Food of Choice.

In fact, instead of candy, my mom bought him some potato chips for Easter...Gotta love the Grandma gift, right?

But, he doesn't say "chips" properly. He says, "Chits."

Yes, it sounds a little like a certain swear word when he says it.

So, if you're around him sometime and you hear, "Chits," he's simply asking for potato chips.

Luke's gotten to where he thinks anything packaged in a bag is a "chit." We frequently have to try and explain to him (in 21-month old lingo) that not everything in a bag is a "chit."

This evening, for example, I was opening this bag because we were having a salad.



We said, "No Luke -- they're not chips."

He proceeded to sign "Please" and then sit down on the floor to wait on his snack of "chits."

Finally, Marc grabbed a bowl and gave him some "chits" -- at least Luke's version of them for this evening (a.k.a. chips).

Luke was then a happy and contented little boy.





Oh -- how we LOVE this little guy oh so very much!

*****

And, here's our meal plan for the week....

Monday, April 26, 2010

BBQ'd Ham Balls
Mashed Potatoes
Salad w/ "Chits"

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Salmon
Pasta with Olde Westport Spice Seasoning
Vegetable

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Shake 'n Bake Chicken
Pasta Salad
Fruit

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Lunch: Luke and I are meeting Marc for lunch at DQ

Supper: Rummage

Friday, April 30, 2010

Marc: Little Caesar's Pizza

Sarah: Will be traveling to Kansas City for "Girls' Weekend" with friend, Sarah H.

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Lunch: Marc -- Rummage Sarah -- In Kansas City

Supper: Marc -- Eating at Sarah's parents' house Sarah -- In Kansas City

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Lunch: Creamy Chicken Pasta Carbonara

Supper: At Community Life Group for Supper

An Evening at the Playground and a Rainbow....

Last night, Marc was out of town -- today, he ran in a 40-mile race; therefore, last night, he and some other runners stayed in a hotel near the race site.

So, Luke and I were left to hang out. I took Luke to the Cora Playground -- the playground at our church which was established by our friends, Joel and Jess, as a memorial for their daughter, Cora, who lost her life to cancer and is now up in heaven.

Luke LOVES this playground, and he plays on it several times a week when in the church nursery.

We met my friend, Andrea, and her daughter, Ava, at the playground. Unfortunately, I didn't get a photo of the two kids playing together.

This first photo is of Luke in the little car. This car isn't officially a part of the Cora Playground, but it's out there. And, Luke LOVES it.



And, these next three photos are of Luke simply being a toddler and LOVING every minute of it -- this time, on the Cora Playground equipment.







*****

This evening, before Marc returned home from today's big race, Luke and I took a little field trip to our local Wal-Mart.

It was a fast trip (thankfully), but when we came out, we noticed the typical spring-like ominous sky of Kansas....

There had been some storms in the area (thankfully, none severe), but as I looked up, I noticed a rainbow.

AHHHHHH.....LOVE THAT!

I'm not completely sure you can see it in this photo, but trust me, it's there.

(This is why I like to carry my camera wherever I go).



Actually, I chuckled to myself for a bit. Yesterday, when Oliver and Lily were at my house, Oliver and I had a conversation about rainbows.

So, Oliver and Lily's parents -- you'll have to tell Oliver that I did see a rainbow tonight since he was so inquisitive about my rainbow sightings yesterday :)

After chuckling to myself for a bit, I actually got a bit teary-eyed. Rainbows, as clearly stated in Genesis, are a sign of the covenant between God and all life on earth.

What an amazing thing!

And God said, "This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth." So God said to Noah, "This is the sign of the covenant I have established between me and all life on the earth." Genesis 9:12-17

Twenty-One Months and Discovery of Water....

Two days ago, Luke was officially twenty-one months old. I mentioned in my post yesterday that I had forgotten to take a photo on the actual day -- OH NO!

Don't worry because last night, when Marc was home from work, we captured an "official" photo -- a day late.

So, here it is....of course, with the "bwankie" in hand.



And, just for fun (as we have each month), here is a photo from a year ago -- at 9 months of age.



*****

Many people have told me over the years that I should NEVER stop learning.

And, I can say that, in my life, I think that is true. I truly do think I learn something each day.

Today, for my education, I learned a bit about water. This learned thing today is actually something I've heard about but never really have seen for myself.

I learned about how water puddles are magnets for little boys.

Yes, I'm sure little girls get into water as well, but my frame of reference today involved two boys....specifically Luke and Oliver.

(Oliver and Lily were at our house this morning -- I watch them 1-2 times a week).

And, before I go on any further, in case you're wondering, Lily was peacefully sleeping when all this occurred this morning....

Anyways, it rained here yesterday and I think, a bit last night.

Around 10:00 or so this morning, Oliver, Luke and I went outside to play. The sky was clearing. I knew we'd be safe from downpours.

We were outside for a bit -- playing with bubbles, balls, a kid golf set, etc. We also visited with our neighbor, Willis, where Oliver got to watch Willis load a lawn mower into the back of his pick-up (BIG FUN)!

Then, I noticed that Luke discovered a water puddle by our garage door (water tends to collect right there thanks to the way the concrete is layed).



Very soon, Oliver was right over there with him. Yes, I can say that Luke was the leader in this one (Sorry Kendall).



Then, they both had to "check out" the water -- I'm not really sure what they saw (I'm hoping nothing was "in" the water).



After a bit, Oliver saw something else that apparently looked more interesting (I'm not sure what).



So, Luke proceeded to sit down in the COLD water and play some more.



After that, Oliver suggested we go and play in the sandbox...We just got a "new" (used by another family first) sandbox. The family gave us a great deal -- including a bit of colored sand and sandbox toys. Joel (Oliver and Lily's dad) was able to get some other sand for us at no charge. It was a great way to get some inexpensive entertainment for the backyard.



Fortunately, neither boy wanted to sit down in the sandbox. Wet clothes and sand would've been even more of a mess.

After a bit, we needed to go in because Lily would be waking up soon.

Luke was stripped down to a diaper to go inside. Oliver took his shoes, socks, and pants off in the garage. Fortunately, I have a few clothes that don't yet fit Luke, and so, Oliver wore some of Luke's "too big shorts" home. Oliver went home without shoes. Luke got a new outfit on.

And now, if you'll excuse me, Luke's taking a nap. I must go back outside and hose down Luke's shoes to wear later in the day. They're FULL of mud.

Rainy Day....

So far this spring, it's been fairly dry. While we could use the rain, admittedly, I've enjoyed the dry days.

Today, however, is rainy and dreary. So, Luke and I are a bit stuck indoors.

Here's the view from our front door -- yep, our lawn needs to be mowed. Marc was planning on mowing this evening, but I'm thinking that may not happen.





Before I had a child, I used to listen to my friends who were mothers complain about winter and about rainy days -- to be stuck inside all day.

CONFESSION: I used to always think to myself, "Quit complaining. Deal with it. So what if the weather is bad. Find something to do."

Now, I completely understand. Luke, like most children, LOVES to be outside. So, when we spend time outside for several weeks in a row (like we have recently), it's hard when we have to be inside for a rainy day.

Now, I'm one of those mothers who sometimes complains (and yes, admittedly, I sometimes forget all of the good things God has given us -- like rain) when we can't get outside.

O.K., I get it!!!!! I'll admit it. I'm saying "I'm sorry" to the world if I ever made any wrong remarks about mothers complaining about the weather.

So, for today, here's what our house has looked like -- just trying to keep Luke entertained creatively.





And, of course, toys started but never finished....





I tried to capture a few pics of Luke, but he wasn't cooperating with me today. You can tell he was bored because he just wanted his blanket. If we were outside, this wouldn't have been an issue.



And, yesterday, Luke was 21 months old! But, GASP, I forgot to take a photo. So, I tried to this morning. But, as you can see, he didn't want to. We'll try again tonight with Marc. Marc can usually get him to smile nicely when in this chair.



On a good note, though...I did spend some time this morning on the phone with my very good friend, Tammy. She lives up north in Manitoba. Had we been outside playing, I probably wouldn't have had that opportunity!

But, she did inform me of one thing -- today, up in Manitoba, it was sunny and close to 70 degrees with clear blue skies. It was actually warmer up there than it was down here. That doesn't happen often.

One Cute Photo and Weekly Meal Plan....

Well, once again, it's been a bit since I've blogged. Shame on me!

Anyways, this past Saturday evening, we got together with my parents and my brother and sister-in-law (and their 2 2/3 kids) to celebrate my birthday (which was March 1) and my brother's birthday (which was April 8).

Sadly, I took very few photos! I'm really not sure why -- it just didn't happen that evening.

But, the one photo I do want to share with the world is this one....



It's a photo of Luke with his two cousins, Grace and Natalie (Luke's in the middle). They're all three playing the piano at one time.

It was really quite cute. It didn't last long, but fortunately, we were all able to get photos....

*****

I haven't posted a meal plan for the last couple of weeks. That's NOT because I haven't had a plan. For some reason, it just hasn't been posted.

Marc's taken note of this fact....You see, he likes it when I post meals on this blog. That way, when he's at work and he wants to know what's for supper -- he just goes to the blog :)

And, for those of you who know Marc, that shouldn't surprise you one bit.

Monday, April 19, 2010

Sugar Glazed Salmon
Vegetable

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Homemade Pizza

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

BBQ Meatballs
Mashed Potatoes
Vegetable

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Spaghetti w/ Marinara Sauce
Baked Chicken
Salad
Mozzarella Bread

Friday, April 23, 2010

Marc -- will be in Lawrence, KS -- is running in a race the next day
Sarah -- Shrimp w/ Penne Pasta w/ Mixed Vegetables

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Lunch: Marc -- Running in a race in Clinton State Park; Sarah -- Leftovers from night before

Supper: Marc -- Will eat on way home from race; Sarah -- Rummage

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Lunch: Eating at church for missionary fundraiser

Supper: Rummage/Dessert of Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese frosting with Community Life Group (YUM!)

Friday Randomness....

I seem to have "randomness" a lot on Fridays....I guess that's just how it goes.

This morning, I had to wake Luke up in time to get to the library for toddler storytime. I most certainly prefer to have him wake up on his own (the mood is better), but sometimes, this happens.

When I walked in his room, this is what I found....



I usually cover him up when we put him to bed at night. However, he nearly ALWAYS uncovers himself. We see it on the video monitor. Last night was no exception. I remember that specifically because Marc and I had a conversation about whether or not he'd get cold with the fan on (of course, I'm the one who worries he'll get cold; Marc, on the other hand, nearly always says, "He'll be fine....")

Neither one of us had been in his room all night. So, I was surprised when I walked in his room this morning to find him covered up almost perfectly. He must have done that himself.

I guess he's an advanced child (you may roll your eyes now).

But, I will say that it's cute how he has his left thumb in his mouth and his little dingy blanket tightly clenched in his right hand. No wonder his left thumb is like a prune in the morning :)

*****

Since I did have to wake him up, breakfast was a bit of a challenge since he wasn't fully awake and I was doing my best to hurry up a 20-month old to get to the library in time (not easy since toddlers certainly have their own agendas).

It's normally a rule around the Friesen Household that Luke may NOT eat with his blanket in hand. He knows he has to put it down in another room.

This morning, though, I made an exception. He emphatically shook his head "No" when I told him to his blanket down.

I decided that since I did wake him up and he wasn't fully awake yet at breakfast, I'd let him eat with his blanket.

What's wrong with a little food on an already gross and smelly blanket?





And, in case you're wondering, at lunch today, he did go and follow our rule. He went and put down his blanket to NOT eat with it.

Go Luke!

*****

Last weekend, our vacuum cleaner quit working. I was vacuuming when all of a sudden, it made a not-so-normal sound and was smelling.

To avoid sparks and a potential fire, I turned it off.

On Monday, Luke and I made a trip to a local vacuum cleaner retailer (they repair vacuums).

Here is our vacuum cleaner in the back of our Trail Blazer on the way to its funeral (only I didn't know it at the time that this vacuum cleaner would no longer live at our home).



The woman at the vacuum repair shop called me late this morning. The motor is dead (hence, the smell), and they no longer make the motor (it was an old vacuum cleaner).

So, I told her to simply "pitch the vacuum cleaner."

I guess we'll be vacuum cleaner shopping this weekend.

I bought that vacuum cleaner brand new in June, 1995. I was getting ready to enter my sophomore year in college. I was about to rent a house with a friend of mine. Neither of us had a vacuum cleaner. Since I had worked quite a bit that summer, I purchased a fairly cheap vacuum cleaner -- BRAND NEW (not too bad for a college kid, huh?)

It's lasted 15 years with only ONE belt replacement and no other repairs.

Marc and I are impressed with that one! Perhaps our next one will do just as well!