A Little Bit of Basketball....

Team sports are something I NEVER participated in unless I had to in a required PE class.  Team sports are also something I really never enjoyed watching.  In high school, I was the music geek who was always in the group singing the "Star Spangled Banner" before the event AND playing in the marching & pep bands during events and at halftime shows!

Fast forward to my meeting Marc -- a wonderful guy who liked and still does like to watch sports.  Then, I married Marc (10 years ago); therefore, I live with sports on TV quite a bit -- particularly on weekends!

CONFESSION: I have learned to really enjoy and even *somewhat* follow college basketball.  It does help that my alma mater, Wichita State University (WSU), has done quite well in basketball in recent years.

Before Luke & Kate were born, Marc & I, if we were able to get a hold of some tickets, went to a fair number of WSU games.  Once kiddos came along, we began to stink at getting to games.

Last year, I had a bit of an *immature* (insert clearing of throat here) breakdown about not getting to a game in awhile.

So, in the last month, my really nice and full of grace husband has taken us to not one, but two, college basketball games.  

Earlier this month, Marc & I went to a WSU game!  We had pretty good seats!

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Watching the teams warm-up...

Players' introductions and getting the crowd fired up...

The Shockers had a great win that night!  They won 81-52.

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Last night, we went all out.  The kiddos spent the day AND night at my gracious parents' house.  Marc & I booked a hotel (to make a night of it) and drove a couple hours to Lawrence, KS, to watch the University of Kansas (KU) Jayhawks play Kent State University!

I hadn't been in Allen Fieldhouse for close to 20 years.  Marc hadn't been in there for 12 years. We're in the middle of probably one of the colder weeks of our winter.  In other words, walking the 1/2 mile from where we parked to Allen Fieldhouse was a *wee* bit on the cold side.

Quick funny story: When we were on the 1/2 mile cold walk, I said to Marc, "I wonder if we'll see somebody we know".  Roughly 5 minutes later, once inside, we pretty much immediately ran into somebody from church we know.  Ha!

We got there before the KU basketball players were out warming up.  So, we were able to stand in the "hallway" and watch the players come out.  Enjoy my bad pic that I took behind people taller than me -- Ha!

Once we got to our seats way up high (I *think* three rows from the top), I was able to take some pics!

The Jayhawks won 78-62!  Yay!

It was fun to be there, and I'm grateful for both games Marc & I were able to get to this month!  Fun dates to end the year 2014!

And -- just for fun -- while we were gone and the kids were at my parents' -- my mom texted me this "guilty-looking" pic of Kate....

Apparently, Kate had snuck into my parents' pantry.  My mom heard her doing something.  When she went to check on her, Kate was eating "Ritz" crackers.  The evidence was a full mouth and crumbs all over the floor.  #twoyearolds

And, to not leave out Luke -- this afternoon, after we all returned home, in the cold and somewhat snowy ground, Marc & Luke went sledding briefly!  Marc took this cute selfie of themselves.  It's weird looking at Luke in a pic without his glasses!  

Christmas Day....

This year, for Christmas Day, our little Friesen Family of 4 was home all day.  Just the four of us.  It was absolutely wonderful!  I don't want to make it sound like I have bad days & I dislike my life, BUT I told Marc that Christmas Day was the best day I've had in a long time -- very little responsibilities (other than the normal feeding my family & all) and no place to go.

The kids slept in until well after 8:00 AM.  Marc & I were up before them & waiting.  When they got up, however, they were ready to open gifts.  And, to be honest, I was ready to give our gifts to them.

I made the comment to Marc that it's been very obvious that Kate is a 2nd child.  She opens gifts so much easier than Luke did at age 2 since she has an older sibling to imitate.

We gave Kate a cute little pink "IKEA" table.  Kate really wanted (and still does want) her big brother to sit with her.

We gave both kiddos WSU "Shocker" shirts.  I may be biased about these kids as well as the university, but I think this pic is CUTE!

We gave Luke a desk.  The desk had to be assembled; therefore, Luke & Marc spent time doing just that!

The goal is that this desk will last Luke through high school!  In the meantime, Luke has started his "work" at his new desk -- which entails counting money and reading books (today, Luke was caught reading at his desk -- reading his Bible about Moses & Noah)....Marc's parents, the day after Christmas, gave Luke a chair to go with his new desk!

Kate spent a good part of her day playing with the new "Melissa and Doug" toy my parents gave her, and Luke played with his "money machine" (aka coin sorter) that his Uncle Joel and Aunt Amber (and cousins) gave him.

Luke gave his sister a new baby doll.  This baby makes crying sounds when squeezed.  Kate's an awesome little Mama and comforts the crying baby when she cries.  Awesome.

Luke promised his sister he would have a tea party with her, and he stuck to his promise.  It was pretty cute even though, to keep it real, crying always ensues...sigh...The crying ensues over Luke taking part of Kate's tea party set away from her.  I can't figure out if this action is a result of jealousy or of just being a mean big brother (which, fortunately, 95% of the time, Luke is not mean to her)....

This Christmas of 2014 is one I hope I remember.  By "worldly" standards, it was absolutely nothing special.  But, by my "Sarah Friesen" standards, it was simply awesome to celebrate Christ's birth, at home, as our Little Friesen Family of 4.  Simple.  Simple just like Christ's birth.

The next day, we were once again home, but Marc's parents came over in the evening.  It was a nice, simple evening.  Marc's parents gave Kate a cute little rocking chair.  Unfortunately, Kate did not want her pic taken in the rocking chair.  SO, in this next pic, you must simply use your imagination that you can actually tell Kate is in her new rocking chair -- Ha!  (If you're curious, Marc's dad is in the background)!

Also from Marc's parents, Luke received a train set.  Oh. my. word.  Luke has spent quite a lot of time since Friday evening with this train set.

And, just for fun -- here's a pic of Luke with his new watch Marc & I gave him.  He asked me to take a pic of him with the watch :)

Lastly, one of Marc's & Luke's "projects" has been for Luke to learn how to tie his shoes.  Luke can now tie his own shoes, BUT it takes him a bit.  SO, the task needs to be perfected, but the project has been completed!  It's exciting to me as his Mama to see his accomplishment. And, Marc's parenting has a lot more patience than mine.  So, it worked out that Marc has been home to teach him (Marc's off work for this entire break)!

Christmas Eve....

Our Christmas Eve is generally simply yet full of "traditions" that are just that -- "traditions" for our family.

I didn't take very many pics today, which, a small part of me is sad about.  The bigger part of me is just fine with not too many pics because that means I wasn't hidden behind my camera (read: phone) excessively.  I was simply enjoying the day with my family.

But, here's what I have...along with some basic narration of our day!

***Christmas Eve Tradition #1....Our local and awesome little donut shop here in town (Druber's) always does it up well on Christmas Eve.  Every person that comes in on Christmas Eve morning gets one donut and one drink at no charge.  Also, Santa is there for a few hours for pictures with the kids.  Yes, it's nuts in there.

Because I wasn't ready to go AND neither of our kids do well in big crowds AND we're not into the "Santa" thing, we decided that just Marc (and Kate because she was sad at the prospect of her daddy leaving without her) would go & pick up our donuts.  That eliminated the "no charge for donuts and drinks" for two of us, but that was ok.

SO, our little Friesen Family of 4 thoroughly enjoyed our donuts in the quietness of our own little kitchen table!

After breakfast, I had a couple of errands to run.  Then, Luke & I ventured to Wal-Mart so he could pick out a small gift for his sister (which hopefully I'll get a pic tomorrow)!

***Christmas Eve Tradition #2....Lunch at Arby's!  (You may insert your laughter HERE if you would like, but honestly, it makes for a nice tradition)!

What is it with boys & horsing around?  I realize it's the sheer essence of boys, but sometimes, honestly, it gets old.  In Luke's case, it gets old because he nearly always hurts himself.  That little fact did NOT let me down today.  I'm not *exactly* sure how it happened, but somehow, Luke bit his tongue, and of course, it bled....Sigh....

Kate was being super-duper cute sitting on the bench like a big girl while eating her lunch.  Unfortunately, she hid her face from me whenever I tried to get a pic....BUT, this pic does show just how long her hair is getting :)

After lunch, 3 out of the 4 of us took naps.  The 4th person played with "Legos".  I'll let you, the readers of this fine blog, discern which Friesen family member did not nap.

***Christmas Eve Tradition #3....We go to church at my parents' church (which happens to be the church I went to for around 10 years before marriage AND the church where Marc & I were married) with my parents, my brother & sis-in-law, and our four nieces.

Prior to the service starting, Marc & I discussed how long Kate would last in the service thus ending with Kate & me in the hallway.  Marc guessed 10 minutes, and I guessed 20 minutes -- Ha!

I'm very happy to report that Kate made it the entire service.  NOW, I missed a good part of what was said, BUT we made it nonetheless.  I think a new corner was turned in the life of Kate.

Like in many Christmas Eve services, at least in this country, this church has candle lighting at the end. Because Kate was SO wiggly and moving around constantly, I made the wise decision to not participate in the candle lighting.  

But, for the first time, Marc did let Luke hold a candle by himself.  OH, how I wished I would've had my phone out of my bag to take a pic of Luke, a young child, carefully holding a candle on Christmas Eve.  It was a pretty precious sight!  Oh well -- it's at least etched in my mind.

***Christmas Eve Tradition #4....After church, we all (12 of us) headed to my parents' for opening presents & supper.  And, like most American families with PLENTY, the gift-opening was chaos...BUT, it was still fun!

Kate received a high chair for her babies from my parents.  It was immediately put into use -- before she even moved onto other presents.  CUTE, if I do say so myself!

After getting home fairly late, the kids immediately went to bed.  Marc got to work on a present for Kate, and I wrapped one last present!

AND, behind this cute little table & chair set for Kate is a desk for Luke.  Yep -- it needs to be assembled, BUT rather than Marc assembling it tonight, Luke's going to see the box and help his dad assemble it in the morning :)

And tomorrow, we will hopefully reflect on Jesus' birth and what it really means!  And, the older I get, the more grateful I am for God's incredible gift of the birth of His Son to save all of us in this incredibly broken world!

Random....

I haven't done a "random" post in awhile...so, here's one today...

Last week, Luke came home from school with a project they did.  I was told ahead of time (by both Luke and a preceding note from his teacher) that it was breakable.  My curiosity was piqued, admittedly.  I don't know if it was the Christmas season or simply being a mommy, but I honestly teared up when I saw it.  It is a plate with his handprint made into a simple "Jesus in a manger" scene. To say, "I love it," would be a serious understatement!

Yesterday, I surprised our little family with a cake -- a tradition I started a year ago (and I know many of you do this as well).  I'm *relatively* certain all had forgotten about this in our household -- which actually made it a true surprise again -- Ha!  Anyways, it was a birthday cake to celebrate Jesus' birthday...

Today, Marc is putting in a few extra hours at the running store (his little side job)...the kiddos & I were supposed to go to my parents' to make Christmas cookies with my mom.  My dad called this morning, saying we needed to postpone the cookie making because my mom wasn't feeling well!  So, the kids & I are hanging out here at home while Marc is working.

I needed to run a few errands (read: get out of the house).  I ended up surprising the kids with lunch at "Subway".  Kate had brought along her little purse with a tiny little doll blanket stuffed inside.  I was smiling my way inside because I thought it was so stinkin' cute that our little girl was carrying a purse (read: imitating her mommy).  After I took the following pic, I realized she not only had a doll blanket but also puzzle pieces that may or may not have spilled out everywhere at "Subway".  Pure awesomeness.

I learned something from this next *honest,* *this is life* photo.

While I think we have pretty good kids, I'm well aware they're not perfect.  (If you think I'm being proud and lacking humility, ask me personally to share our "keepin' it real" moments).

But, today in "Subway," a fellow Mama (whom I didn't know) came over to me and said, "Your children are really being cute & sweet to each other .  Awesome.  Talk about encouragement from a fellow Mama!

Parenting is hard.  That's no secret.  Encouragement to fellow Mamas is pretty terrific.  So, what I learned from that moment is that I need to be more of an encourager like that to other Mamas -- whether I know them or not.  In my little world, not too many days go by where I don't come into contact with a fellow Mama!

Late last week, I was discouraged as a mother over one little incident in which, about 24 hours later, realized I was foolish for being so discouraged.  We're all human, and our kids are also human.  None of us is perfect.  And, that lack of perfection is *exactly* why God has given us the greatest gift: His Son, Jesus, whose birth we are celebrating in 2 days!

Winter Zoo Visit. What else is new?

Yesterday was Luke's last day of school for the Christmas break.  Marc was working today -- his last day at work for the Christmas break (will have a wee bit of work here at home to do) until January 5.

This morning, the kiddos & I took it easy.  After lunch, I suddenly had a *wild* idea to go to the zoo this afternoon.  Sure...it was a bit on the cold side, BUT there was no wind -- which makes things bearable!  When I asked the kids about whether or not they wanted to go to the zoo (about 10 minutes before leaving), I received an emphatic "Yes" from both kiddos!

Because it was cold AND there's snow on the ground (albeit a small amount), both Luke & Kate wore snow boots.  Awesome.  I LOVE it when kids wear snow boots when they don't *necessarily* need them!  That's truly an awesome part of parenting young children!

We actually went into the "American Farm" barn today -- something we definitely do not do each visit...We visited the barn knowing that the animals would most likely be inside and that we, in turn, would be inside where it was slightly warmer!

We then headed toward the Penguins and then into the "Amphibian & Reptile" building (again, a warm place)....

One of the tortoises, Missy, was born around 1950 -- making her roughly as old as my mom (aka Grandma Andover).  Luke asked the zookeeper who was cleaning the tortoise area which tortoise was Missy.  The zookeeper explained to us that Missy was the tortoise with the slanted shell (can be seen in this next pic).  Luke then had me text this pic to my mom so she would indeed know which tortoise was her age.  I did oblige Luke with his request.  I'm sure my mom's life was drastically changed -- Ha!

This next pic I took simply because I find Kate to be pretty cute in her boots -- with her short legs & all!

Somewhere in the "North American" section of the zoo, Kate tripped & fell.  After the tears subsided, Kate insisted on only wearing one mitten so she could keep her two "comfort fingers" in her mouth (as demonstrated in this sibling pic).

Luke really likes it when the Tigers are up close....

I was just telling a friend this evening that I LOVE how close Luke & Kate currently are as siblings!  I pray that is always the case well into adulthood!

All of the main African animals (elephant, rhinos, hippos, and giraffes) were inside -- which, if you're at the zoo on a cold day, the African building is the warmest).  SO, we spent some time inside with those stinky animals since we were all 3 getting a bit chilled!

Lastly, we quickly walked through the Australian & South American sections of the zoo -- which are a bit on the skimpy side this time of year since many of those birds & animals have to be moved inside for the winter.   BUT, we always enjoy the thrill of hunting for the wallaby.  And today, we saw two of them up close.  SCORE (at least in Luke's world)!

Christmas Party...

Kate & I went to Luke's class Christmas party late this morning.  I wasn't signed up to help at this party, but Luke asked me to come.  I'm glad I went because I was reminded by Luke & a couple of other boys just how important it is to some kids that their Mamas are at these parties :). (I was also reminded of this back at the fall party)....

First, the kiddos played a game where they tossed plastic golf balls into a snowman's mouth...kindergartners are pleased with virtually any game and will line up nicely for these games.  (This would be simply glorious to watch)!  (Luke's 5th in line in this pic -- blue shirt & glasses)....

Luke did better than I thought he would -- Ha!  Physical coordination isn't his strongpoint, and I say that lovingly (it's simple genetics, folks)!  I knew he could do it; I just figured it would take him longer than it did.

The kids then got to play Christmas Bingo -- using "M&M's" as markers!  SCORE!

Then, the kids exchanged gifts with their respective prayer partners!  (The prayer partners were assigned at the beginning of the school year -- the partner is a friend in class to specifically pray for throughout the year)....

Luke's partner is in the red shirt right beside Luke!

Luke's friend knows him well because he gave Luke a "Legoes" kit!

Luke gave his partner a book that Luke *knew* he'd like!

Lastly, the kids spent time ingesting sugar -- Ha! (I took this pic before the cookies were handed out)...

Kate loves to be near her older brother but not necessarily posing for her Mama -- Ha!

Speaking of Kate -- she LOVES to see her brother at school, BUT she takes constant supervision.  She seems to make herself right at home in the classroom!  She has just a *few* more years to wait for kindergarten!