High School Basketball....

Luke is in the first grade at a smallish, private Christian school.  The school building itself houses all K-12 students.

I'm finding that set-up to be pretty awesome in that's how great community is built.  The elementary kiddos and their families support the high school, and the high school kids are great about helping the young kids when needed as well as "high fivin'" them in the hallways, etc.

Both the boys' and girls' basketball teams did well this year.  Marc, Luke, and I like basketball, and we're striving to train Kate to enjoy it as well.  One must simply keep in mind that she's really indeed only 3 1/2.  Sitting for extended periods of time AND understanding a basketball game simply isn't going to happen yet.  Sometimes -- I have to remind myself of that seemingly obvious statement.

There was recently a 9-Day time period when our family attended 5 high school basketball games.  Luke, the 7 year-old with a strong attention span who indeed likes basketball, did fantastic and was very enthusiastic throughout the process.  Kate is 3 1/2.  Enough said.  In all reality, though, Kate did well considering her age.

Both teams made the final sub-state game.  The girls gave it their all, but they were not able to pull off a win.  We certainly enjoyed watching them, however.

The boys won sub-state, and it was FUN watching them win!

The boys' and girls' sub-state games were one right after the other.  Sooooo....Kate had to get through two back-to-back games -- sitting in a warm high school gym where MANY families had shown up to support our team (as well as supportive families from the other teams)....Kate & I (and her baby) took several walks outside to both cool off and get away from the "sitting like sardines" experience that exciting high school games requires.

After those two final games, both kiddos fell asleep during the over hour-long late night drive home.  I actually only captured a pic of Kate -- which I'm guessing Luke will thank me for later!

The next week -- the boys were off to the state tournament in Manhattan, KS -- not quite two hours away from home.  Luke's school was called off so anybody and their families could attend the state tournament.  Remember -- the whole school is involved?  Trust me -- it's awesome!  (And -- thanks to a mild winter for our area, we had snow days we could use up....)

Marc had to work part of a day.  So -- the kiddos, Miriam (our lovely foreign exchange student who is part of our family; whom we let get out of her own school to come with us), AND I headed to Manhattan.  Mar joined us later that day for the actual game!

We packed our lunches for a BEAUTIFUL day, and once we got to Manhattan, we asked a gentleman at a convenience store for a park recommendation.  He gave us a fabulous recommendation.  We ate lunch, and the kids played for awhile!  (Sorry -- no pics of Luke)!

THEN -- and I'm sorry I didn't capture any pics of the next planned event -- one of our favorite teenagers (who used to baby-sit Luke needs Kate and will hopefully at least *sometimes* will again) gave us a tour of Kansas State University.  It'd probably been over 20 years since I'd been on campus.  Miriam, Luke, and Kate had never been on campus.  To Luke's delight, Jillian (our previously mentioned teenager) even showed us her dorm room!

Miriam LOVED the campus!  Luke has now moved K-State up to his number 2 spot on colleges to attend someday, behind Wichita State University (after all -- Luke's in the first grade...one simply can't wait to make a college decision -- Ha)!  For you University of Kansas folks reading -- Luke has already seen the campus; he likes the K-State campus better.  But -- don't worry.  He's still supporting the KU Jayhawks basketball team!

*****

After the college tour -- we headed to the basketball game!  It was very exciting to watch a small school high school team play in a large college arena!!!!  (And -- more comfortable seats to add)....

Unfortunately, our boys lost up not without a good fight!  But goodness -- it sure was fun to watch!!!

And -- the team that did win (Jackson a Heights) went on to win the state trophy.  Jackson Heights had a great team!

And now -- we're on to cheering on the WSU Shockers AND the KU Jayhawks in the NCAA Tourney!  After all -- it's March, and that's what we do here in the USA. We watch college basketball!

The Mundane of Life....

I feel like ALL of my posts have exhibited nothing more than the mundane happenings of our life.  BUT -- I honestly believe that is satan planting that thought into my head.  That simply isn't true.

God doesn't call us to have an "exciting" life (in the worldly sense) all of the time.  BUT -- He does call us to a life of glorifying Him and telling others about His Son, Jesus Christ.  He wants us to enjoy what He's given us on this earth.

It's taken me a LONG time to realize that I don't need a so-called exciting life (again -- in the worldly sense).  I have learned, and am still ultimately learning, that our little family's life in small town USA is exactly where He has us right now.  And honestly, at this point in my almost 40 years of life, I'm content with that statement.  Though, if I'm honest, that discontentment *creeps* in or else there would be NO point to these first three paragraphs.

*****

With all of that in mind....

Kate & I were at "Costco" the other day -- as we seem to be a *wee* bit too much.  We spotted some dresses, and I ended up buying her a pretty pink dress for Easter....I told her she cannot wear it until the end of next month, though she'd wear it now if I let her.  I'm not so legalistic as to have a problem with "pre-wearing" an Easter dress, BUT knowing Kate, she'd rip it if she wore it before then.  Needless to say, it's currently nicely hanging up in her closet right now.

During the same "Costco" visit -- Kate found a little playhouse.  It was SO cute!  Honestly, I'd love to buy it for her.  But, it's about $100 more than we want to spend.

Saturday was "National Cherry Pie" Day.  Our family celebrated -- completely a la mode!

I am thankful for "Marie Callender" as pie making is not my big talent in life.  If you cannot tell, the pie picture is in the lower right corner of this pic!

Luke has REALLY gotten into baseball lately.  We haven't yet put him on any sort of team.  That's most likely going to change this spring -- though Luke doesn't know that yet.

Last summer, for Luke's birthday, Luke received a "throw back".  He uses it frequently.

I honestly don't know if he's any good, BUT it's fun to watch him!

Luke also is really into baseball cards!  Marc has saved all of his baseball cards from when he was younger!  They've become quite the project!

Fun Mama....

I've been known to be just a *wee* bit on the serious side.  

But -- every once in awhile, I get a "wild hair"....

Last week, I came across a website which lists out fun days of the year (as well as the normal national holidays).

This past Monday was National Hippo Day (see previous post).

Today was "National Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day"!  I thought we should just go it -- part of that "being wild" part...All five of us in this household enjoyed breakfast today!

After everybody in our household got to where they needed to go this morning, Kate & I went to our local grocery store.  I never usually let her get a little cart because quite frankly, she's clumsy.  And, I've heard a few people who don't have children complain about them. Don't feel bad for Kate, though.  Her grandparents let her get a little cart when she's with them.  It's called "Grandparents are fun people"!

But -- we were there a little after 8:00 AM -- when the store wasn't very busy.  We only needed a few things.  AND -- Kate simply helped herself to the cart and put her baby in it like a little Mama. I couldn't resist!  Admittedly -- she did a good job!

Later on in the day, I had some things around the house I really needed to get done!  Kate generally doesn't do very well entertaining herself.  Today was no exception.  I finally simply told her she had to go & play by herself for awhile...I was mentally exhausted by her needs.

Fortunately, she went to her little kitchen and "cooked"!  She made chicken, bread with chocolate and pepper (????), and cookies!

I enjoy my time with her.  I really do!  But -- on days where I simply must get things done, she's a challenge...

National Hippo Day AND The Shockers...

Yesterday (Presidents' Day) involved Luke being out of school.  I had seen on a website that February 15 was "National Hippo Day" -- yes -- there is such a day, apparently...

SO -- since Luke was out of school AND it was a hippo holiday, why not go to the zoo?

Marc had to work, but Miriam was able to go with us -- Yay!

Notice the cute penguin behind Luke and Miriam...

I like it when Kate insists on a picture with her brother, AND her brother agrees with no convincing from me...

We ALWAYS take pics with the tiger statue (as does every zoo visitor), and I'm pretty sure this is my new favorite!

Finally -- we get to the hippo exhibit.  AND -- one of the hippos just happened to be out of the water!

I guess it was a "Hippo Day Miracle"! (Name that sitcom reference)...

It was a great zoo day with nearly perfect weather!

*****

Way back on December 28 (I think), Marc & I had tickets to a WSU basketball game.  That day was icy, and it just so happened that the game was indefinitely postponed.

Several weeks ago, it was announced that the game was actually rescheduled for February 15.

Last night, Marc & I went to the game with Luke & Kate entrusted to the loving care of Miriam!

Just two days before (February 13), WSU had a TERRIBLE loss to the University of Northern Iowa.  It was sad and depressing and shouldn't have happened!

Fortunately -- the "Round House" (Koch Arena) was sold out, and the crowd was fun and loud!

Wichita State won by quite a bit (borderline boring at the end)....BUT -- it was still very fun to go to a game with my husband!

*****

On a completely different note -- today (and yesterday) has been overwhelming -- in the need for prayer sense!

I found out about several serious needs yesterday and today...a very sick hospitalized child at Luke's school, a friend in the hospital, another friend's sister in a marriage crisis, another crisis with a couple we know here in town....

Fortunately, we serve a God who us bigger than I can ever fathom here on earth...He knows about all of these needs.  And while it is my job to pray, He knows I'm overwhelmed.  SO -- when I forget or don't know about specific details, He does know.  I trust He knows what He's doing.  There is a bigger and glorious plan, though we don't always see the intricate details.

Buh-Bye to the Toddler Bed...

Last night, we had our family Valentine's Day dinner.

We went to church this morning and took naps/rest time this afternoon.

At 4:00 PM, our little family made the trek with our neighbors' truck, which they kindly let us borrow, into the big city near us to purchase a full-sized mattress set for Kate.  It was simply time for Kate to be out of her toddler bed.

We're HUGE fans of "Costco". They had a special on this set.  We went for it!

"Costco" employees provide fabulous service...today's big purchase once again proved that statement!

We then ran to "Target" to pick up Kate some new bedding for her BIG bed...followed by supper at "Qdoba"....followed by the trip home when Marc would put together her new bed!

As you can see, Kate was just a *wee* bit excited about her new bed.  Our kids are both great sleepers. SO -- I'm guessing I'll see Kate at an appropriate time in the morning, and she'll tell me how great she slept in her new bed!

At 8:30, both kids' attitudes went south which provided a not-so-fun ending to our family time.  BUT, as I already stated on social media, His mercies are new every morning!  Tomorrow will be a better day!

Because it's President's Day, Luke's going to be home as well as Miriam....

The only thing that would make it better would be if Marc were off work, BUT bills still need to be paid. Marc's an awesome provider.  He'll need to go to work.

Sugared Up....

I'm by no means a "clean eater". (If I'm completely honest -- I can't stand the term, but that's a whole other post which I'm not planning on doing). However, I do make at least a feeble attempt to monitor and moderate sugar intake in our home.

Valentine's Parties make that feat rather challenging.  BUT -- here in the good ol' USA -- Valentine's Parties are part of school cultures.  We all might as well enjoy them and make the most of them.

Today, Kate & I spent a small part of our afternoon with Luke and his class of first graders (aka firsties) having fun with their party.

To accomplish this -- I had Kate take her nap early.  It was S.A.D. and rather challenging (in a good way) to wake her up to go to the party.

A mom of one of the girls in Luke's class lead some LOUD, but very fun for first graders, games.  Firsties like to pop balloons, in case you didn't know....(Luke's in the glasses)....

After their teacher and the helper Mamas got them "calmed down" from the games (Ha), the kiddos exchanged their Valentine's from each other and WERE indeed instructed to only eat ONE piece of candy.  I *think* most of them obeyed that instruction -- at least while they were in the classroom.

The helper Mamas passed out the treats -- a cookie (more sugar), some "Chex" mix, some cheese/meat, and a juice...

Kate enjoyed being near her brother at this point....

Surely she's not yet ready for first grade...Sniff Sniff!

To "keep it real" -- Kate, though cute, wasn't the easiest to have at this party today.  During the 45-minute party, she managed to "need" to go to the bathroom twice, had to be put in the hallway to *unnecessarily* cry, and found her way into the "bus line" in the hallway (I discovered this when I couldn't find her in the classroom and had to go & look for her)....

Someday, I'll look back at moments like those and laugh and wish I were still in that phase.

I know that, and I get it....

All in all -- too much sugar was involved in our day, but it's ok!  Everybody survived and had a good time!

*****

This evening, we (all 4 Friesen people from this house) traveled back out to Luke's school for some basketball games!!!!

So. Much. Fun!

This school, from the young elementary kids to the high school kids, has some spirit!  The gym was loud (in a good way), and it certainly helped that the varsity boys & girls won!

And now -- I'm tired.  I will head to bed -- excited that tomorrow is a Saturday morning, and we don't have to be up early.

I'm Still Here...

I've said this many times before, and I'm sure this time will not be the last time.  BUT -- I've obviously been neglecting this blog.  I miss it.  Blogging just doesn't, for the most part, get the attention it deserves anymore. Social media has taken over.

I *could* in theory say that I simply don't have time.  BUT -- I will be honest.  I haven't made the time.

I wouldn't even say I have anything extremely deep to say.  I don't consider myself an excellent writer.

But -- I enjoy blogging when I do.  I will make a feeble attempt to get going once again with NO guarantees as to how long I'll keep it up.

*****

I read today (or should I say -- reminded today) that "I was made to reflect God's Glory"....

I have thought about that since I read it.  Had I read this statement (which I, with all of my being, believe to be true since there is indeed a verse in Genesis that says "Man was made in God's image") 10 years ago, there is absolutely NO way I would've thought that I could reflect God's glory here at home.  I would've thought that was only possible out of the home at work.  I had the mentality (and my husband & I were in complete agreement) that I was not made to be at home. 

Things change.  Fortunately, my husband and I have both changed together.  Simply put: I need to be home with our kiddos.

I'm not at all trying to start the current and not-so-current debate about stay-at-home mamas vs working outside the home mamas.

Instead, what I'm ultimately getting at is that I CAN reflect God's glory here at home.

Reflecting God's glory, in my opinion, is broad.  There are so many awesome facets to His glory.  His sovereignty and love are two facets that I think I'm grasping more and more -- which I will not fully grasp until I'm in heaven someday.

*****

Kate (now 3 1/2) enjoys walking her baby in the stroller. It was cold this morning; therefore, I took her to our church and let her walk the halls....Kate moves FAST. It's a bit of a workout for me to keep up with her.

Kate had to stop a couple of times to give her baby a kiss and make sure she was safe.  I guess the baby needed some simply "Mama Reassurance" -- much like Kate does herself.

After returning home after our walk, I ate breakfast since I hadn't yet.  While I was eating, Kate decided ALL of her toy dishes were dirty and needed to be loaded into the dishwasher.  She combined her dishes with our family's actual dirty breakfast dishes...just keepin' it real here.

After Marc got home from work, he took Luke to the florist very near our home.  The two of them purchased Valentine roses for Kate, Miriam (our exchange student), and me.  SWEET!

It's awfully sweet to see our son give his sister a rose -- especially when, 15 minutes before, he was rather unkind to her...sigh...

Back to reflecting God's glory...it's no easy task -- especially when the desires of my flesh are ultimately 180 degrees from God's desire for me (Hello Sin Nature)....

BUT -- I find that when my ultimate focus is on Christ -- it's a whole lot easier to want to be like Him.  Then -- I will reflect God's glory in my life here on earth.