To Toddle or Not To Toddle

Hey All!

Greetings from Toronto, where fall has briefly brushed us past and winter is boldly bustling it's way in. Ughh, I am really trying hard to see the sudden drop in temperature as a wonderful thing - oh wait...yep, ok, winter boots. Good, there's a positive!

So I think a new thing is in play here with the 'monthly' blog. It is very apparent that our transition into parenthood has made blogging monthly not as convenient. So we are proposing to Blog quarterly - that would mean every three months, which in our world seems quite doable. There may be sooner posts, but as a general rule - a quarterly blog is the new norm.

Here are some highlights from he last three months:

*Amy gets out on the town for a Girl's day with Talia. New haircuts included!
(May I add this is the FIRST official outing for me in 9 months!)

*Thanksgiving!!!! Always a scrumptious time. We nearly had the God-Quad (which is four invites over the course of one weekend, something that only the Lord Himself could do, hence the name) but thankfully it was a wonderful duet. Our first dinner at Darrin and Daphne's with 40 other folk bustling around the table grabbing the next piece of pie. Our second was with Talia's family, a less populated dinner with still all the trimmings expected and a game of 'spoons' thrown in for added memories!

Dinner at Felini's

*First family road trip to Stratford. The last time we visited was our second anniversary and alone. This time we had a baby on board and may I just say, that we are some savvy parents. Baby monitors are great when: you can book your hotel, put your baby to sleep and slip out to the Italian Restaurant Felini's next door for dinner and still hear your baby in the hotel room! Brilliant! It was a sweet time as a family to experience our first little vacation.

*Kevin picks up some weekly work mowing lawns.

*Israel has taken on new territory - our baby is now emerging into Toddlerhood. She aptly crawls anywhere she  possibly can, however the latest addition is toddling around and walking with us while holding our hand. She has also gained a greater food repertoire and has a few favourites - bread, pasta and blueberries! That's our girl! Heavy on the carbs! Well, lets be honest, she loves any meat, and has a healthy love of most veggies - especially zucchini, tomato and mushroom. She has recently begun to shake her head, not for any particular reason other than discovering she can and she also likes to flick her tongue in and out like a very vocal warbling lizard! Occasionally she will give kisses, these are open mouthed, often similar to a fishes open gape. We are teaching her 'gentle', as the endearing smacks are getting quite boisterous, you just never know what you may get - a soft pincer to the nose or an energized smack to the eyebrow. All in all, our girl is beautiful and fun is every way. Life has become 'busier' as she puts full priority into moving as much as she can, but it gives us such perspective on how interesting life is and can be when seen through the eyes of an 11 month old.

Our Happy Baby Girl

In other news: After much prayerful consideration and wavering back in forth in true Friesen fashion, we have decided to start taking the steps at moving our family half way across the globe to live in Australia for a year. We have always wanted to be part of a church planting operation and when we heard one was taking place in Sydney, our ears pricked up. They've been pricked for some time, but the idea really solidified just recently. It will be an amazing opportunity to also give Kevin and Israel a true induction into their Aussie heritage. So this move will be taking place around April of 2013, all going well as we wait for Kevin's permanent resident visa to get approved. 

Stratford

We have felt so blessed these last few months with all that God has been doing in lives. We look forward to the future to see what else will unfold on this next adventure. We remain hopeful, trusting and humble, submitted to His plans and enjoying the moment of 'now.'

I'm sure that there will be a blog over Christmas...how could there not be!
So until then, we love you all dearly!

Kevin, Amy and Israel Friezowski

Summer Lovin'

Gladly running over another vehicle

Hi Crew!

The Friesen's are docked after a jostling few months, cruising from east to west, and now back again on home turf in Toronto.
I wish I had blogged sooner, but time really did get away on me and it's only now that I am sitting here typing wandering where to start, as so much has happened in our world, as I'm sure it has in yours!

We are recently back from our summer vacation to the West Coast to visit family and friends. It was a whirlwind tour of homes and faces and that magnificent British Columbian scenery we had missed. In fact upon arrival back to our humble abode, we laughed as we felt we now needed a vacation from our vacation! It was marvellous to catch up with family and introduce them to the newest member of the Friesen family - Israel Hope! And I'm sure I'll get some 'Amens!' when I say she didn't disappoint!

Sleeping on Dad is the best medicine

Happy Gals

We discovered that upon arriving in Washington state, Israel had began to sprout her first tooth, and showed very eager signs of crawling. She bunny hopped around and pulled herself up on furniture practicing standing. Truth be told, our little precious would probably rather get straight to walking if she could! But, alas she broke out the crawling in Nanaimo for her cousins and Aunty Camille. And sadly this is also where our family got hit by a bout of the flu in different measures. I, Amy, got the worst, and am thankful that Israel and Kev didn't end up as bad! Although it made for some great snuggle moments with Dad, as she fell asleep on him not feeling well.

We were on the mend once in Vancouver, and had a great time catching up with the Culley's and our extended Life Center family. We had infact planned to visit the West Coast at this time in order to make  an appearance and witness the marriage of our dear mate Rob 'Shanks' Luke to Stephanie Randall. A day that was as hot as it was beautiful! Izzy's wedding outfit lasted only a few hours before being stripped off and allowing whatever breeze we could find (or water) cool her down.

Reaching out to cousin Marc

It was indeed a memorable vacation. We spent time lakeside in Chase, poolside in Vernon, in front of the TV and fan in Port Coquitlam watching the Olympics with our South African fam....eating bowls of cereal. All the while Israel showing us just how good she is at crawling and entertaining herself and us!
And did I mention what a stellar traveller she is? This kid was born to roam. She takes to flying better than Mum and Dad!

Chillin' and crawlin'

Once back in Toronto we had the pleasure of a visit from Leah, a fellow Aussie gal from Brisbane. We hit the Distillery district for some Balzac's Coffee, Tucker's marketplace for all you can eat (yum) and Port Credit in Mississauga for some lakefront Sunday strolling and Indian food. It was a short but wonderful time.

Now, the Friesen's are back to work, interning with the Youth Network here at Catch the Fire. Always an effervescent time...bubbling and fresh!

Until next time, enjoy your kitchen....because at least you have one!

Love,
Kevin, Amy and Israel Frezetti

The Frezetti Mob

The Friesen Season

Hello, Hello Everyone!


Sincerely hoping this blog finds you well, in favour and flourishing, blossoming and breathing in the seasonal change we have all been anticipating. For some the temperatures are dropping, beckoning the cooler months of autumn and winter; for others we welcome the new life and freshness of spring and summer. One of the things I am becoming known for here at the school in Toronto is stopping along my daily travels to appreciate and encourage new buds as they grow. I'm sure the positive feedback will indeed make for good May flowers!


As we talk of growth and blossoming, Kevin and I have the incredible privilege of appreciating and encouraging the growth of our beautiful daughter, Israel Hope. At just 5 1/2 months Israel is exhibiting a very "can-do" attitude to life and has us smiling and laughing as we watch her explore things with new found enthusiasm. 

Put A Foot in It!

Right now hands are a big hit (as are feet). I will lay next to her in bed in the morning, stretching out my arm above her face, and without missing a beat she startles and breaks into a huge smile, greeting my hand, like an old friend. In fact hands get more smiles than faces right now! Well, except if you are Ian. Ian is our imported Englishman helping to lead Worship at CTF's House of Prayer....and Izzy has a wee crush. Shhhh! We mustn't tell anyone! 

The dashing Ian

It was apparent of all places when we took an outing to Niagara-on-the-Lake for Kev's birthday. As we sat inside the Irish Pub, sheltered from the rain, the waitress took our picture with the assistance of Ian, who needed to stand behind the camera in order for Israel to actually face the camera for a family portrait! <Sigh>  And finally to trump all things, Israel has begun her first diet: banana's!

Num, Num...First Food: Banana

Successfully eating

This last month and half has been very eventful, with my birthday, Kevin's birthday, our anniversary and Mother's Day all a week apart from each other! We are finally able to breathe in the Friesen household without the lurking feeling that at any moment a surprise may just happen to you! This year I celebrated the arrival of my Thirties, and after two surprise parties, lunches and dinners with friends and my family, I was overwhelmed with the awesome celebrations and blessings. Kevin also encountered a similar kind of bombardment for his celebratory day and in fact as I am proud to say that as a community we banded together to buy Kevin a brand new iPod Touch. It was an amazing feat of achievement from a collective 25+ people. Thank you all who contributed!

Three Years, Indeed!

To follow was our 3rd Year Anniversary. A very exciting time for Kevin and myself. We even were able to stow away for two hours, leaving our precious with Aunty Kailyn and Talia, her adopted 'aunties' who took good care of her while Mom and Dad enjoyed some fine dining at Canyon Creek Chophouse. Sipping on our sparkling water with lime and reminiscing about the journey together, staring lovingly into each other's eyes and of course watching the clock, as to when we needed to bolt out of there to see our little snuggle-pie! Yes, we are now parents! 

Talia and Israel

And then there was my first Mother's Day. What a treat! Although I think as the kids get older, you'll probably really get into the fun of it all with homemade cards and macaroni picture frames! But this year was an honorable induction into Motherhood - a blessing indeed it is to be a Mom. Or Mum :) 

Strike a Pose

Well, there's always more, but until next time...stay classy, chin up and enjoy today!


Love Kevin, Amy and Israel MacFriesen

The 'Office'

From The Mouth of Babes

Since the last little blog write up, many wonderful things have happened, and some not so wonderful things as well. Lets start with the not so wonderful shall we? Just get it out of the way I say. Dad got very sick with the flu. He is now doing much better.  Not so bad for Mum (Yes I say Mum not Mom cause I'm half Aussie;) and even less bad for me. Mum was feeling a little rough for a few days and I only fevered for a night and coughed a couple of times, but you know new parents, they were so worried about me that we ended up spending 5 hours in the hospital, just to figure out what I was trying to tell them the whole time, that I was fine!

Anyways, now we're all good and Mum and Dad have relaxed a bit so things are just great for me. So... on to all the really cool things. Ok, so just the other day I was being attacked by this blue thing. I was all caught up in it and I really thought I was going to win our wrestling match when all of a sudden I was just lifted into the air. I was just hanging there all caught up in this thing thinking that I might of lost when I began to bounce a little. Then I began bouncing more and more, the next thing I know there is a huge smile on my face and I'm totally in love with this blue thing. I'm not sure how it happens, but whenever we wrestle I somehow end up in the air bouncing. It's just delightful! I can hear Mum and Dad laughing in the background, they say things like, "Way to go Izzy" and "Isn't the Jolly Jumper awesome". I'm not too sure what the second one means but I think they're really proud of me. You know what else? They are always kissing me. I think it's a little over the top, you know, I already know they love me, that I'm beautiful and that people just generally can't get enough of me, but it all seems a little extreme to me. Once or twice a day... maybe, but we're talking like 50 times a day... Maybe more!!
So anyways, We've been having a blast. I'm really loving the warm sun that has been shining down. It is so warm and yummy. I may have been born in the winter but I think I was meant to be a spring baby cause spring rocks!


I just want to say that I'm ready to take on new challenges. I can drink out of the bottle now. Not a small feat at all really.

No! Not that bottle!! This bottle!

I have been travelling around the world with Dad almost every night before bed. It's a wonderful world we live in. Mum sometimes comes too. Then I have a really nice bath and then it's off to bed for me. I dream nice dreams of our travels together. My favourite so far is Australia, but I might be a little biased ;)

I've been working hard with Mum and Dad in the office, overseeing the Youth Ministry here at the church. I think I'm quite a natural at it because it really hasn't taken me much time at all to connect with the youth and have an impact on them. I see it in there smiles. I've also been talking a lot lately and expressing myself with incredible accuracy, although I'm not too sure if Mum and Dad know how to speak my language sometimes. I'm sure all of you understand me just fine though. So, what else?? I think that's probably good for now, just know that we're doing well and I'm taking care of Mum and Dad real good.
Bye for now and I can't wait to meet you all if I haven't already.
Love you,
Israel Hope Friesen

The Short Summary of a Long Month

Well, it has been busy to say the least. We here at the Friesen household have found the past month and a half quite amazing along with 'immersed' would be a good word to describe it I think. We found ourselves enjoying January with our little one month old Israel as Amy and I relaxed and just took it all in. Then February hit with a flurry and with it a whole new type of lifestyle. We began to work. Oh the injustice of it all. We soon understood why parents will take 8-10 months off for maternity leave. It is really quite hard adjusting to new parenthood but then you throw in work on top of it and well, let's just say we've got more compassion now than we did before; God allows us certain things sometimes to help us where we most need it and usually we need it where it hurts... our pride. However with these lessons of humility comes God's great mercy. We have had many 7hr sleeps and one most incredible 9 1/2hr sleep just the other night! This has helped us get our feet back under us and been able to move forward with our new internship with a little more vigour than we started with.

Interning has been going well as we have been getting to know the youth and spending many hours learning the administration side of Pastoring. This has presented its challenges as well as its victories. Although it can be a bit tough learning how to work together all while caring for our new child, I wouldn't want it any other way. It has started to make me wonder why we would want to do it any other way. It's quite a marvellous thing to be able to pursue something that God put within your heart, with your family right there beside you doing it with you. Israel maybe only 2 months old but she has already embarked on an adventure. Imagine where God will take her if this is how she started? The stars await!

We love you all and miss everyone we have not seen, but always remember. If you are in our hearts, then you will always be with us!

Till the next time -
Kevin, Amy and Israel Hope Friesen

The End and Just The Beginning

One man. One woman. Two people. One baby. Three people. Four.... oh, whatever!

We are now a family.

Minutes after Israel was born

Little Israel was born on Dec. 2 2011, at 6:43am and weighed in at an incredible 8lbs 9oz. I am so happy that she is here... finally. We have all been so patient, waiting nearly 10 months for her to show up, and there are still many, from all around the world, that are anticipating Israel's introduction in person. We are looking forward to these wonderful moments but are so thankful for Skype in the meantime. I have to admit I was looking forward to blogging last month about my sweet moustache that I was sporting for a few days just near the end of November, but it seems that, due to Israel's arrival, she took precedence over anything of the sort. Maybe I can get away with throwing in a picture of it anyways. So, what has the Friesen 3 been up to? Pretty much just getting used to the whole number 3 thing.

The Movember Moustache

With a new one on the scene it sure has created a whole new dynamic in our relationship and how we do life. Everything, and I mean everything, takes longer to do, get done, or get somewhere. I mean, I never knew nor understood what parents went through, until now. I like to think that I had a lot of grace for parents, I mean of course right? they have kids, its bound to take them a bit longer to get somewhere, etc. No way man! I had no idea. I'm surprised that parents don't look even more haggard than they all ready do. I mean how in the world does people like my sister and bro-in-law ever get anywhere with 4 kids??? twins, another and a newbie? I mean I'm spending over half the day in my long-johns cause I can't seem to find the time to put on pants! And I only have one. Not only do they actually go out and have a life, but they have Hockey, Football, Soccer, Judo and God knows what else. I think I'm officially going to claim that anyone who has more than 2 children and can still dress themselves as parenting genius's. So what am I rambling on about? Basically that it's awesome! I love my little girl and if i spend the rest of my life walking around in my underwear because of her, she's worth it. Fortunately, I've heard that it does get easier and that, not only do you reach a stage of being able to get fully dressed once again, that you even start having crazy thoughts about doing it all over again. Insane!

 I absolutely LOVE IT! 

What else to say about life... well, since it really seems to revolve around Israel right now there isn't much, however, i will say this... I'm looking forward to seeing my good friend Greg, who is due for a visit and it was really cool seeing Merrilyn who came for one. Christmas was awesome, New Years will be great, the cold weather makes me want to go to Australia ASAP, I feel like going to a Hockey game with Dave, it's been awesome house sitting, I actually miss working, school was great and my wife has never looked better! I am a blessed man! I wish you all the same incredible favour of God on your lives as he has blessed me. Love to you and yours... Kev

Merrilyn visits Israel and helps out tired parents

The Mommy (Mummy) Update

2am She's finally asleep. I tiptoe, backing away from the bassinet  listening for any sounds that may indicate that her falling asleep was a false alarm. 

215am I lay in bed, tense, still listening for any sign I may have to get up and put on my robe.

228am There it is...grunting. I lay still, wondering how my precious angel-faced little baby turned into a little piglet?! The  noises that are coming from this child...oh, yep and that one is a diaper change.


231am I get up. It's inevitable - sleep is no longer a leisure activity in my world but something that occasionally graces my life at random intervals. I peer into the bassinet and my once swaddled baby girl Israel is now unwrapped and practising her motor skills quite vigorously. No wonder her Dad calls her Houdizzy - the master of great escapes!


245am Mother and daughter are quietly sitting as one of many feedings takes place in the wee hours of the morning. I find myself praying for gangs in LA, inspired by the old rap song by Coolio 'Gangsters Paradise'. Next I'm interceding for a family in Moscow. Have I gone slightly biscuits? Or has my prayer life just taken a turn for the better?! Either way it's a good story to tell.


343am The feeding has finished and my precious little girl is sleeping soundly in my arms. I gaze upon her face and wonder how Kevin and I created such an incredible little person. More so did we have the opportunity to be part of helping God in a miracle. I walk back to the bassinet and slowly, softly and gently ease her in, watching like a hawk for any signs of disturbed sleep...success! 


401am I am in bed, again still listening for any odd or tell-tale sound that may mean my little bundle is awake. Nothing. Just the sound of her fast infant breathing. I drift off to sleep, for how long I don't know, but whatever the amount of sleep, I don't care. I just look forward to the next time I get to see my sweet Israel again.

Our first family outing

Yes, being a mother has it's perks and peeves but all in all, I have to say I lOVE IT! and mostly, I LOVE Israel Hope Friesen. Each day I fall more in love with her than the last. I now can say I am in love with two people. Her father and her...love truly does multiply and grow. What an incredible feeling. 


Well, that's it from the Friesen's for now. Enjoy the New Year break with family and friends, wherever and whatever you are doing. 


Love and hugs,
Amy
and Kevin
and Israel x