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'