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

New York City and the Grizzly Growth

 Chew on this: You're never angry over nothing! Anger is always a secondary emotion, you will always feel something else first. You are never just angry! You are always angry ABOUT something. Therefore you are CHOOSING to be angry. Emotions don't happen to us! They don't come from the outside and jump on us. They come from within. Emotions are a useful tool, always trying to tell you something, but are you listening to them? of course, you must still find a way to control your emotions, not let your emotions control you!

This golden nugget was brought to you courtesy of Chipp Judd. He teaches on 'Boundaries' and I thought that maybe we could all use a little nugget of gold today.

Museum of Natural History
NYC

Hello there! Kevin here. I am beginning our blog shmog this time, but no worries, Amy will finish it off. This way you get the best of both worlds... My amazing wit and Amy's profound intellect. I truly believe that we will all be blessed by the time it's all said and done. So to kick us of... we have had such an amazing month. We are so close to our first child's birth that we're having a hard time containing ourselves. Who knew it could be so exciting? (Probably a few of you).


So we have officially started the 'no shave november'. This is also known as 'Movember'. Where, for the month of November, guys either don't shave for the month or wear a moustache in support of research for the cure to Prostrate Cancer. You'll find me sporting some grizzly growth for the month (which is really nothing too new), followed by one day of a sporty moustache (look for the pictures in the next blog). I've been also playing a lot of soccer while out here as my weekly sporting activity. It's been really cool to play a sport that I haven't really played since about 13 years old. I have been improving a lot as I have been blessed to be able to play with a bunch of guys that are really good. This always brings my game up a bit.

We have now got a little area of our room designated for little Izzy. It is quite cute and has helped put my mind at ease because before this I was feeling unprepared. Interesting how just a little bit of nesting can do that. Also funny that it was more me (Kevin) that needed to nest! Ha. I'll pass you over to Amy... be blessed in all that you do! And know that Amy and I are always praying for you, our friends and family. Love you.

 Hello Everyone!

At Barney Greengrass in NYC

Well October has been and gone and still we are blessed to have extraordinary weather here in Toronto. This time last year it was already snowing and this year we still seem to have 15 degree sunny days in November! Fantastic! No complaints from the Aussie here, although, carrying an extra little bundle that emanates heat is definitely helping me stay warmer than usual.
Speaking of bundles, this one is getting larger and ready to unravel. Or maybe I am ready to unravel as the weeks get closer and I feel 'heavier', more uncomfortable and just anxious to give birth! Being the first time, every little thing seems weird and different, startling or just plain annoying! Yet in the midst of the humanity of being pregnant, I have truly had what some say a supernatural pregnancy. It really hasn't been until the last month that I have 'felt' anything of discomfort and really noticed that bending over is not as easy with a big bundle in the way. So thank you God for a merciful blessing and pregnancy experience.
School has been incredible - great classes, great teachers, great assignments and invaluable nuggets of gold. We've enjoyed it so much more this time around, possibly because we know what to expect a little more or perhaps our attitude has changed and we are more engaged and anticipating great return in the experience of being mature age students :) It's a wonderful experience that I truly wouldn't change for anything. The students here have been very excitable to have a baby at the school - or for right now a pregnant lady walking around - it's quite the attraction. I'm wondering if I'll have the same kind of comments and attention once Israel is born! Probably not personally, although Izzy will take over for me in that, but to be honest, it will quite nice to be a little less 'obvious'.

"Where's the Friesens?" Times Square, NYC

And just to show that we still can travel, Kev and I embarked on an adventure for 4 days to New York City to catch up with dear friends Anita and Mike, who had flown out from Australia and had a hotel room for the four of us to stay, catch up on life and explore one of the world's metropolitan hotspots. It was a time of great fellowship, fantastic food and a lot of exploring! Check out our link to Picassa web albums to see a bunch of great pics from our trip.

Until next time, stay at peace with those you live with...it will make life easier and enjoy the sunsets, if you can see them.
Love, Amy, Kevin and Baby (coming soon)

September and I'll never be the same!!

Well, what to say about another month gone by... let's start by saying "Hello!" For in fact this is Kevin writing this blog, a slight twist to the ordinary, but we thought it was high time you heard it from me personally. Heard what you might ask? Well, I'm about to tell you. Hmmm, let me think for but a moment as I gather the many complex thoughts that are rolling around my brain. Yes, there it is, I would like to tell you about September...

It all began on the 1st, which is usually where September starts, and has ended on the 30th. I know... profound isn't it. Everything in between goes a little something like this...

We finished up work in Vancouver and flew back to Toronto on September the 11th (yes we flew on the 10th anniversary of 9/11, and it was quite eerie arriving in Toronto only to find the entire

USA Departures like a ghost town. I mean there was nobody there... at all, and all the lights were off; for an airport??? Weird! Before we made the trip we had one last little visit from a few friends and were blessed with some cute little clothes for our baby coming in December. We were sad to go but happy to arrive. Sad because we will miss everyone back home, but happy to be back where God wants us, and there's no better place in the world than to be where our Dad in heaven wants us to be.

We arrived to see familiar faces Darrin and Daphne, at the airport (interestingly they are from South Africa, as are Bernie, Rusty and Donovan who dropped us off in Vancouver). Funny getting dropped off at one Canadian Airport by a South African family only to get picked at another by another South African family. Although for Darrin's sake it would be good to mention that he's originally from Zimbabwe ;)

Upon arriving at the school we entered into a hectic school schedule. We soon realized that the rest we wanted would have to wait until... actually, were not sure when that will be. Our first week back we laughed, we cried, we probably almost peed our pants, on this roller-coaster ride of emotions. All in all it was a fantastic week and God really spoke to us in very profound ways. The first week was followed by the second, and so on until the end.

We were part of a great conference that they held here, with a highlight of it all being, for me, looking into the eyes of Heidi Baker, a woman from Mozambique, that could only be described as a modern day Mother Teresa (my opinion only), which felt, to me, like I was looking into the eyes of the Holy Spirit. It is safe for me to say that this experience will probably come to be known as one of the single handed most important moments of my Christian walk. I suppose that might seem extreme, but really if it was anything else but extreme would you even believe it was me writing this blog? I mean really!

I suppose September couldn't be complete without the most important part being discussed at least a little bit. Our little snoofles! Little Izzy is growing, as is our infatuation with her. I can't stop wanting to just poke Amy's belly whenever possible just to see if she'll respond with some sort of amazing thing. She is so smart and cute and friendly. I think she might just be the most amazing thing God has ever created. And I full well know that the stern, yet lovely, Russian ultra-sound lady could have gotten it wrong, and Izzy could very-well turn out to be the most brilliant, handsome, strong and rugged man this world has ever known, but either way I'm convinced that my life was simply boring before this moment and everything I've ever known was sheer stupidity before the genius of this child. Now, of course, there may be some that would disagree. They would say silly things like"you're only feeling

this because, or, just you wait until..." But I don't know what tomorrow holds and I'm not sure I really care why I feel this way, I only know that right now I'm living for right now, and right now, this is so very cool and my child (who isn't even born yet) is the most incredible person I've ever met!!

So, with all that said, I suppose I better get to the point of it all. September was pretty awesome and me thinks that October is going to be even better. Loads of love to all of you from all of us here,

Kevin, Amy and The Baby (most likely Izzy!)

Summer Time Edition

Hey Everyone!

We decided to take a little 'time-off' from blogging for the summer, seeing as we have been travelling all over the country (literally) and do one update for the last two months.

This summer has held quite the high's and low's for us as a family and we are both in much need of some reeeeeesssssst before we hit Toronto again for school.

Sadly and tragically this summer, my (Amy's) sister-in-law, Lisa passed away suddenly, due to a combination of heart failure and an undetectable tumour behind her kidney. Left behind to figure out life without her, is my brother Ashley and their three beautiful children - Taylor 14, Madison 11 and Brody 8. After a recent conversation with my brother he has shared that it's 'one day at a time' and keeping life as normal as possible, because that's how Lisa would have wanted it. There were 600 people at her funeral, a clear indication she was a woman who left a legacy. We love you Lisa. You will be so dearly missed.

Now for other news...

This summer began with a jump start into some R&R in Alberta and Saskatchewan. We attended cousin Burke's wedding in Edmonton and had a blast connecting with the Nagle (Mom's) side of the family. Following the wedding we toured Saskatchewan to see the Friesen (Dad's) clan and I (Amy) got to meet a few Friesen's I had not yet met! We had a great time at Jeanette lake with Uncle Merlyn and Aunty Elna - we even went fishing for our dinner and Kevin and I caught our first official fish. Kevin outdid himself by gutting, cleaning and EATING his catch - truly impressive for a non-fish eater! We then spent a few days at Middle Lake to visit Uncle Kenton's family and hang out with the kids.

Upon arriving in Vancouver we were greeted by some wonderful and missed friends whom we were able to briefly catch up with before heading back on the road again States bound for California and Washington. WE spent an amazing time in both states with dear friends and were so blessed to have the opportunity to work and play.

Back in Vancouver for the second time around, Kev and I both plugged into our old jobs to continue compiling school funds and baby funds for the little one on the way, due in December. We've enjoyed some great moments with our church community and friends throughout this time and even a surprise visit from a dear friend Jess, all the way from Greece.

Our last trip on the road took us to Kamploops and Vernon to spend a short but quality time with Dad Friesen and friends Marky and Heather and Greg who popped up to the lake for his 40th. Happy Birthday Greg!!! We love you.

As our time here nears to an end, goodbye's are again difficult, yet we feel a fresh sense of anticipation for the second season of school to come, and of course parenthood!

We send our love and blessings to you all and hope your summer's have been a time of rest and play and sweet memories.

The next update will be back in Toronto once school is underway and we have 'settled' again.

Peace,

Kevin and Amy

Double Jointed

Hi Guys!

I don't know exactly what happened with last months post, but somehow we got booted off the site...leaving everyone including us perplexed and wondering if those crazy Friesen's are ever returning to Blogger.

Well fear not - I am in fact going to do a double posting this month, hence the title and recap to inform you of all the great and wondrous happenings here in Toronto.

First things first, for those who may not have caught the fly by of the last post, our bumper news was that we are PREGNANT!!!! Yay, a baby Friesen is on the way. Last week Kevin and I were able to hear the heartbeat which confirmed in us, one - there is a baby in there, and two - we LOVE this little dude/dudette!!!

So the last two months have been super packed full of events, schoolwork, roadtrips and all the in between.

Here are some highlights:

- Our Two Year Anniversay, celebrated in Stratford.

- The Ohio Roadtrip with John Arnott for the Miracles, Signs and Wonders Conference. We got to be the ministry team and have a whole lot of woot-hollerin' fun along the way! Kev and I also got to meet one of our favourite musicians - Rick Pino (in pic).

- Boys Honouring Day: where the SoM girls organize a day to celebrate and honour the men. This school we had an Army theme and sent them out canoeing with an Awards Ceremony in the evening - tears were noticed in certain mens eyes.

- Girl's Honouring Day - this time it's the guys who put on the big day for the ladies, and it started with breakfast in bed and a single rose...awww, and ended in a glamourous ceremonial dinner with the two french and one italian guy making us dinner! B-lessed!

- Most recent subjects studied: The Law/The Pentateuch, The Book of Revelation and currently studying Foundational Doctrines - all of them stellar teachings that leave your mind hugely expanded!

- A new member of the Friesen clan: Freedom the Fish, who was adopted after Girl's Honour Day. He was previously used as a decorative table piece, but we saved him from a life of exploitation. He now happily decorates our room!

- Summer weather! Need I say more...

- And I guess just all the fun little moments we share together, whether studying for book reports, doing homework outside, going for walks, analyzing the nutritional value of the cafe food and hanging with the other students. It all makes life all the more enriched.

Until next time loved ones, have a great Spring/Summer or Winter (depending on your hemisphere).

Love Kevin, Amy, Friesen Jnr, Verdi the Plant and Freedom the Fish