Life not-so-lately

I have (obviously) been terribly behind on blog posts - I keep not posting things on Instagram because I plan to make it a blog post instead, but those "posts" have accumulated...

So, in the name of efficiency, this is going to be one long post of "short posts" (a la a book of short stories).  This blog is very much a tool for posterity's sake, so while I do share it for those who are interested, I definitely don't expect anyone to be super invested or read it in its entirety, by any means.

As we put away our Christmas decorations on Epiphany, I reflected on the joy and magic and special-ness of this season with kiddos.  We took the week off school the week before Christmas (as well as a couple after) and immersed ourselves in the Christmas story.  After talking about all things Christmas in Sunday school, as well, Lydia requested we make a nativity, and Jacob was immediately on board.  I assisted with the structure, but the rest was all them.  They brought out all their stuffies to play various roles (note the Furby angel (thanks, Sonic)) and proceeded to truly adore their baby Jesus. 

What struck me most about this occurrence was how organic it was.  I played no part in initiating any of ideas; I simply granted a request to help with the heavy-lifting.  This was a role-play I certainly could have tried to orchestrate.  A reenactment I could have prescribed and directed.  By giving them space to play and imagine (even if that space was created due to me wanting to finish the breakfast dishes), however, they did it all on their own, and it was so precious.

I was feeling under the weather one day, so Jacob made and delivered a red-themed Lego creation with special flowers and love notes in the mailbox.  Lydia followed suit as best she could.  ♥

Work smarter, not harder.  Proud of this boy!

modeling their "skis"
(You gotta do what you gotta do for entertainment in the dead of winter...)

a snow "donut shop" complete with drive-thru window, thanks to Daddy

The first (and last, so far) time I've granted the "Can we nap together?" request.  They took forever to settle, Jacob was only pretending to sleep, and Lydia only did so for a sleep cycle.  Was sure a sweet idea, though.  (Lydia has since dropped naps, so we'll see if this ever happens again.)

The kids and I recently made our first trip all together to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.  They did a great job practicing museum etiquette and were appropriately interested in several pieces and artifacts.  Mostly, however, Jacob wanted to see the huge "flowers" (a.k.a. shuttlecocks) that we always see outside on the lawn when driving by.  They asked for joint and individual pictures by each one...enjoy:

I grew up going to this museum on field trips and have vivid memories of the delicious smells and sounds of dining coming from the atrium. (We always took sack lunches to eat on the front steps.) So, I decided to fulfill a childhood dream and explore and partake in the museum restaurant (I packed lunches for the kids, not knowing what would be available for any of us. Was glad I did, as the PB&J kids meal option (which is what I packed for them) was $10.50...😬).  I felt so indulgent and irrationally fancy and excited about it - haha.  Totally worth it, though - delicious!

Photo courtesy of Jacob ♥

The steps we didn't eat on... 😉

That post ended up being less meaty than I originally thought - ha!  I guess the quantity of unfinished/unshared thoughts was more daunting than it needed to be.  All the same, thanks for reading and maintaining interest in our normal, everyday lives.  We have made it through winter and are so glad for all that spring will bring!

Gratefully,

Kensy

Favorites of the day:

weeding the garden and picking volunteer cilantro in January

cocoa-dusted truffles

our homeschool co-op

Our Favorite Things: 2015

“Our Favorite Things: 2015”

Lyrics by: Bryant & Kensy Byers

To the tune of: “My Favorite Things” from The Sound of Music

New jobs and good jobs and trips to the mountains,

BSF, small groups, and praise team rehearsals,

A season to celebrate Jesus’ birth…these are a few of our favorite things.

Family time, good friend time, and new adventures,

Seared steak and cookies and sweet surprise flowers,

Ballroom dance lessons and grand piano strings…these are a few of our favorite things.

DIY projects and seeing new movies,

Our dog and friends’ dogs and even our kitty,

Concerts and cooking and dates at the range…these are a few of our favorite things.

When it’s trash day, and a raccoon, opens up our bag…

We simply remember our favorite things, and then we don’t feel so bad.

Toddlers and students and funny coworkers,

Netflix, vacations, and chats with the neighbors.

Warm, cozy nights that do not have to end…these are a few of our favorite things.

Fresh air and trimmed hair and time at the pool,

Long walks and Zumba and good bargain hunting,

Weddings and parties and Amazon Prime…these are a few of our favorite things.

New tools and Craigslist and clearance at Target,

Pen pals and board games and notes in the mail,

Road trips and cooking and trying new things…these are a few of our favorite things.

And when we’re asked, more than one time, when we’re having kids?

We’ll simply say, “We plan to wait just a bit,” and in the meantime, we’ll live… 

(full-and-fullfilling-lives-while-enjoying-being-married-and-doing-what-we-want-when-we-want-

yet-all-the-while-looking-forward-to-expanding-our-family)!

Thank you for reading/singing! Wishing you and yours a blessed holiday season! May you find time to enjoy some of your favorite things now and in the New Year to come.

Love,

Kensy & Bryant

Favorites of the day:

our Christmas tree

Masterchef Jr.
these two:

When we finished their puzzles, they said "Keke, let's take a picture!!"

Good times in the Good Life

Hey, all!

Usually, this time of year, I'd say something like, "Hope this finds you well and warm!" Buuut...I'm fairly certain most of you are probably staying warm enough this uncharacteristic December, so we'll leave it at, "Hope this finds you well!"

Also - normally, after going this long without writing, I'd give some sort of explanation as to why you haven't heard from me in a while. Buuut...I really have no excuse...so, I'm not going to make one up. I will give you a heartfelt apology, though - sorry it's been so long, friends!

Ok. Now, we can move from the appetizers to the entrée of this post:

I'm (still) in love with Lincoln.

Not that I'm not learning to also love KC - I really am and really do love so many things about my increasingly-less-new home - but Lincoln will always hold a special place in my heart. This is due, largely in part, to the fact that so many people who hold special places in my heart live there.

The reason I'm telling you this is because I was able to make a (short) trip back last week(end). It was wonderful. It was lovely. It filled my bucket to the brim, and then some! And I really can't put into words how much it meant to me to be able to go back to a place I don't live anymore and feel completely at home (a second home!). To be able to "pick back up where we left off" with everyone I was able to visit this trip back is a testament to the relationships I was blessed to build during my time there and maintain at a distance since I left.

The trip began with lunch at school with the kiddos I used to nanny for (you may remember them from several posts...including this one, and this one, and this one, and this one, among others).

She and I used to visit her brother at school during lunchtime.
Now, she is the one to be visited.

Though it isn't documented, he's still willing to give me a hug (or two or three) in public. 
I'll count that as a win. ; )

Really can't believe how much they've grown...but still love them so!

I also got to spend the afternoon with their amazing mother and stick around for their school Christmas program rehearsal! Precious kiddos singing (proudly and beautifully) about Jesus? Be still my heart.

Then, after a trip down memory lane visiting a dear cousin who happens to live in my old dorm at NWU, as well as a lovely dinner and catch-up time with former coworkers/current friends, I got to spend the night at the coop!

Look who was waiting for me in bed!You may remember a post about this...☺

Coopmates for life!

The next day started with a friends' annual party (one of the coolest parties ever, by the way...details upon request) and lots of quality time with friends...

"These are a few of my favorite things..." ☺

...and ended with a surprise visit to another party!

I just really love when my friends are friends!

I was very thankful for good weather and safe travels all around. The timing worked really perfectly to squeeze everyone/everything in this time around - it was all meant to be! Though I wasn't able to see everyone I would've liked, I made the most of the time I had and was very glad to see those I did.

That's all, for now, I think. Except - can you believe it's the middle of December, already?! Sheesh. Sure do love this time of year, though!

And I love you all! ☺

Holiday spirit-ly,
Kensy

Favorites of the day:

cheesy Christmas movies

middle school band concerts

Ok, maybe not actually a favorite thing, but I do love getting to support my students!

AND we learned about a free jingle bell app...check it out!

Christmas baking

The other treats that have been made so far didn't get their photo shoot in before they were ea...er...distributed.

The end of one...and the beginning of another.

Happy New Year!!

I hope this finds you and yours well, staying warm, and recovering from the busy-ness of the holiday season.

Speaking of that season...it was great here...but so, so busy!  I'd like to share a few highlights with you:

I was blessed with so many wonderful gifts from my students!  I was (am) floored by their thoughtfulness and generosity:

Gorgeous flowers, beautiful necklace, and delicious cupcakes!

One of the families I teach asked me to accompany them to the Lorie Line Christmas concert!  It was such a festive and well-done show, and it was the perfect way to get in the holiday spirit and kick off the season!

They performed "The 12 Days of Christmas" and invited all the kiddos in the audience on stage to dress up in costumes and play the parts of each "item." It was pretty cute...and clever!  Calling birds = penguins with large phones, Lords a-leaping = frogs, etc.

My trombone student (and his family) invited me to the Canadian Brass Christmas concert!  I've played many arrangements by this famous brass quintet, and it was such a treat to see them perform live!  They were ultra-talented...and funny!  What a fun, informative, impressive show!

THEN, this really great guy I know took me to a Trans-Siberian Orchestra concert (and out to a fancy dinner afterward, no less!  Gotta love Lidia's).  What an amazing and entertaining show!  I would definitely recommend seeing the perform live if/when you get the chance.

Christmas was spent on the farm after a short trip to Topeka (and KC), then I welcomed the New Year in NE, KS, and OK.  Praise the Lord for winter breaks, flexible work schedules, my new car, and safe travels!  ☺

This week brings the start of the new semester...and the new year.  As I've told you before, I don't do resolutions.  I'm sure, however, that 2014 will be a year full of new adventures, growing relationships, and countless blessings.

♥,

Kensy

Favorites of the day:

quality time with loved ones

an extra day to recuperate after the break (today was a "cold" day (as opposed to snow day) - no school...or lessons!)

a free combo meal coupon from Don and Millie's due to putting my business card in the "free lunch" drawing!

playing Scrabble while watching "The Wedding Planner"

Happy New Year...AND Happy One Year! : )

Happy 2012, all!  I've told you before I'm not one to make new year's resolutions, so that's not what this post is going to be about.

Instead, I'd like to tell you a little about my wonderful break!  Most importantly, I've been able to spend some quality time with some of the people I love most!  I've traveled some, relaxed quite a bit, played some awesome games, watched some quality movies, and eaten some absolutely delicious food!  All this was possible, because my primary occupation runs on the school calendar...which means I still get school breaks!  Can't tell you how thankful I am for that...and for my other employers' flexibility.  

Don't worry - I have worked some since I've been back in town.  It's been strange (and nice!) to go to one job in the morning and come straight home when I'm done.  It's also been nice to have some quality time to get lots done while I'm there!

If you read my last post, you're familiar with some of the precious gifts I received from my students (check it out if you haven't, yet!).  I've also received some super cute picture cards and letters from some of you and truly appreciate being added to your Christmas lists!  Charlie and I had a great time in Topeka, again, and were able to give and unwrap some wonderful gifts.

I'm so very thankful to have a family who is willing to house (and babysit) Charlie.  It relieves the stress and guilt of leaving him home alone, which in turn allows me to fully enjoy my time away.  He's never without someone to play with, and as a result, this was a common occurrence at various times during the day (until Dad kicked him off the furniture☺):

Speaking of Christmas gifts...and Charlie - Do you remember a certain gift I received last year? My family gave me the items and other means to adopt a kitten.  I waited till I was back in Lincoln to pick one out, and one year ago today, I adopted Charlie.  I won't get sappy on you, but it was a pretty great gift.  ☺

Lastly, for those of you who don't live in Nebraska, I just thought you should know that it was 68-degrees today.  I resisted the temptation to wear flip-flops...and later wished I had.

If you have a resolution you'd like to share, feel free!  I might write about a couple of things I plan to do better this year in a later post...we'll see. 

Fondly,

Kensy

Favorites of the day:

being able to go out on a whim

road trips

checking things off my to-do lists

Merry Christmas from the Coop!

Hello and happy one week before Christmas!

I know this week is going to fly by, so I wanted to get this post out there before time gets away from me. 

The following is my Christmas letter for this year.  Some of you have already read it, and it won't be news to most of you, but thought someone might want to read it:

Dear friends,                                                                                                              

               

I hope this finds you well as the year comes to an end.  As we endure the craziness this time of year brings, may we all remember the Reason for the season and take time to soak in the beauty and nostalgia of Christmas.  In honor of my love of baking and trying new recipes, I’d like to give you a glimpse at my year in the form of a recipe.  Enjoy! 

Kensy’s Recipe for 2011

1 refurbished chicken coop (and 2 terrific landlords)         

1 city (Lincoln, NE)                                                

a few really great roommates                                       

1 new cat, Charlie (from local shelter)

2 wonderful parents (empty nesters in Topeka)               

1 amazing brother (junior in mechanical engineering at KSU)

1 blog (and many faithful readers!) – http://k-scoopfromthecoop.blogspot.com/

5 jobs (each with its own spectacular boss and fabulous coworkers)

37 music students (give or take a few depending on the time of year; including mostly piano, except for one trumpet student (more during the summertime) and many precious musical moments)

2 Bible studies (young adults and single women)             

several handy and helpful local mechanics

1 band tour to Denver (Yes, I already graduated.  They needed a horn player, and I was able to play the part.)

2 summer trips to Colorado (one to Denver for a cousin’s wedding and one to Estes Park with the family and church/friend group from Topeka), both beautiful and indescribably incredible

3 college friends on a trip to Fort Lauderdale, FL (first non-school-related, non-family vacation…and it was glorious!)

1 run-out weekend mission trip to Joplin, MO (including distribution center help and fellowship with young adult Bible study members)

a couple trips to Topeka (Fourth of July, player piano party, Thanksgiving,

numerous hours spent with friends and family (watching movies, playing games, eating, dancing, etc.)           

Evenly mix jobs in with ingredients listed above them, sprinkling in other ingredients occasionally, until just combined.  Pour into mold made of countless God-given blessings and bake at varying temperatures for 365 days.  Leave finished product in plain view for the purpose of remembering and enjoying the process of its creation, but anticipate the similar, but deliciously different, year to come.

Yield: 1 year/365 days/8,760 hours/525,600 minutes (cue Rent song)

Note: an eligible bachelor would accompany this recipe well, if one can be located… : )

Here's Charlie modeling his Christmas outfit for my parents when we were home for Thanksgiving.  Surprisingly, he doesn't mind it - he actually seems to like the hood part and only tries to take it off if the neck or belt straps are too tight.

Here begin the Christmas card picture attempts (I only included a few)...I'd like to say a big "thank you!" to our photographer!  : )

This was the "good one" from the night.

This is blurry, but such a cute moment!  When he sits sweetly under the tree, I sometimes wonder if he is trying to remind me that he was my favorite Christmas present last year.  : )

So, there you have it!  You might be hearing from me again before the end of the year, but if not, have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Love,

Kensy

Favorites of the day:

yesterday's festivities (student recital, parents, friends, and the Nutcracker)

Christmas music

great coworkers