The End has Come

It's officially over. Matt's high school basketball career ended last night with an unexpected loss in districts to a team they'd beat twice previously. He admits to mixed feelings, some regrets, and excitement at the chance to go back "home" this weekend and practice with his friends on his old team before they have their go at their districts. Could be a little strange for him to sit in the stands at the civic instead of being out on the court.

Growing up is so hard to do....that which doesn't kill us makes us stronger. So we're headin' North--will someone please turn up the thermostat?

No lucky charms here

The Lees Summit North basketball team has had it's struggles all season, but we really thought they'd pull off the upset when one of them hit a three from 1/2 court in the LAST second to tie the game the other night. But in overtime we just shut down and lost for the third time to Lees Summit.

And all of us almost missed this picture in the paper....


Matt's last official high school game is Friday (senior night), and he's ready to be done. Districts begin Monday. We don't anticipate making it on to Regions, but who knows....

To say that Matt is anxious to get up to North Dakota and practice with his old Central Cass team is an understatement. And that won't happen if his team here does well and makes it to Regions. He promises not to throw the game, but is tempted...

Nathan's ball ended two weeks ago and he's looking forward to the stake b-ball tourney this weekend.

LOST? Not Anymore (we hope)!

We hope we found the answer to Todd's chronic condition of being directionally challenged. With a little help from Garmin (getta, getta, getta Garmin) Todd will no longer be roaming the streets and highways of his seven state region.

We're hoping he will make it home a little earlier. We're hoping he can find his way to the boy's away games quicker. We're hoping he can find a Subway instead of McDonalds:)

His dad put it in perspective for us this morning when he said, "You mean my little boy is almost 50?"

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TODD!

In the News

Yes, that's our boy on the front page of the sports section of the Lee's Summit Journal:-)

(He still has that habit of opening his mouth when he shoots--must help somehow!)

Goodie Two Shoes

A friend of mine is having a baby in three weeks (she hopes--her first). Those of you who really know me know how much I do not like to do parties of any shape, size or kind.

However, she is such a support to me in my Primary calling that I felt I should do this for her. The shower was well attended for being such a busy Saturday and I appreciated those who came.

I found this cute favor. It took about 2 1/2 hours to make 12, and I'm not sure I'd do it again:)

After Christmas bargins

Can you believe it's 60 degrees here in Kansas City as I write this? Tomorrow is going to be a different story, so we'll enjoy it while it lasts.

This morning Todd came with me as I went after-Christmas shopping. It's always fun to have his company, but I spend 75% more while he's along. I'm the one trying to put things back, while he's telling me to go ahead, get it, we'll use it, etc. Soooo very tempting, and yes, I gave in:-) It was like Christmas all over again! Minus the bill.

Christmas was a wonderful day. Being together as a family is a priceless treasure.

My sister, Susan, gave me this popcorn bowl for Christmas. Isn't it great? It will never get used as a popcorn bowl because it's WAY TOO CUTE! Thanks, Susan--you're so kind. And it's so much better than TUNA and anything related to tuna :)

It's Christmas in Kansas City!

These North Dakotan transplants are right at home in the "bitter" cold that Kansas City is experiencing...

SO, what did we do when it was MINUS 2 degrees two days ago? Yes, we went for a run outside (unheard of in this "cold"!), and we also BBQ'd steaks in honor of Brandon and Julie's arrival. We are enjoying every minute of their company.

One of the things a Kansas City Christmas for the Hendricksons has included is ice skating at the Crown Center downtown. I'm pleased to report NO FALLS by any of us. Matt had never been ice skating before, can you believe that? He was skating backwards, slowly, before we were done. Nathan easily glided across the ice but Todd, by far, was the best skater out of all of us. Must have something to do with his Wyoming upbringing.



The lights on the plaza really were pretty as well as the fountains.

We warmed up with dessert at the Cheesecake Factory. Delicious food and great company!

This morning as Brandon and Julie left to drive up to North Dakota to visit her family a freezing rain hit. They slid their way to the interstate, and crawled their way north. Thankfully the weather cleared 30 miles out of KC.