Are you ready for a little this and that? Well buckle up, because it’s time for the December edition — where I share all the random things going on in our lives lately.
I usually write a this and that post once or twice a month, especially when I can’t land on one solid topic. So instead of forcing it, I just write about everything. Congratulations — you get to read Kari’s random thoughts today. Let’s jump in.
This: When Your Brother Says You’re “Cooked” 
Madley made the cutest video recently of an epic comeback she had to her brother Baker after he told her she was “cooked.”
Apparently, being “cooked” is slang for being in a bad or hopeless situation. Madley was playing a game on Martin’s phone, Baker told her she was cooked… and her response? Absolute gold. You can hear her clap back in the video and I am still laughing about it. Kids these days crack me up.
That: Championship Weekend 🏀
Baker’s basketball team just won the championship of their league — and you guys, this game was intense.
All the parents kept talking about how our heart rate alerts were going off on our watches. It was truly that kind of game. The boys played incredible. We held the lead most of the game, but the other team started making shots and brought it within one point with about a minute left.
But our boys held on. They were SO pumped to win.
The team they beat was actually the same team they lost to the weekend before, so they came in prepared and playing with a little chip on their shoulders. Huge kudos to the coaches and the boys — they stuck to the game plan, played hard, and were awesome teammates.
This: Date Night + Nate Bargatze 🎤
Martin and I bought Martin’s brother tickets to the Nate Bargatze show for his birthday back in September, and last week it was finally time to go.
We had so much fun. Before the show, we went to dinner at The Belmont, and if you’ve never been there — go. The ambiance was perfection. It was our first time there and definitely not our last.
Martin ordered the Wagyu smashburger, I got the chicken carbonara, and both were absolutely spectacular.
Nate was hilarious, and we are still laughing about the show days later.
While we were out, my parents had our kids and took them to the most insanely decorated house — they call it the Christmas Vacation House. The pictures truly speak for themselves. So magical.
That: Time with Ty & Zoey 
Two weekends ago, our beloved Ty and Zoey flew to Kansas by themselves to spend about four days with us.
Zoey played in a one-day beach tournament in Kansas City, but Ty stayed back with us and went to all of Benny and Baker’s basketball games. We had the best time together — laughing, hanging out, and just being together.
It honestly felt like they never left.
This: A Full-Circle Basketball Moment 
Baker had some very special surprise guests at one of his recent basketball games.
For those of you who don’t know, Baker is named after Jaclyn Baker. Jacqueline was one of my dad’s players when he was a high school basketball coach. She was a freshman who got to suit up varsity — and she was exceptional.
She was the kind of teammate my dad wished everyone would be: quick to cheer, fully engaged, always playing hard. She was also incredibly kind to me when I was just a little girl hanging out in the gym — throwing me in trash cans and rolling me down the hall, always playful, always joyful, just the brightest light.
Tragically, Jaclyn passed away in a car accident during her freshman year of high school. But in just the months I was around her, she changed my life.
From that moment on, I wanted to wear her number — 41. Not because of basketball skills, but because I wanted to be that kind of teammate: positive, supportive, selfless, and all-in for the team. That mindset stayed with me my entire life — and it’s why we named Baker after her.
Her parents came to Baker’s game last week, and it was such a sweet surprise. They drop in every once in a while and stay connected with Baker. Watching them watch him play was incredibly special.
And Baker showed up — swishing shots, playing hard, helping teammates up. It was just one of those moments that fills your heart to the brim.
Wrapping It Up 💛
I think I’ll wrap up today’s post right there.
Thank you so much for reading a little this and that from our life lately — and thank you especially for the grace and support you showed me after last week’s post about putting Kari Miller Blog into slow motion.
Your kindness, encouragement, and understanding as I prioritize my family, my mental capacity, and the roles God has given me — wife, mom, teacher, and blogger (in that order) — truly mean more than you know.
You guys are the best. I hope you’re having a wonderful week, and I hope to see you back here again soon.
Love you all 🤍
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I sure love all your this and that’s!