Hunter's Turn

Hunter heard that I've been posting videos of his big sis lately, and he wanted to get in on the action. For his movie debut, he decided on something a bit more ambitious than the typical baby "tricks"; instead of rolling over or holding his head up, he took his car out for a spin. Enjoy!

A Better Me

Lately, I can't help but think of Jay Gatsby. Toward the end of the novel (The Great Gatsby), Nick Calloway (the narrator) discovers Gatsby's self-improvement list. On it he included various items to make him more appealing to the love of his life (Daisy). Recently, I have been thinking about (self) improvements that I should make (though I'm not doing so to impress my husband).

Since adjusting to Hunter's presence and being the mom of two, I have managed to implement one change: I'm actually getting dressed each day. (Pretty sure I wrote an earlier post on this topic, but in case I didn't, here's a short recap.) Okay, so I get dressed every day anyway, but my usual outfit of choice constitutes workout shorts and a t-shirt. As for hair and make-up? Well, those were definitely neglected... until recently. Now I actually get up in time to make myself look decent, presentable. My motive for doing so was to set a good example for Leah, though I now realize that I feel better when I do so, too. So, check one for this item on my list.

The next item on my list? Being a better friend. Once again, I've had an epiphany: I could be a better friend. I realize that I say "no" quite a bit when friends ask me to do something (in the evening, or out of Woodbridge). During one of my envious moments (probably when I was checking FB), I realized that I need to make more of an effort to say "yes" or to initiate get-togethers (either singly or with the hubs, though I'd probably be more successful singly). Granted, I enjoy my family time, and with Scott playing hockey, we have fewer evenings together. But hockey is coming to an end soon (hooray!), and I still need to strike a balance between time with him and the kids, and time with my girlfriends... just the girls. A recent sermon intro also reiterated the importance of spending time with my girls. The pastor asked people to identify what they're fans of; I looked at my girlfriend sitting next to me, and, sadly, admitted that I'm not a fan of anything. I mean, there are some things that I enjoy (reading, Sudoku, scrapbooking), but I don't feel like I'm passionate about anything. How depressing! Maybe by reconnecting with friends, I'll also rediscover my interests in the process. So girls, here's to me (trying) to get out of the house once or twice a month (again... I have to strike a balance).

A third item? Getting outside, just a little, each day. You'd think this would be easy with a toddler and living in a house with a yard, yet, I have a hard time doing so. This might be because we tend to take it slow in the morning, when really that's the best time to get out, especially if Hunter is napping. There have been some days when I haven't ventured out of the house at all; ugh. I hate that feeling/ realization at the end of the day. It makes me feel like such a slug. Plus, how can I teach Leah (and Hunter) good habits about being active (outside) if I don't do so myself? So, somehow, I hope to get out for just a bit on a daily basis (and no, running errands doesn't count).  

So there you have it; a list of improvements. I know that ultimately I'm the one responsible for making these changes, but maybe by sharing them, I can hold myself accountable to my friends. Feel free to ask how I'm doing with this, or to call me out if I'm slacking.

Encore

Thought I'd include another video of Leah singing. This time she accompanied the CD in our car. (The song is "Joshua Fought the Battle of Jericho", in case you can't quite make out the lyrics.) I apologize for the angle; the video was shot using the digital camera, and I'm not sure how (or if) I can rotate it for viewing.

And because this post features my Leah, I thought I'd include two quick snippets/ stories. Oh how I love this little girl!

*Last week, Nicole, my former student, had stopped by for a visit bearing gifts for Leah and Hunter. Once Leah warmed up to her, she loved having her around, especially since Nicole would wrap Leah up in the blanket that she had given her. A couple days later, while Leah and I were eating dinner, the phone rang. As I looked at the number, Leah said, “That's my friend Nicole.”(It wasn't; it was a telemarketer, but still, you see the impression Nicole made on Leah.)

*Leah is still ever so loving and kind, and it troubles her whenever someone ISN'T happy. I saw a news story that made me cry. Leah came over and said, “Mommy happy.”

“No, Mommy's sad. Mommy saw a story that made her sad,” I replied.

Leah came over, gave me a hug and kiss, and then, reassured, said, “Mommy happy now.”

Twinkle Twinkle

And now, for a rousing rendition of "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" as performed by Leah, singer extraordinaire (and super adorable to boot!).

Strength & Love

My devotion for today mentioned something I hadn't considered before: the strength of endurance. Those who don't believe that Jesus is God's Son sometimes argue that Jesus couldn't have been  because He stayed on the cross. In the midst of intense pain, suffering, and humiliation, He hung there, doing nothing. How could that demonstrate an all-powerful, loving God?

What I read today, though, spoke of a strength and power even GREATER than removing Himself from the unjustified death on the cross; Christ's power is what enabled Him "to endure the cross, scorning its shame" (Heb. 12: 1-3), all in the name of love so that we might have forgiveness of sins and life everlasting with Him. 

Think about it. How often do we quit or give up simply because the task before us is too difficult? Christ, who could have removed himself from the suffering, did not. He endured in the midst of intense pain and suffering so that man might have forgiveness of sins. Not only did He remain on the cross; He did so for our benefit. He had nothing to gain personally. Being perfect, He didn't deserve such a death. And yet, He died a painful, tortuous death (and rose again!) so that we might be free. THAT is strength. THAT is love.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart" Hebrews 12:1-3.

"And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart" Galatians 6:9