Improvement

I have a list--a long list--of home improvement ideas.  This is not to say that I don't love our house, I do, but I like to look for ways it can be better.  I suppose it is my creative vision at work.  Vision and elbow grease, however, are two very different things.  My projects are slow going: an hour here, an hour there, with a lot of dreaming, waiting and, hoping in between. 

Among other things, I am working on every warmish day out in the (future) vegetable garden to prep the ground for spring.  Lately, I have been hacking my way through roots as big as my arm and weeds and thatch more than an inch thick.  It is invigorating, exciting, and tiring at the same time.  Progress is slow, and hard to see.  I keep working, though, because I know my little bit of earth has some incredible potential.      

As I work I see a spiritual analogy.  I have a list--a long list--of personal improvement ideas.  I understand my divine nature, and my potential to be something more than I am now.  The creative vision of my better self is motivating.  It is hard work, it is slow going, and I rarely see my progress.  But, I do hope in the enabling power of Christ to magnify my efforts.  My weaknesses, my personality flaws, my daily shortcomings can be made better with righteous desire, elbow grease, and divine grace.   

New

My little buddy got a new haircut.  I felt bad for giving him so many hack jobs, so we finally went to a haircut establishment and got some help.  Ezra wouldn't sit in the chair without me, and he wouldn't stay without a sucker for a bribe, but all things considered, he did pretty well. 

Ezra got a new shirt, which--wonder of wonders--he will keep on his body for at least half the day.  Every three or four months we have kid consignment sales in our area.  The events boast enough stuff to fill a department store-sized area and have every possible type of clothes, shoes, toys, books, strollers, cribs, etc.  We went this week and got more clothes for Maren, who is wearing 12-month clothes...and growing out of them...

But, we also were on the lookout for a new race car or dump truck shirt replacement.  When we found this red Cars shirt, there was much squealing, and "Mommy, I'm psy-gic.  I'm psy-gic!" [excited].  $3.50 shirt, and a very happy kid--nice.

Ezra's new tag line is "honey."  He says it at the end of nearly every sentence.  "Can we watch a movie, honey?"  "Is it time for dinner, honey?"  "Will you ready me a tory [story], honey?"  Cracks me up.  But, once again, I am his little social mirror, I shouldn't be surprised.  I guess I just didn't realize I said it that often.       

So Big!

My little miss is six months!  She learned to sit up without support this week!  Maren is an incredibly happy baby.  Even if she is hungry and needing food right now she will giggle and talk and smile for a few more minutes while she is waiting.  She loves to laugh.  She loves to eat.  I have introduced avocado, butternut squash, and sweet potato and it was all love from the first 1 1/2 bites.  There was the slightest of funny faces as she discerned a new taste, and then it was just big open mouth for the rest.  Ezra is her favorite entertainment.  She adores the bath.  She kicks and squirms and squeals and laughs for the entire adventure.  Trying to wash body parts just makes her giggle more.

It is rather fascinating to note the differences between her and Ezra.  Ezra was a super mellow baby, perhaps a little lazy, cool to just hang out, not prone to explore extensively.  He was a lover of books from very young, soft squishy toys were a favorite, slept like a champ, enjoyed long naps, liked a strict feeding schedule (and was not pleased when it was disrupted), and was super cuddly.

Maren seems kind of hyper, animated, involved, more active, and prone to giggle at anything and everything.  She is more distracted, less tied to a schedule, and thus much more flexible.  She is not a great sleeper, in fact, her stamina is rather awe-inspiring.  She seems to like books, but has trouble holding still to hear the ending.  She likes her little plush monkey, but she likes ten other toys just as well.  She is cuddly and oh so smiley.  

Love Notes

Dear Dallin,

This makes me smile. 

This is the I-just-woke-up-but-I'm-doing-perky-plum-dandy-glad-to-be-here-hope-you-are-too face.  And I love it, and I love you, and thanks for making my day--everyday.  Thanks for making me smile.  Happy Valentine's Day!
 
Love always, Liezel