"Be an Energizer"

Jordan and Tammie got me a great little book for Christmas called "Coffee Break Devotions". It's perfect for me because each devotion is 2 pages long which means I can read it while I'm scarfing down my breakfast before I get the kids ready in the mornings and then think on it all day long after that. So far, I've only read a couple of these but they are great! Today's topic was very appropriate for me as it's something I think about all the time, so I wanted to share. The title is "Be an Energizer" and let me share a little bit of it:

"People who talk to Alison Smithe feel good afterwards, even if they've asked a question to which she's had to say no. (skipping ahead)... She's effervescent - always smiling, full of life - and she speaks with enthusiasm. (skipping ahead)... The key to Alison's success isn't that she's cheerful by nature - though that is a positive quality. They key is that Alison is genuinely interested in people, whether it's someone's baby's diaper rash or that someone close to you has died. When people talk to her, she asks thoughtful questions. She's an energizer. People leave conversations with her feeling charged." (from Coffee Break Devotions)

"Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." -Phillipians 2:4

I want to be like that! I wouldnt consider myself "cheerful by nature". I'm happy and content most of the time, but I'm not exactly cheerful. I'm not someone who always has a smile and brightens everyone's day just by being in the room, however I know a few people like that and I love being around them! I want to be more like that. I dont want to put on a big fake smile and pretend like I care about people by telling everyone how wonderful they are, but I want to truly be interested in people and be able to help people when they need help and cheer people on when they've accomplished something. As I said in my last post, I'm not good at conversing with people because I'm not good at asking questions. But the real problem is that I'm not really interested in the person. Perhaps I think I am, but if I can't even think to ask them caring questions, I obviously am not. For instance, this weekend, I was unable to attend a friend's surprise birthday party. On Sunday, I talked to her at church and the thought never even crossed my mind to tell her happy birthday! I remembered yesterday and now I feel awful! So, if you happen to read this, HAPPY BIRTHDAY SARA!!! My point is, I do stuff like this all the time. I'm so caught up in my own life and the busy-ness of it all that I forget to think about other people. I think about things too late or not at all and I know I've hurt people in the process. So to anyone I've offended or let down, please forgive me. This is a really important part of life that I'm working on right now and I hope that one day I'll be an "energizer". :)

"It doesn't take super-human energy to be an energizer - just some true interest and compassion." (from Coffee Break Devotions)

Friends

It's funny to me how much I need friends. I'm not the type that goes out with my friends all the time or even calls them very often on the phone, but lately I've really been longing for friends. My husband is, of course, my absolute best friend who I get to spend lots of time with, but God programmed us women to need other women. I can't say I understand it, but I know it's true. We long for friendships with other women who we can talk to about the ins and outs of life. I talk to my husband a lot, but half of the time, we just talk past each other like we're speaking different languages (very bizarre, yet typical). It's very frustrating, which is perhaps why I enjoy talking to women who, for the most part, understand what I'm saying . :) I also find it very therapeutic to talk about the kids with other moms who are going through or have gone through the same challenges I am. In fact, that's one reason I like blogging and reading people's blogs. I like to see what fun tricks their kids are playing on them or what cute things their kids are doing and I can share the same about my life and give and get advice.

I have 2 very good friends who I know will always be the very best of friends, but I dont see them very often. Amber and I have been friends since the 7th grade (i.e. 14+years!). We dont talk as often as we should considering we live just 30 minutes apart, but we have one of those relationships where we could not see each other for 10 years and we'd just pick right up when we finally got back together. (I hope we NEVER go that long without seeing each other!) Amber is wonderful and I am so thankful that I have her in my life. Joanna was my college roommate for 3 years and I still talk to her quite a bit, but since she lives in New Jersey, we dont see each other much at all. The last time I saw her was when Owen was 2 months old. :( But I'm hoping to go see her some time later this year. I'm very thankful for email!

I had finally started to connect with some ladies from church in the last 2 years, but since we've moved, I dont get to see them very often because it's about a 45 minute drive to their side of town. I still keep in touch with email and an occassional phone call and I see some of them at church from time to time and I try to make it to Bible study every now and then, but I miss them so much. I miss the positive influence that they have on me. They really lift me up and I miss the candid and fun conversations at Starbucks during Bible study (and playgroup when I was able to make it). I look forward to the new Lake Lewisville bridge at it will make my drive down there a lot quicker so I can visit them more often.

All that said, God knows what we need and he's amazing at answering prayers (as long as we remember to listen for the answer!) He has given me a neighbor that I think will become a great friend. She lives a short walk down the street and we have just connected in a way I dont connect with very many people. She has a 3-year-old son and a 3-month-old daughter, so our kids will be able to grow up together. We've only gotten together a couple of times, but we have the easiest time talking and I enjoy her company. I already feel like I've known her for a long time, even though we really hardly know each other at all. I hope we can build a great friendship and help each other through this difficult but very fun life of motherhood.

I know God made us relational creatures and intended for us to live in relationships with each other, but it's interesting to me that sometimes building those friendships is so difficult for me. I consider myself a friendly person, but it's not natural for me to be "social" and go out and meet new people or even pursue relationships with people i've already met. I'm one of those people that is pretty good at talking to someone as long as they are good at asking questions, but I'm not very good at the active end of conversing. Generally I think it's just because I'm too self-centered and therefore, not very good at thinking and caring enough about the other person. That's something I'm working on. :)

A good week for mommy

We have had quite a good week so far.
On Sunday, we couldnt go to church because of the ice, so instead we just hung out at home. The kids were pretty good all day, so I was able to get some much needed housework done and also got to spend some nice time playing with Owen.
On Monday, it was quite cold (I think the high only got up to 31 or so), but the kids and I ventured out to go shopping with Grammi. It was nice to get out for a good part of the day. Since I work at home most of the time, I get a little cabin fever now and then. :) First we went to the mall in Frisco to buy me some new pants (Christmas present from Grammi - thank you!) We hit the jackpot at Gap and managed to purchase 8 pairs of nice pants for $36! (that's the total!) Needless to say, we were pleased with that adventure. Grammi got a few pairs for herself and I got several pairs that should last me a little while until I drop a few sizes. :) The we ventured over to Babies'R'Us to get our running stroller! Very exciting! Now it just needs to warm up 30 degrees so I can go use it! :) Owen and Ella were perfect angels for the whole day of shopping! Then we stopped by Grammi and Papa's house for some tacos and to visit with Papa before heading home. It was a fun day for all of us. :)
On Tuesday, we went to the doctor's office for Ella's 2 month check up, but I'll write more about that in the kid's blog.
Yesterday, it was cold and icy outside, so we just hung out here again. Owen's school was closed, so he was here with us. I tried to do some work, but most of my time was spent with Owen, but that's okay. :)

I dont know if it's just because I'm getting a little more sleep or because I'm eating a little better or because I finally started working out again, but I feel much better this week. I have a little more energy and feel much more positive. I'm sure it's a combination of all those things plus me making an effort to change my attitude, but I'm very thankful to be feeling better. :)

Starting my own

I decided to keep the other blog specific to the kids and what's going on with them so everyone will be able to keep up to date with them. I'll post updates and pictures of them regularly. However, I've found that I kinda like having a little journal for myself, so that's what this one will be. :) I like having a place to ask questions and get advice from people as well as a place to share things I've learned and share blessings!