Dancer

A cute moment. Last week we were listening to a cd from Neela's school with all the songs she sings at school. I can't remember the exact song, but her and I were dancing to the song. By dancing I mean we were basically moving our hips and shoulders back and forth.

Well, my little pro dancer decides I need to step it up a notch and tells me to turn around in circles. When did not do it right away she said, "Mommy, turn around in circles!" So I obeyed. :)

Then she said "Mommy, kick your legs up and down." So I proceeded to do as told.

Then she said "Stop." When I did not stop she said, "Mommy, stop!!" And then we had to stand still even though the music was still playing.

This story may not sound very funny written out, but the moment was hilarious! I was laughing so hard. She was basically telling me to do what they do at school. I love that she is so verbal now because I know what they say to her at school because she says the same things to her dolls, Elmo doll, and puppies.

As parents we have to be careful of how we talk to her and our dog because she does repeat what we say and how we say it. God has put a desire in our hearts for her to see God in every aspect of our lives. In our marriage, in our family life, in our discipline, with our friends, and the intentional relationships we have with people around us. God has used a book called "Sheperding a Child's Heart", "Crazy Love" and my current book, "Parenting with Love and Logic" to give us practical ways of parenting and discipling. Great books! totally recommend them. Book reviews to come soon!

Another sweet moment that just came to mind. Last night I was reading to her from her bible ("The Jesus Story Book Bible", another one i totally recommend) and we were reading about how Jesus calmed the storm. It's funny because it shows a picture of Jesus sleeping and Neela could not get passed the idea of Jesus sleeping. The story shared about how God cares for us and rescues us and she could not get past the idea of Jesus sleeping in the boat. I panicked a bit because I thought, "I don't want her to think Jesus sleeps and miss the truth that God cares for us and has rescued all of us from death!" But we talked more about how God rescues us because he loves us more than I can show her and express to her. I know God is in control and sitrring her heart and I know I should not worry. I have my moments of weakness. :)

We earnestly pray daily for her heart to know she is loved beyond what Mommy and Daddy can give and we pray she would be known as His. thankful for the gift of children.

Control of all things

Thankful you are in control of all things.


Psalm 104
1 "Praise the LORD, my soul.
LORD my God, you are very great;
you are clothed with splendor and majesty.

2 The LORD wraps himself in light as with a garment;
he stretches out the heavens like a tent
3 and lays the beams of his upper chambers on their waters.
He makes the clouds his chariot
and rides on the wings of the wind.
4 He makes winds his messengers,[a]
flames of fire his servants.

5 He set the earth on its foundations;
it can never be moved.
6 You covered it with the watery depths as with a garment;
the waters stood above the mountains.
7 But at your rebuke the waters fled,
at the sound of your thunder they took to flight;
8 they flowed over the mountains,
they went down into the valleys,
to the place you assigned for them.
9 You set a boundary they cannot cross;
never again will they cover the earth.

10 He makes springs pour water into the ravines;
it flows between the mountains.
11 They give water to all the beasts of the field;
the wild donkeys quench their thirst.
12 The birds of the sky nest by the waters;
they sing among the branches.
13 He waters the mountains from his upper chambers;
the land is satisfied by the fruit of his work.
14 He makes grass grow for the cattle,
and plants for people to cultivate—
bringing forth food from the earth:
15 wine that gladdens human hearts,
oil to make their faces shine,
and bread that sustains their hearts.
16 The trees of the LORD are well watered,
the cedars of Lebanon that he planted.
17 There the birds make their nests;
the stork has its home in the junipers.
18 The high mountains belong to the wild goats;
the crags are a refuge for the hyrax.

19 He made the moon to mark the seasons,
and the sun knows when to go down.
20 You bring darkness, it becomes night,
and all the beasts of the forest prowl.
21 The lions roar for their prey
and seek their food from God.
22 The sun rises, and they steal away;
they return and lie down in their dens.
23 Then people go out to their work,
to their labor until evening.

24 How many are your works, LORD!
In wisdom you made them all;
the earth is full of your creatures.
25 There is the sea, vast and spacious,
teeming with creatures beyond number—
living things both large and small.
26 There the ships go to and fro,
and Leviathan, which you formed to frolic there.

27 All creatures look to you
to give them their food at the proper time.
28 When you give it to them,
they gather it up;
when you open your hand,
they are satisfied with good things.
29 When you hide your face,
they are terrified;
when you take away their breath,
they die and return to the dust.
30 When you send your Spirit,
they are created,
and you renew the face of the ground.

31 May the glory of the LORD endure forever;
may the LORD rejoice in his works—
32 he who looks at the earth, and it trembles,
who touches the mountains, and they smoke.

33 I will sing to the LORD all my life;
I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.
34 May my meditation be pleasing to him,
as I rejoice in the LORD.
35 But may sinners vanish from the earth
and the wicked be no more.

Praise the LORD, my soul.

Praise the LORD."

Happy 2nd Birthday!

What a special moment. It's funny because when N turned 1 year old it was anticipated, planned, and momentous. N turning 2 years old has been all that plus... a bit of a surprise. What I mean is, it came way too fast. She was such a fun 1 year old full of joy, personality, and a learning sponge. To see her invitation from her 1st year b-day party to her 2nd year birthday party invitation, she is so big! My baby girl is no longer a baby, but a big toddler/kid. She talks in full sentences, wants to do everything on her own (and can actually do a few things by herself, and is our personal repeating parrot.

So thankful for our time with her and we cherish every moment. She is definitely starting to test her independence and we are seeing her rebellious heart because we can relate to it perfectly. It's funny how so many ways I can relate specificially to her not trusting us as her parents who have her best interest and love her so much. Man, so many times this is how I respond to God. I am not saying it's right, I am just stating where my heart is sometimes and I have to fix my eyes on Him and not on things of this world. I pray often for God to be glorified in me in my weaknesses to Neela. She would see us daily putting our trust in the Lord's faithful hands to lead us, strengthen us in Him, and to share his love with her and others around us.

She is our bundle of joy and I cannot wait what this year holds for us. We enjoyed celebrating her birthday yesterday. I had planned a fun filled day of outdoor activities such as a playground, swimming, and going to Kiddie Acres, but due to the pouring down rain, we spent most of the day inside. :) We started the morning as a family at Chick fil a for a fun breakfast out. Well, she did not eat very much, but did play hard on the playground. :) Then her and I came home and read a few books, did a few puzzles, and colored. We then ate lunch, she napped, and then picked up her new table from Nana and Nani. We spent the evening at Gattiland with Nana and Nani eating pizza and playing games. She LOVED it! She could play alot of games, but she loved the Jarassic Park game with the gun. Weird I know, but she was fascinated. ;0

What a fun, memorable day. We love being her Daddy and Mommy and are soaking in every moment.




Here are a few pics from my sister's camera:


Our special birthday girl with her cupcake!


Sugar table!



Playing the music game.


Playing pin the flower on Dora. Neela was the only kid who could do this game without the blindfold due to her being the birthday girl. (also she didn't quite get the game. :) )



You can't quite see the table, but this is the beautiful table and chairs from my parents. Neela loves this!


With her cousin Sanjay. She loves spending time with them.




Happy 2nd Birthday to our sweet baby girl! We love you so much!

Apart

Tim has been away at the Advance Conference since Tuesday. Ok, I know it's only been 4 days but I freakin miss him!! In a few hours he will be here in my arms, can't wait!

I am so reminded of how thankful he is my husband and my best friend. These past few days I have realized how much I need him and how much he serves me on a daily basis. Not that Neela is a hard kid, but it's a lot to do all by yourself morning and night. We usually tag team it so I was a bit exhausted in the evenings after I put her to bed. And taking care of our dog is a task. So thankful for my servant heart man!!

Not much longer!!!

23 Months

Almost 2 years old! She is 2 years old going on 10 years old! She is little Miss Independent.

Here are a few fun Neela facts from this month:
- During bath time one night she was singing "Twinkle Twinkle little Star" so I joined in singing with her and she stopped singing and said, "Mommy, stop. My turn." ... and continued singing!?! I was shocked, little miss independent.

- Runner. Everywhere she goes she runs.

- One day in the car she heard the song "Firework" by Katy Perry and she now walks around the house singing this song!

- She has officially turned into a picky eater. She is still eating healthy food, but just not currently a big variety. we're working on it. :)

- Once again, all girl. She loves her hair in a pony tail.

- She is big on ownership. If she sees our phone or her bows and says takes it to that person and tells them this is their belonging. She kind of freaks out if someone tries to take someone elses belonging.

- She is learning all kinds of new songs at school and sings them. Shark song and something else... but sorry I can't remeber it at this moment.

- She loves swimming. She can spend hours in the water with her floaties and mommy or daddy by her side.

- One night at my sister in law's home she did not sleep very well so Tim and I rocked her, hummed to her, cuddled her, and tried to get her to sleep with us. (none of it worked) Well, a night later after we came back home I saw Neela in her crib doing the same thing with her baby doll! She was softly talking to her doll, rocking her, and covered the baby with her blanket. So sweet! She is such a copy cat!!

- She loves her baby doll. She carries her everywhere and feeds the baby her food and washes the babies face and hands with baby wipes. She even tried to teach her doll to go potty and the doll half fell in the potty. (The doll had to have a bath... in the the washer :))

- Really enjoyed easter egg hunting at school and at our church.

We love you Neela and are thankful for the gift you are.