The things we do... today I spent a good 2-3 hours writing out "missed-you" notes to 43 people who haven't been to Mainly Music in a while.

I also took the girls out to choose Daddy their birthday present to him... Tomorrows the day he turns 36!

I have been real slack in the exercise department the last few days - mainly because I have just been so busy, preparing for birthdays, tidying up Mainly Music stuff.

And I realise this is a fairly boring post, but my mind is all mush. Where did the brain power go?

life in order...

so now I am getting my fitness and health in order - I think I really need to get my organisation of my life in order.

I have just realised that I thought there was an extra week before hubby's and Briahna's (daughter #3) birthdays... EEEK when I realised that they are just a week away. Jonathan's birthday is on Wednesday 28th February (he'll be 36) and Briahna's is on Thursday 1st March (she'll be 7).

Also, as facilitator of one of the cell-group's for our church I think I got the dates wrong - hmmmm - I think I had really better get myself a diary to make sure it doesn't happen again! At least cell isn't going to be on Briahna's birthday like I thought it was...

Speaking of Briahna - I decided to do a birthday party for her this year, since last year we didn't, and since 7 is a nice birthday to celebrate. We've invited quite a few of her little friends and so it should be quite fun. I just wish I was as into it as I was for the other 2 who had huge birthday bashes (themed, with loads of organised games etc.). At this time of the year I just can't seem to get into it at all. It's very hard to believe that my little baby is growing up.

5 weeks in...

So... 5 weeks ago I decided I better do something about my weight. Over the past 11 years of married life I had gone from a size 12 to a size 18. Yes, I'd had 3 babies in that time and have had a contented married life - but that's no excuse! I'd let myself go, without even realising it.

So, what to do... I had some idea, and I knew I didn't want to "diet". I wanted to show my family that we could all live healthy lives. So I embarked on a journey of eating in moderation, drinking the recommended daily water (6-8 glasses), and exercising daily. I've had a few hiccups - went on holiday, fell apart during "that time of the month" and a few depressing moments. Today, though, I put on some clothes that were TIGHT in December and noticed that my stomach is flatter (unfortunately, my boob's are smaller - TMI I know... but I never was greatly endowed, so...).

I've lost 3kg since the first weigh-in, which I guess is good for 5 weeks. Especially when you consider that I've gained some muscle weight. It's obvious my body is changing shape.

For someone who dreaded exercise, and would rather drive to the dairy (less than 2 km's away) than walk - I've changed, I don't think my old self would recognise the new me at all! The other thing that's shocking about it all is that I'm enjoying it!!! SCARY! I've been alternating my exercise between doing a half hour walk/jog (using fitness-to-go workout), doing a exercise ball workout and using my stationary bike - making sure I do at least 30 minutes a day. I bought a heart rate pedometer yesterday, which is great encouragement to do better everyday. My goal is to change from being sedentary to being active.

The other thing I've noticed about all these changes is that it affects your mood so much - I yell less. Which of course, my family is happy about. I feel calmer and more settled. This time last week I walked 5 km in the Molenburg SUB Stride/Ride. That's me and my good friend Jo in the photo! I am accomplishing things I would never have dreamed of 5 weeks ago!

my new nephew

Welcome to our world, little one!

Isn't he cute!!! I want to reach right into the screen and hug him - unfortunately he lives in Christchurch and I in Auckland. He is just so sweet!

Here is the announcement I just received from his daddy! (I hope he doesn't mind me having it here on my blog - I just thought it was just so damn cute not to have it here)

Hullo,

My name is Massimo Tomas Davies-Patrick. (Cool name, huh?). Here's a photo of me at one and a half days old. I'm pretty cute I reckon – mum and dad say it's all because of them, but that's the sleep deprivation talking.

I arrived one week after my due date, on February 12, 2007, at exactly 6.28pm, weighing 7 pounds, 11 ounces. Mum and dad wanted to have me at home, but after mum labouring away for 14 hours, and me deciding after weeks of perfect positioning to wriggle my way back out, we all went to the hospital in the car (poor mum).

Once there, mum fell in love with the anesthetist who gave her the epidural – mum was much happier and now talking nicely to everyone around her. Mum then thought she have a go at pushing, and "Tah-DAH!" - one and a half hours later, I popped out!

Mum did an amazing job, and dad was pretty good, he caught me and cut my umbilical cord, and the midwives and everyone at the hospital were so nice too. We're really grateful to everyone for making my arrival such a good one.

So now I'm at home, sleeping for 4 hours at a stretch, breast-feeding really well and generally just being cute and gorgeous. Mum is a little tired, but that's mainly because she can't stop looking at me all the time, and dad's just really happy I'm here.

We're really looking forward to seeing you all as soon as we can. In the meantime, hopefully this photo will suffice.

Thanks heaps to everyone who has been thinking and praying for me and mum and dad.

Love you lots,

Massimo (or just "Mo" is fine)
XXOO

Come, follow me...

“Come, follow me” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him.
Matthew 4:19-20

How challenging is that! Jesus says,” Come, follow me.” And AT ONCE they drop everything and follow him.

To be honest, I’m not sure I would be so quick to follow. I might complain about being busy, needing an income, being afraid etc. You get the drift, I have many excuses, none of them really important about why I don’t think I can do something for God.

I want to change that!

I would like to run when He calls me - I want to be tuned into what He is asking me to do. I am getting excited about all the people whose lives are going to be changed because I am listening to His call – COME, FOLLOW ME!

My life has been changed. I want to shout it from the rooftops! I want to be a “fisher of men”. I don’t want to make any excuses anymore. I have one life to live and I want to make it count.

They left their livelihood for Jesus. They left everything they knew to go into a world of uncertainty – relying on the fact that they would be okay. God continues to provide for his followers, even though, it looks ridiculous to rely totally on Him for food, money, roof over your head – He always provides.

Postscript:
I am going through a phase of wondering where I am in my relationship with God. Challenging myself to work-out my faith. I don’t believe you have to “do” anything to be saved – it is a free gift given by God, waiting to be accepted by us. My faith actions are my gift back to him – the cool thing about it is, I don’t have to do it – I choose to do it. It is my personal act of worship to my maker. For example, when I volunteer to do Mainly Music; I do it not for myself; I do it for the children and mothers (and some fathers too!) who may never know God otherwise. I want to share the fantastic message of God’s love and peace! A peace I know can conquer any anxiety I may be feeling. So, yeah, this is where I’m at, at the moment…