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vendredi, septembre 30, 2005
Happy, happy, happy!
We're really very happy here, as you can see! (the punks in corn-husk disguises are really Zach and Ben, in case you weren't sure!) ... and, yes, Jeremy is wearing over-alls; he finds them quite handy for work. I suppose that's what they were originally invented for anyway, eh?
This is the courtyard to our place. The home right behind the giant planter/bench, and between the trees is ours: #6!
There's alot of maintenance that goes into keeping our courtyard as beautiful and inviting as it is. (click on the photo for a better look)
mercredi, septembre 28, 2005
Surprise Entry From my Man... And then a "regular post" too!Hey, you never know where you're gonna find a li'l love-note tucked in, eh? And you lucky readers got to read it! (Thanks Honey!)
Yes, we had a good couple of days jumping into Tony and Rebekah's busy life. It was a busy break for us, but restful because it
wasn't our busy lives... you know what I mean? Change is as good as a rest sometimes.
The boys had fun together. Zach's not quite at the "sleep-over" stage; he can't lay down with all the toys around, so he listened to Aunty Bekah's story-time, and then went to sleep on Mommy and Daddy's mattress in the spare room.
The high-light of Zach's weekend, I must say however, (sorry cousins) was going to see Thomas the Train at the Vernon Mall! Jer and I had kinda anticipated the real T
homas train to be on the tracks behind the mall, but it wasn't. There was a stage inside the Mall, with a pretend Thomas (only the front part of a train) that was revealed from behind the black curtain. Not at all a disappointment for Zach, however, but somewhat of a relief! He had been quite nervous about actually meeting a large, life-size noisy Thomas train!
mardi, septembre 27, 2005
It's bugs life.
We went up to Armstrong to visit the Janzen5 this past weekend. (I took a photo of the shed next door which was crawling with beetles). We had a great time. I am sure Tanya will elaborate a little more than I am now.We sure are gald we made the move to be closer to family. It's so great to see all the boys get so excited to see each other, than spend hours playing together.
Well it's back to work for me tommorow. But I cannot complain. Tanya never seems to be "off" from her work. Yet she does all she does without complaining . I am truly blessed to have such an amazing women for a partner and a mate. I cannot imagine spending my life along side any other. Though these day's life feels pretty overwhelming-with the responsability of raising a family together and trying to build our relationship-I am anticipating our future with hope and joy.
dimanche, septembre 25, 2005
I see you.
Halfway up Knox there is a picnic area with a playground. Zach had fun climbing around on the ladders and sliding down the slide.
We went for a family hike up Knox mountain yesterday. The sun was warm and the scents of the earch were invigorating. Cedar, Pondorosa pines and rich soil all combined with the fall air to tingles our noses. Zach even sampled some type of holly berry when we had our back turned. He came to us and pointed to the bush tellings us he tried one but spat it out becuase it tasted yuckey. We were glad for that.
We stopped short of the summit and sat down on a rocky ledge to take in the sights and sounds. Zach loved listening to the crickets and crows. The sounds from the lumber mill at the base of the mountain also caught Zachs attention. Zach loved running up and down the trails in his rubber boots. He is quite the character. Ben too had fun. He snuggled close to mommy in his ergo carrier. He even got to have a snack when we stopped to sit down.
samedi, septembre 24, 2005
Part of our town-house in view...
Cooked up a big Asian dinner for Jer's sister and her boyfriend. The menu included: Korean Kim-bap (like a california roll idea), home-made won-ton soup, chop suey, sweet and sour pork and steamed rice. The two of them babysat our boys for us this night while Jer and I went to Bible Study.
Behind us eating you can see our computer/ study area, just to the left of our living room area, just behind our dining room area.Looking from our living room area now: on the other side of our dining room area, across the bar counter is our kitchen (Find Ben.) This contraption hanging from our living room area ceiling is a mobile on an extension that doubles as our jolley-jumper connector. (in case you were wondering)
jeudi, septembre 22, 2005
ITS HERE!
hey it's me Ben here...just thought i would let everyone out in blog land know that you will be seeing a lot more of me now that my mommy and daddy got their digital camera.
mardi, septembre 20, 2005
Our camera is coming...Seems we were supposed to have registered on-line to recieve that new, FREE digital camera from Telus. No wonder we've been waiting for over a month for it to get here; we were beginning to think this strike had put all their services on hold! But alas, Jeremy finally became impatient enough to phone and see what the hold-up with this special promotion/gift was. AHA! Now it should be getting here very soon.
ps: hung a load of laundry today again!! ;)
walked to library and local MCC to buy Zach some shoes and a sweater. You in Abby have a splendid MCC store compared to the little hole in the wall here. Anyway, thrift is still a blessing.
lundi, septembre 19, 2005
Hang it out to dry...I've been eager to "use up" the last remaining hang-dry-worthy days there are. Again today I've washed a couple of loads and used my fold up racks to hang these articles out in the sun and breeze. Today is proving to be a good choice for such a task.
Last week, on one of my laundry days, I opted to hang-dry three loads, and they all hung in our bedroom by evening time, and were just barely dry enough to put away the next morning. Some days it just doesn't pay to go the cheap way- it just adds stress to keep moving that laundry around all day to get the best drying location!
I do my laundry at the little laundro facility in our complex. It's $1.25 per load to wash, and the same amount to dry. Considering I do at least 5-6 loads of laundry a week, I pay over $7 just to wash them. Double that if I were to use the drying machines each time as well.
Jer figures that this route is still cheaper than the hydro we'd be paying to own our own machines- anyone beg to differ?
Another note on drying, I just spli, pitted and arranged two sheets of plums to dehydrate in the oven- at least attempt to. We'll see. We got rid of our dehydrater somewhere during our last two years of 8 or so moves. (It was just too bulky to keep finding storage space for!) Ive got my oven on low, and cracked open a couple of inches, with a fan blowing over the plums. Sounds like it should work, eh? We'll see. Otherwise, it's PLUMA-MOUSSE all the way baby!
Another note on drying. Zach's potty training is coming along slowly. Anyone got some amazing tips for me? (other than: be patient) I bought Zach a gift for the day he demonstrates he is trained. Coincidentally- honest, because I didn't think of this before- I bought him a toy train with a train DVD as his gift. I'll call it his I'M TRAINed GIFT!
Speaking of "dry", would you call my sense of humour "dry" or... just cheesy? (I suppose there is such a thing as "dry cheese".... I won't go there!)
Have a good day everyone!
Tanya
mercredi, septembre 14, 2005
September Update!September Update
I realized just now that during the months of May, June and July- while we were in Abby- I didn’t transfer my update letters to hard-copy so that I could record them on my hard-drive. Did any of you readers by chance keep those update letters in your e-mail files and could send them back to me so that I can have it saved? I write these letters as much for myself as I do for you all- sort of a monthly diary that I let you sneak peaks at. It’s … therapeutic for me during this season of my life. (I’m sure some of you bloggers would agree!) I would be greatly appreciative of your efforts to send those on my behalf!
And so Autumn is upon is. From scorching, dry heat one day, to a week of rainy cleansing, leading right into that undeniable cool, crisp sensation in the air- even on sunny days. The yearly cycle continues to hold us all bound in its ways.
Jeremy and I agree that Fall is our favorite season of the year. Not only does it hold our anniversary date somewhere back four years, but it holds many other good memories with the feelings of cool air on the skin, the need for a campfire (summer campfires are more aesthetic than necessary, wouldn’t you say?), bursts of colors and crackles under-foot, smells of chimneys stoked up for another round, harvested flavors of incredible variety…. And probably one of my favorite anticipations of the arriving cooler weather is the presentation of the down duvet. We look forward to actually covering ourselves at night, and cuddling again rather than groaning when there’s nothing left to take off, and squirming at the clammy touch of the other- especially when Zach climbs in to bed with us!
With that intro, let me tell you that we are doing… fine. Well. Good. I mean that.
We’ve had our moments in the past month- moments where it seemed we’d lose our minds, or heads even perhaps. We’ve had, as our pre-marital counselors so long ago brought to our attention, “ebbs”. My initial response to these “ebbs” in life is: I hate them; let’s get them out’a here! In the “Plett-ionary”, the definition of “ebb” is: the times in life/marriage/relationships when everythings a little jerky… (I didn’t say anyone is a jerk, although each individual may tend to think along those lines of the other….) Then there’s the “flows” where everything moves along just dandy- no hitches, no bumps, no hate… just love! If only life were one big “flow”- no broken car, no “too big” bills, no struggles at bed-time (with cranky kids or cranky mommy and daddy), no misunderstandments (I know that’s not a word, so I’ll invent it) or broken expectations. These have become common words around our home in the last few years: “Are we in an ebb again?” “Let’s hang on to this flow!”
If you’ve seen those Staples commercials recently, there is an individual who is suddenly surrounded by some challenge they are not willing to take (ie getting ready to go back to school). They are in a crazed panic trying to find a way around the situation. AHA! There appears on sight a large, red button boldly labled “EASY”. The individual rushes madly forth and whops the button with all they’ve got. Why wouldn’t they? If there was such an option in my life, why wouldn’t I?
Zach has been a big learner these last few months. Some of you may hardly believe the development. He’s getting quite ‘conditioned’ with his P’s and Q’s. He’s chatting up a storm with all his hilarious antics. He’s definitely at the repeat-whatever-I-hear stage. He heard daddy the other day tell me that my home-made pickles are “wicked”. Zach approached me shortly after tasting a sour delight himself, and announced “Wicked pickles Honey!” (see our blog for other Zach comments)
Mr Smartie-pants can really push our buttons sometimes as well- and not the “easy” one, might I add. With a powerful and active brain comes a powerful and active will. At this time we face the challenge of discipline methods that work/don’t work, the challenge of potty-training, the challenge of teaching him to share with others and not scream/bite. All ‘round though, this kid of ours is a delightful, energetic bundle of fun. Zach is great at keeping Benny happy too, that is, when he’s not trying to unlock Ben’s face with a key up his nose, or roll him over and ride Ben like a pony!
Benny absolutely adores Zach. His gaze will follow Zach around the room. His giggles are near uncontrollable at the nod of Zach’s head. Benjamin’s cry will cease the moment his big brother’s sweet little voice coos “sweetheart, no cry”. His gurgles and baby talk are great reminders of life’s joys; and his level-headedness in the midst of his trials (ie those mentioned in the previous paragraph) are a shining example to us!
Benjamin, at 5 months old, was recently weighed in at 19lbs. I pulled out Zach’s old box of clothes which he fit into at 6-12 months, and half the outfits were at button-popping stage on our Benny. He’s a wonderful delight –big brown eyes- to anyone who has the opportunity to pop their head into his stroller, or attend to him in the church nursery.
I’ve recently had a moment or two to work on Ben’s scrap-book, and have marveled again at the wonder of children; off-spring- our off-spring! What a blessing; what an honor; what a challenge that still lays ahead of us!
Jeremy is growing into his job at the construction site. He has received his first and second raise already. He has also earned the respect of many of the crew-members- in particular because he works hard, does not laugh at the crude jokes, and he does not lie. *note: he is also envied by many due to the wonderful home-made lunches which his “little old-fashioned wife” packs for him. He has found times at home for himself to rejuvenate with a good theology book, or a sermon on-line, and the idea of continuing his Bible school education on-line still simmers on the back-burner of our minds. Ironically, Jeremy has also found refreshment in framing with my dad on Mom and Dad’s house in Enderby, on weekends and holidays. (The Paraguayan layed-backness of my dad’s one-man crew is quite appealing after a stressful, time-driven week at Jer’s commercial job.)
I have begun the gradual transition into a new routine. With all the new situations, settings and scenarios of our new home here in Kelowna, it has taken a while for me to settle our boys into a stable schedule in which we all work well together, function at our best performance, and have fun in the daily ins-and-outs of life (ie house-work, play-time, errands/outings, nap-time). Without a vehicle we’ve learned our way around on foot and in buggy- shopping, library, near-by playgrounds, etc. I’ve met a number of Moms with young kids who are working outside the home; the driven-ness of our society is a strong lure. I see the little “extras” they can afford; I see the strain on their families. I’m still pondering the possibilities of a p/t job for myself, but weighing it strongly with the effects that would have on our home- even a “stay-at-home” job.
I’ve looked into an “extra-curricular” activity for myself to get a break from home-life (yes, it’s a selfish desire). So far both women’s soccer and women’s volleyball fall on evenings where other commitments have already been made. Priorities.
Due to our car being in disrepair, we ended up walking to the nearest church on our block a couple of weeks ago: a small, homely looking First Baptist church. It’s absolutely wonderful!! We have been welcomed so warmly by young and old. There is a real family sense there, which is not exclusive to long-standing members. On our first Sunday of attendance we were invited to join the young families Bible Study. We’ll begin this Thursday evening. Yeah! It looks like we might finally make some friends!! (Not to say that we haven’t already found good friends in Jeremy’s family living so near by!)
But with new relationships beginning there is also a sense of intimidation/ fear/ reservedness…. It’s difficult to start over again. Even the church, with it’s wonderful introduction, surely has wounds and issues as well. Everything can’t go perfect. In every aspect of life there are ebbs and flows that we have little to no control over; challenges that can break us or shape us. Would I opt for the easy button?
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith developes perseverance. Perseverence must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4
We would love to hear from each of you so as to know how we can think of and pray for you. We also continue to covet your prayers on our behalf.
Take care, all of you.
Tanya, for the Harnett troop!
dimanche, septembre 11, 2005
On the boardwalk...boardwalk!
The beautiful Kelowna boardwalk where Tanya and I enjoy going for walks. It was always one of our favorite spots to walk when we visited Kelowna. Now that we live here in Kelowna we can enjoy the walk more often.
It would be our pleasure to share a stroll along the boardwalk with anyone who comes to visit.
Here's Zach with his cousin Samuel and uncle Justin enjoying the last hot days of summer. Now it has been raining for the last few days.
jeudi, septembre 08, 2005
Check out, if you haven't...Our "Pictures" link. We'll add more once our FREE digital camera comes in the mail.
PS I'm really enjoying checking up on everyone else's blogs too. This is a great invention, eh?
Tanya
mardi, septembre 06, 2005
My Two Sweethearts!
Hmmm... my boys. I love them to pieces! Zach's into calling Benny "Sweetheart" in a high-pitched, sing-songy voice. I guess he's heard me call Ben that enough times to think it must be Ben's real name. Zach has also been calling me "Tanya Honey" lately. Jer and I have been trying to teach him that calling me this (and smacking my bum) is something that is not up to him. To Zach I am "Mommy". Today, I don't know where he picked it up from, Zach put his hand over his mouth like a shocked girl and squeeled "Oh my God!"
These little ears are just perked up for anything and everything. We do need to be very careful in what he hears, but inevitably he'll hear and see things he shouldn't be. It's not our job to keep him from hearing or seeing anything of evil, but it is our responsibility as Zach's parents to teach him to guard his heart- mind and tongue included. It is our responsibility to train him in godly character and discernment so that he is aware of, and self-disciplined to avoid, evil when it comes to him.
Then there's Benjamin. He's still a doll, but with some teeth cutting in... into the silence that is. Oh, he's a trooper, but I can bet there's a fair amount of pain going on in that little mouth. Plus the side-effects of teething: constipation/diarreah, rash, drooling, runny nose.... Poor lil' fella!
He's not been as sound a sleeper as I once boasted he was- but he's got a good excuse!
He's been eating pablum now for a week and a half, or so. He LOVES it! It doesn't get into his mouth fast enough; between each spoonful his feet and hands start flapping, and he's grabbing Mommy's hand to pull that spoon closer, faster; he starts wailing an eager, begging chant! He's quite hilarious! Not to mention the every-so-often splatter of pablum that sprays onto Mom's face, or right up his nose when he starts blowing raspberries with food in his mouth.
Oh yes, these are days of growth and experience indeed. What a joy to be Mommy to these two precious boys. What a delight. What a challenge. What an honor....
jeudi, septembre 01, 2005
Take time to praise...I've been under the weather and a little down lately- short of patience and energy....
But it's so easy to complain and get down on myself. Anybody else feel that way?
How often do I forget to praise the Lord. And, though it be only a side-affect of giving Him glory, praising really works to lift me up too!
One song I've been blasting out of my stereo lately, and singing and dancing too- in spite of my boys staring at me- is Graham Kendricks: "There is a Hope So Sure" It reminds me that I'm not living for myself. Whenever I get this selfish kick going in me; whenever I feel like getting "off this ride"; whenever I forget to remember what my life is for it is so good to take my focus off me and blare out at the top of my lungs with a song that takes me back to the TRUTH. Here it is:
There is a hope so sure
A promise so secure
The mystery of God at last made known
Treasures so vast appear
All wisdom, knowledge here
it's Christ in us the hope of glory!
chorus:
And the life that I now live
No longer is my own
Jesus lives in me the hope of glory
And each day I live
No longer is my own
Jesus lives in me the hope of glory.
There is a life so true
A life of love so pure
For all our sin a perfect sacrifice
And whe that life was nailed
On cruel cross impaled
Our sinful flesh with him was crucified.
chorus
There is a life so strong
That a whole world of wrong
And all the powers of hell could not defeat
For Jesus rose again
And if we died with him
With him we'll rise to share his endless life
Chorus
Find this song if you can. (on the album called: "Do something Beautiful") It's worth the effort to listen to Graham Kendricks belt out his hope-filled songs of praise!!
Tanya