mercredi, novembre 23, 2005

November Update

And so begins another letter…
We have been learning much- all four of us; forever students in the school of life.
Benjamin has been learning to pick up little pieces of cereal between his tiny little fingers. He has been learning to sit up and pull himself up and not spit up (as much). He has been “Mama-ma-ing” and “Dada-da-ing” and pondering the essentials of the English vocabulary. He’s growing taller, and losing some of the chubs he had accumulated since his birth. In fact, he’s out-grown his infant car-seat/carrier quickly and is requiring us to hunt for a bigger automobile laz-e-boy to accommodate his safety need. Ben’s third tooth is finally coming through his top gums and is soon to be displayed in his ever-lasting grin.

Zachariah is learning his alphabet and can count to twenty! He is studying his child’s catechisms (yes, really), and carries around his little black Bible diligently. Along with burning his energy up (if that is at all possible) at the playground, Zach is very good at pulling piles of books off the shelf and hunting down every picture of a train or clown that he can possible find within. Zachariah, in spite of all his energy and “wild-ness”, has an extremely compassionate and caring heart. If he ever sees another child crying, he is eager to put a loving arm around them and gently ask “Boy crying? Boy have owies? It’s okay, Zachy here.” Just this past week on a day when I was having an emotional moment, Zach came bounding in and saw my tears. He stopped, an expression of concern on his face, and came over to stroke my face. He spoke to me sweetly: “Mommy okay? Mommy need Zachy’s nigh-nigh?” (that is his little blanket that comforts him)
Zachariah is also beginning a stage in his life where he realizes fear. He has picked up a fear of owls, bad men and the dark. His mischievous, and curious (as well as his sinful) nature seem to be constantly at odds with the instruction and discipline of mommy, daddy and any other authority. DGR! (Daily Grace Required) Other than this, there have been no major (or nearly so) mishaps to report this month!! PTL!

Subsequently, I am learning patience- through having to practice such. I have been learning self-control in moments when rage seems the most immediate emotion!! I have been encouraged through many on-line and Mp3 sermons accessible to us varying from topics such as marriage, child-rearing, Bible study/theology, to the pursuit of Joy! (Ask me for some references if you need such a resource in any one of these topics!)
I have also, if you’ve noticed from our BLOG, taken on the morning day care of a little 2 year old girl: Bridgette Jolly. My hands are indeed full, and I get plenty of stares and comments from passers-by as I push two toddlers in a double stroller, with an infant strapped to my back, down the sidewalk- let alone when I have every remaining nook and cranny of the stroller piled high with groceries and diaper bags!! I do, however, truly enjoy having Bridgette with us, and in some way she actually assists my busy mornings by giving Zach a playmate to distract him from my ankles! (grin)
In my moments of “me-time”, the all-too brief happenings when Zach and Ben’s naps coincide, I’ll be found either at the computer (I am currently working on a Core Paper for my counseling class, as a prerequisite to the Advanced Class I am applying for), on the volleyball court (play-offs begin next week), or in my little craft closet. I am in the process of making most of our Christmas gifts for this year. (For secrecy sake, I am unwilling to divulge any further information on this topic at this time.)

Jeremy is learning a lot, upon deep reflection, about our journey over these last few years; the many moves (perhaps a bit of "felt lead" poisoning), the changes in plans/goals, the motivations, the “mistakes” made, the grace of our good God in his sovereignty, our own understanding of God, and the definition (and out-working) of “passion” throughout this pilgrimage thus far and yet to come. On a slightly less thought-provoking note, work on the construction site continues to be a challenge, both relationally and physically. Most days Jer opts to sit in a quiet corner of the building with Gordon Smith (author of “Courage and Calling”) or John Piper (author of “When You Don’t Desire God- Fighting for Joy”) as company, rather than endure yet another gruesome lunch hour “babble of extreme pagans” at the break room. (I feel justified in calling them as such because these men themselves boast about how pagan and debauched they can be… “their glory is in their shame.”)

Both Jer and I are working together, brainstorming on what kinds of traditions we want to establish for our family, regarding Advent, Christmas, and year ‘round routines. One habit we are trying to form is to go over the children’s catechisms with Zach and Ben after dinner each night, as well as memorizing the books of the Bible. As for advent, I have designed and sewn a “calendar”, of sorts, from which we will draw pieces of the nativity scene to position on our mantle.
We’d love to hear from any of you who have had, or are working on building, traditions with your families. We love exploring new ideas, and will continue to tweak ours as we trial-and-error our way through this role as parents.
We have also registered for a parenting course at our little church, based on Larry Fowlers book “Rock-Solid Kids”. This will officially begin in the new year, with a couple of pre-program family activity nights before then- such as the advent wreath-making night we enjoyed last weekend, and a birthday party for Jesus coming up in December.

Hmm, I’m glancing back over this update letter and realizing that this month has been pretty “mundane”- nothing out of the ordinary. We have had no big ordeals, such as I have “reported” in previous mail-outs. I’ve noted, however, that there is most definitely a grace required for the mundane of life as well. As much as there is a necessary clinging required for fear of losing hope in trying times, there is a necessary resting and dwelling compulsory for avoiding the loss of joy and hope in the monotony of life. Each of these verbs is obviously directed towards Christ and found in relationship with Him, but can truly only be realized through the constant disciplines of prayer, meditation, and the study of His Word to us. How challenging these, my own words, are to me.

“God is most glorified when we are most satisfied in Him.” John Piper

“This is what the LORD says:
‘Stand at the crossroads and look;
ask for the ancient paths,
ask where the good way is, and walk in it,
and you will find rest for your souls.’”
Jeremiah 6:16
Posted by Jeremy J Harnett :: 5:32 p.m. :: 3 comments

Post a Comment

---------------oOo---------------

samedi, novembre 19, 2005

Big day today!!

I bought the boys matching sweaters for our SEARS portraits this morning. (Professional photos to come!!)

We went to the theatre to watch Disney's new movie: Chicken Little. Dad H had invited us because the real estate agent who sold them their home four years ago sent out an invite to all his past and present clients as a thanks. The agent had rented up the entire theatre and loaded it with a Tim Horton's buffet for all of us who took up the invite! The show was hilarious and both our boys did well. Zach snuggled up with Grandpa, and Ben slept!



Then it was home for house cleaning, lunch and a nap (for the boys). We took a walk around









the neighborhood in the mid-afternoon and











popped in to see Dad H finishing up the roof of the shed Jer had been helping him with.










Tonite we went to "our" little church for family advent wreath-making night. It was alot of fun; met new folks; hung out; snack-ed; crafted.











The boys enjoyed themselves, and Zach got right into the story time.
Ben got right into the wreath!!

Posted by Jeremy J Harnett :: 9:19 p.m. :: 2 comments

Post a Comment

---------------oOo---------------

mardi, novembre 15, 2005

!! MEN AT WORK!!

Jeremy built a storage shed in Mom and Dad Harnett's back yard this past weekend. Three generations of Harnett men worked together to accomplish the task: Dad H, Jer and Zachariah. Zach was out there for many of the hours, practicing his nail-driving, measuring wood with his mini tape measure, and feeling like an important little helper for the job.
All three of these guys enjoyed the bonding time that fulfilling a goal together can bring.

Posted by Jeremy J Harnett :: 9:12 a.m. :: 0 comments

Post a Comment

---------------oOo---------------

Chow time! (hmm, peas or five o'clock shadow?)

Posted by Jeremy J Harnett :: 9:08 a.m. :: 0 comments

Post a Comment

---------------oOo--------------- Rub-a-dub-dub! Three men in a tub!

Hanging out with cousin Sam is always an eventful time!!

Posted by Jeremy J Harnett :: 9:00 a.m. :: 0 comments

Post a Comment

---------------oOo---------------

mercredi, novembre 09, 2005

Introducing Bridgette!

This little sweety is the newest member of our morning routine! Her mother, Wendy, is the secretary of our church, and works from 9am til 1:30 pm Monday to Friday. Wendy phoned me up on Sunday afternoon this past weekend and said her daytime nanny was moving on to other work. She was a bit desperate at this the last minute, and was wondering if I were up to jumping right into some child-care. Wendy and I have become friends through our Friday morning chats when I take my boys to see her at the church and help her by folding bulletins. She thought of me the moment her previous "sitter" resigned because she has seen me with my boys and was impressed with "my ways" with them.
I've been waiting for an opportunity just like this one to come along. I suppose God said now is the right time for me to pick up a "little job", and pitch in with our budget! (it's not alot of $, but every bit counts!)


Monday morning Bridgette came for the first time to play with us, go for a walk with us, visit the library with us, have lunch with us etc....
She is a sweety, although she takes her time warming up to new folks, new routine and a new setting. (As most of us do!)
Zach is so happy for a little play-mate every day. She is only three months younger than Zach, and is good company for him, although he's learned that "sword fighting" and wrestling are out of the question.
This will be fun for me too, to have a little "pink one" around! :-)

Posted by Jeremy J Harnett :: 1:31 p.m. :: 1 comments

Post a Comment

---------------oOo---------------

vendredi, novembre 04, 2005

It's happening....

You know, the day has come when I am truly seeing the simple promises, principles, and precepts of Jesus through the eyes of a child. Sure, I've had glimpses of child-like faith before. But today, I began by teaching Zach the song "Deep and Wide". He enjoyed it and thought I was pretty silly. But then I attempted to explain to him what the fountain was symbolizing- Jesus and his love is what's flowing out. Hmmm, how do you make a two year old understand unseen concepts? So I jumped into singing "Running over, running over, my cup is filling running over. Since the Lord saved me I'm as happy as can be. My cup is filling running over!" And as I did the actions, I pretended to pour the love over Benjamin's head, and over Zach's head. They both beamed! And when I reviewed it with him, I asked: "So Zach, do you know what is pouring out of the fountain?" And his reply, with a big and proud smile was: "Yes Mom: oil!" (he came up with that idea all himself. Did an angel whisper it in his ear?)

"You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows." Psalm 23:5b

Posted by Jeremy J Harnett :: 4:43 p.m. :: 0 comments

Post a Comment

---------------oOo--------------- Lovin' life-- lovin' the season...

Posted by Jeremy J Harnett :: 1:36 p.m. :: 2 comments

Post a Comment

---------------oOo---------------

mercredi, novembre 02, 2005

To Halloween or not to Halloween...

Jer and I wrestled with this question.
We decided to dress Zach up and take him to our neighbors to "receive" some treats. We walked to Grandma and Grandpa's house, and there Zach became the "giver" of treats to other wacky faces that appeared at the door. I had carved a clown face pumpkin with Zach, and then another pumpkin with the words "No Death in Jesus", seeing as that much of the theme of this day surrounds the idea of fear and death.

Anyway, Zach was a cutie in his clown-robot costume. He had flashing lights on his head and on his back. I had designed the costume with a compartment on the back where the candy was to be dropped into. This way Zach wasn't dipping in before the appropriate "sorting" had taken place (one for you... three for me! just kidding). The back had a sign that read "Enter Candy Here", and the front had a big "Please & Thak-you" in case people couldn't hear Zach's sweet little "Tank-you"! He had fun. We had fun.

Posted by Jeremy J Harnett :: 7:25 a.m. :: 1 comments

Post a Comment

---------------oOo--------------- Our Harvest Days!

We spent the last weekend of October in Armstrong with family. Mom and Dad had just returned from Paraguay. We spent some time all together at Tony and Rebekah's home, and then it was time to get down-right "old fashioned"! The men packed up and headed to the woods for a hunting trip. We ladies battoned down the hatches at home, raised our children and baked pies and buns like crazy! We actually made 15 apple pies, which immediately started disappearing like hot-cakes! (We would have made more, but were anticipating needing lots of freezer space for the meat the men would provide!) It was a very fun weekend for everyone. The men did get a deer and a grouse, and had some good male-bonding around the camp-fire. The boys played and played- wrestled and played some more; carved pumpkins and played some more . Us ladies had a good old girl's movie night (popcorn, chocolate and all), painted our toe-nails, and discussed theology.

Posted by Jeremy J Harnett :: 7:04 a.m. :: 3 comments

Post a Comment

---------------oOo---------------