I've done it again. I've went and neglected my blog & my readers. :( Forgive me? Shew. Let's move on ...
I love Januarys as it is a time to reflect, re-evaluate and re-prioritize. Let me tell you what's been going on for the Harnish household ...
1. A new year, a new lifestyle change: Jerad and I made a commitment at the beginning of the year that we would eat a vegetarian diet for the month of January (with the exception of fish) as a way to kick start healthier eating habits. We also have been in prayer about this diet - that we may do this for the Lord - to live healthier lives & have more energy for His glory - not ours. After all - our purpose here on this earth in this life - is to glorify God. Please pray for us to keep this as our main goal. February I will (and hopefully Jerad too) will start on Weight Watchers and slowly add in lean meats to the diet. I'm so excited because I love Weight Watchers! Also - because my mother in law is one of the most giving people I know - Jerad and I now have a gym membership for an entire year!!!!!! We are so blessed and excited to start exercising!
2. Stay at Home Mom: Piper is now 6 months old. I can't believe how fast it's gone already. I am so thankful to my husband that he works everyday to provide for our family so that I can stay at home with Piper and to see her growing and changing everyday. I never miss anything (first coos, first words, first crawls, first step, etc.). I pray that I do not take this for granted. This wasn't an option for me when I had Payton and I was so sad and missed so much when she was little. I thank God for my husband, that he selflessly goes to work everyday and unfortunately does miss some of the 'firsts'.
3. The Big Girls: Alethea & Payton are doing great! Alethea just had a birthday in November and is 11 years old! I can't believe that! Payton is getting ready to turn 10 in February which I'm not emotionally prepared for at all! It just sounds so old!! She is excited though to be in double digits!!
They are both such smart, sweet, loving girls. They're both still so pure & innocent. I pray God keeps them that way and does miracles in their lives & hearts as they enter pre-teen/teen years (which we all know is a very difficult time). Please pray the same for them. They both have great potential to lead people and be a beautiful example to other girls.
They are playing on the same basketball team right now (travel league). Payton is definitely intimidated playing up a year and being 'short' compared to the other girls. She doesn't get to play too much, but when she does, Alethea really helps her on the court, passes the ball to her, and gives her a chance to handle the ball. I also notice that when Payton gets in 'trouble' on the court - she always looks for Alethea - to pass the ball to her. I love that they are teammates.
Being stepsisters does come with challenges. Especially only being 15 months apart in age. Don't get me wrong - they've come along way, but they both still have 'only child syndrome'. Please pray that they are loving to one another, patient with each other, and speak kindly to one another. Also - pray that they only grow closer as they get older and are there for each other. As we all know - as we get older - your family is who you count on the most. Most friends - won't be there after highschool.
4. Church: After about 12 years (for me) of not regularly attending a church, we have found one! We made all the excuses in the book, to NOT attend church. All selfish and sinful reasons. Until we finally started researching/shopping about a year ago. We found our church home in August of 2011. It is Redemption Hill Church. We love our church family and are excited to see what lies ahead for this church. We feel very 'at home' here and feel God has big plans for the people here.
5. Anniversary: Jerad and I will celebrate 4 years of marriage this May. It's true what people say about how every year of marriage is different. That is definitely true. The day Piper was born was when I fell even more in love with him. I mean instantly - like the second I laid eyes on Piper, I felt an overwhelming love for Jerad. I love this man so much and thank God for each day I get to be his wife. I hope, by God's work in my life, I can someday be a Proverbs 31 woman for God's glory and for Jerad.
Last, but not least...
I want to thank our family and close friends who are a big part of our life. We are so blessed with our parents, grandparents, children, brothers & sisters, nieces, aunts & uncles, cousins, friends, and family in Christ. We love you so much!
Love,
Jerad & April
