The Barnett Newsletter

Dear Family & Friends,

Well, 2007 has come to a close and we wanted to make sure to wish you both a belated Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.

For our family, this year has really been another season of change. Once again, the Lord has seen fit to challenge our math skills by giving us little Aric Joseph on August 28th. Our family catch-phrase is now “PLUS-ONE”. I think that brings the number to 10…or is it 11? Who am I forgetting? Anyway, Aric is quite a handsome fellow. He was born with a full head of hair, but after 2-3 months, he began to loose his hair on top. That confirms he is a Barnett!

Amber (3 yrs) is little Miss Feisty. She is kid #9, but will not be silenced by anyone. When told by her older siblings to do something, she might or might not, depending on how she feels at the time. I think Dr. Dobson would refer to Amber as the typical “strong willed child.” If she is on the receiving end of an offense, the whole family will know from her “blood-curdling” screams, which sends everyone running for cover. We’re working on that.

Alyssa (5 yrs) is the Queen of Affection. She just loves on everyone, strangers included. If you need a hug or kiss (or even if you don’t) Alyssa will be Johnny-on-the-spot for you, giving comfort and kindness. She has also developed a very high opinion of herself. Sometimes, if you ask her, is your name Alyssa, she’ll say, “No, I’m Princess Alyssa.” When asked why, she responds with, “Cuz’ that’s what Alexis says I am in the stories she tells me before I go to bed.”

Alex & Allen (7 & 9 yrs) continue to be the best of buds. It’s hard not to ‘lump’ them together. They do so much together. And just like last year, they both played soccer again. This time they were on different teams, due to age differences. Alex became a goalie maniac as his coach (Adam) encouraged him along. We are pleased that Alex is not hesitant to jump in and compete, even when outsized. Now if we can only get him to show the same level of enthusiasm for the violin. Allen also thoroughly enjoyed soccer this year. He threw his little body around like a ballistic missile. Yep, he was a one man wreckin’ crew. Allen has emerged as Mr. Verbosity. He has an opinion, comment, or question on every subject, much to the chagrin of his siblings and sometimes his parents. But, it is clear that Mr. Verbosity is a communicator. As he grows, in every situation, the world will know what Allen is thinking…like it or not.

Andrew (12 yrs) has found his true love…already! No, it’s not what you think. Man, this kid can cook! He has already determined that he wants to be a chef and one day own a restaurant. For Christmas, he received his own set of “Chef Dewey” cooking utensils. I’ve never seen someone so excited about spatulas and measuring spoons. He is beginning to spend more time on the internet searching for recipes and less time on Runescape (his favorite on-line video game). He is also beginning to see himself as a role-model for his little brothers and is intentionally trying to be an encouragement and good example for them. Wow!

Adina (14 yrs) is growing into a wonderful kid (she said I couldn’t call her a young lady). She is very patient with her younger siblings and cares for them with amazing tenderness. She has been changing diapers since she was 8. When it’s time to play soccer, all that tenderness stuff goes out the window. She had another great year of YMCA, outdoor soccer. She’s a tough cookie. It’s so much fun to see her defend the goal and take out a kid from the other team. She helps them up, says “you ok?” and then later takes them out again when they get too close. She also continues to sharpen her viola skills as she plays with a strings octet at church. It also doesn’t surprise us that she is following in Adam’s footsteps by learning to play the acoustic guitar.

Austin (15 yrs) has decided to do a repeat performance of last year, but this time he did it in style. Last year he broke his wrist on a skateboard. This year (October), he broke his leg riding a dirt bike. Austin worked hard this summer and saved $2,000. He promptly spent it on a KTM 250 dirt bike…too much horse for the rider. On his 2nd time EVER riding, he decided to go off on some trails with hills with a friend. Still trying to remember where the brake is, he took off. He made it back…in pieces. Last year we thought the Tennessee Titans were his destination. No more. I’m convinced now that over the years, Austin has been secretly studying under the late Evil Knevil. Who knows what his next trick will be. We’ve already secretly placed a call to the emergency room to let them know he will be visiting again…hopefully not too soon. Austin also served as soccer referee for the 5 year old kids in the YMCA outdoor league. The kids loved him! He called all the kids “buddy”, would pick them up and give them hugs, and offered encouragement at every turn. Laura and I received loads of feedback from the parents, who were so thankful that someone in this role genuinely cared about their kids and demonstrated it so effectively. Great job Austin!

Alexis (17 yrs) is now in “life choice” making mode. She has developed a true love for music in general and the cello specifically. She has really excelled with the cello and plays with the Eastern IL University orchestra. This year she competed in the district-5 music competition with other students (public and private school) and was selected to participate in the state competition in Peoria in January. College is the next big choice for her. We will see where the Lord leads. She continues to serve around our home with faithfulness. Alexis has developed as a masterful story teller at bedtime. I’ve stood outside the door and listened to her spin tales for Alyssa and Amber that would put George Lucas (Star Wars) to shame. What a wonderful daughter. In her leisure, Alexis has begun a family blog site on the internet. It has lots of photographs. So, if you want to keep with what’s happening with our family, go to www.barnettribe.blogspot.com

Adam (20 yrs) has finished his Associate’s Degree at Lakeland College and is counting down the days before he moves to Pensacola, FL, where he will be attending Pensacola Christian College to get his BS in Business. Classes start the 3rd week of January. This is really bittersweet for Laura and me. We are very proud of him and the choices he has made over the years (friend choices, choosing courtship vs. dating, setting priorities, etc.). We will really miss Adam. He is truly learning the importance of family, as he has over the years taken the opportunity to minister to his siblings and show them the love of the Savior. He is a fine young man and some young lady will one day consider herself fortunate to have found him…after he graduates!!! We’ll see.

Well, it has been a wonderful year. The kids are growing/maturing and Laura and I continue to love each other deeply. Our family continues to make every effort to put Jesus first. There is no greater priority in life. As our world spins into further chaos (wars, conflicts, etc.) the pending return of our Savior appears more eminent. This fact (His return) both excites us and creates a greater sense of urgency in our hearts to live for Him. It is our hope and prayer that in 2008 each of you find yourselves faithfully walking with Jesus. There is no more secure place to be. He says, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” We believe that intensely. If you don’t, we hope and pray that 2008 will be your year to believe it too. God’s Blessings in 2008!

Love,
Myron, Laura and the Kids