Hello family and friends!
Thanks for stopping in to check up on us! When we started this blog over 6 years ago, we never intended that it would turn into our annual Christmas letter site. We actually had strong intentions of maintaining a regular blog, and actually did a pretty dang good job for a couple years. But as the kids have added up, well... the last blog entry was last year's Christmas letter. New Year's Resolution: add a few entries! With that being said, here we go.
March came and Jerod took his annual March Madness trip. This year the boys went to St. Louis, stayed right by Busch Stadium, and had a blast. Finding a way down to the 8th row for the Kentucky/Wichita St. game was a big highlight. Yes, they made their way onto tv for the 3rd year in a row. And Jerod's brother-in-law John came again, which made the trip a lot of fun.
In May, Cayla graduated from Pre-School. She was so sad to be leaving Miss Amy's room, but it was great to hear about the progress she had made during her 3 years with Miss Amy. We looked anxiously toward kindergarten in a few months...
In late June, Jerod sold his baby. No, not any of his children. His Ford Escort. He had driven that car since 2000. It was tough handing the keys over to somebody else (our wonderful neighbors), but families of 5 and two-door cars don't mesh very well. So it had to be done, which led to...
In early July, the Garlands joined the Mini-Van Club. And just in time! We drove down to St. Louis to spend time with Jerod's sister Codi and her family. It was a great weekend! Fireworks, the zoo, and the trampoline! The girls loved catching up with their cousins!
In August, we were blessed with Zoey Grace, the third Garland girl. Dr. Vande Zande asked Jerod if he wanted to help deliver. A few minutes later and with scrubs on, Jerod was sitting at the stool like a quarterback waiting for the snap. However, when a girl came out and not a boy, Jerod tried to audible to a boy. In all seriousness, it was an incredible experience and one he won't soon forget.
Around the same time, Cayla started kindergarten. How did that happen? Leah admits she was "a basket case" leaving her at the school the first day. Another new challenge for a girl who has never met an obstacle she was afraid of. She continues to amaze her parents. We are blessed to have another great teacher and associate who love her every day at school. She loves dance class and still loves to ride horses when she gets an opportunity.
Since school started, Leah has had three Dessert Galas for Bethany (Pella, Des Moines, and Cedar Rapids) which were both fun and successful. She continues to love working for an organization that gets to watch miracles happen every day. Jerod has enjoyed his school year and basketball season, although a break will be nice.
Eliana continues to love girly things (i.e. dress up & dance), although will sometimes surprise us. She caught a worm and named him Craggy. Played with him for a bit. Then dropped him. She had a serious Frozen phase (join the million, right?) but now asks Dad to tell her Peter Pan stories. She laughs a lot and can be such a Mom to Cayla at times. She also loves to sing and make up her own songs, and she recently made us so proud when she prayed before our meal for the first time (something of which Cayla usually prefers to take the lead on)!
Zoey is often the easiest child of the three to parent. She is usually content, despite the efforts of her sisters (especially Cayla) to bury hundreds of kisses on her face daily. Yes, they love her. Zoey seems to have a special affection for Cayla, who can make her smile quite easily. She is getting more alert all the time and will probably have a couple of teeth before the end of basketball season.
We continue to be amazed at the goodness of God, who meets us in our weakness. When the seas are raging and we wonder if we can make it, He gets us through. We are thankful to all of you for your love, support, and encouragement! May your 2015 be filled with love. We end with lyrics from a song that has had special meaning in our lives. It's by Hillsong United and it's called "Oceans."
You call me out upon the waters
The great unknown where feet may fail
And there I find You in the mystery
In oceans deep my faith with stand
And I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise my soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine
Your grace abounds in deepest waters
Your sovereign hand will be my guide
Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me
You've never failed and You won't start now
1 comment:
I love reading about my precious family/grandchildren. Thanks for sharing your trials, your faith, and your successes! Love you! -- Mom
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