To our family who have become friends and our friends who have become family,
Happy New Year! We, at the Garman home, had quite the exciting year. It all began on January 6th when I (Annie) locked myself in a men’s bathroom at Rite-Aid pharmacy so that I could take a quick pregnancy test on the way to Urgent Care (someone had just vomited in the women’s bathroom). The nasty virus I thought I had turned out to be a zygote and we soon found out another female would be added to our repertoire of Garman girls.
This news prompted us to almost immediately buy a mini-van and start seriously house hunting. God provided for both of these needs and we moved into our brand new single-family home in June. On September 5th, Penelope Raine entered our world and our family. She was named in honor of her truly remarkable Grandmother, Connie Lorraine Garman.
Haley Jane turned eight in October and started third grade this fall. She is the most intelligent 8 year old I have ever come into contact with and am rather intimidated by her logic and talent. She continues to play the violin, draw, sew, and write in her journal as well as jump rope and unload the dishwasher. Her questions about life, eternity, and Old Testament Law are so deep, it’s a good thing her father is a pastor/theologian.
Darcy Elaine turned six this year and is now in first grade. She is a true genius who can figure out how things are designed and put together. Darcy excels in her violin lessons, helps with the baby and does a mean job cleaning toilets. She loves the outdoors and can spend hours making “basil/leaf/mushroom/grass” salads, jumping in leaf piles and chasing frogs. She gives tight hugs that make the world stop.
Gracie Kane is our vivacious two year old who, although only has half a heart, runs everywhere as her preferred mode of transportation. She is unbelievably verbal and aware of the conversations around her. She loves to sing, climb on the arms of our chairs, take bubble baths, play with her baby sister, and pretty much lives on 2% milk alone. Listening to her sing, “Jesus Loves Me” will melt your heart. Gracie will be facing a major open-heart surgery this summer at UVA hospital in Charlottesville.
In other big news, Annie has begun to sort the whites from the colors and use fabric softener. Colby has completed his first year as the teaching pastor at Pillar Church and continues to excel as a husband, father, and preacher. We’re all very blessed and very thankful for Jesus who gives us hope beyond this life! We hope to connect with all of you in 2013!
Grace & Peace,
The Garmans
