2021 Garman Year in Review

At this exact moment, Colby is making fun of me because I’m 1.tardy 2. kneeling by the bed trying to finish this darn thing before the stroke of midnight so it doesn’t feel *AS* tardy. I enjoy reflecting and documenting our year, so in the event you’re interested, here are 10 things to recap our year:

1. FOSTER CARE: Colby and I went through the process to get certified as foster parents in Prince William County. This has surprised many of you, but no one could be more surprised than me. This goes to show that when you follow Jesus, you never know where He will lead you. It remains to be seen where this will lead, so stay tuned.

2. HOMESCHOOLING: Since Friday the 13th (in March of 2020), I have been homeschooling all four girls. We have been doing a program called Classical Conversations for two years now. As with anything, there are pros and cons. PROs: being in charge (and going on nature walks/watching live cow and births on YouTube/ Cindo De Mayo piñata parties for math class) CONs: being in charge (when NONE of us are motivated/working through the tears, fetal position tantrums, and resistance). The kids have been really gracious with me as I learn to manage this task, and I am learning to be gracious with them!

3. HALEY: This has been a big year for Haley. She is now a senior with plans to go to Liberty University next year. Last month she got her driver’s license and promptly saved the day giving her sister a ride to her theatre performance since Colby and I were sick. One of the best things about this year has been watching Haley share her musical gifts with our church. Her ability to lead worship as a 17 year old is amazing. Haley’s sisters love her so much and are already talking about coping strategies for when she leaves.

4. DARCY: Darcy is now a sophomore and seems to be content with her life as long as it involves country music and air pods. She recently got her permit with the goal of visiting Haley at college consistently. Darcy excels at cooking and cleaning, making green bean teepees for those in need, debate, piano, reading and math. We are most proud of her servant’s heart.

5. GRACIE: Gracie is a force to be reckoned with. Whether she’s serving the babies at church, playing soccer or the piano, her enthusiasm for life brings joy to everyone. Her life-long dream of being a part of the Homeschool Theatre Troupe was realized this year and she made her debut as a character called “boy.” The love of Gracie’s life continues to be her bunny and we are all thankful that she managed to keep him alive for the entirety of the year.

6. PENELOPE:

Penelope(aka “Fire and Ice”) is the only child left who gives unprompted physical affection. She is both my snuggly kitten and my door slammer. Penelope throughly enjoyed the three months that we could afford of gymnastics class and is now exploring cheaper extra curricular activities. In addition to piano, gum, musical theatre and swimming, Penelope also learned to make Mac and cheese this year which has proven to be a very effective skill. She has a very generous heart which we are all thankful for (even though that means she is always broke).

7. CHURCH:

From my vantage point, Pillar Church is doing better than ever. COVID didn’t kill our church; in fact, we grew and multiplied through it. We have incredible people who are my teachers, leaders, and friends. This summer marked 10 years since we’ve been at Pillar. They gave us the most incredible gift one could imagine…a….

8. SABBATICAL: The root of this word simply means “rest.” Colby has been given EIGHT WEEKS in 2022 to take a break from church responsibilities and recharge. We have many plans that I’m sure you’ll hear about soon as long as COVID doesn’t shut them down.

9. LOSS: I lost three of my family members in 2021: My Grandma, my Uncle John and my Aunt Adriana. All three were beautiful lives that shaped my own and I’ll miss them dearly.

10. LOVE: Colby continues to excel at being a girl dad, a husband to a highly sensitive person and a pastor. This year he wore a belly shirt to deter our girls from following suite, flew an airplane, and took his dad fly-fishing in Montana which is something he’s talked about for almost a decade. I am more in love with him every day and our relationship has never been stronger.

2021 was full to the brim with amazing experiences, travel, friendship, work and fun. I’m really grateful that God has been so gracious. In the morning, I’ll add pictures to this post to make it fun. Until then, love to you all and goodnight!