January Happenings

This has been a wonderful new year for the Garlings. Jake opened a new store on January 11th in the Boise Town Square Mall. He has been busy traveling back and forth in between Twin Falls and Boise to keep track of his two stores. Often the girls and I feel like four little Garling-girl cheerleaders rooting their star player on to success. Go Dad! Brinlee recieved the principle's pride award this month in her class. (This is similar to student of the month award.) She was recognized for her great work ethic, her beautiful handwritting, and neat work. She also passed her addition to five timed test which is quite a feat. As a reward Jake took her to the store and bought her "anything she wanted." She now is the proud mother of a baby alive doll, which is all a five year old girl could truly ever want! Summer has been working hard on writting her name and can write "Summ" very well. I was testing her older sister on her letters when I noticed that Summer was saying every one. Upon testing Summer I realized that she has memorized almost all the names of the letters. When Brinlee and I sit down to read books Summer sits right by us and I can see her three year old mind processing every letter as we read. Yesterday Brinlee was stuck on a word and Summer said, "Brinlee that says THERE." We can be assured that our child number two learns from what we do more than we know. Brittany is just a joy. She is still teething her eye teeth and had a bout with an ear infection this month but is usually a happy snappy two year old. She plays so well with her older sisters who constantly crown each other "The queen of AFAGUA" (a name of their own make believe world.) She has picked a favorit book. "If you give a pig a pancake." She can tell you the last word on every page. I have been busy making the home a nice, happy, safe, enjoyable place for all my busybodies to come home to. I have continued running with my seven friends eairly in the dark cold windy cold icy cold mornings. I don't think I will ever be so greatful for spring when Summer says "the pull-ups (tulips) will come up."Jake bought me a new Van this month and it is beautiful. I feel quite lavish like I am driving around a giant room. Room for old windows, friends, running partners, old windows, groceries, books, old windows and all of the Garling girls. Summer likes to trade seats constantly just because she can. I am sure it is a queen of afagua thing. We are so grateful for all the blessings of this month, for all of the friends and family we have seen, and for all the hopes of the future that our little family holds.