What We Should've Done

What we should've done today was clean the house, tackle the many loads of laundry and go grocery shopping. Instead, what we actually did was go with some friends to a place called JumpStreet! It is wall to wall trampolines, and was SO MUCH FUN. We jumped for 2 hours straight.

We will certainly return, and next time we do, the video camera will join us. Michael's crazy flips (that Ava tries to mimic) just can't be caught on camera! Seriously, it may just be the best place ever invented. It was THAT fun.

Father's Day

I am seriously so blessed to spend my life with the one and only, Michael Garland. He is the most incredible husband and father I know. His little girls love him more than life itself, and I have to admit, I do too. Happy Father's Day, my love. Today, we celebrate you.

Jumping Off A Cliff...

Last weekend I felt like I jumped off a cliff. I did something I never thought I would do. Something, in fact, that I said I would, "NEVER do!" Funny how that works out.

I've been asked to speak several times at our church, but my reply has always been, "No." No questions asked. No further discussion. But for some reason, for some time now, I've felt like a day was coming for that opportunity. Although, I had no idea though that it would be so soon.

For one of our services we've been having a rotation of speakers, so in order to get my feet wet I added my name to the list. I had no idea what would actually happen. As I was going over my outline and message with Pastor Lee, our Senior Pastor, he presented to me the idea of speaking all weekend. My initial reaction was the same as always, "No way." But something told me, God told me, I should go for it. After a few hours of contemplating the idea, I agreed to speak. So I did it. The one thing that's held me back this entire time is the anxiety I feel when speaking in front of large crowds, adults specifically. And now I'm absolutely positive that the only other time I've felt as nervous was my wedding day, right before I walked down the isle! Even though the nerves stayed with me all weekend God helped me to make it through, and I did it!

The funny thing is that in my message I actually speak about saying never to God, and how you shouldn't do it. Last weekend is the perfect example. Guess I should have listened to myself before I said I would, "never do that."

Re-Inspired

With the joining of Facebook, came the neglect of our blog. Everytime I had the thought or the story that I felt needed shared, I would return to write, and come up completely short. I was un-inspired. So, after a friend's recommendation, I took the plunge and had our site re-designed. I love it! Thank you, Lindsay, for our new blog, we couldn't be happier!

With that being said, I introduce you to: Life With the Garlands. We hope you enjoy!

Mother's Day

For whatever reason, I think that every Mother's Day means more than the one before. Maybe it's the time that has passed with my kids, and the realization that I'll never have those moments back. Or maybe it's the understanding that this job, the one of being a mother, is completely worth it.

It's worth all the middle of the night feedings.

It's worth all the temper tantrums.

It's worth dealing with teething.

It's worth dealing with illness.

It's worth all the tears.

It's worth all the time-outs.

It's worth all the signing in the car.

It's worth all the smiles.

It's worth all the hugs.

It's worth all the kisses.

It's worth all the laughs.

It's worth all the love.

Being a mother is the greatest job anyone could ever ask for. It's totally worth it.

*picture taken by Carrie Fay Amaro