My eyes aren't playing tricks, he's really SIX!

This is a birthday post and while I would like to write about what it was like when I had my first child, and how surreal it is that he is growing up so fast, I have recently had some complaints that my blog has "too much reading." My own mother even says she doesn't have time to read my blog, so I am apparently too long-winded and must keep this to a more pictorial post.

I guess I will save for another time what a sweet, special boy my little Gavin is. Someday I will write about what it was like when I was pregnant with Gavin, so scared about his birth defect, so worried it would be more than his arm, so full of fear for him and his life. And now, at age 6, he has alleviated my fears and exceeded my expectations! He is as happy and confident as a kid can be. (Ooops, too much talking again.)

So, here are some pics of birthday festivities. It was intended to be a low maintenance, "no party", no cost birthday. . . .it never quite works out that way! ;)

The cake master hard at work on a Star Wars light saber cake.

Mike is disappointed that this picture doesn't capture its full glory and magnificence. (But, I'm easily impressed so I think it's pretty cool.)

Gavin received this 5 foot Superman pinata for his Superman-themed birthday last year. It took him a whole year to be ready to whack it open. This is symbolic of him moving past a Superman obsession and into his Star Wars obsession! (I'm just so happy to get rid of that pinata--the little papers got all over their bedroom.)

It took the big kids to finally bust it open.

Scramble for candy!

The carnage that remained.

Superman and Luke Skywalker have nothing on my little Superhero, Gavin. I love you, Gav. I am so proud of you. I love watching you learn and grow! Happy Birthday.

History (with a little frisbee mixed in)

I have been so concerned about the course the Federal government is taking that I've decided to become more informed and also begin educating my children on the issues--particularly state's rights vs. federal rights and the history surrounding these complex issues. So, we've been having 30 min lessons/discussion each day on history and government, and to enhance our study I decided to take a trip to the Utah State Capitol. Ha, ha, ha. . .just kidding, at least about the 30 min lessons and teaching my children about government and all that. Wouldn't that make me like the most ambitious mom in the world to be attempting to have political debates with my 6 and 3 year olds? Our philosophical discussions are more like "Why is it a bad idea to pick our noses in public?" But, we did take a trip to the Utah State Capitol (and I'm not completely kidding about my feelings about the government. . .but it's not that kind of blog.)

We went to the state capitol building because it is withing walking distance of Aunt Janey's new place. It was a beautiful spring day and it was lots of fun! Capitol buildings are always pretty cool, though. Gotta love the marble columns and staircases, right?

The kids loved it, even though they had no idea what sort of significance the building has. I just wanted to include pictures of a fun little excursion. I am going to have to go have more SLC urban excursions with my Big City Sister.

Where's Waldo? (Can you find my 2 little guys?)

This is how "Big Government" makes me feel too.




Playing frisbee on the Capitol Lawn. I bet Obama does this too.

Yes this is Ruby, I know she looks like a boy. Don't worry I have since remedied the situation and gotten her a cute, girlie hoodie. But, she's just happy to be FREE! She cries at the door "Bye, bye" all the time because she's so desperate to get outside.

Here we go!

All is well. I am not freaking out anymore. Luckily that meltdown on my last post only lasted for 2 days, which is pretty good considering the situation. For the most part I've felt really hopeful and I've really enjoyed having my husband around so much. Within the first week of losing his job Mike had 3 really decent job offers and we just took some time to figure out which one to take. We definitely chose the unconventional route. We felt really guided by the Spirit towards one particular company, and even though it is a major left turn, that's the way we're heading. There are several reasons for this, but I'm not going to discuss the particulars of it on here. Those of you who already know what's going on will understand why, but for those of you who want more detailed info you will have to e-mail me. ;) I feel really good about our decisions. I feel the Lord's hand so prominently in our life. He has protected us so much and now he is lovingly guiding us, undoubtedly, somewhere better than we would've gone ourselves. Naturally, I hope this makes all of our wildest dreams come true. . .but, there are a lot of things besides just money that factor into a career change. But, I ain't gonna lie, good money would be great too! ;)

I haven't posted any pictures in awhile. I actually haven't taken many pictures in awhile. It's winter. Maybe when it gets warm I'll get excited about the cuteness of my children again. ;) Ruby is growing up so fast, and little Nick is suddenly growing out of his baby face too--if only I could get him to grow out of the thumb sucking. So, here are the cuties:

This is my big cutie: He is busying himself these days with getting our basement ready to remodel. We need another bedroom and bathroom DESPERATELY. We have to put our remodel on hold, because we don't want to use up any of our savings right now. But, he is working on the tear out and the prep. I think he just loves to demolish things (especially after the month he has had!) ;) I love a handy man. We both love a good home improvement project, so I can't wait until we can move forward on this thing. And thank goodness I don't have a man who loses his job and then parks himself on the couch with a video game console in hand for weeks on end! ;)

Thank you to so many of you who have shown me so much love and support, both with comments on my blog, messages on Facebook, long talks in person (or on the phone), cookies and a girl's day out (yep, I'm talking to you Jess G. ;). I have felt so much love and concern. I just have to say, in case there is anyone who happens upon my blog who is not a member of this church: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the most amazing network of love and support that you will find anywhere! How grateful I am that we don't have to turn to the government for our support. (Just a few days of dealing with an unemployment claim and application for medicaid made me INSANE, and I have since vowed to never be dependent on the government for my support.) This church has amazing leadership and an organization unlike any other! I FINALLY got a testimony even of home teaching, after our home teacher stepped up to help us in a big way at a crucial time. His act of service changed my whole attitude, and from that moment on I no longer felt terrified. I just knew we had so many people on our side. But, it is more than just the support of a ward that makes this church so special, it is the way that the gospel gets into the hearts of its people and makes them more like our Savior. So many of you acted on behalf of the Lord, Jesus Christ, in doing the things that he would do for me and my family if he were here on earth living next door to me (or if he was my friend on Facebook ;). I truly believe that.

I'm sure so many of you don't think you are Christlike enough, but you are more amazing than you realize. Love, service, concern for your fellowmen comes so naturally to so many of you. Thank you, thank you! I can say for certain, the Lord is proud of you for helping little old me. "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." (Matthew 25:40)