Gabby Turns 6

So I haven't really blogged since Gabby's fifth birthday party. That was a bit of a blow-out party. Tons of kids, tons of food, and tons of work. This past year, I was in the middle of campaign hell with literally less than 60 days until the end of the race and I couldn't really take all that on in my life. So we had a little neighborhood party with just a few of Gabby's good friends and my family. Gabby wanted a rainbow colored theme and I commissioned my brother to do a rainbow cake. We had a homemade photo booth where the kids put on a rainbow clown wig and nose and then they played some games and left within an hour and a half. Perfect--short, sweet, and Gabby felt alittle love amidst the chaos of our lives. Some pics below.

A Family is Forever

One of the most precious things happened in our life during my blogging hiatus. We were able to adopt a darling little boy. After much debate about what his name should be, we landed on Liam. We have had our little Liam since day one. I was able to be in the delivery room with our amazing and courageous birth mom and after some speed bumps we were able to officially adopt Liam about one month ago. He is our family's little cup of cheer.

Two weeks ago we went through the Las Vegas LDS temple to be sealed with Liam for time and all eternity. Gabby was able to be a part of the ceremony as well. I think it's safe to say that she had her first real connection to her spirit while we were at the temple. She started to cry shortly after the ceremony and she said that she was crying happy tears because the Holy Ghost was giving her a hug and she felt loved. I told her that is just what I felt too. The room was filled with many of our family members and loving and dear friends. I think we all felt a little glimpse of heaven that day.

I may not have come to motherhood in a traditional way or the way that I planned, but I know my children are meant to be mine and going through a ceremony in which you are given the promise of eternal life with them reminds me of the perspective I need to have as a mother.

Photo courtesy of the very talented and life long friend, Jennie Slade.

Back in the Saddle

I won't even attempt to catch everyone up on all the comings and goings of Mother Jones and co. for the past year and a half. Writing took a back seat to the craziness of everyday life. I have often lied to myself saying that I don't have the time (even though I spend time looking at other blogs). I sometimes think that it's better to be living life than reporting on it, but I think in truth and is far too often quoted in blogs round the blogosphere, "You write to taste life twice..." So I am back in the saddle again for now.