Big move!!!

To the people who know us well, it is no surprise that we have really been struggling financially. So, when I got offered a great new job in Utah, we really had to consider it. After lots of prayers and lots of tears, we decided that Utah was where we were supposed to be. The Lord has made sure we could get here, too. We got a reimbursement from our mortgage company that covered the moving costs. Then, we found someone to rent our house before we were even out of it. Finally, Ryan just found a job up here, so we are all set! It has been very difficult leaving our family behind, but I think in the long run, it will be great for our family. So now, we call South Jordan, Utah our home!

Finding light in the darkness

See the nastiness of the dark clouds? Well, that's how I've been feeling lately. I'm not sure if it's sleep deprivation, a bit of post partum depression, or just life right now, or maybe a combination of it all. Things are not easy right now, and I feel like I'm grasping for, well, just about anything. Finances,work, and health all need some fixing!
The past couple of years have been the first time in my life that I really don't have any really good friends. I have friends but you know that really good best friend you can call just to cry to, laugh with, share moments with, ect. And I am missing that!
As I'm writing this, I can hear the song "Count your blessings" going through my head. I'm really not trying to have a pity party, but am using this more a journal entry. Just as in the picture above, there are breaks in the clouds. My incredible children, my loving husband, my sweet family, and my Saviour. I know in the end I will come out stronger, but man the end is hard to find sometimes!

You're how old???

I can not believe 4 years have gone by since Gavin was born! Gavin, you have changed my world for the better. You truly are the light of my life and I am so grateful that I get to call you my son. You are incredible!

Gavin chose to have his party at Bounce U this year. It is filled for inflatable bounce houses and slides. He had all his friends and family come and bounce the morning away! It was great fun! Here are some pictures:

"I'm 4!"

The kids getting ready for cake!



Grandma Lori and Holly

Grandpa Dan even got in on the fun!

King for the day- Gavin!

Myah and my niece Rhiley loved this silly thing!

Gavin's awesome Star Wars cake!

All (well almost all) the kids!

Grandma Debbie and Myah

Thank you to everyone who came. Gavin felt like the King and had a wonderful day! You all mean the world to us!

Summer Fun

Myah and Minnie at my niece's birthday party. She was sooo excited for Minnie.. she was squealing, reaching and kicking and trying to jump off my lamp.. so Minnie picked her up and then Myah started screaming within 10 seconds.. she decided that was TOO close! hah

Myah's 1st baby cookie.. boy did she love it!

Gavin and my niece Rhiley at Redrock over Memorial Day weekend

Myah's 1st time in the pool.. she has become quite the fish and now loves the water just like her brother! Gavin has been taking swim lessons for the past month and is now swimming 4 or 5 feet all by himself.. he is doing so good! He has also learned how to spell his name..I sure love my kids.. I am a very proud mama!

Looking cute in her hat!

Spring 2011

Gavin's Preschool class

Gavin on his last day of school

Myah- 4 months


Easter

Gavin "driving" with Daddy

So, once again, I am so far behind on my posting! We have had a great couple of months. Myah gets bigger and is doing a little more all the time. Gavin is getting so big, I can hardly stand it! He finished his first half a year of preschool and has learned a lot! Here are some highlights from Spring!

Gavin on his Easter Egg hunt

Myah - 3 months old

Sorry about the weirdness of this post... I couldn't get things to work properly!! :)

Family Pictures

We decided it was time for new family pictures last month. We got so many great ones. Here are a few of my favorites. It was hard to choose, because I am pretty sure I have the cutest kids ever! :)

Time is FLYING by!

I can't believe it is April already. Myah is now 11 weeks old and has grown and changed so much! In the past few months, she has had her blessing, started smiling, had surgery to repair a hernia, and is now starting to giggle. It is very few and far between, but it is coming! We have had a great couple of months. Here are some highlights..

Myah's 1st dress. She's so cute

Myah's 1st smile caught on camera

Gavin, my sister and her family came down for Myah's blessing and we all went bowling. We had a great time! Nap time with Daddy and Gavin. Isn't she a beauty?!?

Have you seen anything sweeter?

Blessing Day"Am I gorgeous, or what?"

"Faith in God includes faith in His timing"

After what seems like forever, we have finally added to our family!! Most of you know what a whirlwind this was for us. From not thinking we could have more kids, to over a year on the adoption waiting list, to a still small whisper telling me to talk to my doctor and that I could have another baby. A few months later, we were pregnant.

Our sweet baby girl, Myah Kay Vanus, was born January 19, 2011 at 2:52 pm. She was a whopping 8lbs 14oz and 19 inches long. She is incredible. She is sweet, loving, beautiful, stubborn, and more than I could have asked for. And although I thought I needed another baby a year and a half ago, I know the Lord's timing was better then mine. The timing is perfect and Gavin is so in love with her that it melts my heart. I am so grateful for her and the wonderful blessing I have been given to have her in my life.

Meeting my daughter for the first time

Ryan and Myah

Myah Kay

Big brother Gavin and little sister Myah

Myah

Christmas!

Christmas for us is never complete without a trip to the Magical Forest. I love that place. There is something about all the lights and the hot chocolate that really puts me in the Christmas mood. This year, we went with some friends, the Wikler's. We has a great time.

Our family picture..I was very pregnant!

Gavin and Emma, his future girlfriend

On Christmas, we opened presents at our house. Then, we went to my mom's with all my family, and then it was over to the Vanus's. It was a busy, but great day!

Gavin's goods from Santa

Gavin in his new Christmas outfit.

We set up our camera and even caught Santa getting the presents out for Gavin! Gavin was amazed by this!

Gavin, Andrew, and Jack at my Mom's

Ryan

Broken Arm :(

A couple days before Christmas, Gavin had a little accident. While playing at my sister's house, Gavin decided to try to climb the ladder to the top of my nephew's bunk bed ( he knows he's not allowed) and slipped. He landed on his elbow, and broke the bottom of his humorous. He was not a happy camper! He got a very cool green cast and let everyone sign it. Luckily, his arm has healed well, and he got his cast off yesterday!