The Graduate

Jimmy graduated from Saline Young Adult Program today. It was kinda bittersweet. Jimmy didn't want to leave his class and his friends. But he is 26 and that is the max age for his program. There were some tears but also lots of smiles. He will still get to see his friends at bowling, the Friday program, and when working out at the Rec Center. We are ready to head into the future wherever that may take us. I am just so happy that I get to be there right alongside with him. :)

Memorial Day 2013

 

 

We went to the Memorial Day parade this morning. We really enjoyed it.

 

These expressions crack me up!

 

Jimmy had fun!

 

Liam LOVED the marching bands!

 

 

 

My Dad. He served in the Vietnam War. I'm honored to be his daughter.

Lovin' the Warm weather!

Liam loves his pool!

Elijah loves the swing and the sandbox :)

Caleb loves his pool.......and

jumping and

and JUMPING!

He knows

 I am still in awe that this precious little guy is mine. It feels so surreal sometimes as I look into his sweet face. For months, I had only a photo to look at. I tried to imagine what he looked like when he smiled. And then when I saw his smile in person, it brought tears to my eyes. Liam has been home 16 months and I still can't believe how blessed I am. This little guy of mine has come so far. He knows that he is safe and that is huge! When he first came home, he didn't want his brothers near him. He would cry and push them away. He had been bullied at the institution, no doubt. But today, he laughs when they are near. They wrestle together and he laughs and smiles. He knows that he is loved. Mission accomplished.

This little guy

has my heart. I am so blessed!

On Mother's Day, I am so thankful.......

to be blessed with five amazing sons.  I am always in awe as I think about my life and how I got to where I am today.

Many years ago, I thought that living in a big beautiful home, with a nice car, a large income, and having a perfect family is all that I wanted in life.

Fast forward to today. I don't have a big beautiful home, a nice car or a large income.  And some might see my family as far from perfect.

But, I have................so much MORE.

I have a home that's filled with love and happiness, I have a car that is dependable and comfortable. I have an income that meets our daily needs.........

And I have a family that makes me so happy and feeling so blessed!

That's why I am so thankful on this Mother's Day and every other day throughout the year.

I hope and pray that every mother out there has a wonderful Mother's Day!

Jimmy

 

Benjamin

Caleb

Liam

Elijah

 

And I pray for the birthmothers of my precious Russian sons. I know that the decision to give up their children had to be heart wrenching. I pray that they can have peace and know that Caleb, Liam and Elijah are loved beyond words.

Liam says....

Liam does not verbalize at this time. He can make some sounds and does say mamamama, but has yet to call me Mama. I had a dream the other night that Liam said, "No." It was the one and only word, that he spoke in my dream, but it was so sweet. I kept asking him to say it so I could hear his precious voice over and over. Then, I woke up and realized it was only a dream. Will Liam talk one day? I don't know......but I am always hopeful that he will one day speak at least a couple words. Right now, he is using sign language and we are beginning to use a communication program with the Ipad called Proloquo2go.

But even without any verbal communication at this time....Liam has so much to say.

He says, "I am safe."

 

He says, "I am accepted."

 

He says, "I am happy."

 

He says, "I am loved".

 

He says, "I am silly."

 

He says,  "I am perfectly, fearfully and wonderfully made."