Snow days

We have had 6 this month. Tomorrow is February 1st , and we are suppose to get about 6 more inches of snow. This has actually been one of my most favorite winters so far. I love the snow. It's so pretty and brightens even the gloomiest of winter days. Our temps the last couple days, are getting back to normal for this time of year, which means the boys can actually play out in all the snow that we have. For the last few weeks, the temp has been much too cold to go outside. Here's a Valentine craft that we made during one of our extremely cold days. I think they turned out cute. 

This was on Tuesday, this week. YIKES!

And it continues

the cold and the snow, that is. The boys have had 6 snow days this month alone. Some of those days were hazardous roads and dangerously cold temp days. Today we are rising to about 15°. Heat wave! On Saturday, we have another snow storm expected to dump 4-8 inches of more snow. We have had about 32 inches of snow that fell just this month. I'm not complaining, this is what winter in Michigan is all about. I love it! If it's going to be cold, then bring on the snow!

This picture and the picture below are of our backyard. I took them only a couple hours apart. It went from a beautiful winter day, to what Jimmy called, a blizzard!

Winter Homecoming

Jimmy once again attended the Winter Homecoming at Saline Christian Academy. He loved it! They go all out with decorations, games, dancing, a photo booth, and beautiful dinner. The theme this year was Country, and we all know that's right up Jimmy's alley.

He looks so much older in this picture. Very handsome.

Chloe was so sweet. Jimmy called her, his girl. :)

Strep

Strep :(
Caleb and Elijah tested positive for Strep last Sunday. Elijah had been running a fever of 103° along with vomiting and body aches. It came on so suddenly too. Caleb just had a yucky nose and never complained about his throat. I ended up taking them to Mott's ER on Sunday morning because really, Elijah was miserable and could not wait until Monday. The doctors were as surprised as me when Caleb tested positive. They said his throat was a little red, but aside from his yucky nose, he was full of energy and talking like crazy. Then later in the week, Liam tested positive too. :( I think Jimmy just might barricade himself in his room until spring!

Strep really kicked Elijah's butt. :( He was out of school for a week.

Everyone is feeling better now though, and will be going back to school tomorrow!

Liam is 9!

Happy Birthday to my sweet Liam Josiah. I can't believe my little guy is already 9 years old. If I sit and think about it, I find myself quite saddened by the fact that I missed seven long years of his life. I didn't get to see his first smile, see him roll over or sit up for the first time. I didn't get to rock him to sleep. I didn't get to comfort him when he was teething and I wasn't there to see him take his first steps. So much precious time lost.

But, I can thank Jesus for letting me be a part of Liam's life now

Every day, new memories are made.

 New memories between Mama and son, and Liam with his brothers. We celebrated his birthday yesterday since today was a school day. I'm very glad that we did because he came home from school today, tired and in no mood for pictures or even ice cream. He did get to eat some ice cream at school though. :) I love how he is celebrated, loved and cherished now. He is such a blessing to us. I am honored to be his Mama. Happy Birthday my sweet Liam! Mama loves you soooooo much!

Liam's 2nd Gotcha Day

It's hard to believe that Liam's been home for 2 years. It seems like only yesterday, Ben and I were springing him from the institution. This precious boy of mine has taught me so much about love. Unlike his brothers, Liam is nonverbal, except for an occasional "Mama". He displays his love through his actions. He loves to cuddle and to receive hugs and kisses. He loves to be picked up, and I am thankful that he's a little squirt! He's funny, and he does this little head wobble sometimes, that earned the nickname, "the bobble head". He's playful and silly. He knows that he is loved. Without saying a word, he lets me know that he is happy and he's safe. I know this because he laughs and giggles, especially at bed time. And for me, I receive such satisfaction from loving a child, who can't verbally say I love you back. But I feel it. And that's what I have learned about love. It doesn't always have to verbally expressed. It feels so good to love Liam, and it feels so good, to be loved by Liam.

When I grow up.....

I'm going to be Santa. Jimmy used to say this all the time when he was younger. When he got to the age to shave, he would come in and show me his face and say, "Look! I'm turning into Santa!"
Well, guess what? It finally happened!

HO, HO, HO!!!!!!!

The Big Freeze

Exactly what is says........-40° w/ windchill. That's absolutely insane!
So, the week after Christmas break has been very interesting. The school has been closed for 3 straight days now. Day 1: Snow - 9 inches of it; Day 2: Dangerously cold temperatures; Day 3: Inclement weather and road conditions. Day 4: THERE BETTER BE SCHOOL! Just kiddin', I love having my boys home, but I do know that they are ready to go back. They love school.

Mikey loves the snow too! He's rubbing his face in it right now. 

backyard

View out the front

Keeping busy

Caleb is getting just a little bored. 

Liam, checking out his early birthday gift from Grandma and Papa

and Jimmy is in my next post......