Happy 7th Gotcha Day Elijah!

He was so tiny and beautiful. Just perfect.

He craved attention and was so happy to be loved.

He had the cutest giggle I have  ever heard.

And so funny! What a little ham!

My precious boy is growing fast. He is so smart, creative and sweet. He's independent and always on the go! I love how he races through life with so much excitement and joy!

I asked what he wanted to celebrate his day. He said a Dora cake!

Anything for you, buddy. :)

You are so loved! 

You make every day, a holiday.

God blessed us, the day you came home. We love you sweet boy!!

Easter 2016

Easter Flashback from 1992

Benjamin had no idea he was sitting on a live Easter Bunny.

Brown eggs turn out so beautiful

Liam found his first

Caleb found his next :)

He finally got his "Cheater Cheater" CD!

And Peppa and friends

Elijah needed a hint, but he found his soon after!

Paw Patrol!

Jimmy's was in the bath tub!

Passion Live in New Orleans CD

HE IS RISEN!

Grumpy Old Men

Ever since Jimmy got these movies (Grumpy Old Men and Grumpier Old Men), he has been fascinated with red plaid. LOL Just like Max. He now proudly owns a Max hat, one with fur and one without. He also has a shirt and pajama bottoms. He cracks me up.

Told ya! :)

Sledding with Caleb

These pictures were taken a couple weeks ago, when we still had snow. Caleb had fun! I stayed home with Elijah, because he was running a fever.

My favorite cheesy grin!

Right Where I Need To Be

As I sit here on the couch, drinking my coffee and watching it snow outside, I can't help, but to be thankful. Thankful, that I can stay at home and work as a substitute teacher now and then. I do have a M.A. in Special Education, and I have taught as a special ed. teacher for 15 years, before resigning a couple years ago. You might wonder why I would resign when I have such an amazing career. The truth is, I needed to. Being a single mom with four children with special needs, made it hard to work full time, and to also be there when they needed me. I'm talking with sickness, conflicting schedules, and my own physical issues, I had to make a decision. I didn't know what I was dealing with, until after I resigned, but I knew that I was exhausted all the time. Every day, I struggled to get through my classes and stay awake. It was discouraging and very difficult. I wouldn't be diagnosed for another year, but I was finally diagnosed with idiopathic hypersomnia. After the diagnosis, I felt a little better, and it all made sense. There is no treatment though, and naps during the day, don't help. But, now I'm home and I can deal with it. There is also a lot of stress removed now from my life. I am home for my boys, and now I don't have to worry if they begin to get sick, because I won't miss work. I can rest assured, knowing that I can stay home with them and take care of them, like they need their Mama to do, when they aren't feeling well. Elijah has been home for the last three days, with a sinus infection. Today was his first day back to school. And it felt, so good to be home for my little guy. Jimmy also has a schedule that requires me to be home on Wednesdays and available to him on most Fridays. This year, my boys go to 4 different schools. All with different starting and ending times. There's no way, I could have juggled all of that before. Now, it's not a big deal. I've got it. Actually, God's got it.  So, it's not what I had envisioned, when I pursued my Special education degrees, but I wouldn't change a thing. I'm exactly where I want and need to be. Thank you Jesus once again, for showing me, that your plan is always better than mine.

Siberian Snow Kid

Elijah was born in Novosibirsk, Russia. That is the largest city in Siberia. So, it should be no surprise that this kid absolutely loves the snow. LOL It wasn't always the case, but now that he's a little bigger, he thinks this cold fluffy white stuff is the best thing ever. :)

After helping Mama with the driveway, he started out to make his snowman.

I think it's the most adorable snowman, that I have ever seen. 

Spending time with Elijah and helping him make his snowman, 

was so much fun!

I can't thank God enough for my little Siberian born boy. He is my pride and joy and I love him so much!