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......

One more

Caleb managed to pull out one more tooth this year. And what's up with the Tooth Fairy? She left Caleb some money, but forgot to take the tooth! LOL

My Ben

I was so blessed to have all my boys home for Christmas. This was our first year all together. You see, last year was Liam's first Christmas home, but Ben was in Florida. So, this year when Ben came home, it was my first time to have my 5 boys home for the holidays. Here are some pics that we took while he was here. The boys have really missed Ben and they were so happy to go in and wake him up each morning. LOL Remember, Liam wakes up quite early. ;)

 

He grew up too fast. :(

Special bond, these two have.

Ben, Caleb and Jimmy

Ben, Elijah and Jimmy

 

Liam and Ben

I miss Ben so much. It doesn't get any easier to say goodbye, just because they are grown.

December pictures

Caleb made this adorable gingerbread house.....

and then proceeded to taste it. :)

Jimmy smiling after our first good snowfall this December

 

Caleb loves the snow. He could not wait to get out there and start shoveling.

Not much snow actually gets removed from the deck, but they sure have a lot of fun! :)

Elijah decided that this year would be a good time to start wearing hats. Mama's glad because he looks so cute in them.

Smiling cute with his new glasses :)

Mikey is actually peeing in this picture. LOL! I had to take it though so I could send it to Ben and show him what he was in for. He was just a couple days away from flying home for Christmas.

Liam loved having Ben home. He was only home from Russia for 6 months, before Ben left for Florida. But he sure didn't waste any time warming up to Ben again. :)