Nine years ago

on June 10, 2005, I became Caleb's Mommy. This boy of mine has totally taken me for one wild ride, these last nine years. He knows how to live life to the fullest. Every day he wakes up, and is ready to go, go, go! Over the last nine years, he has also become a big brother twice. And he is awesome at caring for his little brothers, and is also good at persuading them to be naughty too. LOL He is such a good boy with just the right dose of mischief rolled in! I love him to the moon and back and I am so proud of him! I love you Caleb Anatoly, you are my first Russian love!

June 10, 2005. 

I picked him up right after court. I wasn't going to wait another minute!

June 2014

Blessed......

to call this sleeping beauty....Mine.

More pictures from Florida

McDonalds for breakfast makes Caleb a happy boy! LOL

Elijah liked the yogurt until he got to the fruit. He also ate a hash brown.

Liam loves to swing. I pushed him on the swing for about 30 minutes.

Happy Boy!

Elijah is most happy playing in the sand.

Good Times

Florida vacation....in pictures

A Monday in the park

It was a beautiful  day. We spent the morning at the park, before coming home and playing in the pool. We grilled out hamburgers, which are Caleb's favorite thing to eat lately. Elijah will even eat one, without the bun. Making progress. :)

How did God know, that I needed this little boy in my life? This child has taught me so much about unconditional love. I didn't realize that there was more to learn, but there was. Love without words. Love without thank you's. Love without expectations. Just a pure "giving love".  I have never felt so rewarded, by taking care of another human being, as I do with Liam. He has taught me so much, just in the short time that I have been his Mama.

The Smurfs: Caleb, Elijah and Liam. My precious boys from another mother. Never, did I ever think that I would have five sons, who have four different fathers. LOL

Gotta love that little tongue that peeks out for pictures.

Elijah, my creative one. Mr. Independent. I can't imagine this child never getting to experience life outside of an institution. He is just so bright, sweet and fun loving. :)

Caleb, he has made me feel so young again. He is all boy, with a little mischievous side. Who am I kidding? This kid is more than a little mischievous. LOL

Jimmy, has been my inspiration. Who would I be today, without him?

Throwing rocks, a little boy's favorite past time.

And here's my little funny face. 

Love you buddy. You're the one that started it all!

Random photos from the last week

On Wednesday, we went to the Toledo Mudhens game. 1st time for Caleb and Elijah. Elijah was ready to leave after the first inning. LOL

Jimmy wore his cowboy hat, which came in handy when it started raining.

Sweet little Elijah was surrounded by screaming girls. He quickly retreated to Mommy's lap and put his hood on!

Jimmy went garage sale-ing and bought this Mickey Mouse for Liam. I love his heart.

He also bought ET which made Caleb smile.

Jimmy and his favorite jalapeno Pringles.

Jimmy took this as I was getting back from rollerblading.

Caleb on our bike ride.

What am I doing in here? (First time in the jogging stroller)

Caleb and Special Olympics

Caleb was the only one who competed this year. Elijah was too young. Jimmy chose not to. And I was undecided with Liam, so I chose to wait till next year. Caleb was more than thrilled to compete, and it was so cute to watch him having so much fun!

Waiting for the Opening Ceremony to begin.

Caleb and his two helping buddies.

Pep talk before the 50 yard dash. I put the video on FB, if you want to see it. So cute!

2nd place in the 50 yard dash. And it doesn't matter that there were only 2 runners, it's all about fun. And Caleb had FUN!! 

Face Painting. BTW, Caleb requested a house be painted on both his face and arm. Silly kid loves real estate!

An awesome day for a super silly, very cute athlete!

Way to go Caleb! Mama loves you buddy, and I couldn't be more proud!