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!

School with friends

Valentine's Day

We had a very nice Valentine's Day. The boys were extra excited for it this year, more than usual. Right after the smurfs went to bed, I was disappointed that I did not have a Valentine's banner. So, I got on Pinterest and made one. I love it!

Elijah made this for us at school. 

I love his hearts and his spelling! :)

I made this for Liam, because he does not eat candy.

Jimmy had me take him to the store, 

 so he could buy me a "candy box". 

It says:  I love you, Happy Valentine's Day Mom.

Poor Elijah was sick,

 and didn't even open his chocolate,

 until the 16th.

Me with my candy box. :)

Not too impressed with the pudding monkey. LOL

We also had homemade hot fudge over homemade brownies and ice cream. And after that, we had pizza. :)

A few cute pictures.....

Don't hate me just 'cause I'm a little cooler!

Elijah drew this adorable snowman. :)

Jimmy loves Grumpy Old Men and so he was very excited to get a "Max" shirt and hat.

Elijah being cute

This is Elijah's Art area. We have a stool on order, that should arrive this week, to better fit his table. :)

YEP!