Merry Christmas 2015

Merry Christmas! This year I asked Adam to make a kitchen for the kids out of an old dresser. He did a fabulous job, adding much more detail and far exceeding my idea! The best part is the kids all really love it, and it will definitely provide many hours of creative play!

Irina's School Dance

Irina attended her school holiday dance. She had a ball! She danced with her friends and ate lots of yummy treats. We are so proud of Irina. She has made so much progress and worked so hard.

Pancake Breakfast with Santa

Gingerbread House Decorating

Decorating the Christmas Tree

Life Skills

I am trying to give my younger kids more responsibilities at home. They love to help and are very capable. Not only do they enjoy it, but it builds confidence and a good work ethic.

Happy October!

Busy Month

So it's been busy, but productive so far!
~Albie and Blair had their hearing aids tuned up (and thankfully they were in good working order).
~Sam got a new set of wheels!
~Fred is home from his summer job just in time to head off for college.
~Caroline went on 3 college visits (which included an overnight away with mom)!
~5 boys got haircuts.
~We had the monthly meeting regarding Irina's in home services, and she is doing so well we are continuing to phase out services, with an end date of September.
~Caroline and Ivan had orthodontist appointments.

We soak up these lasts days of summer, because school is right around the corner!

Happy Birthday Yul!

This is an especially important birthday for Yul, as it's his first one as a member of our family! Two years ago we were privileged to celebrate Yul's birthday during his hosting visit. Last year we were able to send him a cake and gifts, but there was an ocean and 7,650 miles between us. This year he is HOME!

It is a blessing and honor to be Yul's mom. He is one of the kindest, gentlest, and most appreciative individuals I have known. We are so grateful that God placed him in our family!

Bubbles

Happy Birthday Blair

It's almost impossible for me to believe this little boy is 12! Whoa! Where did the time go? He is still a character. He brings so much laughter to our family. He has become such a big helper and good big brother. He still loves his mama, and I hope that never changes!

He is currently obsessed with super heroes, the Incredible Hulk in particular. He requested an all-Hulk theme birthday with Chinese food for dinner.

We are coming up on the 9 year anniversary of his home coming. So thankful God chose us to be his family! We love you so much Blair-Blair!!!

Happy Birthday Irina

Six years ago we met Irina in an Eastern European orphanage a few days before her 4th birthday. I will never forget her entrance into the room to meet us. I was smitten and terrified at the same time. My heart sank when I realized she had Autism. It was definitely on my list of "can nots". Then the orphanage doctor assured us we did not want her. Oh how wrong she was! We DID want her. As terrified as I was of autism, there was no doubt we were bringing this little girl home.

No, it has not been easy. There are days that autism is a tough pill to swallow. There have been so many times I didn't have a clue what to do or how to address behaviors. We have been stretched and stressed. Somedays we are so focused on the minute to minute we can't see the big picture, and we forget the tremendous growth and changes that have taken place across the span of six years.

Six years ago, this child had no language. I had never encountered a child that made no verbal sounds aside from grunts or growls. Irina now knows more signs than I can count! Her verbal speech has exploded in the last year, and she has begun using an augmentative speech app.

This little girl who could barely tolerate physical contact is so affectionate. She makes eye contact. She loves to eat ALL textures, and feeds herself. This year she is so excited for her birthday, really for the first time! She keeps telling me it's her "Happy birthday ", that she wants presents and a new bathing suit (this girl swims like a fish!) and cake. She also picked pizza for her birthday dinner!

It has been hard, but she is worth it! Happy Birthday sweet girl!

Artists Extraordinaire

The great thing about summer is all the fun things you can do outside and clean up with a hose or by jumping in the pool! Painting is one of those activities that the kids had fun with and could be as messy as they wanted!

7 MORE Reasons Big Families Rock

1) There is usually someone around to style your hair
2) You can get help with your breakfast
3) You can always get assistance getting in your wheelchair
4) Someone is always willing to go to the movies and get a milkshake with you!
5) A helper can always be found to serve dessert
6) You have a lot of brothers willing to defend you (and hold your prom flowers)
7) You can be your own baseball team