Happy 5th Birthday, James!

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I cannot believe James is 5 years old today!

Each year on his Birthday, I am reminded of what a blessing, miracle and saving grace he is to me. James is one of the HAPPIEST little boys I have ever met. He is constantly smiling, energized, laughing and curious to the world around him. As I have for the past couple of years, I read my blog and reminisce about his birth and the long and scary journey we went through and what we have been going through until this very day. When I look at James I see a true Miracle of Heavenly Father. He is a true tender mercy of our Heavenly Father. James reminds me how important my Faith is to me and what a faith builder he was to all those around us at the time of his birth. So many people loved him and our family during this time. A good friend of mine coordinated a Stake Fast in our Church and many people were fasting, praying and thinking of James. He is a true result of the Power of the Priesthood and what Priesthood Blessings can provide. As I read my documented blogs of my long journey in the nicu with James, I can remember this moment the strongest. Day 7 of the NICU...we are told that James will most likely not make it home. We were told after being a week old he was supposed to be better, not worse. We were devastated and could not understand why. Randy and his Father gave James a beautiful blessing and the Stake Fast was in place. We all were going to stay strong and keep the Faith that our little fighter was going to make it through this and come home to us. Day 11 of the NICU...I write...

"Day 11...The Power of Priesthood Blessings, Prayer, and Fasting!!!!

Oh My Goodness, I don't even know where to start! This morning I called the Hospital around 10:00 AM to check on James, and was sitting in bed and the nurse starts to tell me of all the changes and I practically fell out of bed with shock! She says, "He is off everything, no Nitric Oxide, no Respirator, no blood pressure meds, no Fentanyl, nothing. The only thing he has is a little oxygen in his nose through a small tube and his feeding tube." My response, crying and trying to pick myself up off the floor! "What, are you serious, I can hold him? I am on my way! Can I bring him clothes and his blanket?" This was the best day!!!!! So, I called Randy's mom and Jen was over there and Jen met us at the hospital, are usual routine lately. We give her the kids, and we head up to the NICU. It was like walking in to a new room. He was in a regular bed and looked so small without all his machines and huge gear around him. Randy and I stood there in aawww of him. We couldn't believe that was our baby! Then the nurse came over and introduced herself and I blurted out, "I am ready to hold him." I got to hold my BABY FINALLY!!!!!!! I can't even express the emotion that I was feeling at that moment. I just had chills and felt so complete again. I smiled for the first time in forever and it felt good to do so."
I honestly can remember how strong the Spirit was in my heart and all around me, as I walked up to his bed and the moment they laid him in my arms. James is the best hug giver, cuddler, snuggler, and loving boy. I thank Heavenly Father everyday for this wonderful little boy he has given me to raise here on earth and be his Mother for all time and eternity. He makes me a better person inside and out.

Holding our miracle boy for the first time after 11 LONG days.

James was in and out of the hospital the first 3.5 years of his life. The doctors always said, by five you should see he has outgrown a lot of his asthma tendencies and big respiratory issues. I do see a huge difference in his health now verses when he was littler. He still gets a bad cough or has a rough Fall/Winter, but it is manageable for me to be able to take care of him at home and not having to live in a hospital for weeks at a time. Today, we face more developmental and speech delays , but he has come such a long way from even that 3 year old that did not talk to a 5 year old that never is quiet!! Even though he may talk a little too much now, I will take it and work on my patience and just remember what a living miracle he is to us. I love my James so very much and cannot wait to continue celebrating him everyday of his life.

School is almost out!!!!

I feel the kids and I have already 'checked out' and we still have four and half days left of school. My brain is not working anymore. Trying to get Taylor to do the last homework assignments this week for the year was as bad as nails against a chalkboard while slamming your head into a wall over and over. IT WAS HORRIBLE! Tears, threats, groundings, privileges taken away, and bribes. It was ridiculous. That boy hates doing homework almost as much as I hate having to make him do it! HAHA Reaganne has left her brain somewhere and can't find it...haha! We are all exhausted and tired. Each morning it just gets harder and harder to get up. I am so ready for the Summer, even though I am terrified of having all four crazy kids home all day long. Thank goodness for swimming lessons twice a week for the entire Summer and many days at the pool. We had Parent/Teacher conferences this past week and Randy came too. It was so good to see the progress both the kids are making. Reaganne scored one of the highest scores in Math for her Class. Taylor is reading at 4th grade level. They both have different areas to work on this Summer, but at least one of them is looking forward to practicing. (Reaganne loves to learn, bless her heart) She will make a great Teacher and Mommy one day! Taylor and I will have to work out some reward system to get this work done over the Summer. haha
Reaganne is growing up too fast, she is wearing my shoes and almost as tall as me. She is one of the sweetest little girls I have ever known. She has really blossomed this past year. She is such an amazing sister and I know she hates being the only girl sometimes, but she truly was meant to be our only princess. I enjoy so much talking with her and how open she is with me and how a hug and kiss can turn any frown upside down. She is very patient with her brothers and is always willing to help out around the house. I am looking forward to making more time for "Girl Time" throughout the Summer.
Taylor is just plain and simple too smart for his own good!!! He is the most stubborn child I have ever met. However, he is the most sensitive child I have ever met. ;) He has a big heart, but likes to hide it as much as he can. He LOVES to ask for stuff all the time, everything is a battle with Taylor and he LOVES to talk back. I am constantly telling him, "Taylor, just remember the louder I yell, and the harder I punish, it just means I LOVE YOU that much more!" haha He is so smart and creative. He has an amazing imagination, whether it is Lego building or creative writing. He loves to write books and draw pictures to go with them. He builds some amazing Lego models from scratch and he can conquer any Wii game in a very short amount of time. He has enjoyed playing catch with Dad in the backyard and has gotten pretty good. He LOVES to 'negotiate a deal' on everything he does. ie. "If I clean the den for you, will I get a Dollar? If I catch the ball 5 times, will I get a Braum's ice cream?" He keeps me laughing and yelling all the time. Taylor is a sweet boy with a hard shell, and I wouldn't want him any other way! ;)
James is almost done with his Pre-K 3/4 year old school year! He is growing so fast! He is doing great with his Speech Therapy. He is making progress every day. He LOVES to TALK. A lot of the time, we are saying, "James, please be quiet! Calm down!" Haha Really he LOVES to tell us about everything and wants to do anything outside that involves running and playing. James loves to collect his favorite toys and put them on my work desk or Daddy's 'white care'. He loves to go for rides in the 'white car'! He is the most affectionate and loving little boy too. I love my James, and all the hugs he randomly comes and gives me!
Kenneth was truly sent to me by Heavenly Father as my last child to keep me laughing and on my toes and to keep me from crying I have four kids that make my head spin. ;) He is such an amazing miracle. He was walking at 11 months (technically 9 months like Taylor did) and all over the place. I cannot keep him gated in any room in this house, he finds a way to move the furniture or break out. He makes the cutest crinkly face when he smiles and just laughs all the time. He has the best expressive eyebrows I have ever seen in a baby. He truly takes my breathe away every morning I go to wake him up. You would never know he was two months early. He is so healthy and happy!

Randy, Randy, Randy! He is such an amazing DAD! He is patient and caring. He helps me see things from a different view which helps me be a better Mom. He is very supportive of me and all that I choose to do and challenge myself with. And of course, he could never live without me!! ;)  I think more and more he realizes my plate is pretty full and he is constantly there to help me when I need it, but I have to remember to ask, not assume he knows what I need. Now, if we could just go on a Date Night, that would be Heaven. I think we both could use a couple of hours away! ;)

Gangnam Style

Last years Field Day vs. this year! WOW!!

Different Emotions of eating mashed potatoes

burping his baby

Ready for church

Field Day drawings

Mustache Day

Career Day-Art Teacher

Karate Teacher

James' favorite Lego creations on my desk

Decade Day-80's "You talking to me!"

The Escape Artist

Always smiling and laughing

James' favorite things in his favorite 'white car'

Flower Child

James' self portrait

May

In May I was able to attend an Activities Day Luncheon with Reaganne and the other Mothers/Daughters for Mother's Day. We had a lot of fun and most of all I enjoyed my special day with my sweet Reaganne. She is growing up too fast. I am so lucky to be her Mother.

Enjoying our family walks

Well visit! He is doing great! 21 lbs and 29.5 inches tall

Mother's day. I am beyond blessed.

My whole world

The Super Duo

I'm scared!!

April

April was a special month...We celebrated Kenneth's 1st Birthday and added a new member to our family...Bella Rose aka "Bella Boo"! Bella has brought a lot of JOY to our family. She is very sweet and fits right in. She has gotten our family walking in the morning and evenings. Randy and I enjoy walking together in the mornings and our family walks after dinner. NO less than three miles a day! We are doing good!