Celebrating Easter with much appreciation for what we have

I can't imagine what life would be like for Dennis had we not adopted him. But just as often, I wonder how my kids ever did without Dennis. If there was a popularity contest going on, he would definitely win, that's all I can say.

Dennis is signing more and more. Not only does he sign please, more, eat, no, thank you, and I love you, but he has also learned to point to what he wants or where he wants to go. Often we will find Dennis standing by the back door pointing at his swing. His sweetness is hard to ignore, and usually one of his siblings will take him out for five minutes.

Here is Caleb and Dennis swinging together.


John took the kids to an awesome activity sports park today where Adam, Caleb, Sveta, and William boogie boarded and surfed on a sheet wave attraction. The other kids played in the arcade, and Julia and Dennis stayed home with me. It was really nice that Julia "out of the blue" wanted to spend time her Mom----- me. Dennis took a long nap while Julia and I baked a cake, played Rummikub, and talked. It was very nice. This one on one time that John and I get with the kids always seems to be just perfect. The other day, John took Rachel to work with him and then out for lunch.

Ever heard of Amish Friendship bread?

My Mom gave me a starter and I just finished up the eighth day. In just two more days, I will make some of the best bread out of the starter you see in the picture. Thanks Mom.

Tonight we colored eggs. It was a nice surprise for the kids who actually forgot about this fun tradition. Each kid got to color two or three eggs, which was plenty for them.

Though our egg dying time is always short and sweet, the kids always enjoy dipping their eggs and then decorating them with stickers or glitter.

Sveta was amazed how the egg changed color, and she was proud at how beautiful her three eggs turned out.

As soon as the eggs were done, the kids were begging to eat them! They acted like they hadn't eaten in days---- yet we had just had tacos, burritos, and chocolate cake for dinner! Can you believe Jonny polished off not one but two eggs?

If you are wondering whether or not Dennis dyed eggs---- I was a mean Momma and didn't let him. Two years old is just a bit too young, but next year he will be old enough, I think. However, he did have fun hanging out with us.

Dennis is doing great after his surgery. The nurse who saw Dennis ealrier this week thought that he had a fungal infection going on in his scalp where there were three incisions close together. Now, I am applying a light layer of anti-fungal cream every night which seems to be helping. I also apply a thin layer of bacitracin to his scars that have not fully healed, and Mederma to the scars that are completely healed. The doctor suggested massaging his healed scars for a few minutes a couple times a day which seems to be helping with the color.

If all goes well with our insurance approving the referral in time, Dennis will be getting his prosthetic eye this coming week! You better believe I am calling the insurance company on a regular basis to make sure things are moving along.

Rachel loves her new kitty slippers. They even meow when you press the ear.

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Happy Easter everyone! Tomorrow there is much to celebrate!