I'm Dreaming Of A White Christmas...

White sand that is! We had a wonderful Christmas holiday as we remembered and celebrated the birth of our Savior with our family and friends. We spent time with my family a couple of weeks before Christmas. It was so nice to be together. We then went to Florida with Jay's family for a few days. This was our first trip as a family of five. The kids enjoyed visiting with their cousins. We are ready to go back...in warmer weather.

Precious Memories

A tree full of memories...

Abby proudly places the star on the Christmas tree...

Will's first Christmas tree...

Kai with his "Ho! Ho!" blanket...

Placing snowflakes on the windows...

Unpacking ornaments for the tree...

Sliding for the first time after being ill...

Today we were able to decorate our Christmas tree...as a family of five. Will watched and played as we worked to transform our home for the holidays. This year, Kai really enjoyed watching the tree go up. He was so excited when we lit the tree. He helped place ornaments...and remove them if he saw one that he wanted to play with. When all of the ornaments had been hung, Abby was lifted up by her daddy to place the star on top of the tree. This is one tradition that she enjoys...and isn't willing to share with her brothers. That's okay...she said they will have to find traditions of their own. I had the best time. This Christmas season I am especially thankful for my family. Abby is a delight. Kai is laughing again after his recent illness and hospitalization. Will is blossoming. What more could a mother ask for? Today we spent time together...making precious memories....

Truly Blessed

Well...this Thanksgiving Holiday found us in the hospital with Kai. He became sick on Monday and was hospitalized on Thanksgiving day with dehydration and rule out Kawasaki Disease. He has been a real trooper. Please continue to pray for Kai as we follow up with his doctors and work to restore him to a healthy state. Although this was not the Thanksgiving we had planned, I am very thankful that Kai is improving. Also, four months ago today, we became Will's forever family. I have two wonderful sons, an amazing daughter, a husband who loves me...and family and friends who have shown support and concern...I am truly blessed.

Fall Fun!

Ready for "Trunk or Treat" at our church...Kai and Will are dressed as cowboys and Abby is a Fairy Princess.

"Brothers"

"Kai a Cowboy"

The kids really had a great time! Kai thought the endless supply of candy was wonderful! Will sat quietly while we pulled him and Kai around to the many trunks. Abby helped with the salvation bracelet booth this year. It was a great family time...

Wings

This afternoon, I took Kai and Abby on a special outing to pick out costumes for our annual Trunk or Treat event at church. Will enjoyed some special time with his Dada. After almost an hour of looking up and down aisles and giving them individual time and attention in choosing just the right thing...we walked out with a holster and red plastic pistol so Kai could be a cowboy...and a beautiful set of wings so Abby could be a fairy. Kai couldn't wait to get home to strap on his new holster...he said "Kai a cowboy...." Abby excitedly tried on her dress and wings. She twirled...and twirled...Later, she looked at me and said "thanks for my wings, Mama." Wow...I was immediately overcome with emotion...it was as if she read my mind because just a couple of minutes later, she stuck her head back in the room and said..."I mean thanks for giving me my wings...you know"...I knew exactly what she was saying...At age eleven, at times anyway, we are letting her stretch her wings as we see her changing before our eyes. Just this morning Jay and I were reminiscing...recalling some of her sweetest "Abbyisms." She is such a blessing. Yes...today I gave my daughter wings made of wire and netting...and she was delighted...she is stretching her wings...to one day take flight...and I am delighted...proud to be her mama.

Our Miracle Man Turns Two!

Two years ago today we welcomed Wyeth Kai Hellums into the world - weight: 2 lbs 4.2 ounces, length: 14 3/4 inches, status: a fighter! He has brought more joy than he will ever know. We are so blessed to be his parents. Happy Birthday Kai...our miracle man!

What A Difference A Month Can Make...

One month ago today Gao Ai Hua became William Addison Hellums...our son. He has progressed from the baby who made little to no eye contact, didn't know how to play with a toy, or be loved on...to a fun loving little boy who is playing with toys, interacting...and drum roll...crawling! We are completely amazed at his progress. We are very thankful that he is doing so well. Please continue to pray for our family...