Bragging On My Girl & Some Updates

So, I took a blogging break. School has really been cramping my free time! But I have 6 weeks off for the summer.

I have to start out with a little bragging on my girl. I took the munchkins to the park last week. We've had pretty sketchy weather for the last couple months- it's been either hotter than blazes, or raining. A LOT of raining. Like 2 straight weeks + a day here, a day there. And hot. Did I mention hot? And raining? So, when we saw a day without rain, and a decent temperature (read: our skin wasn't melting off of us), we ran to the park!

While we were there, a girl came up to Xandra & Milo. I'm guessing this girl was older than Xandra- she was taller & bigger (but that doesn't mean much, as Xandra is pretty dinky- 40 lbs at 7 years old). Anyway, the girl apparently made fun of Milo's arm. Xandra told her "it's just the way God made him." Then Xandra led Milo back to where I was sitting (having no idea this was going on- I thought they were all just playing together). Xandra went back to the girl & told her that she'd hurt her brother's feelings. The girl apologized. Finally, Xandra came back to Milo & I and told Milo that if anyone hurts his feelings again, he should just walk away. 

I'm not sure if I've ever been more proud of my girl. It almost made me teary-eyed. She loves him so much, and the feeling is very mutual. They have the most amazing relationship. I'm not sure how exactly I fostered that, or if I should even take any credit. I just love that they will stick up for one another, and show the world their love for each other. 

I'll post a few iPhone pics, as I haven't gotten my big-girl camera out lately (other than for paying customers- but that's another post). 

Proof of all the rain. Milo's pretty sick of it, as are the rest of us.

Milo washing his car, in the rain

Milo & Xandra got into some of my photography props

Did I mention we got a puppy? Her name is Lucy & she's a pug/shitzu mix. 

Xandra is head-over-heels in love with her.  

Xandra lost a front tooth. & the other one isn't too far behind. 

Photo Dump {instagram}

If you follow me on instagram, you've seen these already.

But, with my school semester winding down (finals in 2 weeks!), this is all I have time for right now.

Hoping to enjoy this weather with a good photo shoot soon... 

A family who reads together...

Ironman... with a Spiderman shirt on

Took this one with my big-girl camera

This was also with my big-girl camera

Did a photo shoot of one of my favorite families & Xandra tagged along.
She jumped into a shot with her buddy Landon.

Another shot of my girl at that photo shoot.
Love this park- great backgrounds! (cute subject too!)

So Lunchables came out with awesome smores snack packs.
Yeah, the kids loved them!

Little boy's toes.
Best things ever.

She's learned to pump.
She went & grew up on me when I wasn't looking.
But she still likes to be pushed now & again.

Slide!!

Almost down!

Quick break to look at the water.

Last year, he wasn't allowed to even attempt this.
This year, 1st day back to the park, he's almost mastered it.
Makes mama's heart skip a beat or two.

He struggles & powers through.
Always learning to overcome this world that wasn't built for him.
Resilient. Smart. Determined. Strong.
He has taught me so much about seeing everyday things differently.

Back to the Backyard

Winter still has a tight grip on us, here in Ohio.

Unfortunately.

I seriously hate winter. 

Always have.

But we've been teased a couple days this week.

So I've been trying to get the kids outside whenever I can.

Lordy, they've had some serious cabin fever!!

So, here are some random pictures over the past week, in no particular order.

Hope everyone has a wonderful week!!
And we'll be bundling up, getting ready for another 2-3 inches of snow.

School Pictures

It's an annual tradition.

In our school system, a bi-annual tradition.

Our kiddo gets pictures taken in the fall & spring.

And every time, I'm thoroughly disappointed.

This year, I refused to spend one penny on those God-awful, horrible things passing for pictures.

They were out of focus.

And they somehow made my daughter look ugly.

And my daughter IS NOT ugly! 

So, what's a photography-loving mama to do?? 

Take my own school pictures!! 

Granted, the lighting isn't the best - indoors without a flash.

But they're a heck of a lot better than the school's options!! 

Plus, it's only 1st grade... I'm sure she'll forgive me later on for my lack of lighting skills.

Since I already had the camera out & the background up, I grabbed Milo & made him put on some suspenders that he hated.

He immediately started taking them off.

I thought they were cute, but apparently Milo thought differently.

So, I think I'm going to just order some of these pictures & give them out instead of those awful generic school ones!

On to new (& better) traditions!!

646

646 days
as an orphan
without his family
waiting...

He waits no more
He has a family that adores him
(as well as a first family that we will continually honor)

He has officially surpassed his time spent in the orphanage
with the time he has spent within, and as a blessed part of, our family!
********
Dear Milo
We have spent almost 2 years with you, getting to know you, loving you. You have brought our family into a new dynamic, a new burst of energy. Oh the energy you bring to us! (You could tone down that energy any time you see fit, to allow your mama & daddy a chance to catch our breath!) 

We couldn't have hoped or prayed for a more perfect son than you. You have touched more hearts and lives than we ever thought possible - you've taught others what it is to see past a "special need" and find the person beyond the physical appearance. You are truly incredible with your infectious laugh and sparkle in your eyes! 

There is no obstacle that you can't overcome- you've shown us that time and again. You are destined for big things, I just know it. 

We love you to the moon & back, baby boy!! 

Picture-palooza!

Nothing really specific here...

Just some pictures I don't want to gather dust

I've taken these over the last couple/few weeks 

Love Love LOVE!
My beautiful babies!

Milo lovin' on his panda bear

Preparing a proper tea time

Oh Milo! This is the best tea!

Littlest Pet Shop Animals are her newest favorite thing in the world
(they're all over our house)

Climbing up to his big-boy bed!

She's almost always up for a photo shoot
& posing for me is her new thing!

One of the coolest books we have-
a magnetic Cars activity/story book
Milo just discovered it in our collection

"How many cars are there Milo?"
"Two, two, two, TWO!!"

Bead explosion in Xandra's room
Clean Up Time!

Oh, how he loves noodles!

Linking up with Stephanie today!