Learning to Fly with Chopsticks

Sunday, April 7, 2013

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.

Sunday, March 17, 2013

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.

Saturday, March 9, 2013

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!!

Thursday, February 14, 2013

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!!