Day 78

Today Katie came over to do a homework project for her photography class (imagine that!) and needed to use Chloe as her model. She was quite willing to comply. Is it cheating that I didn't take this picture? It WAS taken with my camera, though, so it's not really cheating. Let's stick with that, okay?

In this photo she was playing with depth of field and I think she did a good job - except for the tree that looks like it's coming out of Chloe's head! Hopefully she'll get a good grade because she had to do a lot of work!! I always wanted to take a photography class - maybe some day I'll take a continuing ed class at the junior college. Like, some day when I'm not coaching, teaching, in grad school, chasing a puppy, and wrangling a 4 and 5 year old. Yeah, then.

Day 65

Our neighbor's grandson, who is Chloe's age, moved in with her a few months ago, but the kids haven't really seen him because it's been too darn cold to go outside. He has pretty severe autism, and she keeps him close to her at all times. When Chloe was playing with Zeke she heard him talking and she climbed the fence to see who it was. He saw her and ran over to the fence. He does quite a bit of echolalia and usually sing-songs to himself. But, when he saw Chloe he said, "Hi, Girl," very clearly. She climbed down and went to peak through a knot hole in the fence He stuck his finger through and she did the same. They linked their fingers and giggled for a while before he went off to play with his ball again like nothing had ever happened. I'm going to have to set up play dates for them this summer because I think he really needs to be around my kids. God had a plan when He sent him to live next door to us, I think. I can't wait to see how their friendship grows.

Day 56

I love my Katie-girl, even though she drives me crazy. She called me the other day to see if she could BORROW some craft supplies for a project. Tonight she drove to my house (from College Station, mind you) to do the work. I always forget that "coming over to borrow something" is translated to "oh my gosh, Leah, I completely need your help with this because I'm going to totally panic." So, we stayed up entirely too late (on a school night) to work on her project (which is due Saturday). Good times, eh? Just like when she was in high school. (Memories....) She'll head back to Aggieland tomorrow and hopefully get good points for her (our) hard work. I should totally claim her on our taxes.

Day 52

Today we were privileged to attend the Naming Ceremony for darling baby Matthew. His mama, Sharon, and I have been friends since way back in 2003 when we were both struggling through infertility. We were blessed to be pregnant with our first two AND our second two kids at the same time. She got to do number 3 as a solo act!

Matthew is an absolute doll and it was fun to finally hold him. My kids (and Sharon's girls) behaved well and it was a lovely way to gather their family and friends together to honor their heritage and give the baby a blessing. We feel honored to have been a part of it.