Just Photos

I FINALLY figured out how to make my pictures less blurry with my new camera. I was the paparazzi around here today. With the young ones away - I find it awkward how much the older ones want to pose for the camera (or stare in the mirror).

Tom Selleck

Dan shaved his beard -- there was some talk of Stanley Cup Finals or some nonsense in there. Not sure what hockey has to do with his beard, but I digress. This is what he was sporting. I triple dog-dared him to keep it for three days. He was not up for the dare. It was real hard to take him seriously, so I'm glad it's gone.

Oh, the hair matched the 'stache - he's usually super cool.

NOTICE TO ALL KROGER SHOPPERS!!

As of now, I will be finding a more culturally diverse Kroger to do my shopping. Or, perhaps I will wear a shirt that says either "Apparently, you think I can't see you staring at me, but I can" or "Yes, I do have an Ethiopian baby and a Chinese toddler and no I'm not trying to be Angelia Jolie". Seems like a lot to read while passing by, but for the length of time these people are staring at me. I might be ok.

It's almost summer!!

We are excited to be almost done with school over here. My part is pretty well done. Both kids have a handful of math lessons left and then we are on break! I have been so impressed by what they learned at Classical Conversations this year.  Seth improved his reading by 4 grade levels this year!!!!! He worked so hard and is loving reading now.  Makenzie is approaching teenage-hood and all that entails.  She has found a recent love for photography and really has a gift for it. I am amazed! The photo to the left is one of her creations.

Micah is doing great! He is so sweet and such a low key little man. Sophie is still in love with him and it is pretty mutual.  He laughs when she walks into a room. Hopefully, that love will continue.  I am so grateful for our family!

What is going on here??

Since we've added an little Ethiopian man to the family, we've apparently taken things up a notch or two.  The last couple times I have gone to the grocery store with both Sophie and Micah, I felt like people were staring at us.  My last trip occurred at about 5:30pm -- okay, so I haven't been much of a planner since Micah's arrival -- I was walking out with Sophie behind me. Sophie is a Neal and that means that she talks CONSTANTLY.  She had a bag of Funyuns that I let her get because I was trying to avoid a breakdown -- mine as much as hers.  So, this man in a shirt and tie stops me and says "M'am, I am a principal in a Detroit public school, and I have to ask you - what is happening here?  Help a brother out."  Waving his hand around my kids.  Keep in mind that nothing was "happening".  My kids and I were simply walking out of the grocery store. I introduced Micah and Sophie as my children.  He had a few questions about how I "got" Micah. Some people ask questions out of curiousity, some are interested in adoption, or know a family "just like ours" - not this joker.  I don't know what his angle was, but he wouldn't leave me alone. I started walking out, I've got dinner to make afterall, and he follows me asking questions about why Madonna couldn't get a baby from there then.  I try to be open to answering questions, but find myself irritated with some people who are so nosy and rude.  I was reading an article that suggested putting it back on the other person by saying "why do you ask?".  I need to remember that one. 

Day of Firsts!

Big day at the Neal home. Micah's first teeth broke through. You'd never even know - he is the most laid back little baby ever! He is so sweet, happy and ADORABLE!!!! Sophie's reasoning for Micah not being able to do things that she can is that he doesn't have teeth. We're a little nervous to tell her that the teeth are in. She's got a lot on the agenda for him!

Sophie got her first hair cut today too! She enjoyed herself. Marie and her boys, who are 2 days older than Micah and came home around the same time came to a hair cut/play date. It was crazy! (and fun!!)

Micah also took his first bath in the bath seat. He's been in the sink until now, but he is growing so fast. He doesn't really fit in the kitchen sink anymore. Sophie was really excited to have him in the tub with her!

Waste Management

So, I am not a big fan of the diaper pail. I don't think they really keep any room odor free. This is my solution. The window is right next to the changing table. I had the plan before I even realized that there was a well outside the window that would hide my home made "diaper pail". Love it!