WayfaringStrangers

Merry Christmas! Funny to think that God came as a little boy child.... But we are glad and thankful that He did! That He came...to us...to rescue humanity from the 'crushing load.' A load He took upon Himself not many years after His birth. We are glad to know the good news- great joy! Emmanuel- God With Us

Last Sunday, Graham turned 3! Three years ago, our little guy came to be with us. On a snowy night, a fast labor, the pain, the excitement, and then- there he was. All cone headed and in our arms. He's a serious one, but more silly lately. His first word was 'ball' and we still hear that word more than any other. A lover of basketballs, ping pong balls, tennis balls, racquetballs, golf balls, and especially baseballs. He has quite the left handed throw, and a fascination with Babe Ruth. He speaks in full sentences and tells us jokes. "Patrick is a potato! Hahaha! Is that funny?" He is potty trained and even makes it through the night now without an accident. He can recite nearly all of Psalm 100. He prays at night, thanking God for all the things. For his family and bathtime and popcorn and his baseball glove. He pushes and hits and says 'it's mine!' because he is a 3 year old boy but he also asks if someone is ok or gets worried if so

It's been a hard week. The kids have been trying on my nerves, I'm tired, my work hours were cancelled a couple of days, and dang it, it doesn't snow here. Looking through these pictures from the past few weeks cheers me up- reminds me of our beautiful families and memories and God's always grace to us. Cousins cozied up at Thanksgiving Baby Rosie- our kids' double cousin (my sister married Behn's brother). Gearing up to go see this precious girl again in a few weeks! Hike at a favorite park (Thanksgiving) Love this shot of Graham and his cousin Ruby Lots of soup these days... ...and festive pancakes on cold mornings. Graham's thrift store finds- we have at least  a dozen baseballs in this house. Behn's famous nutcracker collection is on display Cuddles with my baby Our tree and some flurries falling down (closest thing to snow we get).  Precious boy We went to a beautiful live Nati

I haven't done one of these in a while, but I have been reading. Here is what is on my bookshelf: The Mission of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson I first got to know Clarkson when I read the book Desperate, which she co-authored with Sarah Mae. I friend from church had raved about Clarkson, and so lent me this book when I showed interest in more of her writing. I'm only a few chapters in, but loving it so far. And, frankly, I really need to be reading these sort of books right now, in the throes of "Stop it!" "Don't kick your brother!" "Obey me RIGHT NOW" and the never ending dishes...the early mornings...the snotty noses...the incessant whining...the poopy diapers...in all the ordinary and mundane that is motherhood. To be reminded this is a mission- gives it so much more significance. The Pioneer Woman Cooks: A Year of Holidays by Ree Drummond My sweet sister-in-law Lydia gifted me with this (signed!) copy of the Pioneer

Yes, this is a tutorial. Have I mentioned I'm not crafty? Oh yes, I have. It's still true. Very rarely do I feel like crafting, and then when I do I have to go get everything because I keep very little craft stuff on hand. But, I made this craft up in my head (Really! I did! But if you look on Pinterest then no doubt you will find many similar others) and it took me days to finish. Because children. ^Monsters, both of them. Anyways, here's what you're making: And here's how to do it! First, you will need: Canvas (one for each letter of whatever word you choose) Scrapbook Paper Letters Paint for the letters Mod Podge Paint brushes Glue gun and glue Ribbon, if you want I picked to make the word 'Joy' because it's lovely and short . This isn't a cheap craft, as crafts go, because canvas is pricey, and in my opinion, so is pretty, festive scrapbook paper. Got your supplies? Let's get crafting! 1. Paint y

I showed Graham a picture of a very pregnant lady on a blog post I was reading. Me: "Look, Graham, she has a baby in her belly." Graham: "I don't want a baby in your belly. I don't want a baby." Me: "You don't want a new brother or sister?" Graham: "No." Me: "Well, that's ok because I don't have any babies in my belly right now." Graham: "I have my Patrick." Love that they have each other!

Thanksgiving- what a fun, happy, tiring, sweet, delicious whirlwind! We had a whole week of fun. On Monday, we had 2 of my sisters-in-law and some cute little nephews and nieces come to visit us. On Tuesday, I hosted a little get together for my side of the family (those who were in town, at least). Then, of course, we were in Delaware for the weekend. It was really fun to see everyone; and special thanks to my mother-in-law and father-in-law for putting up with us for 3 days :) I want to post some pictures and memories, soon. So, December. I love advent season. Because last year we were living with my parents and all our Christmas things were packed away, I had very high expectations about how this year was going to go. Our first Christmas in our first house. Plus, Graham is getting old enough to really enjoy the season. We want to make this month special. Then I read this article posted by my sister-in-law and changed my mind. The article is about how it's really smart t

Busy, lovely November! I love fall, even late fall when the tress are bare and the temperature drops. We have had lots going on. I had a dear friend come visit- always wonderful! We have had some beautiful family walks in the woods- my favorite thing to do. There's some serious bed head around here: I've been working out consistently the past few months, and I'm feeling pretty good! My goal is 4 times a week- sometimes I don't make that goal, but usually I do. I'm feeling stronger and healthier. Now if I could just stop eating cookies, all would be well! I found this gem at the dump. The living room is really coming together, with the curtains and the gray paint. I'll post a picture of the whole room soon! By the way, this chair was totally a God-thing. I mean, who throws out stuff like this?? I prayed God would provide a new chair or loveseat, and there it was. Family Time- yesterday 2 of my sisters-in-law