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Showing posts from 2015

Five

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A few weeks ago, our first little guy turned FIVE! Oh, Graham, where do I begin? Little G, as we call him sometimes, is such a smart, fun kid. He has really grown up this past year and thrived in preschool, t-ball, self-care, and friendships. He asks the most interesting questions, brain always turning, and is well-spoken. He has an impeccable memory. While he does fight with Patrick a lot- they have such a rivalry- he's  very loyal to those he loves and I've never seen a little boy more tender with his baby cousins.  More and more he asks spiritual questions, and we feel we see his heart working for the Lord. He's still a challenge in a lot of ways. He's smart and energetic and seems to need to be constantly doing something. Kind of like a German Shepherd. He is very silly (too much at school sometimes!) but a natural leader. He reminds me so much of my brother Isaac, who has a similar personality. I only pray all of this personality and his gifts are used to

A Very Sick Christmas

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This past week has been (another) sick one. I suppose being pregnant ruins the immune system because I feel like I've been sick for months. The kids and I have been miserable lately. I hate to be a downer about Christmas... after all, the week has held a lot of joy. We took naps, watched a bunch of movies, and even rallied to go to the Christmas Eve service this year! Christmas Day itself was sweet. The boys woke up at the reasonable hour of 7:15, and we enjoyed opening a few gifts with them. We had breakfast. Then we all chilled for a long time, and later on Behn and I finished getting the house and food ready to have my family over. I know it was a special time, I just have little memory of it, as I robotically worked to make sure everything ran. I really appreciate my Mom's help, and Behn is a good host. We had my parents, grandmother, aunt Jeanne, my sister Olivia + Dennis, brother Aaron + Autumn, and brother Stephen. It was a very full house, as our space is pretty tin

In The City

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Trying to catch up on here! A couple of weeks ago, Behn and I had a special evening in D.C. to see The Nutcracker. Earlier in November, we decided it would be a fun Christmas gift to each other this year. We don't get out alone often- and to the city? Never! So, we bought some tickets and secured lovely grandparents for babysitting and planned to go. Me, before we left, showing off my 20 weeks baby bump It was more fun than I even thought it would be. My parents had the kids for the night, so we didn't feel rushed. We took our time getting ready and then drove up to the nearest metro stop to take the metro into the city. It all felt very posh and urban, although really we're just simple country  suburbanites who barely know how to purchase metro tickets. We whooshed into the city and got off right downtown. It was a nice area, lights everywhere, and lots of people out shopping and enjoying the mild December air. I felt kind of giddy and carefree and declared a

Thanksgiving 2015

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This post is purely a "write it down so you don't forget about where you spent Thanksgiving in 2015." Because I will forget if I don't write it down. We spent this Thanksgiving holiday in Delaware this year. The first night we were hosted by Rachael, Matt, and Marielle. It was fun being over there and seeing all the updates to their home. Then, we headed just a little further north to Luke, Jess, Lily, and Silas' house for the big dinner. We were joined by Mom and Dad T, Rach, Matt, Marielle, and our friends the D's. Everything was great and the weather was warm so the kids played outside a lot. Kids Table: Graham eating a roll, carrots, and grapes. And that's about it. Patrick eating grapes, a roll, and carrots. And that's about it. Grateful for warm weather and cousins. We spent the next two nights at Mom and Dad T's. Dad T has been recovering from knee surgery, so it was low-key and cozy. Friday morning we sto

A Christmas Tree Story

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Megan The Dreamer, With High Expectations Christmas Tree Version (Note: this has never happened): On a pretty December day, we tell the kids we are going to go pick out and cut our own tree at a Christmas tree farm. They excitedly gather their coats and obediently get in the van. We merrily make our way to a Christmas tree farm, where we are greeted by a hot chocolate booth. We get our hot chocolate and make our way into the trees. The boys romp with us and we pick out the perfect tree. My husband suddenly becomes a woodsman and cuts the tree down in 10 seconds. Magically, a photographer has appeared, capturing our beautiful family moments. We are all smiles and magic is in the air. It begins to flurry. Tree had, it is tied on the car and we all go home. The next few hours are pure family bliss. The boys' eyes light up as we gently pull out ornaments and decorate our perfect tree, pretty Christmas music on in the background. I make homemade popcorn. All is calm, all is bright.

On Venturing Out, One Year Later

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Last year I documented an outing to CFA and Target with a 3 and 2 year old. I really enjoyed looking back on it, and thought I'd replicate the outing a year later and see how things have changed or stayed the same. Year: 2015. I have a 3 year old and an almost 5 year old. The outing is discussed, expected behavior is laid out. We have goals: to get lunch and then go to Target to buy things to fill our shoebox for Operation Christmas Child . Shoes on, hoodies on; much easier than last year. And we're off. One mile down the road I have to pull over. A kid is already  losing it. I forget what it was even about. I threaten the "knock it off, or I cancel the trip..." and we are set to go again. I tell stories again while we drive. I've been telling stories in the car for over a year now, and it fries my brain every time. Thankfully, they don't ask for them every time we drive, but since it takes a while to get to Chick-Fil-A, a few stories were told on this

Ode to Patrick

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November, what a busy but consistent month you've been. Every time I peek out the window, I see another leaf saying its farewell. The air is really getting chilly. I have warm fuzzies thinking about the upcoming holiday, and am really looking forward to spending time with family. Before Patrick becomes the inevitable middle child, I want to write down some things he says and does at age 3. What a funny guys he is! A few random examples of Patrick: Lately Patrick has decided that I am a princess. I'm not complaining. It's nice to be treated like royalty, even if most of the time my role is much more the maidservant. When Patrick wakes up (always early), he comes in bed with us and whispers to me, "good morning, Princess" and gives me a good morning kiss. How does it get better than that?! Of course, soon after, he's begging for waffles. He is doing better with being patient, though. This morning while driving, Patrick decidedly told me, "Mama, I miss

Indian Summer

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I'm not sure why a warm stretch in autumn is called "Indian Summer," but I sure am grateful for it this week as we dive into the darkness that is nearing the winter solstice.  Our electric bill will also reflect my gratitude as we've only turned the heat on a handful of times. Autumn seemed to peak last weekend, the foliage in full beauty. The tops of the trees are now beginning to thin. Warm days keep us outside as much as possible but the cool nights are welcome, too. I'm feeling better now that I'm in my 2nd trimester and enjoying cooking and baking again (soup! fresh, warm bread! boxed macaroni n cheese because real life!). Overall, this is a busy season and I do feel weary. The boys are a huge handful of energy, the driving everywhere and working part time and just keeping up with it all seems to have me in a chokehold at moments. Things will settle down, though, or at least shift as winter sets in. I'm already looking forward to the 4 day Thanks

Weekend in Virginia

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Last weekend, we slipped off to Virginia. We were overdue for a Lexington visit, so away we went. Autumn leaves were in peak season. As we drove through the hills and mountains, the sun hit the curves in the landscape and torched the vibrant colors. It was breathtaking. I wish I'd pulled over for some pictures. Behn and I lived in Lexington for 3 years, and have since lived in Maryland 3 years. It's odd sometimes, how memories I hold so dear can seem to fade...and then we go back and it's a rush because I remember it all. I have been feeling all the feels. Lexington bricks: So, the weekend: We decided to stay in a (cheap) hotel this time. When we got to Lex, we settled in and grabbed pizza at a place downtown. Then we let the boys romp around Hopkins Green and through the campuses (Washington and Lee University and Virginia Military Institute). We kept hearing helicopters, and when we realized they were landing on the marching grounds at VMI, we scooted o

And Then There Were Five...

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Yup. I'm pregnant. 13 weeks now, to be more exact. Which means that even though I'm feeling much better, I really wish I was taking a nap. But I digress.... We are really happy, of course, and feeling so blessed to be doing this again. We believe life is God's to give. This is a new gift. Graham especially, is over the moon, and constantly touches my belly and sings to "Bumblebee." I'm pretty excited about the age gaps we have between G and P and this new baby. I believe they will really get to experience the whole "new baby" thing. And now, answers to questions: Q. Did you try for a girl? Is it a girl? A. We tried for a baby. It might be a boy. It might be a girl. I have no preference, although others do (Graham and Behn want a girl). We are thinking about not finding out the sex until birth- Team Green! Keep everyone in suspense! Q. When are you due? A. April. So excited for a spring baby! Q. How are you feeling? A. Pretty good!

Off The Bookshelf

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Over the past many months, I have read some books. I'm overdue for one of these posts. First off, a few books that I read last year. That's how long it's been since I've posted about books! Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline I really enjoyed this fictional novel that follows 2 storylines: Molly, a youth in foster care, current time, and Niamh, an orphaned Irish immigrant beginning in 1929. The stories, of course, become intertwined. Because of my interest in orphan and foster care, I found it to be a fascinating book.  Surprised By Motherhood  by Lisa-Jo Baker My sister-in-law sent this to me and I gobbled it up. I hadn't heard of Lisa-Jo before but now she's one of my favorite writers. She's so real and down to earth, with a solid spiritual base. I also liked the international flair (she's from South Africa, though lives in Maryland now). The Christ-centered book was a drink of water when I was feeling parched. More recently,