WayfaringStrangers

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 ...

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...

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...

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...

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. ...

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 ...

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...