WayfaringStrangers

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...

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...