Home | Changes and slow days

I have a lot of catching up to do on this poor neglected blog of mine, but since I despise blogging just to catch up (because I simply force myself to do it and write as little as possible, which always turns out poorly anyway) I’m going to share a bit about today, and yesterday.

The four of us went to the airport yesterday and only three of us came back. Cody jumped on a flight to Vermont, where he’ll stay for the next seven weeks. (How melodramatic do I sound right now?) Seven weeks is kind of long, but not really. It depends on who you ask I suppose. It seems long to me sometimes, and then short other times. Regardless, he'll be back, and then eleven definitely short days later, we'll move to Germany.

I am trying to work on things right now to prepare for our move to Germany, but also I’m attempting to enjoy these slow, peaceful days. After all, we did just move from North Carolina to Ohio! The boys and I are nestled in this heavily windowed, albeit tiny space mere yards from my childhood home. My only complaint is that the disc drive on my computer doesn’t work, which means I can’t watch horribly cheesy/girly movies in the evenings while I attempt to knit. Worse things have happened, I’m quite aware. So all in all, we’re taking it slow, and we're having loads of fun living near our families for a time. For Sebastian and Bruno, that means lots of time spent milking the cows and jumping on the trampoline. For me, that means, for today at least, a trip to Goodwill with my mom, two of my sisters, and the boys. They were have a 50% sale! My #1 treasured find will have to appear in another post, as it’s currently hanging in our bedroom where Sebastian is sound asleep.

Oh Sebastian, he misses his daddy. At breakfast, I asked him if he wanted to try to call daddy, to which he promptly responded, “I want to Facetime on daddy!” I am so thankful that we live during a time when this separation doesn’t mean my children can’t see their daddy, and talk with him, even though he’s miles away. 

What about Bruno, you ask. All you need to know about Bruno is that, at the ripe old age of one, he has red hair, is trying desperately to walk, and loves dogs and cats more than anyone I know. Oh this kid is a force, I tell you! I can't get enough of him.

As for Cody, if any of you would like to send him awesome doodles or pictures, since he can’t read, speak, or write anything but German starting tomorrow evening, let me know. I would be happy to pass his address along to you. 

Contact me at strecker dot me at gmail dot com.

P.S. Don'tcha love my knitting?? This is the beginnings of my first attempt at following a pattern. Methinks I need a longer needle? Also, calling all you lovely knitters: What are your favorite needles, patterns, yarns, etc.??

Husband | Twenty-eight

   

Cody's birthday was on Thursday, and we had a great day together. The two of us went out to lunch at Chipotle, and then spent the afternoon in a paddle boat. Later, Anna arrived and we all drove to Newport, Kentucky, and enjoyed an amazing dinner at The Hofbrauhaus. We Streckers do love German things! The weather was perfect, and we had a lovely little nook outside. After dinner, we came home, put Bruno to bed, and had some delicious icebox cake and icecream.

We even had some unexpected prehistoric guests!

Happy Birthday, my love. I am and always will be thankful for every new year with you.

M & P's | Small things

I've noticed lately that sometimes the most remarkable things happen on the most unremarkable days.

Grocery shopping with my boys means a surprise double-seater cart and stolen snuggles. A muggy day means indoor-induced restlessness, which leads to an after dinner trip to the park where there will be some bike riding, daring tunnel exploration and a triumphant ascent up a swirly pole. Afterwards, sheer exhaustion, blackened feet, and unexpected comfort in a cushy balloon.

Shop | LEIF

Have you ever perused Svpply? I only stop over there occasionally, but whenever I do, I always find some amazing things. Today it was this shop, with some of the most beautiful home goods I've seen, and at great prices.

Coffee & Cream Cup
Embossed Dots Mug
Faceted Wood Bottle Stopper
Mocha Cream Marble Spoon
Spots + Scribbles Tea Towel

Brothers | A new space

Mamaw and Pawpaw's house is beginning to feel like home, and the boys have been having a great time exploring this new space. Bruno has discovered all the secret pint-sized paths through the house, and especially enjoys the step out of the kitchen onto the screened in porch. As for Sebastian, he's traversed every inch of the front and back yards, played with the water hose, and made enormous strides in his biking skills. I can hardly watch him when he gets so daring on those two wheels, but am so proud of how brave he is. His legs and arms are covered in scuffs and scratches, and he handles them like such a big boy.

I can't believe how fast they're growing. I want to remember every detail of these days.

P.S. More of these brothers.

Family | A wedding

On Saturday, my cousin, Ridge, and his lovely bride, Rachel, got married. It was one of the coolest weddings I've been to. Rachel had clearly thought of every detail, and from what I hear, the entire family pitched in to help make it a fantastic affair, and with a photo booth, lemon drops on the tables, hopmemade garlands, and sunny yellow flowers galore, I would say the reception lived up to it's potential. Cheesecloth is the new tulle, FYI.

P.S. If you're wondering where the pictures are of all this wonderful jazz I've mentioned, you'll have to wait. I stole these from the photographer! But seriously, how cute is the straw couch?!