Day 31: One Month!

I can't believe I have successfully posted every day for a month!

Micah is commemorating my success by cutting 4 teeth at once! YIKES. And I am going to a Mom's Night Out at a friends house tonight. Have fun at home with the boys daddy!

Day 30: Our not so Sick Day

I took the day off in anticipation of Daniel not feeling 100% and was greatly mistaken. He woke up with his complete apatite and full burst of energy!

One of the perks for Daniel with us living at my parent's house is that my mom watches some of the cousins during the day. This was difficult for D the last few days because he was stuck quarantine in the basement (aka the Ermold Mansion) and not allowed to go play with them. Today, however was a different story so he got to enjoy some play time with Charlie and Elijah. It definitely made his day! 

Day 29: Working mom, sick boy, and a little cheating

I am a working mom. Not because I choose to but because I have to financially right now. (And for having to work, I love my job and the school where I teach!) One of the difficult things about having 2 full time jobs (mom and teacher) is when one completely takes over the other. I am very good about not letting work life overtake family life but when mom life takes over work life it can be somewhat stressful for me. I have a hard time leaving my class to someone else's care. After all they have been put in to my educational care this year. However, my children come first. Apparently what Daniel had yesterday was not just a 24 hour bug. So I stayed home with him today. It's not the most horrible stomach bug in the world and I'll spare you the details but it sure did wipe him out. Poor thing fell asleep around 10am while watching Toy Story 3.

He seems to be doing better this evening but so we thought lat night and it turned out we were wrong. So we will be staying home hopefully only one more day to ensure he is 100% before heading back to school. Off I go to write sub plans for tomorrow.

And this is kind of cheating since it was last night and I wasn't actually there to take the picture but here is one of my parents with their newest grandson Joshua Richard.

Day 28

So I have a brand new nephew to love! His name is Joshua Richard. What a fantastic name! And from the two pictures I have seen, he is a cutie pie!. Sadly I have not had the opportunity to meet him yet due to all of the colds, ear infections, and some 24 hour thing Daniel had last night. Here's hoping we are all better by the weekend. I want to meet him!

I sent my camera with my parents to the hospital to take pictures of the Joshua Richard so today I have a poor quality phone picture of Mikie climbing on his walker in search of any puffs he may have missed earlier.

"What? I like to eat."

Day 27: Bribery

Soup and Salad night at the Ermold's. 

So for Daniel that means grape tomatoes as bribery to finish his soup. I can get him to eat pretty much anything if I bribe him with tomatoes!

As I write this I am waiting for news about my almost bornnewest nephew! Mommy is in labor as we speak! Update on that tomorrow!  EEEK!

Day 26: New Beginnings and Some Sneakiness

Today our church held a special service in which we had the opportunity to commission those called to join a new church plant in the southern part of our county. It is truly a bitter sweet opportunity to send this group out to reach a different part of our community. The selfish part of me wants to keep many of them here but I know God's plan is greater and I am excited to see how he works through this new church community known as Grace Church at West Shore.

Most of the people that can be seen in this picture are members of the church who went up to lay hands on those who were being commissioned. I tried to get a picture of just the church plant group but couldn't get a good shot.

After the service we had a "Ministry Fair" where many of our church ministries or community ministries that our church members are involved with held a booth to share what their ministry is about. It was such a neat event just seeing all of the wonderful things God is doing through our community. I am blessed to call this place (Calvert GBC) my home and these people my church family.

Laying of hands

I was just going to post about Church today and then I caught this cute little man sneaking a little play time with daddy's iPad. (Don't mind the pile of laundry on the bed...)

sneaky boy

Day 25: Micah Kisses

This picture captures two of the loves of my life.

First, is my handsome, red-headed husband Davey who is caring and compassionate, a good friend, loving husband, adores his children and strives to live a life worthy of being called "a man after God's own heart." He is a blessing to me and our boys. 

And then there's Micah, who is the happiest baby I have ever met. He loves clapping, standing, getting in to EVERYTHING, and he just started kissing. So cute! Though I don't think he likes the feel of daddy's beard all that much so instead of the cheek he goes for the nose!

Micah Kisses!

Today Davey spent his Saturday being ministered to by a whole bunch of middle and high school kids at an event called NAC. During this event teens come from several churches in our area to be encouraged in using their talents for the Lord. Davey has the opportunity to "judge" and give feedback to these students in order to help them "Nurture their  Abilities for Christ." What a great ministry! 

And then there's me who went to a 31 party and spent way too much on a very cute bag. :)

Day 24: Play Time

So, I asked Davey to snap a picture for me while I was "rough housing" with the boys. This has become a daily event with Daniel and me and now Micah is getting in on the action. D is 100% boy and has so much fun playing rough. And there is no better way to wear him out! Though I think it wears me out more than him...

Day 23: Piano

I love this.

I remember Daniel standing up and reaching as high as he could just so he could play the key board and now Micah is doing that! I also love that the two of them are playing together....this picture was taken just before Daniel decided Micah couldn't play with him and attempted to knock him down. We'll just pretend that didn't happen for the sake of how cute this picture is.

Day 22: Snow Cream

It finally snowed enough to make snow cream! I didn't think to put a bowl out while it snowed to catch it yesterday so I went outside today and gathered some clean untouched snow.

Daniel definitely approved.

Recipe for Snow Cream

Ingredients: Snow

                 Milk

                 Sugar

                   Vanilla

   Directions: Mix to taste

Day 21: What happened to Thomas?

Another snow day! Usually I have mixed feelings about snow days since a break from school in the winter usually means working further into the summer. Today, however, I welcome it since it means I don't have to take another day off for my sick boys. 

As we anticipate the impending snow this morning I thought it would be fun to do something I pinned but never actually tired. So I got on Pinterest and found this "foam dough" recipe. It's just equal parts shaving cream and corn starch. Mix it together until you have a moldable consistency. I don't think I added quite as much shaving cream as I should have but it turned in to a really great "snow!" It is just flaky enough to look like snow but molds enough to play with. D kept covering Thomas with the "snow" saying, "Oh no, what happened to Thomas?" And I made a snowman. :)

Playing with "snow" while waiting for it to snow!

Day 20: Time for a Check-Up

Yes, I am singing the Doc McStuffins theme song as I write.

So, as I figured, Daniel has an ear infection in his left ear but what caught me by surprise is that this happy little man has a double ear infection! His "wellness" check up was scheduled at a very good time!

Micah, even in the midst of pain you are happy. You are truly a blessing to me!

Waiting to see the doctor.



(Another picture with my poor quality phone but at least it's something)

Day 19: Poor Boy

The boy with an ear ache. 

The mere fact that he isn't screaming right now is evidence that the garlic oil I made this morning is helping. Thanks to all my Facebook pals who gave me advice on natural remedies.

Davey also got some homeopathic ear drops which is what he is putting in D's ear in this picture. 

We will be going to the doctor in the morning for Micah's 9 month check up (CRAZY!) and we'll have him take a look D while we're at it.

Praying all my boys get completely healthy very soon! I. Am. Exhausted!

Day 18: Party at the Pearsons

Tonight we had a combined birthday celebration for my brother Timmy (Dec 31) my dad (Jan 12) and my brother Chris (Jan 14).

My mom asked each of them individually what they wanted for their desert. Timmy wanted apple pie with ice cream. Chris asked for ice cream cake and Dad, pecan pie. YUM! 

Happy birthday boys! And here's looking forward to adding to the January festivities very soon with Chris' first baby due any day now! I can't wait!!!

Day 17: This Kid

Today, D was not a happy camper when I left him in the nursery at school. In fact, he was so upset that he apparently cried for like 30 minutes. Clearly he is still exhausted from being sick this past week. At some point after he stopped crying he began telling Miss Cora "I want mommy." She told him I was working and after several requests to see me this sly little boy thought he'd try a new approach- "I'm sick." HA! Sorry buddy you may have a lingering cold but it's not enough to get me to take you home early. When you can fake a fever, we'll talk. 

Day 16: A Joyful Noise

Psalm 100 (KJV)

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.

Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

Today Daniel was walking around banging together pot lids like cymbals. I thought it would be cute to get a picture of him banging them in front of this sign but he refused to take the picture holding them. The little stinker.

Day 15: A Blessing

This picture captures every child who was at school in my class today. With a grand total of 7 students it doesn't take much to end up with a teeny tiny class once sick season hits. Thankfully one of my kiddos is out for a reason other than sickness. And I have to say, this tiny class was a real blessing for me today and I do not take it for granted. After being up much of the night with a crying baby again for the 2nd night in about 4 days, exhaustion was at full strength. I'll be staying home with the sick boy tomorrow so here's to getting some sleep for the both of us!

Unfortunately the weather did not cooperate with my lessons about snow this week so we had to settle for fake snow made with flour and baby oil. 

I think it is easy to miss the blessings that God gives us each day. I'm so glad I recognized this one. What blessings have you experienced today?

Day 14: My Visitor

Look who came to play in my classroom today! 

With half of the nursery kids sick and one home for a different reason there were only 3 "babies" at school today. So, Miss Cora brought the 2 older ones down to play with us 3 year olds! At one point our P.E. teacher Miss Cannon came in the room and asked if we were missing anyone...I looked around and counted my children and looked at her with confusion until she said she found Daniel (my actual child) wandering around the gym. HA! That boy certainly keeps us on our toes!

(Took the picture with my phone since I left my camera at home today.)

Day 13

A tear stained face to make sure I know he still doesn't feel 100%

Though, as I type this (several hours after this picture was taken) he's clearly feeling a little better as he is getting in to everything he can....wait a moment while I stop him from pulling the wireless extender out of the wall...Yeah, he is going to get an extra day of rest with daddy tomorrow but he is definitely on the up.

It's exhausting being this cute.

Day 12: Bath Time

The boys haven't been feeling well this weekend. I think D is pretty much over what ever it is he had (fever and exhaustion) but Micah hasn't felt well all day and didn't sleep well at all last night. His may even be compounded by teeth coming in...During bath time this evening D requested to have Micah join him. Good thing too because it was the first time all day that Micah has seemed his normal happy self. Oh the joy of bath time!

Daddy bonding with his boys.

Day 11: Too. Much.

I am overwhelmed by this face.

Will you play with me?

Day 10: Rain Makes Applesauce

During the month of January we (my preschoolers) are talking all about weather. This entire week has been dedicated to rain and my students' favorite book by far was Rain Makes Applesauce. I thought it was rather appropriate that the week began and ended with rain. Beautiful, isn't it?

Next week we talk snow! I hope the weather matches like it did this week! It would be far better for my students to learn through experience than just talking about it in class. Right? : )

Day 9: Career Day!

I wore D's construction hat so I let him wear his train conductor hat and scarf so he wouldn't be jealous :)

Day 8: Mismatch Day!

So, it's Spirit Week at my school and today is Mismatch Day! Usually I end up either not dressing mismatchy or I wear something that just looks like I got dressed in the dark. This year I'm having a little more fun!

It's hard to tell but I do have a purple leg warmer on my left leg : )

Day 7: I'll take it!

School delayed because it's cold? Fine by me because it means I got to snuggle on the couch this morning with my favorite 2 year old boy. In the morning just after he gets up is nearly the only time he will just sit and cuddle anymore. So I will take a 2 hour delay any day for any reason if it means I get to have this time with him. Who am I kidding, I will take a 2 hour delay even if it means I don't get to snuggle but it's way better when I do! I cherish these moments so much right now because I know they'll soon be just a memory.

Day 6: Cutie Pie

Look at this cutie pie in the dino pajamas

His hair looks red in this picture but it is not.

Day 5:On the Hunt

Today after church we came home for an extremely short nap time and headed back out to do some house hunting. We've been looking at houses for quite some time now and Daniel thinks we can just go to any house we want and look around. As we pass houses on the road he'll say "I want see this house!" I have to say, looking at houses can be really fun so I understand why D wants to visit all the ones he sees. It is really neat to see all of the different homes and think about potential a lot of these older homes could have.

Anyone who has done the house hut will know it's not an easy task...especially if your price range is as low as ours in an area as pricey as ours. But we are hopeful that God will provide the right house in the right neighborhood in His timing. I have sort of given up trying to do things in my timeline. Davey and I have anticipated too much over the last 3 years that either didn't happen the way we thought or we are still waiting on. It can be difficult to be stuck' in this period of waiting but I believe it is helping me grow spiritually in ways I never would have otherwise. As I reflect on God's timing in hopeful anticipation of what is to come I can't help but think of the song In His Time which says

"Lord,  please show me everyday, as You're teaching me Your way, that You do just what You say in Your time."

So, here's to happy house hunting!

Day 4: Lazy Day

 It was a rather lazy day in the Ermold mansion. At least it was for me and the boys. Davey went out to breakfast with a friend and then grocery shopping.

Most of the day we spent playing in the family room. Daniel was playing so well with Micah, which is not always the case. Shocking, I know. When I tried to sneak a picture of them playing, Daniel saw and decided he'd come try to steal my camera. He did not succeed but I got a rather cute shot of him laughing!

Day 3: Snow

Isaiah 1:18 (HCSB)

“Come, let us discuss this,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson, they will be like wool.

I can't see a snow covered landscape with out thinking about this verse. I was talking to Daniel while we were out playing walking carefully in the snow about this verse and what it means in our lives. He just says "Oh!" or repeats phrases in question form any time I talk to him about salvation. At this point I know he has no real understanding of what we are talking about but that won't stop me from telling him! I pray daily for my boys and the #1 thing I pray for is salvation. I want them both to know Jesus intimately and understand the beautiful picture God creates of salvation every time it snows. 

I couldn't pick just one.

With as little as we get a good snow around here, today was definitely a nice one. I took the boys outside to "play" in the snow. Daniel is very intrigued with it but if his skin comes in contact with it AT ALL he kind of freaks out. Needless to say, the morning ended with D cozied up on a chair with his blanket and pillow watching Cars. 

Day 2: Ermold Life 365

Okay, so a friend of mine started this new blog The 365 of 2014 and it has inspired me to take the 365. The goal is to document the year with a picture a day.

 Now to find out how well I keep up with it. I don't have a very good reputation of posting consistently and I am hoping this will help me. I am rather excited at the thought of 2014 coming to an end and being able to look back on the hundreds of pictures that will capture the work of God in our lives throughout this year.

My first picture is this of my boys. Daniel loves his brother so much. He is always loving on him, giving him hugs, kisses, bruises, bringing him toys (...and taking them away). He also likes sharing his food...

I pulled this toy out for Micah a few days ago.
He is SO proud of himself when he walks with it.

Today, I let D have a few peanuts and repeatedly and intentionally instructed him to NOT give any to his brother (he loves to put things in Micah's mouth...). I was keeping a pretty keen eye on them both just in case Daniel dropped any on the floor (or went against my wishes) so I could quickly swipe them up before Micah got a hold of any. He has not been exposed to peanuts and I would rather avoid the choking hazard even if he has no allergic reaction. I turned my back...bad decision...perhaps it was a bad decision to let D walk around with a cup of peanuts when I know better...When I turned back around, Micah was mulling something around in his mouth. I asked D if he had given a peanut to his brother and he gave me a look of "oh oh I was caught." I promptly went over and fished the peanut out of Micah's mouth and took the peanuts away from D. Needless to say, D had a rather lengthy time out and has told me since that Micah can't have peanuts. HA!

I am thankful that Mikie is okay and seemingly has no peanut allergy. I am also thankful that he has a brother who adores him and even though it was against my wishes, he wanted to share his tasty snack and that is kind of sweet. 

Day 1: I choose...Experience!

Back in September Davey messaged me on g-chat and asked if I would want a "thing" or an "experience" for Christmas. Naturally, I ran to my coworker and told her what he just asked me and she said "Uh...your going to choose an experience right?" (or something to that effect) So of course I chose an "experience!" 

On Christmas day, Davey pulled out an envelope and handed me train tickets, a map of NYC and tickets to see  the NEWSIES! Needless to say, I was very excited! I had never been to a Broadway show before and had visited NYC only one other time. So on Dec. 27 we left the kiddos with Davey's parents and caught the train from Trenton to NYC! We got up there early and walked around the city for the day (Aprox. 10 miles after all was said and done...phew!) and then caught the show at 8. It was VERY good. 

NYC here we come!

Trying to find our way.

Davey  put the camera on a rock so we could get a non-"selfie."

The look of disgust is to hide how much he really enjoys my kisses.

I should have tried to jump like that for the picture.

Thank you Honey!