Day 120: Wordless Wednesday

Day 119: We're Home Owners!

It is finally here. In many ways it feels like we have waited "forever" for this to happen. Today, on my birthday, we went to settlement on our town house and we are now 1st time home owners! It feels so good to finally be through the searching and the paperwork and start thinking about actually moving in. We will officially move in on Saturday!

After settlement Davey took me to the Cheesecake Factory for my birthday and to celebrate our new home. Can you believe he had never been there before? So yummy! (We got our cheese cake to go)

We also made a few other stops including Target where I think we did really well in regards to not buying out the entire home section. We still have ALL of our wedding gifts in boxes and need to pull them out before we go buying a bunch of new stuff. It is going to be like Christmas opening up all of those gifts! Thanks to those of you who got us something for our wedding 3+ years ago. We're finally going to get to use it!

Once we got home we picked the boys up and brought them over to the house. Daniel was running around so excitedly. I know he doesn't really grasp the whole concept but I think he is really going to love living there...I hope.

A perfect ending to a really great day.

Day 118: Unexpected Day

Sick season is over! Or so I thought...around 1:00am we heard Daniel start crying hysterically. Davey jumped up and ran to his room. My first thought is that he fell out of his bed or got hurt in some way. Nope. He was sick. In his words he was "coughing." Needless to say, I was up for a better part of the night with him. He and I ended up sleeping on the couch together.

Thankfully once he got up for the day he was feeling much better. His stomach still a bit sore but able to keep food and drink down.

At some point in the morning he started telling me he was tired and disappeared. (I was not ready for him to nap, however. No matter how tired this kid is he never sleeps more than 2 hours at nap time.) I looked around and found him laying in our bed. Of course by the time I grabbed my camera he was laughing hysterically.

My mom watches some of the cousins during the week and since we were home sick today, I kept Daniel quarantined in the basement. So when it came to start dinner I had to try and prep everything downstairs away from the kitchen. Thankfully it was quite easy because I had pre-cooked chicken in the freezer.
It's chicken chimichanga night! These are so good! I am almost 100% certain that I found it on pinterest (though I can't seem to find the source.) and it is now a staple in our household. YUM

Baked Chicken Chimichangas (not my recipe)

Ingredients

8oz cream cheese

8 oz pepperjack, shredded (I use colby jack so it isn't quite as spicy for the boys)

1 1/2 Tbsp taco seasoning

12 flour tortillas

2chicken breasts, shredded

Cooking spray

Shredded cheddar cheese (optional for topping)

Salsa (optional for topping)

Sour Cream (optional for topping)

Directions

1. preheat oven 350

2. Stir together cream cheese, pepperjack, and taco seasoning. Fold in chicken.

3. Divide mixture among tortillas, tuck in sides, and roll ip

4. Lay seam side down in a sprayed 13"x9" baking dish

5. Spray tops of tortillas with cooing spray.

6. Bake for 15 minutes; turn chimichangas over, and bake for another 15minutes.

7 Serve with cheddar cheese, sour cream, and salsa.

Daniel took Micah's hand and "guided" him all around the house this evening.

He is doing much better but instead of going to school in the morning the boys will be staying home with my mom while we go to settlement for our house!!!

Day 117: Little Boy

Davey grabbed the camera today and got this great picture of Micah.

Day 116: Rocking Horse!

Micah's birthday present came yesterday! I have always loved the idea of an old fashioned wooden rocking horse. Probably because we had one growing up that my parents still have. So I was searching on amazon and found one for a pretty reasonable price. So, we got it for Micah's 1st birthday. I am probably more excited about this than the boys are.

And, today, against Davey's better judgement with regard to moving soon, he put it together for me...I mean Micah. He's the best!

Isn't is just so cute!?

Day 115: Goofy Cousins

These goofy kids were trying to wake Emma up from nap this afternoon. (Note the poor thing sleeping in the background) Daniel put Emma's head band on then they climbed in to this rocker and were spinning and squealing until she woke up. I don't think she woke up terribly excited to see them. haha. 

I also want to share that we got confirmation today that our home loan has been approved! We go to settlement on Tuesday. So exciting! 

Day 114: Sweet Friendship

  Daniels friend Will (or Will's mommy) gave him this butterfly net just because D really enjoyed playing with his one day at the park. It was so sweet and unexpected. (Thank you Emily!)

  Daniel played with it on the car ride home from school and tried (and succeeded) to stick it out the window until I realized and told him he could either have the window down or play with the net. He chose the window for a few minutes and then wanted the net. When we got home he ran around outside with it and carried it around for a better part of the evening. I caught him standing still for half a second hiding under this tree and snapped a picture.

Day 113: My Little Singer

On my ipod I have one recording of my dad from his Air Force days. I introduced it to Daniel a few weeks ago as an effort to listen to something other than his children's music. Now it is his favorite thing to listen to. We also will listen to recordings of Davey's college recitals. On our way home from school Daniel requested to hear Grandpa sing. So, I turned it on and he started to sing along! Too cute! I had my camera sitting next to me so without him knowing I turned the video on. I thought I had a clear shot of him but like a good driver I didn't take my eyes off the road to really look.

I wanted to get a picture of him singing as well but once he saw the camera he didn't want a picture. So here we are just before bed. He is one sleepy little boy. 

Day 112: Spaghetti Night

This kid can eat.

Spaghetti face!

Day 111: MOPS

What a joy it is to be part of my MOPS group. I am very thankful to my husband for supporting me in my desire to belong to this group. Tonight we had a very special meeting with sweet fellowship and powerful testimonies from 2 women of how God has worked in and through their lives.

 The theme of our meetings this year has been "A Beautiful Mess." Such a fitting title for a bunch of moms of little kids, right? Our lives are messy. We are sinners living with and training little sinners. (Not a great combination.) We experience heart ache, disappointment, frustration, loneliness, let down, and the list could go on. Only with God can our messes be made "beautiful."

1. 
   

The string heart was our craft tonight.

For some reason this hymn came to me as I was driving home tonight. Perhaps because yesterday was Easter (or maybe because I was listening to it earlier). I am so thankful for my Savior who came to reclaim this ruined sinner.

1. 
   
2. “Man of Sorrows!” what a name
   For the Son of God, who came
   Ruined sinners to reclaim.
   Hallelujah! What a Savior!
3. Bearing shame and scoffing rude,
   In my place condemned He stood;
   Sealed my pardon with His blood.
   Hallelujah! What a Savior!
4. Guilty, vile, and helpless we;
   Spotless Lamb of God was He;
   “Full atonement!” can it be?
   Hallelujah! What a Savior!
5. Lifted up was He to die;
   “It is finished!” was His cry;
   Now in Heav’n exalted high.
   Hallelujah! What a Savior!
6. When He comes, our glorious King,
   All His ransomed home to bring,
   Then anew His song we’ll sing:
   Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Day 110: Happy Resurrection Day!

It is Resurrection Sunday. A day we can rejoice in the Hope we have in our Living Savior, Jesus Christ.

The boys before Church.

We began our day by celebrating the resurrection at our church which is always a wonderful time of worship.

This is a video of a song our choir did this morning. The man on the right is my dad.

 After church we got a few pictures taken and then my brothers and their families came over for dinner at my parents. It has been a very nice day. And to top it all off the weather was PERFECT!

Our best family picture of the day

All of the cousins 2-5 years old. Ready for an egg hunt.

Day 109: Party Time

Tonight we celebrated Micah and his cousin Josiah's 1st birthdays together. These boys were due on the same day and were born 8 days apart! Jenn (My sister-in-law and Josiah's mommy) had the great idea of using pinwheels as the theme for the party. So, as I showed a few days ago, I made pinwheel sugar cookies that were a hit with the kids and the dads :)

Pinwheels!

Jenn and I made little pinwheel tooth pick decorations to go on the cupcakes. I think they turned out rather cute. Then Jenn, with all of her amazing talent, made these super cute pinwheel shirts for the boys to wear. 

The birthday boys and the mama's

This little boy loved the cake.

It was a really nice party with LOTS of family and a few friends. Some of Davey's family was even able to make it down for the celebration which was extra special since we don't see them that often. I am so glad you came, Marie, Abby, Brad and Colleen! :)

The birthday boys and the daddy's
Post-cake cousin bath.

 And for kicks, here are the videos we took of cake time

Day 108: Good Friday

Tonight we went to the Good Friday service at our church. This is always a favorite service of mine because it brings my focus back to Jesus at the Cross. The reason why He came.

During the service my brother, Timothy, performed (rather, led us in worship) by doing something called a pantomime. Basically a choreographed dramatization in white face of the song "Watch the Lamb" by Ray Boltz. This is something he learned in high school (he's 32...?) and is still being asked to share with people. I am upset because I had planned to capture it on video tonight to share on here but while sitting in the service I realized I didn't have my camera (little did I know it was in the diaper bag...).

Here is the song. It is a powerful story of a man and his children who travel to Jerusalem for the Passover on the day of Christ's crucifixion.

"The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, 'Here is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!'"  ~John 1:29

Day 107: One Year Old

Today marks a year since the birth of our precious baby Micah James.
This boy always has a smile that can light up a room. And his eyes are going to get him in to trouble one of these days.

-Things he can do-
Walk- He loves to walk and thinks he's the biggest thing around.
Drink from a cup.
He says "duh dah" which, of course, means thank you. (see video below)
Waves "bye-bye."
Offers daddy his food to eat.
Pull all of the utensils out of the kitchen drawer.
Make up his mind. :)

-Things that make Micah giggle-
Peak-a-boo
Stealing the remote (even if the TV isn't on)
Running away from you, especially if he has the remote or other electronic device.
Climbing the steps when he thinks you don't want him to.
Pulling the diapers off the changing table and emptying the wipe container.
His brother.
Daddy's kisses.

I can't wait to do another year with this kid.
It's going to go fast!

Day 106: Pinwheel Cookies

This was a very long day. I hung out with my babies and their cousins Charlie and Eli this morning for a while. Then I left my boys with my mom to go shoe shopping! I haven't gotten new shoes in ages (except for my sneakers at Christmas). So it was definitely nice to get out, by myself, and shop for new shoes!

When I got home it was time for the boys to go down for a nap. (Couldn't have planned that better!) While they were napping I made cookies for Micah and Josiah's 1st b-day party which will be on Saturday. (Crazy, right?)

These are my cookies and here is the link to the original tutorial. I just made my usual sugar cookie recipe and picked some colors that went a bit better with our boy birthday theme.

Rainbow Pinwheel Cookies

Going in the oven
I took this before deciding to add sprinkles

Ta Da!

Then, this evening we went to church for our Three Fold Communion service. I apologize to those who were disturbed by my noisy children! It was a family service so the boys stayed in the service with me while Davey up in the sound booth.

When it's all written out, it doesn't seem like I should be as exhausted as I am but this day really wore me out! Oh and did I mention I am doing some intense potty training this week? Yep, lot's of fun in the Ermold house!

Day 105: What's For Dinner?

Davey and I would like to change up our dinner menu a bit to be fresher, healthier, "real food." It can be a bit difficult to eat with more fresh foods all of the time when you share a fridge and cooking space. But, that will soon be a thing of the past!

Tonight I tried a new dish that I pinned quite some time ago but never got around to making. (Lots of ingredients intimidate me.) I really liked it, though Davey thought it was lacking something.

The peppers weren't quite as tender as I would have liked. Next time I would boil them like I do for my beef and rice stuffed peppers for a few minutes in advance to get them the way I like them.

Try it out and let me know what you think! Would you do anything different to enhance some of the flavors?  Here is the link to the site where I found it. Black Bean, Sweet Potato, and Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers

If you have any good "real food" recipes to share please do!  The working mom side of me really likes simple and quick assembly. The fewer steps the better. I know, that doesn't always go hand in hand with real whole foods but it is definitely a perk!

AND

This just makes me smile. I love seeing him so engaged in books! The Leap Frog Tab reader is a great idea for kids who like technology when your not willing to give your 2 1/2 year old a tablet to play with!

Day 104: Cousins Go Together Like PB&J

Today my mom watched some of Daniel's cousins and then she invited the rest of the 3-5 crowd over to play just because. It was a whole lot of chaotic fun over here! There is definitely never a dull moment with these kids around.

At lunch my mom walked outside and just started passing out PB&J's. The four 3(ish) year olds all sat down together on this step. I thought it was cute and grabbed my camera. Then Adie (front left) saw that I was about to take a picture and says, "Hurry Emma! Let's go sit with them so we can get our picture taken!" 

Day 103: Board Walks and Ball Games

We had a very full day today. After church and naps we went to the board walk because Daniel was begging to go for a walk. It was rather windy but still beautiful! We came home, ate an early dinner, and went over to the park to support our church soft ball team in their first game of the season. And to be honest I have no clue what the score was when we left (or at any point in the game) because I was running around with the boys or talking the whole time. Daniel fell off the bleachers twice and got some scrapes but that certainly didn't slow him down!

I am hoping all of this time outside will help them sleep well tonight! Perhaps even get them to sleep in tomorrow. It is, after all, spring break. I'm not holding my breath but it would be nice.

Enjoying the view with Daddy's arm of protection.

On the Move!

I took no pictures while we were at the park...

Day 102: Our Saturday

It is officially Spring Break and we are enjoying today in the sun. I hope to spend much of this week outside with the boys.

As much as I am looking forward to having our own place, there are some things I will really miss about living here. One big thing is the yard and the space to run and explore. I have so many memories of this house and running around this yard as a kid. We've seen deer and all kinds of wildlife including one year we had about 6 wild turkey roaming around the back yard. It may not be in the best shape these days but it's still more yard than we will have at the town house. I am glad the boys have a bit more time to enjoy it. (And yes we can always come back and visit, we'll only be 5 minutes away.)

explore

play

nature

Daniel wanted to hit the skink with a shovel but I wouldn't let him. I remember trying to catch those as a kid. Their tales fall off if you pull them too hard...

Day 101:Sunshine and Popcicles

On our way home from school today, Daniel asked if we could play outside when we got home. As I pulled down the driveway his cousins came piling out of the house to play too! (For those just tuning in, my mom watches them various days of the week and we live with my parents.) They got to play in the freshly filled sandbox and eat a sweet treat. I'd say fun was had by all until it was time for all the kids to go home. Daniel loves people and strongly dislikes goodbye's. I don't blame him. It's hard to let good things come to an end. 

Thank you Lord for Sunshine and Popcicles!

Day 100: Cuteness in a Towel

So thankful for the nicer weather we are getting. It means more outdoor play for my boys which they love. It also means more bath nights because, well, they're boys.

There is just something extra cute about a baby in a towel after a bath.

Those eyes!

Day 99: Jump Start

So, this morning Davey went to start my car (yes, he does that for me nearly every morning. It's the best!) and found the battery to be dead. I, of course, assume Daniel turned one of the interior lights on and that's why it's dead. Nope. When Davey went to look for my keys they were in the ignition in the battery on position... 

Neither of us knew where our jumper cables were so I ended up borrowing my mom's van for work this morning (a perk of still living here!). When I got home I asked my mom if she had ever jump started a car before. She said she always let dad do it though she has watched him do it many times. I had never done it either.... So, with instructions in hand we ventured out to the car, held our breath, and BAM...just kidding. We did it! I am so proud of us! 

Day 98: Just a Walkin'

This kid is walking all over! Just in the past 2 weeks he has really started taking off. It's so fun to watch him (and all babies for that matter) develop their skills like walking but if you blink (or get too busy) you miss it! Thankful I am not missing it. 

Day 97: Drummer Boy

This evening Daniel took his drum out and sang "It's raining, it's pouring, the old man is snoring..." He is a major fan of that song right now. I think because the man bumps his head. Such a boy.

And as a side note, Micah learned how to wave bye today. I am not sure if someone at school was teaching him or if he just caught it but it is really cute!

Day 96: Davey's Home!

This little boy was happy to have his daddy home from the men's retreat. :) 

Davey isn't actually sleeping. He was pretending or at least I think he was...he may have actually been falling asleep.

I am grateful that Davey has the opportunity to go on this retreat each year. It is a wonderful time for the men from our church to make new friendships, strengthen old ones, and grow stronger in their walk with the Lord.

Day 95: A Walk With My Babies

This morning I took the boys for a walk and a short stop at the play ground. An older couple who was walking closely behind us saw me taking pictures of the boys and offered to take one with me in it. She and her husband were very sweet and were walking a fully grown golden retriever puppy before the crowds came so they could begin to teach her how to act in public. I felt like we had a lot in common. :)

I love this board walk. There is something different about it than the other one near us on the beach. People are more friendly and say hi as you pass. It's refreshing.

Day 94: Mom's Night Out!

Davey is gone with the men from our church at a retreat this weekend and my mom offered to watch the boys so I got to go out with other MOPS moms tonight! We did a photo scavenger hunt that ended up being rather challenging but a lot of fun! Then had Panera Bread and hopped over to Sweet Frog after for some frozen yogurt. (Ha, I said hopped!) It was a Fun Night!

I have to admit. I didn't actually take any pictures today and this one is a selfie that I had my friend text me from her phone...I know kind of cheating right? It's not even that clear...Oh well!  Getting a new/unique picture every day can be stressful!

Until tomorrow!

Day 93: "Boards and Fours"

Today my mom threw some bread scraps outside in hopes that the kids could get to see some animals. She kept telling the kids ( Daniel and two of his cousins) to watch for the animals. While they were looking D would say "I no see the four..." and "Oh wook! A board!" It took me a little bit to catch on that "the four" is actually a squirrel and a "board" is actually a bird.

D: "Wook! There's a board down there."

Me: "A Board?"

D: "No, a board!"

Me: "A Bird?

D: "Yes, a board!"

Clearly.

Day 92: Daniel Takes the Wheel

On Wednesday Nights before Awana and bible studies our church has dinner. We go every week because it is really convenient and good fellowship! Tonight we got to a little earlier than planned. So, instead of going inside and chasing this one all over until things started I let him "drive"(aka turn the steering wheel and push all the leavers and buttons). This is one of his favorite things to do but I rarely let him. Poor Micah was stuck sitting in his car seat while D took command of the wheel.

Day 91: Barber Dan

Davey let Daniel help him cut his hair this evening. So, if anyone notices a bald spot, you know why...