Bits

baked tofu

2011-11-16T12:20:00.001-05:00

My kids dig tofu. We don't have it often, mainly because I haven't known how to prepare it well. It's usually too mushy, too wet, too bland... other times it falls apart in a stir fry and doesn't look pretty. I've always pan-fried tofu, which leaves a little something to be desired - what's more likely is that I'm not doing it right. Enter baked tofu. This is different. I haven't eaten meat in years, save a piece of fish here and there, but this is meaty in texture and would be a really great substitute (with the right marinade and seasonings) for a meat you might find in your favorite sandwich. Ok, to the recipe!

Before and after

baked tofu

1 brick of Extra Firm Tofu

Soy sauce/ Favorite Marinade/ Olive Oil and Salt and Pepper

Remove tofu from package, slice as desired (I prefer slicing in half and then slicing each half cross-wise twice, equalling 6 slices total). Next, you'll need to press the tofu in order to remove excess moisture. I put put a layer of paper towels (or clean kitchen rag) on a small baking sheet, place the tofu on top and an additional layer of paper towels on top of that. (With me so far?) Then you need to put a weight on top of it in order to press out the moisture. I use an additional baking sheet topped with a brick (a full tea kettle works, too!). Let rest for 1 hour in the fridge (overnight is even better).

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Remove tofu from fridge and drizzle with desired marinade and seasonings. I used 1/4c-1/2c soy sauce for 4 of the slices and olive oil, salt and pepper for the remaining two. Let sit for 20 minutes. Bake tofu for 20 minutes, turn each slice over and bake for an additional 10-20 minutes.

The result is chewy on the outside and tender in the middle. Ephram liked the salt and pepper tofu and Asher liked both. But let's be real, it was mainly a vehicle for them to get ketchup into their mouths. My favorite was the one marinated in soy sauce. I drizzled it with honey and enjoyed it with vegetable fried rice (also very easy to make). Would also be delicious cubed and thrown onto a salad.

So, what am I doing posting recipes anyway?! I understand that the whopping 5 of you that read this blog (Hi Mom! Hi Deb! Hi Heather! Hi Rachel! Hi Peter!) are here to see pictures of the kids, so I will gladly oblige, see your photo, and raise you a cute video of Ephram. Mom is always searching for easy vegetarian recipes, so I figure this is a good way to send some to her. She will, of course, see my soy-marinated tofu and raise me something even more delicious.

:: Oh! I should also give a quick shout-out to my brother who texted this to me last week: I cook with chopsticks now and it's amazing! Whisking, stirring, flipping, sampling good time. Life changer. I might be a happier person from doing so. Soothing. I'll have you know, Jim, that I did prepare the fried rice with chopsticks and it was a good time. So, you know, thanks for that.

Happy Wednesday!

2011-11-14T13:46:00.001-05:00

Yesterday Ephram begged to go on a run. It was morning and we were all in our pajamas - except for Pete. He was on his way out the door for a quick 3 miles. It was cold and just a bit too early to get the kids geared up. I knew that if we let Eph go without his little brother, Asher would not stand for it. So we explained that even though 3 miles was a short run for Peter, it would feel a lot longer in the stroller with the wind whipping his cheeks. Ephram, Pete said, It'll be like running ALL the way to Starbucks. That's pretty far, isn't it? To which I responded, Hey, that actually sounds pretty great! Let's all go for a run up to Starbucks! And then Peter said, I'd like to see you try. Snarky, that one. Lovingly snarky, I assure you. I didn't try. But I might try to try, just to prove a point.

Tradition: Peter stretches post-run. Lola cleans the sweat.

Peter and Ephram have been talking about climbing the big uprooted trunk of the oak tree that fell on our house. And while they haven't done it yet, they are enjoying swinging in the safety harnesses.

I mean they really love it.

My boys are really into play dough right now. The store-bought stuff can be pricey (I do love the way it smells though!) and it's just so easy to make your own. It also makes a cute, handmade gift for the holidays!

2c water
2c all-purpose flour
1c salt
2T vegetable oil
1T cream of tartar
assorted food coloring
:: combine ingredients in medium pot over medium-low heat and stir constantly until dough turns into a large, lumpy mass. turn over onto counter and allow to cool for a few minutes and then knead until smooth. separate dough into 3-4 equal hunks and add 10-12 drops of coloring for each. knead again until color is completely incorporated. voila! homemade play dough!

friday

2011-11-11T16:27:00.001-05:00

I rushed the boys out of the house this morning in one of those slightly-ridiculous, mad panics. I don't know why I do this. We're never late for school. In fact, I'm perpetually early for everything. Yet, I'm always scrambling and, trying not to raise my voice, I calmly yell for shoes! Coats! Let's unhitch the trailer, folks! The kids fall in line, like they usually do, and we make it to school, park the car, look around and notice that ours is the only car on the street.Veterans Day. Even sitting alone on the street I felt a little embarrassed. We were parked next to a mailbox and I contemplated getting out of the car to put a folded piece of construction paper inside so that the cars that drove by would think I was there for any reason other than school. I called Peter and his first thought was, A free day! Sweet. You guys should totally go do something fun. We spent the morning at the Children's Museum. And loved it. An unexpected free day is the best way to start a Friday.

We're gearing up for our upcoming Thanksgiving travels. Looking forward to a little laziness mixed in with some bustle. Ephram can't wait to visit with his cousin Soren. He talks about it constantly and moans when we tell him that we're not leaving for 10 days. He has it in his head that his Grandpa is a great bowler and wishes for us to all go bowling together. We made two trophies. I asked who he thought would come in first and second place. He said it'll be a battle between Grandpa and Dad. It's on!

Later this afternoon we had a tea party. I love the gender neutrality of having a 4 and 2 year old. I get the best of both worlds - tea parties AND superheros. (Asher is wearing his batman cape from Aunt Heather)

Quite often these days, Ephram will scoff at the food I put in front of him at dinnertime. It's the cool thing to do, I'm convinced. Tonight I made this Broccoli-Basil Mac and Cheese from 101 Cookbooks. It was insanely good - especially the topping. Ephram, of course, wanted no part of it. My rule is never clean your plate, but always, please try it. Dude loved it. I knew he would.

Happy Friday! xo

visitors! birthday! blackout! oh my!

2011-11-08T22:11:00.001-05:00

Few things make me happier than having visitors. I live for it. Want to visit? Please do. Ephram and Asher love it, too. They sop up all the attention like hunks of day old bread in a soup of joy. The most recent visitors? Uncle Jimmy and Grandma Fahey.

Ephram, lover of all containers, made off with my mason jars and came up with his own canning project. Water. He canned water. With ice. And while we were hanging out with Jimmy on the deck he declared, "Hey, wait here. You look thirsty. Let me get you a little something." And voila, a freshly canned ice water for Uncle Jimmy. What goes better with that than one half of a Ritz cracker? Not a thing.

There is nothing, and I mean nothing, that is cozier than reading a book with a grandparent. They do the best voices, I swear.

Let's pause for a moment, people. Prepare yourselves for what I'm about to say. Ready? My baby - my itty bitty Bruiser McByler is 2 years old. So much has happened out here in Massachusetts in the past few weeks and I was beginning to worry that this milestone would somehow get lost in the mix. As it turns out, Asher's second birthday is one that we'll be talking about for years to come.

We had a party. An actual party. An only-slightly overwhelming celebration for my man. I had lots of help from my mom, and for that I am so grateful.

And so it goes - the guests came and went. There was a squabble or two between the boys because, well, it's hard when your little sibling gets a ton of awesome stuff ... and you're supposed to be happy for him. Sigh. So then there was a little nap and wait for it, wait for it.... Snow?!

And there it was. The snowstorm that we heard might be coming, came. Heavy and abundant.

And so what started as a crisp autumn morning, turned into a wet, snowy winter-like evening.

And then the lights went out. For real. And the snow continued to fall. And fall. And fall. All night long.

We stayed up almost all night in silence and listened to the sounds of tree limbs cracking from the weight of all that wet snow. And we woke in the morning to this:

See that tree over our house to the left? That's a 40 year old oak tree that was in our backyard. It was uprooted during the night and crashed through the roof of our garage.

And so we prepared for a full day without power. A day filled with lovely house guests by candlelight and a chainsaw wielding husband, working hard to remove the tree from our rooftop. What we didn't know was that 24 hours was going to turn into 30. And then 70. and then 100 and then, wait, I lost count. What day is it? How long have we been without power?! SEVEN days, kids. Seven days! We survived, by the way.

Nearly everyone we know left town. We didn't. We slept in a tent from Sunday to Tuesday and then Pete got his hands on a nice little Honda generator. That guy, I tell ya. He's like a superhero. Well, I suppose that's not true. He's a dude. But he's got mad skills. Oh! See that coffee cup? That's a new trick I learned (thanks Jimmy!) If you find yourself without a stereo, but require music in order to survive (yes, please!), turn on your iPod or smartphone and place it in a coffee mug. Voila, the room is filled with music!

Thank you, gas range. It is because of you that we were able to enjoy pre-generator steam heat and cup after cup of thick french-pressed coffee. (Don't have a french press? You should.)

Thank you, 50 degree weather. It was warmer outside than in.

Once Peter got the generator going, our mornings looked a lot like this. Coffee + radiator.

And hot chocolate.

Sweet music!

2011-09-28T19:56:00.004-04:00

This family had a great weekend. Like, fantastic. You've heard of the Life is Good company? Well, they have festivals. Do they ever! I mean, THIS is a family-centered festival. Safe, friendly (the volunteer staff was beyond incredible) and super fun. I can't recommend it enough.

Ephram, looking for Michael Franti

This place was bananas with games for kids.

The biggest highlight was watching and listening to Asher sing along with the Avett Brothers at a live show. I mean, the guy's not even 2! Eph and Ash loved it!

And on a side note, my boys really dig the clearance jewelry at Target.

bits:: a weekly roundup

2011-09-16T12:11:00.007-04:00

I'm not as busy as I think I am. I'm just realizing this. And wisely is a term used rarely to describe how I spend my time. But that's changing with the seasonal shift. Some people see spring coming and take the time to fold and store sweaters - I don't. In fact, our sweaters are right where I left them in April. In plain view, ready to be worn again. A reminder of the awesomeness of fall on a hot, sticky, July afternoon. Fall is when I begin to nest and tidy. Get things in order. Empty cupboards. Clear cobwebs. Rearrange..... and busy myself.

Some of my favorite mornings are spent when Asher gets up and demands that I draw pictures on his magnadoodle board. One of his favorite things these days. It's usually early morning and my droopy eyes scream for coffee, but I wait because snuggling on the couch and anticipating the first cup is pretty great... and he lets me draw and dream about it.

Lately, the boys and I have been busying ourselves with excursions. We hike through our local park. Bridges, ducks, frogs, hills. It's a gem.

And apple picking!

I read blogs, but I used to laugh at them. In fact, my brother-in-law and I used to joke about whatever mundane task we were doing by saying, You can read about this on my blog later. We're hilarious. Ah, how times change. I don't have cable. I don't buy magazines. I have found a handful of blogs that I love for different reasons.... It's like reading an issue of Real Simple magazine without having to thumb through all the advertisements. Anyway, I like them. And the ones that I favor are really good resources for easy at-home projects.

I found this tutorial the other day and loved it, so I made my own. One for the fireplace and the other as a skinny table runner for the buffet in our dining room.

bits

2011-09-07T20:15:00.008-04:00

Travel day (n): a day of the week when your partner is on a work-related trip and you find yourself spiraling into an abyss of chaos, clutter and mayhem involving two little boys that lovingly pounce on you as if you are a squishy trampoline with limbs. I tend to ignore the clutter, join in the mayhem, curse the chaos and scramble out the door, ambling toward something, anything, to do. This particular evening took us to Barnes and Noble where Ephram and Asher bickered and teased fervently until I calmed the beast of restlessness with a root beer in a glass bottle because, well, doesn't everything taste better in a glass bottle? I sat between my two precious boogers and, between whispers of, "don't kick the table, babe" and "shhhh, we need to use inside voices," I surveyed the room an silently spied all the fresh, young faces glowing in the light of their laptops. I noticed the tap, tap of their feet keeping time with the music blasting through their ear buds. And then turning my attention to my two little fluffernutters, complete with root beer burps and cookie crumbs on their chins, I felt fulfilled.

It's September. The air is crisp! If I happen to wake before the rest of the house and happen to brew a pot of coffee and happen to step outside before the day really breaks, I can see my breath. This discovery has me all sorts of giddy.

The heat is gone for now, but will surely return before it's all said and done. I'll welcome the few remaining days of warmth, knowing that the crisp is soon upon us and that means apples and pumpkins and decorations of gold, orange, brown. I dig it.

September also means that Ephram has started school. He's stoked because this year he's a big kid. This is heavy stuff. It means he gets to spend most of his day upstairs, which is a super big deal, from what I gather. He goes on and on about how he's going to show so-and-so the ropes, since he/she/they're new at this.

His time at school is refreshing for the both of us. And it gives me an opportunity to have some one-on-one with this turkey...

Just quickly...

2011-06-04T15:24:00.003-04:00

Ephram had his first *real* birthday party yesterday. So much fun! I don't want to post too many pictures of his friends, so I've only got a few that I can share. I made capes for the kids and they all had fun decorating their own superhero masks.

Um, look at how cute Asher is in his cape!

AND a quick preview of the new walkway that Pete is installing HIMSELF! Such hard work. More to come...

Easter and a bit o' random.

2011-04-25T20:08:00.008-04:00

Remember when I said Christmas '10 was my favorite holiday? Well, it's officially been trumped. Easter had it all. Just the right amount of lazy relaxation with a pinch of bustle thrown in. we were excited to use a few natural dyes this year. the purple and hot pink numbers in front were courtesy of blueberries and beets. Ephram dyed Asher devoured

The Easter Bunny brought the boys kites and Ephram was wild about it! He's got skills.

Weeeeeeeeeeeeee!

The wee one enjoys longer books now. It's such a treat. Current favorite in the longer book category - Mike Mulligan and his Steam Shovel.
Spring finds us in the backyard digging in the dirt... and often. The boys have 2-3 costume changes a day, from dirty to clean...(and back to dirty).

We were out one day and a woman stopped to see if the boys had blue eyes. She was almost disappointed when I told her that they don't. What they have is even better - Ephram with his toffee-colored orbs that match his dad's and Asher's, rich with the color of thick coffee.

Ephram helps make fresh lemonade, made pink with the help of frozen blueberries.

OK, one last thing... just because Ephram has me rolling on the floor laughing sometimes. So he was playing with these 3 little lions the other day. He called them coyotes. They were lost. He said they were scared. They needed to find their mom. It was getting cold and he was afraid they might freeze without her. He's telling me this as I'm diddling around doing one of the 15 random things I do everyday.... "Uh huh," I say, half oblivious to what he's even talking about. But I turn around and see that the baby lions had found their mom. Not only that, but they were in the middle of a feed. 3 coyote-lions. 1 stuffed puppy-coyote-mom. And the pups' names? Josh, Jeanline and Toe. Josh, Jeanline, Toe and Mom - reunited and it feels so good!

And today he went for a pretend train ride to visit his 2 brothers, Josh and Sauce. Yes, Sauce.

On memory

2011-04-12T19:53:00.009-04:00

I think a lot about what my boys will remember. I've looked at Pete several times in the past few weeks and asked, Will Ephram remember this? Like, really remember it? At almost 4 years old his memory is incredible. And so I wonder. I'll pause for a moment and really wonder if he'll remember. What will he remember about me? Will he remember me as I am now? What do I want him to remember?

My own memories tend to be a bit muddled. I get confused about whether or not a memory I have is rightfully mine. Did someone else plant that or does it really belong to me? And what do I really remember about my mother? I remember her hair. I can see it. I can smell the hairspray. I remember her asking me to "pick it out" in the back... to make it fuller. I remember a fiery auburn color set in big, soft curls. A tight, donut-shaped bun worn with long gowns before a big performance. It's just hair. What a simple thing. Such a vivid memory.

So we're working on having fun. Making memories. And in the meantime, enjoying....

:: When mornings look like this.

:: Belly swinging. :: The view from the bottom of the slide and Asher's bravery and trust that someone will catch him. :: Brothers. :: These guys.

Greetings from whine country.

2011-03-23T19:52:00.014-04:00

Whines in our home are a dime a dozen. It happens a lot. If anyone has any suggestion as to how to stop it, please fill me in. It's hard sometimes, but it makes the beauty between the whines that much more enjoyable.

Black beans & quinoa w/ poached eggs

Ephram has the best imagination. Every day he's something different. Robin Hood, Knut the baby polar bear, Spiderman and Skippito Friskito the great sword fighter make regular appearances around here.

Asher has a new love in his life. The sandbox.

I'm constantly trying to find new ways to keep the guys entertained. When they grow up, I want them to remember that Mom let them paint on the floor with their feet.

...and didn't mind too much when the kitchen floor was flooded with soapy, bubbly water.

Pizza happens around here a lot. It's almost an event, requiring lots of help kneading, pulling, saucing, grating, sprinkling and enjoying. It's fun.

Discovering the joy of a cheeseless pizza. Homemade sauce, sauteed vegetables and fresh arugula. As Pete would say, "it's premium."

Getting closer and closer to thin-crust-perfection.

Ephram's new favorite accessory - phony glasses just like Uncle Jimmy's. He can't see a thing without 'em.

St. Patrick's day and weekend were stellar. I kept Ephram home from school (a tradition from my childhood) and we went to lunch with Uncle Jimmy. Peter ran the Holyoke St. Patrick's Day 10K on Saturday and we all had a blast being there with him.

Colcannon

pre-race

While Pete was readying himself to race, we scoured the park for patches of sun. Spending time with my baby brother was a lot of fun. Watching all the runners (5,000+) getting ready was a lot of fun. It was all a lot of fun. It's pretty inspiring stuff. The energy was thick in the air. And while I was plotting my own training schedule in my head, Jimmy and I enjoyed some liquid refreshment. It was St. Patrick's Day after all and the music was loud and persuasive.

Pete was a rockstar. It boggles my mind. Runners, you know.

Mas palabras

2011-02-09T20:01:00.006-05:00

"Baff"- bath
"Beas?" - please (usually holding an empty bowl or cup, wanting more)
"Aught" - hot
"Dow" - down
"Lola, go!" - that's right, his first sequence of words is used to tell Lola to go away

Where's your bellybutton?

Snowed in.

2011-01-29T13:35:00.012-05:00

Never in my life have I seen more snow. Pete has been harnessed to the roof all weekend, chiseling away at ice dams... and the poor dogs don't know what to do as they leap back and forth trying to find an adequate spot in the yard to relieve themselves. Poor, short, little Lola. And even though it's easy to get bored when we're stuck inside all day, all this snow does make for a pretty scene.

It's impossible to get out of the house for walks and play... so I'm trying my best to relieve the blah. We're doing a lot of this:

...but we're dreaming of warm days at the park.

Ephram: "Mom!! Can I write on the blog?"

2011-01-26T09:55:00.004-05:00

Me: "Yes"

Ephram: "And you'll put a picture on it?"

Me: "You bet."

And so...

jhhhghghhgghghghghgyfhfhfhhfhhfhfhfhfhfhfh
hghgfdfdfdfdfdfdfdfdfddffddfffdfrdfdfdfddfdfdfdytrtegthgfdhgvghgeghfdgdffggftgttdhytyyuytyytgrt

fgyfghygygygygyugygyugyguhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhgggggggggggggggggggguuuuuuuuuuu
fgfggfgfgfgf
guuuuudddyfgfgfhgfggggggghghghhghfyguyfgfggfghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

gfggfgffggfgffgfgfgfggffghuchhhfhjfhffffbhvhfghf ggtfhfhrhgrhrhrhhfhhfhbfhfgfgtggtggtytthhh

Love,

Ephram

Winter is hard.

2011-01-25T14:41:00.006-05:00

It just is. My goals are simple and few.

a) Keep everyone alive

b) Minimize crying and whining

c) Try to find something to do that doesn't involve the television.

Life's especially difficult right now since we have a terrible, feverish cold blowing through our house. It's made its way through Ephram, is on it's way out of Asher and has made a comfortable home in the bodies of the adults. We're hoping it'll leave us soon. In the meantime, we're enjoying...

*Making mustaches on sticks*

*Spending quality time with Peter and reading Dick and Jane*

*Sweet handed down Ukulele from Uncle Jimmy*

*Arting*

*Tea parties*

*Muffins*

Morning Glory Flax Muffins

1.5c all-purpose flour

1/2c whole wheat flour

1c sugar

1T cinnamon

2tsp baking powder

1/2tsp baking soda

1/2tsp salt

2c grated carrot

1 apple, peeled, cored, shredded (or chopped)

1c raisins

2eggs

1/2c applesauce

1/4c flax oil (or vegetable oil)

1tsp vanilla extract

Combine ingredients and mix until just moistened. Bake at 375 for 15 minutes (maybe a few minutes longer). Makes 16-18 muffins.

per muffin:

177 calories

2.5g protein

3/4 tsp of flaxy omega-3 goodness

What Asher's talking about these days...

2011-01-04T18:59:00.009-05:00

"Boo" - His little blanket and best friend

"Up"

"Da" - Dad

"Maum" - Mom

"Goak" - Cracker

"Moo"

"BeeBee" - Baby

"Shhhhhh"

"Yola" - Lola

"Guh Guh" - Gunner

"Arf"

"Beh" - Bear

"Bah" - Ball

"Buh-Buh" - Belly button

(yes, I can actually hear the difference in the last 3.)

"ah-DISH" - This

his bib says, "having a ball"... his face says, "shut up, bib."

My favorite Christmas.

2010-12-26T18:31:00.018-05:00

This Christmas was full of so much love and anticipation... and a lot of preparation. This is the year that Ephram believed. Really believed. It's a lot of work, this whole believing thing. But it's worth it a thousand times over. Seeing the look on my little monkey's face when he tiptoed to the fireplace and found the doors open and full stockings hanging above it was, well, incredible.

We do what I suppose most families do. We gather on Christmas Eve and reflect on the true meaning of the holiday.

Peter reading the Christmas Story and Ephram trying his best to pay attention

A simple Shepherd's Supper turned into a wine and cheese party, complete with sippy cups.

The true meaning was interrupted when we got a call from our dear neighbor who informed us that Santa (her husband) had been spotted in the neighborhood and wanted to stop and see the boys. Oh the excitement! The kind that can't be contained. The kind that makes little bodies nearly burst open and ooze sheer joy.... and you could actually see it on Ephram's face. But the best part about this particular little man is that he can be cool as a cucumber at the same time. Like after the initial thrill has calmed a bit, he and Santa start to shoot the breeze.... and banter back and forth with shrieks of Holy Smokes! and Here's my tree! and It's OK, Santa, you can use the front door! ... On second thought, go ahead and use the chimney. And when Santa asks if he's been a good boy, the little booger scrunches up his nose and squeaks, I'm keeping my mouth shut on that one, Santa.

Santa gives Ephram a magic sleigh bell

Gunner enjoys a Christmas Eve love session

Christmas morning was spent blurry-eyed because this guy we know decided to get up at 3:45am(!!!) to start the day. We quickly forgave him.

Here I'm opening my gift from Ephram. Let's face it, I knew I was getting a pink, flowery teapot; That kid can't keep a secret to save his life. But he thought of it without any help from Peter and he was truly bursting as I was opening it. And just like that, he's learned what a joy it can be to give.

Peter and Jimmy preparing Paella

Jimmy's very beautiful contribution to dinner: edible flowers

One particularly fabulous handmade gift: The Big Red Barn

I counted and recounted my blessings for the rest of the day. Sometimes it takes a good Christmas jolt to make you remember how truly fortunate you are. And that jolt is enough to see me through the new year.

Tickles in my heart.

2010-12-21T08:56:00.011-05:00

Oh December. It's the month where each day you're either running around frantically trying to get everything done or you're desperately watching the clock from 4 o'clock on, counting the minutes until bedtime. That's not entirely true. Not every day is like that. In fact, I'm growing fond of the shorter days. I've never enjoyed them in the past. They've always seemed so depressing. But when the lights are low, the family's gathered in the kitchen and the oven is preheated, well, that's more than a good time.

"Mom, I'm stirring... and ONLY flour goes in this bowl."

"Hey, those spices smell good. Ok, you can add those."

And I must say, Ephram loves to work in the kitchen. He's a natural. It doesn't hurt that he gets to lick the beaters after all his hard work. That might have something to do with his eagerness to help. An expert flour duster, that one. And dough roller. And cookie cutter. And don't get me started on sprinkle placement... he's meticulous.

Meticulous AND heavy on the sprinkles.

And then there's Asher. The poor bug is either pawing at our pant legs, or protecting his treats from the furry ones.

You don't stand a chance, Lola.

He's such a dude. So big. Like out-of-nowhere, hopping-on-a-bike-and-zooming-around, so big.

And handsome. Just throwing that out there.

And when the planets align and these two magnificent beings start actually playing together? Well that's just magic. It's the kind of thing that I know I dreamt about before Asher was born and now it's a story that's unfolding - what parents hope will be a lifelong friendship. The days get so busy and I let myself get way frazzled over things that are really unimportant. If I don't tell myself to slow down from time to time, I'll start to miss moments that are so simple and special like...

A tea party. Biggy B (This is what Ephram likes to be called from time to time) set up this fancy tea party and then informed me that Grandma was invited and on the way. I peeked back in on him later and he informed me that Grandma Asher had arrived.

Or something as easy as two dudes racing their train and motorcycle through the dining room together.

And then there's the kind of entertainment that can only come from watching a 3 year old do his thang... Like pretending to be Burt from Mary Poppins and totally bringing down the house with his one-man-band act.

Harmonica, Drum, Tamborine, Bells

Or watching him hunt for bison. He goes on these elaborate sneak attacks, will disappear for 30 minutes or more, and then suddenly you get the feeling that you're being watched. Follow your instincts, you are being watched.

And the food. Always with the food. I swear if I have to clean up another dog birthday party, I'm going to croak. But it isn't so bad, really. It's actually pretty thoughtful. Now if we could only get them to play along.

"Oh mom, they're going to love it! It's Gunner and Lola's birthday party and all their friends are coming. {insert beautiful laughter} And when I laugh, I get tickles in my heart!"

And last but not least, Little Bits is walking. Like, really walking. It's nutty. He's a little wobbly, but persistent. It's wonderful.

The big ONE.

2010-11-17T20:49:00.002-05:00

There's so much to love about this guy. His skin is creamy. His breath is sweet. His teeth are hysterical. His head-hugs are the best. It's just too good. And now he's so one. Happy birthday, buddy.

peek-a-boo!

We celebrated the same way we did when Ephram turned one - we went to Red Robin. We kind of hate to love that place... the kids go bananas over free balloons and ice cream sundaes and we get to enjoy some killer Gardenburgers. Score. It was a two-dessert birthday. We finished the day with pajamas and carrot cake. Double Score.

at 12 months old, Asher's weighing in at over 25 lbs and is 31 inches. significantly larger than Ephram was at this age.

There are so many great things happening right now, but I've been warned not to say too much... I've been known to jinx these things. We love this dude.

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T20:46:00.001-04:00

Halloween preview...

2010-09-23T08:34:00.002-04:00

10 months

2010-09-07T08:58:00.002-04:00

10 months old. 10! Crazy.

Compared to Ephram, you're kind of a tank. Chubby, chubby legs on you, kiddo.

You're skeptical. You smile and laugh for anyone familiar, but you study strangers for a long while before you let them in.

And who authorized your pickiness?! If a piece of broccoli somehow makes it past your gums and onto your tongue, you immediately pick it out and toss it to Gunner. The same goes for carrots... and, well, most vegetables (except peas and sweet potatoes).

You're climbing the stairs (yikes!)

You're starting to walk along the furniture.

You've JUST decided to try sleeping through the night fairly regularly. (THIS is a wonderful thing!)

There's more, I know it. But you're currently calling for me from your crib. You've been battling a fever for about 3 days.... we're hoping it's due to teething and nothing more. Please?

You're just so cute. So fun. So cuddly. We likey.

Randoms

2010-08-23T08:44:00.001-04:00

Asher's first time on the bike.

Ephram being Ephram. WeeeeOooooo WeeeeOoooo!

2010-08-17T21:12:00.003-04:00

I am so, so, so late posting these pictures. Grandma Fahey, Uncle Jimmy and the boys' cousin Fischer came for a visit in July. It was so much fun! We don't get back to the Midwest nearly as much as we'd like, so any opportunity for the boys to bond with family members is just incredible. They were smitten, to say the least.

2010-08-17T20:24:00.005-04:00

This particular visit brought with it a lot of nonsense and tomfoolery... Fahey-style. Luckily, I LOVE tomfoolery, and my brother is the King when it comes to nonsense. Jim is a nut and Fischer is following in his uncle's footsteps.

Grandma Fahey spent a lot of her time just like this:

Asher was in love from the start...

Fischer is such a great cousin. At 11 years old, he's soooo comfortable looking after the wee ones.

.... again with the tomfoolery...

2010-08-17T19:39:00.003-04:00

One of our favorite places to visit is Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory just north of Amherst, MA. We usually only go when we have visitors, so these trips tend to be extra special. It's really fun to be surrounded by so many beautiful butterflies... and lizards... and quails (Eph's favorite part).

Grandma Fahey asked one of the animal keepers if she and Ephram could take a closer look at one of the lizards. Eph was pretty impressed :o)

This particular butterfly thought Asher was pretty special. It landed on his shirt and stayed put for a long while!

9 months

2010-07-29T19:32:00.005-04:00

You're 9 months old, Asher. To me, this is just craziness! You're getting too big, too fast, young man. We just had Grandma Fahey, Uncle Jimmy and your cousin Fischer here for a visit - you fell in love with them (and I'll post pictures soon, I promise!). You've also just recovered from a 3 day fever and are trying to get over a wicked bout of congestion. But enough about that -at 9 months you are:

... a total dude. You try to climb on everything and pull yourself to a stand on most furniture.

... doing THIS a lot. You get yourself into this silly bear-crawl position and LOVE it. It's hilarious. I'm hoping to get a better picture soon.

...very interested in whatever Ephram is doing, and don't want to be left out of the action. This is such a fun age. You and your big brother are interacting more and more. Ephram tries to dictate what toys you're allowed to play with, so I don't mind when you usurp whatever it is that you want to play with ;o)

... rockin' a juicy, delicious pair of legs.

... very fond of food. You have the appetite of a 5 year old.

... just too cute!

You're also:

Clapping

Waving

Dancing

Saying *Mama* (sometimes)

2010-06-29T12:33:00.001-04:00

The Dudes.

2010-06-21T08:17:00.004-04:00

Summer is here!

2010-06-08T13:40:00.002-04:00

I'm THIS many!

Favorite birthday present? A simple top.

Happy, happy birthday, Ephram!

The big 3!

2010-06-08T13:21:00.005-04:00

We have a 3 year old. It's crazy. THREE years!

How is this even possible, Ephram? Just yesterday we were heading to the hospital feeling so excited and terrified about what we were getting ourselves into. And here you are - a smart, rowdy, handsome, funny little guy that we are so, so, so blessed to have in our lives.

Peter still thinks about the moment you were born... and I love to hear him tell the story from his perspective. I can remember how I was feeling and what I saw, but your Dad had a front row seat and when you finally made your appearance, his life was forever changed. I wish I could travel back in time and let the midwife put your wiggly little body in my arms again.

What a miracle you were. What a miracle you still are. We love you.

7 months

2010-06-03T06:56:00.002-04:00

7 months? Really?!

Time is flying by pretty fast here, Asher. You can slow down a bit if you'd like... unless you want to hurry up and start sleeping through the night. I won't be mad if you decide to do that.

I'll be quick here and fill you in on the things that you're doing now:

*Sitting without support

*Inching forward (when on your belly) to get to interesting objects

*Rocking back and forth on your hands and knees

*Eating lots and lots of food... your favorites are:

yogurt

cheese

banana bread

sweet potato chunks

pear/apple sauce

crackers

(you're not a fan of peas AT ALL - taking after your Aunt Heather)

*Pincer grasp

May visitors!

2010-05-27T07:06:00.004-04:00

We're so happy that Grandma and Grandpa Byler came for a visit! Peter and I celebrated our 5 year anniversary last week and we were able to **gasp!** get out of the house without the kids. What a rare, rare treat for us!

Ephram no longer avoids the camera. No, he very willingly hams it up these days as witnessed here:

...and here:

We went with Grandma to the nursery to buy a few potted plants and herbs (which have been successfully transplanted! Ephram had a blast doing that.) Grandma snuck in an Ephram-sized wheelbarrow when we weren't looking. He's been filling it with dirt every day. :o)

6 months old!

2010-05-13T09:31:00.006-04:00

16lbs, 2oz

27.25"

You're 6 months old!! Where has the time gone, Bug? This world is a very exciting place for you right now. There's so much for you to see and do! You are a roller. A serious roller. You roll so much, I wouldn't be surprised if you skipped that whole crawling thing. And you're a sitter now, too... you just need a teeny bit of support at times. You've started eating more purees and we've even tried some *solid* solids.

You're so smiley and fun. A real joy. Everyone that sees you says you look like a Byler... and that you look very different from your big brother. I think that's kind of neat. :o)

______________________

And the two of you together? It's pretty magical at times. (Well, when Ephram isn't snatching "his" toys out of your little hands)

He loves you so much and you love him right back. When you're playing in your exersaucer, he comes to sing and dance around for you - and you laugh and laugh! According to him, you are his "sweet baby." I suppose I'll share you with him!

31!

2010-05-08T09:42:00.008-04:00

Happy Birthday, Pete!

Love, love, love celebrating birthdays...especially when we get to celebrate another year spent with such an incredible person. We love you so much!

Ephram got up bright and early to make his Dad some blueberry pancakes.

Then we visited him at work and brought him a coffee drink, balloons and a painting (an original J. Ephram Byler '10) for his office.

Ephram made a few phone calls and paid some bills.

And finished the day with some Apple Pie Cake. It was our family's best birthday ever. So fun and relaxing.... pure bliss.

Tulips

2010-05-06T19:37:00.005-04:00

Dear Grandpa,

The tulips we planted together have come and gone and...

I wanted you to see how beautiful they were.

Love,
Ephram

Photo catch-up numero dos...

2010-05-06T08:18:00.014-04:00

The two youngest Bylers, reunited.

Asher & Stella

Ephram & Stella. He loooves her!

Grandpa & Asher... this is what I call the signature Grandpa Byler hold. Babies dig it.

Stella holding her own with the likes of those two!

So cute!

But Debbie might be thinking, "Jeez, Meg! I JUST took a bite of a s'more...you really expect me to smile for a picture?! Reallly?!?!". Yes, Debbie. I do.

Seeeeerious photo catch-up!

2010-05-06T07:32:00.013-04:00

We went *home* a few weeks ago and had a great time hanging out with family in Iowa and Illinois. We celebrated Lily's 10th birthday (OMG!) and Lily & Spencer's First Communion.

Asher chillin' with his *bestie* Aunt Heather... Hey Heather, maybe that should be your Auntie name instead?

with Fischer

and Spencie

and Lily, of course!

First Communion - so so SO proud of these two!

Ephram avoids having his picture taken ALL THE TIME - unless we want to take a picture of someone else... the we can't get him OUT of the picture! Good thing he's so flippin' cute.

Spencer, looking rather dapper.

birthday hats and First Communion cake

...and, as with ANY and EVERY Fahey function, the guitars made an appearance.

lovin' on Grandma... and Grandma lovin' right back!

I call this one, "It ain't easy bein' cheesy."

Sean and Erin (baby Aoife due soon!!)

Me, Tom, Heather, Tim

Aunt Jackie and Uncle Tim (so 'dorable!)

life lessons from Uncle Tommy

Sean, knucklehead that he is, forgot to bring nice clothes to wear to the First Communion... he donned a pair of Brent's pleated dress pants... he rocked it out.

Swing-lovin', flower-sharing besties.

LOVE her!

Sandbox-playin', ice cream-lovin' besties.

Lily, I am FLOORED that you're 10 years old! Time is flying.

2010-04-29T09:17:00.002-04:00

Me: We should go on a date this weekend.

Eph: But where would we go?

Me: I don't know... the library, to lunch, maybe the bookstore. Just Mommy-Ephram time.

Eph: (with hands over eyes, head down, sad voice) oh, but I would miss baby Asher just so much. I wish he could come with us.

The friendship begins!

Hide and Seek...

2010-04-26T11:34:00.002-04:00

I can't even begin to express what a fun age this is! It's so great to be out playing games together. Ephram really likes to play hide 'n seek and tag.... and he looooooves to race!

1...2...3...4...

hiding from Pete...

found ya!...

big time!

After nap...

2010-04-22T14:45:00.006-04:00

Eph: Mom, do you remember when we were in the store and that big red car came vrooming in?

Me: Huh? No... wait, are you remembering a dream?

Eph: I guess so... you know, we were in the store and Lightning McQueen came vrooming by and I hid behind someone? Remember?

Me: I think you're remembering a dream, Ephram! I wanna hear more about it! Who were you hiding behind?

Eph: Well, I guess it was someone with vegetables on the ground? Maybe he was taking food home to his family?

Me: I see... and was I in your dream?

Eph: Yeah, yeah! You turned around in the light and I couldn't find you... (pause)... that's kinda scary.

Me: Oh, but it's OK now because Mama's right here, right?

Eph: Yeah.... and then I touched the red car... it was so beautiful.

A morning adventure with Ephram

2010-04-01T09:46:00.002-04:00

Today's adventure begins as we search through the house for an imaginary monkey named George (of course). This scene takes place in Ephram's room.

Ephram: Mom! I see a shark! A shark with splendid teeth, so shiny!

Me: Oh yeah, I see it, too!

Ephram: Mom! I hear an "ooh ooh ah ah ah" from the shark's mouth! We have to help the monkey! I need to get him out!

>>Pause>>

Quick! I need to call the archaeologist!

>>grabs phone, dials numbers>>

Yes, yes...Ok! Thank you, Archaeologist!

Mom! he said to get a big box and take the shark away!

Later, we roasted the shark over a campfire with some marshmallows. Poor sharky!

5 months old!

2010-03-30T19:51:00.003-04:00

Well, Bug, you're 5 months old! It's unbelievable. Just yesterday you were a skinny little newborn, right? That's how it seems anyway. You're a curious little guy. You love to study faces... and that's especially true when you meet strangers these days. You'll usually let a stranger know whether or not his/her company is acceptable. You're a rolling machine, too. When placed on your back, you almost immediately flop onto your belly... and if you see an interesting toy that's just out of reach, you'll roll your way over to it! You sat up today unassisted for a good amount of time before plopping over onto your side. Ephram thought that was pretty funny. Oh, and you guys are interacting a bit more these days. Here's a picture of you and Ephram pretending to fly together in a "rocket ship".... I can't wait until you guys are running all over the house together!

What else?... what else? Oh yes, you're interested in food, but frustrated at the same time. I think you'd rather feed yourself than be fed - but you're still a bit young for that. And you're a squealer. Oh boy, are you a squealer. Especially in church. You know, when everyone is bowing their heads in silent prayer... that's when you let out a huge, cheery squeal that makes some of the women turn their heads and smile, wishing they were sitting closer to us so that they could take a turn holding you.

So excited for all the wonderful things to come as you explore this world!

Dear Ephram,

2010-03-17T19:53:00.005-04:00

You're insane. Truly.

Most days you drive me batty.

I vote that we skip the next 2.5 months and move right into your three's, assuming 3 will be better than 2. Please let it be better. I can't wait to sit and tell you all about it when you come home on a college break one day... and maybe then I'll be able to laugh about it... and then cry because I'll miss these days so much.

That being said, you are also the coolest little dude in the universe. "Little dude" is what all the other parents at the park call you. You're so outgoing. You gravitate to the kids that are at least 2 years older than you. Your best friends right now are 5 years old, and you're able to pal around with them and are accepted as an equal. It's hard for some people to believe you're only 2.

You're funny, too. Oh goodness, you're funny. You sing. A lot. About everything. And you make up words to add to your already incredibly large vocabulary.

At 2 years and 9 months old your favorite things/activities include chasing/pummeling/torturing Gunner and Lola, playing baseball with Dad, painting, taking pictures, Lightning McQueen and anything Curious George.

Oh yeah, and I love you. Way more than a lot.

Just a little cuteness...

2010-03-14T15:38:00.002-04:00

Asher's first taste of real food, bananas!

Big dude!

My big helper chopping peppers!

We REALLY missed Daddy...

2010-03-14T15:33:00.003-04:00

This is Ephram waiting to go on his special "night ride" to go get Pete from the airport. He was so excited to be able to stay up waaaaaaaaay past his bedtime to welcome him home from Haiti. Now he wants to go on a "night ride" EVERY night.

4 months old!

2010-03-03T20:02:00.002-05:00

Asher is 4 months old! Well, 4 1/2 months old now. He's a big talker...and smiler...and an all-around good little guy! He's successfully reaching for and grasping toys (and promptly shoving them into his mouth). He's also able to roll from his tummy to his back and from his back to his side. We've introduced a few foods to him already this month (bananas, pears, sweet potatoes, oatmeal). So far, pears & oatmeal wins!

Asher at 4 months: 14lbs. 6oz., 26 inches - following his own perfect curve.

And just for fun, this is Ephram when he was 4 months old, weighing in at 14lbs 4oz and 25 1/4 inches.

2010-02-16T21:15:00.005-05:00

This is a little video of Ephram that we took in January. Peter and I watch it aaaaalllll the time. It's soooo Ephram right now. He sings about everything and he's VERY LOUD about it most of the time. Anyway, we laugh hard when we watch this vid.

conversations with Ephram

2010-02-04T19:51:00.002-05:00

just a few ephramisms for your reading pleasure...

Me: Aren't you so excited that we're going on an airplane in a few days, Ephram?!

Eph: Yeah! And Daddy's coming, too?

Me: Yup!

Eph: And you and baby Asher?

Me: Of course!

Eph: (giving me a sideways look)...and Gunner???

Me: No, silly! Gunner and Lola are going to stay at the kennel. Remember? It's kind of like a doggy hotel.

Eph: Yeah, they're gonna stay there and pee on the rocks.

Me: True.

"You gave me my best bubble day I ever had." (Said to me in the sweetest voice during his bath while blowing his Curious George bubbles)

Eph: (grinning over breakfast)
Me: What are you smiling about?
Eph: (whispers) I'm a fart machine.
Me: What did you say?
Eph: (yells) I'm a fart machine! Ha ha ha ha ha!

you can thank Peter for the last one!

January highlights

2010-01-24T19:12:00.004-05:00

This is Ephram at his own pretend juice bar. He likes to mix juice (rocks) in this red pot and serve it in bowls. Sometimes I ask him if I can have carrot juice or pineapple juice or orange juice, but he says that at Ephram's juice bar only apple juice is served. He's the owner, I suppose he can do what he wants!

We went ice skating on a pond in town. Ephram borrowed some skates from his friends, Aleksei and Mikhail for the occasion...

This is Ephram attempting a loop around the pond using his little walker.

Grandma Byler came for a visit! Here she is holding Asher during a nap... which is the ONLY way this child will sleep during the day.

Good luck trying to get Ephram to look at/smile at/acknowledge the camera!

Dr. J. Ephram Byler, at your service!

"It's OK, Mom... you take a break. I'll put Baby Asher down for a nap." Direct quote.

Bath time!

Gotcha!

2009-12-31T11:15:00.002-05:00

Finally caught the elusive smile!

Christmas

2009-12-29T12:13:00.004-05:00

Merry (belated) Christmas! This was our first Christmas on our own and it was great! We would've loved to travel to Illinois for the holiday, but it just wasn't in the cards this year. Ephram had a wonderful Christmas anyway - and we did too (aside from a rather unpleasant meltdown at the end of the Christmas Eve church service - when you tell a 2-year-old that he can't hold the silent night candle, expect tears!)

{two super-cuties!}

{Ephram's list and note for Santa}

{Lego Firemen... a contender for favorite present}

{Dr. J. Ephram Byler, at your service)

This was also our first vegetarian holiday. It's been a little over a month that we've abstained from eating meat. It's not that hard for us to do considering we only ate poultry and fish prior to this. We're doing our best to be really smart about it - incorporating lots of good protein and taking vitamins to fill in the gaps. Christmas dinner was really simple and satisfying... and simple is what it's all about in this house right now!

{Salad w/ pear, walnuts & gorgonzola}

{roasted winter vegetable and white bean soup}

quick catch-up.

2009-12-23T20:53:00.003-05:00

How can time seem to fly and drag at the same time?! I guess that's life with a new baby! Asher is just about to hit his 2 month mark and I can't believe he's been in our lives this long already... although the individual days seem to linger when you have to juggle a new baby AND a spirited near-preschooler. (Ephram, spirited is putting it nicely... I'll tell you aaaalllll about it when you're older.) Ephram and Asher are changing every day... Ephram is such a person! I know that sounds strange, but he's really his own man these days... very opinionated... difficult... and absolutely awesome. Asher is working on chunkin'-up. He was a skinny little chicken 2 months ago and is becoming nice and plump (well, as plump as my kids ever get anyway)!

Here's a quick photo catch-up!

{brother smooches!}

{the dudes. ephram's cute, exaggerated smile!}

{grandma & grandpa byler came to visit after thanksgiving. look at how tiny he was at 1 month old!}

{cloth bum}

{ephram and peter building a "snow curious george"... not a snowman, curious george!}
{shoveling}

{ephram putting sprinkles on white chocolate pretzel rods} {they were delicious.... and gone in two days!}

{ephram enjoying giving the rare bottle}

Asher

2009-10-31T09:54:00.001-04:00

Dear Boo Fairy...

2009-09-27T12:14:00.002-04:00

On Friday Ephram decorated an envelope, stuffed his boo (binky) inside and eagerly awaited the arrival of the Boo Fairy. He was pleasantly surprised to find a baseball glove and new bat & balls waiting outside our front door on Saturday morning...

Here are 2 pictures of him sliding his boo-filled envelope into the mailbox.

Testing a new camera lens...

2009-09-27T11:50:00.003-04:00

Ephram giving his baby brother a smooch.

Pretzels with Dad.

The artist.

The Deck

2009-09-26T14:57:00.004-04:00

Peter and Ephram have been working on the deck for a few weeks and it looks unbelievable! I am so proud of all the hard work and sweat that has gone into the project - Pete's hardwork and sweat, of course... definitely NOT my own!

It has gone from looking like this:

to this:

and then to this beauty!:

Ephram and Peter taking a well-deserved break :o)

2009-09-08T22:50:00.001-04:00

cute!

creativity and taste buds :o)

2009-08-10T13:52:00.003-04:00

one should not attempt to stifle this kind of creativity.

a prettier painting there never was...

the little man's first sushi roll :o)
He IS a toddler, so he can be picky about food at times...but then he'll surprise us and show a more adventurous side. He loved this shrimp tempura roll... and ate 2 or 3!

Iowa City...

2009-08-10T13:38:00.002-04:00

We went to visit Aunt Heather, Uncle Brent and the cousins for a few days in July. It's always great to be back in Iowa City. We made sure to fill up on lots of Whitey's Ice Cream, Pancheros, New Pi Co-op and Java House coffee (I should get payed for this advertising!). Ephram fell hopelessly in love with his big cousins. He's such a big guy now and can actually hang out with the crew and wrestle with the big kids! We were also so happy to spend time with Grandma (Fahey)! Our time with her was short, but sweet! We'll try to organize our schedules a little better next time, Mom!

watching a video with Spencer

sliding at the park with Fischer

bouncing around with Aunt Heather, Lily, Fischer and Spencer

downtown with my good friend and college roommate, Anna

snacks in the ped-mall

Home Improvement...

2009-08-10T13:02:00.003-04:00

Lots and lots of projects happening this Summer and Fall at the Byler casa! We've done/are doing siding, windows, heating system, fence, deck, yard repair, indoor trim... you name it, we're doing it! And Pete does nearly all of this work with his own hands... that's one handy guy!

{Before}{After... almost done, anyway!}

Peter replacing the kitchen window... notice that he's standing on (what I would call) a flimsy board suspended between a ladder and a not-so sturdy deck.

Ephram learning to drive the Bobcat while Pete grades the yard

helping Dad build a retaining wall in the back...

the wall

...and another Bobcat pic - because Ephram couldn't get enough!

little eden highlights!

2009-07-15T10:41:00.008-04:00

Pete and Ephram checking out the mini fall:

Soren, the little fisherman:

These two wanted to fish the EVERY DAY... ALL DAY!

Aunt Rebecca and sweet little Stella Rose:

What a sweetie!:

Learning to reel in the line:

Fixin' a snag:

Grandpa and Soren:

More fishing of course! Reeling it in as Grandma and Grandpa look on:

Walking the wall over the fall:

Swinging like a little monkey!:

Hold on tight!:

Looking so so so cute!

Spending time outside the cabin with Grandma and Grandpa:

Grandma made sure to bring some down-time activities - Ephram and I made this delicious pizza with pepperoni, green pepper and blue mushrooms:

Post-nap snuggle:

You guessed it, more fishing!:

The three musketeers:

Thanks for the fishing pole, Grandpa! Let's go again!:

The Byler Family:

When Dad's away...

2009-06-11T08:39:00.003-04:00

Ephram will take his safety glasses and wear them all day long!

I asked, "how old are you," before I took this picture... he really wants to be five, I guess!

Who needs a fancy Italian bistro?!

2009-06-11T08:35:00.002-04:00

I certainly don't - not when I have my own little chef whipping up some Italian delicacy in his kitchen and serenading me with a fine, romantic tune!

The Birthday - Pt. 2

2009-06-06T19:44:00.006-04:00

A few of Ephram's boyz (yes, I said boyZ - they're jut THAT cool) came over to share some birthday cupcakes with us. They made him a sweet card and gave him a totally awesome Red Wings jersey, which happens to be his new favorite thing. He won't take it off! :o)

Excitement...

The big moment!...

Aleksei, giving his Papa the stink-eye...Mikhail, posing politely for a picture... He must be used to posing for pictures - so cute!

Happy Birthday, Dude!!

2009-06-06T12:38:00.009-04:00

Exciting day, exciting day... it's Ephram's birthday!! We're still in shock that he's 2 years old - unbelievable! When he woke up this morning, we went to greet him saying, "Happy birthday, Ephram!"... the first thing that came out of his mouth was a very groggy sounding, "Where my party hat?"

...starting things off right - presents before breakfast!

Thomas!

...more Thomas!

Thanks for the bucket of goodies, Soren & Stella! (and Becky & Jon!)

After breakfast, we took Ephram to this really neat butterfly conservatory & garden just north of us. It was a lot of fun - he was excited by all the butterflies, birds, bugs and reptiles!

getting used to the butterflies swarming overhead...

checking out the fish in the pond...

puting his new magnifying glass to use as we inspect some butterflies - so cute!

a-learnin' 'bout butterflies with Pete...

waiting ever-so patiently for a butterfly to land on him...

checking out the butterfly that landed on me...

and one landed on Pete, too... (well several, actually)

I think this was called a skink. His name is Houdini... Ephram liked him a lot.

an attempt at a family picture... this is as good as it ever gets!

*** the spacing for the captions is all over the place, sorry! no time/energy to fix it :o)

Anniversary

2009-05-21T12:35:00.002-04:00

Thanks Baby!!

It's our 4th anniversary!
Even though he's on the road and super busy, Pete sent me these amazing flowers! I LOVE them! They smell heavenly and they're so vibrant and beautiful...

Bathtime!

2009-05-21T12:31:00.002-04:00

He was pretty proud of this direct squirt in the eye :o)
This is what we usually get when we ask for a smile - the cutest, squintiest smile in the whole world!

cake!

2009-05-21T12:05:00.003-04:00

A few photos from Pete's birthday

Anticipation...

:o)

2009-05-01T15:54:00.003-04:00

It has been one of those weeks! Ephram has been feeling pretty rotten since Sunday and now has a case of croup. Peter isn't feeling well either and, well, I'm just constantly nauseous.

The bright side: we had a quick ultrasound today and were so excited to see this little wiggle-worm!

(edit to add clarification: baby on back w/ head to the right and hand near mouth... little legs up and to the left.)

Peoria/Chicago April 2009!

2009-04-28T16:41:00.004-04:00

For those of you that spent the week with us, these pictures are in reverse order... shouldn't be too confusing!

Happy Birthday, Lily!! We met the Kimm family in Chicago to help celebrate Lily's 9th birthday! The KimmFam has had a horrible 2009 travel track record so far and we didn't know how this trip was going to play out. Lo and behold, it RAINED! Trying to find transportation for 8 people in the windy (and cold & rainy!) city can be pretty challenging. The bright side: we made it to the American Girl store and Lily was able to pick out an outfit for herself and her Kit doll AND got a brand new doll! Success :o)

Lily and my beautiful sister, Heather.

This moose was right across from our hotel, so we walked by it daily. Ephram thought it was pretty sweet.

With Grandma and Grandpa Byler at Starbucks after a long morning at the Brookfield Zoo... it was 85+ degrees!

Riding the elephant...

riding the camel...

riding the croc...

Grandpa found a pair of boxing gloves in the basement and Ephram enjoyed wearing them!

At Great Grandma Karl's house with Uncle Jimmy

With Grandma Fahey

With Great Grandma Karl

Yee haw!

Hangin' with Grandma Fahey (and cousin Tommy)

Snack time at Grandma Byler's house!

A day at the park...

2009-04-28T16:26:00.003-04:00

A week or two ago, Ephram and I met some friends up at the park. Ryan and Soren are Ephram's age, so it was extra fun hanging out with them. He's used to playing with the 4 and 5 year olds at the park near our house. He keeps up pretty well for a little dude!

Here he is with Soren... boys and their sticks, I tell ya. Soren's mom, Kayt, and I spent a lot of time trying to get them to play safely with the sticks... looks like Ephram's about to clock poor Soren on the cheek!

Ryan spent a lot of time checking out what those darn boys were up to!

This park has an awesome sand area. Ephram spent the entire morning in the sand pit even though he was surrounded by slides, swings, ramps and rock walls!

Visitors :o)

2009-03-31T08:28:00.003-04:00

Grandma and Uncle Jimmy have come and gone...sigh. Ephram is sad, of course, and misses them terribly. I miss them, too, as having 4 extra hands around can be really helpful!

Miss you guys!

Ephram, Uncle Jimmy and Grandma Fahey

...with his new best friend, Uncle Jimmy!

2009-03-23T16:09:00.003-04:00

A few recent recipes

Homemade Playdough... Ephram and I make a batch once a month and it never dries out! (well, unless you leave it out, of course!)

2 c. flour, 2 c. water, 1/2 c. salt, 2 T oil, 1 T cream of tartar. Stir in pot over medium heat until dough pulls away from pan. It will be lumpy. Let cool, knead to smoothen, add food coloring of choice! Store in plastic zip-top bag or tupperware.

Totally AWESOME Chicken w. Broccoli derived from this recipe. (Follow the advice from the first reviewer)

We just got this totally sweet cast-iron skillet the other week and I attempted my very first Chicago-style, deep dish 'za! It turned out really great. The recipe comes from this great book that Ephram's Grandpa Byler gave me for Christmas a few years ago. It's called Chicago Street Food, by Chef Mike Baruch.

Mini Vacation in FL

2009-03-23T14:02:00.005-04:00

We had such a wonderful time visiting Pete's Uncle, Aunt and cousins in FL last week! Ephram was in heaven with so many second cousins to play with.

Ephram and Nathan picking broccoli in Uncle Tom's garden

Peter and Sam (just a week older than Ephram) picking broccoli

Hannah, Nathan and Ephram (Uncle Tom in the back)

Ephram enjoyed eating broccoli fresh from the garden... This made me very happy!

Pete, Tom, Sam, Hannah, Nathan & Ephram

Ephram's scowl. It's what he does best :o)

Looking super cool in cousin Jenna's pool

...and again

Hannah, Braden, Nathan, Ephram and Sam at Leu Gardens... my futile attempt at trying to get 5 kiddos to look at my camera ;o)

Nathan and Ephram are real buds. Nathan was his Leu Gardens tour guide!

Sam, Nathan, Ephram

These two were so much fun! When they weren't snatching toys from one another, they had a blast!

Aunt Joan, Sam, Hannah, Nathan, Elise, Jenna, Ephram

The weather was beautiful and the company was FABULOUS! We already can't wait to go back for another visit!

Winter Highlights

2009-01-22T12:30:00.007-05:00

{killer drum solo!}

{feeding his baby}

{on the farm with Soren and Grandma}

{with newest cousin, Stella}

{paint}

{totally stinkerlicious}

{high fives from Uncle Sean and Uncle Jimmy}

{being squirmy with Aunt Jackie and Uncle Tim}

{huh?}

{with Uncle Tim, cousin Fischer and Uncle Jimmy}

2009-01-03T21:16:00.002-05:00

We moved to a new house and have yet to set up our desktop computer with all of our photo software... so no new pictures to post. But here's a little video from our Christmas trip to Illinois :0)

More words...

2008-12-26T13:35:00.002-05:00

Yummy! - "numma-nummy"

Chip

No more

Grandpa - "Daumba"

Grandma - subtle difference from "daumba"

Debbie - we think he's somehow learned Grandma Byler's first name.

Truck

Words....

2008-12-19T08:13:00.001-05:00

Hammer

Shampoo

Eddy (one of Pete's friends and Ephram's hero.)

Just so handsome...

2008-12-10T22:08:00.001-05:00

{100% yummy!}

Grandpa and Grandma Byler come to visit...

2008-12-10T21:54:00.004-05:00

We had a lovely time with Grandma and Grandpa Byler when they visited for Thanksgiving! Ephram didn't know what to do with all the attention lavished upon him... he had a blast!

{"Look over here!"}

{Playin' some B-ball}

{He still needs a little help with his slam dunks- Grandpa came in handy!}

{Sharing his Goldfish crackers with Grandma and getting laughs from everyone!}

A few more words...

2008-12-07T10:34:00.002-05:00

Burp - Bup

Oh Man! - Uuuuh Mah!

November!

2008-11-22T12:04:00.005-05:00

His FAVORITE hideout - Lola's crate. Silly boy!

This is what daylight savings time has done to my toddler at 10:30am... fast asleep on the couch before lunch!

He's such a big boy! I call him my baby all the time, but it's just not true... he's a little man now =0)

Finger painting! He's a little apprehensive about dunking his fingers into the squishy paint... but he has a good time anyway.

Oh, and this is how monkey man prefers to eat his bananas these days... must have the peel!

Looking ultra stylish in a (rather large) hand-me-down from his cousins =0)

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New words and Animal sounds:

Ho Ho Ho

Gobble Gobble

Neigh (Horse)

Moo

Quack

Baa Baa

Meh Meh (Goat)

Hissssss

Elmo (Eh-ma)

Ah ah ah (Sesame Street - The Count)

Shoe (Shuh)

Moo Milk (Muh Mih)

___________________________________

Songs that he hums:

Johnny Appleseed

Jesus Loves Me

Baa Baa Black Sheep (ABC... Twinkle Twinkle)

Mary Had a Little Lamb

Down by the Bay

Baby Beluga

__________________________________________

He's really into giving and blowing kisses... Daddy's pretty lucky to get so many blown kisses before work!

2 Bats and a Wookie!

2008-11-01T10:01:00.003-04:00

Ephram had so much fun trick-or-treating with his Longmeadow BFFs!

Chewbacca...

2008-10-15T23:21:00.002-04:00

Ephram's Halloween costume came in the mail today and we couldn't resist the temptation to put him in it right away... he looks so delicious as a Wookie!

Ephram's new toy...

2008-10-15T08:54:00.002-04:00

...a 1988 Baldwin.

He thinks he can play Twinkle Twinkle already... but really he's just pounding the keys and humming the tune - silly boy!

Pumpkin Par-tay!

2008-10-12T20:28:00.004-04:00

Our friends hosted a pumpkin decorating party today and we had a blast! We made cookies to share - Pete decorated them and they looked so cute! Way to go, Pete!

{sugar cookies}

{decorating Ephram's pumpkin}

{isn't that pirate shirt so cute? - he's the coolest.}

Apple Picking...

2008-10-12T20:22:00.004-04:00

{Tractor ride to the orchard}

{Yellow Delish}

{Cortland}

Twinkle Twinkle E-F-G, Yes Sir Yes Sir 3 Bags Full...

2008-10-10T19:40:00.003-04:00

I own this playground...

2008-10-10T19:39:00.000-04:00

Officially Fall...

2008-10-09T12:40:00.003-04:00

{attempting a sweet Halloween art project... apparently a marker tastes better than it draws}

{Ephram with his new baseball (also his favorite word) and his pumpkin project hanging from the mantle}

{I really have no idea what he's thinking here!}

{helping Dad seed and winterize the lawn}

{Raspberries!}

{just awwww...}

Happy Birthday, Uncle Jimmy!!

2008-09-30T19:55:00.004-04:00

... Mom can't believe you're 25 years old! She thinks it's soooooo weird that her itty bitty brother is such an old man --- but I keep reminding her that she's just 19 months older than you and needs to get over it!

I love you, Uncle Jimmy - and Happy Birthday!!!

Love, Ephram

(March/08)

What did you say?! Pt. 2

2008-09-26T21:16:00.001-04:00

Two new attempts today!

Bee-buh - Big Bird

Ah-ghem - Amen

What did you say?!

2008-09-25T19:42:00.002-04:00

Bae-bah - baseball

Bah-bah - Bye-bye

Buh - Boo (pacifier)

Dada - Daddy

Yah - yes

Bee-bee - baby

unnah - gunner

ah-lah - lola

The other day he said "bah-bah dada" and last night he said "bah-bah dibbuh (dinner)" when he was finished eating...but that was after I said, "all done? bye bye dinner!" I was proud nonetheless =0)

Along with this handful of words, I've heard him try to say shoes and thank you...

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

2008-09-24T06:41:00.002-04:00

...to my oldest and dearest friend, Janice, on the birth of her first baby!

Janice sent us pictures of Marley Elizabeth last night and I must say - she is VERY delicious!

We love you guys and wish you all the joy in the world... your lives are forever changed (for the better, by the way!).

Felicidades, Janice y Steve!

Here's the wind-up...

2008-09-19T14:44:00.002-04:00

The little dude loves to show off his mad ball-throwin' skills. He's actually really good with a ball... throwing and kicking!

Peoria/Iowa City Pt.5

2008-09-13T10:06:00.008-04:00

Grandma took us to the Peoria Zoo - and boy was it hot!

reading books before bed with Grandpa...

Spencer's awesome race car cake that Heather made....

The birthday boy himself!

Happy Birthday to you!

Fischer and Ephram enjoying the race car cake!

Time for presents!

Peoria/Iowa City Pt.4 (great Grandma and Janice)

2008-09-13T10:00:00.003-04:00

We stopped to visit with Great Grandma Karl for a while and then on to Janice's place!

Ephram had so much fun playing with all of Grandma's cast-iron mini stoves and stuffed animals! And had a blast with Ursa and Kodi (two awesome dogs).

Trying to convince Janice's bambina to make an appearance before our trip ended. We were hoping to meet her!!

Peoria/Iowa City Pt.3 (on the farm!)

2008-09-13T09:54:00.003-04:00

We spent a little time exploring la granja Byler! Ephram met some interesting new kittens and walked the orchard - but first, we had some shucking to do...

Grandpa and Daddy walked the corn rows while Ephram and Grandma shucked the corn =0)

I can do it myself, thank you very much!

Who's the man? I'm the man!

Walking the farm with Dad.

....and, of course, a tractor shot!

Peoria/Iowa City Pt.2

2008-09-13T09:46:00.003-04:00

Grandma Fahey treated us all to Sunday brunch. Ephram was passed around the table quite a few times!

talking politics with Grandma... basically explaining to her that Obama's the man.

with Uncle Tommy!

with Uncle Tim and Aunt Jackie!

After a long nap, Grandpa and Grandma Byler came home from a trip to spend some quality time outdoors with the little man - he loves watering the plants with Grandpa!

His first wagon ride!