Old Man Winter

A few days ago, we finally got some snow. Not just a dusting, but an actual, cover-the-lawn, snow. No one was more excited than Emma (although I came in a close second) about the accumulation, and, as soon as Daddy got home, she was decked out in her winter gear - complete with pink snow pants! She has seen snow before (yes, Kentucky does get some of the white stuff), but this was really the first time she has been old enough to actually want to play in it.

Shoveling some snow!

So, as Ethan and I watched from the comfort of the warm house, Emma and Chris headed out to make the first snowman of the season. As you can see from the picture below, it wasn't the good packing snow. Chris is a great improvisor, though, and they ended up with a type of snowman they named "Old Man Winter".

Old Man Winter

Unfortunately, about two days after it snowed, the temperatures rose into the 40s and the squirrels found the Ritz Cracker eyes pretty delicious, so there is not much left of Old Man Winter. Still, they had a great time building him and throwing snowballs at each other, so I am sure that next time it snows, there will be another snowman in their future!

Daddy and Emma!

Holiday Nights

You may remember a blog post from a few months ago, called, "There's No Place Like Home". In it, I referenced one of our favorite Detroit spots, Greenfield Village. To refresh your memory, Greenfield Village (GFV), was founded by Henry Ford and is an 80-acre site divided into seven historic districts - Railroad Junction, Working Farms, Edison at Work, Porches and Parlors, Liberty Craftworks, Main Street, and Henry Ford's Model T. It is truly an incredible and fun place to visit when it is warm, but during December and January, it transforms into nothing less than an historical winter wonderland as they host their Holiday Nights program.

Holiday Nights is, "complete with candle-lit paths, live entertainment, costumed presenters, horse-drawn wagon and Model T rides, delightful holiday shops, Santa and live reindeer, ice skating, a spectacular fireworks display and more" (description courtesy of GFV). Sounds pretty exciting, right? I thought so too, and thus asked my Dad if we could go on a Daddy-Daughter date to Holiday Nights. I get my love of history and learning from my Dad, so I was very excited to experience this with him.

The big night arrived, and after waiting in the Will Call line for about a half and hour (apparently everyone there that night had a last name starting with A-D), we headed straight to A Taste of Michigan, one of Greenfield Village's eateries. This may seem like the most boring part of the evening to you, but it was one of the highlights for us. Why, you ask? Because of the bread bowl. They make the most amazing bread bowl, consisting of bread, roast beef, mashed potatoes, and gravy. The carb-packed dish was a great source of energy to Loggers who would eat during the winter months. See? Delicious and historical!

A man and his bread bowl!

We spent the rest of the evening touring the Village, and there was a lot we visited that I have never seen, including the Cotswold Cottage. The Cotswold Cottage was built in the early 1600s in Chedworth, Gloucestershire, England, and is the second-oldest building in the United States. Due to its age, it is rarely open during the year, but during Holiday Nights, they open it to visitors because docents (dressed as United States WWI soldiers) are present to tell about its history and supervise visitors.

Inside the Cotswold Cottage

We finished the night with a Christmas sing-along and fireworks (the first I have ever seen in December)! Overall, it was a wonderful evening with a wonderful person. I love my Dad very much and it was so nice to be able to spend some time with him. We shared more than a few laughs at some of the things we did and saw, including accidentally trespassing in The Henry Ford museum and a woman we passed who looked at her daughter, quite annoyed, and loudly asked "Where are all the lights? This is called Holiday Lights, isn't it?"

But the truth is, my dad and I could have taken a walk down our non-historical street back home and we probably would have had just as great of a time because my Dad is a wonderful father who loves me very much and I am incredibly blessed to be called his daughter. Love you, Daddy!

Click HERE for more info on Greenfield Village or Holiday Nights.

The Top 11 of 2011

Another year has passed for the Dilleys. This blog post has been a bit delayed due to sickness, but 2011 was a year that brought a lot of change for our family, and here are the top 11 things (in no particular order) that happened in 2011:

1. After 9 years of living in Louisville, KY, we moved to Michigan (Read Blog Post).



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2. Emma turned 4-years-old (Read Blog Post).

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3. Chris transferred to Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary to finish his Master's degree.



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4. Ethan turned one (Read Blog Post).



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5. Emma began preschool (Read Blog Post)




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6. Chris and Stephanie celebrated 5 years of marriage (Read Blog Post).



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7. Emma was a flower girl for the first time in her Aunt Heather's wedding!



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8. We became members of Cornerstone Baptist Church.




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9. We became a proud aunt, uncle, and cousin to a new baby girl born to Stephanie's brother.


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10. Ethan and Stephanie became well acquainted with the Urgent Care and ER, with 3 Urgent Care visits and 3 ER visits between them (See Blog Post).



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11. After 6 years of working nights at UPS, Chris was offered a new, day-time position with a marketing firm in Dearborn.

Happy New Year!

Going Viral

This past week, our little Ethan has been battling a virus that has held a tight grip. Last Friday, Ethan developed a mild fever during the day, which rose and rose to above 105 and we found ourselves sitting in the ER. After being given some medicine, his fever dropped a bit and they told us it was probably a virus and sent us home. By Sunday, it was completely gone. Monday morning came, however, and his high fever had returned - even on the medicine, it was still around the 103-104 range. On Thursday, we discovered that, in addition to the virus, he has a double ear infection.

So, as I sit here writing on Friday, I would love to report that this virus has passed and his fever is gone, but we are still waiting for our little guy to get better. We are so thankful that his ear infection is starting to heal and are hoping that by tomorrow most of his ear pain will abate. This virus has lasted for longer than any we've ever experienced, and we are still hoping that his fever will break soon and are trusting that God will give us all grace until it does. While we hate to see him struggle, we cherish every moment that we get to care for and love on our baby boy - even at 3:00 in the morning!

We have also been so blessed by our "baby" girl (I use quotes because I can't believe how big she is). She has cared for and looked out for her brother in such a motherly and tender way. Even as he was getting tested at the doctor's and he was crying, she said to him, "Ethan, look at me. It's o.k. I'm here. Your Emma's here. You don't need to be afraid." Talk about melting a mother's heart! She has been so sweet and helpful and truly concerned about her little brother's well-being, and has been a great encouragement to us as parents.

I would also be remiss if I did not thank my constantly amazing parents who never cease to care for and help us. My mom was a tremendous help in the ER, and my dad who manned the home front with Emma in the middle of the night. They have made Gatorade runs, given countless hugs, and even ran over their Popsicle supply at 11:00 at night!

Here are some photos and a little video from our recent ER visit for you to enjoy. One thing we love about Ethan is his happy and joyful temperament, even when he is sick. He always manages to put a smile on our faces!

Ethan singing, "No More Monkeys Jumping on the Bed"

We are eternally indebted to Nani for coming with us, and for bringing her iPad for distraction!

After being poked and prodded, a very upset Ethan calmed down with a pond app that moves and sounds like water when you touch it - it even has fishies!

White Elephant Gold

Last Saturday, we were privileged to host our Sunday school class Christmas party. And, just like all good church parties, we held a white elephant gift exchange. For those not familiar with this game, you either buy or re-gift a ridiculous present that you would not wish upon anyone. This year, I received the greatest white elephant gift . . . . EVER. Don't believe me? Take a look for yourself:





No, you do not need to adjust your computer screens. That is indeed a Barack Obama Chia Pet. Many, many kudos to my friend Becky for this amazing gift! And if you thought this couldn't get any funnier, check out the actual commercial for this gem.

So, this year, if you are stuck for gift ideas, give the gift that says, "Liberty, Opportunity, Prosperity, and Hope."

Merry Christmas!

Birthday Girl

What a beautiful little girl! It is amazing that my first little baby who never slept is now an energetic, smart, and still beautiful four-year-old. This year, we were so blessed to be able to spend her birthday with some extended family. Nani and Papa graciously hosted our soiree and Grandma Dot and Grandma and Grandpa Alvaro were able to share in all the fun. We also got the privilege of celebrating her birthday with Chris' family when we traveled to Ohio for his sister's baby shower.

Emma had a few requests this year - the biggest of which was a pink cake. So, she and Nani rolled up their sleeves and made a pink carrot cake. Believe it or not, it was delicious! This was also the first year that she was able to celebrate her birthday at school, which was so much fun. Her teacher made her a pink crown (seen above) and she was the calendar helper and line leader for the day. A few of her friends even got her a present! Finally, we finished off the day with our usual Wednesday night church, where they sang and let her pick her own little present. She chose a pencil, which is perfect, because she is always writing and practicing her name and letters.

Every birthday that we celebrate with our children is a reminder of how much grace and joy that the Lord has blessed us with through them. The birth of our beautiful Emma began our journey as parents and I will never forget the joy (and terror) I felt when they placed her in my arms. Her smile, energy, laughter, and personality will instantly change your day. She loves to make us smile, hugs us when we cry, and is a second mother to Ethan (sometimes to his chagrin). She loves him as much as we do and they are as close as they could ever be.

It has been an honor to be Emma's mom and dad and the last four years have been a true gift. Emma Lynne, you are our little girl and we love you more each and every day. Happy Birthday, peanut!

The infamous pink cake!

Make a wish!

Emma and Ethan keeping current on the iPad. Don't worry, it isn't hers!

Snuggling with Dad



A rare family photo - three out of four looking at the camera isn't too bad!

Old Blessings and New Beginnings

At a recent family event, someone pointed out that if I didn't write soon, I would have to change our blog's name to "The Dilley Quarterly." Somehow, it just doesn't have quite the same ring. Plus, I love alliteration. So, after a long break, The Dilley Daily is back!

Suffice it to say, the break wasn't due to lack of subject material, but more a lack of time. After our big move, we spent the next few months officially becoming Michigan residents (licensing, registering, etc.) Then, about a month ago, God opened up an opportunity for Chris to accept a new, full-time, day job and quit UPS. For six years, Chris has faithfully and tirelessly worked nights at UPS to provide for our family and has sacrificed many hours of sleep in the process. We have been praying since we were married that God would provide us with one job that is during the day, and we feel so overwhelmed and blessed that that time has finally arrived.

UPS will always hold a special place in our hearts, and we are thankful that God provided that job for Chris when he needed it most. They graciously provided excellent benefits, and their tuition reimbursement program paid a large portion of his undergraduate and master's education. It also taught us to treasure the time we have together and made us appreciate even more the truth that working hard is part of obedience to the Lord. Although there were times when the nights seemed longer and the days shorter, God used the experience to shape our marriage and family for the better.

Chris is now an official employee of a communications company in Dearborn, Michigan. They work with other companies, teaching them how to sell and market their product. Chris is on their account with Ford, and is enjoying his new position. Providentially, the company is co-owned by a professor at the Seminary, so they are very flexible and are allowing him to work around his school schedule. The kids are especially happy to have their daddy home at night for bedtime, and I am happy that I am no longer sleeping in a big, empty bed by myself!

As we continue to settle in to our new schedule, the blog will be tended to once again! You can expect two new book reviews and much more of our adventures in Michigan. Until then, here are some photo highlights of Halloween for you to enjoy.

"Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!" Psalm 107:1


Our Pretty Little Dorothy



Quenching The Lion's Thirst!



Trick or Treating at Daddy's New Office



Loving My Little Munchkins!

We Love Our Daddy!