tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6561302011916293882011-11-27T18:04:20.075-06:00Am I just an island here?Erickahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03648199554074691721noreply@blogger.comBlogger611100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656130201191629388.post-34620100903166694572011-08-03T11:01:00.001-05:002011-08-03T11:06:52.360-05:00

Check out this 18 inch large mouth bass Max caught with his tiny little toddler pole!  The excitement was palpable and shared.  My 3 year old son has finally shown that he CAN indeed sit for an extended period of time and commit to one activity.  I am thankful and impressed.  He is one dedicated little fisherman and that is all he wants to do when we go to the cabin.  He was sitting with his

Erickahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03648199554074691721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656130201191629388.post-35058412411715244612011-07-12T12:47:00.000-05:002011-07-12T12:47:23.444-05:00

God, Grant Us Hope & Faith & Love~Helen Steiner Rice Hope for a world grown cynically cold, Hungry for powerand greedy for gold... Faith to believewhen within and withoutThere's a nameless fear in a world of doubt... Love that is biggerthan race or creed, To cover the worldand fulfill each need... God, grant these giftsOf faith, hope and loveThree things this worldHas so little of... For only

Erickahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03648199554074691721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656130201191629388.post-29991975254223494922011-05-26T22:42:00.003-05:002011-05-27T08:43:38.172-05:00

"Being a full-time mother is one of the highest salaried jobs in my field, since the payment is pure love." ~Mildred B. Vermont I am no longer a rookie in the ranks of the full-time, stay-at-home mom army. These last five months have flew by and what a glorious blessing in disguise it has been. While I was on maternity leave, I recieved a call from my HR lady. The tone in her voice was as if

Erickahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03648199554074691721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656130201191629388.post-59435058439445293022011-05-07T10:17:00.001-05:002011-05-07T10:22:45.807-05:00

Standing in my kitchen, doing the mommy sway with my Millie asleep in my arms, I was thanking the Lord for all the blessings he has bestowed me.  I am distracted by the hum of the lawnmower, and I know that can only mean one thing:  Max and daddy are out for a spin and doing some work.  I always love to watch them together, so I walked over to the sliding glass door to take a peek.  As I watched

Erickahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03648199554074691721noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656130201191629388.post-32305533283905897612011-04-28T13:20:00.000-05:002011-04-28T13:20:26.559-05:00

"Weather is a great metaphor for life - sometimes it's good, sometimes it's bad, and there's nothing much you can do about it but carry an umbrella." ~Terri Guillemets Just to brighten your day and take away your crappy weather blues...isn't she something!  But seriously, I am now tending to stay away from Facebook on days like today.  I know that this dreary weather can really put a damper

Erickahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03648199554074691721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656130201191629388.post-77453129226368293672011-04-27T22:58:00.000-05:002011-04-27T22:58:59.701-05:00

I still can't believe I have a precious little baby girl.  What a blessing she has been in our lives.  Amelia Dolores was my early Christmas present this year; however, she was my very late Thanksgiving baby.  I was due November 18th and Miss Millie didn't arrive until December 1st...what a fun wait that was.  My friend Darcey called it when she said it was a girl because she was late like me...a

Erickahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03648199554074691721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656130201191629388.post-19504415422515239412011-04-21T22:24:00.000-05:002011-04-21T22:24:01.910-05:00

Whew, it's been a while.  I have missed you blog.  I forgot why I started this thing...mainly to keep a journal of my life with my husband and children and to spew random thoughts about things.  I have been too busy as of late.  I had a beautiful baby girl, Amelia Dolores aka:  Millie D on December 1st and about a month later I lost my job.  That is a blessing in disguise but a story for another

Erickahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03648199554074691721noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656130201191629388.post-31000350574993709822010-09-10T15:02:00.000-05:002010-09-10T15:02:36.257-05:00

Happy 5th Anniversary to me and my wonderful hubby!  The time does fly and I am so thankful to have married the love of my life.  Life is not full of second chances but luckily for us, we finally reconnected when the time was right.  He was my high school sweetheart, first true and deep love and first everything.  He left his mark deep in my soul and for many years I tried and tried to shake

Erickahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03648199554074691721noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656130201191629388.post-2568912560598512142010-08-27T15:08:00.003-05:002010-08-27T15:15:56.943-05:00

Be like the bird that, passing on her flight awhile on boughs too slight, feels them give way beneath her, and yet sings, knowing that she hath wings. ~Victor Hugo This bird is my sister Carrie.  Her strength and faith are truly inspiring to me and I am so thankful that to call her my sister.  It's impossible to sum her up in words, all the things in life she has overcome and conquered and

Erickahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03648199554074691721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656130201191629388.post-44513055071240351122010-08-11T10:16:00.000-05:002010-08-11T10:16:14.885-05:00

Just a quick note to let you know that my sister Carrie is having her twin babies today!  These are special little girls who came in a whirlwind and will be entering the world a wee bit early.  At Carrie's 20 week appointment, her and her hubby found out that they will be having identical twin girls.  The good news was they were not conjoined, but the bad new is they were Monoamniotic Twins. 

Erickahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03648199554074691721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656130201191629388.post-45521077956205001432010-07-23T15:18:00.000-05:002010-07-23T15:18:34.720-05:00

Look at this face and tell me he isn't the cutest, sweetest pea in the world.  Look at the smile in his eyes even.  I love being his mommy! I have to choose from 25 awesome pictures and I can't make up my mind.  I want them all.  How do you choose when they are all so good?  I am not blind to the beauty of this child.

Erickahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03648199554074691721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656130201191629388.post-65759693097764146252010-06-22T10:29:00.001-05:002010-06-22T10:30:02.887-05:00

Well, I have survived the last 3 months with my dignity and sanity in tact, and I would like to thank the good Lord and his grace for this small feat.  I have had a few things on my plate as of late and stress is not my friend.  It manifests very plainly on my body in the form of psoriasis.  When I am stressed, I break out.  So when Spring started to pop and bring with it the change it always

Erickahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03648199554074691721noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656130201191629388.post-81229554249513043102010-03-12T15:56:00.000-06:002010-03-12T15:56:25.270-06:00

It has been an process.  There has been many months of going back and forth on our home plan.  There are so many important things to consider when building and I am just so thankful that we are working with one of the pros.  I am a little biased, considering our builder is my brother-in-law, but wow does he really know his business and everyone else's.  He has been so helpful in helping us design

Erickahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03648199554074691721noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656130201191629388.post-65970811256012469212010-02-05T16:35:00.000-06:002010-02-05T16:35:11.728-06:00

"Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could only do a little." ~Edmund Burke I have been doing a great deal of self reflection and praying as of late.  Specifically, I have been wondering what my path is for being a servant to people and to the Lord.  I have been praying to God to not only lead and guide me to what I need to be doing, but for me to hear him when the

Erickahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03648199554074691721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656130201191629388.post-46557739853559490412010-01-14T13:08:00.002-06:002010-01-14T13:11:06.405-06:00

"Keep your fears to yourself but share your courage with others." ~ Robert Louis Stevenson That quote is a good one to remember but a hard one to master.  I think it is the most difficult thing to try and mask your fears around the ones you love.  Fear lives in the eyes and conquers your reflexive abilities to control them.  It is impossible to contain that emotion from your eyes.  Recently,

Erickahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03648199554074691721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656130201191629388.post-9415409927502667932010-01-05T14:44:00.000-06:002010-01-05T14:44:50.205-06:00

"They must often change, who would be constant in happiness or wisdom." ~Confucius I am geared up for 2010.  Like all good resolutioners, I have vowed to make some personal changes to go along with all the major life changes in store.  We are embarking on our first build.  This will also be our last.  That last statement is what keeps me in a constant state of worry.  I am building the home

Erickahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03648199554074691721noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656130201191629388.post-78047231693190268082009-12-30T09:37:00.003-06:002009-12-30T09:39:21.382-06:00

"For you see, each day I love you more Today more than yesterday and less than tomorrow." ~Rosemonde Gerard   This picture just melts my heart.  They both look like the happiest people in the world.  Max loves his Grammie with all of his heart.  He is such a little lover boy.  Whenever he sees this woman, he runs to her and gives her the biggest, full-on body hugs and kisses.  It makes me so

Erickahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03648199554074691721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656130201191629388.post-32458905876326759272009-12-18T08:52:00.000-06:002009-12-18T08:52:25.132-06:00

"Everyone smiles in the same language." ~Author Unknown I think the smile on Max's face says it all.  We have been really enjoying this holiday season and it is all thanks to this little guy.  Kids just make Christmas what it is supposed to be.  For the last few years, I have bought in to the notion that Christmas is so hectic and such a struggle.  The commercialization of Christmas had indeed

Erickahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03648199554074691721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656130201191629388.post-36669290726662263852009-11-24T13:24:00.000-06:002009-11-24T13:24:22.498-06:00

"Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success." ~Henry Ford Our current living conditions are a bit peculiar.  We sold our house and decided to build.  But we made the decision to build, after looking at so many houses for a year and a half, shortly AFTER we sold the house.  So, in the interim, we decided we would live at my mothers house and try to

Erickahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03648199554074691721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656130201191629388.post-71260148280234003252009-11-12T12:50:00.000-06:002009-11-12T12:50:29.008-06:00

"Remember that happiness is a way of travel - not a destination."  Roy M. Goodman It's so easy to get caught up in the monotony of every day, so it can be challenging to reflect on what is really going on in your day.  Having Max in my life has made me stop and embrace little moments or acheivements of every day life.  Every day is a new day now.  There are new words, new faces, new

Erickahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03648199554074691721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656130201191629388.post-66749372888965744232009-10-22T12:54:00.002-05:002010-08-27T15:34:55.553-05:00

I was going through some old journals, papers and pictures the other night. What a trip. I am very aware of certain things about myself. For example, I have ALWAYS been aware of how loud I am. I have heard this ALL my life from ALL the people I have ever interacted with. I am loud. From birth on...and I really don't try to be loud. When I get excited - whether good or bad - my decible level

Erickahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03648199554074691721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656130201191629388.post-81166474791755874982009-10-16T11:44:00.005-05:002009-10-19T14:12:39.703-05:00

"I brought children into this dark world because it needed the light that only a child can bring." ~Liz Armbruster Children are amazing little lights. They are so pure and innocent and their sheer curiousity can stump a wise man. What is truly beautiful to learn, is their pureness of hearts and faith. They believe. They believe before they even know of anything else. This is how I wish

Erickahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03648199554074691721noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656130201191629388.post-59198976251682849502009-10-12T14:40:00.006-05:002009-10-12T15:24:12.874-05:00

He's a dude. He loves to wear sunglasses. When he does, he thinks he is too cool for school. His whole attitude changes. He sits back and stops the chatter and holds his lips a certain way. It's like the glasses transform him into a totally different little dude. One that doesn't have time for parents, one that rebels just to prove a point, one that almost freaks me out. Oh Lord help me!

Erickahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03648199554074691721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656130201191629388.post-19327582836186390302009-10-06T13:17:00.008-05:002009-10-06T14:12:04.182-05:00

Sweet Sarah - you inspired this entry as you got me thinking...I am obsessed with music. There is nothing better that getting new CD's or buying new songs off iTunes or going to live shows (the pinnacle). I get so damn excited! My love for music has been a long affair. As a kid, we used to get dressed up and play my mom's old records and dance and sing around the dining room table. I fondly

Erickahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03648199554074691721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656130201191629388.post-7370851777710809862009-09-23T21:12:00.005-05:002009-09-23T21:34:56.343-05:00

Oh yes, yes it does. Moving is such a pain in the ass. Jeff and I have slowly been packing up our house every week for the last 2 months or so. I feel like I haven't made a dent in moving shit out of this little, tiny house. I swear the things you accumulate, and my house is only 980 square feet! So starting tomorrow, the large extraction begins. Jeff and I have been trying to sell our house for

Erickahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03648199554074691721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656130201191629388.post-79356685853004711742009-09-03T20:56:00.011-05:002009-09-03T22:19:21.678-05:00

First, I would like to state that this image IS NOT A BUTT. Nor is this image of me. However, this is currently what my entire body does look like. Spots like this cover my ENTIRE body. My ENTIRE body from head to toe. I suffer from Psoriasis. Psoriasis is a chronic disease of the immune system that appears on the skin, usually in the form of thick, red, scaly patches. According to the

Erickahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03648199554074691721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656130201191629388.post-88068036204902825572009-08-22T20:59:00.006-05:002009-08-22T21:54:23.456-05:00

"While we try to teach our children all about life,Our children teach us what life is all about."~Angela SchwindtMy idea of fun has completely changed. Actually, many of my ideas have changed these days. I can't believe I am the same person and have to pinch myself in the mirror sometimes. I am utterly and totally a mother. A rookie mother, no less, but purely a mother. It's 9pm on a

Erickahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03648199554074691721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656130201191629388.post-27281323863259281212009-08-06T09:43:00.009-05:002009-08-06T10:40:41.148-05:00

Wow! I can't believe I have not updated my blog for this long. Honestly, the days have just been flying by and getting away from me. I just can't believe how fast they go these days and summer is always in high gear.There are so many things that have been happening and I don't even have the time to write all about them. My baby sister got married last month and her wedding festivities were

Erickahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03648199554074691721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656130201191629388.post-83509221327624467122009-06-11T22:07:00.005-05:002009-06-11T23:02:54.658-05:00

So, as you can see by the picture, Max is getting into everything and we are rapidly honing our cat-like reflexes. Can I just say how quick these little buggers are? Until you have your own kids, these pearls of wisdom that everyone is so willing to share, just go in one ear and out the other. I really wish I would have paid more attention. But just like a teenager resisting the knowledge of

Erickahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03648199554074691721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656130201191629388.post-25974496007516969262009-06-05T21:33:00.004-05:002009-06-05T21:49:10.746-05:00

Wow! I have been way too busy. Spring and Summer just seem to fly by ever year with such a rapid pace. It's already June and I think I posted once in May...I just can't seem to find the time these days. We have been all over the place and yet I feel like I have gotten very little accomplished. Before you know it, the whole beautiful summer is over. These days, when I get a moment of

Erickahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03648199554074691721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656130201191629388.post-47515246283651018802009-05-05T20:54:00.010-05:002009-05-05T22:05:02.655-05:00

I just found the perfect way to start my day. Today Max was up a little earlier than usual and he didn't sleep the best last night. Needless to say, I was practically sleepwalking when changing him and getting his morning bottle prepped.Per the usual routine, we rocked a bit while he was taking down the bottle. When he is done, he sits right up and puts the cap back on the bottle for me and

Erickahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03648199554074691721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656130201191629388.post-48172179941945715922009-05-02T22:25:00.005-05:002009-05-02T22:57:07.022-05:00

I don't think I have ever felt more helpless than when my little sweet pea is sick. I now know what my mom meant when she used to say she wished she could take the pain away for us. Sweet pea has been running a fever for the last 3 days now. I thought it was just teething and I am still not sure that it isn't, but the poor boy hit a low wrung on the activity ladder today. He was just not

Erickahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03648199554074691721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656130201191629388.post-40987590068998640472009-04-25T21:18:00.008-05:002009-04-25T21:42:04.238-05:00

Today was pure bliss and I didn't even accomplish all the things I set out to do today. The weather is just so incredibly uplifting that is just doesn't matter that my mission was incomplete. Granted, today was not the most sunny day we have had, but it didn't rain and we got to play outside a bit. And the cherry on the top was that I got to hang out with my best friend Shelly. Max is obsessed

Erickahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03648199554074691721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656130201191629388.post-23996291219554573802009-04-20T20:48:00.010-05:002009-04-20T21:42:04.628-05:00

Max is so blessed to have the best grandparents in the world. I often think of mine and how great they were and how much I miss them dearly. It's funny to think that I don't have any grandparents anymore and Jeff never really knew his at all. Grandparents are the best gift in the world and they are so cherished. I loved going to visit them and I would never want to leave their house(s). They

Erickahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03648199554074691721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656130201191629388.post-2473059362270785392009-04-18T00:09:00.003-05:002009-04-18T00:50:40.759-05:00

Finally saw the movie Rendition. I have been eager to see this movie as the practice of this by our country has always astounded me. If you are not certain of what this is: Extraordinary rendition is the CIA activity of "transferring" or "flying captured terrorist suspects from one country to another for detention and interrogation" without the benefit of "formal legal proceedings." Nice clean

Erickahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03648199554074691721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656130201191629388.post-62620682357170799662009-04-12T21:47:00.015-05:002009-04-13T10:38:37.216-05:00

I don't even have cable, but I still manage to find so much stupid TV...and I get sucked in to some of these shows. I sit here, watching this crap, wasting time that I will never get back, wondering why the hell am I still here! It baffles my mind and yet I continue to watch. Case in point, all these Real Housewives shows on Bravo. Seriously, it's like a train wreck that I can not take my eyes

Erickahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03648199554074691721noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656130201191629388.post-7461173647749779762009-04-09T10:23:00.013-05:002009-04-10T10:20:38.986-05:00

It's official, my boy does not like chocolate cake. As you can see by the picture he was pissed that he even had to touch the stuff. The series of photos taken at his first birthday party are quite telling. Mommy's bringing out this big, colorful cake with fire on it...cool. Then she sets it in front of me...ahhh.Whoa, I get my very own piece right in front of me!It's soft...hmmmm and it's

Erickahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03648199554074691721noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656130201191629388.post-46363256183776015042009-03-31T23:08:00.006-05:002009-04-09T10:22:28.249-05:00

Every day for months now I constantly read about newspapers filing for bankruptcy, laying off hundreds of people or simply shutting down. This is not a new thing, as a slow decline has been happening for a couple of years now. But there is definite traction now and you see it so frequently.I never really gave it much thought. I have always gotten my news primarily online and T.V. and I have

Erickahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03648199554074691721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656130201191629388.post-62984455559202590082009-03-27T23:26:00.009-05:002009-03-28T00:02:23.209-05:00

So it takes a recession to bring back the curvaceous body type? I just read an interesting blog on Recession Wire regarding the body sizes of woman historically. During the roaring 20's the female figure slimmed down to the waif look and women used to bind their breasts and curves to be chic. Then during the Depression, the female figure went back to the shapely, healthy curves.Through-out

Erickahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03648199554074691721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656130201191629388.post-60024514116529171342009-03-24T22:08:00.007-05:002009-03-24T22:47:02.229-05:00

WOW! My Pooh Bear is going to be one this week! Back in my child-free days, when all the people around me where marrying and procreating, I remember so many of them saying how fast time goes when you have kids. I had no real idea what they meant until now. These little "time yardsticks" just blow your mind. At a certain point in life, it seems like you stop aging and growing. The mirror totally

Erickahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03648199554074691721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656130201191629388.post-24747928756591869492009-03-18T13:03:00.006-05:002009-03-18T13:08:48.086-05:00

This is a request to give - faint of heart do not read on...Just to give you a very brief background on this request, as many of you know my sister Carrie was in the Peace Corps in Mali, Africa. My sisters and I had the great pleasure of going to visit her and meeting her Malian family and friends. One very special friend she made was Yah. Yah helped Carrie assimilate and understand the culture,

Erickahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03648199554074691721noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656130201191629388.post-23533292111454878852009-03-16T14:57:00.001-05:002009-03-16T14:57:54.283-05:00

Read an article in the Washington Post on this whole AIG controvesy. I understand that some people work very hard and do deserve their bonuses for meeting their goals. And it's tough that they are now under such scrutiny, but they are. We are footing the bill and should have some accountability for it. There are so many people taking substaintial pay cuts right now, just to keep their jobs and

Erickahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03648199554074691721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656130201191629388.post-47995072690223596032009-03-11T23:11:00.008-05:002009-03-12T15:29:18.504-05:00

Having a bad day? Feel like you are just over-worked and underpaid? No one appreciates all that you do? Well, welcome, but this will make you appreciate the job you have and the work you actually do. Pounding and sifting millet is one of the many menial tasks woman in remote villages of Mali complete on a very regular basis. This is not easy work at all. In fact, it's quite a work-out and

Erickahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03648199554074691721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656130201191629388.post-71187717929202419382009-03-09T23:11:00.008-05:002009-10-19T11:44:17.110-05:00

I read a staggering statistic today. I am always skeptical of statistics, but if this one is remotely true, then it is just a shame. I read that 7% of our landfills are packed with clothes, bedding and shoes. Seriously, there are so many people in need of these things and people just throw them away? Really? That is a good deal of textiles to make up 7% in landfills. The need for clothes and

Erickahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03648199554074691721noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656130201191629388.post-42951433267601439912009-03-07T01:01:00.005-06:002009-03-07T01:08:12.624-06:00

Honestly, I don't have much to say on this cause this time a picture truly is worth a thousand words. This is a typical toliet in Mali, Africa and I imagine many parts of the world over. This little beauty was quite something to embrace. Let's keep in mind that there is no toilet paper. We had to use these brightly colored plastic water cans to "clean up" after a drop off. And it's customary

Erickahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03648199554074691721noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656130201191629388.post-22894632363222424082009-03-06T22:56:00.010-06:002009-03-07T00:13:30.837-06:00

That quote was spoken out of the mouth of Dr. David Wesley. I had the pleasure of hearing him speak at the River Falls Library on Tuesday. He was kind enough to answer a question I asked him at the end of his presentation on Israeli/Arab affairs. More specifically he wrote book by the name of: "State Practices and Zionist Images: Shaping Economic Development in Arab Towns in Israel" - I know

Erickahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03648199554074691721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656130201191629388.post-39209793492776266822009-03-02T22:21:00.003-06:002009-03-02T22:34:11.185-06:00

This poem by one of our great American poets, Langston Hughes, holds true to what we are experiencing as a nation. It's hauntingly accurate and powerful and I just wanted to share it. He is such an insightful and honest man. Enjoy!Let America Be America Again by Langston Hughes Let America be America again.Let it be the dream it used to be.Let it be the pioneer on the plainSeeking a home

Erickahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03648199554074691721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656130201191629388.post-46994017758080606702009-03-01T23:19:00.008-06:002009-10-23T09:10:15.680-05:00

Just saw that movie "He's Just Not That In To You". I was just not into it! I walked away thanking God that I am married and to the most wonderful man and friend and I don't have to do all that shit anymore. My overall response to the movie is it was okay, but I found myself being annoyed with almost all of the characters. Seriously, I don't remember dating being that hard! It seems to be too

Erickahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03648199554074691721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656130201191629388.post-58303333202580326002009-02-26T21:40:00.003-06:002009-02-26T21:54:14.518-06:00

I have no good quotes nor any nice words to say right now. I just need to vent my ass off. My commute home is normally 20 to 30 minutes tops. Today it took almost 3 1/2 HOURS to get home. Seriously, I could have gone to Madison in that amount of time to see my sister! I just go crazy sitting in my car for that long...I get so frustrated thinking what I could be doing.What kills me the most

Erickahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03648199554074691721noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656130201191629388.post-36833756293127516852009-02-24T21:27:00.013-06:002009-02-26T10:49:39.768-06:00

"Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not." - Ralph Waldo EmersonI was just reflecting on my life this weekend and thinking how blessed I have been to have traveled to so many wonderful places in the world. I wish I could say that these reflections started so altruistically. It started as I was making my "To Do" list of places I need to

Erickahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03648199554074691721noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656130201191629388.post-73379649769873106772009-02-19T22:35:00.006-06:002009-02-19T22:51:06.005-06:00

These are my little loves. Max and his cousin Stu hung out on New Years Eve this year and this was them rockin' out to some NYE show on the TV. I am certain that they partied harder than Jeff and I this year. They had a blast and Max is enamored with his big cousin Stu. He is on his every move and you can see him analyzing all the Stu does. Stu is the sweetest pea, as he takes such good care of

Erickahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03648199554074691721noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656130201191629388.post-44712926920187097992009-02-18T20:29:00.008-06:002009-02-18T21:11:59.379-06:00

"True joy is the nearest which we have of heaven, it is the treasure of the soul, and therefore should be laid in a safe place, and nothing in this world is safe to place it in." - John DonneIf you haven't noticed, I am a bit of geek when it comes to little nuggets of wisdom in the form of quotes. I keep a journal and every time I stumble across words that speak to me I jot them down. This

Erickahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03648199554074691721noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656130201191629388.post-35802854249809479992009-02-16T22:25:00.000-06:002009-02-16T23:12:03.263-06:00

"What sunshine is to flowers, smiles are to humanity. They are but trifles, to be sure, but scattered along life's pathway, the good they do is inconceivable." - Joseph AddisonIronically enough, every morning when I go in to greet my waking baby, the first thing I say to him is: "Good morning sunshine!" He puts the biggest smile on my face and there is no better way to start the day. Except

Erickahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03648199554074691721noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656130201191629388.post-1118106674668542582009-02-15T22:46:00.000-06:002009-02-15T23:06:44.521-06:00

"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it." - AristotleWhy is it that everyone wants to bar discussing politics or religion? So many people always use the same disclaimer: "Oh, I don't talk politics or religion." Why not? Personally, I think they are the two most important topics to discuss, especially in this day and age! We need a revival

Erickahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03648199554074691721noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656130201191629388.post-27362739953309384232009-02-14T22:48:00.000-06:002009-02-15T23:25:08.596-06:00

The theme of today is obviously love. Regardless of this being a greeting card company's dream day, it is one that is themed after the best thing in the world...LOVE. I am about to spew much love. I am so blessed beyond measure to have so much love around me and to be able to feel love. To be able to allow love to pour through me and allow it to dictate all of my actions is no easy feat. I

Erickahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03648199554074691721noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656130201191629388.post-64526115265892784952009-02-11T22:31:00.001-06:002009-02-15T23:25:41.494-06:00

I am so thankful that this word is finally cracking it's way out of the dark corners and people are seeing the light! It is about time that this is exposed and people are paying a "bit" of attention. This shit has been going on for so long, when you consider the phrase "Ponzi Scheme" was coined around the start of the 1900's. Named after the Italian immigrant Charles Ponzi and even been written

Erickahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03648199554074691721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656130201191629388.post-2214765219352820312009-02-06T21:39:00.001-06:002009-02-06T22:06:15.310-06:00

Boy, can it be tough being a wife, mom and pursuing a full time career. I have always been fairly proficient at multi-tasking and known for my cram-packed schedules. I used to like to plan a bunch of things for one day and try and get them all in. And I used to be very good at this. It wears my husband out and he has been working very hard at changing my ways a bit to keep his sanity. He has been

Erickahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03648199554074691721noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656130201191629388.post-76723502808139046352009-02-04T21:58:00.000-06:002009-02-04T22:14:34.381-06:00

I had a first tonight. While taking his bath and scrubbing the little peanut clean, I noticed Max was a little off. As we were playing, he started to get red in the face and the little vien on the side of his head started to bulge. This usually indicates one of two things, a nice poo or some gas. I was praying for the latter. So, I picked him up and saw nothing there - with great relief.

Erickahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03648199554074691721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656130201191629388.post-49130440650365927992009-01-30T21:22:00.000-06:002009-02-15T23:26:40.669-06:00

Currently, I am reading "The Seventeen Traditions" by Ralph Nader. I am a big supporter of this man and I have actually voted for him in the past 3 elections. I know what you are thinking, and please don't ever say it to me unless you want to get into an in depth discussion. I am a fervent believer that our system is broken and appalled that so many of us fall into the acceptance of this "two

Erickahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03648199554074691721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656130201191629388.post-32306311993755701522009-01-29T20:44:00.001-06:002009-10-19T12:50:11.725-05:00

I don't think there is anything better in the world that rocking your baby, watching them drift off to peaceful sleep and putting your cheek close to their face to feel their soft little breath. Just tiny little inhales and exhales. It is the most serene and amazing thing and I thank God for the blessing. After taking in a moment like this, I can't even believe that I ever considered not

Erickahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03648199554074691721noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-656130201191629388.post-8608804109174818622009-01-29T12:26:00.000-06:002009-01-29T12:29:15.705-06:00

Yes, I am new. I am not even sure how long this will last or how often I will even get to update it. But what could be better than an online journal to record your random thoughts to be shared....forever? This could be good, this could be dangerous. I will be back to share when I am not on the clock.

Erickahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03648199554074691721noreply@blogger.com1