Merry Christmas Everyone!

I would love to have a holiday greeting that surpasses the wonderful imagination and creation of my favorite son, Jamey, but that is just not possible. For those of you interested, go to www.sevnthsin.blogspot.com and check out his Christmas greeting to all his clients,family, and friends. It's absolutely the funniest thing! All of his employees are good sports when it comes to having a little fun at work. Frankly, I don't know how they ever have time to work with all the fun they have. Hey Jamey! Do you need any more help? I was thinking how much fun it would be to work for you! Wonder if they know how lucky they are!
As for me...the mall shoppers are kicking it into high gear and things are flying! We have a clearance sale going now to clear the shelves. Getting there, but we have much more to go! Come and visit me and I'll give you great deals! Gourmet foods always make great gifts! I'm hoping the weekend weather holds out. The prediction of snow is a little concerning. It could make or break the season so pray for fair weather.
Kids are coming home for Christmas and I can't wait! I haven't seen Jamey or Megan in nearly a month and I'm going through withdrawal! We need to reconnect and I need to have time to spend with them. Please travel safely to make it home!
I love you all! No time to do Christmas cards this year but just know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers!

God Bless You All!

I'm Ok...You're OK

I'm too tired to think straight these days. I've hardly had any time at home so I haven't updated in awhile. Just want you to know I'm ok and I hope you are all ok too! I haven't heard from many of you in awhile. I made it through the 2 weeks Rick was gone. I was very lonely. Didn't spend much time at home except to sleep. Got the furnace fixed when it broke down, handled the many employee issues I've been experiencing, and putting in some very stressful hours at my Ashdown Publishing job too. All on my own. Quite proud of myself actually, but overly exhausted too! Thanks for those of you who checked in on me (you know who you are). I know you were all worried about the boys sinking in the Antarctic Ocean but we're all relieved to have them home safe and sound. For those of you who wish to view some of Jamey's pictures go to Jamey's link: http://flickr.com/photos/sevnthsin/sets/72157603222579419/

Wish me luck at the Mall!

I'm there every weekend so you're welcome to stop in (especially if you're buying!)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

I REALLY MISS YOU!

To the End of the Earth and Back!

I guess insanity runs in the family as these two are proving with their scheduled journey to Antartica! They leave on Thursday and will return - God Willing - 2 weeks later on November 29th. I hope they get to March with the Penguins just to make the trip worthwhile. Have a good trip you two! We'll pray for you! We love you!

This is what you get when you mix a little too much Candy Corn Soda with Neices and Nephews on a Sunday afternoon....

Cold and Wet...

Abigail does not seem to mind the cold and wet weather. I guess she thinks she's got a pretty nice mattress for a nap. Oh Abby...you're such a strange kitty!

"You Are My Sunshine, My Only Sunshine"

I wanted to post a picture of my lovely daughter for her 24th birthday ...HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY SWEETIE PIE, MEGGIE LOO HOO! Enjoy the day you were born just 24 years ago. The world is a better place because you're in it!! I love you to the MOON!!

Busy Weekends

So Rick and I went up to Minneapolis on Saturday and spent the day and evening with the kids. Megan and I got to go shopping while Rick and Jamey finished a window replacement project they started last weekend. Then we all hooked up again, including Kate, her 2 sisters, and her mom around 8:00pm at Jamey's house. Fun was had by all. It was really great to meet Kate's sister Jodi from Michigan. My VERY SPECIAL son actually surprised Kate, her mom, and her younger sister who is getting married in December. He called Jodi (Kate's oldest sister) and asked her if she was free for the weekend and if she could come to Minnesota to spend the day wedding planning/shopping with her sisters and mom! So he flew her in for the weekend! What a surprise!! They had a blast and I can't even tell you how many points Jamey earned for that little surprise! I can only hope my daughter can find someone just as special for her! Rick and I left for home about 9:30. I actually fell asleep in the car on the way home...I NEVER do that! Sunday was spent working and preparing for my holiday kiosk in the mall. I am all about "all work and no play" these days. There isn't enough time to get it all done! Uffdah! I even enlisted Rick to help me tonight (Monday) and we worked until I was exhausted. I'm only about 1/3 done. I found out I have to go to Philadelphia the first weekend in November for work too! I won't be there for my first Expo with my new product! I'll have to hire someone to work it for me! Anyone interested? Lemme know! Ok...I'm exhausted and now need to get myself to bed so I can go to work and slave another day. Uuugh! With any luck my boss will hire some more people so we can actually get things done around there and not run around like chicken's with their head's cut off! Icky...that's not a nice picture! Sorry...it's just how I feel most days. But anyhooo! I hope you all have a nice week. Hugs!

A Surprise at Work!

My beautiful husband hand delivered these lovely flowers. Or was it my lovely husband who hand delivered these beautiful flowers? My Anniversary surprise. Lovely!

Has Anyone Told You?

If you do nothing else today...do this....copy & paste in your browser:
http://clicks.aweber.com/z/ct/?lVlVzS5tMyOPnFAslnoaHg

http://www.rekindering.com/peace/attheheartofpeace.html

September 21st, Join in a National Day of Peace God Bless us All!

Oh my dearest....Happy 27th Anniversary!

OK..please email me!

I am frustrated! Our local internet provider decided that it would be a lovely idea to re-work their email system. Yes...I agree. It needed to be updated badly, however, they neglected to inform anyone what they were doing and proceeded to wipe out our entire address book! I have no addresses! None! ZIPPO! THANK YOU KINDLY K-M TEL!! You are so customer friendly!!!! NOT!! When I emailed them an inquiry guess what I got for a response?!! None! ZIPPO! After paying them $100/month for our service this is what we get! In an age when customer service makes a difference in customer sales, I guess they just don't care if I'm a satisfied customer or not. They have better things to do with their time than listen to some weepy customer complaining because she cannot email any of the people she loves. Thank you K-M TEL! I certainly feel appreciated for supporting your LAME-O Service Reps and Technicians!
P.S. Please email me so I can save your addresses again. Don't know why...they'll probably get deleted next week anyway. Sheesh!

Goin' Tropical!!

Megan and I will be goin' TROPICAL come Feb 1, 2008.
How fun for Megan to spend her favorite holiday on a cruise ship,
aka-Ground Hog's Day....here we come Paradise!

Rick's 1 day project! It's beautiful!!

This was the beautiful arbor I received from Jamey and Kate for Mother's day! The project has been waiting patiently to be finished! Rick decided that we needed to finish the project today. It opens into an entryway to the paths in the woods for me to walk. He worked all day! I don't know how he does it! Gorgeous!! Thank you Ricky Dean! I better go give him his backrub now.

Good Friends and one last summer Hurrah! Thanks Girls! I love ya!

WORD...

The WORD in the HOUSE is that Cindy needs a manager for her Kiosk in the Mall this winter holiday. Start day is Nov. 12th - Dec. 30th. Week DAY hours. This person needs to be someone reliable (preferably a current home maker looking for holiday work or a retired person) who would be in charge of inventory stocking & daily bank deposits. Get my drift? PLEASE file through your list of people and lemme know if you think of anyone. Typical day hours are from 9:00am - 4:00pm. I will also need help for weekday evenings and weekends. Responsibilities will be retailing gourmet food gift paks. Person must have a pleasant disposition and like to work with people. INTROVERTS NEED NOT APPLY! HA! "WORD"

Good Friends, Time Spent Together, Despite the Weather

Morning after the BIG STORM! We had a great time at Nancy's camp site by the river. Thanks Kristie and Nancy for sharing your camper's and the beautiful location. Somehow we managed to have a good time despite the weather. I don't think I've laughed that hard since the last time we got together. Thanks for the great time together! Good friends to the end!

The doorway to Kristie's camper was busy with all of us trying to stay dry. Nancy was standing out in the rain to take this picture!

Even Nancy's dogs were prepared for the rain. How cute are they?!

Dorene was the only one properly prepared for the downpour! So bright we all had to put on our shades! Ha!

It was definitely Wader Weather seen here with Nancy and her neighbor who stays right next to the river. He was definitely prepared.

Weather Was Fit For No Man, Woman or Beast!!

Nancy's husband, Paul, kept us all safe and dry. He had to rescue his boat and sunken dock! Oh MY!!

Through A Child's Eyes...God Bless Them All!

Fun Weekend Plans!

I get to spend some good quality time with some of my high school "Sisters" this weekend. We're going to camp overnight! Weather isn't supposed to cooperate but we've already decided it doesn't matter. My friend Kristie is bringing her gigantic camper that will sleep all of us and so we'll be in good shape. I can't wait! I'll be sure to bring my camera so I can get at least one good pic to share with you. You'll all want to see how lovely we still are! Ha! Ha! Stay tuned......

The Journey to the Top of Mt. Fuji...The Journey to a New Life Together!

We're so proud and happy to announce Jamey and Kate's journey into a new life together begins with the journey up and down Mt. Fuji in Japan! How symbolic and romantic!


Jamey's proposal at the summit.

Fun 4th of July...Late Posting!

Erickson Family

Goofy Erickson Family

Rick, Cindy, Jamey, & Megan

Rick, Cindy, Jamey, Kate, & Megan

Rick & Cindy

All having way too much fun together! Yay!

Jamey & Kate all pooped out from the 4th of July Festivities!
Annual driveway "Death Scene" - Even Grandma got in on the Fun!
4th of July fireworks!