Jamey and his co-workers up to shenanigans again!

Read more about it here....
http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/news/2010/09/yavin-iv-exploring-space-on-the-cheap-with-an-iphone-droid-and-flip.ars

If this isn't the cutest...I don't know what is!

Gamma loves Major Briggs (& his pappa too)!

30 Years!!

So today marks 30 years with the man on the right. It's been a time of beautiful memories and family love. I can't imagine having been together with anyone else. Your my best friend. Thanks for the memories! BTW...we need to get a decent photograph together don't ya think?

My Silly Son!

Can you believe it? Jamey is testing an experiment with an 8ft. weather balloon, an iphone, and a video camera. This will be test run #2 (the first one was done with his dad and the balloon was tethered). #3 is scheduled on Sept. 24th. Check out this article in the Pioneer Press (link below). Who knows what this fella will think of next. Ya gotta love his zest and curiosity for life! This picture is so appropriate cause his feet are never on the ground-from day one!!
http://www.twincities.com/ci_16096860?nclick_check=1

Congratulations Megan and Josh!!

Happy 1 year Together you two! We love you both!

Somebody Kicked my Butt in Horseshoes! It's no wonder....

Danny loves throwing shoes!! Gotta love it!

Reaching Out to Loved Ones...

Nothing can or will change my heart. My heart is full of those that are actively involved in our lives and who actively share their lives and love with us.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!

Well it's been 2 years now and you're still going strong. Life has been challenging and certainly anything but a bed of roses. But you knew that didn't you?! After all...you've had a lot of bumps in both your lives. But you've managed to pull yourselves up by your boot straps and keep moving forward. And WE are there to support you too because we're VERY proud of you both! We love you both with all our hearts! Enjoy your time together and congratulations on 2 years of marriage. Love you!!

Abigail...Meet me on the other side ok? Promise? I love you!

Our beautiful "fraidy cat" Abigail will say farewell tomorrow. She was with us over 9 years and brought a smile to our face with her silly personality. She was a rescued cat that was pampered and loved til her final day. We are sorry you got sick Abby. Please be there to meet us on the other side. We love you still. My heart hurts. Abigail Lee Erickson. May you be happy and healthy again in heaven. All my love...

Gamma loves Major Briggs. G'nite big boy!

I'm much more into Facebook now...

I dread the thought of updating my blog lately. Seriously...it's just so much easier to comment randomly on Facebook. For those of you not into the whole networking thingy...get with the program. I don't know how much longer I will use this blog. If you need help getting set up I can assist. Just call me. In the meantime...here's what's going on in my life....I met a young lady from Hawaii (a free spirited artist) who called me to personal train her in pilates. I've been working in a few appts. with her (she's staying in Roch. while getting checked out at the Mayo Clinic) while teaching 3 other pilates classes, setting up and successfully selling at craft shows on every other Tuesday, Each Thursday, & a few weekends, and trying to find time for re-stocking my inventory (this is becoming difficult). I think I'm prepared for the next show with my trays restocked and a few prayers for no storms tomorrow for Thursday's on First in Rochester. I have this weekend off and am hoping to have some down time since I haven't had any in forever! Oh...and who the H*ll is cleaning my house? Not me! It's a disaster and my poor kitties are the ones to suffer. Try and work in a work out or 2 for myself and you get one girl who is feeling compromised. This was the year I made the resolution to focus on me and I don't feel as though I'm able to do that in the last month. Frustrated? yup! I'm ready to make a few adjustments so that I can refocus and get back into some sort of routine. Hopefully after the next month things will slow down a bit and life will come back into sync. Hopefully. In the meantime...just try and keep up with my madness ok? Ok!

4th of July...Rain, Rain, & then a Beautiful Sunset!

Huge thanks to Jackie for the Pictures. I wouldn't have had any because (once again) we forgot our camera. It rained all day so we didn't get to do a family photo (& our family is getting sooo big!). The rain finally stopped about 8:30pm so we could view this beautiful sunset. The fireworks started shortly after. A good ending to a fun day...despite the rain!

My Beautiful New Fountain...

Rick fixed the liner in my pond so I could run my new fountain. It's soooo calming and beautiful. I love

angels! Come visit for a little time in my oasis. I'm home most days!

Wild Ride....

It was a wild ride at Thursdays on First yesterday in downtown Rochester! We fought 40-50 mph wind gusts all day long and the market ended up closing at 6:30pm for weather. Seriously- I lost $150 retail value in merchandise! Thankfully made up for it in sales but wouldn't do it again if you paid me! Last week we had rain and I left early and now this- -It's got to get better than this right? Ugh!

Thursdays on First


Location:  Peace Plaza Downtown

1st Ave SW & 1st St SW, Rochester, MN 55902

Rochester Downtown Alliance

Time: 11am-8:30pm

Price: Free

Weekly market. Vendors, food and entertainment

Thursday's on First and More- Just a sampling of some pendants available...

If you're looking for something unique for a special occasion check out my crystal pendants.

Unique designs by me at Crystal Notion. Email or call for more info. Custom pieces can be made too!

caeenterprise@yahoo.com 507-202-3276

Need a little motivation?....

http://www.bestofsuccessmovie.com/miami?cm_mmc=MIAMI-_-NL-_-06.14.2010-_-TBOSmov

All Washed Up...

So today was opening season for Thursday's on First in downtown Rochester. Last year was amazing! This year...if today was any indication, is not so much! It rained all day up until 3:00pm and just as the skies were getting lighter and the rain was stopping the organizer came around to tell everyone that 30mph winds were on their way. So in a panic I packed up all my glassware and displays that I spent 2.5 hours setting up and hauled it by hand to my car (I didn't think I needed my hand cart today) . A big HOLLER goes out to 3 very lovely vendors near me that helped me to haul it all. On my way home the skies were clearing and the wind never appeared. I was soooo disappointed to see all the people at the market when I watched the 6pm news. I could've been there! Uuugh! Oh well, I had to make a  decision to take the chance and stay or play it safe and save thousands of $$ in inventory and displays.  I have a whole summer of events to participate in so I needed to play it safe. That's the way it rolls I guess. You win some-you lose some. It's a gamble and our weather is so unpredictable. I at least made $100+ more than I needed to pay my rent for the day so I won't complain too loud. Pray for me next week and come on out to see Thursday's on First! It's sooo much fun!!

Guess where Jamey and Kate are?

Maybe someday I'll get to Paris France too but in the meantime I'll live vicariously through them. Beautiful!

Have fun in Germany and France! Bring back lots of pictures!

Megan and I were going on a walk this evening and this was the beautiful sunset that greeted us. I honestly almost cried it was soooo beautiful. I don't think I have ever seen anything quite so beautiful. We both just sat down on the side of the road and watched as it set. What an amazing sight. You know how you always see these kinds of pictures on calendars or post cards? Who would ever think you'd be lucky enough to witness it in your own front yard. Thank you God for the beauty of our world. (Picture was taken with Meg's phone so the quality isn't the greatest. Sorry!)  

Summer's HERE!!!!

Rick got me this custom made fountain for Mother's day. I love it!!!

Rick is smoking a brisket for dinner. We've invited friends over.

And now we're ready for our first summer campfire! I can't wait!!! 

Come Enjoy your Saturday Afternoon...

I'll be there selling my wares. It's supposed to be a nice day. Come on out and enjoy your day!!

Happy Birthday Big Guy!

You sure know how to have fun!

Someone Celebrated 30 Years at IBM! Congratulations Rick!!

http://sendables.jibjab.com/view/vDtB6KpQthDldFS3

I'm very proud of you and I guess you deserve to play a little!! Click on the link Please!

My New Fountain for my Garden...

Rick let me pick out a new fountain for my garden! I am sooo spoiled. It's gonna look really awesome in my garden pond! It's being custom built right now but I'll have you all over as soon as it's installed! Can't Wait!!!

A flower for you M'Lady?...

Why Thank You Major Briggs! You are sooo thoughtful!

Uninvited Guest...

 My cats go out to the edge of the yard every morning to snack on a little long grass. This curious deer didn't like the idea that Abby was in her territory. She stomped and snorted at her. When Abby finally decided she'd had enough she mosied her way back to the deck and the deer followed her. It was hilarious! These pictures were taken from my bedroom window. I just sat and watched the whole thing with a huge grin on my face. I love living in the woods!

When Dogs get behind the Wheel....

Major Briggs says, "Where to pretty lady?"

Yup-Pretty Sure We're into Spring!

Bleeding Hearts and Bluebells...Ahhhh...Spring ;o)

Happy Earth Day...here's YOUR inspiration!! Enjoy!

http://www.everymondaymovie.com/miami/?cm_mmc=MIAMI_NL_04.22.2010_EMMAmov

Yes...It IS only April but my flowers are already peeking out! Welcome Spring! I've been waiting for you!

Blue Bells, Creeping Myrtle, & Crocus. Oh the Splendor!!

Getting Accessorized...

I've been preparing some new products for some spring boutiques and upcoming shows for the summer. These bracelets are stunningly sparkly in the light. They will add a glamorous touch to any occassion. Call me or go to my Ebay store to order yours! They are available in all birthstone colors along with Black Diamond, Sunset, & Jet (black crystal coated with vitrail similar to the one pictured).
http://stores.shop.ebay.com/Crystal-Notion/

NEWS FLASH!! This Just In...

OMG!!! I can't believe it! Tonight's News Flash!! Former co-producer of "Survivor" and "Pimp My Ride" is suspected of killing his wife and stuffing her into a sewer drain at the SAME MOON PALACE RESORT in Cancun that WE STAYED at in February! Freaks are Everywhere!!!! God Save Us All!

Easter Eggs...

These are Megan and Josh's creations. Monster Easter Eggs! I think Kate may have done one of them but they are all too cute to eat! I have enough stuff to use again next year too! Yay! Bring on the Monsters!

Happy Easter Everyone!

http://www.onesolitarylifemovie.com/if/?cm_mmc=MIAMI-_-NL-_-04.02.2010-_-OSOLmov

Full Moons in March

I often get lost in my dreams when it's a full moon.

I took this picture last night. The moon was shining so brightly I couldn't resist.

Siiiigh...

Awwww....so Cute!

Don't pout now Major Briggs. Gamma will see you soon enough!

I'd lift the weight of the world for you today Jamey! Happy Birthday!!

http://sendables.jibjab.com/view/fGqQTdQqDTRAysh8?cmpid=jj_fb_self

Happy Birthday to my Wonderful Son!

Seems like just yesterday you were this happy, silly little boy.

And now you're a wonderful, silly young man who is a responsible husband and very thoughtful son!

I love you more than I can say! Enjoy your birthday on Sunday. I'll be thinking of you!

Birthdays Galore!

Birthdays are running rampant in the month of March! Alexandra, Gavin, Dad, Me, My god daughter Kinzie, Jamey, Kate's Mom and both her sisters, and prolly a few I'm forgetting! Seriously-it's crazy!
So here's a shout out to everyone! Happy Birthday Y'All!

Back on Track...

Monday-Zumba
Tuesday-Hot Yoga
Wednesday-Cardio Strength
Thursday-Pilates & Zumba

Now let's see if I can keep my committment! Anyone wanna join me?

These 2 are soooo Adorable!

And very much in Love!

We love you too!

Here is the link to a photo shoot and spread that Kate did the hair & makeup! Great Job Kate!

http://letoilemagazine.blogspot.com/2010/03/winters-last-breath-letoile-photo.html

Izzy's Thinking it Should Be Summer...I can't Wait!