HAPPY BIRTHDAY BIG BOY!

Because today is YOUR special day-Do what you want to!

You have my permission to poop in the neighbor's yard!

Reflections on a Special Day...

30 years ago at 5:52 pm a very special boy was born. 

From the beginning he was larger than life weighing in at a whopping 9 lbs 14 ozs. 

Such a sweet boy with a very sweet smile!

Always Creative and having fun!

Expressing yourself and challenging the world and it's boundaries...still

Reminding us all to keep it light and have fun...

Taking charge is the norm for you!

Finding your roots with your father...

Playing Hard and Living Life to the fullest!

The many faces of you, Jamey, are what we are most proud of. Your  never ending pursuit to make the most of life. We are sooo proud of you! And on your 30th birthday...We wish all your dreams come true!

So done with the family drama. Never needed it in my life. I have enough of my own shit to deal with. I don't need to drown in yours! Now where are those boots? I'm outta here! There...now I feel better!

This Is How We Do It!!

 

So turning 50 has it's perks. I've been bugging Rick for a crossover SUV since I started doing my artisan craft shows. He wouldn't budge. So now...for an unknown reason, except to say that I'm turning Fabulous 50, he has decided that it might just be ok to give the ol' gal what she wants and needs. Of course, it didn't HAVE to be a luxury vehicle, but "Hey!", I've had my share of practical cars for the majority of my adult life. Now this IS a practical vehicle with a lot of luxury built into it. Soooo...I get the best of both worlds. A car that will be great for packing all my gear and supplies for shows AND the bells, whistles, & styling that I wanted! It just doesn't get any better than this folks. My beautiful husband of 31 years has spoiled me to death! He loves to spoil his girls! But then again...I think he secretly loves the car too! 

Are You Prepared?

Sept 11th (NY) Jan 11th(Haiti) March 11th (Japan)........Luke 21:10 - 11 Then Jesus said to his disciples " Nation will rise against nation, Kingdom against Kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places and fearful events and great signs from heaven. Jesus says behold I come quickly. Ask yourself...... ARE YOU PREPARED?!?

Personally...I don't wonder...I prepare.

My Cute Little Major Briggs

 

Gamma...I got my hamburger and I'm ready to play with you! Will you come play with me soon?!

The Best Use of Life Is Love...

What is my purpose in life? I'm reading a book titled "The Purpose Driven Life" written by Rick Warren. It's enlightening and reaffirms what my spirit has known all along. The chapter I read last night focused on "What Matters Most". The first line reads, "Life is all about Love". Loving unselfishly is one of the greatest forms of worship to God. Because "Love" lasts forever. The most unselfish offering of your love is the "gift of your Time" because you only have a set amount of it. It is a portion of your life. We will be evaluated on our love by the quality of our relationships. In heaven, God won't say, "Tell me about your career, your bank account, your hobbies." Instead he will review how you treated others and your relationships with them. How much of your "Time" did you offer?  It's not enough to SAY relationships are important to you; we have to PROVE it by investing our Time in them. The most desired gift of love is not diamonds. It is the gift of yourself. It communicates this message "I value you enough to give you my most precious asset--My Time." You are making a sacrifice of your time and sacrifice is the essence of love. The essense of love is not what we think or do or provide for others, but how much we give of ourselves. How much time do you have left? Share it with others. Give the greatest gift of your life. Your time=Your love=Eternity with God.
May you all be blessed with this gift and willing to pass it on to others.

Our trip to our timeshare in Manzanillo...

We took the kids to our timeshare at the Karmina Palace in Manzanillo, MX.

It was such a great time! These will be memories to share forever! 

Thanks so much for joining us Jamey, Kate, Megan, & Josh. 

If you wish to see a few of the hundreds of pictures I took go to this link:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/59847439@N07/sets/72157626112564312/

Vacation starts one week early...

I begin my weekend tomorrow. Starting with a tanning appt. in the late morning, then a manicure/pedicure, & Zumba class in the afternoon. This is all part of my preparation for our upcoming vacation. It's all about the anticipation of warmer climate and sun, sun, sun! I need the sun! Winters in MN are getting too cold, too much snow, & too long! I find myself getting sooo antsy this time of year just waiting for spring. I LOVE spring! Especially the flowers, fresh air, & getting outside. I think that's the biggest thing. I just love being outside when it's warm! So, getting back on point... in anticipation of our upcoming vacation to warmer climate I begin with the mani/pedi tomorrow and continue on Saturday with a massage, facial, & detoxifying foot bath for spa day with Megan in Maple Grove. Then it's on to some shopping for vacation, planning for Megan's wedding, & a hotel night with the rest of my girls (aka: Michelle, Kate, Christina, & Megan) in downtown Minneapolis! On Sunday Megan and I will check out her church and hang out with her kitties at her house! I can hardly wait! It's a great pre-get-away! After all...part of every winter vacation is the anticipation of the vacation itself. It's always over way too fast, so we need to stretch it out a bit. I'll post pictures to share but it's never the same as being there. It's just a nice way to keep a record. Our kids and their significant others are coming along. We'll have a great time together! I can hardly wait. But in the meantime.......

Cutest Boy on The Block...

What Big Eyes You Have Major Briggs!!

God Has a Sense of Humor...

2 days ago I posted a comment on my facebook. It went something like this:

On being "Nice". I never quite defined my New Year's resolution. Now I know what it should be. Stop being so nice, agreeable, accommodating, etc. People take advantage of it and then YOU"RE not happy!! Amen Sista!

Since I posted that comment, I have been reminded EVERY day, in a not so subtle way, that God has a different view and expectation for me. 

Next day after posting the comment I received this in my email:

www.powerofkindnessmovie.com

Day 2 after posting the comment I subtly get a nudge to view this posting on my facebook wall:

http://www.godvine.com/Dog-and-Duck-Make-an-Unlikely-but-Adorable-Pair-202.html

Ok God...I get the hint and the running message. Who said God doesn't have a sense of humor?

Start Your New Year With the Right Attitude...

Here's a quote I'm going to live by this year:

"There comes a time in life, when you walk away from all the drama and people who create it. You surround yourself with people who make you laugh, forget the bad, and focus on the good. So, love the people who treat you right. Forget about the ones who don't. Life is too short to be anything but happy. Falling down is part of LIFE-getting back up is LIVING."

 AMEN!!

Here's a Reminder to keep it ALL in the right Perspective...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YU0aNAHXP0

All the Kids!

 

Thanks to Jackie for letting me snag this photo. Mine turned out all washed out! I guess that's what I get for letting Rick take the pictures. He has trouble like that...who does that sound like?

Front to back-Left to Right: Grant, Jensen,Sam,Chris,Megan, Alex, Gavin, Audrey, Brianna, Josh, Jamey, Kate, Major Briggs, Jenny, & Brice! All present and accounted for!

Oh the Blessings!

Christmas Delights!

 

Even the deer and turkey get a special Christmas treat! Later we counted 12 deer and 4 turkeys!

Kate and Major Briggs. Sorry-I couldn't get the picture to turn! It was saved vertical but won't load correctly to this stupid blog! Anyone know how I can fix it? Jackie??

All the good eats at the Erickson family gathering!

Getting ready for the perfect photo shot!

And yet again-sideways picture! Ugh! If you need to lay down to see it I guess you should. This one is beautiful!

 Such a sweet picture of Audrey meeting Major Briggs!

 Present opening is such pandemonium! But fun too!

Another perfect sideways picture! Jamey loves his dog! 

 Perfect picture...sorta! Love this one of Megan and Josh!

 Audrey in her sleigh that Great Grandpa Erickson made for her!

 Oh! The Excitement!

Jamey, Kate, and Major Briggs

 Megan and Josh in their new Jammies!

 Megan, Josh, Kate, Jamey, & of course Major Briggs

 Jamey cooling off in the snow after the hot tub! Silly!

 Hot Tub follies are welcome here!

Major needed a nap after all the Christmas fun!

Christmas Cookies

 Megan and Rick tried out the new spritz cookie maker Magan got me for Christmas! I think they both ate more of the batter then cookies that went to the oven! Oh well. It's all about the bonding experience I guess!

I just don't know why I can't turn my pictures around on this stupid blog! For whatever reason it won't upload them correctly even though I save them! Anyone have any suggestions? It's sooo frustrating. 

This is a sideways view of the beautiful snowflake European Crystal for your sunny window or Christmas tree! Special pricing for Christmas- $28 (reg. $42). Call or email me for delivery by Christmas! What a beautiful unique gift for anyone looking to add a little positive energy into your space!

Inspiring and Uplifting...I needed this

http://www.godvine.com/Celtic-Woman-Sings-a-Breathtaking-Version-of-You-Raise-Me-Up-111.html

This Is My Boy!....

Of whom I am very proud! His company, Sevnthsin, got a feature write up in the MN Business. His Interactive Design group and studio are pictured above. You'd never know it...but they actually get a lot of work done around this really cool workplace too!  You can get more info @ their website : www.sevnthsin.com

Amazing Grace...How Sweet the Sound...

http://www.godvine.com/LeeAnn-Rimes-Sings-a-Stunning-Version-of-Amazing-Grace-102.html

Christmas time...

It's Christmas time at Major Brigg's house. 

He's all ready to greet his guests in his favorite warm holiday sweater!

Looks like he's warming up to the idea of spending Christmas by the fire!

Love you Major! Be a good boy so Santa comes to visit you!