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!

Thanksgiving 2010

Family Photo Opportunity!

Rick, Megan, Cindy, Cory, & Christina

Let's Be Silly this time!

 Josh's Aunt Laurie looks like she's being attacked by the new kitten.

In reality, "Pickles" was snuggling and climbed right up for a nap. Sooo cute!

 

Kelly has a way of putting these kitties into a trance. Mac was hilarious! 

You couldn't wake him up even when you shook his legs! It was sooo funny!

Josh did a fantastic job on the turkey and fixings!

He's a great cook!

 25 lb. turkey! Yum! Good job Josh!

 Sleepy Boy "Pickles" 10 weeks old

Silly "Mac"  10 month old

Megan's fiance, Josh,  hosted Thanksgiving this year! We are VERY thankful for him and his graciousness! Their home is so beautiful! They both cooked up a storm and were a great host/hostess. The new kitties were great entertainment and made everyone laugh! We're so happy that Josh and Megan are soon to be married and we look forward to many years of holidays.

Amazing Minnesota Sunsets!

This sunset was taken on our way home from Rochester last night!

Breathtaking Beauty in our own Back Yard!

This was taken from the back deck of our house!

It looks like the woods are on fire!

Kids having fun with Halloween Costumes...

Megan as Wenda (Waldo's girlfriend) & Jamey as the Incredible Hulk!

Jamey's been working out with a trainer all summer long to look this good!

Job well done! I love Megan's face-Ha!

Don't let him take a chomp outta ya Megan!

Kate somehow used her super powers to grow this huge chest!

Holy Bubbies Wonderwoman!! You look Amazing!

Try as I might I could NOT turn this photo! uugh! Sorry folks.

You'll need to lay down to see this one! Josh was a Hairy basketball player

with Megan playing the silly part of Wenda from "Where's Waldo". Cute!

Even Major Briggs joined the fun! I like your spider costume Mr. Major!

You are sooo scary and cute at the same time!

HA! hA! HA! ha! Ha! Soooo funny!! Oh Major!!  Why are you sooo cute?!

Major Briggs is patiently waiting for his pumpkin...

I think it was worth the wait! Nice pumpkins Jamey and Kate!

And here's Josh and Megan's Pumpkins!!

Have a Spooky and Happy Halloween Everyone!



Happy Halloween Everyone!

Just click on the link below:

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

No words needed...Just feelin' the Love...

Sweet picture of Jamey and Kate! So lucky to get this one because you can never catch Jamey without him making some goofy face. I really like this one. It's how I see them. In love.

Major Briggs likes the pumpkin patch!

Wedding Planning and Soooo much fun!

Kinda blurry picture but this is Kate and Megan hitchin a ride on the wedding trolly!

We went to the Wedding Fair in Minneapolis on Sunday and had soooo much fun!

We got a lot of really good ideas and Megan, Josh, & I got a lot done this weekend too!

Yeah for wedding planning!!!