erica danielle

 Is there anything better than getting outside in the morning???  2 days ago we got out for our run when the sun was already up… we ran through snow and felt the cold on our skin. Today we got out before the sun came up and when it was clear that it was going to be a day with ACTUAL sun my body felt immense gratitude. Birds chirping in our headband covered ears, fresh air in our lungs and colors filling the sky… it felt so good.  I’ve been on such an outside kick and I wonder- is it age, or is it just getting wiser?? Either way, it’s proven that getting outside has SO many benefits:  Going outside encourages us to move more Getting sun in our eyes helps regulate our circadian rhythm, boosts mood, fosters calm, and improves sleep (especially early morning sun) We often engage with others when we’re outside, so we’re less isolated Spending time outside is linked to improved concentration, creativity, and clarity Going outside helps us to be mindful of the present momen...

The rain and chilly temps have kept life pretty boring around here the last few days…  Some favorites from the week include: A couple solo bedtimes based on sten having some meetings, and I’m always reminded on those nights how awesome Sten is. These 3 are pretty great though too, and when we’re all snuggled up reading at the end of the night everything feels right in the world.  Baby Lauryn is my favorite. I got to hold her for a long time yesterday while I had my fireplace going and it was a dream come true. I hope she’s ok with how obsessed I’ll always be with her.  A couple of crazy’s right here… Haley and I always look the part of serious runners— bc let’s face it, we are!  Olle lost a front tooth🦷!!! My little bud is going to start looking so old soon and I really don’t know what I’m going to do!!  Date night for us tonight, then morning run tomo, football 🥶, and then cooking for some friends to come for dinner and games.  xo. edc. 

**Erin took Sigge this morning and I got in a run. Sunny and cool. It felt good.  **Now I’m subbing at the preschool and it’s nap time in which 4/13 are napping. I wish I could crawl up on a cot and listen to lullabies and take a rest. Kids are so lucky.  **We hit a heat wave last week and now we’re back to cool temps. Olle and I are most upset about it. Our bodies can’t keep adjusting to the warm and cold…. But I guess this is spring in the Midwest.  **I’m feeling excited for summer. Lots of running, bay lake, pool days and lake time at my parents. It can’t come soon enough!  **Feeling ready for a good week. I made up some juices, prepped healthy meals and have been logging lots of hours of sleep. Sometimes you just need to get back to the basics. Sten and I often joke about how much we talk about our sleep. The other day he said: it’s a good distraction from our other favorite 65 yr old topic: gas prices. 😂 Sten is witty. I like that about him.  *** crazy flo...

The thought of “tiny anchors” has been coming to mind over and over the last few weeks. What are the things that anchor me? Big anchors include my loyalty to family, daily touch from those I love and my faith in Jesus.  Tiny anchors for me include: My coffee in the morning Running An after bedtime cocktail with Sten My prayer group Having a book to read A big morning hug from Sigge   Brushing Lucy’s hair Getting dressed in something that makes me feel good Life feels so fast… I’m getting swept up in all the things that pull on me from every way. I’m recognizing these anchors as things that need to happen in order to feel like me. I look around me sometimes, and notice the anchors of others… so different from my own, yet so necessary for them. Sten needs basketball as much as I need a good run. Olle needs a ball to throw as much as Lucy needs time to get lost in Barbie land. I have friends who need a clean home or a bike ride to feel anchored. My sister recently told me she nee...

 I have noticed a direct and somewhat depressing thing lately: I look older. I don’t feel old. I feel young and hip and cool. But my hours in the sun, my body carrying 3 babies, excessive amounts of necessary exercise and the fact that I have never once had a skin care regimen is catching up to me.  I am in the firm camp of “God has made me uniquely beautiful” and I don’t need to change who I am to look a certain way, but it is WAY harder than I thought. I look in the mirror sometimes and am shocked at what stares back at me.  I loved THIS post from Cup of Jo.  What can my body do: Run! Run long, run fast, run strong Cook! I can make anything! I’ve gained tips and tricks along the way that have given me tools to enjoy the kitchen Parent! Discipline! Fun! Love! I’m here for it all! HITT workout! Burpees! Squat jumps! Weights!  Shoveling heavy snow! I may be sore for multiple days after, but I can clear the driveway Adulting! Budgets! Planning trips! Coordinating...