erica danielle

On Friday Sten and I went to Kim's birthday party and learned how to make RAVIOLI. It was such a lovely night and super fun to learn such a cool new life skill. I just told Haley while running yesterday morning that I waffle between being completely content with my life and happy with the things I've been able to experience and see, and then on the completely opposite spectrum I feel FOMO and YOLO and want to spend all my money and go take a cooking class in Italy.... Life is funny like that, huh? Anyway, I guess I got a "best of both worlds" kinda situation with this, because I didn't have to travel, but I still learned something really sweet.  It tasted amazing We went to Jim's funeral on Saturday and it was full of people who have hope and love Jesus and have memories of someone who lived a long full life. It makes you really  examine your own life and how you will be remembered. I hope there is laughter and stories and pictures and hope at my funeral. I ho...

The Badland Babes were at it again and took home yet another W at the Birkie Marathon Relay this weekend. It was a blast and not just the winning part :) Staying at Mandy’s cabin was a dream and I was so thankful for the opportunity to hang out with these fast friends.  A boat ride + charcuterie happened all snuggled with blankets and sweatshirts and that was very nice. I was the last leg and so waiting 4 hours to run was hard-- and cold. I look normal here but really I was wearing another layer and a stocking hat and had many goosebumps.  I never stopped running, but I did get my phone out at the top of the switchbacks and took this picture. It was SO fun to run down this hill. The sunrise in the morning was absolutely stunning and the fall colors were vibrant.  I have been sore ever since. I went into the race a little under the weather and I just feel off. I don't know what it is. but I don't like not feeling like myself. and I feel a bit frustrated. I haven't been sle...

My tiny 6lb 15oz baby turned 13 yesterday. How can it be?? She's absolutely lovely inside and out and we had a wonderful weekend celebrating who she is. I made Sally's Baking Addiction Cookies and Creme cake and it was SO yummy. Look at all those candles! Ziva, Lucy and Lyla at the MOA where we literally shopped til we dropped and went in EVERY single makeup store the mall has to offer. We ate a late dinner at Chipotle.  Lucy might be the easiest person in the world to buy presents for. Everything makes her happy. She is so grateful and she is so excited! She loved the weekend and we love watching her get older.  All 3 kids killed it last weekend in sports. Sten and I were able to make it to all the games/meet and the weather was perfect and I had so much fun watching them do sporty things. Lucy shaved 3 minutes off her time on this exact same course from last year. At this rate next year she'll be faster than me in the 2 mile.  Both boys played QB and they are so differe...

The bookends of my day yesterday was God's way of showing me that I am going to be ok. This picture from my solo run in the morning was absolutely perfect. Cold hands, fast road miles, worship music and a text from a friend right in the middle of it saying that I was top of her prayer list that morning. Then in the evening the boys were outside playing waffle ball and Lucy was walking around the neighborhood with friends and I cranked up my music and cleaned the entire middle/lower level. I stopped at one point and thought-- this is the biggest gift right now.  Other things: I love pens. and there is something so satisfying about having every single color of felt tip/ gel tip at your disposal. lol. Life touch teacher photos--why is my ear showing so much? Is this what I always look like? Haley hosted the Badland Babes for some brunch after our Willow run on Saturday and she made THE most delicious food, didn't know I needed a bonfire until I was sitting in this chair eating thi...

We eeeked out every last drop until it was time to head back to school on Wednesday. Annual tradition trip to Lucette after Meet the Teacher is the photo above. Happy to report that everyone did great the first 3 days of school- although I don't know if we're quite ready for a full 5 day week starting tomorrow :) Sten took the boys to Michigan to go to his cousins daughters wedding and they did something that Sten introduced me to when we were dating and on staff together at PLCBC- diving for golf balls! The boys thought it was a blast and I love that they got a bright blue -sunny -skies day to make the water look turquoise and the ball finding easy. While the boys were gone Lucy and I whooped it up! We went to the first Hudson football game... Went to the Glenwood City Rodeo.... AND drove to Iowa to see Josiah Queen at the Iowa State Fair!  Fun is an understatement to describe this little getaway and I feel so lucky we got to do this together. Then it was BACK TO REALITY! holy...

I headed back to BHP today after what may have been the best summer ever. If you would have asked me a week ago if I was ready to go back I would have said no, but I think God does a good job of preparing our hearts for big changes if we allow him to, and I truly felt prepared walking into school today.  My classroom has a ways to go to be ready to welcome in students to meet the teacher night on Wednesday-- but I know I'll get there.  Routine is good, and I packed my lunch last night, laid out my clothes and after work today headed to the grocery before grilling up some chicken for dinner. I needed something to remind me that I love feeding my family well, being somewhat organized and nights at home after a day away. Here are some summer lasts: Mornings on the front porch with coffee + 1 kid + a game?!?!? THE BEST Also a LOT of Rummikub lately a Friday morning of cinnamon chip scones might be the best way to start the day family bike ride on the Brown's Creek Trail 12 miles w...