erica danielle

Monday was my 28th Birthday. I love Birthday's and that morning was especially grand because I woke to Lucy's happy squeals and smiles. This year has been the best yet, it was the year I became a mom and we started a new chapter of life in Menomonie. 28 is destined to be great as well! Below is my 28 list: 1. Enjoy EACH season, even the winter 2. Sit out on our front deck as.much.as.possible. 3. Read a few (non Bible Study) books 4. complete the "summer list" Sten and I created last week 5. Take Lucy on her first camping trip 6. Run a half marathon 7. Perfect my bagel recipe. 8. Have more dinner parties 9. Celebrate Lucy's first Birthday with a BIG cake and lots of tulle. 10. Enjoy Friday night dinners in and morning devos with Sten. 11. Get a hair cut 12. Get creative 13. More snail mail 14. Random acts of kindness each month 15. Start something special 16. Find my favorite running path 17. Win at my families "no sweet treats" challen...

The other night we made this salsa and I have to share it. It's from The Pioneer Woman's Holiday Cookbook we received from Aunt Mim. This salsa was SO easy to make and incredibly delicious- we both said it might be our favorite. ever . It made a ton, which is good, because chips and salsa is a staple in the Carlson household. Chipotle Salsa Pioneer Woman 2 (15oz) cans diced tomatoes 1 (10oz) can rotel 1 medium onion, diced 1-3 (depending on your heat tolerance- we did 3) chipotle peppers packed in adobo 1 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp salt 1/2 tsp pepper 1 tsp sugar 1 bunch cilantro, stems roughly removed 1/4 cup lime juice Into a blender add, tomatoes, onion, chipotles, cumin, salt, pepper, sugar, cilantro and lime juice (so everything :) Blend until totally combined. Give it a taste and add more of whatever seasonings it needs. The PW says to make the salsa several hours before serving, as it will give the flavors a chance to dance. The salsa will keep...

Wow. Have I ever taken a hiatus from blogging. Life has been a blur! My little Lucy bear is growing like a weed and every stage is better than the last. I feel so fortunate to stay home with her everyday and love hearing every coo, seeing every smile, and kissing her little cheekers a million times a day. I couldn't love her any more and think being a mom is the greatest thing in the world. She started this funny thing of roaring. It just cracks Sten and I up so much. She's been such a happy little girl. My favorite part of the day is when I hear the garage opening and Lucy and I stand at the top of the stairs. Her face LIGHTS up when she sees Sten. It completely melts my heart. I love them so. xo. Erica