erica danielle

I just love my girl. Endless creativity with the absolute sweetest, most tender heart. This is new (not the creativity part) but the tender heart. I see it in the way she cares about others, and wants to share her favorite things with friends, and lately I’ve seen it in the way she talks to Olle. Always wanting to help him, teach him, and encourage him. It’s all I could have hoped for her. A big heart and a creative mind. There has never been a doubt in my mind my girl will do big things. Last night I went into her bedroom because she couldn’t sleep and I told her stories about when she was a baby and how I’d come in to her room after she’d fallen asleep and just stare. I told her how I still check on her every night before I go to bed, and that made her feel so great. I snuck in last night, and snapped a picture of my big, almost 5 year old-- because they’ll be a day very soon, that she’ll go to bed after me, and I won’t be able to sneak in her room any more.  Love you Lucy 🐻. Yo...

Last night was our 4th month of dinner club and I think it was my favorite one yet. The whole group was able to make it, and Rita and Randy hosted with such ease and beauty that it may not ever be topped. The weather was perfect. The food was amazing and the people around that table are becoming some of my favorites. All from different stages, ages and seasons of life, but when we get together it's comfortable and so meaningful to me. The night started with shrimp, followed by a peach/herb/mixed green salad, crusty bread, Salmon, potatoes, asparagus, and ended with créme brûlée, followed by fireworks, while sitting around the chiminea. All-in-all one of my top nights of summer-- Sten and I stayed way too late, and didn't go to bed until after midnight! but, it was worth every minute.  Already looking forward to next month 💛 beautiful outdoor table. perfectly set for 10 people. post main course, pre- creme brulee, enjoying the best night.

Here we are, 20 days into my happy, healthy August, and I need a reminder and a reset. Eat no added sugar: I failed at my no sugar goal while at Bay Lake. Ice cream, donuts, and candy...getting back to it today. I have 11 days to finish strong. Fill my plate with veggies at every meal: this is easy for me. We eat a lot of vegetables, I'd say I've done this well. Strive to get up before my family 5 days/ week: Yes, I think there has only been 1 or 2 days I have let the kids wake me up. Finish 2 books: YES! success, I read Into the Water and The Alice Network I actually think I could probably read one more book before the month is over. I just started Zero Sugar Diet (clearly I am trying hard to get off the sug) but it's a little science-y for a quick read, so I don't know if I'll finish it this month or not. Limit social media (I took all apps off my phone already) This has been so easy for me. I have been very unplugged this month. Drink 64 oz o...

We escaped from Hudson life for the week and headed up north for one final getaway before fall comes. This fall will look different than the past. We’ll have Lucy in school every afternoon and church life will be in full swing, as opposed to last year, when we were planning our preview services.  I’m so glad we got away. I loved our lazy mornings and long afternoons spent out on the boat, swimming and playing. The week flew by- hours spent reading, fishing, preparing meals, doing dishes by hand, and playing games. It’s always hard to leave such a magical place and I hope we can make it up one last time before it’s closed up for winter.  We squeezed in a day trip to Duluth, which proved to be the highlight for both Lucy and Olle. Olles favorite memory from the week was "throwing rocks at Duluth" and Lucy’s favorite was climbing the tower. My favorite memory was taking the boat out to the middle of the lake and watching Lucy jump in with not a care in the world. Her bravery in ...

On Friday we were offered a free campsite at willow river and since it is basically in our backyard we loaded up the car and headed out to enjoy a night in the tent.  These two are just the best little buddies, helping and playing and getting dirty. Olle was especially funny with how excited he was to do EXACTLY what Sten was doing. I’m not exaggerating. Sten would scratch his head, Olle would scratch his head. Sten was so great at including the kids in everything he did, he’s always making everything fun, and giving the kids just the right jobs to make them feel super helpful and special. Camping brings out our best selves, I’m convinced of it.  Our campsite was close to the path leading to the falls, .93 miles to the falls to be exact and I was so proud of the kids for walking there and back after playing in the water and climbing the many steps for a view over the falls. When we got to the top, we saw our friend Jayme and she took a family photo! Neither of us had brought o...

I have been so good at being present this week, that I have neglected to take pictures. This is fine with me. In actuality, I can feel a sense of connectedness I was missing this entire summer.  I’d say my favorite memory of the week was going downtown to the Hudson bandshell and watching my kids put on a performance. There was a lot of made up songs and some really quality dance moves. Sten and I just sat there with the biggest most proud grins on our faces. We’ve got the 2 best kids in the world. We also spent a day at "Harpers Grandmas pool" and one of the best days at the lake IMO, this entire summer. The night ended with the whole gang together for a family dinner, in which mom loving said while boiling corn on the cob: I love when we’re all together for dinner..... Me, too, mom-- me, too.  My month of healthy habits and happiness is just that. I feel calm, like me, and happy.  Tonight I’m checking ✔️ month 8 of state parks off my list with a night of camping ⛺️ at w...

I love new weeks, this is going to be a good one, I can feel it. I finished my first August book last night. Into the Water by Paula Hawkins. It was a good and easy read, had me very captivated. I was thinking I should read something that is nonfiction next, but I just don't get into those books as easily, so I've decided to read something I just can't put down and my sister suggested: The Alice Network. I'm excited to dive in. On the agenda today: Clean up after the weekend: 😳 !!! Laundry Meal Prep Love my babies and play whatever they want for 15 mins straight. <-- hard to do. Run Get together 1 box to donate. I slipped up on my no sweets Saturday night. We had a bday party to go to and they had a million different kind of bars (I am a true Minnesota girl with bars, I LOVE them) I only tried 2  tiny ones, so I am still considering this a win. But I am back to my month of no sweets as of yesterday. xo. edc.

This week is brought to you by: 1. This guy!  Olle is finally understanding potty training! We’ve had limited accidents and we’re on day 4. I never thought I’d see the day. I’m ready to have an extra $20+ a month to use on something other than diaps! He is so proud of himself, it’s adorable.  2. I am 3 days into my August self-love goal and I’m happy to say it’s going well. I’ve been staying away from the sug, and have been running and biking a lot over the last few days. I also am about 1/3 of the way through my first book, so I think I’ll be able to meet that goal too. I’ve been refilling my water bottle often, and have only checked social media about once a day (I have to log in on our computer). I’m excited to see how I’ll feel at the end of the month. #progress We have a pretty low-key weekend, and I’m looking forward to it.  xo. edc. 

We’re over halfway through summer and I’m heading into August with some self care goals. I have been running around like crazy the month of July and I’m ready to focus on treating my body a little better.  I will: Eat no added sugar Fill my plate with veggies at every meal Strive to get up before my family 5 days/ week Finish 2 books  Limit social media (I took all apps off my phone already)  Drink 64 oz of water a day Declutter 4 boxes  Here’s to a happy, healthy August ✨💛 xo. edc

I’m in denial that July is over. It was a month spent with so much family, many of which we only get to see every few years. It was fun to watch my kids warm up quickly to aunts and uncles, great aunts and great uncles, cousins, second cousins, and grandparents. Sten and I are fortunate to have the best families, and the kids are now enjoying the benefits of lots of family to know and love.  My aunt Pam and uncle Dan came last week and stayed the whole time at the cabin. I felt so happy spending our time catching up, jumping off the boat, swimming, fishing and winery-ing. As I grow up I feel more and more of a draw to make family my top priority. The history, stories and joy my family brings to life is something I hope to pass down to my kids.  We hit 6 states this month: Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri. I’m tired just thinking about all the driving we did, but so thankful too.  Xo. Edc.