erica danielle

They just don't come any cuter. Amos Chandler was born this morning at 7:43a, I love him with my whole heart already and am so proud of my sister for being so tough and trusting God with this new little life.  I can't wait to hold and kiss him, swaddle him, dote on him, sing to him, read to him... then when he gets a little older I can't wait to hear his first words and watch him run. I can't wait to see him giggle and think Uncle Sten is so funny, I can't wait to her him call me Aunt Erica and give kisses. I can't wait to see his mom and dad love him with the kind of love that is saved only for a child.  This precious little bundle couldn't be more perfect. Amos, I am honored to be your Aunt, and I can't. CAN'T wait to meet you. Love, Auntie Erica

Our Campsite.       Such a beautiful weekend. Packed and ready to go camping. games. music. wine. sten. campfire. Grilled Nachos. YUM! dinner. camping plates. love the fire. This is what I woke up to. breakfast. Then my photos stop-- Sten and I rented a canoe and rowed around the "chain o lakes". It was the PERFECT weekend getaway. Only an hour from the city, we both said this may be our new summer get-away considering this summer is going to keep us kind of 'land-locked'. With Sten's chaplaincy at Northbrook, my work, and church on Sundays it doesn't look like we will be having as many Summer adventures as last year! Camping is the best. Life is just slower on the campsite and there is NOTHING better than going to sleep with a fire and waking up to a fire and a cup of coffee. xo. e.

it. has. been. a. while...! Some happenings :) Baby shower in MN. Confirmation that my mom and  I should never be in charge of planning anything. Breakfast with Gma Carlson. dad and mom. seriously... so cute. sis. i can't wait to meet that baby! small group bday party for Petey. Darby. Feels like we've been friends forever. Rio Marg. Brothers. Nephew. Hair. :) Raine Ricky- our new niece. So beautiful and perfect. Baby Raine is such a lady. Loveland bike path. Used to run past here everyday. Lake Loveland. Drake. Being a boy. Sten and I have had a busy Spring. We spent some time in MN to celebrate my sister's baby shower, then headed to CO to see our new niece. Both were such great trips. I can't believe May is almost over and Summer is almost here. So excited for warm temps and summer days at the beach. Biting my nails in anticipation for my sis to have her little baby boy. Cheers to blogging-- e.

I can't believe tomorrow is MONDAY-- what? When leaving work on Friday Mandy said, "Remember this moment.... It is the furthest you will be from work all week." So true. Sten and I love Saturday mornings. We lounge around, eat a big breakfast and plan out our day. This Saturday I: pulled out my yoga mat and got a little workout in, then scanned my recipe books for a breakfast pastry to try. I found a great recipe in my "cooking for two" cookbook. I altered the recipe to fit what was in my kitchen and here's what I came up with. I think the smell of the scones baking in the oven got Sten out of bed.     Recipe: Vanilla Orange Scones. Baking Time: 30 mins total. Yield: 4 mini scones. Ingredients: SCONES: 3/4 C Flour 2 1/2 tsp Sugar 1/2 tsp baking powder Dash salt 2 Tbls firm Butter 1/2 tsp Orange extract 1 egg 2 Tbls light whipped topping FROSTING: 2 Tbls butter 3/4 C Powdered Sugar 1/2 tsp vanilla 1/2 tsp orange extract 1 dash water ...

Today is a wonderful day in Chicago. However, if I could be ANYWHERE today, here wouldn't be it. These are some of my favorite places: Macinac Island, MI. The most magical place on earth. While Sten and I were dating at camp we took a trip here on a day off. It goes down in history as one of the BEST days of my life. We hiked, ate fudge, took tons of pictures and explored the island. I can't wait to go back someday and stay overnight.  The window below all the plants was where I lived in Italy. Our flat was absolutely incredible. I lived with 5 of the most amazing girls and we talked about art, wine, guys, life, faith and traveling. Three of the most formative and fun months of my life were spent here. In a one piece after "whip and strip" at Covenant Pines Bible Camp. This waterfront brings great memories from being a camper and a staff-er. This was the summer I met Emily and found a friend that I will cherish forever. My Senior year apartment. This...

Do you want to eat something fun? Then I have the PERFECT recipe for you! FAST, easy, a crowd pleas-er and COLORFUL! Bring FUN to your next gathering :) Boy's like Sten REALLY like them!  I made him pose for this picture by telling him the only way he could have *another* cookie is by letting me take his picture ;) Made these little gems Tuesday night. I found them on Pintrest, had an extra box of Funfetti Cake Mix 'laying around' and instantly got to work. They are ridiculously easy and insanely delicious. They were a total hit!! RECIPE: Funfetti Sandwich Cookies recipe from Baked Perfection makes approximately 24 sandwich cookies 1 (18.25) package Funfetti Cake 2 eggs 1/3 cup vegetable oil 2 tablespoons milk - or water (I used water, bc I didn't have milk) 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Pour cake mix into a large bowl. Stir in eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla until combined. Drop teas...