erica danielle

 Can’t believe it’s over! The taper leading up to the race flew by, and all of the sudden it was Saturday night and I was laying out my running outfit. I think I did the taper well, staying off my feet as much as possible, eating well, hydrating, and getting to bed early. On Saturday night I made marathon bolognese and I woke up Sunday morning at 4:50a ready to go. I drank water, had coffee had a piece of toast and then brought a Liquid IV and a bagel with me to the start.  I drove to the buses in St. Paul and hopped right on, getting to the start at 6:30… a little early, but it gave me time to think over my game plan, drink my liquids and use the bathroom. I went 4 times before the race! But didn’t feel any urge to go during the race, so this was perfect. I got to see Racheal before we found our spots in corral 1 and it made the start more exciting to be with a friend.  I positioned myself in between the 3 hr and the 3:10 pacer and willed myself to believe I wouldn’t be ...

I’ve been able to spend extra time with my Olle man lately and I’m so lucky. This boy is just the greatest. He’s thoughtful, fun, funny, kind, smart, and speedy. He loves big and makes my days so bright.  We were gifted tickets to the Vikings game on Sunday suuuuper last minute. And spur of the moment left before second service and had the BEST time. We chatted the whole way to Minneapolis and then I tried to answer every question about football (I made up a lot of answers) and tried to view the game through his little eyes. The grandness of it all— I can’t imagine what he was feeling! He loved the SKOL clap and the fake snow was a super amazing surprise! Wish dad could have been the one to experience it all with him, but when asked what his favorite part was about the game he said: being with mom. So that made me feel pretty special.   Olle + Jordys cheer club!  Olle holding my hand at the game.  Olle is a STUD on the football field! He scored an awesome touchdown a...

I have much of my time back these last two weeks before the marathon. A lot more energy and mental space. I’ve been checking many things off my list. Meal prepped Monday, cleaned the house Tuesday, laundry Wednesday, cleaned the office out on Thursday and applied the remainder of the wall paper backsplash in my kitchen on Friday…. These are all things that haven’t happened all summer. My house needs weeks of deep cleaning to “return it to a state of perfection” - The Maid. <— I read that book a couple weeks ago and 10/10 recommend.  I have nervous energy all bundled inside me from not running 70+ miles a week, so I guess that translates into feeling motivated to get things done around the house? But actually have been feeling peace about the race. I am going to go out there and do my best. My A goal is to PR. My B goal is to have fun. In yoga yesterday the instructor reminded us that life is a journey not a destination and since the marathon is a metaphor to life in every way fo...

 Can’t believe my baby will be 9 tomorrow. My smarty firecracker baby is turning into a sweet, smart, creative, helper and I love her more and more everyday.  I feel the luckiest that she is mine. And as she grows and continues to find her place in the world my biggest prayer is that she would know without a doubt that she was made exactly how she is supposed to be. And that her uniqueness is what makes her a special gift to this world. As I tucked her in tonight and prayed my last 8 year old prayer over her I felt so much thankfulness for who she is.  She chose the MOA with me over a friend party ♥️ So we wore matching outfits and hit the mall on Saturday for a girls day full of shopping and lunch and ice cream after “fly across America”. Everything felt fun and after 4 hours our feet were sore and we were officially mall-ed out! I’ll never forget that special day!! Love this little nugget so much. xo. edc. 

 It’s crazy that we are almost halfway through September. The days feel long sometimes, but the weeks fly by!! Actually scratch that. The days have been flying by too. I think it’s this beautiful weather we’re having, but I’ve been amazed when the clock suddenly strikes 2pm and I am needing to transition to work mode!  Today Sigge and I went to the park at 10:15 and then had some friends over and suddenly I realized it was 2:45 and Sigge didn’t eat lunch. 😳 I really want an E•Bike. Adventure club had the best adventure last week taking these puppies all around Stillwater! Speed+friends+summer=happy   MC Kickoff was awesome!! And cousins came to 2nd service!  Croix and Sigge having chats about life as a 3 year old.  This run made me feel happy. And strong. Just what I needed.  I look at my clock ALL THE TIME at 11:11. And this day was extra special bc it was the 11th. Lots of 11’s…. What does it mean?!?  Also— sten and I both have this as our phone bac...

New seasons are exciting and a little anxiety producing at the same time. I’m making it work with some VERY scheduled and disciplined days- but I think the adjustment to working part time, and kids entering the sports world, and running a marathon in October, and going to 2 services, and starting up a women’s group at church, as well as still being a wife, mom and friend is going to get a bit overwhelming!  So when I look back into my iPhotos and see a few rays of light from photos I’ve taken over the week, my heart skips a beat and I get a little jolt of reality- that I have a wonderful life filled with so much love and goodness.  Lucy and Audra bringing Barbie’s outside bc it was a beautiful day! Coffee on my porch staring at our freshly laid mulch and the neat new bricks as we up our landscaping game! 2 little deer friends on my long run Saturday morning.  A bike/run with Olle man. Keeping me company on all these miles! E-biking to 5am prayer with Mary. We were definit...

Thursday was back to school for these cool kids.  Thankful that they love school, love their teachers and have friends in their class.  Olle: 1st Grade! Lucy: 3rd Grade!   Praying for a great year! xo. edc.