Christmas Memories 2008

Wow this past week has flown by for us. We had such a nice Christmas this year. All of the Erickson Five enjoyed the holiday. These kids were so excited and they are so mature now about gifts both giving and receiving. Both Jon and I were so surprised that they kept secrets about what gifts were bought for who. They would not tell Daddy what he got and they would just tell me that I was getting Stinky Socks (Jon's instructions). We had some pretty big boxes under the tree for the kids and they were there for over a week and the kids did not touch them at all. These kids were pretty spoiled this year but I know they have the true meaning of Christmas in their hearts. At church on Christmas Eve, K could not wait to see the baby Jesus in the manager. He walked right to the manger scene when we walked into church to see if the baby was there yet. He was not since they place the baby Jesus there at the start of mass but after mass, all three of the kids wanted to go see the baby Jesus. It was really very sweet.
On Christmas Eve Day, we opened the gifts with just the five of us. The kids knew that when daddy got home we would open the BIG boxes under the tree so they were going crazy. Below is a picture to show how they waited and watched for Daddy to come home. Once they saw his car, they went crazy. It was very cute and so fun to see them so excited. After our gift opening, we headed to church. The kids got to go up and sit in front for the homily since we were at the Children's mass. Both Jon and I get a little nervous when they do this because we have no idea what is going to come out of their little mouths. I am happy to report that it all went fine.
After Mass, we went over to Grandma and Grandpa's house for some Fondue. The kids watched a Christmas movie while the adults took their time eating fondue. It was fun.
Before we left Grandma's house to head home, Daddy checked on Santa's location on line. The kids were afraid that Santa would come and since they would not be in their beds sleeping he would not stop at our house. Once we had everyone in the van, Daddy called Santa to find out and ETA. The kids were thrilled about this and the next morning they reported to Grandma and Grandpa that Daddy called Santa on his cell phone.
Like I said, this Holiday season was so much fun. We all really enjoyed it. It is hard to believe that Christmas is already over but we have such fun memories that we will hold in our hearts forever.

Merry Christmas

Disney Here We Come

Jon and I have been debating for some time now about a trip to Disney World with our kids. We have made the decision that the five of us will be heading down to Disney World in the not so distant future. Now that the decision is made, I am thrilled and I can't wait until we can tell the kids. We wrapped a Disney Book up and put it under the tree. Once they open it, we plan to tell them about our upcoming family vacation.
Jon and I do not know much about Disney. We have a "Disney Specialist" helping us plan our trip but if anyone has any advice for me, please email me babyblues900@yahoo.com or leave a comment.
I once visited Disney a long time ago with my family as a little girl. It was a lot of fun but I don't remember the ins and outs of Disney from that trip.
It will be a great week with Jon and the kids and one that I think we all need. What memories will be made and fun we will have. So watch out Mickey, Minnie, Daisy, Donald, and the rest of the gang...here comes the Erickson Five!

Your Smeller

Last night as Jon was tucking K into bed, they started to have a conversation about what people and things smell like. I am not really sure how this got started but I do know how it ended.

K said to Jon: "Daddy, do you think in the morning I could smell some pancakes and sausages"

Wordless Wednesday-Daddy's Buddy

Christmas with 4 Yr Olds

Both Jon and I have been enjoying this Holiday Season with the kids. They have so much wonder in their eyes and excitement in their hearts. Every morning when they wake up they ask if they can have their Chocolate from their Advent Calendars. Then we count how many days left until Christmas. This usually ends with them jumping up and down cheering because Christmas is getting closer.We have been so busy with work, school, activities, and most of all fun Holiday stuff that I have not had time to blog. I am happy to report that we are all having so much fun this holiday season. Three 4 yr olds at Christmas time is the best. I love this age. They are so innocent and as a parent it is so much fun to witness all the excitement this time of year brings.
We have decorated our tree, made cookies,done some shopping (they were angels for me), wrapped presents, sang songs, watch holiday movies, visited with Santa (5 times now), celebrated good cheer with close friends, and best of all talked and learned all about baby Jesus and why Christmas is so important. After all, He is the reason for the season.
I wrapped the kids presents the other night and they happen to be wrapped in big boxes this year. The next morning, A was up first so she found me for her usual morning snuggles. Then I heard her by the tree and she ran off quickly and this is what I heard her say "hey guys, you better come quick cause you gotta see this". The next thing I knew I had three very curious kids inspecting the new packages that were under the tree. I thought we would never hear the end of it but the kids all know that they have to stay there until Christmas when we will open them. E kept asking me that morning what was in her "box" and then she kept trying to guess. I finally told her that I was not going to tell her what it was. E replied "Ah, man". This made me laugh.

Wordless Wednesday - Sister Sandwich

Jolly Old St. Nick

Tonight we had our supper with St. Nick at church. Jon and I volunteered to help out since the kids are in the programs at the church now and we need to get more involved. We were put on kitchen duty and I was so glad that Jon was there with me because I would not have known how to turn on the over or the food warmer. There was about 160 people that showed up.
The 6th graders did a play for us on the story of baby Jesus birth. I was amazed how our kids were so engrossed in the story and sat and watched the play so attentively. At the end both of the girls ran up to me to ask if the Baby Jesus was real. So sweet. It was only a doll in this particular play.
Both Jon and I were so proud of A for sitting on St. Nick's lap. She has always been so afraid of St. Nick because when you think of it he can be kind of scary. A big old guy with a huge beard. However, she decided last night that she did not want to miss out on sitting on his lap.
St. Nick gave all three kids a good report. K was most smitten with him. At the end of the night he decided that he wanted to say good bye to St. Nick. He stood and asked St. Nick question after question until Jon and I said it was time to say good bye. We started to walk away and then K turned and asked St. Nick, "how many elves to you have"? It was pretty cute and St. Nick was just that a Saint to put up with all those questions. Overall it was a fun night for all of the Erickson Five. Christmas with three 4 yr olds is the best. Jon and I are thoroughly enjoying this holiday season and the innocence of it all!

Wordless Wednesday - Busted

A Dazzle of a Good Time

On Friday we decided to head out to the local Holiday Parade. It worked out perfect as Grandma and Grandpa, J, and Uncle B, and Aunt L headed down early to reserve some space on the curb and we met up with them later on.The kids loved the parade and they did not complain once that they were cold. The best part of the parade was that Santa was the final float. A, E, & K could hardly contain all their excitement. The Target Dog Bullseye was also in the parade.We have all decided that this will now be an annual event. We all loved the parade and had such a fun time.

Happy Thanksgiving 2008

We had such a nice Thanksgiving this year. The weather was cool but nice enough for some of us to take a long nature walk through the woods. The kids had a blast. We spend the entire day at Grandma M and Grandpa A's house. Aunt Lorretta and Uncle Bern drove up from the south to spend the holiday with us. It was so nice to see them and catch up. We all really enjoyed their company.
Grandma M made an awesome meal as she usually does. We all took turns toasting what we are most thankful for, and the kids enjoyed the special day too.
Lorretta and I actually did a little shopping on Thanksgiving nice and I got such great deals. It was fun because Lorretta helped me with a few craft things and she did an awesome job.
We played lots of cards and talked lots about GG Del and how much we miss her. I know she was there with us in spirit. We had lots of laughs and a few tears, especially when the neighbor showed up with GG Del's favorite Sour Cream Raisin Pie. Such a sweet gesture on her behalf.
Thank you God for my wonderful family, especially for my three beautiful children and my husband who loves me to the core. Thank you for such great health and such a beautiful and peaceful day. So many things to be thankful for this Thanksgiving!

Wordless Wednesday - Waiting Patiently

My Name is Horny.

Today as we were getting ready to go to dance, I reminded the kids to go get their "Friends" they wanted to take along with them. Every week they can bring stuffed animals along with them to dance. You can imagine my surprise when K came back into the kitchen and he said "Mom, I am going to bring Horny with me today". As I turned around to see if I understood him right, K was holding his moose and see mom this is my friend Horny.
You can imagine the laughter this brought to all the parents and the dance coach as we arrived at dance and K announced loudly that he brought his friend "Horny" with him. One of the parents told me that I needed to write that one down. I guess I just did!

Jack In A Box

The following made me smile. I love the anticipation that they have before the box opens. This video clip was taken at Sue's house. She said that she heard a lot of laughing after lunch and this is what she found when she went to investigate. So funny. Enjoy.

It's In Their Blood

This past week we have been blessed to have Grandpa R and Grandma C here for a visit. This is so nice for all of us because having two extra sets of hands around the house is so helpful. Grandma C does all the cooking and she did most of the laundry when she was here. What a relief to have that extra help especially this week since I have come down with the crude of a cold.
Grandma C brought the kids a new game. It is Leapfrog Alphabet, Number, and Shapes Go Fish. These kids love this game and have played it a lot these past few days. This makes me smile because I am sure that GG Del is watching them from Heaven with a big grin on her face. She lived to play cards and honestly she played cards up until her last conscious moment here on earth. She would always say "What do people do if they don't play cards!" Anyway, it touches my heart to know that these kids are getting into card playing just like all of us in this family. After all "It's in their blood"!
Big thanks to Grandma C and Grandpa R for coming to visit and helping us out. The kids sure enjoyed it and so did Jon and I.

Wordless Wednesday - First Snowman of the Season

Dance No More

I am not sure if I posted about KJ being in dance but he has been in ballet and tap dance with his sisters since September. Both Jon and I hesitated to put him in dance but he insisted that he wanted to dance so we signed him up.
Since that time K has really developed a love for sports, football, hockey, soccer, and his biggest love is baseball. He is so into sports that he requests to watch Sports Center when he wakes up in the morning. He knows exactly what teams he cheers for and just yesterday when his daddy put on a shirt for a team he does not cheer for he tapped Jon in the stomach and said, "I don't cheer for that team daddy!"
So a few weeks ago when K announced that he wanted to play hockey, Jon looked into it. There is a program through our local ice rink that has a hockey fast track. Kids can start when they don't even know how to skate. Jon called and there was an opening so this morning, Uncle T and I took K over for his first lesson. Jon had taken him to the used sports store and outfitted him with a helmet, shin guards and elbow pads and all of it cost $37. Thank goodness for the used sports store. Uncle T got K all suited up and I took him over and had him signed in. All the kids were stepping onto the ice and moving right along. I told the woman that I was not sure K could even stand on the ice so she helped him on and put him holding onto the side of the rink. He had a smile on his face the whole time. I think he was a little nervous at first but he really came a long way in his first 1 hour lesson. Uncle T was very proud of him. K is already excited about next week. Now if I could just get him to quit wearing his hockey helmet and shin guards around the house that would be good. He is also sleeping with a hockey puck every night. This is the puck that his daddy gave him and K is afraid if he does not sleep with it he will lose it.

Wordless Wednesday - Family Ferris Wheel Fun

Proud Moments

Jon called me at work today to ask me if I really knew what special kids we have. Jon was so proud of the kids today when he picked them up at school. Below is the craft they did at school. It might not seem like a big deal but when Jon told me that all the other kids said things like my truck, my blanket, my cars, etc., my children's responses to this simple question, melted my heart. E's Response

A's Response

K's Response

White Stuff

This morning, I was blessed with waking up on my own at 7:30 AM and then shortly after that, I was joined by E and she snuggled in next to me. I was so nice to cuddle and talk with her this morning. I LOVE doing that with all my kids. Soon after, K joined us and the three of us watched an episode of Calliou. They really enjoy that show. It was about Christmas this morning and they want to know if we can go Caroling this Holiday season. I think that sounds like a great idea, now I just need to find some people who would like to join us. I love to sing.
Anyway, I got up to fetch myself a cup of joe before I dove into our morning routine. As I came out of the bedroom, I thought it seemed unusually bright in our house. As I rounded the corner into the kitchen my mouth dropped as there was WHITE outside. It had been snowing. I was not prepared for that this morning. It was beautiful outside. Aimee came downstairs when she woke up and I told her to look out the window. When she turned around from the window her eyes were as big as silver dollars. She was so excited about the snow. I told her to go tell K and E so she went to find them squealing with delight. I heard her say "K and E it is snowing outside and it is sticking to the ground". Then all three children were squealing with delight. It was so much fun to see them so excited about the snow.
They even build a snowman (that is now melted) and they made snow angels. I wonder how long it will take for this snow novelty to wear off? Hopefully for all of our sake it will take a long time.

Wordless Wednesday - Crafts w/ 4 Yrs Olds

Unexpected Gifts

The weather has been so awesome the past few days around here. It is unseasonably warm and we are loving it! Now if it could stay this way for another six months that would be a dream come true.

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Sunday we were over at Grandma and Grandpa A's house and we had a fire in their fire pit. It was such a fun afternoon of hanging out and chatting around a camp fire. The best part about it was we could still sleep in comfortable beds that night! The kids really had a great time. The kids loved running around the yard playing football with Uncle T and playing on the neighbors swing set. Since the weather was a surprise and the fire was also a surprise Grandma A did not have s'more makings. Although with all the candy that we have around here I don't think these kids are going without. It was such a nice day on Sunday. I was so relaxed and I really just enjoyed hanging out with the family. The kids finished off their day in the hot tub.







They LOVE to go in the hot tub at Grandma and Grandpa's house. Look at those smiles.

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Another unexpected gift in a weird sort of a way is that K recovered from his illness of throwing up and diarrhea and his sisters or myself did not get it. Thank God. I hate the stomach flu. YUCK. It was also a gift that we were at Grandma M because she was a huge help with K and his illness.

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This morning I decided that I wanted to demonstrate to the kids by being a model citizen and getting out to vote. I was a little nervous about going to the polls with three 4 year olds by myself but there was no line and the kids did awesome. It took about 10 minutes and it felt great. Not to mention it was a good lesson for the kids too.

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This afternoon, we started swimming lessons with the kids again. We were not sure who the new swim teacher would be but once we met her I immediately liked her. She was very sweet with the kids and they seemed to take to her right away too. Plus they are the only three kids in the class and this is always a bonus for us too. After the lesson, the new teacher, Ms. M, told both Jon and I that we had very sweet and polite children and she really enjoyed the lesson today. That kind of feedback always feels great as parents. Plus, I had a date in the hot tub with my husband where we got to catch up on a few things. That is always nice too.

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The organization that I seem to be getting done around the house feels great. The house looks great too and the kids are starting to help with picking stuff up. I guess I just feel organized and ready for my work week which starts tomorrow. That feels great too.

Anniversary of Sorts

Today marks the ten year anniversary of the day when I was diagnosed with MS. It is hard to believe that ten years has gone by. This is certainly not an anniversary to celebrate. However, since this disease has now stayed at bay for me most of the past ten years I guess I do have something to celebrate. I clearly remember the events of 10 yrs ago. I am not sure that I will ever forget them. It was a very hard time but one that I had Jon and the rest of my family there for support.
My hope going forward is that I am blessed with as much health and support as I have had these past ten years. I will continue to live as healthy of a life as possible with exercise, eating right, sleep, and rest.

Souls Day

Yesterday, it was All Souls Day! We went to an All Saints Day party at our church last night. The kids had a blast.

Happy Halloween 2008

Today came and went in the blink of an eye. Jon and I both really enjoyed the kids and their excitement today. They were bouncing off the walls all day. Today we decided to spend as a family since both Jon and I had time off of work. We asked the kids what they would like to do. They just kept saying "Trick or Treating"! We all decided to head to the Mall to go on some rides and hang out. It was a great time and so relaxing to just spend some time the five of us. It has been a rare treat this past month with working and trips.
We then stopped by Grandma Mary's house to "practice" trick or treating. The kids hid behind trees and ran up to the door. They really had a great time. Grandma was thrilled we stopped by too.
We then headed home to get ready for the big night. J came over for our annual Halloween party. She brought the pizza and it was yummy! The kids could hardly eat two bites of dinner because they were so excited. We then got all the kids dressed up and ready to go. K was a cowboy and A & E were princesses. We went to many more houses tonight than last night but at every house the kids said Thank you so that always makes a mother feel good. K would ask numerous questions of everyone that opened their doors. Jon and I just smiled at each other. I was a little nervous about what he would ask but most of the questions were about peoples pets and what kind the have.
Overall it was a great day. Holidays such as Halloween are so much fun with kids. We can't wait for Christmas. It is going to be a blast.
Happy Halloween!

Wordless Wednesday ~ Blast from the past

Five Little Monkeys Sitting on a Gate...

This past weekend was filled with lots of parties, pumpkins, and fun. On Friday we went out for a nice dinner with our friend J. Then we headed over to a local store so I could make an exchange for a gift that we received that was damaged. They had childcare available at this store and I have never put the kids in there before but they insisted they wanted to go in and play. So we checked them in and J and I had an hour to shop while they played. They LOVED it and they did not want to go home when it was time to go. I guess I need to take them there more often. I will just need to learn to be a better window shopper so my wallet likes the set up too!
On Saturday we went to the annual multiples Halloween party. It was a riot. The kids decorated their own cookies, fished for treats, did some pumpkin bowling and they even participated in a parade. Our friends the C triplets were there too so we hung out with them. After our multiples party we stopped by a pumpkin patch on the way home where they were having a party. The kids loved jumping in the jumpy house and playing more games for prizes.
After the pumpkin patch we went home and ate some lunch then my good friend M and her daugther K arrived and we all headed to the Children's Museum for an afternoon of adventure. After the museum we headed home and M and K spent the night with us. It was a full day of lots of excitement and fun.
Sunday we headed off to Sunday School and Church. I really have been enjoying being able to go to church and relax while my kids are in Sunday School learning about God. It is the perfect set up and it feels great to be back in a church routine. Sunday afternoon we headed over to H household for the annual pumpkin carving party. We had a blast and with the help of some friends we got all three pumpkins carved in no time. S always plans such a fun party and the kids and adults alike just LOVE it every year.
Daddy was gone all weekend on a hunting trip. He had a great time but we missed him terribly. The kids were all excited to see him when he got home. Today I took some much needed time for myself. It felt good.

Garlic Breathe

So today I ordered a Turkey Sandwich for lunch. The minute I took a bite of it, I knew that it was going to give me very bad breathe. It was loaded with Garlic. I love Garlic so it was not a problem for me but I do feel bad for my co-workers and my family. Just the other night I was out with the mothers of multiples and the dish that I ate had a lot of garlic. After I got home that night I was sitting across the room from Jon and he asked me if I had garlic for dinner. It must have been bad.
Tonight, K walked into the room and he said phew mommy something stinks in here. As he got closer he said "It coming from your mouth mommy!" It must be bad if he notices. Although he has been saying some funny things lately.
Just yesterday, I told him that he needed to get his hair combed so he could go play at his friend E's house. He told me "I think E won't mind my hair just like this." Then when Jon came into the kitchen from getting dressed for the day K said "Daddy, you look really nice in your sweater today!"
We were also told by his teacher that he the rule enforcer at school. Jon told the teachers that if we could just make that last maybe he would stay out of trouble for awhile. I guess at the very least I better teach him about manners and bad breath comments.
So tonight to save everyone, even the house plants from my breath we all got bundled up and went for a walk through the neighborhood. It was a nice night for it and the kids and I had fun counting all the pumpkins that we could see. I think we ended with 13. It is nice that we are now at the point where the kids can go for a walk with me and I do not need to carry them or push a stroller the size of Texas!
Now I am off to brush my teeth over and over so I can at least get good night kisses from my family.

Wordless Wed - Two Birds with One Stone

A Walk in the Woods

Today was a beautiful fall day here. WOW! It was so nice and I tried to soak up all the rays I could because I know soon it will be cold and miserable outside.
We headed over to Uncle T's house for some football today and at half time we had fun playing tackle football in Uncle T's yard. It is a blast to watch these kids run around and tackle each other playing football. A is not sure about being tackled but the other two LOVE it. K is so into sports right now it is great. He loves to play and watch sports. Just tonight he choose to cheer for the Tampa Bay Rays on his own. Even when his Uncle T said we need to cheer for the Red Sox! He will be thrilled when he wakes up tomorrow to find out that "his" team won.
After our football watching, we all decided it was time to take a walk. I was thinking it would be fun to walk up to the park but then Grandpa pointed out that it is supposed to be beautiful down in the woods. Uncle T and I decided to trace our old steps and take the kids down into the woods. They LOVED it and it was beautiful. My only regret is that I did not have my camera with me to capture the awesomeness of the colors. It was so peaceful and beautiful. The kids loved it too.
After our nature hike we ended up at the park where Uncle T and myself played a few games of tether ball and I took a beating. It was fun thought. The kids showed us all their tricks at the park and then we moved over to the softball fields where they ran the bases over and over again pretending that they were playing a game. It was a ton of fun and a beautiful weekend for lots of outdoor play.

Colors

WOW! I love this time of year. It is always so beautiful outside with all the leaves changing colors, the cool air, and the smell of autumn in the air.
Today, I spend with the kids outdoors...the whole day. I am wiped out tonight. It is amazing how fresh air can just make you so tired. The kids had a blast riding their bikes, playing at the park, visiting some our friends S & G in the morning and then the C triplets in the afternoon. It was a great day.
Tonight we headed over to Blockbuster to pick out a few "kid" movies and then we picked up some pizza on the way home. It was such a nice day. We are all beat tonight. Hopefully all of us will sleep well too.

It's Show Time

I know that I have not been very faithful at posting on this blog lately. I guess I have no good excuse other than I am trying to cut down on computer time and invest more time for the kids, our house, and everything else.
Having said that, here are some of the things we have been up too!
Recently Grandma M, J, and I took the kids to the Playhouse Disney show. We had a blast. It is always such a treat to watch how excited the kids get over stuff like this. K was just giggling the whole time, the girls were so excited too. It was a blast. It is always so much fun to do things like this with these kids. I am sure in just a few short years, they will no longer enjoy these shows but I will forever hold those giggles and smiles and the innocence of it all. Next I think we will hit the circus. We have yet to go.

Wordless Wednesday - Lifetime Friends