Erickson Family Blog

Still Love Bono

2009-10-13T18:22:00.001-07:00

We went to the U2 concert last night @ the new Cowboys Stadium. Muse also performed, which was awesome! It was a great show! Too bad I couldn't get anyone to smile for the camera.

Baby Steven

2009-04-05T04:41:00.000-07:00

The long awaited baby Steven finally came yesterday!! We are so excited about our new nephew! Dave is still in training in Georgia and was only able to come into town for about 36 hours for the delivery. Fortunately, Steven came quickly, and they were able to enjoy some time together as a family. Jake will be a great big brother!

Go #25!

2008-09-07T16:09:00.000-07:00

Cutest football player ever! Matt has always played soccer, but he and his best friend Clint decided that they would also try football this year, and Matt is the starting kicker for the varsity team! We had a great time watching him in action on Friday.

P.S. Last week he made a 52-yard field goal. Go Warriors!

Isaac's New Girlfriend

2008-08-20T17:03:00.000-07:00

Isaac is obsessed with Baby Gracie!! (I can't say I blame him...she's pretty cute, and she's remarkably happy) During our week in NC, he would not let her go. I hope he got his fix.

Weddings!

2008-08-17T14:20:00.000-07:00

It has been a busy month, and I have tons of pictures! Kari got married on Aug 2 in Bountiful, Utah. It was great to see my family in Utah! She had her reception at her grandma-in-law's house in Henefer (near Park City). Once again, Grammy and Shandra made a beautiful cake!

Other Utah highlights...

...eating at Cafe Rio!

...visiting Logan (including the house where Grandma Otte grew up)

...and a late night trip to Temple Square.

Then, Isaac's brother Joey got married in the Raleigh Temple!

Rachel is great, and it is nice to have another redhead in the family

After the reception, we all (except for the honeymooners) went to a cabin in the mountains near Asheville. We played pool, watched the olympics, and enjoyed the beautiful view.

Baby Gracie

2008-04-05T09:15:00.000-07:00

Over spring break, Isaac went to North Carolina for baby Gracie's blessing (she is Jenny & Jordan's new baby). Isaac is a reluctant baby-holder, but I have proof that it happened!

Hannah & Jo-ya

2008-02-12T15:37:00.000-08:00

Hannah & Joey (and of course, Sadie and Bryan, too) came to visit last night. It has been too long since we have seen them, and we had a great time!

The Annual Erickson Gift Challenge

2008-02-10T07:00:00.000-08:00

Last night, Isaac and I gave each other $4 to find the best gift at the dollar store. He did much better than I did, and he can't stop telling everyone we know that he is a much better gift giver than I am. Apparently, his $4 gift trumps every birthday and Christmas for the last 4 years.

Best of 2007

2008-02-04T20:02:00.000-08:00

Better late than never...

Greatest Accomplishment
Isaac: Best cartoonist ever!
Maren: Getting a new job...so scary

Biggest Disappointment
Isaac: Classes
Maren: Mavs lose playoffs in first round

Best Movie
Isaac: Simpsons
Maren: Don't remember, but Simpsons was good

Best Date
Isaac: seeing "The Nutcracker" and having a romantic dinner (no joke, these are Isaac's words)
Maren: ice sculptures and hot chocolate

Best Song
Isaac: I don't know; I'm never allowed to use the iPod
Maren: anything by Sara Bareilles

Best Ethan Quote
Isaac: Ethan saying, "Go get your shinebox!"
Maren: When asked what was wrong, Ethan yelled, "Noffing!" (translation: Nothing!)

Most Shocking Discovery
Isaac: Kids are cool!
Maren: Guacamole tastes good

Abby's Baptism!

2008-02-03T14:17:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, Abby was baptized! We are so proud of her and her decision. Thank you Abby for letting us share your special day with you!

Oops!

2008-02-03T14:00:00.000-08:00

I totally forgot to blog Christmas! It was great. We had the traditional Trowbridge family nativity (which had the welcome addition of a "sheep"), and of course, the fam went bowling (I won for the first time ever)!

In other news...

Matt got his first yellow card at a high school soccer game for slapping another kid...he knows how to make his sister proud.

My brother Dave broke his wrist and is home with Jake and Leah recouperating for a few weeks. He has been in training in Georgia for work.

Mom got to meet "The Fonz." He wrote a children's book, and she got to talk to him about it.

San Antonio

2007-12-14T16:43:00.000-08:00

The San Antonio Staples:

Family
Spurs!
the Alamo
the Temple
Tom's Ribs
Riverwalk

____________________________________________

I went to San Antonio last week for work, and I got to spend time with my cousins (it has been way too long). It was great catching up, being introduced to Tom's Ribs and seeing the Spurs play the Mavs!

Christmas Tree!

2007-11-28T19:53:00.000-08:00

It took two long nights, but the Christmas tree for the Stake Nativity is now done!

Ice!

2007-11-26T20:01:00.000-08:00

Tonight, we went to the Gaylord Texan Resort Ice exhibit. There were tons of ice sculptures, including a beautiful nativity in the center, and an ice slide! They keep it at 9 degrees, so we couldn't stay too long, but we had a wonderful time.

Halloween with Dorothy & the Cowboy

2007-11-03T18:43:00.001-07:00

What Happened?

2007-10-29T16:05:00.000-07:00

I am relatively crafty, not super-creative, but relatively crafty. That is why I was pleased to hear that Frost had an annual pumpkin decorating contest. I thought about it for awhile, and at the last minute, I decided to turn my pumpkin into a bumblebee. I just can't figure out at what point my bumblebee decided that he wanted to look like Zorro.

Retreat!

2007-10-29T05:21:00.001-07:00

I went to the scrapbooking retreat this weekend at the Covered Bridge Inn in Weatherford. Although I didn't get a lot of pages completed, I had a great, relaxing time (and I finished all my Christmas cards!) Here are the pages I did...

Pumpkin Patch

2007-10-24T16:15:00.000-07:00

This weekend, we went with Dave, Leah, and Jake to the Pumpkin Patch in Flower Mound. It was so fun! There was quite a crowd there, but we had a great time launching pumpkins, watching Jake ride the train, and wandering around amid the pumpkins.

Puppy Love

2007-08-20T09:36:00.000-07:00

Isaac, I just wanted to remind you that I want a puppy (preferably this one).

Restaurant Review: The sweet taste of Germany...?

2007-08-18T20:21:00.000-07:00

Well those crazy Germans did it again... no, not invade Poland. Hoffbrau Steakhouse is just about the best sit-down eating joint I have ever been to. Maren and I ate the fried mushrooms. I am a huge fan of all of green Mother Earth's fungi, however these are my favorite. I ordered shrimp, which was absolutely worth every penny, but Maren's chicken made me a little jealous. The inside has a nice rustic feel, wooden tables, floors, and there was a waiter with a wooden leg. The booth we sat at was extremely comfortable and the glasses were HUGE. Oh also, I saw the giant-est steak covered in onion rings while I was there. As it passed me, sizzling in its' own juices, I wondered, "how long does that guy have to live."
Simon Pottinbutter
P.S. I think "Hoffbrau" should mean "best dang steakhouse you'll ever going to eat at without having to wear a freaking tie."

It's Official!

2007-08-14T08:03:00.000-07:00

I start my new position at Frost on August 27! I have been in need of a change for a while now, and I am so excited (and a little scared) now that it is here. I would never have done it without Isaac's incessant poking and prodding (or maybe this is called encouragement?).

The Simpsons Meet the Ericksons

2007-07-30T15:58:00.000-07:00

It has long since been my dream to become apart of the Simpsons... now I have... and look there's Maren. I think this is my favorite picture of us ever.

Family Day

2007-07-29T06:14:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, we went with the whole family to the Fort Worth Zoo. Despite the heat, we had a great time, and we even got to see the new baby black bears. Afterward, Mom and Dad treated us to a pizza and ice cream party!

Movie Review: The Simpsons

2007-07-28T18:27:00.000-07:00

This is our first ever Erickson Family Blog movie review, so it is only appropriate that it be The Simpsons. This movie is hilarious. I was changed from the wife of a Simpsons enthusiast into a Simpsons lover myself with just a two-hour session. ---Maren

If you are going to break the law and rob a bank in order to pay for one movie this Summer, my vote is for "The Simpsons Movie." It is rated PG-13. I was a bit stunned to see parents bringing their nine, ten, and eleven-year old kids into the theater. The jokes are edgy, the gags are great, but be warned... when Bart is skateboarding naked... leave it up to the Simpson writers to go where no other cartoon has gone before. Also, make sure you bring an extra pair of underwear because I pissed mine twice while laughing so hard. ----- Simon Pottinbutter

3 Years!

2007-05-30T15:34:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Isaac and I celebrated our third anniversary. We have come a long way in 3 years. We were able to spend a great day together and just enjoy each other. Happy Anniversary Sweetheart!

Happy Birthday Ryan!

2007-05-24T19:42:00.000-07:00

Ryan is 30! We celebrated with Chinese food and ice cream! It was wonderful to celebrate with him today. There were many years when birthdays and celebrations together were not so lighthearted. I am reminded today of what a blessing forgiveness has been in my life. I am blessed with a remarkable friend that I never could have imagined I would enjoy so much. What a blessing it is to think of all the years ahead of us, sharing in each others lives, enjoying our nieces and nephews, and having each other the lean on. Thank you for that. Happy birthday, my friend. I love you.

Congrats Katie!

2007-05-10T20:59:00.000-07:00

My friend Katie is pregnant! She is 13 weeks along, and the baby will be a Texan! She and her husband moved to Houston last week. I am so excited for them. This has made me think a lot about motherhood over the last few days. Sometimes I think that as a woman and as a wife, I should have all my affairs in order, including a beautifully clean house and a little baby to wake me up at night. This inevitably leads me to reflect on the blessings of living by God's plan instead of my own. The time isn't right, and I am completely happy with that. In the meantime, I have my Abby and Ethan.

Recent Scrapbook Pages

2007-05-05T21:50:00.000-07:00

The Knee Dance

2007-05-03T10:23:00.000-07:00

We had a great time with Grandpa and Sonya on Sunday. Of course, Grandpa broke out the knee dance again, and I just thought it should be documented for posterity.

Spring has Sprung

2007-04-28T10:03:00.000-07:00

Last night, Mom and I planted new flowers in her garden! I have great memories of doing this every spring, and sometimes trying to surprise her with a new garden for Mother's Day. I realized that planting a garden is so much more fun when you know you have no responsibility for taking care of it.

Cannon Fodder

2007-04-26T10:31:00.000-07:00

What I Need

2007-04-25T20:07:00.000-07:00

I love Google. Andrea suggested today that I google, "Maren needs..." in the hopes of finding some entertaining blog material. According to Google, here are the things I need most:

Maren needs her hair washed and combed .
Maren needs to get on!
Maren needs a big sister.
Maren needs to do more work in laying out the Bush administration part of her argument.
Maren needs 35 people to show up for her .
Maren needs someone more active, but i'll never give up.
Maren needs a sugar momma!
Maren needs our help.
Maren needs a nickname badly.
Maren needs to shut down the entire cell phone network of Chicago
Maren needs a kidney transplant.

Playoff Time

2007-04-22T15:28:00.000-07:00

The playoffs start today for the Mavs and Spurs. It really is the best time of year, so bring on the cheeseball! Go Mavs AND Spurs!

Game Night!

2007-04-21T22:22:00.000-07:00

We went to a Rangers game tonight! It was Isaac's first, so he was very excited. We enjoyed great company, excellent kosher hotdogs, fun fireworks, and there was some baseball, too.

WICKED

2007-04-21T22:14:00.000-07:00

Last night, I saw Wicked with Andrea and her mom Becky. It was incredible. I hadn't heard much about it, so I was really blown away at the beautiful music and the talented cast. It was so cool to see two powerhouse women singers on stage...they were amazing!

The Zoo!

2007-03-03T05:43:00.000-08:00

I've been begging Isaac to take me to the zoo, and this week he did! Ryan, Andrea, and Ethan came with us, too. Ethan was scared to death of the big gorilla, but other than that, had a great time. I got to pet a stingray, even though some called me scared (who wouldn't be...It jumped out of the water!) I can't wait to go back!

25 Things about Isaac at 25

2007-02-26T09:23:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Isaac! He turned 25 this weekend, and here are 25 things about him...

1. He always wants to do the right thing while making others think the opposite about him.
2. He has the best smile.
3. He loves old Nintendo games.
4. He loves his Primary kids.
5. His staples: popcorn…just popcorn.
6. He is always loyal to his brothers.
7. He has terrible handwriting.
8. He always wants to spend time with his niece and nephew…flying kites, playing at Chick-a- laylay, just goofing around.
9. He speaks Spanish.
10. He would prefer to wear the same shirt every day for the rest of his life.
11. He is very forgiving.
12. He is the smartest and wittiest person I know.
13. His feet look like they came straight out of The Hobbit.
14. He will rarely compromise.
15. His pet peeve is listening to people chew with their mouth open.
16. He smells good and showers two or more times a day.
17. He loves literature and will read anything at least once.
18. He is the fourth of five sons.
19. He must have control over the length of his hair and believes that no one can make him cut it.
20. He is a skilled cartoonist.
21. He loves playing Magic.
22. He hates having a cell phone.
23. He is an excellent speaker and teacher.
24. He makes up goofy songs and can’t stop singing them (i.e. a little song he wrote about James Brown).
25. He is happiest when everyone around him is laughing.

Abby and Isaac

2007-02-18T11:53:00.000-08:00

Abby and Isaac both love the camera, but only Abby is able to openly admit it.

Snow Day!

2007-01-17T20:16:00.000-08:00

Today was a snow day! Coincidentally, I already had the day off of work, and Isaac had no classes (too bad, since all classes were cancelled anyway). We had a great time doing...not much of anything. We took a few pictures to prove to ourselves that there was snow in 2007!

Mmm...Onion Rings

2007-01-13T11:36:00.000-08:00

I started Weight Watchers with Andrea this week. So far, it is going well. I am excited about the difference I already feel in my mood and my health. Last night, however, we got a little too ambitious. We tried to make onion rings with Eggbeaters and Fiber One cereal. It was about as good as it sounds. Abby even came out of bed to tell us that she couldn't sleep because of the awful smell.

All Days Are Good Days

2006-12-30T11:15:00.000-08:00

Attending Grandpa's funeral last month reminded me of the amazing man that I am blessed to call my grandfather. Countless people approached us to tell us just how much he had touched their lives. He has always been an unassuming, kind, and faithful man who was quick to tell me that I was so special to him. It was not until I lived close to him that I realized what a righteous and positive influence he has been on me, not only through his role as a grandfather but also as a loving father to my dad. As I am growing up and building a family of my own, I realize what a blessing it is to be given such a legacy of love and faithfulness from my grandfather. You are right Grandpa, all days are good days. I love you.

I am Thankful

2006-11-23T06:05:00.000-08:00

This morning, I was reading MSN, where people all over the country wrote about all of the things they are thankful for. I was very surprised to find that nearly every entry mentioned a gratitude for loving family members and for a loving God.
I, too, am grateful to have a loving family. I am blessed to have a kind and understanding husband who loves me through everything and will stop at nothing to make me laugh. I am grateful for a newly-cultivated relationship with Ryan and Andrea, something that blesses me every day. I am grateful for parents that are unceasingly loving and supportive of me (particularly while we have been working on the nativity). I am grateful for all of my siblings, nephews, and niece, for their love, and for the power of eternal relationships. Most of all, I am thankful for a loving Heavenly Father who continues to bless me every day.
Happy Thanksgiving!

Music In the Air

2006-10-22T20:50:00.000-07:00

I am playing a violin duet in Sacrament Meeting on Sunday. I practiced with Ann Smith today (who is an excellent violinist), and although we really only played for a few minutes, it was pretty emotional for me. I pull out the violin from time to time, but I really have missed it. There's something about it. I think I can express more emotion and feeling on the violin than I can on the piano. Whether you listen, sing, or play, music really can add something so special to your home.

Isaac's Uncle-hood

2006-09-03T19:26:00.000-07:00

Both Andrea and I have made the observation recently that Isaac is a changed man. When we were first married, he had quite a kid phobia. I'll never forget the sight of Isaac hyperventilating when Michelle put her newborn on his chest. Lately, things are different. Abby and Ethan are two of his best buds. In fact, he will hold a conversation with Abby for several minutes before conceding that she can out-talk him (and everyone else). Just this weekend, he was letting Ethan climb all over him. This is not the same Isaac that dreaded the ambiguous and ever-ominous "kid germs." He's a cool uncle now!
(Please, no comments on fatherhood)

Tourist in My Own Town

2006-08-14T15:47:00.000-07:00

Isaac's dad came into town this weekend. I haven't seen him since our wedding, so it has been fun to catch up. Because he wanted to revisit all of the great places in the area, we ran all over the metroplex this weekend. We've been to Downtown Fort Worth, Downtown Dallas, the Stockyards, the Botanic Gardens, the mustang statues in Los Colinas, the longhorn statues in Dallas, and the Galleria. I forgot how fun it is to be a tourist in my own town!

Baby Jake

2006-07-31T19:01:00.000-07:00

Today, we got pictures of Sweet Baby Jake! Every time I see a picture, he just gets cuter. He'll definitely be a heartbreaker!

I Can Scrapbook!

2006-07-30T19:04:00.000-07:00

Friday night, I got to scrapbook with Andrea. I figured out why she does so much scrapbooking; it's because she is so much fun to scrapbook with that everyone wants to scrapbook with her. Due in large part to her instruction, I have finally created a page that looks good! I think I know what the appeal is to it all. I love documenting the memories I have with Isaac. Someday, our kids will look at the goofy pictures of their father and laugh about the silly poses that he made and how young he looked. I thought about making a scrapbook when I was in college, but now I have the motivation of journaling my memories with my sweetheart. It's so fun! A lot of warm feelings come with going through great pictures and having great conversation until late at night. I love it!

Change Is Comin' (Hopefully)

2006-07-27T18:06:00.000-07:00

Today, I went to a job interview at Compass Bank. Wow, there is a whole other world out there! I really enjoy helping people with their finances and am perfectly content working in banking for the rest of my career, especially now that I know that there are places out there that will treat me much better than Texas Trust does. She told me that they will make their decision by next Friday, so I have my fingers crossed. If I don't get this job, at least I know that I should be looking more diligently than I am now. It is definitely time for a change!

Cannon Fodder

2006-07-24T19:23:00.000-07:00

One of the many endearing things about Isaac is that he prides himself on making me laugh, especially during the times when I think I can't. He's my funny man.
He has been channeling his funny bone for yet another great purpose. Although he has done this his whole life, lately he has been very focused on cartooning. Today, he spoke with one of the editors of the UTA Newspaper about having a daily cartoon in the fall! The comic will be named "Cannon Fodder." We all dream about getting paid for what we love to do. Andrea gets paid to teach scrapbooking, Isaac gets paid to cartoon, and I get paid to do banking...oh wait.

Here We Go...

2006-07-23T16:42:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I am doing the blog thing.
I figure this may redeem me from at least a few years of neglecting my journal, or who knows...I might actually enjoy writing a blog.
This past Thursday, I went to stake enrichment. I went expecting the cheesiest night of my adult life, but ended up loving it. Terri Pepper's class was definitely the highest point (not to say that arts and crafts time with Andrea was anything but enlightening). She talked about taking time out for yourself to develop your talents and create life experiences. She has started a list of 100 things that she wants to do in life. I decided to follow her example and start a list myself. I figured that a blog was a great place to keep my growing list.
1. Snorkel with the stingrays
2. Compile my family history
3. Write a personal history
4. Learn to play the guitar, or at least one song
5. Learn ceramics
6. Take a dance class with Isaac
7. Make a quilt (quilt it by hand)
8. Run in a race
9. Get a masters degree
10. Have a baby
11. Whale watch
12. Complete a scrapbook
13. Write a blog