PICS

Getting ready to play the Erickson version of Church Basketball...Thank you Finland!

Everyone picking out which stick will work best for them. After the game we realized that the girls were the most aggressive, what happened to you guys? Michelle & Rashel fit right in with fighting back. Michelle scored twice, knocked my dad down flat, and Rashel...well let us just say she played Emily's Version too.

What a cute couple! Joshua played with Grandma & Emily while we played. It was so much fun to run around.

Joshua in the morning and doing what he does best...EAT! He is such a good eater and loves his Cheerios!

Father & son trying to swim in freezing St. George weather. Actually it was really nice but still too cold to swim. Maybe next year Joshua. I love my boys!

Realizing that I made the better decision by staying out of the water and taking pics!

That is about as deep as they went.

Christmas morning, which for the Erickson really means 11:30am. We had so much fun! Thanks mom & dad for all the gifts.

Christmas in St.George

I wanted to write a quick blurb because I had such a wonderful Christmas! I was able to spend a whole week in St. George with my entire family. This is especially great because I have a sister moving back East. She will now be so far away but I will make sure to visit her once she gets settled.

We stayed at our timeshare and had loads of fun because we were all there. Joshua behaved mildly well and warmed up to my family pretty quickly. He especially liked our newest addition to the family, Michelle. I think it might have something to do with the black hair but who knows. He loves my sisters and even Joe got in good with him by the end of the week.

Christmas was great except when my beautiful red palm centro phone broke. So sad, I loved that phone and it had so many great notes in it. It had all my doctor's appointments from my pregnancy, doc's information, notes from Ethan's baby blessing, and a few other things that were extremely special. I was able to manage to get back some information but if you would like my new phone number let me know.

So now that my phone was broken Matt & I decided to do something crazy and get iphones. I was a little worried but we went with the 8gig instead of the 16gig which made it a lot cheaper than we planned on. I was a little worried about losing my key board but I think I am now officially a MAC person. I know, I feel awful but I they are so user friendly that it is hard not to like them. They are like kitten heels and pumps...they seems like they would be weird and uncomfortable but once you break them in they are great! I really love shoes & coats if you didn't know ;).

We are glad to be home but sad to leave St. George weather. I forgot how cold it was and am not looking forward to one of the coldest month in Logan...January. But I will get through it and look forward to seeing fall leaves again!

I'm too tired to post pictures but I will soon of our adventures. Strangely I didn't take that many photos but I think it was because we were having so much fun. I love my family and I love hanging out with them. I only wish El Jacob was there too but he will be here in less than a month! WAHOO!

I hope you all had a safe and great Christmas too!

Just a Thought

So now Disney has an African-American princess I am wondering when they will have a hispanic prince with TWO parents. That would be the day...hehehehe

Seriously...

AHHHHHHHHHH!


I'm feeling a little overwhelmed right now with some new I just received.


AHHHHHHHHHH!



AHHHHHHHHHH!

I'm ok now.

Thoughts...

So yesterday was one of the craziest days I ever had. I went from being really happy to being really sad, to being really happy again. I just now need to list some things.

-I love salsa
-Love that salsa is my comfort food
-Love that I can eat a whole bowl of salsa on my own
-Love that salsa is not ice cream or chocolate because that would make my indulgence wrong
-Am happy that Matt loves salsa too
-Love that Matt laughs at me when he comes home to find the new bought salsa container empty and my guilty face
-I love that salsa is made up of vegetables
-All salsa is not made equally...


-Music
-I love my ipod
-Can't wait to one day have an iphone...so excited
-Listening to music helps take me places I have never been
-Music helps to drain out those worked up emotions
-Where would I be without music in my workouts?
-Basically music rocks my world



-Dancing
-I love to dance
-I have always loved to dance
-I work out my frustrations through dancing...Joshua loves to watch me dance and laughs all the time at me...probably because I'm crazy
-I love movies about dance, Take the Lead especially
-Love Latin dancing, love Latin moves!
-Love that I am a Latin who can dance


My last post was a little too serious but it really was something I just needed to write out. This post is just another thing I needed to write out because sometimes it helps to share what helps you vent.

The Conundrum...

My conundrum is as follows...



Being a mother is the hardest thing I have ever had to do. Sometimes I just want to scream! I really miss working and I miss having more adult interaction. I miss shopping all day long and I miss sleep. I miss being able to exercise whenever and however long I want. I miss being able to do lots of things...


However, my little boy is the cutest little boy in the WORLD. He laughs and plays all day...actually that one is a little annoying because he has to always have me by him ;). Honestly, I'm not one of those mothers who have it together all the time. But everytime I look at him I'm filled with such love and INSTANT JOY that it makes all the late nights, poopy explosions, crying etc. all worth it.

Nothing could give me greater joy. My two boys are awesome and were meant to help me understand why I am here. I love love love love love love love love love love love love love
being a mother. Really, there is no greater calling.

This last week I've been sick but Joshua has been extremely clingy. He won't fall asleep unless he falls asleep on my chest...so cute. I love it, but hate it.

However, it really makes me think about what is most important in this life...others. Serving is soul-fulling and who better to serve than your family. I love my little family and can't wait to add more...I know I must be crazy because having more children means not eating for 9 months or drinking water (oh how I love water). But it is worth the sacrifice to hold him, to be the one to calm him, and it is the best when he laughs and smiles up at you. You can feel the warmth that radiates from his little spirit.

I love my conundrum because it's not a conundrum...


I would gladly sacrifice anything for my spouse and children




and I am sure I will have to because that is the price tag to such joy!

Our World...

Josh was trying to use a spoon the other day so I thought I would let him try it. He was doing really well until we broke the camera out...little punk. Anyways, here is a quick clip.

Joshua trying to learn how to walk I.

He is so close...but I think he is a little top heavy (his head is still in the 90th percentile) but I know it will come when he's ready. I'm just so proud of him!

Seriously...you choose a gender opt out?

New Mexico roughhouser Elizabeth Lambert has done it all—she beat up a chick on television, became a national pariah, then a cautionary tale, and now has a soft-focus mea culpa in The New York Times. Next stop: Hollywood!


Lambert wisely chose the Times over say, Maxim or (worse) Newsweek, to give her first interview since being suspended over rough play against BYU. There were basically three messages she wanted to get across. One, rough play is a part of soccer life. Two, even though she temporarily lost her mind, she is not a she-devil. Three, you're all a bunch of sicko pervs.


She is absolutely right when she claims that the public reaction was mostly a result of her being a girl. Lambert says was most upset that people assumed that because she plays the game a little dirty, she must be some kind of bi-curious S&M freak. (No, she will not go on a date with you, anonymous loser.) It doesn't really help that the Times photographer turned her into a J. Crew model for a story that is essentially about sports, but as far as image rehabilitation projects go, I'd say this one is pretty successful.


Lambert—who only received two yellow cards in her career before the BYU game—was suspended indefinitely, but New Mexico's season is done anyway, so who knows how or if this will affect her senior year. I think that the sector of the population that is not a bunch of stuck-up worrywarts (or sexually frustrated trolls) is already on Team Elizabeth anyway, so I predict next year's Lobo home games to be the best attended matches ever.

"I think the way the video came out, it did make me look like a monster. That’s not the type of player I am. I’m not just out there trying to hurt players. That’s taking away from the beauty of the game. And I would never want to do that," Lambert said to the Times.
came from:
http://deadspin.com/5407601/elizabeth-lambert-comes-full-circle

I JUST POSTED THIS TO REMEMBER THAT THERE ARE DIRTY PLAYERS IN THIS WORLD. SOME WHO DON'T CARE ABOUT ANYTHING BUT WINNING. I KNOW I PLAYED ROUGH BUT THAT IS PART OF THE GREAT GAME OF SOCCER.

THIS GIRL WENT TOO FAR THOUGH. I THINK HER EXCUSES ARE INCREDIBLY BOGUS BUT WILL LAUGH BECAUSE THE MEDIA HAS ALREADY EATEN HER ALIVE. HAHAHAHA.

THANKS FOR THE LAUGH ELIZABETH LAMBERT!

To Vent....

Dear Parents with Ill Children,

I know that going to church is very important. It really does help break up the long tedious week but I have a small request of you. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE don't bring your ill children to church. Seriously.

Today Matt & I saw a little girl puke her guts out. Poor thing, she was probably only 2 and there she was puking during the middle of sunday school. Don't you think if your child is ill you should keep them home? It is flu season & the swine flu is ever present, so why don't you take your children home?

I know that the Lord will not be mad at you for staying home & tending your poor child. Because, honestly, who wants to be at church when they are ill. Plus, think of the other children you are putting at risk.

Sincerely,



The Smith Family

Festivities!

I will say that Halloween gets more fun when you have kids. Joshua was originally not fond of his costume but ended up loving being Pooh Bear. Isn't he so cute! I just love those cheeks! For Halloween we went to a family on campus party on the 30th. There was even an adult dressed in Joshua's costume too...which was a little weird but they were cute together. We took Joshua to go see all the people and other kids. He definitely had one of the better costumes for kids.

Mommy & Son.

This is my favorite! I love my little boy so much! He just had his 9 month check-up and here are his stats.

weight: 21.5 lbs

height: 27 1/2 "

He is now in the 50th percentile for both measurements. He is doing really well and really close to walking. Matt bets it will be any day but I think it won't be until sometime during his 10th month.

This halloween our neighbors watched Joshua so Matt & I could go to the temple during the day. It was so much fun! We have been to the temple but because we have a child we take turns going separately. We haven't been together for a session for months. It was so fun to be in the Logan temple. That makes my temple count up to 6, only half have been in Utah though. I guess Matt & I need to do a temple road trip now that there are so many temples in Utah. Then we picked up Joshua & went to the Olive Garden for a delicious meal. It was such a fun day. The only sad thing is that we didn't get any trick or treaters. Oh well, maybe next year.

Ms. Independent

The other day our beloved Nissan Altima would not start. Joshua and I really needed to go to the store so I decided I would fix it myself (Matt would not be home until 7:30pm). I have lucky enough to have a brother who always wanted me to NOT be a helpless girl. I have done numerous oil changes, a radiator flush, waxing jobs semiannually, and the list goes on.

I popped the hood and took a look. Hhmmm. It looks like the battery cables have become corroded. I will just clean them and see if that is what is causing the problem (it has happened before with our car). So I set out to clean it. I assembled baking soda, water, and petroleum jelly. I had a scrub brush and several napkins from the car also. I took off the battery cables cleaned them, lubed them, and felt actually quiet proud of myself. I was feeling like a REAL Ms. Independent. Now if only it would start. I impressed my neighbors because I was a girl fixing my car without a man. Their faces looked similar to the ones I saw in CA when I was washing & waxing my car in our apartment parking lot. I guess it is really weird to see a girl take care of her car.

I got in feeling the car after I was done, feeling very proud, and suddenly my hopes were dashed. It didn't fix it. I was so sad and really disappointed because I really wanted to fix it and be proud that I did.

Turns out Nissans have a problem with 'flooding' in cold weather. The good news is that our battery cables are clean and that our car does not have any major problems, like with the alternator...which is what I was afraid of.

My Best Friend's Wedding

So my dearest friend Trenton Lowe got married this past weekend. We drove down and had a fun filled day of celebrating Trenton's & Emily's wedding. We almost didn't make it to the sealing but walked in right as they called, 'the Lowe & Bryson wedding.' It was really close because the parking that day in the conference center was aweful. I booked it in 3 inch heels in order to make it on time for their wedding. The sealing was amazing and this makes my 5th sealing that I have attended. They are incredible and extremely special. I love being there with my husband because it reminds me of when we were there and just getting started.

Joshua did really well during the whole day. He slept during the dinner and was awake & very adorable for the rest of the festivities. Notice Trenton & his beautiful mother in the background. Trent's parents were probably the most 'chill' I have ever seen parents of the wedding party.

The beautiful ring ceremony we attended also. I'm pretty sure if I were a guy I would be standing infront of Ryan...that's right Ryan. I'd be first ;).

Random pic of Joshua that I could not help but put in. I love him and he is absolutely adorable! But what should I expect with such a handsome dad.

Coming out of the temple. They looked so happy!

Friends forever. I'm still so incredibly short compared to them but I tried to make it less obvious by wearing heels that day. But as you can see I'm still much shorter than them. Matt, Joshua & I had so much fun! Temple weddings are the best.

Update on Joshua. Well he is almost 9 months and about 23 lbs. He has mastered crawling and continues to love to stand. He can say 'mama' (Yes, it wasn't dad!) He doesn't like his baby food anymore but wants whatever we eat. He loves peaches, popciles, and apples. He has two teeth and I know more are coming.

Logan is great and we are having so much fun here. Matt has a big weekend coming up in Boston for a possible job/summer internship. He is going to stay a little longer and get his MBA too. Which means we will be here for 2 years and he will walk out with an MS in HR & and MBA. I'm so proud of him and am willing to wait the few years so that our future will look even brighter!

Birthday Bash

So yesterday was Maritza's birthday bash, and we had oh so much fun. Joshua was nice enough to wake us all up at 6:30 AM. What I nice boy. Mom was thrilled, of course, because this meant that she would be able to open presents much earlier than we thought she would be.

I had to leave for the day to go to school and get a lot of work done, but Maritza still got to play while I was gone. I got off of work a little early and came home to get ready for the rest of the fun. The thing Maritza did not know is that she had a surprise coming at 5:00. Her mom and dad showed up! And took us to the lovely restaurant...

After this lovely meal, we came back for some of the best cake in the world made by Cold Stone... Very delicious. We still have a ton of it left!

Yes, it was delicious.

The next afternoon. I had yet another surprise waiting for her. I was a little concerned about the idea, but it turned out to be one of the best ideas I've ever had. We went ice skating! And guess what.... Josh got to go too!

It was a great day. We had the entire ice skating rink to ourselves! Nothing could have been more fun. So Happy Birthday Maritza! I hope you had as much fun as I did!

-Matt

Bear Lake!

Our Bear Lake family fun weekend was so fun! Everyone was there except for Emily/Craig and of course, El Jacob. We had a family BBQ and I have officially realized that Steak is an amazing food! I love it! I never really liked it before but now am very fond of it. We spent Saturday at the lake and Joshua loved playing in the water. He generally likes water so I was not surprised. We went boating and rented jet ski's. Matt & I had lots of fun cruising around the lake on a jet ski. The first night everyone was sleeping in our condo but after realizing that if Joshua sleeps with us (he does not sleep at all), so everyone moved over to the next condo. Sorry family...honestly though he does sleep well just not with us.

I am so happy that he does sleep in his crib. His crib is way cute so it makes me feel better about purchasing one that was a little $$$. Oh, well...what do you have kids for if not to spoil them rotten! It really is easier than I thought it would ever be. I love shopping for him but hav realized that if I had a girl I think it would be even more easy to spoil her.
Joshua playing in his pack'n play. He loved playing in it and is almost too big for the bassinet feature.

Joshua took a nap with us on the beach. I love when he falls asleep in my arms. Because he is getting so big my arm muscle are getting quite defined. Which is something that I do not mind. The beach was cold if you weren't constantly moving around. So Matt & I still have our T-shirts on.

Daddy & son. They are perfect!

Stepping into the water and realizing that it was freezing! But after the initial dip it was not bad at all.

My cute little chunk!

We also celebrated my birthday up there. How fun! A chocolate Mouse cake from Parson's is better than any other cake...except for maybe a chocolate peanutbutter cup cake from Cold Stone. MMmmmmmmm.

Our first look at the Lake. Utah is really stunning. I love the mountains, the lakes, and everything in this beautiful state. I just wish summers were not so hot.

Old Friends Who Feel Like Family

My friend Christina came to visit us over Labor Day weekend. I was so excited when she sent me a message on facebook telling me that she was coming. I love her to death and love hanging out with old friends from the MSS office! I also set her up with one of my best friends and we ALL had fun. We went golfing, shopping, and to a fabulous restaurant in SLC. I'm so sad she is gone and my fun is over but this weekend I will be hanging out with family and it too will be a blast! September has been such a great month and I am afraid that October will not be as much fun. Oh, but I will have to try and make it fun...at least I will get to wear my many coats/jackets soon!


Joshua hanging out while the rest of us were trying to pretend we knew how to golf.

The girls...showing off our mad skills!

More Joshua....don't worry he hasn't figured out how to open the markers but he loves playing with them and we practice the names of the colors with them.

At the restaurant as couples.

Shopping at the Gateway. I love shopping and I love shopping with the girls!

70th & 3rd Anniversary!

Today was mine & my grandparent's anniversary! Matt had class until 6:00 today so Joshua and I decided to go on a little road trip to Brigham. We went and put flower on my grandfather's grave to help celebrate his big day. The interesting thing about it was that as soon as I set Joshua down by the grave site he would not stop smiling. He was laughing and giggling as if I were tickling him. It was really neat and made me weepy.

I cried all the way to Brigham because I was thinking about past memories I had with my grandparents. I really miss you Quig! Thank you for being such great grandparents!

Sooooo CUUUUTTTEEE!

The flower I brought him and their special date.

I tried to take a picture of us laying down but as you can see Joshua didn't like the sun...even though it was overcast.

This one is by far my favorite. We had such a fun time!

That is what a 7 month old that weighs 20 lbs 4 oz looks like ;).

After Matt got home we went and ate at a local restaurant that has been around since 1914. Apparently it was the place to hang-out when my grandparents were in Logan. Once I was there I realized that I had been there before with my grandparents and parents. What a neat place! Matt & I enjoyed our steak and even got a free dessert! What a deal!

It doesn't even seem like we have been married for that long. So much has change and we have come so far! Our marriage is so strong and we are SOOO HAPPY! I have the best family!

6 Month Stats

weight: 19 lbs 14 oz
height: 27 ''

Just last week we had Joshua weighed again and he is 20 lbs 4 oz. He is getting so big so fast. He loves to walk around now and tries to get me to let go, as if he could walk by himself. He is such a stink! We love him and are enjoying every tear, smile, and dirty diaper ;).

He is sleeping better and seems to really like his new home at Utah State. Our third year anniversary is coming up so we will most definitely post some pics of our special day.

REAL Game, Weddings, & Move...

So this is kind of out of order but oh well. Joe & Michelle leaving the dinner. Leaving for the first time as Mr. & Mrs. Erickson. Still weird but a good weird! We are so happy for them and love that we have a perfect couple to hang out with now at family functions. We only wish that Joe & Michelle will have a child soon so Joshua can have a playmate.

Dad watched Joshua all day! He finally went to sleep after a burning hot day at the temple. Joshua loves his daddy!

The happy couple! Finally coming out of the temple. It was weird seeing Joe kiss Michelle so many times that day...however, it would of been more weird if he had not. Congrats again Michelle & Joe!

Cute adore Saders! I love her!

Waiting outside in the heat for Joe & Michelle to come out! Joshua was not happy!

Daddy trying to get Joshua's mind off the heat.

At the REAL Salt Lake game with friends. It was such an exciting game but Joshua thought otherwise. He hated the loud noise and since REAL scored 4 times it was really hard for him to deal with the noise. He watched the fireworks just fine later after the game though.

Friends for life. Diana & I had so much fun at the game. It was so good to catch up with her.

Family spending time together. Joshua actually did great at the beginning. It wasn't until they scored that he freaked out.

The move to Utah State was chaotic! It was hard on all! I even got sick right after the move with an extremely high fever, so Matt took care of Joshua while I slept most of the day. It is so hot here but not nearly as hot as in Bountiful. I have realized that I was not meant to live in Utah during the summer. Hopefully Matt will get an internship somewhere cold during next summer so I don't have to worry about the heat anymore.

Latest news on Joshua. Did I mention he is allergic to Milk! What a joke for me! I love Cheese, Ice cream, and most dairy products. I have had to cut out all diary from my diet and it has been rough. Joshua is loving to walk (with assistance) around his new home and loves his bouncer. He now prefers to sleep on his stomach and we are grateful because he is starting to sleep longer than he ever has. Maybe he will start sleeping through the night...one can only hope.