Dear Mom,
Oh my goodness it has been a while since we last chatted. I am so sorry I have not kept you updated with the going ons around here. We think of you often (every day...sometimes several times a day)...oh we miss you soooo much, but we are at peace because Heaven is a wonderful place, filled with glory and grace, I wanna see my Savior's face...Heaven is a wonderful place!! Here is one of those moments: I was getting ready for my last day of school before summer break. I was looking in the mirror and thinking of all the fun summer will bring, like swimming, shopping, napping, playing Little People, Barbies, kitchen, grilling, camping, and of course going out to lunch. That's when the tears began because I realized that you and I couldn't go to Imperial Palace for Chinese...delicious egg drop soup and egg rolls. Loved those days especially when we called for delivery!!
Well, Mom we have had a blast this summer. We went camping at Grand Marias. Mia celebrated her 8th birthday in June with a tie-dye/peace sign birthday party. We had a great time at VBS. We went swimming at grandma and grandpa's. Mia swims under water like a fish. Livi is very independent with her floaties and sometimes thinks she doesn't need them.We celebrated 4th of July with sub sandwiches at Dad's and then headed downtown to see fireworks. We have toured City Market a few times. Hit the Brookfield Zoo twice. Went to Sand Park pool with a co-worker and her kids. Met some of Kurt's cousins on the Erickson side for the 1st time. Spent about a week up in Wisconsin at the lake house with grandpa and grandma Lowman. And very importantly....Sweated! It was a HOT summer...whew!!
Other huge news for the Erickson family.......are you ready for this.....Kurt is opening up an art studio in which he will teach art classes for kids and teens. We are so excited! The name he has chosen is "Messy Palette Art Studio". It will be located on Broadway in an 1800's house. He has so many creative ideas for the space and event ideas. I wish you were here to cheer him on!!! You always did such a great job of cheering and encouraging us!! Thanks for helping our dreams come true!!
Well, tonight is the night before school starts and all through the house not a creature was stirring, not even the 3rd grader of the house! Mia is so, so very excited for school to begin. She is getting to be so tall. She has such a sweet personality. But she has already began to tell me that I do some pretty embarrassing things!! I just thought...you ain't seen nothing yet. Remember the time you waved the huge menu at Damon's and said "you who" at the boys Becky and I saw when I was in college....oh my. I think we crawled under the table.
Today is my birthday!! I turned 37!! I never thought that I wouldn't celebrate these "young" birthdays without my Mom, but God has a plan and He is in control. Dad took me birthday shopping again this year!! I must have behaved last year! He is so precious when he is helping me pick out clothes and waiting patiently while I try everything on. He picked me up in his little blue car and we chatted...wish you were there!
Oh man the time is flying by. I better get to bed because tomorrow is a big day. I love you Mom!!
Love, Jenn
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Friday, April 13, 2012
Easter...He has risen!!
Mom,
Not that I dwell on this, but I am reminded of the events of Easter (or the time around Easter) for the past 2 years. I can remember 2 years ago going to Madison to hear the devastating news that you had an awful disease called cancer and you would only live for 12 months. Then 12 months later, you left this life here on earth and your funeral was a week before Easter. And this year, Livi and Mia were having a snack before going to church for breakfast and Livi asked if Grandpa Erickson and You were going to come for Easter. It broke my heart, but I said "No, they won't be there. Do you miss them? And she stuck her little lip out and said "Yes". I said that I miss you both, too, gave them hugs! But I have a hope in Jesus, who conquered death and the tomb was empty!!! Praise the Lord!! During the Easter service at church we sang the Chris Tomlin's version of Amazing Grace (at the bottom of this post there is a link to a video of this song), which was the one we used at your service. My heart just melts to hear those words. Even though I feel an earthly sadness there is a heavenly promise that I am reminded of.
For our Easter celebrations we started on Saturday with birthday (Uncle Scott's and Kurt's)/Easter at grandpa and grandma Lowman's. We had a delicious meal with an Easter egg hunt for the girls outside. I forgot, Dad had Easter baskets for the girls on Friday. He even bought them hula hoops and tried to show the girls how to use them. I love his enthusiasm. Then for lunch on Sunday, we went to Aunt Donna's with just a small group of us. Lunch was delightful followed by an Easter egg hunt. Then we went over to the Erickson's for dinner. For the first time in 8 years the adults got a chance to visit and carry out an entire conversation!!! I guess that's what happens when we don't have babies anymore.
On the way home, we received a phone call from grandpa and grandma Lowman. Grandma was calling to let us know that Noni had passed away around 7:30 p.m. On my goodness!! My heart just broke. I know that she was tired and not feeling well, but I just wasn't ready for her to go.
Well, as you and Dad said early on "It is what it is". I will choose to celebrate our Risen Savior!!!
Love ya, Jenn
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jbe7OruLk8I
Not that I dwell on this, but I am reminded of the events of Easter (or the time around Easter) for the past 2 years. I can remember 2 years ago going to Madison to hear the devastating news that you had an awful disease called cancer and you would only live for 12 months. Then 12 months later, you left this life here on earth and your funeral was a week before Easter. And this year, Livi and Mia were having a snack before going to church for breakfast and Livi asked if Grandpa Erickson and You were going to come for Easter. It broke my heart, but I said "No, they won't be there. Do you miss them? And she stuck her little lip out and said "Yes". I said that I miss you both, too, gave them hugs! But I have a hope in Jesus, who conquered death and the tomb was empty!!! Praise the Lord!! During the Easter service at church we sang the Chris Tomlin's version of Amazing Grace (at the bottom of this post there is a link to a video of this song), which was the one we used at your service. My heart just melts to hear those words. Even though I feel an earthly sadness there is a heavenly promise that I am reminded of.
For our Easter celebrations we started on Saturday with birthday (Uncle Scott's and Kurt's)/Easter at grandpa and grandma Lowman's. We had a delicious meal with an Easter egg hunt for the girls outside. I forgot, Dad had Easter baskets for the girls on Friday. He even bought them hula hoops and tried to show the girls how to use them. I love his enthusiasm. Then for lunch on Sunday, we went to Aunt Donna's with just a small group of us. Lunch was delightful followed by an Easter egg hunt. Then we went over to the Erickson's for dinner. For the first time in 8 years the adults got a chance to visit and carry out an entire conversation!!! I guess that's what happens when we don't have babies anymore.
On the way home, we received a phone call from grandpa and grandma Lowman. Grandma was calling to let us know that Noni had passed away around 7:30 p.m. On my goodness!! My heart just broke. I know that she was tired and not feeling well, but I just wasn't ready for her to go.
Well, as you and Dad said early on "It is what it is". I will choose to celebrate our Risen Savior!!!
Love ya, Jenn
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jbe7OruLk8I
Friday, April 6, 2012
Memories are a beautiful thing
Dear Mom,
Well, one year ago on April 1st is when you left this life on Earth and were relieved from your earthly pain and discomfort. As our family stood by your bed side and watched you peacefully take your last breath, we held on to the hope our Heavenly Father has promised us...this world is not our home, we are just passing through and there is a place more wonderful...HEAVEN!!! We miss you dearly and sometimes hate the fact that you are not here to celebrate the holidays with us or birthdays or even to call and ask for a recipe. But again, we hold on to the hope of God's plan for our life! Even those painful/lonely days, we want to bring glory and honor to God!!
On Sunday, April 1st, family gathered together at Egg Harbor for lunch after church, traveled to the cemetery (grandma Lowman read a poem, grandpa Lowman prayed, many tears were shed, hugs were shared, and we held each other up), and then we moved to your house for pie and ice cream. We enjoyed delicious home baked pies prepared by DAD!!! They were gorgeous and yummy!! We were so appreciative of the support and encouragement of those around us that day!
Mom, I always wonder how Mia and Livi are handling all of this. You and their grandpa Erickson were erased from their lives within a matter of 6 months. It breaks my heart! Especially since I am so blessed to have both of my grandparents alive and such an active part of my life, not to mention a 102 year old great-grandmother! So, we share memories of your lives! We look at pictures! We remember those "character building" moments! We pass on traditions that you began for us! And most importantly, we share the love of Jesus with them and pray that they will be a shining light unto the world! Thank you for the memories.
Love, Jenn
Well, one year ago on April 1st is when you left this life on Earth and were relieved from your earthly pain and discomfort. As our family stood by your bed side and watched you peacefully take your last breath, we held on to the hope our Heavenly Father has promised us...this world is not our home, we are just passing through and there is a place more wonderful...HEAVEN!!! We miss you dearly and sometimes hate the fact that you are not here to celebrate the holidays with us or birthdays or even to call and ask for a recipe. But again, we hold on to the hope of God's plan for our life! Even those painful/lonely days, we want to bring glory and honor to God!!
On Sunday, April 1st, family gathered together at Egg Harbor for lunch after church, traveled to the cemetery (grandma Lowman read a poem, grandpa Lowman prayed, many tears were shed, hugs were shared, and we held each other up), and then we moved to your house for pie and ice cream. We enjoyed delicious home baked pies prepared by DAD!!! They were gorgeous and yummy!! We were so appreciative of the support and encouragement of those around us that day!
Mom, I always wonder how Mia and Livi are handling all of this. You and their grandpa Erickson were erased from their lives within a matter of 6 months. It breaks my heart! Especially since I am so blessed to have both of my grandparents alive and such an active part of my life, not to mention a 102 year old great-grandmother! So, we share memories of your lives! We look at pictures! We remember those "character building" moments! We pass on traditions that you began for us! And most importantly, we share the love of Jesus with them and pray that they will be a shining light unto the world! Thank you for the memories.
Love, Jenn
Saturday, February 4, 2012
It's been awhile
Dear Mom,
So we've been very busy since I last wrote to you, but think of you every day!!! Since I last wrote, we have had our first holidays (Thanksgiving and Christmas), I've cooked in the kitchen again, Mia created an invention, Livi's vocabulary is increasing daily, Dad and Kent went on a trip to visit dear friends, Noni has been on a health roller coaster and at this moment is doing well, we've only had a little snow this year and right now it feels like winter is on it's way out, Kurt was in a big art show in the Chicago area and did well, and mostly the weeks are busy and weekends busier or we just rest!
Just some thoughts on our first Thanksgiving and Christmas: For Thanksgiving we went to The Wilderness Resort in Wisconsin Dells with Dad for a couple of days. Grandpa and Grandma Lowman came up on Thanksgiving and we went to a buffet for dinner....can you believe it...no cooking!!! I know you would want to know how the food was. The food was alright, but nothing like our family dinners!!!! We had so much fun at the water park!! We had decided that we should do something different for the holidays this year and I am so glad we did because it was good to be together. And that also meant that we didn't have time to set up our Christmas tree, but no worries. We went to Grand Lake, Colorado for Christmas to go snowmobiling! Again, we had a great time together. Doing something different than the traditions that we have always done helped us to get through the "days" of Thanksgiving and Christmas, but the pain of you not being there to vacation with us was present as well.
The girls are awake now, so I must go! Oh Mom, do I miss you so!! Having this outlet of being able to write to you has helped me, but it's not the same as being able to call you and talk about my day and share with you what the girls are doing and defiantly not the same as being with you!!
Love you, Jenn
So we've been very busy since I last wrote to you, but think of you every day!!! Since I last wrote, we have had our first holidays (Thanksgiving and Christmas), I've cooked in the kitchen again, Mia created an invention, Livi's vocabulary is increasing daily, Dad and Kent went on a trip to visit dear friends, Noni has been on a health roller coaster and at this moment is doing well, we've only had a little snow this year and right now it feels like winter is on it's way out, Kurt was in a big art show in the Chicago area and did well, and mostly the weeks are busy and weekends busier or we just rest!
Just some thoughts on our first Thanksgiving and Christmas: For Thanksgiving we went to The Wilderness Resort in Wisconsin Dells with Dad for a couple of days. Grandpa and Grandma Lowman came up on Thanksgiving and we went to a buffet for dinner....can you believe it...no cooking!!! I know you would want to know how the food was. The food was alright, but nothing like our family dinners!!!! We had so much fun at the water park!! We had decided that we should do something different for the holidays this year and I am so glad we did because it was good to be together. And that also meant that we didn't have time to set up our Christmas tree, but no worries. We went to Grand Lake, Colorado for Christmas to go snowmobiling! Again, we had a great time together. Doing something different than the traditions that we have always done helped us to get through the "days" of Thanksgiving and Christmas, but the pain of you not being there to vacation with us was present as well.
The girls are awake now, so I must go! Oh Mom, do I miss you so!! Having this outlet of being able to write to you has helped me, but it's not the same as being able to call you and talk about my day and share with you what the girls are doing and defiantly not the same as being with you!!
Love you, Jenn
Friday, October 28, 2011
Well Mom...I was in the church kitchen this week!! All those years you tried to get me to cook the meal for Wednesday night meal at church (cooking for about 100-120 people) and I hesitated, drag my feet...well we(Kurt, myself and a team of friends and teens from the high school group) did it! This was my 2nd attempt. The 1st time was in February of last year, but at that time I was able to talk to you about the menu, quantities, and whatever else I needed. Now that night you wanted to come to church, but you were not feeling well. Dad had the camera and took pictures, so you could see how things went. That night I was disappointed that you couldn't be there or come through the back door of the kitchen at church to give me a hug and your "you got it under control" speech!! But who would have ever thought that the next time we cooked the meal, you wouldn't be here at all!!! Man was it tough to be in the kitchen, but memories of you were shared throughout the evening while we prepared the food. Laura and I brought up the "don't spill the grease on the floor" incident, we made sure we used the carts for carrying the groceries in, phrases/directions that you had given us before came to mind. After it was all done, I evaluated the night and began taking mental notes of what I will do next time...I guess that means I am thinking about doing it again!! Another interesting thing that happened that evening, was that I have the high schoolers help serve the meal. It is so amazing to watch the interaction of the teens and the adults! The room was filled with christian fellowship and joy! Then last night Mia and Livi helped me cook super at home, better start training them now!!! No, I just thought it would be fun to have the girls help me make pot stickers. Mia always likes helping me with those, but it was Livi's 1st time. The girls did wonderful and even though I had to get a little firm because water was going everywhere, it was fun!
Love you so much!!!!
Love you so much!!!!
Monday, October 10, 2011
Little Mia
Mom,
Today was Columbus Day, so Mia and I had the day off to spend with Daddy and Livi!! We started off the day with taking some fall pictures and McDonald's in the park. We visited the apple orchard and napped in the afternoon. This evening Daddy went to watch the Bears play, so it was an evening with the girls. We painted nails and read the "I'm too small" book, a mouse's perspective on Noah's Ark that you had purchased when you went to visit the Creation Museum. Then Mia and I read the first letter that you had written to hear on her 1st birthday. You see about a week ago she discovered the letters and took a glance at them and I tried to explain them, but really I wasn't ready for this discovery. So tonight I asked her if she wanted to read one together. We both had tears in our eyes as I remembered the days in Savannah we she was born and how precious she was to you and Dad, well all of us really!! I told Mia, when I was finished reading, that she meant the world to you. She asked what that meant....I said that she was so precious to you. So tonight as she prayed, she asked God to watch over you and Grandpa Erickson while you are in Heaven. She prayed that God help Grandma Erickson and Grandpa Anderson to survive. Before she said "goodnight", she said "now I know how important those letters are". What a sweet little girl we have been blessed with. She also said that I should help Grandpa continue writing those letters to her and Livi!!!
Miss ya Mom!!
Thank you God for some down time to spend with my precious family for those intimate moments with my girls!! Thank you for the memories that were made today!!
Love, Jenn
XOXOXO
Today was Columbus Day, so Mia and I had the day off to spend with Daddy and Livi!! We started off the day with taking some fall pictures and McDonald's in the park. We visited the apple orchard and napped in the afternoon. This evening Daddy went to watch the Bears play, so it was an evening with the girls. We painted nails and read the "I'm too small" book, a mouse's perspective on Noah's Ark that you had purchased when you went to visit the Creation Museum. Then Mia and I read the first letter that you had written to hear on her 1st birthday. You see about a week ago she discovered the letters and took a glance at them and I tried to explain them, but really I wasn't ready for this discovery. So tonight I asked her if she wanted to read one together. We both had tears in our eyes as I remembered the days in Savannah we she was born and how precious she was to you and Dad, well all of us really!! I told Mia, when I was finished reading, that she meant the world to you. She asked what that meant....I said that she was so precious to you. So tonight as she prayed, she asked God to watch over you and Grandpa Erickson while you are in Heaven. She prayed that God help Grandma Erickson and Grandpa Anderson to survive. Before she said "goodnight", she said "now I know how important those letters are". What a sweet little girl we have been blessed with. She also said that I should help Grandpa continue writing those letters to her and Livi!!!
Miss ya Mom!!
Thank you God for some down time to spend with my precious family for those intimate moments with my girls!! Thank you for the memories that were made today!!
Love, Jenn
XOXOXO
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Shopping
Mom,
So, Dad and I planned our shopping trip for this past Monday after school!! He was so sweet. He carried an arm full of clothes around the store, went looking for a different size (smaller....yeah!!), tried to put some outfits together with me...he really has good taste, sat and waited while I tried on!!! Not many Dad's would do this, but it truly put a smile on our faces!! As he was making the purchases, I told the cashier that this was my Dad and took me shopping for my birthday! She wanted to be adopted!! Then we met Kurt and the girls for dinner!! Thanks Dad!! By the way, he didn't even have to sing!!
More good news...I passed my LBS1 test...it's official I have a special education certification....now if the district can stay stable..maybe I can be in a position for more than a year!!
ArtScene is coming up on October 14-15!! So excited, Kurt will be showing at 4 places this year and two of the places contacted him!! Thank you God for continuing to bless him with talents and places to be a witness!!!
I can't believe that fall is here!! The leaves are beginning to change, it's Turkey Day weekend (Dad's camping!!!), pumpkins were harvested out of grandpa Lowman's garden (and he really grew them this year...he didn't have to go purchase them and put them in the field!!), the smells of fall whisp under your nose when you go outside, God is such an amazing creator!
Yesterday, Laura and I met at your house to wait for Kurt to pick us up and then we were going to the campground to eat steaks ....not soup with Dad. So her and I did a quick "Fall" decorating, just one of those things Dad doesn't think about doing, but probably really misses. You know those acorns Mia and Dad "picked" about 5 years ago and we wanted to spray paint gold...well I put them in a vase with a fake fall cat tail arrangement in it. I looks really good. We also put fall m&ms out, just a couple little things to change the season inside for him!!!
Love ya, Jenn
So, Dad and I planned our shopping trip for this past Monday after school!! He was so sweet. He carried an arm full of clothes around the store, went looking for a different size (smaller....yeah!!), tried to put some outfits together with me...he really has good taste, sat and waited while I tried on!!! Not many Dad's would do this, but it truly put a smile on our faces!! As he was making the purchases, I told the cashier that this was my Dad and took me shopping for my birthday! She wanted to be adopted!! Then we met Kurt and the girls for dinner!! Thanks Dad!! By the way, he didn't even have to sing!!
More good news...I passed my LBS1 test...it's official I have a special education certification....now if the district can stay stable..maybe I can be in a position for more than a year!!
ArtScene is coming up on October 14-15!! So excited, Kurt will be showing at 4 places this year and two of the places contacted him!! Thank you God for continuing to bless him with talents and places to be a witness!!!
I can't believe that fall is here!! The leaves are beginning to change, it's Turkey Day weekend (Dad's camping!!!), pumpkins were harvested out of grandpa Lowman's garden (and he really grew them this year...he didn't have to go purchase them and put them in the field!!), the smells of fall whisp under your nose when you go outside, God is such an amazing creator!
Yesterday, Laura and I met at your house to wait for Kurt to pick us up and then we were going to the campground to eat steaks ....not soup with Dad. So her and I did a quick "Fall" decorating, just one of those things Dad doesn't think about doing, but probably really misses. You know those acorns Mia and Dad "picked" about 5 years ago and we wanted to spray paint gold...well I put them in a vase with a fake fall cat tail arrangement in it. I looks really good. We also put fall m&ms out, just a couple little things to change the season inside for him!!!
Love ya, Jenn
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