1 sick kid + 1 sick husband = 1 tired lady

Don't you love my math skills? You would never have guessed I was a teacher!?! I taught multiplication, not addition!

Anyway, here's our week in a nutshell:

Saturday: Shaun left for work and Isaac's stomach flu started at 5:30am.

Sunday: Shaun was still at work and Isaac's stomach flu continued to get worse.

Monday: Shaun got home, Isaac felt better (but still threw up in the evening), and I was in bed all day. I had flu like symptoms (minus the vomiting thank God) but I think I was just tired from taking care of Isaac, and not myself, for two days.

Tuesday: Shaun went back to work and Isaac and I had a GREAT day (He did throw up one time but I'm blaming it on the bumpy ride to Target... We needed more laundry soap for all those loads I was doing)! We're done with the flu... I thought!

Today: Shaun was supposed to get off work at 8am but he was home early. Like eight hours early. He got whatever Isaac had last night and came home at midnight. I guess they don't want sick firefighters running calls. Isaac decided that he didn't want daddy to get all the attention so he continued his 4 day puking streak... Yup, all over me, first thing in the morning!!! Both of my boys SLOWLY improved as the day went on so I have high hopes for a healthy tomorrow! We've had plans to head to San Diego for a night and go to the beach and Sea World! I hope we get to see you Shamu!!!

I'm ready to have my silly boys back...

FYI: Michigan pictures are available for your viewing pleasure

http://isaachiggins.shutterfly.com/

Mom Math...

10 icky diapers every couple of hours
+
9 towels and blankets spread out all over the floor
+
daddy at work (or course) on a 48 hour shift
+
7 throw ups
+
6 loads of laundry
+
5 basic essentials - pedialyte, saltine crackers, Tylenol, mama's milk, and blankie
+
4 carpet spots to clean
+
103 temperature
+
2 hands catching a mouth full of vomit so that it doesn't land on the couch
=
1 very sick boy with the flu!

BitterSweet

We got home from Michigan last night and I have been dreading blogging all day. Where do I start after a trip like that? What could I possibly write to even begin to express how I'm feeling?

This week was bittersweet. Bitter because I know I will never spend a summer with my grandma again, I will never write her a letter and wait anxiously to get one back in the mail, I will never wish her a Happy Mother's Day or Birthday, and I will never see the look of "disgust" on her face for letting my spaghetti strap dress fall of my shoulder. However, it was sweet because I have so many wonderful, priceless memories with my grandma.

From Oregon, California, Arizona, Texas, Virginia, and Florida our family came from all over to be together... I've always said that funerals make the best reunions. We enjoyed spending time with each other while watching the toddler generation run around like crazy. It's always refreshing to have new life present during a time like this.

At my grandma's house she has the first part of the Serenity Prayer framed on her wall. Like every year I'm there, I laid in bed and read it over and over. "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference." The rest of the prayer was read at her service. "Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time; Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will; That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him Forever in the next. Amen." I don't remember if this was on of the verses read along with the prayer but it sure is fitting for a time such as this. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths. Proverbs 3: 5-6. As I was walking through my grandma's house and looking at pictures, elementary art work I had sent, and all the little "grandma" things she has, I noticed she had a book propped open. I've seen it many times, but I've just never taken the time to stop and read it. This time I did and a peace that passes all my understanding swept over me. It read, "God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be, so He put His arms around you and whispered 'Come with Me.' With tear filled eyes we watched as you suffered and faded away, although we loved you deeply we could not will you to stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands at rest, God broke our hearts to show us 'He only takes the best.'" Michigan will never be the same without my grandma, but heaven is going to be that much better!

This was what we woke up to our first morning in Michigan. As you can tell I am INSIDE taking the picture!

Isaac's first snow experience. He wasn't a fan of the cold because it involved too much clothing and putting on foreign objects like gloves, boots, and scarfs. He didn't have enough time to get used to it either. He would only poke at the snow.

FYI: More pictures to come. I left my memory card at home so all the pictures are on my sister and dad's camera. As soon as they send them my way, I'll post them! Hint, hint dad and Lisa!!!

We'll miss you Grandma

Two weekends ago we celebrated my Grandmother Barnett's 90th birthday and this weekend we will head to Michigan to celebrate the life of my Grandma Paajanen. Saying good bye to a loved one is never easy... Even when they are older and you know it is coming. Tuesday night my Grandma Paajanen passed away. Many tears have been shed while my mind has been filled with sweet memories that I had with her. A 62 year age difference never stopped us from being good friends!

Because all of our plans have been last minute and I still need to pack for our early morning flight, I don't have time to write much else. I didn't even have time to scan this picture so it's a picture of a picture!

Thanks for being such a wonderful Grandma. We love you!!!

Summer 2001 ~ Lake Superior

Erica needs...

Elaine had this very funny post today. Since Isaac is sleeping and Shaun is watching the AMA Super Cross something, I thought I would play along. So, here's what you do: Google search, your name, with "needs" on the end (ie: I would type "Erica needs"). Then you write a blog post, listing the first 10 results, and your own comment to each. Here is my top ten:


1. Erica needs to be in a much better place.
I love my sweet little home but I would take Hawaii any day!


2. Erica needs a boyfriend.
Ummm... The whole Michael Scofield, Prison Break, thing was just an innocent crush...


3. Erica needs to be able to feel proud of Todd and the work he's done.
We'll pretend that Todd is my dentist... My teeth are sparkling clean!


4. Erica needs to meet her husband's needs without ignoring her own.
I assure you that getting a boyfriend is NOT one of my needs!


5. Erica needs to travel to England to recover gold owed her family and restore the family's good name.
Mom? Dad? Is there something you're not telling me? I thought our family was in Finland?


6. Erica needs a girl.
I would love to have a girl... Someday!


7. Erica needs a story that doesn’t involve her screaming or threatening people.
Oh no! I hope I'm not that bad!?


8. Erica needs fire and passion in her life.
No fire because Shaun would just put it out (get it?) Maybe a little passion would be nice... Valentines is next week!


9. Erica needs a reality check.
We're spending Valentines at Sea World with my family! It's just another day!


10. Erica needs answers.
I'm wondering why I even bother to vacuum and dust when I know that in five minutes gold fish crumbs will be on the floor and wet finger prints will be on the table?


I had to add a picture of Isaac 'cause I'm sure my mom would be mad if she got on the computer to check my blog and soon realized that it had nothing to do with Isaac! So, here's a random picture for you mom... Your cutie pie playing peek-a-boo!

Isaac's 1yr Check Up!

Isaac had his one year check up this morning (I know, a few months over due). He took it like a champ... and a girl! He got four shots and they had to draw blood so when he cried, he SCREAMED!!! I wanted to cry right along with him! I'm glad he doesn't go through the torture of anticipating the shots but boy do they sting. He couldn't wait to get out of there, waving bye to the doctors and telling us he was all done. He's 26 lbs (70 percentile) and 32 1/4 in (85 percentile). He's happy, healthy, and developing on track! We're still working on his vocabulary (he says mama, dada, ball, tickle) but he mostly communicate through sign language (he signs water, milk, gentle, all gone, please, hat, thank you, food, and more). Isaac knows most of his animal sounds (dog, cat, shark, bear, lion, snake, fish, lizard, duck, horse, sheep, owl, monkey, tiger, seal, dolphin) and has mommy and daddy working on their elephant sound! He loves playing ball, the drums, showing us his muscles, reading books, hide and seek, dancing and spinning in circles, being outside, and chasing the cats all over the house! He doesn't like getting his hands dirty, naps, broccoli (that's my boy!), being inside, and car rides longer than 30 minutes. We love him more and more each day! This little guy is the greatest blessing!

Arizona: Part 2 Happy 90th Birthday Grandmother

This past weekend we celebrated my Grandmother's 90th birthday! We all headed to my Uncle's ranch in southern Arizona (A four hour drive from my parent's house). The last time we were all together was July 2005.... Way too long ago! It was a beautiful day and the location and space was perfect! We had games for the great grand kids and stories of how it was long ago from the "old folks"! My cousin Deanna made a photo collage and the favorite picture was a black and white of my Grandmother sitting on the hood of a Chevy in a two piece (1930s). To view the rest of the pictures visit http://isaachiggins.shutterfly.com/

My grandmother lives on her own and just bought a brand new car! I'd say she's doing well!

Grandmother w/ her kids (my mom and her brothers)

Grandmother with her grand kids


Grandmother (G.G.Mom) with her great grand kids


The whole group

Isaac and his partner in crime, cousin Jesse James


Isaac and Jesse (17 mo) hugging while trying to escape through the gate after we locked them in

One of Isaac's favorite people, cousin Sabreena

The view from my Uncle's ranch

Based on Proverbs 31:10-31, my mom wrote this for my grandmother and had my brother read it at the party. Just thought I'd share it with you!

Description of a Worthy Woman

An excellent wife, who can find? She is rare and precious and her worth is far above rubies. She is her husband’s partner. He completely trusts her with all that he is and all that he has. She does him good and not evil, lovingly caring and sacrificing without a word of complaint all of his days. Her children love and respect her for being devoted to their dad through 55 years of marriage and tenderly caring for him the eleven years he no longer could. Her life is built on an imperishable foundation. Even in times when she is powerless to do anything, as when a son is severely burned and she is scheduled for surgery, her strength and her faith carry her through. She provides for the needs of her household. Her kitchen, a favorite place to be, never lays dormant. Her family arrives to the smell of baking bread. The smallest occasions become special with her pies, cakes, brownies, and cookies. Her hands joyfully create award winning masterpieces through the use of different mediums. Her many skills and abilities are used for the pleasure of her family. Her character is steady, reliable, and dependable. She uses her mind, logically analyzing before making a decision. Her efforts and industry have contributed to the success of her family. She is confident in whose hands she rests. Well read, with knowledge of the facts, she speaks with wisdom. Her children rise up and bless her. Her husband also, and he praises her saying, “Many daughters have done nobly, but you excel them all.” Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a women who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her the product of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.