Our 2018 Christmas Card

 We've had a pretty adventurous year that started with Mark's birth in February. It's hard to believe he's coming up on his first birthday here soon. After a busy semester with a new baby and working on the side, I walked at graduation in April. We had a lot of family in town for Mark's baby blessing that weekend and had soup, rolls, salads, and Nicolina's chocolate chip cookies. It was a special time to have so many of our family there to celebrate with us.

At the end of May we moved from our home in Idaho Falls to Arizona for an internship. It was the first time that Heather and myself felt like we were walking into an oven on a daily basis. We experienced over 100 degree weather on a consistent basis. Unlike Joshua and Briana's experience in North Dakota (opening the fridge to get warm), we would open the oven to cool off. I think they watered the grass as the apartment complex at least three times a day to keep it alive.

Our ward was very welcoming of us and made us feel right at home. We had game nights, dessert nights and did our best to stay involved in the ward for the 10 weeks that we lived there. We also visited Emily Crapo's family and Annette Tingey (Uncle Royale's daughter) a few times. It was fun to catch up with them and spend time with their families. We saw a little bit of Mesa, Phoenix, and Tempe. I would commute to my internship using the Tempe metro. It was only about a mile and a half commute with a stop right by the campus building and the stop by our apartment was a block or two.

The internship was focused on transmembrane proteins. We worked in collaboration with the Mayo Clinic to develop a drug target for a protein that is commonly involved in cancer metastasis. The facilities at ASU gave me opportunities to be involved in many areas of research that I haven't had previous experience in. We did protein crystallization using a 96 well plate and a robot setup. I worked to purify proteins using a process called dialysis. It provided a good opportunity to have hands on time. I am not sure about further schooling, but it allowed me to see what that would look like in the future. I  officially graduated from BYU-I in July after completing my internship.

At the end of the summer we decided to store our stuff and move to Virginia temporarily while we looked for a job. We attended a fun family reunion in Maryland at Deep Creek Lake with the Cummings family. We had fun playing on the lake with jet-skis, canoes, and swimming. We played games, went on walks, and celebrated my in-laws 40th anniversary. Heather's parents have 11 children (8 girls and 3 boys) and 18 grandchildren. We designed the t-shirts for the reunion which turned out great.

After the reunion, I continued to search for a job while in Virginia. I had some leads and I met with a few people, had a few interviews, but I didn't have any offers. We planned to stay here in Virginia until the end of September until that came and went so we decided to give ourselves one more month. However, halfway through October, we found out that Heather had thyroid cancer. After her diagnosis, we decided to stay longer in Virginia with her family until we figured out how to proceed with the cancer removal and treatment.

During our time here in Virginia, we have been doing odd jobs around the Cummings' household. Heather has been a lifesaver-- jumping in to clean or make dinner when needed. I've done a few things outside to help out including stacking a large stack of wood (featured in the picture below).  I started working for Rich's catering business again around the beginning of November. During the holiday season, my busiest day was 17 hours long.

We have been very blessed to figure out how to proceed with the needed tests and treatments for thyroid cancer. We have also felt that the doctors that we have found and worked with are very well qualified.

Thank you for all your prayers in our behalf. We have felt your support.We know that Jesus Christ is Our Savior that He is the way back to the Father. Although difficult, we have developed a closer relationship to Him through this experience. We hope that we will all come to adore HIM even CHRIST the LORD.

Vaya Con Dios Hermana Erickson

August 16th Esther received her mission call.  She didn't open it until Sunday, the 19th.

The 16th is Marcia Bahr's birthday (and also my sister, Brenda's, btw).  I went to a birthday "tea" that afternoon and grabbed the mail out of the mailbox on my way because I had ordered something for Marcia's birthday and was double checking to see if it had arrived.  There was a big white envelope with the other pieces of mail.  Since Dad often receives big white envelopes I didn't think much or look twice.

Later, when I was sorting through it, I saw the return address, "Office of the First Presidency"  What?!  My heart started racing.  Quickly looking at the addressee, "Sister Esther Elizabeth Erickson".  WOW!

Dad and I and even James had been praying and sometimes fasting for Esther with her future plans.  We included a mission in that, but of course Esther never shared that with us.  We did have little inklings here and there, but we certainly didn't know papers had already been submitted and that her call was on the way.

Esther was already home from work when I got home from the birthday gathering.  I walked into her room showing her the envelope.  "Guess what, Mom?  I'm going on a mission!"  She also called Dad and told him, "I've decided to go on a mission" to which he replied, "great" and then she said, "and my call is already here, or my call came today," or something like that.  Dad just said, "Esther!" Or maybe something a little more.

We didn't have too much time to talk, because Esther was getting ready for a date with Russ Egbert, their first date to the Bar J Wranglers with his family too.  She had texted some friends about her news and her phone was going a little crazy while she was out.  She also told Russ and he said something like, "I guess you'd rather be someplace else."

Sunday morning before church she opened it.  We waited until then because Amori had been out of town, and there was something happening after church too.  Before Esther read anything, I saw a paper form for a passport so I figured it was foreign.

October 31 was her MTC entry date which seemed like a ways away, but the time went so fast.  She continued her landscape work at the Double L until the week after Labor Day.  Then she was home a week, and going a little stir crazy, and then she was able to work about 8 days in two weeks landscaping with Amori's work.

Her temple day was August 29th.  We thought of  going to the Spokane temple and inviting some people up that way, but then just decided to do it here in good ol' Star Valley.

These afternoon shots were before the session.  Here she's trying to show some leg while she still can!

Between the time of her call and until she left there were a variety to events and activities including: a trip to Spokane with the family for Eli's baptism and Lewis' blessing.  Also a car accident with Amori, a few trips to Idaho Falls for shopping and finishing up dental work, and a trip to Georgia with Amori.  Esther came back after a week.  She also spent time with Russ from the time she got her call until she left.  They played basketball and went bowling one time.  Another time fishing with Amori and Jared.  Jared came for a weekend before his school started. One night Russ invited Esther for deer hamburgers at his house and then went out shooting. Russ' car died up Grover Park and I took jumper cables.  She had to call Frances to get a hold of me, because I had disconnected the phone for FHE because Dad gave James and me school blessings.  When I got there with the cables, Esther joked about her pre-mission bad luck. Not just because of the car dying, but also for stitches Russ had to have from a work accident.

There surely was a feeling of opposition, a kind of a pushing upstream feeling at least for me.  I think it was more than just pre-mission bad luck.  I didn't completely recognize it's full force until we got through it.

We appreciated all the support for her meeting on the 28th and the luncheon afterwards.

Esther's topic for her talk was "Put Your Shoulder to the Wheel".  She spoke about physical work and compared it to the spiritual work we need to do in order to feel closer to God.  She told a story about how she and a friend (Myrisa, who surprised Esther by coming to her meeting) borrowed Grandpa's four wheeler late one night to go for a ride.  Because they didn't want to wake Grandpa, they pushed it away from the house before starting it and then stopped a distance away from the house before returning.  They pushed it up the hill to Grandma's house, which seemed harder and farther than either of them thought.  Esther thought of that experience when she thought of "putting your shoulder to the wheel".  Another thought she shared kind of blew me away.  She said she knew that God is important in her family.  She then shared how her mom, (me) encouraged her to come to the temple one morning early when James was also going for baptisms.  We also took Sarai and Danielle.  Esther and I waited in the front waiting room on comfy couches and Esther took a nap, sitting up on the couch.  After dropping the others off at school, Esther and I came back for initiatory.  Anyway, Esther said she appreciated her mom, me! that I put God as a priority. Dad looked at me when Esther said that and told me I should write it down.  So I did later in my journal.  I treasure her words of appreciation because I haven't always felt she has.

We had over 60 people for the lunch.  Our bishop gave us permission to host it at the church.  Everyone pitched in to help set up and clean up.  I'll try to remember everyone who came:
Grandpa and Grandma - 2
Bart and Janet and family (minus Amori and Shaianne) - 7
Tillerys - 6
Taylors - 6
Nicolina and kids - 7
Jared - 1
Robinsons - 3
Huntings - 9
Post Falls friends - Tanner Short, Myrisa, her friend Quinton, Jena Austin, Mikayla Geraghity, Cassie
                               Torgeson, Michael Hardy, Glory Ellison (she and Michael are also a Rexburg                                       friends) - 7
Rexburg friends - Jordan Winkle, Chelsea and Tanner (can't remember their last name) - 3
Egbert brothers, Russ, Ben and Will - 3
Dunn family - 6
Kordy Rainey - 1
Us, Dad, Mom, James - 3
Total - 65

We served soup and rolls.  Grandma, Janet, Aunt Joyce and I all made a pot of soup.  Chrystal made two pots of soup.  Grandma made about 2 dozen rolls.  I made about 4 dozen rolls.  We also had some sliced homemade bread.  Nicolina brought bread, Joyce sent some bread and Cheryl Heiner brought bread a couple of days before.  Nicolina made about 80 cookies and I made about 70, so we had plenty of cookies too.  We served water to drink.

Monday night President Daniel came to set her apart.  Mary and Glen and family  and Frances were here too.  She received a beautiful setting apart.  Frances spent the night to be Esther's "companion".  I don't know how much sleep they got.

Tuesday Oct. 30th we took Esther to the Jackson airport.  All day Monday and Tuesday morning she and I were packing.  She was mostly organized.  There wasn't too much scrambling.  She had been checking her list several times in the week or 10 days before leaving.  It felt nice to not have to wake up super early to make it to the airport like we did with all the boys.  Her flight left from Jackson about 3:20 p.m. and lines there are small.  So we left here about 12:30.  Dad picked up James from school and also got some scriptures at the distribution center, returning the paper back ones she bought and exchanging for leather ones. Frances came too.

We cried to say good-bye.  I felt lonely the entire drive home.  I still haven't cleaned up her room.  She didn't leave it too messy because Cassie and she cleaned it the Friday before.  I can pretend she's still here if I don't clean it up too much, right?  Although we really miss her, we're so thankful for her decision to go.  I know we're being blessed.  The morning after she left I woke up with such a peaceful feeling of well-being and joy.  We're so thankful for our Savior and our Heavenly Father who has blessed us in such wonderful and generous ways.  All the struggles are so worth the joy!

October's Bright Blue Hour

There's a poem shared by President Packer:

O suns and skies and clouds of June,

And flowers of June together,

Ye cannot rival for one hour

October’s bright blue weather.

Although I do really like June, I have very much enjoyed the beautiful fall we've been having.

This photo was taken after we had some snow in the mountains.  I should have zoomed in better.  I was out jumping on the trampoline and felt such a goodness of light and color.  I tried to capture it.

Trying to recap some of the events of this month.  I realize I still haven't shared anything about trek, or even our trip to California almost a year ago.  I'll try to just work backwards as I'm able.

EksAyn and Patty came to visit the Wednesday before General Conference.  That same Wednesday morning, Esther, James and I went to the temple early.  We took Danielle and Sarai.  Esther and I waited in the comfortable waiting room.  (Esther enjoyed a short nap) while the girls and James did baptisms and confirmations.  We took them to school, then Esther and I did the female initiatory of those just baptized. 

Eks and Patty stayed overnight on their way to Yellowstone and then to Missoula to visit the Lindsays.   We served elk stew which they both raved over.  We gave them a care package for Myrisa with granola, bottled applesauce, bottled peaches, and some canned soup to supplement her meager college diet. (Which we learned when we were there over Labor Day was a dozen eggs and two cans of chili).

The next morning after Andersons left Esther and I went to Idaho Falls for mission shopping and a final ortho appointment to be fitted for a retainer.  We got a few items at Wal-Mart, like an alarm clock, camera, toiletries, etc.  It took us about an hour and a half, at which point Esther was done with shopping!  Then we had a quick stop at D.I.  We ran into Shirlei, Heather's and John's Brazilian friend, who works there and her English is much improved.  She recognized Esther from a baby shower, although Esther recognized her before Shirlei came up to us.  We found a bathrobe, two khaki skirts, and two tops there for Esther.  Then over to the orthodontist.  I waited in the car.  Dr. Randall was impressed with her before and after which all of you saw on the what's app.  He asked her for a positive review.

Next we went to one of Esther's favorite places, Chick-fil-a and ate lunch: chicken nuggets.  Our next stop at Downeast, Esther's former roommate, Chelsea and husband Tanner, met us there to visit with Esther while we shopped.  There was a great sale there.  We got a super cute dress that when Esther put on she exclaimed, "I look like a Sister Missionary" - navy, with white embroidery around the neck and pockets!  Two other tops, a  long skirt and two demi-tees to wear for layering - all for about $80.

After a trip to Winco, we headed home.  It was one of our more productive days, which helped us both to feel closer to getting things done for Esther.

We enjoyed all of conference.  Grandma and Grandpa came for the Saturday and Sunday morning sessions.  Their TV has died.  Saturday evening Esther, Grandma and I attended the women's broadcast.  Grandma appreciates rides, especially at night.

Sunday morning along with G & G, we had a new neighbor, Doug Harrington, over for conference.  We had oven baked french toast with buttermilk syrup and scrambled eggs supreme (eggs with sausage bits, peppers, tomatoes and cheese).  Doug is not a member, but very interested.  He is retired military.  He's married.  His wife has MS and was not feeling well enough that morning to come.  

We had lunch at Bart and Janet's and enjoyed the second session with them and G&G too. 

Esther left with Amori and Frances after that final session to do some mission photos with the fall colors and the sunlight just right.

This is one of my favorites, but she doesn't like the circle of hair on her shoulder.  So she's tried to edit it out, but here it is in fully unedited form.

After the photo session, we went as a family to the Egberts.  Esther's friend, Russ.  We played games.  Catchphrase was fun with lots of charades on the part of the Egbert brothers that were quite comical.  We also introduced them to Oink Piggy Oink, which produced hilarious results, and Mixed Up Fruit Basket.  

We've had several times looking for cattle.  The Monday after conference we went out and the weather was so nice, so pleasant and beautiful.  We went after Dad got home from work.  Dad, me, James, Esther and Russ.  We parked a 4 wheeler and motorcycle, at the mouth of Strawberry canyon, and then James used the other 4 wheeler to start at another end.  But when Dad and I were on the side of a mountain and he received a call from a guy giving us a lead where the cattle might be, we walked back to get the motorcycle and 4 wheeler, but James had taken the keys, for a security precaution. So we walked a ways to above our land until we connected with the rest.  We didn't see any cattle, but we did see some elk and heard some bugling.  The 5 of us rode the one 4 wheeler back to Grandma's.  While the others picked up the other bikes, I put dinner on the table.  I really enjoyed being out that night.  The outdoors were beautiful, I appreciated seeing a small slice of all the effort Dad and James put into finding cattle, and helping Grandpa.  

This photo is from another time when Esther, Dad and Grandpa were out looking for cattle, again with no luck.  The Monday of Elk season opening, Dad, James and Esther were all gone.  Grandpa called looking for help because of a tip call he'd gotten.  So I went behind him on our 4 wheeler.  After 2 hours, again, no luck.  But we finally did get 6 of them last week.  Dad thinks that is all of them, but we need to do a final count.

Another outdoor project we've had is preparing an electric fence on our land to pasture horses.  

Our neighbor, Cynthia Lummis, her foreman, Nick Aullman contacted us about pasturing horses from outfitters in the off season.  We will be paid, but more than that, we felt it was a good opportunity to start using our land.

Dad pounded more than 70 of those posts.  James was gone to Provo to visit Jared and go to the BYU v Hawaii game so Esther and I were Dad's main helpers.  We order the electric wire about a week ago, and hopefully it will come today and we can complete the fence.

I think it was the end of September or first part of October, Copper was killed by a car.  I felt it was my fault.  It was the first time I had taken him on the road.  I had him sit each time a car came by and he was listening.  But one thing he didn't listen well was when there were other dogs around.  He saw some dogs across the street, kind of by the mailboxes.  I called him back.  We were almost home.  Then a car came as fast as could be, hit Copper, didn't even pause or stop or slow down or anything.  He was gone that fast.  I was grateful he didn't suffer the way Buddy did.  A neighbor helped me put Copper into the back of her pickup and we brought him home.  I left then and spend most of the evening at the library (since I don't drink in a bar, ha, ha). Dad was so kind about everything.  He had the kitchen all cleaned up when I got home.  He hugged me and helped me.  He, James and Esther, had buried Copper by Buddy.  This was the rose Dad brought me the next day.  The photo is when the rose is about 10 days old.

The next day Cody came for a couple of days.  He was on spud harvest.  Dad met Chrystal part way to pick him up. We enjoyed having him here.  He was very sad for us about Copper.  He helped pick apples at Grandma's one afternoon while James was at school.  James had that Friday off.  They did go out hunting a little, but no luck.  They did have fun with Esther to go to a shooting range, for archery in Afton.  A virtual type of screen.  Cody enjoyed the mountains too.  He was also here when we got most of the cattle the first time, about 45 or so of them.  We were glad for his help.  

Well that's about all I can do now.  Thanks for enduring this long post.  There's so much that's been happening.  I think of all of you and try to savor things I want to post.  Now I've done one.  I'll keep trying for more!  I love you!  Mom

James' Summer Sports

James loves to play almost all sports and he was just young enough to meet the age requirement to join the Thayne Park and Rec teams this summer.

His softball team finished undefeated.  After about the second game, James became the permanent pitcher.  He was also the best hitter.  The team they played last for the championship got an early lead.  James' first two times at bat were when no one was on base.  The video is of his first home run of the game, but it was only one point.  I think it was about the fifth inning and the other team was ahead 6-3.  Finally it became James' turn at bat when the bases were loaded.  So exciting when he hit a triple!  Then we were tied, and the momentum turned.  Other players on James' team were making great catches, getting hits, and exerting themselves in ways they hadn't just an inning before.  James was oldest on the team.  Because of a lack of kids who signed up they had to combine the ages 9 through 14, instead of just a 12-14 year old team.  One of the younger players on the other team, who was also quite small got a hit that looked like it may go foul, just in the infield.  James went to retrieve the ball and the hitter confused about whether to run or not, ran into James.  James' coach was yelling for James to throw the ball to first and get the kid out, but James felt after all that he wasn't going to degrade the kid any further and the kid made it to first base.  Afterwards the coach recognized that James did the right thing, and his wife talked about what a kind kid James is.

Esther took the video with her phone.  She got a little excited at the end because she thought he might get out if he came home. Which he didn't, he was safe.

After the championship game.

Unfortunately James' soccer team hasn't been as successful.  Also unfortunately I don't have any photos or videos of James' soccer.  I'll have to try to get a photo of him in his team shirt at least.  The first game with soccer, James scored two goals, but the other team won 3-2.  James was probably the oldest player on that team as well.  He enjoyed the season very much.  Although the only game they won was when we were at Trek.

It's great to feel James' enthusiasm for sports.

Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly

Tra-la-la-la-la-la-la-la. Hyrum and Emmaline have been singing that song lately because they heard it on an episode of Paw Patrol recently. I guess it is never too early for Christmas music. Below you will find the exchange list for Christmas 2018. The theme will be voted on via a WhatsApp poll.

Dad, Mom, James - Jared
Tillerys - Esther
Taylors - Dad, Mom, James
Tanners - Tillerys
Daltons - Taylors
Ericksons1 - Tanners
Ericksons2 - Daltons
Ericksons3 - Ericksons1
Jared - Ericksons2
Esther - Ericksons3

Since the poll results have not been finalized, I can put a shameless plug for what I want for Christmas. I'm thinking something sentimental. Like everyone write a blog post. That would be cool. (According to the inventory statistics of blog creations, 61% of family members have at least one blog post draft that they haven't finished)

Detroit to Star Valley and back again

For anyone familiar with Tolkien, thanks to the title of this blogpost, you know that you are in for a most epic adventure. While we did not encounter any orcs, elves, or hobbits, we did have our fair share of elevensies, good company, and toddlers that were beginning to remind me of Gollum. It all started when Eliza and I were sitting quietly one evening in living chamber.

"I did it." I said with a measure of unbelief.

"Did what?" Eliza asked hesitantly. She was unsure if she wanted to know the answer.

"I bought tickets." I replied with more surety.

"For what or to where?" More excitement but still some hesitation.

"We're going to Star Valley. Actually technically we're coming back from Star Valley.The tickets I bought are one way tickets for the way back."

"Great." Eliza said with an essence of sarcasm and a full measure of the original hesitation.

That was the beginning to the most epic of summer adventures. I realize that Tolkein's tales were thousands and thousands of words long. So to achieve the same effect without as much of your time involved, I figure a hundred or so pictures - each being equal to a thousand words - would create the same result. Also does anyone know what a video equals? I can't do my final word count calculations without it.

Our flight to Salt Lake was uneventful but it did include a 4-hr layover in Denver. We were able to catch up with some Omaha friends which was a blast but unfortunately no one believes it happened since we didn't get any pictures.

It was fantastic to catch up the Tanners. Emmaline asked today when we were going back to Cora's.

After one night of sleep at the Tanners and almost more laughs and fun than we could handle we headed to Star Valley. Before we reached our final destination in Bedford, we stopped in Afton for a  parade and a rodeo.

The next day we headed to church. It was interesting because we were a shade late to church and we couldn't find Mom and Dad sitting in the front. So we found some seats in the gym. The tender mercy was that we ended up in a row right in front of Grandpa and Grandma.

On Monday we saw Incredibles II.

Tuesday we went fishing with Grandpa. Although we let go the only fish we caught, we had a great time.

Fourth of July was fantastic. Full of fun, parades, a few fireworks, and a lot of family. We started it early with a 5k and continued to wear ourselves out from there.

We spent some time with Great-grandma and Grandma.

A quick trip to see the Tillerys nearly brought our trip to a close. One more Sunday. A little more ice cream. One last four-wheeler ride. A drive back to Utah and an exhausting extended layover on the way home.

There you have it. We survived, albeit some predicaments were near death experiences. We loved it and treasured every moment of our trip. 

Addendum: