a day in the life

He's not JUST my Dad

2009-11-09T00:14:00.003-07:00

Happy Birthday Dad! I love you and want you to know what a special person you are to me. Sometimes it's hard to find all the time to express all my caring and compassion to you but always know it is there and that it flows steadily forever and in all directions.

I have always been at ease with you...our eyes are the same and I believe our hearts are too. I see such a willingness to connect within from you and I share in that. I celebrate all you do professional and socially...but most of all I thank you for bringing me my sisters and my brothers. I thank you for the long nights you have spent on our behalf and the many more you will experience.

You are truly beautiful...handsome and caring. TI AMO!!!

Always your daughter-
Chels

KP-da-Shelly

2009-10-25T20:09:00.006-06:00

Most of you know her as Casey but I know her as KP-da-Shelly. She celebrated her birthday on October 16th and I have been neglectful in blogging about one of the most beautiful women in my life. So, to you KP, I apologize. I write this publicly but to your heart only.

Case, you truly are an angel. You are absolutely complex and yet so openly loving, caring and giving. People will live a lifetime attempting to get to the core of you and yet experience it at the same time. I hear people talk about the bond that sisters share and the way it weaves together over time. You are like that silk thread that shimmers on the dark days and pulls me into the light again. You are my late night rescue from a bad dream and the early morning escape to watch the sunrise.

I have surfed the waves with you (literally and figuratively). I have rushed down the mountains, only to climb them with you by my side. I know I can always look to my side and see your baby blues there.

I love you...I love you...I love you!!!

The Running Man

2009-10-11T22:41:00.010-06:00

RJ ran his first 5k on October 10th. Our nephew Jared ran too.

It was fun to see them together and have Jared over to spend time.

RJ has been training and working really hard at the gym to get ready. It's such a great accomplishment for him and I am so proud of him. It has really turned into a wonderful outlet for him and I've watched his determination grow. I've always known what strength he has but this became more of a mental victory than anything. He's been a little chatterbox about planning everything just perfect and making the right steps...just like he does in life.

I got emotional when I saw him crossing the finish line. We've struggled so much this last year and he has carried US in many ways that I was estatic to see him do something just for himself. He is always taking care of me...worrying about me, my family, his family, his work, friends...it's so nice to see that he is remembering how important he is too.

RJ and Jared's official finish times. They both did great!!!

Relaxing after the race.

So proud of them...

It was a cold moring but my entire family (except Drew...cause he's a working man : ) ) came to cheer RJ on. We are so lucky to have their support and love.

The sisters...Stacey and Casey.

The Dad...Chesley, Amy and the brothers...Corey and Ashton.

The Mom...Patrice.

I love you buddy and really am SOOOOO very proud of you!!! Congratulations!

FALLing in love

2009-10-11T22:27:00.005-06:00

RJ and I have a tradition each Fall. We take a drive to see all the beautiful colors nature offers up in the changing of the seasons. It's during these times that we have our best talks, our biggest laughs and sometimes just that comfortable silence that life requires to recharge. This year we took a drive to Eden and then through Ogden canyon. We didn't get too many pictures but here are a few. I love to fall in love with the Utah seasons each year and I love falling in love with RJ!!!

Happy Birthday Corey and Ashton

2009-10-09T04:43:00.003-06:00

I just wanted to get a quick post out there about the cutest little brothers in the world. They are turning a year old today and I am so excited. Corey and Ashton are such little angels in our family. They have brought us together, made us laugh, made us cry...and many other feelings. I love you both!!!

Party tonight, so hopefully there will be some great pictures too. Stay tuned!!!

Love your Big sis-
chels

For Love and A Game!!!

2009-09-08T23:36:00.002-06:00

Happy Anniversary to Stacey and Drew!!! Three years and still as beautiful and sweet as ever. I love the unique and original love you display with each other...the respect Drew shows to Stacey...the twinkle in Stacey's eyes when she talks about Drew...the feeling that follows you two around...you are BEAUTIFUL!!! I love spending time with both of you, thanks for adopting me on the nights RJ works. TI AMO!

And not to diminish the love of two amazing people...but a love for a game.

YEAH, it's officially football season! Go Utes (and bucs...holding my breath on this one)!! One down with a win in the pocket. I had a blast at the game with Dad, Amy and Casey and celebrated the kickoff of what will hopefully be a great season. I guess I should be excited like everyone else for the the Cougars and their big win against Oklahoma ("it's good for the conference") but that only lasted about a half and hour for me...now I'm just seeing RED!!!!

I can't wait for the upcoming month. There should be a lot to "report" on. Casey's birthday, the twins FIRST birthday, Pops moving the Firm to the new building...maybe something about me in there somewhere...stay tunned!!!

Road Trippin' or just TRIPPIN'

2009-09-03T01:07:00.001-06:00

RJ and I celebrated our 11th wedding anniversary on August 28th. We decided to spend a little time together and take a road trip to Steamboat, Colorado. It is incredibly beautiful there. Sort of a smaller Park City without all the hype.

RJ was raised in Vernal during some of his childhood and I had never been there so he decided it would be fun to drive that way and show me all the sights and sounds that make Vernal...well, Vernal.

We drove all over town and then out to Maeser to find the old house and the tree he used to climb. He was so excited and had many stories to tell me about his friends and trouble he caused...yep, he's not as innocent as he seems!

We even got to spin our wheels dragging mainstreet Vernal looking for my dads new sign at their Vernal office. Pretty hard to miss and it looks AWESOME!!! I'm really proud of my dad and his accomplishments professionally.

The Vernal LDS Temple.

Me and Pinky the dinosaur.

Probally my favorite picture EVER!!!

No vacation from the phone...

Our Balcony view...fun and really pretty!

The sunsetting on our way to Strawberry Springs. This is about 20 minutes from downtown Steamboat and was romantic and really beautiful. It's pools of naturally heated water all connected in different temperatures and levels. You can even schedule massages there...in the beauty of the trees and the sound of the rushing water. The best part is that the "kids" are gone after dark...wink wink...call RJ for more info.

RJ overlooking Fishcreek Falls. It's about 5 minutes from downtown Steamboat and then a just a short hike to a beautiful 200 foot waterfall.

Mt. Werner, Steamboat...the Gondola.

Waiting for the Gondola...CHEESE!!!

On the way up to dinner...bigger CHEESE and don't look down!!!

Dinner and Sunset from the top of Mt. Werner in Steamboat.

Dinner at Hazies...2200 feet above Steamboat. We rode the Gondola to the top and had a romantic Anniversary dinner. It's beautiful and you can see the town below...

Hiking to the Petroglyphs outside of Vernal on our way home and some of them that we could pick out in the mountain.

The top of the Flaming Gorge Dam...

The Flaming Gorge Dam...crazy stuff! I would NOT want to be downstream of this puppy.

The two of us attempting our best tourist shot at the Flaming Gorge Dam.

I just wanted to see if RJ would crawl into this cave...he did :)

The cows were just staring us down in a chicken fight. There were cows everywhere at the Gorge. Personally, I was looking for a bear, but the cows are just as cute I guess.

Flaming Gorge...fast becoming one of my favorite places!!!

We had a great time road trippin' our way through Utah and Colorado. Some of my most favorite memories are the trips that we have, the conversations, singing at the top of lungs and laughing at stupid things...

RJ, do you remember the jug n' loaf and the Dale Gribble look alike?

I love you babe! It was a great get away with memorable times. Strawberry Springs forever!!!

Smooches...ti amo!!!

Little Farm Town

2009-08-21T00:49:00.015-06:00

After spending time in Richfield for Grandma Beth’s funeral, the sisters, RJ, mom, Kristi and I decided to take a little detour on the way home and visit the Farm and Fishlake. It was the perfect day for a ride. It was especially cathartic for me and gave me time to be introspective about all that has happened lately. You see, both of my parents grew up in Richfield so both sides of my family kind of merge together in this little farm town. Sometimes I’m amazed it can hold all my memories within its boundaries. Punchbags, fireworks, swimming all day long, herding the cows, driving the tractor, the dairy, games at the park. It all may seem childish…but that’s just it, that’s where I was a child…just like my parents. It’s something so special and so unique. I will always visit, I will always go there…it’s a part of me just like it’s a part of them.

During the visits and weeks in Richfield we would always travel to Big Rock Candy Mountain and Fishlake with both parents, cousins and grandparents. We would eat at Bowery Haven in Fishlake were Grandma Beth would order a “cheeseburger without the cheese” and a “coke."

The one common thread was always the love and laughter that was felt. Richfield has always been a happy and safe place for me. I will always think of family, togetherness, legacy and love when I go there mentally or physically. My history is there and I know my future is too.

Grandma 2008

2009-08-11T20:36:00.002-06:00

Goodbye Sweet Grandma

2009-08-10T21:59:00.004-06:00

It's hard to believe it's been a week since Grandma passed. The air still catches in my throat when I think of it and the tears seem to surface without warning.

The funeral was beautiful. My sisters and Amy worked really hard to put the special touches to it that only Grandma would admire. Dad and Casey both spoke and each brought an incredible depth and individuality to their relationship with Grandma Beth to life again. Friends and family came from all over to honor and pay tribute to a woman, a mother, a wife, a friend, a sister, a grandma...an over all smiling face. There were so many fun stories told about Grandma's early years and her spit fire attitude...I think that runs in the family. There were love stories told of tenderness between her children and husband that I will cherish always. Of coarse, the fond memories I have over the last years with Grandma are still fresh in my mind and heart...it's kinda wierd to go to my dads and not have her there...that was the first thing Stacey, Casey and I would always do...walk over to Grandma's bed in the living room and give her a kiss.

I want her to be in a happy place and I know that's where she is...it's just the adjusting and the rawness of the wound that needs to heal. Until then I snuggle up with a blanket I made her, close my eyes and go walking with her at the farm or take a quick run up to Fishlake.

I love you Grandma! You are forever in my soul...ti amo!

Beth Hicken Erickson

2009-08-10T21:35:00.008-06:00

Beth Hicken Erickson passed away peacefully on August 3, 2009 in Bountiful, Utah. She was born May 26, 1913 in Raymond, Alberta, Canada to Albert and Ruth Skousen Hicken. They lived on a farm in Alberta and Beth was proud of this heritage.

Beth was the oldest child in the family and had three brothers die in infancy. She was preceded in death by sisters LaRue and Hazel, and brothers Reed, Mark and Dale; grandson, Stephen Erick Lynes. Beth married Cleve Erickson on August 26, 1937. The marriage was solemnized in the Manti LDS Temple on Sept. 15, 1950. Cleve preceded her in death November 29, 1973. Beth is survived by their three children: Michael C. (Marilynn) of Spanish Fork; Vickie Ruth (Roger) Lynes of Kearns; and Chesley H. (Amy) of Bountiful; 14 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren; one brother, Howard (Ethel) Hicken of Raymond, Alberta, Canada.

After growing up in Canada, Beth immigrated to Utah with friends and family in the early 1930's where she worked assisting Dr. Frank Lowe in Logan, Utah and eventually Richfield, Utah. Cleve and Beth met shortly thereafter and enjoyed many good times with other couples, dancing at local spots. They settled in Richfield and developed together a family farm at which both worked many long hard hours. In addition, to assisting Cleve on the farm, Beth worked at the Indian dormitory, Parson's Bakery and at the Senior Citizen's Center. After retiring, Beth enjoyed daily lunch at the Senior Center and loved the people who worked and accompanied her there. She was an avid walker and could be seen with friends on her daily adventures throughout Richfield. Beth was an active member of the LDS Church performing temple work and teaching Sunday school.

Beth was blessed with tremendous neighbors who watched out and cared for her and assisted the family in her later years. She enjoyed traveling with the family and annual excursions to her home town in Canada with her brother, Dale. The highlights of her life were visits from her grandchildren, taking them to the farm, Richfield swimming pool, shopping in town or driving to Fishlake. She was meticulous with her yard and took special care to prune the flowers, mow the lawn and keep everything looking nice. She loved and cared for her dogs and cats that kept her company.

The family is especially appreciative of the care provided to Beth during the final two and one-half years of her life by Rocky Mountain Hospice, her loving tender, Lindsey Wallace, and granddaughters, Stacey Erickson Greenland, Casey Erickson and Chelsea Erickson Smith. While living with Chesley and Amy in Bountiful, Utah, Amy went above and beyond all earthly care and was an angel in caring for Beth. Funeral services will be held Friday, August 7, 2009 at 12:00 Noon in the Magleby Mortuary (50 S. 100 W), in Richfield, Utah. Friends may call at the mortuary from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Interment will be in the Richfield City Cemetery. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti.

Online guestbook at http://www.maglebymortuary.com/

Happy Birthday

2009-05-26T22:24:00.005-06:00

Happy Birthday to my Grandma! She is 96 years today and is still requesting a "coke" at every meal. What a delight to spend tonight with family and celebrate a healthy and full life!!!

Thank you...I Love You

2009-04-29T14:18:00.001-06:00

Thank you…I Love You
I have been blessed with the most wonderful husband….patience beyond measure, loved above all others! I was in a different place the day of his birthday so today I celebrate him with reasons I love him.

RJ I love you because…
You lift me up
You are caring
You pass me the ball
You smile at me
You support me
You let me taste your food
You read to me
You let me warm my cold feet on your legs
You believe me
You are trusting
You growl when you eat sometimes
You get scared
You scream like a little girl
You make me laugh
You recycle
You make love possible
You call me babydoll
You are spiritual
You love Ginger like she is a daughter
You accept all people
You are the hardest working person I know
You sleep with a pillow over your head
You hold my hand
You open the door for me
You remember
You still want to slow dance with me in the living room
You throw me the ball
You are delicate with me
You will wrestle with me

Smithers!!!

2009-04-28T17:43:00.004-06:00

The Smith family minus three of our guys (Justen, Jared, and Jordan) all got together at The Olive Garden for dinner. It was a night of laughter and funny stories. We celebrated RJ and Jen’s birthdays and the FACT that Wanda is truly bionic. Wanda had hip surgery the very next day and was walking within 3 hours of surgery…c’mon!!!!!!!

I am grateful for a wonderful family and love them all. Here are some of the fun pictures!

Charlee and Chelsie

Me and Wanda

Chelsie and Me

Charlee and Brandee

Lexi and Alyssa

Wanda, Libby, Me and Charlee

Randy, Jen, and Neil

RJ and Alyssa

The Worm

2009-03-18T01:31:00.004-06:00

I was shopping last November and I ran right into one of my favorite memories. My grandparents had this worm toy that all the cousins and I would ride around on. It was at their house ready and willing each visit. I believe my Aunt has it now and is passing on this great tradtion.

Well, after the tears passed, I decided I was going to start that tradition at my house as well. Not only did I beg RJ to let me buy this bright green worm, but it sits in my living room. It's the first thing you see when you come in my home, and yes, I have sat on it.

I love memories!!! I love the way you walk through them and each time your heart reafirms the reason they are there

Bran and Just

2009-03-15T05:02:00.000-06:00

Happy Anniversary to Brandee and Justen!

One year strong!

I love you both and am thankful for your friendship, love and support!

Time Is On My Side

2009-02-22T01:18:00.001-07:00

I'm staying up late to sing along to slow songs and miss all of you...whoever you are, wherever you are...xoxo

The Brothers

2009-02-19T21:57:00.008-07:00

Here they are...4 months old already!!!

Ashton

Corey

Ashton & Corey

Corey

Ashton

It Ain't Easy Being Green

2009-02-19T21:52:00.003-07:00

I was with my dad the other night and he said the funniest thing to me..."here, take a picture of my bandaid." Now, I don't know much about being a dad...but I think he's a great one and going to be an even better dad to little boys!!! I LOVE THIS PICTURE!!!!

My President

2009-02-17T14:00:00.003-07:00

I can't name all the Presidents of the United States...not even in order...I just can't name all of them. Can you name them? In honor of Presidents Day I decided I would post them all, in order on my blog and make it a goal to learn them all.

1. George Washington
2. John Adams
3. Thomas Jefferson
4. James Madison
5. James Monroe
6. John Quincy Adams
7. Andrew Jackson
8. Martin Van Buren
9. William Henry Harrison
10. John Tyler
11. James Knox Polk
12. Zachary Taylor
13. Millard Fillmore
14. Franklin Pierce
15. James Buchanan
16. Abraham Lincoln
17. Andrew Johnson
18. Ulysses S. Grant
19. Rutherford B. Hayes
20. James Garfield
21. Chester Arthur
22. Grover Cleveland
23. Benjamin Harrison
24. Grover Cleveland
25. William McKinley
26. Theodore Roosevelt
27. William Howard Taft
28. Woodrow Wilson
29. Warren Harding
30. Calvin Coolidge
31. Herbert Hoover
32. Franklin D. Roosevelt
33. Harry S Truman
34. Dwight D. Eisenhower
35. John F. Kennedy
36. Lyndon Johnson
37. Richard Nixon
38. Gerald Ford
39. James Carter
40. Ronald Reagan
41. George H. W. Bush
42. William J. Clinton
43. George W. Bush
44. Barack H. Obama

She's Got A Way-Billy Joel

2009-02-08T00:32:00.003-07:00

1. How would you describe yourself
Maybe we should just sleep on it-Tim McGraw

2. What do you look for in a guy/girl?
Paperback writer-the Beatles

3. How do you feel today?
Don’t Stop-Fleetwood Mac

4. What is your lifes purpose?
Only a Memory-Yanni

5. What is your motto?
White Ladder-David Gray

6. What do your friends think of you?
My Kind of Town-Frank Sinatra

7. What do your parents think of you?
Run Through the Jungle-Credence Clearwater Revival

8. What do you think of most often?
I’ll stand by you-Carrie Underwood

9. What describes your first kiss?
Like a Star-Corinne Bailey Rae

10. What do you think of your best friend?
Voodoo Doll-Fergie

11. What is your life story?
I don’t Care-Fall Out Boy

12. What do you want to be when you grow up?
Forever My Lady-Jodeci

13. What do you think of when you see your significant other?
Make a Memory-Bon Jovi

14. What song will be played at your funeral?
Waiting on the World to Change-John Mayer

15. What is your hobby/interest?
Sing For the Moment-Eminem

16. What is your biggest fear?
End Credits (from the Prince of Tides)-Barbara Streisand

17. What is your biggest secret?
Damn Girl-Justin Timberlake

18. What do you want right now?
As Tears go by-Rolling Stones

19. This song is the title to your note/post:
She’s got a way-Billy Joel

Lost In Thought

2009-02-07T21:39:00.002-07:00

I feel an overwhelming sense of love and gratitude for my family and friends tonight. I know that I am fortunate to be surrounded by giants of faith, pillars of light and the genius of love. I believe I have a unique understanding of my world and the people around me. I am thankful for these gifts and acknowledge that I am only given what my Heavenly Father feels to give. Be that what it may.

Lost in thought tonight and most likely thinking of you, my friend!!! I love you!

G I N G E R

2009-01-21T20:55:00.007-07:00

I seriously CAN NOT believe I haven't posted this before. RJ and I have a dog named Ginger. We adopted her from a friend of ours when she was a puppy. She is THE most amazing little thing. She started out 50% German Shepherd, 50% Husky...aka ALL dog. Then she slowly morphed into 20% German Shepherd, 20% Husky, 20% DIVA, 40%Human. Now she's just a really hairy teenager that talks a lot...seriously she will talk to you...and basically knows more about me then any other person, place or thing.

So, my tribute to Ginger, gigi girl, G-String, G-ja, gigga boom, G-Money, G-unit, G...pick your name is that what I get to learn in life I get to learn from Ginger! Here is part of the list so far. Feel free to add...

unconditional love

happiness

acceptance

dance

listen...intently

keep a constant vigil (two words for those of you that know her...window and tower)

lick your own wounds

snuggle

spread the love

sometimes you run but mostly saunter

cherrish the treats of life

catch snoflakes

sing with the music

confront the challenge

someone is always there to assist you...just look

tolerance

patience

kisses with morning breath aren't THAT bad

let your parents dance with you (yes, this is true)

be a pillow for a tired head

just go with the names you get called

enjoy nature

get your beauty rest...all day...every day

blow bubbles in your water

food is just food

sit under the Christmas Tree

chasing your tail (the past) will just make you dizzy

always take your wallet (dog tag) with you

shake it...you know you've got it!!!

smile

just BE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Under Construction

2009-01-11T00:05:00.002-07:00

How many times have I told myself that I was going to sit down and update my blog...hmmm, keep counting! I'm under construction, so I thought I'd leave a quick note just to let you all know that I'm alive and workin' on it. At least I left some new music : )

"I've got dreams to remember!"

Love ya in 09!!!!
Chels-amia

I know him as Daddy

2008-11-08T11:29:00.000-07:00

I have experienced many rare moments in my life but am now witnessing the most precious of gifts...the making of my father. Never in a million years would I have guessed I would have this opportunity, however, never in a trillion years would I give this away!!! What a beautiful window to look into...to open my eyes and see my father loving my brothers, his new baby sons and becoming a daddy all over again!

I grew up knowing my dad was the only person that could teach me how to enjoy music (the right music), throw a football, build a sandcastle, strum a guitar or play a perfect game of 21. I also know now that I learned how to show compassion, smile, LAUGH, feel and treat people fairly from observing his kindness and consistancy.

My dad is THE funniest person I know! I have never laughed like I do when I am with him. He is in so many ways my friend, confidant, hero and my dear, dear love. A bond between a father and daughter is unbreakable, irreplaceable and eternal. I don't go a day without feeling his love and this year, especially, I owe my life to him. He has given to me so many gifts but none as precious as his thoughts, feelings, friendship and a shoulder to cry on.

Dad, I love you more than these words can say! I celebrate you and share you with the world each and every moment I get...but today I hold you on the pedestal high above all others and say, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!! Ti Amo!