Happy Father's Day

For whatever reason, Father's Day seems to stand in the shadows of Mother's Day. I'm not sure why this is, but for me and my home, both now and growing up - it was/is not the case! Do Dads do as much as Moms? I'm not sure that's a fair question and of course it can't be generalized due to the fact that some Dads do more than some Moms and the flip side is true too. However, in my life, I've been shown that they each do tons of work and sacrifice, sometimes it just looks different.

I have had the privilege of growing up near my family and also had young family, which gave me a chance to get to know my grand-parents in a close and personal way. I have many memories of my Great-Grand father, John that I will cherish my whole life. He was a home-body that didn't like to do much except go to Bonanza and the camp. He loved everyone, fed numerous neighborhood dogs and loved his cats and hockey. My favorite memories for him were driving through town, waving and yelling 'Hello Joe' so everyone that passed (even if their name was not Joe), getting money for shopping for shoes and no matter which animal was near, he would say ' Careful, he's a killer'! Not too many people can say they spent much time with their Great-grand father, but I had 25+ wonderful years with mine and I miss him everyday.

Another man I miss is my Grampa Jim who we lost back in 94'. Although I was about 7 when he passed, I have great memories of him too! As a child, I remember him being happy and singing almost always ( he loved his country) and no matter where he was, I think he would have rather been on the Tobique River. In fact, I liked it there as much as he did. We would go for boat rides and have picnics with Gramma. I only know this from being told, but apparently Grampa would call my parents and first, ask about the cat, then me, and then ask how they were! haha! I also learned that he didn't like road trips much or maybe driving? But he didn't let it show, because once we drove to Fredericton with Gramma and on the way home, all we did was sing. Both of my Grandfathers taught me a lot without even knowing it. Work hard, love your family and have fun! I miss them both but I am very grateful for the time I had with them and the memories we made together that I will hold dear all my life.

My Grampa Swazey is another great man in my life- how did I get so blessed? To me he is a kind, caring, hardworking man who loves God, his family and golfing! Grampa could tell you anything you want to know, especially about animals and trees. I guess I just always thought he was smart and knew everything, but it probably helped that he was a Forrest Ranger and even if he didn't know the answer, it sure was good at pretending. :) Singing with Gramma, eyes closed, playing his 12-string guitar is probably my fondest memory of my Grampa - although if I sat and thought about it long enough, this blog would never end. Thanks for the great Godly example you have been to me and teaching us all how to love others.You are a great man who taught my Dad how to follow suit.





Dad. What a guy! I've been told that I am just like him - just with longer hair - hah! I think he is pretty extraordinary. What hasn't he taught me? His handy-man ways have taught me that I can fix just about anything and if I can't, I know who can! Hard work should be my Dad's middle name, and he got it honestly (his parents). Did you know he can cook? How about sing? or play the piano? Yup - he can.. and he does it well! Really.. there isn't much he can't do. He is a wonderful man who I look up to in so many ways. Dad, thanks for teaching me how to mow correctly and that just because I'm a girl does not mean I can't get dirty from time to time. Thanks for making me laugh and being a goof ball when I needed it and letting me cry on your shoulder when I needed that too. You are the greatest!





All these men have had SUCH an impact on my life and I would not be the person I am today without them.

In the past year I have had the chance to see my own Husband become a father and watching him play with Brogan and teach him things is such a thrill to me! Chris, you are a wonderful Dad and I thank for you helping me raise our son together - though it's not always easy and it's bound to get worse at times. Brogan loves you and he knows you love him and already would do anything for him. He is a lucky little boy! Thank you for working hard to provide for us and making the extra time together count! We love you!

To all Dads and role models - Happy Fathers Day. You are important and appreciated!

Mother's Day

Mother's day has always been a special day in my life. Getting my Mum a special gift, doing special things for her around the house, handing her a flower at church, dressing up pretty and going out to lunch with her and my grandmothers. What precious memories!

Mother's day now is for me too! Technically this is my second Mother's day, but it really feels like my first. Last year I had a very tiny baby, just over a month old, I was exhausted, overwhelmed and much more emotional than normal. :) This year, I've been a Mother for a year! Cared for my son every day no matter how I felt or the circumstance. I did it!! What a feeling! I feel accomplished, proud, honored and humbled to have had this experience and I look forward to the years to come that I get to witness first hand the growth and development of my little boy.

The more time I am actually a Mother, the more I realize and understand Motherhood and more importantly, my Mother more. I'm learning that Motherhood is many things, but it is ultimately sacrifice and selfless. For some it is an obligation, a sense of duty. I see it as an opportunity and I find joy in my role as a Mother.

I can't take the credit for this... I've had help (other than my husband of course). I come from a line of loving, providing, nurturing, caring and sacrificial Mothers. I have had some of the best role models in my life to look up to and mimic in my own Mothering journey. I thank God for my Great-Grandma Mary who we often reference as the 'pioneer' of the family. Mother of 4 exceptionally special women, who has seen and done so much and watched the world change in her 80 years. She is the first lady on my Mother's side that I have a memory of - and special memories at that! I was a fortunate little great-grand-daughter who got to spend lots and lots of time with Grampa and Gramma P! Some of my best memories are of them. I thank you Gramma for being a wonderful Mother, Grand-mother, Great-grandmother and now great-great grandmother - you are a tough cookie and I admire your heart and hope to love like you someday!

Mother's Day 2010

Next in line are my Grandmothers - both of which I spent countless hours with growing up as well. Gramma Swazey was and is my sewing, gardening, hardworking, cooking, cleaning, energetic and fun-loving Gramma! (Gramma Dynamite). Sleep overs at her home with my cousins, Christmas cooking days, walks in Rowena, and hearing you and Grampa sing are my favorite memories! Thank you for being a Christ-like model to watch as I grew up into the lady that I attempt daily to be. You are everything that a little girl could have asked for in a Gramma!

Grandpa and Gramma Swazey holding Brogan 2012 (Photo by Captured)

Gramma Finnamore was/is more like a mother to me (why not have more than one, right)! (Gramma Money-bags) ;) I think I spent more time with her than I did my parents, some weeks. Movies out, special shopping trips, teaching me to drive from the passenger seat, special lunch dates, taking care of me when I was sick and countless hours spent just hanging out. Thank you for everything you have done for me and continue to do. You have a giving heart and it's taught me how to treat people. I admire you and consider you a strong woman that I am so blessed to have in my life!

Mum. Where do I even begin? Mum's often get the label the 'bad guy' since you have to enforce rules and discipline (when Grammas get to have all the fun)! This probably is true for my Mum, at least when I was young. Mum, THANK YOU for being the 'bad guy' and loving and caring for me enough to teach me right from wrong. Thank you for loving me through all my attitude flares, mess ups and mistakes. You have been a wonderful example of how to love and I hope to love my baby (maybe someday babies) as you loved me and be their 'bag guy' too!! :) I'm so thankful to have you as my Mother, and now to call you my friend. 

I would not be who I am today if it were not for these Mothers. Thank you all for loving me as you did - I cherish my memories of you and thank God for each of you. 

Happy Mother's Day to all. 

Struggles

There are several things that we all struggle with on a daily basis, me included. Probably my biggest struggle most of my life has been my weight. I have never been majorly over weight, however, I have never been 'small'. There are two sides that I fight with in my mind over and over. I never pick a side and I never seem to be happy. 

My first and biggest problem is that, I LOVE FOOD! Seriously...all kinds, the good, the bad and the ugly. I do enjoy my meals and when I have a bad experience, it affects my day. I am usually looking forward to the next meal before I even finish the one I'm eating! (I've gotten better on this one.) This being said, I do enjoy healthy food too. It really doesn't matter. Food = Good! 

Second problem - I have little-to-no will power. I'm so bad that when there are baked goods around or chocolate laying around the house (or work), I MUST have a bite/piece/slice nearly every time I walk by the item. Not good, especially when your kitchen is in the center of your house.

So, Erica likes to eat. Check! That being said, I honestly don't eat all day, but my portions and my food choices may not be the best. I do eat healthy, but I do enjoy a bowl of ice cream every now and again, or chips or whatever...etc. I drink a lot of water regularly and tend to stay away from any other type of drink minus coffee. 

This is where my true struggle of the mind is. WHO CARES? Seriously?! Who? Fat or skinny, I know full well that I am a daughter of the King, and He loves me and finds me beautiful (inside and out) and loves me the way I am. I have a loving husband, who does not complain or tell me that I am fat or I need to work out...smart man! :) So really, who am I trying to please? Myself? Society? Friends? We're all gonna die anyway, why not eat what we want and be happy? (I'm serious here)

The other side of this struggle is that I know all of the health benefits to eating healthy and exercising on a regular basis. Being thinner is generally healthier for all of your organs that keep ya movin' and I would probably have a better self image and feel better about myself. So let's eat healthier and live longer..maybe. 

Exercising is not in my daily routine. I try and there are weeks that I do well and 'work out' 2-3 times that week but it is not every week. I lack motivation, drive and accountability. Though I do have this struggle in my head, I know what I need to do - the point and problem is actually doing it. 

My hope with this entry is that getting it out will help me to process things and, or get my rear in gear - literally. Sometimes it's good to get things out and exposed. So there it is.

My 2012

It's hard to believe that a year has come and gone already. It seems the older I get, the faster time passes. I remember December 31, 2011, like it was yesterday (almost) - and here I sit, another year later, another year older and wonder - where did it go!?

2012 was to be one of the biggest years of my life - the birth of my first son was about to take place!! I had big hopes and dreams and I have NOT been disappointed.  Nothing really pops out at me from January 1 - April 1 as being big and unforgettable. Good times were had and lots of food was consumed (I was 6-9 months pregnant!) 

And then, April 3 at 12:48 we finally met Brogan Christopher Sherrick and our lives were forever changed. The next few months were full of fears, tears, sleepless nights, joy, anxiety and most of all, love. I couldn't believe how much love I could have for a tiny person that really didn't love me or anyone else back. I knew from the moment I saw him that I would do anything for him. What a feeling! 

In June, we decided (last minute) that we would take off for a week and head to New York to visit Chris's parents and extended family. Brogan's first real road trip. He was a wonderful 2 month old passenger! We had a great (surprise) visit and so glad that we took that time to have Brogan meet family for the first time.

In July, Chris took our teens to Miami for a missions trip and had a wonderful eye opening/life changing experience there. At the same time, Brogan and I went to New Brunswick for 2 weeks where he met all of his family there for the first time. We drove from MI to NB with my Grandmother and her husband and flew back when our time was up - marking, Brogan's first flight! Once again, he was a fabulous traveler! We are so blessed!

                                               

Not only were we professional travelers  we were also in a transition stage with Chris's job. He was ready for a job change. Through prayer and several conversations with each other and others that we sought for advice, we decided we were going to move. Leaving behind an amazing group of teens, a wonderful church family and ladies at work, who I grew to love, in Michigan. With a 4 month old, 2 cats, several fish, a moving truck and a car, we headed west, to Wisconsin.


August 6 was our arrival date and it went rather smoothly. But I must say, if you can help it - which we couldn't - do NOT move with an infant!!!!!!!!!!!! I dreaded this time for so many reasons, but with lots of help and a wonderful easy going and happy baby, we made it!  Here we are Wisconsin! First time parents, first time lead Pastor and wife AND first time home owners! What are we thinking?! :)

Before we moved, we knew that sooner or later I would have to return to work to help support our family and pay all the fun bills that go with being a grown up! So I hoped that I would be able to have a day care service in our home - just a few kids - enough to help get by. Living directly across from the elementary school, I thought this will be no problem! I'll even offer before and after school care. Simple, right? No! I learned a 'small town' rule really quick. No one is going to send you their children if they don't know you. haha! You think I would know that - since I'm from the metropolis of Perth-Andover! :)
 
It was my plan and if you have ever had plans of your own, you know that they don't always go the way you planned - but they aren't always the best either! In September I saw a post in the local 'paper' of a part time position needed with children after school. Long story short, I got the job and I l-o-v-e it! Not only do I like the actual job part, but I have wonderful co-workers, and I am able to take Brogan with me everyday. What more can you ask for?

October through December, we have had an almost constant trickle of visitors between parents and siblings! It is so nice to see family when you live so far from them. Their visits are never long enough (even when they get stormed stayed), eh Jen? :)  In November we welcomed Chris's brother to live with us for awhile and it has been great to get to know him better and have some family close by.

Of course once you introduce babies to other children, you can almost count on some colds and other sicknesses to get around. Brogan had 3 ear infections within 3 months and several colds. I'm thankful for a wonderful doctor who took care of my sick baby! I experienced what it was like to see your baby unhappy, in pain and not being able to do anything but just cuddle and love him. What a helpless feeling! It helped so much that he is the happiest baby I have ever dealt with and it was so hard to tell that he was even sick. 

We just made it through our first Christmas with Brogan and nearly 6 months at our new church and things are going well. Of course I can't cover every significant experience of the past year, but I can say that we are blessed and so very grateful for the year that has come and gone. I know not everyone had a wonderful year like we did. Because of this, I hug my baby tighter, tell my husband I love him and appreciate him more and keep my friends and family near as much as possible. Time is precious and we never know what tomorrow holds!

I look forward to 2013 and what it holds for the Sherricks! 

Thankful

This past weekend was, of course, American Thanksgiving. First of all let me say, it's incredible being a Canadian living in the United States. Why? Well because I get to celebrate TWO Thanksgivings! I enjoy this fact - for two reasons. Of course, for the over eating of food, but more importantly for the reminder of being thankful.

I truly consider myself to be a thankful person. I am and have been so very blessed in my life and have numerous blessings to be thankful for and I am thankful for them more than twice a year. I love that the two countries that I have lived in set aside time to reflect and say 'thanks'.

Brogan at the head of the table

This year was especially special. Brogan's first Thanksgiving. Though he doesn't understand what went on this weekend, why Papa and Gramma were here, or why there is such thing as 'Thanksgiving', he still had his first. And if I may, I will say that he has much to be thankful for. He has food to eat everyday (five or more times a day), he has clothes to cover his little body and diapers for his little bum. :) He has more toys and stuffed animals than he knows what to do with. He lives in a house with running, clean water and heat that turns on before it gets too cold. He has a Daddy and a Mommy that love him to the moon and back and would do anything for him. Not to mention, the 6 Grandmas, 4 Grampas, 3 Uncles, 2 Aunts, and one first cousin that love him very much (plus the equally important great- uncles, and aunts and 2nd cousins and so on). My son is BLESSED to say the least. And why shouldn't he be? Why can't every child have these blessings? I may never know why. All I can do is thank God that we live where we live and have the things that we do and teach my son to be just as thankful.

 

And so, I am thankful. Thankful for my extended family and how I was brought up in a loving home that taught me right from wrong. Thankful for my immediate family - my handsome loving husband and my precious baby boy. Thankful for the friends and mentors that helped shape me into the woman I am today. Thankful for a God who is not distant, that loves me through my faults and humaness every day! And for so much more... that of which will be spoken of in the future. 

 

I am simply thankful. For everything.

Perspective

Last Saturday, November 3, 2012, my baby was 7 months old! Today, Tuesday November 6, he is 31 weeks old. And yesterday, yours truly, celebrated the 2nd anniversary of my 25th birthday. :)  How is this possible?  

You've heard them say it ' time flies when you're having fun', or 'just wait until you get married and have kids, then time will really go fast'. They weren't lying. As I ponder my 25+ years (I'm not in denial), I wonder - where DID the time go? There have been times in my life when I honestly thought I would never see the light or never grow 'up' - time just seemed to stand still. But then all of  sudden, someone hit fast-forward! Where is the pause button?

Life as a college student is fond memory - yet it feels like a lifetime ago! And I'm not that old! Only four years ago did I graduate. Then there is high school.. what? I have special memories, with friends and family during that time, but already most of it is a fog. I couldn't tell you my class schedule, or what shampoo I used at that time (who could?) - but I can tell you who my friends were and how I enjoyed spending my time. 

The past 7 months have been such a wonderful time in my life. I have watched a tiny person, grow, learn and explore the world around him so quickly! I want to remember EVERYTHING..and again only 7 months into it, I am forgetting. Some days are a blur - how do I remember? I do keep a baby book, and a journal every once and awhile. I think that will help me remember these precious days as I get older.. and forget. 

When I look at Brogan, I can't imagine what my life would be like without him and I am amazed with his perfection that was created by myself, my hubby and of course, My God! Every day is something new for Brogan. He never ceases to amaze me. 

Only 7 months ago, I did not know this boy. I was a wife, a daughter, a sister, a (great) granddaughter a (great) niece and I friend. Now I can add, Mother. Something I have always dreamed about and now - I am! 7 months/31 weeks as a Mother and I am forever changed! 

My perspective on life has changed. It's about Brogan now. How can I make his life easier? What can I do for him today, that will help him tomorrow? Every little decision Chris and I make right now will impact Brogan's little life. Whoa - no pressure! :) He has opened my eyes to so many things on only 7 months! What will the next 7 years show me? And about that pause button? Who has it???? 

Though I feel scattered and not really knowing what the purpose of writing this entry is I am learning to enjoy my today and soak up every minute before it's just a memory. 

6 months

Today is a special day in the Sherrick home. Though I've been aware of it's coming for weeks, I still find it hard to believe that it is here. 

Brogan is six months old today! 

I can't believe that my baby is that old! The past six months have been full of excitement, fears, stress, joy, tears and most of all love. Unless you have a child, you cannot understand the love that explodes from your heart for the little one that you now have complete care for. I surely didn't. Of course, as a child, I knew my parents loved me and now as an adult, I still know they do. However, I never completely understood the MAGNITUDE of their love. I learned this on April 3, 2012 at 12:48 PM. I began to understand this love sometime in July of 2011.. but until I held my precious baby boy it had not reached it's full potential. All I know to say to express how I felt when I met him was that I might explode if I loved him any more. Nothing has changed. 

Today as I reflect the past six months, I can't help but smile. Brogan has changed my life in so many wonderful ways. He has made me realized the importance of each moment. In the middle of the night, when I am exhausted and he is crying, wanting to eat, I've been reminded how quickly these moments will pass. And instead of wishing them away, I've welcomed them, sometimes not so easily, but I have tried to cherish late nights and cranky times. 

Brogan has taught me the simple power of a smile. His first smile was around one month old and he hasn't stopped since. No matter how my day is going, when I walk into the room and see that little dimple on his right cheek, I instantly melt. One smile from him and I forget my troubles, my worries, my fears and I am completely wrapped up in the beauty of his face. So smile, it doesn't cost anything and it brightens the world!

Then there is the giggle. If the smile didn't work (which is always does) then the giggle will! Honestly! A babies joy and laughter is one of the best sounds in this world. I would make it my ring tone, if I could. (Hm, I wonder if I could?) Brogan has been laughing since he was around 2 and a half months old. He really is a happy baby. Most people wonder if he ever cries (let me assure you, he does!) We have been completely blessed with a pleasant baby, who goes wherever we go and does what we do with ease. I couldn't have put him together any better than he is. God has created a masterpiece and Chris and I get to enjoy him everyday. 

Already when I see a newborn, I think, Brogan was never that little! It's hard to remember how small he really was - even looking at pictures and holding his newborn clothes (that at the time were big) it's still hard to imagine him that small. But I am also reminded of how quickly he has grown and has made new discoveries each day. 

While the past six months have been so great, I can't help but dream about the future. What will Brogan sound like? What will he like to eat? Will he have my sense of humor? Will he enjoy the things his Daddy enjoys? What will he look like? So many things to wonder and discover about him in the years to come and I am so excited to learn each mystery. I am not wishing my today away, I am simply excited about watching him grow and enjoying each day with him.

I am a better person because of Brogan and my prayer is that he continues to teach me things about life and myself as he grows. 

Happy six month birthday baby!