Happy Birthday Erica!

Erica in Scandinavian means "Ruler of All"

Erica in English means "Brave Ruler"

Erica is my sister and she turns 24 today!   Erica was born when I was 15 1/2.  I am the oldest of eight and she is the youngest.   I think it would be safe to say that we had different parents-  I broke them in-- my siblings left them all worn out-- and Erica makes my Dad think he should have had more!   

Being that there are 15 1/2 years between Erica and I, she probably remembers very little of when I lived at home.  I left for college when she was 2 1/2 and only came home for holidays after that.    Erica, do you know who named you?   It was I.  Do I dare tell you where I got the name came from?   I had discovered soap operas during the summer months... "All My Children"- and there lies the name of Erica (she is still on today).    Your full name became Erica Ellen-- Ellen after Grandma. 

This is my beautiful sister Erica and her family.   Erica is a beautician and I have had her cut and style my hair a few times.  She is so gentle- with words and her hands.   She spruced me up for her own wedding!   I wish I could drop on by for a regular hair cut and a visit.  You would probably do my nails too!  I would like that.

 Erica just started her own family blog.   I get treated to pictures like this.

Baby Deakyn in a basket.    Deakyn, I love baskets and I love little toes... yum!

and pictures like this-- Peyton and Deakyn.

It means a lot to me to see and read about my sisters life-- maybe even more then anyone else.  Why?  Because I see her the least.     And that has been going on for 24 years...   

when I was 15 1/2, I was a busy teenager and was not at home much.

Here is the proof-- notice that empty space... all you see is my aurora.   I was at a track meet and did not make it home for the family picture appointment.  Erica is the baby.

When I was home-- I did love and cuddle her.  She was cute and Erica, they say,  looked a lot like me.  (I made that dress I am wearing-- just want my posterity to know that!  And I also cut my own hair!)

Hope you have had a wonderful birthday Erica.  You are the most gentle, quiet soul I know, right next to our brother Duane.   Last year in February when you made the travel circle with Mom and Dad, I was so glad you came.   It was the first time I had seen Peyton and I watched as you took care of him.  You were gentle and loving.   Erica means ruler and  you rule with a kind and gentle heart.  I love you baby sister.  You are still as sweet as the baby  I cuddled 24 years ago.   Love Your Sis, Karalene