Welcome to a New AM~Erica

So anyway...

Once again, welcome to my new place. I packed up all my posts & brought them here. I needed a change to reflect me a little better. Reflect where my posts have been going. And it just needed updating. My blog has been pretty much the same since 2007 when I first started it. So, for those who are new to my blog, and to those who have been visiting for a while...I want to invite you to look around.

I'm so happy you came to my Blog Warming Party. (like a house warming, but for the blog)

There's several posts on coffee, of course.

There's those about a kid or my kids. And even the family ones & those about my hubby.

My older ones about jobs & potty training.

Don't forget my celebration posts...

You can always check out my popular posts & other label links, too! >>>

And, of course, my soapbox posts. If you're strong enough to handle them. I found that about 30 people dropped out of reading my 3-part soapbox after the first post before reaching the third part.

Feel free to check out my archives, too.

As you can tell, I've been at this for almost 5 years...but I made a commitment to myself to start blogging again, like I did back in 2007. I didn't keep up the place so well from 2008-2011. So I hope you have enjoyed my stuff.

Even though they don't necessarily cover early parenting, job hunting or bargain shopping much anymore, you can see how far I've come in my blogging.

Also...feel free to comment (like signing a guest book) and I've added the reactions back in, too.

Thanks for stopping by, as usual. Stay as long as you'd like. And plan on more coming...

Stay tuned...

God Bless, AM~Erica

Dear Friends of AM~Erica (the hard post)

So anyway...

Many of you know that March was a very difficult month for our family. It still hurts from time-to-time. But, below, I am posting a version of what I posted on my FaceBook & MySpace pages recently about it:

"Hello to all of my friends.

I want to thank everyone who has shown concern for our family situation the last couple of weeks, as well as the prayers.In a tragic string of events that have come to light, Chris' 17-year-old daughter, Chelsea, has made the decision to move back to Las Vegas with her mother. It has been a gut-wrenching time & a lot frantic moments have been spent, a lot of tears have been shed.

I want to make a couple of pleas to those reading this:

1. to all of the teenagers who read this, your family loves you no matter what. They want to help you through any hurts & problems you may have or encounter. You are not alone. You are trying to show your independence by making adult decisions, but you must realize you still need guidance in doing so sometimes. We all make mistakes; no one is perfect except for Jesus Christ. Even if you don't want to admit it, your family is there to help you through no matter what it is. Pray through your decisions. If it feels wrong, or you know it's wrong...then...it's wrong. If you stumble, ask your family to help you back up. You are or will be a role model to at least one person or more whether you like it or not. Be the role model that you would like to have. This is my plea to you.

2. to all of the parents & adult mentors - it is a difficult job, but we love our children no matter what. Remind them ALWAYS! Never assume they are doing just fine - check, often. Get to know the friends & parents of your kid's friends. It may prove to be an important asset to posess. If your child gets into trouble, hopefully the other parents will have your back if they know the situation to let you know; and if you believe one of your kid's friends are in trouble, make sure their parents know. It is NOT ok to cover up the situation in ANY circumstance! Be as involved in your kid's life, even if they are teenagers, as possible. It won't prevent heartache, but it should help prevent a heart from breaking. This is my plea to you.

Continued prayers are appriceated for all involved: Chelsea, family & her friends. She will realize one day what she has done, and will have to face up to the hurts & wrongs of her (not-so)"adult" decisions.

Hugs & Blessings to everyone. It is now in God's hands."

We are so grateful for the support our friends have shown our family as we continue to get through this & heal.

Some of you may know that I love doing some of the random quizzes on FaceBook. I came across one about "What God wants you to know"....so, whatever - some random thing to read. I did it, and I would like to share here what was on my screen:

"Erica got a message that on this day, God wants Her to Know...
... that it is time to finally forgive yourself.You've carried the guilt, the shame for long enough. You've kept your wounds open for long enough. The time has to come to let go, to heal. Keep the lessons and let the pain heal. Yes, you know what we are talking about it."

Wow...that one hit hard. I have been talking about this still being a "wound". So, here is part of my attempt of "healing" as I continue to loosen my grip & let God just take it. Why is it so hard to let go??

Stay tuned...

God Bless, AM~Erica