Going goth

My friend Erin,

I seriously can't remember when we actually met "for real". I know we at least knew of each other at Covenant, but never really crossed paths. I knew Matt a lot better back in those days, but I guess we became friends almost by default when you guys moved to STL. I'm so thankful for default! I've been reading all of the blog posts that people have written you and I must say that lots of people love you and you can add me to the list. I miss spending time with you guys so much but I'm so thankful that we have opportunities to get together when we come into town. Thanks for spending my 30th with me- wish I could return the favor!

I wish that I had a picture to put up, but unfortunately, the picture that I really wanted to post was taken before I had a digital camera so it's not on my computer. It is of you and Matt at our annual Halloween Costume Party the first year we lived in the Wise house. I totally remember answering the door and wondering,"Who are these people and I think they are at the wrong party." After about 5 seconds I realized it was you and Matt and I almost died! Totally a side of you both that I never thought I'd see. (Matt and Erin dressed as a punk couple, complete with Erin in fishnet stockings, black boots, short cutoff shorts, tanktop, silver wig, and lots of dark eye makeup, Matt in jeans and t-shirt with a dog collar around his neck, mohawk wig, and also lots of eye makeup. Hilarious!) As, always, you were the hit of the party! I pray that you will have many more wonderful years ahead of you and that I will get to be your friend for all of them!

Love,
Jenny Vogel (and Todd and Jackson, too!)

Daycare Lady

OOOOOOOOOO, MISS EHRWIN! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, EHRWIN K.!

THINGS IS JUST THE SAME AS WHEN YOU WORKED HERE BEFORE! THEY IS JUST BUSY! LET ME JUST TELL YOU ABOUT OUR DAY TADAY . . .

WE GONNA GO TO THE BATHROOM: EVERYBODY IN A LINE, NICE LINE, WE GONNA WALK DOWN TO THE BATHROOM. NOW BOYS: YOU NEED TO AAAAAAAIIIIIIMMMMM! MISS TONDA DON'T WANNA CLEAN THAT UP, YOU NEED TO AIM! (MATTHEW K., REMEMBER WHAT I TOLD YOU, YOU NEED TO AIM!)

OKAY, WE GONNA HAVE A BIRTHDAY CAKE NOW. EVERYBODY, HAPPY PLATE, SHOW MISS TONDA HAPPY PLATE!!

OOOOOOOOO, MISS EHRWIN! HAPPY BIRTHDAY! YOU KNOW MISS TONDA MISS YOU, EHRWIN K.!!!

LOVE,
MISS TONDA LEO JOHNSON

Almost Famous

Erin:

I cannot thank you enough for being so patient with me. I'm sorry that I'm all over your house, everywhere you look. I promise I'll give you your house (and husband) back at some point. On the bright side though, I'm hoping to jump start Matt's career. He talks about me all the time anyway - eventually people will listen, and we'll all be famous!

In the meantime, I hope your next three decades bring an abundance of joy.

Sincerely,

Sir Granville Bantock

More time, more beauty

Happy Birthday Erin!

What a special day! I can still remember the first time I met you …having lunch in Clayton with Sarah when you and Matt first moved here. It doesn’t seem like that long ago, huh? You are such a dear friend and I have so enjoyed getting to know you over the past few years. You are so talented and have blessed so many with your beautiful voice. You shouldn’t worry one thing about getting a year older because as I recently told you—you just keep getting more beautiful every year! I know Matt would agree with me! Here’s wishing you the best birthday ever. I hope you will feel the love all of us have for you.

Love you!
Allison

A toast

Well, girlie, here you are at 30 and who can believe it? We've come a long way, baby. Remember talking outside Dr. Hamm's office door that first time I accompanied for your voice lesson and you had to tell me your name AGAIN even though we had already met several times. You were the very cool friend of Erin and Julie. . .

Then, that first semester all kinds of things happened, and we emerged at the end of it, faces set to the future and towards each other. I'm remembering meal after meal after meal in the Great Hall, shopping dates, movie dates, dinner dates, lunch dates; Valentines Day; staying with your folks over Fall break; sharing a room on 4th South, you and Matt starting to date (What? I'm not invited??); then I go off to France for a semester, leaving you to hold down the fort. I remember driving back to Covenant late that summer and getting a phone call at my cousins' place in St Louis - "I'm engaged!" And then, wedding stuff, plans, anxieties, waiting, more plans and more waiting. Meanwhile, my own romance had started which you loved and supported me through. And then your Big Day finally came and you were beautiful.

Remember when Jeannette and I came to visit you guys in Philly? I felt so grown up having a real live married friend who worked in the big city and knew her way around it like the back of her hand...well, of course, your sense of direction and mine being what they are, that's no surprise to you.

But then, the icing on the cake, you guys end up in Saint Louis and we get to spend more life together, but this time as married couples, college behind us, trying to navigate through the real world of work, marriage and community. It made for sweet moments and more sweet memories.

Thank you for being my faithful friend these last 10 years. I'm glad to have shared so much of my life with you. Happy Birthday! And here's to you, my dear!

Bryonie Moon

To name a few

Erin,

It's hard to believe you (and soon me) are turning 30. Though God has taken us in different directions on the map and our meetings are one and sometimes two years apart, our freindship always seems to pick up right where we left off. When I think back to the years we spent hanging out there are so many memories that no single one stands out. Therefore I've decided to list just a few: youth group; your piano playing; basketball games; New Mexico, Bible studies; your voice; acting (The Giving Tree); soccer games; meals at the Farquhars'; France; toilet paper, butter, saran wrap and your car; hanging with the gang; these things and many more I will never forget. My prayer is that our paths will cross more often in the coming years. But if not, I know our friendship will never go away.

Have a wonderful birthday!!

Ryan Foster

The Entertainer

Erin,

We have enjoyed thinking back on the good old high school days. It was great having you in our home with other friends along with lots of conversation, laughter, and games. There was something special about--your Christ likeness. You cared about everyone. We had to chuckle too as we remembered you entertaining us with foreign accents and other theatrics.

Thanks for taking time to visit together in St. Louis. I can't believe I actually found your place--so cute!

Wishing you an extra, extra special 30th!

Larry and Cheryl Foster

To His glory

Dear Erin,

We've been so privileged to be able to stay connected even though we're so far apart. We have great memories of hiking with you and Matt, of weddings and sadder times, too. We've laughed with Miss Tonda each time she has appeared. We're grateful for your hospitality and look forward to other opportunities to visit. We're thankful for your love for your family and your Savior. May He richly bless you at this milestone in your life and continue to grow you and use you for His glory.

We love you!

Aunt Jackie & Uncle Harvey

A great "big" sister

To my Sister:

First off, thanks for being my sister. I know that you and I had no choice in the matter but I am still glad that you were my sister. There are so many stories that we could recount or movies that we could quote or people that you could impersonate that would keep everyone laughing for hours.

I always look forward to holidays and getting to laugh and play games with everyone and let Mom and Dad laugh at us as they try to keep up. You always have been willing to take time out to talk to people that needed a little extra personal interaction. You have been a leader everywhere you go and people have looked up to you, but only with your heels on.

When people referred to me as Erin's little brother, it's all right because there is no other "big" sister that could be better then the one that I have. Rebekah and I wish that we could be with you to celebrate your birthday and you feeling old. We hope that you have a blast with all of your friends tonight and a great day tomorrow. We are looking forward to seeing you next week and spending Christmas with you here in Greenville.

We love you and thank God for you and Matt and what you mean to us.

Your little brother,
Jared

Soul deep

Bill and I knew that Erin and Matt were going to be very special additions to the St. Louis community even before they arrived. Our friend Paul Jones at Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia had told us about them so we were on the look out! We were thrilled when they finally came and even more so when they began coming to our church small group. Paul was right, of course—we have come to love them very much and feel like they are a part of our family as well as friends.

Erin has been so fun to get to know. She always has a fresh way of looking at things and makes me laugh. Of course her voice is lovely, but it is more than that. She also sings with her eyes, with her heart, from her soul . . . and that is why when she sings in the worship service my own heart is moved to adore the Savior more deeply.

We are excited to share this milestone birthday with her! May this new decade—one I highly recommend, by the way—bring with it wonderful new opportunities, adventures, and blessings.

We love you, Erin!
Mary Beth and Bill McGreevy

To the girl who doesn't "blog," nor read them

Erin,

It is hard to choose one thing to elaborate upon for the occasion of your thirtieth birthday. It seems that there are not too many memories that Brandon and I have made here in Saint Louis that do not include you and Matt. These memories range from the insanely funny to the entirely opposite end of the spectrum.

The first time I met you was on one of the many occasions you opened your home to Brandon and I. We were to be married in a month, knew Brandon was to begin seminary in two months, and needed to find a house in three days or less. I am sure I left quite an impression on you (hanging my feet out the car window while singing and falling asleep during Napoleon Dynamite), but I went into that weekend with high expectations from what I had heard about these cool cousins in Saint Louis and I was not disappointed. In fact, I was excited that we might get to know you better in the years to come.

And we certainly have. You and Matt were the first ones Brandon called from the hospital when we received the news that I was sick. Even though you were in the car on the way to vacation, you made phone calls for us as our "honorary deacon and deacon's wife" to others that might support us in your absence. That meant so much to us and we were so thankful to have you here, especially being so far away from our families.

You have also hosted us for numerous holidays and offered us a refuge when our power went out during the coldest week of the winter. Though it may have been a burden, you never showed it and made us feel at home.

I love sitting near you in choir or in church and hearing my rusty voice united with your beautiful one and, on the rare occasion, have been blessed to sing in a small group with you.

You have become more than cousins - you are our great friends and we will miss you sorely when we all move away. May you be blessed this year and many more and may I never be your opponent during a Deacon's Trivia Night!

Happy Birthday!

Love,

Rebecca

Thick and thin

Erin ,

I tried my best, but I couldn’t think of anything clever or witty or even funny to write for you – I don’t speak to cats and I haven’t had the funds to take you on spectacular birthday vacations. I will just have to write the sappy happy birthday message.

Happy birthday! It’s a milestone – and although it can be tough sometimes, in the kingdom 30 isn’t very old. You’ve achieved a lot so far, even if sometimes it feels too ordinary.

I’m so thankful to have been able to move somewhere where we knew people. People who could get us hooked into the social pipeline – somewhere where we could be somebody ... seriously though, I am thankful to have moved closed to family where Rebecca and I could meet so many new friends and quickly get involved in a good church. My softball career may have taken a drastically different turn if I had been forced to take a year off back in ’05.

I’ve enjoyed the time I have gotten to spend with over the past several years. Your marriage is a testimony to me and Rebecca – I only hope that in the years to come we can reflect Christ in our marriage the way that you have. You’ve been there for us many times now. Hot summers and cold winters – your house was open. During tough times you were there to support Rebecca and that supported me.

I pray that the next 30 years will be as fruitful as the first. May you have the blessing of a wonderful covenant family that will call you blessed and be refreshed with morning goodness everyday. May you learn to love the Lord more and more, only to realize you have just begun.

Love,
Brandon

30 and fabulous

Dear Erin,
Well, what do you say to such a fabulous 30-year-old?!!

You have had an incredible 30 years filled with love and laughter, friends and family. I am so totally blessed to be part of it! :)

You are such a kind-hearted, loving person. I have so appreciated your sincerity and the time you take to get to know someone -- to find out about and love on someone. It's a true gift, and one that I have been the benefactor of on many occasions!!

God bless you Erin for 30 plus more years! And here's to more years of love laughter, friends and family! Much love to you!

Sara English
for the English family :)

First impression

I remember when I first really talked to Erin and it was wonderful. I went sheepishly to Shonda's after church one night, not really being a regular. I walked into her apartment and didn't really know who I was going to talk to.

The night was going along fine and, as I was talking to Shonda on the floor, Erin popped in, got real close and said, cutely, "What are you guys talking about?!" We talked for awhile and I remember very clearly how fun I thought she was and how I wanted to make sure we talked again! What a great first impression!

Lizzie Vogel

One cousin to another

Happy Birthday to My Cuz!!!!

Hope you have a wonderful day!!!!

We pray that the Lord would richly bless you in this coming year as you and Matt continue to serve Him together. Enjoy your day and remember to have some fun.

Love You,
Steve and Siobhan

Baby jeans

Our dear friend Erin,

We don’t even know where to start. First of all we are incredibly sad we cannot be there to celebrate with you. There is not a Friday night that goes by that both Michael and I don’t think about y'all. Once again we will miss you on this Friday night. Words cannot express how thankful and blessed we were to meet you and Matt when we moved to St Louis. You were there for most of our special “firsts” in St Louis. We will never forget when we first met you and we are still shocked you are still willing to be friends with us after the LONG day of moving. From the very beginning you exemplified your servant's heart. You were there the first time we went to Shonda’s on a Sunday night. Your welcoming, inviting and caring spirit was what made us feel wanted from the very beginning. There were many restaurants that we enjoyed with you and Matt. We miss our great conversations with you.

Thank you for your honestly, humor and encouragement. Thank you for introducing us to the Mills Mall. As Christmas is here we are so sad that we will not be able to join the annual shopping trip. We hope you find good deals!

A very special first that will NEVER be forgotten was Amy Caroline’s birth. We could not have wanted a more special friend to be there to welcome her into this world. Thank you for your sweet spirit. It truly was a blessing to have you there that night. It also was fun to have you come over the night we brought her home. You were for sure the first aunt she ever met! We look forward to sharing those sweet memories with her one day. There are so many more memories that we have with you. Thank you for your friendship. You were and still are a constant and faithful friend. It is a privilege to get to know your heart, your desires, struggles and joys. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your life. We can only imagine all the people you have impacted in your 30 years.

May God truly bless you this special year. We miss you so much and we cannot wait for a visit! I heard Southwest has cheap flights!

We love you,

Michael, Amy and Amy Caroline

Oh—how could we forget that you bought Amy Caroline her first pair of jeans!

3 Musketeers

Happy Birthday, Aunt Erin!!!

We can't wait to see you in a few days.

Love,
The Farquhar 3 Musketeers

'I love my Auntie Erin so much, I'm jumping for joy!'

Love, William

'I'm so excited to get to see Auntie Erin next week I can hardly stand it!'

Love, David

'I love spending time with Auntie Erin!

This is us at the zoo when I was 7 months old

(which is as old as my baby brothers are now)!'

Love, Elizabeth

In love with her company

Dear Erin,

Whether dining with you on the veranda, enjoying cookies on the roof, ice skating by moonlight, jamming out to G-Love, or enjoying dozens of sophisticated cultural events at Powell Hall, we find you a delightful companion. We love that together we can talk about politics, religion, theatre, old love, or British dental hygiene with equal verve and passion. Whether sipping soup, Chardonnay, or lukewarm Guinness, our hearts are glad to be with you. While Matt continues to exasperate you beyond reason, know that indeed he is grateful to be called your friend. Meanwhile, Beth will continue her vain attempts to spare you, although she knows you can handle it and thoroughly enjoys when you put him in his place. We look forward to a lifetime of new stories with you, and on this cold winter's eve we send our warmest birthday wishes!

Beth & Matt

Benediction

Happy Birthday Erin!

May God's many blessings be poured out upon you as you celebrate this wonderful day. May you know His awesome love in a new and more meaningful way this coming year as you seek to serve Him.

Sorry we can't be there to help you celebrate but take a few moments out of your busy day and enjoy this special day God has given you. May it be filled with of laughter and joy!

Lots of love from,

Uncle Brian, Aunt Connie, Shannon, Bradley, Brenton, Shelby, Bronson, Sacha, Bryton, and Bryce:)

Numbers 6:24-26: "The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace."

A trip down memory lane

With all the amazing adventures that we have taken with Erin (and Matt), it was difficult to choose just a few to reminisce about. For the past, I don't know how many years, Shaun and I have taken Erin and Matt on a new adventure, (fully funded by us, of course), to celebrate Erin's birthday. Unfortunately, we are not together this year to celebrate this milestone birthday, with our recent move to South Carolina, but for fun, let's look at Erin's last three birthdays, which all happen to be the most memorable.

There was our African safari for her 27th. Erin loved the lions, zebras, and giraffes. And when we were dangerously approached by a large herd of elephants, Erin worked her magic and began to sing to them and they calmly stopped, fell to the ground, and gently fell asleep. Can you say elephant whisperer? Of course, for this trip, Erin insisted on wearing khaki the entire time and let me just say that no one wears khaki like Erin, and I mean no one!

Then for her 28th birthday, we went to the Taj Mahal. Again, she chose to wear khaki, don't know why, but she looked just as amazing as the year before. This trip wasn't quite as exciting for Erin because of all days, we visit the Taj Mahal when they are closed for carpet shampooing. Can you imagine? So we went for ice cream instead.

Then for her 29th, we went to Egypt to the pyramids. Erin loved riding the camels and climbing to the top of the pyramids. We tried to convince Erin to not wear khaki this year because she would be hard to find in all that sand, but you know Erin: once she has her mind made up, Erin's gonna do what Erin's gonna do. She wore that khaki like she's never worn it before, but she looked fantastic!

So, Erin, we have had some amazing adventures and we wish we could have gone to Mount Everest this year as we had planned. Maybe for your 31st. We hope you have an amazing 30th! We miss you and love you. Happy Birthday!

Danielle, Shaun, and your buddy, Eva

Happy Birthday, Peanut!

Impossible to believe the Lord has been so good to us to have given us such a wonderful daughter. We love you so much that words do not fully express the joy filling our hearts. What a marvelous young lady you have become - we are so proud of you, of who you are, and how God continues to bless others through you (and Matt, too).

Wish we could be there to celebrate this very special day but alas. . .

May the friends that surround you shower you with the love you so richly deserve. Looking forward to seeing you at Christmas.

Love, Dad

Now and Then

How do you tell a daughter how thankful you are for her?

Words cannot express the love we have for you or our great thanksgiving to God for giving you to us 30 years ago. Wow! You think it is hard being 30 . . . just wait until your kids are in their 30s!

God has honored us with a beautiful, godly daughter whom we treasure. From the little girl who loved to play with her brothers to the lovely lady that we kissed goodbye as she took off with Matt on the day of their wedding. Thanks for all the joy you continue to bring to us and all the blessing that you are to many. It is fun to read about you as others see you and it makes us very proud of the lovely lady you are now!

Have a great day! And many, many more!

Love,
Mom

Like a mother, father, and groundhog

Erin,

Happy Birthday! I have really enjoyed getting to know you over the past few years. I appreciate the fact that we can laugh together over very simple and silly things. We can be honest about our feelings and, although, I didn't believe it when you first said it, you DO cry more than anyone I know. It is a good thing because it allows the rest of us to know we can really express our true feelings to you. So, thanks! I also have enjoyed talking to you about life and all that comes with it.

I am glad that I was able to spend both Mother's Day and Father's Day with you and Matt. It made being away from my own parents and not being a parent myself a little easier. Wanna get together for Groundhog Day??? Not sure the relevance, but I guess we could just celebrate the fact that we are alive and not SO old that we can't still SEE our shadows!

And about Miss Tonda... I still haven't had the pleasure to meet her. Is she coming in town for the holidays, or your birthday?? I hope so, because I am just dying to get to know her. If she is anything like you, she must be great!

I don't have any picture of the two of us, so I decided to add in a video I found of us when we went out dancing! Remember that night? It was so much fun! You are a great dancer!!! I can only hope to learn some of your moves one day. As you'll see, you are far better than me!

Have a wonderful birthday! May you feel consumed in love from your family and friends. I pray that the Lord will continue to bless you and encourage you as you look to your future and all that has in store for you!

Happy Birthday!

Love,
Kat

What strange guy?

Erin,

I cannot believe you're turning 30!!!!!!!

Well, our friendship started when I started dating Charlie (whom you called Chuck)! You caught the bouquet at our wedding! You had some very unique qualities of voice impersonations that could really get a belly laugh from me. You went off to Covenant where we loved hearing the stories of this strange guy who was wearing strange colored socks (the details are very fuzzy) who came up and talked to you. We were so happy to be a part of that special day when you and Matt were married!!

We have missed seeing you all so much since we've both moved in opposite directions! We enjoy hearing about how God continues to bless you and Matt!!

We want to wish you a very special "30th"!!

Much love from all five of us,

Kim, Charlie, Haddon, Elise, and Karis

Testimony of grace

Happy Birthday Erin!

We are so thankful that you all showed up here in Saint Louis a few years back! Thankful for your friendship and thankful for your life that is a testimony of God's grace and covenant faithfulness.

Have a wonderful birthday!

Love,

Jennifer & Bill Hughes

Happy Returns

Hello and Happy Birthday, Erin!!!

It was good to see you and Matt again at Jared's wedding. You were a beautiful bridesmaid! (ok...he looked sharp, too!) We love the picture of the 2 of you outside.

Hope you have a WONDERFUL birthday celebration. Of course, we wish we could be there with everyone else (even though we might not know a lot of them).

Your Mom and Dad treated me to a performance of the Canadian Brass last night at the Peace Center! It was terrific! Don't you just love having them for a Mom and Pop? hee hee

Many Happy Returns as they say.

Marilyn and Bill Dilling

Flower Child

Happy Birthday Erin!

It's hard to believe that 25 years have now passed since you were the most beautiful flower girl to ever walk down MRPC's aisle. This is one of my favorite pictures of us together.

I hope you have a wonderful birthday!

Aunt Jan Borger

The Cool Ones

Happy Birthday to YOU, Erin!

Our sister in Christ

who blesses us abundantly with her. . .

faithful friendship

angelic voice

hi-larious sense-of-humor

and

snappy dressing!

WE LOVE YOU!

XOXO,

Steve, Mary Anne, Caroline, & Elizabeth Hughes

a.k.a., "The Cool Hugheses"

Returning the joy

Dear Erin,

Happy Birthday!

May the Lord bless you with great joy today as you celebrate your special day! Thanks for all the ways in which you bring joy to me and to all your friends--especially through your lovely music!

Blessings,

Kathy Chapell

Go, Matt!!!!!!!!!!

Erin-

You are a woman who has it all! Your style and sense of humor draw others to you, and your vocal stylings are out of this world! Little did we know that your voice would lend itself to dynamic cheering on the softball sidelines. We have enjoyed getting to know you in Small Group and through church activities. We look forward to many more opportunities to laugh and grow together. May this year be your best yet!

Many blessings,

Wade and Ramona (Liliana, too)

Across the miles

A very happy birthday to you, Erin!

We're sad we can't be there to celebrate this milestone with you, and more sad that it's been so long since we've been able to see you guys! Bronwyn still remembers her Auntie Erin, though, and would very much like to wish you a "Happy birthday!"

We're thankful to have you as a sister-in-law and an auntie, and to single out a few of your gifts among many, we very much appreciate your faith, your sense of humor, your musical gifts, and your wicked competitive game instincts!

Much love,

Linnea, Joe and Bronwyn

ODE TO ERIN

Oh, Erin, you are so fair

With your angelic voice and short brown hair.

You make us laugh with your sarcasm and wit

There’s no one like you, not even a bit.

You’re a great mover; you moved our entire home

The only thing missing was our garden gnome. (did you steal it? :))

You have good taste in everything, especially friends

But it is us who are blessed, you’re kindness never ends.

You’re thirty now, what a great age to be!

We know you will live this year beautifully.

Happy Birthday Erin, we love!!

Ben & Shauna Collison

A blessing

Erin,

Every time you sing, you bless us. We also appreciate your kindness to Cheri. The Lord bless you as you venture into a new decade.

Hugh and Roberta Collison

She's a bruiser

Erin,

When I told Mark about your birthday scrapbook, his first response was "we really should have taken a picture of that bruise she gave me and sent her that." After you pinched him during that heated game of Catch Phrase, he had a nasty looking bruise on his arm for more than a week! (We all know he deserved it!) You are a wonderful sister-in-law, aunt, and friend. My brother is so lucky to have you as a partner in life. We all look forward to seeing you soon and hopefully playing a few more heated games of basketball as well as Catch Phrase.

Love, Martha (for Mark, Jack, and Henry also)

Beauty and the Musicologist

To my bride:

It’s hard for me to believe that I’ve only known you for about a third of your life. As for me, our life together has taught me more about life, myself, and the Lord than all other years and influences combined. I don’t tell you often enough how much fun it is being married to you. Since the time we met about 10 years ago, we’ve had the chance to see most of the country, and many parts of the globe. Thank you for the many memories, and for all the times we have laughed together. I just love it when you become the entertainment at a gathering, because I get to see everyone in the room watch you with smiles, laughter, and enjoyment. (Yes, even when Miss Tonda makes an appearance). You bring such joy and blessing to people, and I always soar with pride, because I know that I get to share in that joy and laughter the rest of my life! You have watched me laugh many times at “Beauty and the Geek” (and I’ve noticed you laughing sometimes too!); it is only because my life has been one big episode. I thank you, my Beauty (who happens to be 100 times smarter than the beauties on the show), for showing me so much of life that I never would have experienced otherwise. May our heavenly father allow many more decades of laughter. . .

A little love from Bailey, the Cat

Meow!!

Mom, I love you. I love when you feed me, sneak me chicken, and pet me, but especially when you feed me. I'm sorry of the times I misbehave when you don't feed me quickly enough, but who doesn't get cranky when they're hungry? Thank you for quickly forgiving me and sharing your pillow at night. I also love hiding under your bed, napping in your bed, and chasing strings and toys through our house. I love sitting in the windows: thank you for having such great big window sills for me to sit on!

Happy Birthday, Mom!

P.S. Is it time to feed me yet?

A servant's heart

Oh, Erin, you have no idea . . . I look forward to seeing your face when you start reading your blog (which you never thought you would have)!! I can only imagine the tears; yours and all of your friends' around you! I think you are the only person I know who cries as much as I do! You are such a joy to be around. I love knowing that I will see you on Sundays and Wednesdays and all the times in between! I especially love it when you and Miss Tonda Leo Johnson are in the same place together!

One of the first things I noticed about you is that you are such a "behind the scenes" servant. You are so quick to come up next to someone and serve however needed; whether a hug, a listening ear or help with the task at hand. I have cherished all of our times together from painting your living room/kitchen are, to watching Pride and Prejudice in said living room, riding down water slides on the youth group spring retreat, to every Sunday night at Shonda's house - discussing our lives over pizza and veggies (and probably some chocolate too).

Not to be outdone by our other church friends, you really do have the best singing voice ever! What a blessing it is to hear you sing on Sundays! Seriously though, I want you to know how much I love you and value our friendship! You are such a wonderful woman and I cannot wait to see what God has in store for your next 30 years!

Your friend, Amanda

Solo encouragement

Ok. Here is my story.

I got married into Covenant by virtue of uniting myself to a Presbyterian man, i.e. Derek. At first it was kind of weird and strange and I did not feel much at home, kind of walking on egg shells, trying really hard not to make a serious faux pas, like talking in funny accents and pulling a Ukrainian Miss Tonda. However, I knew Shonda, who I am now realizing is the person to know, and consequently was introduced to the Kickasola family.

I don't remember exactly how we were introduced, but I think after we have been at the church for some time on some Wednesday night I just showed up for choir. Since I knew Shonda, who is the piano player for the choir, it was easier to feel a little bit more at home. In any case, both Erin and Matt were there and I ended up sitting next to Erin, not that there were many other options. On a bad night I think the Soprano section consisted of Erin, Helen Hunt and myself. So either way I was going to end up next to Erin. However I had selfish motivations as I decided to situate myself next to her because I was terrified Timothy was going to discover that I could not read music and subsequently could no longer boast about the superiority of the Russian musical heritage. Moreover sitting next to Erin made me more comfortable, because her voice could cover up any grievous mistakes made on my part, which occurred on quite a few occasions.

So with time, as I became more comfortable singing, imagine my surprise when Erin decided to quit choir and enjoy the worship service from the comfort of the church pew. Personally I think that her excuse about being tired from singing in two services was a lie. I think she was tired of being a crutch for the soprano section, i.e. me. I was confident now that Timothy would discover that I really couldn’t sing at all and all those times when he went over our part saying someone was flat he would now realize that it was me. So with fear and trepidation I came to the choir by myself and it was lonesome.

But surprises have a way of creeping up, Timothy asked me to sing a solo during one of the choir pieces!! I practiced really hard and I think that the whole night before the service I kept repeating the song in my sleep lest I should forget the melody, which has happened on a previous occasion so it was not a silly preoccupation on my part.

The Sunday, as soon as I finished the song, I found both Matt and Erin in the congregation grinning from ear to ear. Erin actually gave me a salute, a fist up in the air, which I found really hilarious in the midst of a Covenant service. (Notice that I found a way to bring in "hilarious" into the story). And then Matt left me a great voice mail saying that I sang well and they were extremely proud of me. So anytime you want me to sing with you some gut wrenching song, i.e. a melody with Russian heritage, all you have to do is ask, as I would be honored to sing next to you.

Thank you guys for being great friends to both Derek and me, we love hanging out with both of you. I look forward to Sundays more than any other day of the week as they are incomplete without a gathering at Shonda’s with all of our friends.

Luda.

The extra mile

Happy Birthday, Erin!

Wish I could be there to help you celebrate! You're the greatest sister-in-law ever--really. I feel like you're a real sister, not merely an "in-law" of mine. Not many other people out there with whom I could log 50+ hours in the same car in 1 week and still enjoy their company. I'm so glad to be able to contribute to your special day. You've always gone out of your way to make the special days in my little family feel extra special. Not only do you faithfully send cards/gifts for birthdays and anniversaries, but you've made a surprise trip to a graduation celebration and even come from St. Louis to Knoxville just in time to babysit for our 5th anniversary!!! I'm looking forward to seeing how the Lord blesses you and Matt in the coming years and hope that we end up closer geographically!

Love, Betsy

Sharing with the stars

Erin-

I was going to make a list of all of the celebrities that have the same birthday as you. I found at least 40 of them! Only problem is, I've never heard of any of them except 2.

So here's your list of Celebrities that share your birthday:

Stuart Townsend - Movie star/Pastry Chef on one episode of Will & Grace

Don Johnson - Mr. Miami Vice himself.

Oh and I also found Adriana Esteves, turns out she's not related to Emilio but I didn't want the time it took to find that out go to waste, so she's in here too.

HAPPY 30th BIRTHDAY holy crap that's old!!

Ben Katzoff

The Washington University in St. Louis Chapter of S.P.A.M.S.

Click on image to enlarge.

Erin is. . .

E - Everything parents-in-law could want in a daughter-in-law!

Every good and perfect gift is from above...
(James 1:17).

R - Remembered for her faithful works.

We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ
(First Thessalonians 1:2).

I - Intelligent and industrious.

She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household
(Proverbs 31:26-27).

N - Noble.

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies
(Proverbs 31:10-12).

Happy Birthday, Erin, and may God grant you many more!!! We love you!

Mom and Dad Kickasola

Choir buddies

Happy Birthday, Erin!

It happens to all of us -- a birthday every year. Well, maybe not to all of us because I only have a real birthday every 4 years!

Very pleased that God brought you into my life. You are a giving person, friendly to everyone, make people feel welcomed at church and do all you can to be a part of our church family. I appreciate having you sing near me in choir because I can stay on track better.

Sorry I don't have the means to send a picture via email but you do have the church directory to remind you of my looks!

Hope you and Matt can do something special on your birthday besides choir practice!!!! Too bad the practice is in the afternoon - which cuts into your big day.

May the Lord continue to use you and your voice for His glory.

Love,

Helen Hunt

Pressing on

Erin,

I hope you have a great birthday! It has been fun to get to know you over the years.

When I think of you, I think of someone who has a lot of compassion for others and also a passion for life. I know you've had struggles, especially with work dynamics and then just feeling peace about this stage of life, but you have persevered and you continue to persevere. The Lord is working in you during this time and is preparing you for the days, weeks, months and years ahead.

You are a blessing to all who know you. Thank you foryour sincerity and the way you make people laugh. You have touched my life, and I pray you have a great year! Happy birthday!

Love,

Amy VanEssendelft

Gifted out of her element

Erin-

I think the first time that I really met you (or at least the first time that I have specific memory of it) was at the "New Mom's Dessert" in late 2004 or early 2005, right after Elizabeth was born. I remember thinking how neat it was that someone without kids was "hosting" a group of mom's with young babies! It was great to get to know you a little bit that night and thank you for ministering to us. I've always thought of you as someone who uses her gifts well (I specifically think of music), but also ministers well to those who aren't always in your "stage of life". It's so easy to just cluster with those who are similar to you (I'm thinking of myself, here), either single, young couple, young family, youth group, prime timers, etc, but so often I see you leaving your "box" to step out and engage with others. Know that you are blessing them, and I'm sure they are blessing you. Thanks you for your giving heart and your bright smile - and your beautiful voice! Happy Birthday!

Julie Bauer (for John, Katherine, Elizabeth, and Christopher)

Sunday Nights at Shonda's

Dear Erin,

You'd think for as long as we've been friends that I would have a better picture of the two of us...not what I'd call the most flattering, but I think you already have the group shots we're both in! I guess Sunday nights are not about taking pictures, are they? Which leads me to the biggest reason I'm thankful for you...the fun you consistently bring to Sunday evenings! I am thankful that you are willing to spend a couple extra hours each week catching up and never complain about the junk food I always feed you. You are a fantastic listener, but you also give good advice and don't hesitate to bring me back to reality when I'm being ridiculous. Also, you are, hands down, my favorite singer to accompany, and I would happily listen to an Erin Kickasola solo every week! And don't even get me started about Miss Tonda, certain body parts falling off, etc - you can make us all laugh until we are crying!

Seriously though, I am so thankful that God brought you here. I pray that whatever blessings and trials God brings to your life in this next decade, He will give you the grace to walk humbly and joyfully through them. I love you!

Shonda

McAllister's?

When I think about Erin, several things come to mind. First, how does a tiny body produce such a glorious voice and second, why is Erin always at McAlister's restaurant when I am?????? Whatever milestone birthday this is, may God continue to bless you Erin.

Much love, Joan Hollinshead

A fierce competitor in Settlers

Happy Birthday, Erin!

We've loved getting to know you and Matt these past few years. You have such a kind, compassionate heart, and we highly treasure your friendship! It's been such a privilege to sing with you - and we really miss hearing your gorgeous voice on a regular basis! And (who knew?) you're a pretty competitive 'Settlers' player too! We wish the Lord's abundant blessings upon you for the next 30 years!

Love,

Mark, Rachel, Jacob and Sophie

Laughter and Flowers

I'm not sure how it started... What comes first, the chicken or the egg? Was it Natalie's laugh or Erin's? Every Sunday, the two of them had this special moment. Their eyes met, and then they would laugh, laugh, laugh. It was sweet and we were all jealous of their unique bond...

Last December, the children in the Kids Praise program at church sang a few songs on a Sunday evening. "Miss Erin" offered to take Nathan out to the Narthex if he became disruptive, so Chris and I could enjoy the performance without his distraction. Very thoughtful!! As the children sang the sweet Christmas carols, Erin gently slipped to the back carrying our beloved son. We enjoyed sweet songs about the baby Jesus and Mary and the shepherds... About halfway into "Away in a Manger," Natalie's eyes met Erin's through the glass in the doors. Haaa, haaa, haaa, haaa..... It wasn't baaa, baaaa, baaa as in a sheep. It was the precious laugh! Natalie had just become the star of the show (complete with lifting up her dress)!

Fast forward to June 2007, Natalie was scheduled to be in her first ballet recital (at the sweet age of 4!) Erin thoughtfully gave up her evening to come to watch Natalie's three minute performance. Only this time, she didn't bring Natalie laughter... She brought her flowers!!

Happy Birthday, Erin! We hope your birthday brings you lots of laughter, and flowers! Thanks for these precious memories.

Love,

Lori, Chris, Natalie, Lauren, and Nathan

Appreciation for that beautiful voice

Happy Birthday to, in my opinion, the absolute best singing voice
at Covenant Church!

Love, Abigail Gross