Next week is the Declare Conference in Dallas and I am over-the-moon excited to be attending and speaking this year! Some of my very favorite writer friends will be there and it has been WAY too long since we’ve seen each other. And since I know no strangers, only friends I haven’t met yet, I’m looking forward to seeing lots of new friends while in Texas as well!
And to make us a little less like strangers and more like friends when we finally do meet in person, I’m linking up with the Declare 4×4 posts to share more about myself! Enjoy!
4 things about me
I’ve been married to The Hubby for 11 wild and crazy years which have led to us being in his last year of residency right now. LAST YEAR, PEOPLE. {cue angels singing} He is my best friend and such a hottie.
I’m a boy mom, through and through. Big J is 8, Little J is 6, and Double J is 2. Our house is loud and chaotic and full of Legos and just as it should be. I don’t really “get” this boy thing all the time, but I sure do love them!
In my “former” life, I was an elementary music teacher and loved every minute of it. I worked in the best small community and also coached junior high volleyball and helped direct the high school musical. It was my dream job and I am so thankful for the time I had there.
After years of HATING running, I gave it a real shot in April of 2012 and have loved it ever since. In just over two years, I have ran four half marathons with the last two being under two hours! I never in a million years would have thought I would be a runner, but here I am! And I love encouraging other women in their running journeys! {Anybody want to run with me on Friday or Sunday morning?}
4 endearing quirks
I am LOUD, especially my laugh. You’ve been warned.
I don’t eat cheese, but I’m a huge Cheesehead {Packers fan}.
I’m a little obsessed with personality and strengths tests and exercises. I love finding out more about myself and the people I work with so we can work better together. StrengthsFinder is my favorite so far!
I can’t wait to wear these cowboy boots in Texas.
The last time I saw Brooke in person – Double J was 6 months old! Excited to be reunited at Declare, but sad Amanda won’t be joining us!
4 things about my writing/blogging
I started blogging in 2008 when I was becoming a stay-at-home mom for the first time. The blog was supposed to be a way to share our family life with friends and family far away, but it has definitely morphed over the years!
Writing was never something I had on my list of dream jobs, but as I look back, I used to write stories with my friends starting in elementary school and I wrote for our high school newspaper. God knew how to lay a framework for writing without me even realizing it. Now I can’t imagine going even a few days without writing something!
I have a few magazine articles coming out in late 2014 and early 2015! I love the topics and the magazine I’ve been writing for and can’t wait to tell you more when they come out!
I co-founded The MOB Society for mothers of boys with Brooke in 2010 without ever having met each other in person! We’ll both be speaking at Declare this year AND we get to room together!!!
4 of my favorite things
Football. It’s so close I can taste it… Go Huskers! Go Packers!
Popcorn. Air-popped with real butter or popped on the stove with coconut oil are the best.
Tennis dates with The Hubby. Yes, he usually beats me, but we’re pretty evenly matched, so we have fun and get a great workout…and then go eat yummy food in our sweaty tennis clothes!
Fair trade/ethical fashion. I love knowing my purchases are making a difference.
*****
Well, that was fun! I cannot wait to get to Dallas and share the weekend with a whole lot of Jesus-loving women who want to follow Him with wild obedience and declare His Name to the world! If you’re coming, make sure you let me know and say hi if you see me!
I will be speaking on Friday about affiliate marketing and how to handle it ethically and still make money! I would love to have you join me if you’re interested!
I'm Erin, a wife, boy mom x 3, writer, and runner in Nebraska! I'm excited to share all my favorites relating to faith, family, fashion, and fitness in this space! Enjoy! 
Do you have a post with your favorite fair trade/ethical fashion resources?
Hey Deanna! Thanks for asking! I have a whole bunch of them, but let me grab some links for you!
Better Life Bags: http://homewiththeboys.net/better-life-bags-wore/
Mitscoots: http://homewiththeboys.net/lets-talk-mitscoots-socks-baby/
fashionABLE: http://homewiththeboys.net/whats-new-fashionable/
Johari Creations: http://homewiththeboys.net/wore-johari-creations/
Trades of Hope: http://homewiththeboys.net/trades-of-hope/
The Root Collective: http://homewiththeboys.net/wore-root-collective/
Thank you so much! I can’t want to check them out. Trades of Hope is the only one I’ve heard of before.
Loved reading your interesting list!! Look forward to this weekend so much!
Emily
Poor Brooke! We are going to be so loud together! Will she be able to take us both at the same time? Can’t wait to hug your neck!
xo,
stacey
Love your list and looking forward to your presentation next week!
Oh, what a fun surprise to see us together in this post…with a giant clown nose on my head… 😉
MISS YOU MUCHO and am so excited about your trip to Declare. It’s going to be awesome!
a
I LOVE personality tests! I just recently discovered StrengthFinder, too.
And a little factoid about me – I’m not a huge football fan, but my husband inherited a share of the Packers. His stepmom was from Wisconsin.
Erin,
I’ve only experienced life with girls. I hear boys are a lot less drama. My favorite personality profile is Personality Plus by the Littauer’s. I am a Sanguine/Choleric.
It was fun visiting your blog and learning a bit about you. I look forward to personally meeting you in a few short days.
Blessings,
Cherie
http://thewerners.org/2014/08/01/factoids-about-me-as-i-prepare-for-declare/
LOVE! can not wait to see you!! :))
Fun reading. 🙂 I won’t be there, but it was fun to learn a few things about you. 🙂
Loved your lists, can’t wait to meet you in just a few days!!!
Beautiful family! Can I sit at the “loud laugh” boy moms table – I’ll feel right at home 🙂 Can’t wait to meet you next week!
Oh my goodness! You’re a Packers fan! Me too! Training camp started last week, and I’m just counting down the days until the season opener in Seattle — and praying for fewer injuries this year too. Last year was crazy.
I think we met at Jumping Tandem last year.
I’m looking forward to Declare next week. And I’d love to connect with you too.
Sure wish I could join you there. Will you be at Women of Faith in October in Lincoln?