Fathers Day Quiz

My dad is 24 years old. (Ha!)

His hair is bald. (Ha Ha!)

His eyes are green.

My dad likes to wear gloves in the winter.

He loves to eat peanut butter sandwiches.

He is smart because he knows every stuff.

My dad works hard at working.

Daddy always tells me stuff.

It makes my dad happy when I give him hugs.

If he could go on a trip he would go camping, and he would take our family.

I really love it when my dad plays with me.

If I could give my daddy anything it would be a surprise.

My favorite thing about my dad is playing games with him.

Happy Father's Day Daddy!!!

Love,
Harper (Age 3 1/2) - your only daughter....until TOMORROW!

Movin' On Up

Adam is now one spot away from working the day shift.  Yay!

Currently, the Sheriff's office is an 8-man department, with the first 4 deputies working days and the last 4 deputies working nights.

Adam is now deputy #5 (He started at 8!)  The previous sheriff retired a few months ago and one of the deputies took over as the new Sheriff today.  So everyone essentially "moved up one spot."

Adam is "next in line" for days if any of the 4 day deputies should resign/retire.  (Which it sounds like will be in 3 more LONG years!)

Thank goodness Adam loves his job - He has already worked nights for 5 years - I couldn't imagine having to put up with 3 more.  7 months of the night shift was enough for me!!!!

#34

Happy 34th Birthday, Adam!!!

Homemade gifts are the best !  Adam's Birthday card from Harper - can you tell what she drew on the left side?  Birthday Balloons!

We made daddy a chocolate pudding cake, to go along with his favorite supper - Bacon Ranch Chicken Breasts with Roasted Ranch Potatoes! Yum!

I told Harper that Adam is now 34, and she said "Whoa!  That's big!"  LOL

33

Yesterday was Adam's 33rd Birthday! We spent the weekend back home with our families. We ate chili and chicken noodle soup on Saturday night and then we went bowling. Harper even got to bowl! (My camera was dead so I didn't get any pictures) Thank goodness for bumpers! Sadly, she wasn't the only one who took advantage of the bumpers ;) On Sunday, Adam's mom made one of his favorite dinners: fried chicken.....it was delicious! We also spend some time with my parents and Harper took full advantage of the hot tub.

As you can see from the picture, I made Adam's birthday cake this year. If you can't tell, it's supposed to look like a putting green. Adam loves to golf, so this was right up his alley. I got him a new box of golf balls to go along with the cake. The cake itself is a "healthy" version of cake. I'll leave you all with the recipe, it's so easy!

Diet Soda Cake

• 1 box of cake mix (any flavor)
• 1 12 oz can of diet soda (any flavor)
• 1-2 egg whites (optional)

Directions: Mix cake mix with 1 can of diet soda. Pour into 9 x 13 greased pan. Bake 5 minutes less that directions state.

Makes 12 pieces. 4 weight watchers points +/slice

Notes: top with fat free cool whip instead of frosting.

Add egg whites to help hold the cake together so it's less crumbly

cake/soda combinations: chocolate cake/diet vanilla coke, white cake/diet 7-up, spice cake/diet Sunkist.......the combinations are endless.

Cannot taste the pop! The pop makes the cake very fluffy and moist!

Competition Results

Adam and Ali are back from the Canine competition. Adam said there were about 70 dogs competing, and he finished in the top 20. Adam and Ali received a high enough score that they certified nationally as a canine team, which was his main goal. They didn't win any trophies, but Adam said he had fun and learned a lot. As you know, he and Ali competed in the "Rookie of the Year" category. The senior judge told Adam that he didn't look like a rookie handler, which was a big compliment to him. Adam is already looking forward to going back next year!

Care Packages to Help Troops

Check out the link below! Make sure to watch the video to see Adam on the local news!

Care Packages to Help Troops

Happy Veterans Day

Happy Veterans Day!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you to all who have served our country! A BIG THANK to Adam, who dedicated 4 years of his life to serve the USA. It was a LONG 4 years, but I am so thankful for them! We both created a lot of great memories in those 4 years and gained new friends and a different prospective on life. We are BOTH stronger people because of the military!

Remember to thank a Veteran today, young and old. I'd also like to thank my father-in-law (Vietnam) and my brother-in-law (Operation Induring Freedom/Iraq War). Both of my grandfathers served in the Army, and my uncle in the Marines. Thank you!

Unfortunately, Veterans only get thanked one day a year. I think it should be EVERY day!

Daddy's Girl

Alli

If you know me even just a little bit, then you know that I am NOT a fan of dogs - not even just a little bit! Well, after months of persuasion, ADAM now owns a dog! Yep, you read that right! Adam is the new K-9 officer for Wright County! He loves it so far and this is something that he has wanted to do for a long time ~ he enjoys drug related cases at work. Alli (pronounced Ollie) is a 3 year old Dutch Shepard and she is very well behaved. She will be an outside dog at ALL times - in the winter she will be allowed in the garage. She does not bark at all and is very calm. She does great around Harper and I and Harper LOVES to watch her run around. So far we (yes, I said WE) are enjoying Alli - she is a good dog. I even enjoy being around her - but she still will never ever be an inside dog.

Adam and Alli

Oh yeah, along with Alli came Alli's car - a new Dodge Charger! It sure looks sweet sitting in front of our house :) It's an awesome car! I always assumed that K-9 vehicles were 'normal' inside - but the back seat is taken out - who knew? I didn't!

Congrats to Adam on this new position! You'll do a great job! I am very proud of you!

March is FINALLY here!

We have been looking forward to March 2010 in our house for a long time now! No, not because of March Madness, daylight savings, the first day of Spring, St. Patty's Day, Gary's birthday, Harper turning 6 months, spring break, or the 2 year anniversary of renewing our vows! All those things are great, but what is even more wonderful is that March 2010 is the month that Adam is OFFICIALLY done with the military!!!

After six LONG years, Adam's career in the military has finally come to a close! Bitter sweet. Adam is so excited to not have to serve one weekend each month with the National Guard anymore. Harper and I are just as excited to have him home more often as well. We feel so blessed that Adam is home safely with us! Even though the past two years of the National Guard have been a pain in the butt, we are very fortunate that Adam chose this option. More than likely Adam would've gotten called up to deploy again if he hadn't chosen to enlist in the National Guard for two years.

On the other side, I will miss seeing Adam dressed in his BDU's - gotta love a man in uniform! :) The military was a big part in Adam's life and I know he will secretly miss it. Maybe not the Army so much, but definitely the friends and memories that he made!

Our families are VERY proud of Adam and his service to our country! THANK YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU'VE DONE, ADAM!!! The world needs more men like you!

Happy Birthday

Happy Belated Birthday to Adam!!!!!!!

Yesterday Adam turned 31!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was such a crazy day yesterday that I didn't have time to blog. Adam probably didn't have the best birthday because he had to wake up after only getting 4 hours of sleep so we could attend a funeral back in Northwood. Then we had to rush back home so he could go to work again. Luckily he has today off - so I think he'll pretty much sleep all day! We are meeting his whole family tonite in Mason City for supper to celebrate.

Adam now shares his birthday with my friend Terra's baby - Mason Louis Barlow was born yesterday morning! Congrats to Terra, Dave and Baby Mason! He is a cutie! Harper now has 3 boyfriends: Braylon, Jack, and Mason!

purposeful decision

"Everything happens for a reason..."

This quote is often used in a variety of situations and I found it so true this afternoon. Here's my story:

When Adam was finished serving his time in the military, he had two choices: 1. join the national guard for 3 years and be guaranteed not to deploy again or 2. go on your merry way, however be aware that you are 'on-call' to be deployed again at anytime for the next 4 years [also called Individual Ready Reserve(IRR)].

Adam chose the first option, to join the national guard. It was a difficult decision for him to make, but after weighing the pros and cons, he decided to join the guard. His three years will be up in March and he will finally be free of the Army!

This was a wonderful decision because they say 1 out of 3 soldiers get called back - a chance that we weren't willing to take. Adam just got a phone call from one of his army buddies today that chose to be 'on-call', and his friend got that unfortunate call saying he has to deploy soon. Even though Adam has to report to guard one weekend a month, which we both hate, it was worth every minute of his time spent in the guard! I can't imagine going through another deployment, especially with little Harper in the picture. So, once again, everything does happen for a reason. All those weekends spent in the guard have secured his safety here in the States.

On a lighter note, Adam and I are going to Tulsa, OK for a few days for a wedding. Adam's roommate and very good friend from the Army is getting married on Sunday. We are leaving tomorrow and coming home on Monday. We're driving a long 8 hours there and back! Harper is staying with her Grandmas for the weekend. We will definitely miss her, but will enjoy the sleep!

Have a great weekend everyone!

It could be worse...

I saw this story on yahoo today and I am so thankful that our little Harper doesn't have to go through this.....The entire time Adam was deployed I always told myself that it could be worse...and here is proof......Can you believe that it's been 8 years since the war in Afghanistan started?! I hope it ends soon.....

After seeing this picture, your 'bad' day really isn't so 'bad', is it?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

Happy Saturday

Happy Saturday everyone! I can't believe it's already the first weekend of October! Time is flying by - our little Harper turned 3 weeks yesterday! To us, she seems big, but everyone else thinks she's so tiny!

Go Hawks! Thanks for the sweatshirt Abby!

I like watching football with daddy - look at my cute little jeans and sweatshirt :)

Nap time (notice the change in outfit -she had her first 'blowout' today)

Adam taking a nap too - maybe I should join in on this trend

Who needs a pillow

when you have a car seat?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!


We both agreed today that although our QUANTITY of sleep has decreased, the QUALITY has increased!!!! Having a newborn gives you the amazing ability to fall asleep at anytime or anyplace! I guess Adam asked me a question in the middle of the night last night and I started snoring 2 seconds after answering him! I haven't slept this sound since before being pregnant!

Good Morning!

Now this I what I like to see when I wake up in the morning! I have the greatest husband ever! I would take this over flowers any day!


I hope everyone is enjoying their 3-day weekend! Adam has had to work all weekend - so we've just been bumming around the house, watching movies, grilling, etc. We'll be home next weekend for a wedding and hopefully the following weekend we'll be in the hospital or home with a baby! So this could be our last weekend to just relax and enjoy each other! Kind of a bitter-sweet feeling for me - don't get me wrong, I'm super excited for the baby, but I'm also a little bit sad knowing that the days of just 'us' are coming to an end...

Happy Fathers Day!

Happy Fathers Day!

This blog is dedicated to the three Father's in my life: my dad, my father-in-law, and Adam - my soon-to-be daddy! All three are AMAZING and I couldn't ask for three better guys!

Let's start with Adam: Adam is VERY excited to become a dad! Everyday he talks to the baby and kisses him/her. He's getting very impatient and wants the baby to be here NOW! I know he will be a GREAT dad and I can't wait to see him interact with the baby and take on the responsibilities of fatherhood. Just thinking about it brings a tear to my eye and it will make our relationship grow even stronger.

Next on the list is my dad, Troy. I know everyone says that they have the best dad in the world, but that's impossible, because I do! What I love most about my dad is that he has a sense of humor, a heart of gold, and would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. My favorite childhood memory of him is when he'd tell me the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Growing up he was always strict, but wanted what was best for me, and now I realize that. He infamous quote to me was, "If you know it's wrong, DON'T do it!" I always hated hearing that, but I have found myself saying that to some of my students. Even though I got in trouble a lot, he always gave in ;) What can I say, I'm a daddy's girl! A few more recent memories I have of my dad are when he walked me down the aisle and helped remodel our house. Thanks for everything dad, I love you!

And last, but certainly not least, is my father-in-law, Gary. Once again, I truly believe that I have the best father-in-law that a girl could ask for! Gary welcomed me into the family right away and always makes me feel loved, just like one of his own. Gary is a lot like my own dad, he's funny, has a huge heart, and his kids are his number one priority in life! During Adam's time in the military, we became very close and share a special bond. One of my favorite memories with Gary is our trip to Georgia for Adam's boot camp graduation. Thanks for letting me be a part of the family..I love you!

The Perfect Husband

The Perfect Husband....

reads directions

knows how to grill

can fix things up around the house

and remembers to buy his wife flowers on their anniversary!

I shot the sheriff

It's been the talk of the town - shots were fired last weekend at two police officers in Eagle Grove. And yes, one of them was Adam. Everyone in the community has been very supportive and asks how Adam is doing - which means a lot of us. The situation could have turned out a lot worse, but luckily Adam was working with another skilled and professional police officer. I think we often forget that being a police officer is a dangerous and risky job that requires a lot bravery, confidence and faith. The chances of something dangerous happening to a police officer in rural Iowa are slim to none, but there is always that chance that you'll be in the wrong place, at the wrong time, with the wrong person. Which is what happened to Adam last weekend. So instead of criticizing your local police officers, thank them for their dedication to protect and serve YOU! I am very proud of Adam - I think he's a GREAT police officer and everyone around here agrees. People have been asking me if I was scared about the situation, and like Adam and I have been saying - Iraq prepared both of us for situations like these! Below is a short summary from the Globe Gazette - it just gives the basics - doesn't get into details about what exactly happened.

EAGLE GROVE, Iowa (AP) — Authorities say two men have been arrested after they allegedly fired on two law enforcement officers in Eagle Grove in north central Iowa. Wright County Sheriff Paul Schultz says neither officer was injured in the shooting Saturday morning. Schultz says Deputy Adam Nerlien and Eagle Grove Police Officer Travis Tokheim were investigating a possible drunk driving incident. Jeremy Dayton and Brian Bromley, both of Eagle Grove, were arrested. Dayton is charged with intimidation with a dangerous weapon, assault on a police officer, interference with official acts and discharging a weapon within city limits. Bromley is charged with four counts of conspiracy. The men were being held in the Wright County jail on $50,000 bond each.

Memorial Weekend

According to wikipedia, Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May. Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates U.S. men and women who died while in the military service. First enacted to honor Union soldiers of the American Civil War (it is celebrated near the day of reunification after the Civil War), it was expanded after World War I to include American casualties of any war or military action.
Like many other holidays, we often forget the true meaning of the celebration. Many people look forward to Memorial Day as a kick off to the summer and the 3 day weekend. (I'm just as guilty as the rest of society.) However, marrying into a military family really does make me appreciate all those that have and are currently serving our country. Please pray for the families that have lost their loved ones and those who have sons/daughters, fathers/mothers, brothers/sisters, etc. overseas right now.

1-505 Alpha Company Parachute Infantry Regiment in Iraq

On a happier note, Adam's family came to visit us on Sunday afternoon. The guys were in a golf tournament here and finished around 6:30. We grilled out for supper and sat outside and enjoyed a few drinks. It was a beautiful weekend!

FYI: Adam proposed to me on Memorial Day 4 years ago! It feels like it was just yesterday - time sure does fly by!