Happy 17th Birthday Tyler!

17 years ago I gave birth to a sweet son who has grown into an amazing young man! Since moving to Lemars one of the things I enjoy the most is being able to see him when he arrives home after school (thanks to my part time work status.) Today when he got home I had his birthday cake waiting for him to eat before he went to baseball practice. After practice grandma and grandpa were here to greet him. They also delivered a birthday card from the Smith's. Thanks everyone for helping make this a special day.

Meaning of Everlee

So today I "googled" her name and this is what I found: Courageous, Strong Willed, and Energetic. She is all three! Perfect name for a perfect baby girl:). It's so neat to see Everlee getting stronger and able to lay on her stomach. She gives you a perfect view of that beautiful head of red hair;)

Lemars leadership conference

This morning Tyler attended and was able to listen to two incredible speakers. The first one was spirit Lakes head football coach who in four years of coaching went from a 1-8 record to a state title this past season. The second speaker was Dan Gable. Tyler learned a lot and was glad that he attended.

Birthday supper

Last night we went to our favorite pizza place, Sfumato, to celebrate Tyler's birthday with aunt Terri, aunt Victoria, uncle Dan and cousin Emelia. Thank you all for the gifts and most importantly spending time with us. That's what is most important:)

Strength,Courage, and Determination

For 8 years I have witnessed Rich and Andrea live by these characteristics in order to pursue their ultimate goal of having a family. They never gave up, stayed together, and found a way. Last Wednesday when little,Everlee Rose, was born she had trouble breathing and needed to be placed in NICU. She is still there improving everyday. She is fighting with the same strength, courage, and determination that her parents have been fighting with for all these years. She is a born warrior because of her parents:)

ISU college visit

After our ISU campus visit today we visited another local hot spot. Tyler has also informed me that most likely he will be attending ISU it is ok for me to live just right down the road in Ankeny. That way I'm (or should I say my washer/dryer) are close but not too close;)

Our newest family member

Last night at 9:47pm our little neice and cousin, 7lb 13oz, 19 3/4", Everlee Rose Kneifl was born. This morning we got to see her. She is so beautiful and strong. She's got gorgeous red hair and a "Kneifl nose." We were so excited to meet her.

Margaritaville

One of my favorite things to do since we moved to Lemars is meet dad on Fridays for happy hour. It's so relaxing to destress after a hard weeks work;) We literally laugh the whole time from Grampas good ol' stories.

Cousins relaxin'

Today we visited Dan, Victoria, and Emelia to celebrate a belated birthday w/ Dan.

Celebrate!

After Tyler's college visit to UNI we met up with the Krier's for supper in Sioux City. Yesterday I received Floyd Valley's CARE award at work. It was fun to celebrate with good friends:)