Vote for Steve!

My brother, Stephen (Steve), is running for City Council District 8 in Columbus, GA. Recently, his election statement was posted to a local tv station website. Go to this link and scroll down to view Steve Miller's Election Statement.

If you are in Columbus, listen carefully and cast your vote for the fresh new voice in Columbus - Steve Miller!

I'm proud of you Stephen and am hoping the BEST for your campaign!

NC State Fair 2008

We both took 1/2 day off work and headed out to the fair on Tuesday afternoon. It was nice to get out early and enjoy the nice warm fall weather. I couldn't believe how many people were there on a Tuesday afternoon!

We walked around and enjoyed the exhibit halls most of the afternoon. Of course after seeing all of the food, we just HAD to start sampling. The pictures below are of one of our many snacks - blooming onion! Don't you just feel your heart stuggling to pump now? It sure was good though.

We ended the evening at the blacksmith shop and got fresh apple cider which is always a favorite. Then, one last purchase - cotton candy and candy apples.

In some of the buildings there are stickers that you can pick up. Many are political stickers and you see people of both parties walking around (we were proud to see many more McCain/Palin stickers though!).

The picture below is of one of the stickers that we picked up and wore during the day. I was sure to thank Mike!

Scenes from the Fair

Although we didn't ride any of the rides, we enjoyed classic people watching!

See any resemblence in these 2??

He looked SO soft and fury and those ears just looked so much like Blue's. I just wanted to pet him so bad! The mom cow was in the same pen and she was REALLY big so I didn't get too close.

Farm Pics and a Handsome Husband

Today, we went to Mike's family's reunion on his grandmother's side. We met together for a meal and fellowship but also went to the old farm where his grandmother grew up. A lot of the family was able to go and walk through familiar roads, telling stories and getting re-acquainted with the area.

Before we left, Mike and I went over to the "milk barn" where his grandmother milked cows. I was able to get a few shots of Mike and the barn. The barn was right next to the house and his grandmother remembers going over to it to help with the cows when she was younger.

Not only is the scenery really beautiful, but I thought the pictures of Mike were really good too! Isn't he handsome?

Honoring a Hero

Three years ago today, Sgt. Mark P. Adams gave his life for our freedom...MY freedom.

Mark, who was Mike's younger brother, had already served 4 years in the Marines and then began college. While in college, Mark assisted as a wrestling coach at his high school but still felt called to re-enlist into the Marines. You see, because of his division's rotation, Mark had not yet had the opportunity to fight in the war and wanted to go back in the Marines to fight for the cause. So, reluctantly, we said good-bye to him in September 2005.

Mark was attached with to the 2nd Marine Division. Shortly after being in Iraq, he was promoted to platoon leader. Mark's leadership with his men was evident. His men respected him because he respected them.

On October 15, 2005, while on patrol, Mark's humvee was struck by a roadside bomb. Mark had just relieved one of his Marines and was sitting in the gun turret which is the only exposed position on the humvee. He was the only one injured.

It is unusual for a platoon leader, with 30 Marines under him to take the position in the gun turret. But before Mark left for Iraq, he had told us that he would never ask his men to do something that he was not willing to do himself.

We continue to honor Mark. We think of him often. We remember his legacy. We miss him.

3rd Annual Sgt. Mark Adams Wrestling Clinic

Last Saturday (10/11) was the 3rd Annual Sgt. Mark Adams "Making A Difference" Wrestling Clinic at Orange High School. This is a clinic that is supported by FCA and the Sgt. Mark P Adams Foundation. Mike's parents wanted to have something that honored Mark's life and helped others who enjoy wrestling as much as he did.

About 70 wrestlers from area high schools participated in the clinic. Coach Clar Anderson of Duke University was the featured coach who went over new techniques and moves with the wrestlers. Then, Mark's wrestling coach and current coach at Cary High School, Jerry Winterton, spoke about Mark and his journey as a high school wrestler and then assistant coach. Mike's dad and brother were able to also speak to the group about Mark, his faith in God, his time as a Marine, and about their comfort knowing that Mark is with the Lord.

Blue and the Frisbee

I really wish someone would play frisbee with me. I'm lots of fun and will go get it everytime you throw it! Please...I have been in that crate ALL day and just want to run and stretch my legs!

PLEASE? I promise, I'll go get it!

How can you resist this face?

Oh boy! It worked! He's coming!! I get to play frisbee!!

Kerr Lake Family Fun

We have enjoyed being able to go up to Kerr Lake to enjoy the land that Mike's parents have. Mike has been helping his dad build a house there. The dogs ABSOLUTELY love being able to go to the lake.

This past weekend, we met Mike's family at the lake to cook out. I took the dogs down to the water and Blue was right at home. Both he and Polly love to play together at the lake. They run like crazy dogs up and down the banks, in and out of the water, and up and down the trails. We are so thankful to have an area that they are free to run and play...and get SO tired...


Here's some pictures of the work in progress:

Can you tell they have fun?? Blue enjoys getting as dirty and wet as possible...and wants YOU to join him.

They got to hang out with "Cousin Duke" this weekend too.

The result after a long day of playing at the lake:
They BOTH got in the crate and went to sleep.