finding their way

what has been the most meaningful detour in your life?

kirsten jensen fargo | nd what’s on your mind: page 20 kari klingsporn hitterdal fargo | nd food for thought: page 54 & 56 deb uglem moorhead | mn oh, by the way: page 80 dr. tracie hoggarth fargo | nd gettin’ through it: page 46 dr. scott van dam fargo | nd body + being: page 42 kathleen wrigley bismarck | nd just a thought: page 60 dr. teri-lee james fargo | nd gettin’ through it: page 46 million pairs of jeans are sold in the US each year On average, Americans own at least 7 pairs of jeans . EVERY girl needs a good pair of jeans in her wardrobe

When I was sixteen years old I spent the summer living with a family in Germany through the AFS program. That time represented a branching out; a detour from the routine of summer jobs and preparing for college. I learned to see a bigger world—from a different perspective. My heart was heavy when I learned that many of my German friends didn’t feel the same kind of pride in their country that I felt as an American; they found it difficult to be proud of their country because of the history of what national pride symbolized. And I learned fashion trends aren’t universal—I’ll never forget the moment my new friend bent down and lovingly removed the safety pins from my jean cuffs.

The most meaningful detour of my life has been a surprise pregnancy. The timing wasn't perfect for me or my husband; I had my so-called ideal life mapped out in front of me. The lessons I can link back to embracing life's messiness are countless. I am so thankful the gift-of-a-life detour was the opportunity to become a mother!

My daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age one. This was a big-time detour that taught me about family strength, valuing what you have, and acceptance. I think I realized that moms can’t control everything that happens to their kids and adapting is key.

Motherhood—I had become so focused on pursuing my professional interests throughout the eight years of college that there was little time to consider how much a family of my own would mean to me. Although my detour with my husband detour was purposeful, being a mom to Josie and Beckett has put life in perspective and made me who I am and want to be.

When I took the opportunity to sell my practice in Illinois and moved to Fargo, ND, to be closer to family. Living near family is great and my practice has been very blessed with kind referrals from within the community.

There are many meaningful detours in my life, but few that compare to meeting my husband, Drew Wrigley. After my brother was murdered, I was careful to protect my heart from loss. Then I met Drew. He gave me reason to believe. He protected—but also emboldened— me and opened my world to adventures I could never have imagined. I will always bet my heart on my husband, Drew.

I have taken a number of important detours in my life, which have lead me to where I am professionally. However, the most meaningful detour that I have taken was a personal one that eventually led me and my husband to Ethiopia where we met our beautiful daughter.

98 minutes is the average user time on Pinterest per month Did you know Garlic Cheesy Bread was the most re-pinned pin as of July 2013?

30 days is the life span of a female Louse [Lice] She can lay 5-10 eggs [nits] per day which then hatch into a Nymph before becoming an adult and starting the cycle of a Lice infestation if not treated as soon as possible Scratch, scratch 1 in 4 parents admit they have driven without buckling up children Affluent, educated, and young parents are worst offenders . You know better, so do better

Growing up in Mandan, ND, with two younger brothers, Erin Arbogast enlisted in the Air National Guard as a traditional guardsmen her senior year of high school before earning a degree in Business Management through the University of Mary Erin feeds her creative outlet by cooking, baking, and doing projects around the house and is the first to admit she hits up Pinterest a lot She is a bit of a foodie, which most people discover within the first ten minutes of meeting her This fact alone almost led her to culinary school – twice Currently still serving our country as a full-time weather forecaster with the ND Air National Guard, Erin is also a new mom to Dominic [10 weeks] . Adjusting to her new-mom role, Erin still very much enjoys getting out of the house for exercise or hitting the gym with her favorite workout buddy and husband, Joshua the one product i could be a spokesperson for… the biggest personal change i’ve made since becoming a new mom… is to put the needs of my son before my own personal needs. Finding time for a shower, haircut, workout, or even lunch, has been a challenge. one of the first things i want my son to experience… is laughter. I’m excited for him to laugh and interact with us during play. my pregnancy was… surprisingly easy until the ninth month. That’s when I started to get really uncomfortable. when i was a little girl i wanted to grow up and be… a nurse, like my mother. I sometimes think I should have stuck to that plan; I enjoy taking care of people and no matter where you go it seems there’s always a need for nurses. my biggest fear regarding labor & delivery that was no big deal… i am not embarrassed to admit…

Gloria Jean’s Coffee beans! My husband and I firmly believe they are the best coffee beans and because I’m limiting my caffeine I like to make that one cup really count!

I worried that it would be difficult and I would end up having a C-section. I was lucky, everything went smoothly. I had the most amazing nurses, and only labored for eight hours!

I’ve had my first post-pregnancy adult beverage. I’m breastfeeding so, yes, I was very careful to time it around my son’s schedule. my mom was right about… everything. Seriously. i’m pretty good at… researching everything. I researched every baby product and read numerous reviews before buying anything. I also read several baby books, articles, and attended a few classes with my hubby. We wanted to be as prepared as we could be as new parents. my job gives me… a challenge. Let’s face it, no forecaster is ever 100% accurate. i can’t get enough of… my son’s smiles and coos! the one TV show i can’t miss… the time of year i enjoy most… it’s a tie between summer and fall. Both are beautiful times to be outside. people might be surprised to know i… flew in an F-16. the one word my husband would use to best describe me… amazing. i’m a big believer in… never taking anything for granted. My husband and I have endured several years of long distance, followed by difficulty getting pregnant. We are grateful for every minute we have together and every little smile [and frown] we get from our son. three things i’m addicted to… my son, my coffee, and the occasional Snickers blizzard. my husband… is an amazing father and my best friend. I absolutely love watching him interact with our son and I love that he makes me laugh every day. I feel very blessed to have him in my life. Love you, babe!

Grey’s Anatomy or Game of Thrones. I really can’t miss either one!