Northern Exposures- Day Two

Ahh...we made it to the Island, and the weather was nothing short of perfect!! It was sunny and 70's the whole time.

We took a carriage tour, which brought us by this beautiful arch. We all got out to photograph, and I found something special "written" in the water. you'll see that in a second.

Introducing Cody, George, and Honda. Our trusty draft horses on one of our tours. We really enjoyed all the history, and the humor of our drivers.

What can I say? Those three people are the most important people in my world! Everyone was in great spirits, even though we were going non-stop! No one complained! See, that is the advantage to waiting for your kids to grow up a bit before you try a vacation. It is worth the wait.

When we peeked through the arch, this message stood out loud and clear. LOVE. Yup. That is what it's all about!

Mmmm....fudge! There is nothing like true Mackinac Island fudge!! This is vanilla pecan, my personal favorite. It must have been everyone else's favorite too, as it was the first to disappear!!

We stayed in a beachfront hotel suite, and we had no idea what kind of view we would have. We walked into our room, opened the curtains, and it looked like our balcony was floating on the lake! We opened the door, and the sound of the waves was so calming and peaceful. We slept with the door open so we could hear the waves all night long. I have never slept so peacefully in my life! It was like a spiritual experience. That is, until the big horns blow on those gigantic boats! That was cool too, though, I have to say.

On Thursday night after being on the Island all day, we walked down to Levi's saloon for dinner, which was wonderful! We heard some live music, so we walked over to Mackinaw Crossings, the shopping center, to see what was going on. I happen to love live music, and it was all I could do to sit still. I just wanted to bust out dancing! After the concert, we bought the CD of the artist performing. I believe he has some Midland roots, as he thanked a local church and newspaper editor on his flyer. He will be in Midland on September 18th, so for some really cool, eclectic (clean) music, go see Brett Mitchell at the new Holiday Inn opening. That is, if you're not going to homecoming that night. Anyway, after the concert ended, we stayed for a laser light show, which was really neat. I found myself in such a happy mood pretty much the whole time we were there. I was relaxed and regenerated, positive, and carefree. Oh, how we all need to feel those things, right?

Stay tuned for Day Three, as the girls got to do some fun and amazing things on our last day!!

Thank you, God, for the ability to go on vacation, to enjoy my family, and to view your creation in complete awe!

Northern Exposures: Day One

Last Wednesday, we left on our Northern vacation to Mackinac Island. But before we even checked into our Mackinaw City hotel, we went to Tahquamenon Falls and Whitefish Point. All the way up north, we joked about being trolls, who expect just because it's "the north", that we would see a bear. How the natives would laugh at our naivete and touristy thinking! Well, imagine our surprise, when halfway to our destination, we actually saw a cub attempting to cross the road in front of us! I had my trusty Nikon in my lap, of course, but I was so excited and was yelling to the girls "it's a bear!! look! A bear!", that my bear photo ended up being the back of the van in front of me! Anyway, that was one of the many highlights of our trip.


Serena loaded her pockets with those flat smooth Lake Superior shore rocks that we all adore!

It was windy, as usual, cold as could be, but it was so gorgeous there. We didn't seem to want to leave! The girls dipped their toes in the icy water, but I just stayed back with my camera, shooting away. Steve took this one, of course!

We saw the upper and lower falls. It was the first time for the girls, but even though you see something more than once, nature has a way of revealing something new each time you look! I'm always in awe of these falls, and the beauty all around them. I took some opportunities to teach the girls some things about photography, and they took many creative shots. We'll get to that later.

More on our northern vacation later.....there were over 200 pictures, as we did a ton in only 3 days!

Beachin' It Up

Every summer we head to Ludington with my parents for a beach day. My mom and her only sister used to spend many summer days playing in this same spot with their parents, who are now gone. So, it was only fitting to invite my aunt along, and she brought her granddaughter, Kayla. Next year, we hope to get more of the family coming, as it is a great time to just hang out and enjoy the company. It is a beautiful place to go. I hope you will make it there sometime if you haven't already!
Here are the girls "wave surfing". The waves are always a blast for all of us to play in. My mom and aunt and I waded a bit into the icy cold water, and boy, did it feel good! The sand is a great way to soften up your feet too!

No grand sand dragon this year. This time it's a sand igloo made with snow block makers. All the kids, including Steve, helped build and design the igloo. Steve spent a lot of time out in the water with the girls having a blast!

Serena decided Kayla was "mermaid-worthy", so a mermaid she is! Kayla is 13 and had a great time with our girls!

Serena and Kayla would roll in the sand, then dive headfirst back into the water. Oh, to be young and carefree....and not care where the sand ends up in your bathing suit.....

We enjoyed a casual picnic after all the beach fun, then called it a day. I spent the whole day with a migraine, and it got worse as the day went on, but I was blessed to have the beautiful lake, the breeze, and the fun of being with my family for a whole day! Take that, migraine!

Finally...Summer Has Arrived!

On Saturday, we headed up to the family cottage for a trial run of our new....

camper! I guess sleeping in that tent really set the camping purchase in motion....

It rained most of the day Saturday, but Sunday we built a giant fire and made "hobo pies"....pizza and blueberry. Daddy and the girls fished while the rest of us (me and Grammy and Grampy) puttered and relaxed. We slept in our camper for the first time and it was great! We were warm, snug, and cozy. We hope to use it at least once more before summer ends!

We went to Ludington for the day on Monday....more on that later....AND much more to come at the end of this week. Bye for now...I have much to keep me busy today!

The Confident Woman

I have read this book before, but it's always worth reading again. It's The Confident Woman, by Joyce Meyer. If you or someone you are close to is struggling with confidence, this book will lead you in the right direction. It is Biblically based, full of scripture that shows you exactly what God had in mind for you! It's not to live in doubt, fear, or negativity!

If you've been relying on your mind or your emotions to tell you who you are, that's a grave mistake! God's Word will tell you more about you than you or anyone else can tell you, and it's all the truth!!

If you struggle at all with living in fear, this book is chock full of wisdom and direction. It is not a "feel-good, self-help" book, but a book based on God's help and His goodness for your life.
I was going to include an excerpt or two, but I encourage you to just get the book and read it if you feel this is an area of struggle. A lack of confidence can spoil every relationship in your life, including the one you have with God.

Happy reading! Don't like to read? Well, you'd better learn to like it. How else will you know what the Bible says?

People

Does it ever bug you when someone doesn't like you? Oh, it used to really bug me. After all, as far as I knew, I didn't DO anything to that person, so what's not to like, right? Well, I used to spend way too much time stewing over it and it really made me into a person even I didn't like. I was so addicted to their approval that I lost sight of just being myself.

It made me focus on that person who just wouldn't give me a chance. I used to think about what I did or what they thought, or how I'd get even, etc... such destructive thinking. What I discovered was that I just couldn't handle being rejected. Especially for no reason. I mean, who did they think they were anyway? Like I said, it was a vicious and lonely cycle.

I ran into someone at the fair tonight and I know this person does not like me at all. Actually, it wasn't just one person, which I thought was not coincidental at all. God has been dealing with me on some things, and it is a testing time in this area. This person in particular does not like me because of my faith. I won't elaborate, but I know this to be true. She blew past me like a tornado like she always does. It used to bug me, but now I just have to assume the best of her. She may be "jamiblind" and just doesn't see me there. grin, snicker, swat.

God has a way of reminding me of my past behavior and thinking by setting me up to see what I will do or how I will react. He knows I need healing in this area, so he gives me a little pressure now and then. His biggest reminder? I am HIS. He approves of me!! He loves me! He knows my heart when others assume the worst! He will take care of my enemies! He is there even when no one else is! He will not leave me or forsake me. He will never reject me.

The biggest message I got from God on this came when I was thinking (and still kind of am) that a close friend of mine has been shutting me out. I'm trying to think the best, but the evidence is just there. God says to me, "when you stop worrying so much about what she thinks and you spend more time with me, this won't bother you at all." He is right! Sometimes we get so "me" focused that we think it's "all about us". We can miss obvious signs that maybe our close friend is not herself lately and that is why she can't be there for you.

See, this rejection thing is just so against God and His promises. It's not worth it to go through all that pain needlessly. Even if I am the last person on this earth or if everyone becomes "jamiblind", He will be waiting with open arms!

I can't let the acceptance or rejection of people become too important to me again. When I first met Rachel Dyer, one of the things she stressed to me is that people won't always like you. You don't have to do anything to cause it and you can't do anything to fix it. It always perplexed me, but she assured me that it just is what it is and I need to accept that! Good advice! Maybe it's God's way of reminding us that while people are important to us, He is to be first and foremost in our lives. He is a jealous God, as the Word says.

And a note to those who blow past me like a tornado.....I love you!! :)

"Asher Asher"

Ring around the rosies, pocket full of toesies....
"Asher... Asher"

We all fall down!!

Autumn says "Asher Asher" instead of ashes....I guess she wants to include baby brother in the game! It's hard to believe she's not the youngest Hess anymore! What a fun group of kids....Natalie, Serena, Jayna, Autumn, Tucker, and Toby...this was the geezers against youngsters final ball game of the season. It's nice to see my girls watching over the little ones, but it makes them seem so grown up!

Happy Half-Birthday, Natalie!

We celebrated Natalie's "half" birthday on Sunday, just a day late of her actual half-b-day. We grilled steaks, danced on the deck, played wild badminton, and ran when it started pouring! I decorated in a "hang out" theme of lime green, hot pink, and all the fuzzy furniture and pillows I stole from their rooms! It was fun. I'm so glad we decided to do these half birthdays. They are actually a bit more fun than the real thing! No pressure, no stress! My rule is to not think about any of the details until about a half hour before the "party". That way it's all spontaneous and the focus is just to have fun and celebrate family!

My silly girls...that is true Serena right there.

Nat's half cake was her favorite...carrot cake! We paired it up with butter pecan ice cream

and m&m's. She loved her gift....double cap sharpies and a desk lamp. Singing half of the birthday song is actually pretty funny.

I can't believe she'll be 12 in just 6 short months. I am so proud of my silly, funny, sometimes stubborn and laid back girl!

Celebrating Good Times

Wow. What a great Saturday we had! We headed up to Chippewa Lake to Steve's sister Cyndi's family cottage to celebrate their parents' 50th wedding anniversary. All they wanted was a family gathering, and we delivered! We also celebrated John and Cyndi's 26th anniversary, Allison and Josh's recent engagement, and Katrina's going away party. She leaves for France in a couple weeks. There are also 2 girls starting U of M very soon! So, lots to celebrate.

Natalie, Serena, Grace, and James enjoyed a dip in the hottub. Too hot for me!
We spent most of the day lounging and visiting. It was a nice relaxing day of catching up and enjoying a beautiful day. 28 of us were there. Only 1 couldn't make it due to a work emergency.

John took the kids swimming and tubing all day

Serena went tubing for the first time. She absolutely loved it! There's Nicole on her right having a ball too!

I was asked to take some engagement photos for Josh and Allison (our niece). This is a first formal session I had ever done and I was a bit nervous!

They are such a beautiful couple. It was easy to get great shots!

We finished off our night with great food, more visiting, and a big bonfire, complete with s'mores. Wow. What a great Saturday we had.

Travels to Route 40

In less than a month, I will become a "Cougar". Maybe technically I don't fit the description since it signifies an older woman who runs after younger men. However, I like the vicious animal comparison, so I'll take it.

So, I'll be breaking into a new decade and joining the ranks of those fortysomethings. That's not a bad group to be in, if you ask me. But before I join it, I must reminisce about all my other decades.

I was born on 9/13, and I weighed 9lb 13oz. How cool, right? I must have planned that. I also nearly committed my first murder on the way out. Just talk to my mom and ask her about the 36 hours it took me to arrive. Naturally. Sorry about that. I'd like to think I was born at 9:13, but I'm sure it was some boring time instead. All I know is that my dad was excited to have a girl, so I was named after him. That IS cool. So, the next several years, I just spent being a kid. I know. It's predictable, but it is what it is. Moving on...

So, the teen years were interesting. Weren't they fun? If you think that, then you must be as warped as your failing memory. I was a good kid for the most part. Just like any teen, I spent several years in the "my brain has not fully matured yet" phase. I'm not quite sure I made it all the way out of that stage sometimes.

The twenties were full of angst and change, some good, some bad. I got sick, engaged, married, pregnant, and a new career as a stay at home mom. Whew. Was I tired. I don't miss much of my twenties at all, except for being very thin and being able to stay up late.

Thirtysomethings always get accused of being know it alls or arrogant snots for some reason. The accusers are always way past 30. Maybe they know something we don't. Maybe I'll find that out as I leave my thirties once and for all. I was pregnant at 30, and couldn't care less about my age. I just wanted to pop that baby out and be done with it!

I have to break my thirties up, because for the first part, I was pretty crazy with finding my way as a mom, and trying to manage stress. Ha ha! My mid to late thirties were a breeze compared to all of that nonsense! I guess maturity happens eventually.

The most important thing I did in my life was to fully accept Christ and to embrace a whole new lifestyle. Knowing that it's "not all about me" was the best dose of growing up I could ever receive. It humbled me to know that my life was to serve God, not me. It was not going to be comfortable and rosy all the time and I had to be joyful in spite of it. Yup. You sure need your big girl panties if you're ever going to really "get it" in life.

So, why worry about 40? As far as I see it, my life has gotten better and better. So many of my questions are already answered and I'm enjoying my blessings every day. Yes, life is challenging, and I have typical aging stuff going on, but I look forward to the good my aging will bring. Not only to my life, but how my maturity will benefit the lives of others. Now, don't quote me on any of this as I approach menopause in my 50's.

So, please, don't invite me to an over the hill party. I am still on the side climbing! Age is not a number to be celebrated, but life is worthy of celebrating. God numbered my days. He brought me into the world in a unique way (9/13 at 9 lb 13oz). He filled in the empty spot with his presence and gave me special gifts. He made me exactly who he wanted me to be and picked the best day to bless my parents and me.

How could I complain about that?

Blowing Off A Little Steam

We heard the youth group at CWC was doing a fundraiser carnival/car smash, so we headed up there for some fun tonight.

That's Miss Jayna and her dad, deciding where to put that sledgehammer
She may look sweet, but Nancy's got a mean swing! I think I heard the car whimper a little

There's Jenn about to unleash a can of somethin' on that car...

Greg had it in for that fender, and eventually knocked it right in the kisser. Way to go, Greg! He may have to take some time off work for that. Sorry, Nancy.

I wonder who Steve was picturing on the hood of that car. He meant business, that's for sure.

I didn't include the pics of the girls playing all the games and eating cotton candy, but they had a great time too. Everyone who helped out did a great job!! The youth are a very important part of not only the church, but the community! I enjoy seeing the teens working as a group, especially with the younger kids. It's a blessing to have them around!

Riding Lessons

The girls and I have started a new habit and we're all addicted! Nearly every day, as time allows, the girls and I (my daughters, that is) take off on our bikes to the Rail Trail.

I've always loved riding my bike. I'm just one of those people who needs to go as fast and as far as possible to get that release of tension from everything! Well, with the girls along, I can still go fast, but I have to keep watch. The first time we went out, Serena veered off into the left side of the trail, and nearly crashed with a bike coming up behind her going about 80. She just kept riding, oblivious to the fact that she ran this guy off the trail. It could have been worse, but then again, you shouldn't be going that fast when approaching children, so I say it's his fault. :)

I have encountered some really nice (and fit) people on this trail and have decided that biking is my "thing" for now. I am so inspired by the older ( I hesistate to even call them this) people who fly past me, white hair under the helmet, tanned and lean legs, and a smile that shows age is just a number!

I have found peace and quiet on the trail, as it is enclosed with beautiful nature--trees, the river, wildflowers, and wild berries, but the real peace I find is in myself. It is a cure to the stress I may be feeling, or the answer to a question I've been mulling in my mind. It is a great time to connect with my girls, who have become much more mature since last summer. Serena is quite the off road rider, taking a few more risks, and Natalie stays ahead of us, steady as a rock. Just like their personalities.

I can't wait to get a new bike, as mine is falling apart. Steve bought a bike for me while we were dating, that's how old it is!! In the meantime, I will just have to be the laughingstock of the trail...squeaky brakes, clicky gears that won't stay put, and sawdust covered spokes! Hmmm...you might be a redneck if......

:) See ya on the trail!

Life as a Dog

Sophie and I have so much in common. We're both stinkers, only for her that is a literal meaning. We both enjoy treats, that's for sure, and we both love to let loose and have FUN!

Whoopeeeee!!

I'm gonna need some fries to go with my "shake"!

I've got it goin' on!!

Life is short, people. LIVE IT UP!!

Pampered by Nature

I am spoiled and I know it. Just like the lovely Snow White, I too, am flourished upon the moment my toe hits the grass. Birds flutter to my ears, whispering sweet compliments...bees move out of the way to allow me to float on by, chipmunks bow and offer their most precious cashews...and the flowers...oh, the flowers bloom as soon as I set my gaze upon them....and i am so full of doo doo sometimes, it's not even funny.
Reach for the sky! Outside our bedroom window is a morning glory vine...can't wait to watch it bloom!

Garden phlox....old fashioned and pretty....

These remind me of the rubrum lilies we had at our wedding. It's my favorite flower and favorite color!

It's really the first year of producing fruit for our raspberries, but what the turkeys didn't get was pretty yummy! It's been fun finding just enough for a snack in the afternoon.

Here's Master Squeakers...the baby squirrel who thinks I'm his mommy. He likes to lounge on the deck rail on his belly and watch me through the window! I know, I know...target practice, right? Not for me. Hey, squirrels have many qualities I admire....they're fiesty, mischievous, smart, clever, fast, daring, adventurous, loyal, resourceful, funny, and persistent!! I kind of like his company so far!

See what I mean? I am pampered by nature!! I may not be Snow White (who would want to be that white anyway?), but I sure feel like the princess of the forest sometimes! I can be having a rough day, but I can go outside and get just what I need to change my perspective. I hope nature is like that for you too. If it's not, maybe it's time to give it a try?

Oh My....PIE!!

Okay, so some of you know I was hit with a pretty nasty migraine that lasted 4 days and threatened a 5th. Not only did it wreck my weekend, but we had to postpone the girls' baptisms for that Sunday. Enough said. Now on to the good stuff. Steve wanted to cheer me up, so he had the girls each make a blueberry pie. They made their own pie crust (a must in our family) and used the blueberries we had just picked. What a wonderful surprise it was to see 2 yummy pies on the counter while I was laid up in our room all day.

At some point, Serena said to her daddy, "Somehow I thought it would be mom and Grandma teaching me how to make a pie, not my DAD". That struck me too. It is a rite of passage I would have preferred to orchestrate, but the blessing was in their daddy's love for me, so I can't complain about that.

There it is! Our trademark "R" to let out the steam...both girls had their own "R" design. I love that they followed my tradition!

I had to sample both pies, of course. The girls watched and waited for me to take the first bite...whose would I take first? Which one is better? So funny. Both pies were wonderful, and they were baked with extra love inside, making them the BEST pies ever!!

I may have migraines, but it is in those hard days that I see clearly the blessing of my family as they take such good care of me. Serena loves to refill my glass with fresh ice and a straw, bring me a cold washcloth and comes in just to ask me if I need anything. Natalie comes in to pat my head and tell me, "Mom, I just hate it when you're sick". Steve just does whatever he needs to do to take care of all of us. So, go ahead, migraines, just try to wreck my life. I'll only just keep seeing how good I have it. I win every time.

Library Party

Today was the final day of the Summer Reading Program at the local library. There's Gale, our librarian, in her "Carmen Miranda" hat leading the kids to the judge's station to be judged. Those cute ice cream cones are Amber, Nathan, and Luke Nehrig! Behind them are my girls, waiting to wow the judges. The Nehrig kids won for their costume, although I can't remember which category. Probably "cutest" if you ask me!!

Serena is a food vendor for the Tigers. Natalie is a vendor for the local Loons team. They both looked very authentic and everyone enjoyed their tasty treats. They had Cracker Jack (of course), popcorn, peanuts, and "cotton candy". Daddy attached the straps and helped with the treats. I decorated the boxes, and drew my first loon!! They looked pretty cute if I must say so myself. (the girls, I mean) Their costume entry won for "Most Unusual" costume. Unusual to who, I wonder? I guess if you don't go to ball games....

You may remember seeing our construction project entry. This won for "Best Family Effort" and 2nd place "Honorable Mention". Two categories! I think it should have won a special prize for the white undies, as that was my idea, of course. (she says with a smirk) To everyone who voted at the library, thank you! If you missed it this year, watch for it next year. Gale said they had 32 new kids who signed up this year out of the 51 who participated! Most of the kids came to the party, although many who didn't show were winners of something or other. The Nehrig kids won for their construction projects too!! The prizes ranged from pizzas and breadsticks to goodie bags full of books, jars of candy, and other toys. Overall, it is a great way to get kids reading and using our local library!