My little-big brother

"My brother up and graduated. I honestly have a hard time believing it happened... but the thing that gets to me even more, is that he's NINETEEN! That is so crazy! Oh and he's taller than me... my little brother is finally taller than me... actually he's been taller than me for awhile now... I just haven't thought about how big my little bro is getting all that much. Anyway, he's graduated and heading off to SAU next year. Yep, we'll be at the same college. I almost feel like I'm following him there, buttt in actuality, I was technically there last year, so there! It should be a good time having my bro at the same college as myself... and not only Caleb, but also my cousins Scott and Grace as well as my other honorary bro, Jake Rich! SAU is about to be bumpin';)

Caleb is working here at camp with me this summer again too. Not just here at camp with me, but in the same department, good ole' kids camp counseling:) It's been super fun having Caleb and Grace counseling with me this summer. I think they would both agree that they are having pretty great summer's out here too. Trav and Zack and my Dad (of course) are also out here in the matience department. It's just one big family party out here I tell ya!

I keep getting distracted though, because really, I wanted this blog to be about Caleb this time. Cabe is one cool "kid" and I am lucky enough to have him at my brother! Sometimes I forget he's my "little" brother because of how stinkin' old looking and mature he can be...sometimes;) But really, Caleb and I have had some pretty awesome bro and sis convos throughout our lives, and I am SO blessed to have found a friend in my brother. I respect him so much and want the best for him! The older sister in me comes out probably too often when it comes to both of my bros, I'm sure they can vouge for that. I know there have been times when I've been too motherly or even bossy. GASP!... not me!... it's the truth. More recently though, I've found myself playing the bigger sister role more. Looking out for my brothers and making sure no girls hurt them;) Seriously though, that's what a sister is for right?!" ...

.... I wrote the beginning part of this blog way back in some warm summer month this past summer. Today I realized I never did finish the thing, and decided maybe I would. The thought came up when I overheard a convo going on between Caleb and my Dad downstairs. Caleb just sounded so mature and... wise. I re-realized just how proud of Caleb I truly am. I am beyond glad he chose to go to Spring Arbor. I think this past semester went so well for him. Between Chapel on Monday's and Wednesday's to his great COR group to his great new friends, I would say SAU has been an amazing fit for him. Not only that, but I have just noticed how wise he seems to be getting these days. Although he doesn't know everything, and I'm sure could admit to being wrong every now and then, recent conversations with him have just really surprised me.

His walk with God is something that challenges me each day. I think his RA, Alex Rahill has played a big part in how much Caleb has matured in his relationship with God. Hearing Caleb's excitement about floor Bible Studies got me excited for him and for myself! Having a little brother who acts like a big brother sometimes, is truly a blessing! Looking forward to a great Christmas Break with my wonderful family and taking time to thank God for all He has given me, including the birth of his Son so many years ago! 

A Day to be Remembered 9.1.12

Today was a simply beautiful day. God was in this day and His glory shown through so many different things, it's hard for me to even know where to begin.

A wedding and a birthday and a love.

A love so strong, no one can break it or buy it or replicate. The love I'm referring to is Agape love... the love poured out to us from God. This love will NEVER fail us, ever! And for that I am truly to be eternally grateful.

Benton and Kristen Oglesby. They are MARRIED now! The ceremony was so special. Vows that they each wrote for the other. Communion taken by the bride and groom. Worship music played and sung by those they love.

The worship song was beyond appropriate. "How He Loves Us..."

"He is jealous for me,
Loves like a hurricane, I am a tree,
Bending beneath the weight of His wind and mercy.
When all of a sudden,
I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory,
And I realize just how beautiful You are,
And how great Your affections are for me.

And oh, how He loves us, oh,
Oh, how He loves us,
How He loves us all...

Yeah, He loves us,
Oh, how He loves us,
Oh, how He loves us,
Oh, how He loves.

And we are His portion and He is our prize,
Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes,
If grace is an ocean, we're all sinking.
So Heaven meets earth like an unforeseen kiss,
And my heart turns violently inside of my chest,
I don't have time to maintain these regrets,
When I think about the way...

He loves us,
Oh, how He loves us,
Oh, how He loves us,
Oh, how He loves.
Yeah, He loves us,
Oh, how He loves us,
Oh, how He loves us,
Oh, how He loves.

Yeah, He loves us,
Oh, how He loves us...
Oh, how He loves us...
Oh, how He loves us."

God is indeed jealous for us. So many different things of this world are fighting for our attention... sports, relationships, school, the list goes on... But here God is, waiting... just waiting for us to come to Him. He loves us so much that it honestly is SUPER hard for me to grasp. We are a tree and His love is a hurricane. That's how great and powerful HIS love for us is! When we finally realize just how great this love is, it is a beyond amazing feeling that is SO overwhelming! ... all we can say is how much He loves us... He loves us...He loves us.... thank GOD He loves us. Even though we have fallen so far from Him at times... even though I have fallen so far from Him at times, He still loves us and waits for us! THANK THE LORD FOR THAT! 

Something that stuck out to me that the pastor said was that Benton and Kristen each found someone who love God more than they love each other... and I can see and know just how much they love each other, and to think, they love God more than that! That's crazy... crazy AWESOME! I am honored to be related to such great examples and servants of the Lord. Their wedding was such a blessing to me, not only was I blessed to be there at all, but I was also blessed to be able to hear and see such a great message play out in this day!

The weather was perfect too... although I'm sure some would disagree:) 

The wedding was supposed to be an outdoor wedding, but due to uncertain weather, it was moved into the barn. During the wedding the open-barn-door-backdrop was perfect. Not too sunny, not too rainy. Not long after the ceremony ended the rain really picked up it's pace. Soon it was pouring... but before that, we were able to watch the storm roll in over the grassy Tennessee hills. Even the storm clouds seemed like some of the prettiest storm clouds I've seen! The wind picked up speed and we got some real nice rain and my phone even alerted me there was a tornado warning in the area! CRAZY TN! 

The torrential downpoor didn't last too too long though, and soon someone spotted a rainbow, as the sun began to poke it's way out again. I LOVE rainbows! ... and not just because they are breathtaking to look at, but also because of the fact of what it represents... God's promise to us... to His creation!

The storm passed and the sun came out, and the day ended with a beautiful sunset... the trees on the horizon making beautiful silhouettes that I could probably stare at ... or take pictures of, for hours if I ever got the chance... the chance and about the longest sunset EVER! :)

When the bride and groom finally joined us back at the barn after a picture or two;) ... they were able to share a first dance together. That dance was very special to be able to witness. I for one am NOT a dancer and never have been, annd have always sworn I would NEVER have dancing at my wedding... but this dance almosttt made me reconsider... key word, almost:) 

The speeches given by the best man, three brides maids, and Kristen's father were also beautiful. Everything about today reconfirmed to me that even though wedding's can be a HUGE hassle (it seems) and occasionally some drama can present itself, wedding's are still a beyond beautiful thing. In a time where more people seem to be getting divorced than married, weddings are great... but it's not just the weddings that are great, it's the marriage to follow that wedding. As Kristen's dad said (I believe) ... while Benton did pursue Kristen during their dating days... the wedding today is the first day of the rest of their lives together, and Benton plans to continuing pursuing Kristen each and every day. That is awesome guys!!! 

In the wedding ceremony another point that was to be conveyed, was that the marriage covenant is mirrored after the church. While I don't personally know much on this subject, I am now very interested in hearing more about this.... marriage to church.. church to marriage. These verses from Ephesians seem to be a good place to start: 

^{22 "}Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. ²³ For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body.²⁴ But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything.

²⁵ Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, ²⁶ so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, ²⁷ that He might present to Himself the church

in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless. ²⁸ So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself;²⁹ for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also nourishes and cherishes the church, ³⁰ because we are members of His body. ³¹ For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and shall be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. ³² This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church."

Ephesians 5:22-32

...I also thought Benton's best man said some really great things in his speech that are SO true: 

"...that sacrificial and unconditional love that God has for all of us... it can't, it will not last until death do us part unless you have that. ... it's not easy to have... it's always a struggle...but I look at this couple and I see a couple that is more than ready to take on that challenge...to take it until death do us part!" 

ISN'T THAT AWESOME?!? 

Congratulations to my very 1st, first cousin on his marriage to Kristen, the newest cousin to the family. May everything that was said on this day hold true and be a reminder to you both, for years to come, of what God has given you in each other. Love you both! 

OH annnd, HAPPY 24TH BIRTHDAY BENTON! <3 <3 

Thee End of an Era.

I have had this title planned since forever, or at least since my dad mentioned it at the end of our annual spring break trip to Florida this year. I almost teared up when it dawned on me, the Hofers + Smiths + FL trio is over. This part of our life is done. And we'll never get it back... that's just kinda how life works ya know.

While I am beyond sad this period of our lives is over, I am also BEYOND grateful these trips ever happened! After my Mammy and Papa Fry moved home to Michigan for good, my family was "homeless" for our yearly SB trip to Florida. What were we going to do?! Ends up, we hooked up with the next best thing to family, more "family." Aunt Joan, Uncle Bill and my 8th cousins Jordan, Spencer, and Emma became our new Florida buddies. Not only did we get to see them every Sunday at church but also on this super special trip that happened once a year! As a kid, it was just about the the coolest thing ever!

We, or at least my family, ended up being pretty stuck in a rut. I think we went a total of four different places over the MANY years we Spring Breaked together... Nope, make that 5. One random place where about the only memory I have of it was sitting in the hot tub and then quickly running and jumping in the FREEZING pool and then quickly getting out and sprinting back to the pool. Those were the days;)

Sun Viking Inn was also pretty cool... although my family's room smelled like a very "nice" shrimp dinner. mmm. The water slide was dabomb.com and playing Bingo with the old folks, as well as the lovely ocean view, were great too:)

After a year at both of those hotels we found Tropical Palms. A getaway like no other... right in the heart of Florida, aka, Orlando. This campground was a swell place with tons of Cabana type cottages as well as camping space. My family hauled our fun little pop-up camper down there for a couple of years before we decided to Cabana it up like the Hofers had ever so smartly been doing. The basketball courts were quite the highlight here as well as the amazing strawberry smoothies and the "tanning." Most of us were at the age where coming back tan from Florida and showing off your tan to all your school friends was all the rage, but none of us actually wanted to put the time into the laying out this required. So INSTEAD, we would lay out on our last day and spray tanning oil on ourselves every three minutes. We were the coolest. After one too many years at Tropical Palms and one too many trips to "Old Town"... we decided to finally move on.

We went back to hoteling it up, this time in the Tampa Bay area. This was a nice little place with the biggest "beach" area ever... more like a little square of sand that didn't even go down to the ocean... haha. It really wasn't bad though AND, I saw a dolphin! Can't get much better than that! We only stayed here half the time since we just had to get back to Tropical Palms once last time! haha... good old T.P!

My senior year of high school we headed to Sarasota to another campground type place, similar to T.P. Sun n' Fun. The pool and pool area were much bigger... so this made us quite happy. Although the "basketball court" did lack quite a bit, so the boys still had a complaint or two. I quite enjoyed watching early morning pool aerobics for everyone over 70 years old that wintered there:)

My freshman year of college I got lucky and was able to fly into Florida during my Easter break to spend yet another year with the Hofer+Smith combo. Actually I only flew back from Florida to IL, but I've already been WAY too detailed in this post, sooo, moving on...

 
Last year I sadly could not attended the Florida gathering. It was quite the tragic thing to say the least. Both Jordan and I had waved goodbye to this era. This year I lucked out once more and worked things out to fly down to the wonderful sunshiny state. Both Spencer and Jordan couldn't make it, but we had an Ashley Connors with us, so that was fun:) Emma was able to spend her last SB with the Smiths, and well... this concludes thee era of Hofers & Smiths + Florida. I truly enjoyed each and every year in the sun and fun with a truly amazing family. God has blessed me with such great "aunts" and "uncles" and "cousins"... Not only am I blessed with the ones linked by blood, I am also blessed with the ones linked by God. <3

P.S. My mom actually was present on all these trips, despite her lacking in group photos. She just always had to be the "taker" it seems. Below is an actual FULL group photo. Hi mom:)

Thee end. 

Daddy- Daughter Date

You're never too old for a daddy-daughter date... 21 tomorrow and I still believe this to be 100% true!

I know everyone says this, but guys, I really do have the bestest dad ever!:)

Going through a box of old notes last night, I came across a bunch from my "daddy." He really has always been there for me, in the good and bad times... and even if we might not have time to talk as much as we want sometimes, I'll get a little note here and there to remind me that he still cares very much and thinks about all his kiddos quite often! Something my dad and I have done a few times throughout my life is go on daddy-daughter dates. We were LONG overdue for such things, so we finally just cleared our schedules and made it happen!

We had such a good night together, even if my poor pops was getting a little sick:( We headed into Jackson and went to a restaurant that my mom doesn't much care for, but I happen to like quite a bit... so Outback it was. Over the (beautiful) car ride into town and the longgg seating wait, we just chatted it up... or more like my dad listened to me talk and talk:) But no, the convo really was two way.

My dad even gave me a gift... what a thoughtful guy... and what a thoughtful gift actually! The cross necklace and cross earrings are beautiful and mean so much to me... not to mention, he hardly ever buys jewelry, so I was feeling pretty special. The jewelry has great meaning behind it, and I will remember that every time I put them on. Another cool little thing, was the one necklace my dad bought my mom back in the day was a gold heart, so it was kinda perfect that the heart on the cross necklace was gold. Just perfect.

<3 shaped chicken. How perf;)

Dinner was yummy times ten, not to mention the blooming onion appetizer of course! Overall the night was just a great time with my dad. I know I say this a lot, but I am just SO blessed. Not only do I have a great heavenly father, but God also blessed me with an amazing earthly father!

Love you daddy! <3 

TWINKIES FOLYFE!

So, hey... last weekend Evan did end up coming this way, but also, the lovely Laura Anne Johnson and myself celebrated our birthdays at the grandparents house, like we do each year. In case you didn't know, Laural and I have shared our birthdays for the past (almost) 13 years of our lives.

Laura was my eighth birthday present! ... and what a present she was! I had been wishing and hoping and praying my Aunt Karen would have her on my birthday, and whadda know, sometimes "wishes" do come true:) March 13th was no longer just my birthday, but also this little baby girls birthday. She was and is my birthday twinkie for lyfe!

And yes I "cropped" the pic like this when I was a small child...

This year, in a few days, we will each be turning one of those "key" numbers. Laura is about to be a TEEN! I can hardly believe it... I really do feel old!.... and I'll be more of an adult that when I turned 18 back in the day. Ya know...21.  Zack's probably the most excited one in my family for this birthday of mine because (GASP!) he'll be able to drive the car with me in the passenger seat. We'll see about that bubby brown;)

Anyways, back to my awesome cousin... I just wanted to reiterate how blessed I am to have her as my cousin, and not only that, but my birthday-sharing-cousin! If we (ever) grow old and part ways, I know there will at least be one person out there who remembers my birthday. What a relief:) And same goes for her. I love you Laural, and don't you ever forget it!

Uncooperative Picture People.

You know those people... those people who will do their very best to ruin any picture you take... yep, that's who this blog is about. You go to take a picture with them and... (look away)... its just you looking at the camera. You go to take a "nice" picture and... (insert goofy face)... your picture is no longer classified as nice. These people will forever be known as uncooperative picture people. They never change as much as you want them to. Here's an example for you:

The selected fellow in the middle, uncooperative picture person. I just wanted a nice little picture to show how cold it was, but nooo, instead he's going to continue looking at his phone as if there was no picture being taken in the first place. Example 2:

The gal on the right... what was she thinking?! George and I were just trying to take a nice happy photo on Photo Booth, and she looks like her cat just died, which in fact, it had not. Example 3:

Just tryna take a nice New Years Eve Eve photo, and the dude on the left thinks he's too cool for school, so he proceeded to look away. (little did I know) Later I go to upload a picture with two pretty cool guys, and I find THIS! BAZINGA! Example 4:

MY VERY OWN KIN! Shocking! Can't even believe such a brother could do this sort of thing to me!

These examples... they could go on forever really. Now... I am lucky to have found a boyfriend who is beyond cooperative when it comes to pictures. See for yourself: 

Thank you Evan Heisey for being my bestest example;) 

Now these examples have portrayed quite well what I mean by an uncooperative picture person. Some may say that the reason for such uncooperativeness is because I take too many pictures, but I know this could NEVER be true, so let us all dismiss that idea from our minds.

Also, for the record, I have never EVER been a UPP! 

wink wink;) 

This has been a nice vent sesh. Good day.

Someone I miss an AWFUL lot.

This blog entry is in honor of...

AMBER EVERYTHINGSFUNNY FEATHERSTON.

The name really says it all. I was going to go to bed, seeing as how it's now extremely late/early. Amber would be very proud of me for still being up, right mom? ... the "mom" who always told me at the college of Greenville that maybe for once I should try going to bed before it's already the next day... I'm working on it... riiight;) So I was looking through my pictures, because in case you people didn't know, I <3 pictures. So I'm looking thru them, and here pops up Amber's or Ambre's lovely face from when she visited me in Pure Michigan... (thanks again Mitchell... whatta guy) Anywho, Amber's face... EVERYTHINGSFUNNY! no really, it is.

First Pure Michigan photo of Amber. Normal.

What a fun weekend that was. Like forrealz. Evan Theamazingboyfriend Heisey was here as well as the lovely lady above. What could be better?! Plus we spent some grand time with the bestestpal Kelsey Myers to top it off. I am truly blessed with beyond wonderful people in my life... wonderful and crazy:) Anywho, Amber, still at the ville, is forced to keep up with me thru much distance, but we make it work. Good ole' facebook and twitter and skype and and and. I pretty much stalk her life, and she knows it. Speaking of her life, I love her family... SHOUT OUT TO MOMMA FEATHERSTON AND ASHLEY FEATHERSTON!

Pic taken on trip down to the vile, Fall 2011. Mom Featherston WHY are you not in this?! (and Dad Featherston FTR)

Anyways, where was I... pictures take FOREVER to load. (caped word for you Amber) ... I'm starting to feel like people are going to think I'm obsessed with Amber, but it's only true, so don't worry;) I just miss her lots and I thought she should know and maybe you guys should know too. She's a cool chick and a good friend to have. Befriend her if you get the chance, unless she has already befriended you, which is probably the case. One last pic for the viewing audience...

EVERYTHINGSFUNNY!

And it turns out I lied. Lets put one more pic. Then I will wrap this baby up.

Speaking of babys...

Oh and for you picture lovers, if you want to see more pics of the mentioned events in this blog, check out my facebook albums. (links below) WOO PICTURES!

Happy Human Vistis- Trip to MI

Visit to Thee Ville 

PS. Welcome home from Cancun. AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL! 

Thee FIRST blog.

Well, here it is. I have a blog. Those who inspired me, my dear father, Chuck Smith and my boss, Sara Luke. (also some persuasion from my boyfriend Evan Heisey) What I will blog about it still completely unknown to me, so I guess we'll just figure that out as I go. I honestly have no idea how to work this blog deal so I may be asking for help from my father, which would be different since he's usually asking me questions when it comes to the internet and such. To start, I will update whoever ends up reading this on my "lyfe" as it is today, on this weird weathered day in January. I am going to Spring Arbor University. After two years at Greenville College, it was time for a change so I am now home again. This year I have lived at home and only taken classes part time at SAU while working as well. Next school year I am planning to live on campus though, which will be another new experience for me... a little unsure, but I think at this point it's another step in the right direction. This past fall I worked at Flavor Fruit Farms here in my home town. That was quite the experience and I actually really enjoyed my fall there. I was on the cash register a lot but was also baking here and there, restocking, cleaning and doing just about anything else you could think of from unloading thousands of HUGE pumpkins and placing them around the farm to eating many yummy donuts. (at least one a day!) After Halloween my season there was over and I was able to take a visit to Greenville, which was super fun but of course invovled some mixed emotions as well, seeing as how I miss all my friends from there an awful lot! This winter I've been quite the bum and I'm sure if you would talk to my parents they would agree;) Starting today I am working at Hawkins Accounting in Vandercook. It looks like this job won't be nearly as fun as my fall job, but I am going to attempt to have a decent attitude about it and maybe even learn a few things I can take with me into the "real world." I honestly have no interest in Accounting, as my major is in Social Work, but a job is a job and I am EXTREMELY thankful to have one! Speaking of my major, in transferring to SAU, I switched from Elementary Education to Social Work. Lots of thought and prayer and searching went into this change and I think I've finally found the major I will graduate with. YAY! Planning to graduate in Spring 2014... a little later than expected, but I will survive. This is getting super long and wordy so I apologize. How about I make a fun little list to finish this first blog up...

Things I am thankful for in this new year:
- Getting to see my family almost every day... I am really enjoying being a part of their lives again... especially the little bros:)
-Having my boyfriend living less than 36 hours away from me. Fall 2011 he was still at school in Arizona, so that made for many hours skyping.... not all bad, but it's definitly nice having him closer:)
- A job ... prayer for my friends who are still needing one!!!
- The list could go on but it's now 1 o'clock am and I'm thinking I should maybe wrap this up. Swell first blog this was. Catch ya later readers, whoever you may be:)

No wait... I'm not done. Another cool thing that happened this past year, my best friend Kelsey Myers got engaged. CONGRATS AGAIN AND AGAIN CODY AND KELS! Their wedding is in December 2012 and I'm beyond excited to be Kelsey's MOH!
Also, can I just say this weather is the weirdest. Snow, extreme meltdown and fog, warmth, tanning, beach days, SNOW! repeat.
Alright. Good day world.

A few recent pics from my lyfe