Michigan Vacation

"A vacation is having nothing to do and all day to do it in."

Michigan Vacation, Part 1: Grand Haven

I am all about internet vacation planning. I love picking a town, finding out what's there, and checking the mileage with Google Maps. I try to stay away from the B&B sites, because it takes hours to get out of that trap. I am positive that I spent more time looking at websites for Grand Haven than the time we actually spent there.

We left on Sunday afternoon, and drove about seven hours north of St. Louis, to Grand Haven. Our hope was to get there in time for the 10:00pm performance at The World's Biggest Musical Fountain. We've been to Las Vegas, and I remember being impressed with the fountain there, so we didn't want to miss this point of interest. We got there early enough to check in at the Best Western which I had cell-phone-booked during our drive (thoroughly researched on the internet). We asked the girl working at the counter what she thought of the fountain. In the most monotone voice you can imagine, she replied, "It's the world's largest musical fountain." Aha, a local. However, turns out that she wasn't so far off... it was kind of lame. Apparently, the Grand Haven crowd is more easily impressed than the Vegas crowd. Though there were plenty of families there, we got the feeling that it was a prime spot for pre-teen dating.

So we headed back to our hotel. It was a decently big hotel, but our room was in a secondary building, around back, with a thin row of parking spots between the hotel and an old set of railroad tracks. The hotel was clearly pretty empty, and we were clearly as far from the lobby as we could get, yet the only room touching ours... yes, booked with people listening to their loud TV. After the not-so-immense excitement of the fountain, we were pretty hungry, so we went out and found an Applebee's. Mmm! When we pulled back into the parking spot in front of our room, it was closing in on midnight. Our headlights shone on our hotel room door, where there was one shiny child's handprint, which disappeared when the headlights turned off. Between that and the deserted old train tracks, I told Joel he better unlock the door super fast, lest I be entirely creeped out. Fortunately, the creepiness was soothed by many television stations.

We woke up on the early side and Joel grabbed us some hotel breakfast before we headed to the beach. According to the internet, Grand Haven has the best beach in Michigan. The picture shows the beach covered with people laying out. We had the place to ourselves on Monday morning, because it was rainy and windy. We braved the unhelpful weather and walked along the beach to the lighthouse. It was COLD!! We loved the waves, and said that if we ever got a few days off together during the summer, we should make the drive and sit by what has to be the closest beach to St. Louis that has waves.

Michigan Vacation, Part 2: Belding

Ever since I heard of the town, I've wanted to go to Belding, Michigan. Joel's aunts and some of their cousins went for the first time last year, after living all their lives just a few hours away. And JB has never been there! We felt like cheesy tourists as we drove around town, taking pictures of everything that said "Belding" on it, but how many people get to go somewhere with their last name? We sent postcards to friends and family, and wrote to the VanDalens, "Good luck finding a town with your last name".

Belding is now a small town, with a friendly atmosphere, and people who are genuinely interested in your last name and willing to tell you more than you care to know about the town. It was once the silk capitol of the world. Two Belding brothers began silk mills. Ladies would come from all around to work there and stay in boarding houses. One of the mills is now loft apartments which rent for $500/month.

When we left Grand Haven that morning, we passed a Jimmy John's, and I wanted us to stop and get sandwiches for a later lunch. Joel refused, saying he wanted to eat at something like "Mr. Belding's Restaurant". I made fun of him, saying there wasn't going to be anything like that. As we were talking to our new friends outside of Belding City Hall, they recommended that we go eat lunch across the street at "The Belding Bros. Cafe". We were so surprised! There wasn't even a sign for it, that's how small of a town it is. When we walked in, the guy working there (who's name was Pete, same as Joel's grandpa), told us it was closest compared to Panera Bread. They served soups and sandwiches and specialty coffees, but the food was amazing and the place was incredible! They have tables and couches and a pool table, and it's all Christian owned, with a verses about fellowshipping and 'doing all things decently and in order' on the menu! It was definitely on par with The Overflowing Cup in Murrieta, CA. We loved it! And Joel loved being right about eating at a restaurant named Belding. Along with the old time pictures of Belding that were on all the walls, they also had some remaining Belding silk thread on display.

Michigan Vacation, Part 3: Port Austin

Now it was time to meet up with the Belding/Vandevelde party at Aunt Beth's place. Joel's Aunt Beth and Uncle Gary own The Sun N Sand Motel across the street from Lake Huron. It's really comfortable and relaxing there.

We arrived there the day before Beth's birthday. Months ago, I had mentioned to Joel that we should get her a gift for letting us stay there, and that he should keep his eye open for anything unusual. His Aunt Beth has the best sense of humor, and nothing less than a unique gift would do. I found the perfect gift when I was in Kimmswick on my birthday. I was in an antique store, and the second I saw this, I knew I had to get it for Aunt Beth. It's a bronze paperweight, in the shape of a banana, that says "Top Banana" on it. Does it get more random? After opening it, and laughing lots, Beth said, "It puts a _______ on my face!"

Beth and Gary had us over for dinner a couple times. One night, Beth served us the most delicious blueberry pie imaginable. It was so tasty! However, little Stephanie was interested in her own version of tasty. We were all sitting around chatting one evening, and Melanie and Stephanie were playing nicely around their house, with Melanie showing off all the seashells she had "picked" at the beach, when we noticed that Stephanie was crunching on something. There were plenty of snacks around, so we couldn't be for sure, but the only thing within her reach was the paper bowl of seashells sitting in front of her!!

Melanie adored the beach! She was in her element, finding tiny collectible things. When they had stayed at our house on their way to Michigan, Melanie had shown me her plastic cassette tape case she had brought with her, that was full of roly poly bugs. At first glance, I thought they were dead ones, because just previous to this, she had shown me her plastic baggie full of cicada exoskeletons that she had been collecting off trees. But when I said something about them being dead, she shook the case and showed me that no, they were indeed crawling around. I told her, "Please DO NOT OPEN that in my house." Becky hadn't known she brought them, and they made her dump them out outside. She is the ultimate outdoors girl, certainly inherited from her grandpa. JB and Joel took her out to the beach everyday to look for shells. Aunt Beth walks the beach every morning, looking for treasures, and comes up with some amazing finds!

JB and Joel went out fishing with JB's friend Tom, who he's known since grade school. Melanie was very upset that they were going without her, but we did fun girl things, like shopping and eating out. Becky and I joked that Anne was our tour guide, since she's been to Port Austin so many times with JB, and found things to do while he was out fishing. She knew all the best places to go, but Becky was our source for directions. We looked up our directions on "Beckyquest". Tom took the guys out on his boat a couple days and they also fished at a river. They caught some big fish, but only kept them for photo shoots.

We went to go see Joel's Grandpa Pete most mornings. He lives in a nursing home because his knees are so bad that he can't put weight on them anymore. It was interesting to visit him, because although he has all his mental capacity, he is currently staying in the pysch ward. Apparently, his previous roommate was annoying him so much that he requested to be moved, and that was the only place they had for him. After seeing his current roommate, I was surprised that it was a change for the better, because this one mumbles to himself and motions to no one saying, "I'm going to kill you!" One afternoon, we all went outside to enjoy the beautiful weather in the courtyard. (While St. Louis was having the first heat wave of 90 degrees, we were bringing our jackets with us for the 60 degree weather there.) Melanie enjoyed sneaking a live worm into her pocket, to be found later all nasty and squished. All the nurses there love Joel's grandpa! He jokes around with them, and pretends to shoot them. One nurse is such a great guy, he came and talked to us for awhile, and recounted how he and Pete skipped out on the Christmas party that Pete didn't want to go to, and instead he took him driving around to look for deer. And another nurse was getting married in a few weeks, and wanted Pete to be there, so this same guy was going to come pick him up and take him. When the nurses were getting him settled after coming back inside, one was putting a pillow under his head and asked him to pick his 'head up', to which he replied, "Don't you tell me to shut up!", even though he understood perfectly.

Saturday morning, we got up and went to the Port Austin Farmer's Market. I expected fruits and veggies, which they apparently do have later in the season. I wasn't expecting an awesome flea market! They had everything from baked goods to souvenirs to garage sale items to $1 cinnamon rolls (Joel went back for seconds). One vendor had a tree with sunglasses on it. Little Stephanie went up to these flamingo glasses, kissed them and put them back. The man gave them to her. Moments later, someone tried to buy some, and he told them they were only for sale as part of this decorated tree.

Saturday night was the reason for the trip: Joel's cousin Abby's graduation party. Beth and Gary put on a massive party for her, with a taco bar and homemade creme puffs. Abby had wanted a party with a taco bar ever since grade school, and finally got one. The ladies who catered it made every possible Mexican food. There were the basic taco fixings, then sizzling fajitas, a Mexican soup, salsa and guacamole, plus fruit kabobs and SO many desserts. Did I mention the homemade creme puffs? It was amazing! JB was in his family element, catching up with everyone and talking to old friends. Abby the graduate (also referred to by Anne as "Beth's son Teresa") is third from the left in this family picture.

It was a very relaxing vacation! We had a great time hanging out with JB, Anne, Becky, and the nieces. We love Michigan!! Some of Abby's relatives on the other side (who were also staying at The Sun N Sand Motel, of course) said, "See you when she gets married!"

Praiseworthy Things

As with many things in my life, my motivation comes from my Dad. I have to give him that one more website to check everyday. Otherwise, I will become some moral of a story titled, "The Girl Who Cried Blog". Thanks for reminding me, Dad!

I went to the Wednesday evening service at church tonight. The message was on Philippians 4, and blogging is the perfect way to put this verse to practical use:

"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy -- meditate on these things." -- Philippians 4:8

TRUE...

Joel and I went out golfing for the first time. Joel has been playing for years, and I didn't completely stink. We played a scramble, and half the time my tee off was as good or better than his. But after that, he had to save our game.

NOBLE...

Working hard at Waterway, Joel always makes time to say hi to me when I stop by. Even when they are swamped, he says to go ahead and get my car washed. Currently, there are some birds that have been pooping all over our cars and our front porch. There's nothing overhead for them to land on and poop, so they actually stand on our cars and poop. Right now, they have a nest full of babies in our cherry tree, and they make time to poop on their way there and back. That nest might not last very long.

JUST...

Joel and I on Resurrection Sunday, celebrating the combination of God's justice and grace.

PURE...

I had a wonderful birthday weekend, but after all the food I ate, I don't know that I could call it "pure". We had birthday tacos and cupcakes at Mom's house, to celebrate Patrick's birthday and my birthday. The next morning, Tanya made a breakfast that put IHOP to shame. Lunch was at The Blue Owl with girlfriends. Our favorite restaurant, Las Palmas was a delicious dinner. It was so good that I also went there again for lunch after church the next day. You know a restaurant is your favorite when you will go there for consecutive meals and order the same thing.

LOVELY...
We went to Belton for Mother's Day weekend. It was so relaxing to spend two nights there instead of our usual 20-hour-turn-around trip. Joel's grandparents were in town from Arizona and our littlest niece Natalie liked snuggling with them. We went to Stephanie's 2nd birthday party, even though it seems that she should still be the newborn. We were back in St. Louis for an evening with my family. It's probably the first time we've gotten to see BOTH our moms on Mother's Day!

GOOD REPORT...

The Annual Church Picnic was this past Sunday.

The smorgasboard of food is always of good report. Everyone had a great time, and the day was full of surprise finds. Many of the kids and guys were surprised at how cold the park water feels when it's dumped down the back of your clothes or over your head.

Garrett and Patrick climbed the tree to try to get the frisbee down, but surprisingly, it was Kwasi, standing on the ground, who was able to knock it down with another frisbee.

James lost his little orange alligator in the volleyball sand pit, and while Dad and I and others dug around for it, James continued to insist that only Uncle Steve could find it. We were surprised when he walked off to find Steve, and everyone was surprised when Steve came over and found it immediately. Well, everyone but James... who knew it all along.

I always think of the church picnic as the kick off to summer. It's the first outdoor event, preempting even Memorial Day barbeques. By next week, our summer will be in full swing, as we travel to Michigan with Joel's fam for a relaxing week by Lake Huron. While I have so much to do to get ready, I will do my best to be "anxious for nothing".

The Intruder

It's never a pleasant thought to imagine anyone but yourselves in your home. I want to feel safe in my home. I want to relax without being on the lookout for my worst fear. And I don't want to be alone at home when it happens. But Joel was at work today when I found the intruder crawling across the bathroom floor.

People may make fun of my many flip flops, but you don't know how reliable and trustworthy they are until they are put to the test. Today, it was a pink flip flop that saved me.

The good news: I killed one cockroach. The bad news: There's never just ONE cockroach.

Three seemingly small issues have just combined into a nightmare situation. Issue number one: We only do dishes every few days. Issue number two: Our bathroom sink leaks just a little. Issue number three: For the past year, we've always had a couple ants in our bathtub. No matter how many we kill, they won't go away, and I had finally settled on coexisting with them. Like a door-to-door cult, always coming in pairs, but never in crowds, we had agreed to disagree with them. They thought the bathtub was theirs, we thought it was ours. When it was their turn, they could explore the porcelain. When it was our turn, they died in a torrential downpour followed by a whirlpool. We could've continued on for quite some time under this alliance, but now they have betrayed us. We let our guard down. We became complacent.

Three seemingly small situations welcome cockroaches. One: Dirty Dishes. Two: Damp, dark areas. Three: Dead bugs (ants). But there are two more important factors that do not welcome cockroaches: Joel and Jean.

The war starts now. We are going to launch an Israeli preemptive strike. The sword of the Lord and the Bug Spray of Beldings!

The Price is Right

Presidential Campaign: $650,000,000,000
Inauguration Day: $125.000,000,000
Economic Stimulus Package: $800,000,000,000 to $900,000,000,000

There are some things money can't buy.
For everything else, there's our government.

Here are some of the priceless things we enjoy:

Jean, Joel, James, and David on Christmas

Our niece, Katelyn Joy, born 12/29/2008

Melanie and Uncle Joel, on New Years Day

Our niece, Abigail Grace, born 2/20/2009

If wealth could be measured in nieces and nephews, we would be the richest people in town. Our stock has gone up considerably in the last few months. Little Katelyn was as speedy delivery, maybe because she knew she'd always be hurrying after her brothers. Little Abigail was born after taking her sweet time, maybe because she enjoyed having everyone wait for her. Our next niece is arriving on April 3. We will be making the trek to Kansas City to see her, bearing gifts.
Sometimes life is hectic and crazy. It is not unusual for us to be eating dinner at 11pm in front of the television. Ah, I remember back in the good ol' days, when Joel and I would see each other every day. Yesterday, I left for work before he got up. In the evening, he went to a hockey game with other managers and the owner (apparently Waterway has awesome box seats). Today, Joel left for work before I got up. He came home for a nap break while I was having a crazy day at the workplace, which made me stay late, so that my home time didn't overlap with his. Now he's back at the ol' car wash doing inventory until the wee hours of the morning. Tomorrow, when he's off work, I'll be working my longest day of the week. Friday's coming! And we're both off!

On Monday night, we went late night grocery shopping (almost as romantic as my parent's Home Depot dates). We bought about three weeks worth of food. This is an experiment. We are trying to determine whether or not it saves us money to stockpile versus going to the store every few days. However, having everything makes it just as hard to choose a snack as when we have nothing, it's just deciding rather than foraging.

After putting away all the food, I expressed my concern to Joel, that I hoped the amount of food wouldn't cause the floor of the pantry to give out and cause all our food to go crashing into the basement. It was believable to me after my bad food day. I had gone to Sam's Club prior to the grocery store. I had loaded up on cereals, granola bars, chocolate chips, frozen chicken, all the essentials. It came up to $112, but it was all things I had planned to buy at the grocery store anyhow. After I loaded everything onto the conveyor belt, I realized that I didn't have my debit card. So after everything was rung up, I subtracted things off in shame, until I was left with whatever my $34 cash could buy. As I pulled onto the highway to drive home, I realized I could've just paid for everything with a check. I forgot that checks could buy things.

There are some things money can't buy, and they're called nieces and nephews.

His Mercies Are New Every Morning

"Welcome, child," he said.
"Aslan," said Lucy, "you're bigger."
"That is because you are older, little one," answered he.
"Not because you are?"
"I am not. But every year you grow, you will find me bigger."

It's always nice to round the bend into a new year. We remember the previous year and make plans for the year to come. Joel and I are optimistic about the coming year. Last year wasn't our all-time favorite, which may or may not be because we are getting old. Unlike our three-year-old nephew David, who spent an entire day looking forward to the animal crackers that I promised to bring him in the evening, things just don't seem as exciting to us as they used to be. It doesn't seem like that long ago that there was something to look forward to every week, and there was always a weekend activity or trip to look forward to. Weekends... I only vaguely remember them.

We have some fun things to look forward to this summer. We're going to Michigan to visit Joel's extended family for a week in May or June. Then, in August, we're taking an anniversary trip to Washington D.C., then visiting our friends Jared and Steph in Maryland, and going with them to Ocean City where we will enjoy the beach and I will visit the Atlantic Ocean for the first time. We hope to make a small drive to Delaware for dinner one night, thereby adding another state to our "Been There Done That" list.

Where has the time gone? I was marking birthdays and anniversaries into my new planner (a list that has grown extensively longer over the last few years), and was shocked to mark our siblings' anniversaries. Becky and Mark will be married seven years and Patrick and Tanya will be married five. Eileen and Steve's two years should be where everyone's at. But our anniversary trip celebrates the completion of eight years!

Our anniversary vacations are always the highlight of the year. Last year, on our anniversary, as we floated around the pool, at a Bed and Breakfast, in the 100 degree heat (it will always be the hottest day of the year), we were so peaceful. The best part is just being off work at the same time, which happens so infrequently. Last year, I'd be surprised if there were as many as twenty days that Joel and I were off work on the same day. So far this year, we haven't spent a day together. Next potential day off together: February 27.

Sometimes, when we are eating our dinner in front of a TV show at 11:00pm, we realize that we have just worked our lives away for that 30 minutes. We just washed cars and made files and directed traffic (that one applies to both of us), to pay for our house, where we come only when it's time to sleep.

It has been a rough year. Joel and I have seen each other so little, our jobs have been difficult, but in spite of the busyness and the debt and the everyday struggles that we all encounter, the best part of life is finding contentment by knowing Jesus. Contentment is often misunderstood to be achievement or happiness. True contentment is saying, "It's enough." Regardless of my thoughts or my will or my goals, it's recognizing that Jesus has given me everything I need for life and godliness. Joel and I have a wonderful marriage. We both have good jobs, where we enjoy what we do, we're appreciated, and we are able to be a model of Christianity to those around us. We have a comfortable home that's warm in the winter and cool in the summer. We have families we love and who love us. We have good friends. God speaks to us. We continue to prayfully make plans for the future. And when it doesn't seem like enough, I remember that contentment means praying, "You know best. You've given me so much. You've saved me and You know me. And if you never give me another thing, it's enough."

Beyond all other goals, the ultimate New Years resolution should simply be to grow. So that every year, we will find Him bigger.