Moving back to the area, Jessica Ewing and her family are embracing winter and each other.

name  

Jessica Ewing

family  

Husband: Jordan. Kids: Madysen (4). Pets: Barley (yellow lab) and Ella (chocolate lab)

neighborhood 

Southside, Eau Claire

Jessica may have left the Chippewa Valley region for most of her adult life, but the experiences, lessons, and culture never left her. After graduating from Altoona High School in 2001 (Go Rails!), Jessica left the area to attend nursing school at Northern Michigan University (Go Wildcats!) where she also earned a minor in military science. It is there that Jessica met her husband Jordan; the two have been married for 5 years. After being in the military for many years, enduring multiple moves throughout the country, and completing one deployment overseas, the Ewings came back to the Valley a year ago to slow down, to be near family, and to raise their little one with their friends’ little ones. As a practicing labor and delivery nurse through Mayo Clinic Health Services – EC, she loves being a part of the magic of labor and the proud moments of birth. Her life philosophy sums her up well: “Be you. Be present. Love your life – make it yours and no one else’s.”

We love the Chippewa Valley because the seasons! We missed the seasons! We were living in the South for many years and recently transitioned back north a year ago. We took for granted the fall colors, the cool weather, and the outdoor fun – but realized quickly just how pleasant it is when you are stuck in 100 degree weather for 10 months of the year. We also love how versatile the Valley is. We can hike the trails, fish, play at parks, go to the theater, listen to amazing local music, eat tasty food, or go to a museum all within 20 minutes of our home.

My favorite place to take my kid is Beaver Creek Reserve. As a kid, my grandparents would take us cross-country skiing, or I would go on school trips to see the nature center, and now we get to do all those amazing activities with our daughter. She loves to learn outdoors, and I feel that is a big part our kids are missing out on these days. 

I never leave the house without ... a strong cup of coffee and a superfood shake. And an overstuffed Ninja turtle backpack with toys and crap we never use, but have just in case a toddler tantrum sets in.

Our typical weekend is unpredictable. As a nurse, working weekends are part of the job. As military, the same holds true. So as a family, our weekends are limited together, sadly. But when they are open, we will be outside playing at local parks, riding bikes around the city, going to local events, and sometimes doing household chores. On Friday nights we try to always have a family movie night where we make a pile of blankets on the floor, rent a movie, make homemade popcorn, and giggle till sleepy. We love to play board games too. Our 4-year-old can rock some Jenga!

My husband always laughs at me because of my granola ways. Essential oils, natural educated birth, clean foods, sisterhood circles, magic and crystals, sacred living are all found in our house and it’s what makes me me. But it’s all energy we want to bring to our daughter, too. So laugh on honey, it fuels my fire! And helps me to laugh too.

In the winter, you’ll find us snuggled by our fire at home, hiking/snowshoeing at Beaver Creek, or playing in the snow at Grandma and Grandpa’s just North of Hwy 2.

If I could pass on one bit of advice it would be you are beautiful. Yes guys, you are beautiful too. We get caught up in the busy world and forget who we are in the mirror, who we are by ourselves. Learn about your body. Fuel it with wellness. Educate yourself. Raise your family to believe the same is true. Trust your inner self, ask for help when needed, and know that you are making a difference in this world. We all have a special power, embrace who you are.