Meet the Bright Dais Ahead family – John, Sherryl, and our twins – BRIGHTon and DAISy (get it? – Bright Dais). We chose to leave suburbia and the corporate world to live life differently. After careers at Fortune 500 companies, we traded our house and thriving business for simpler living, richer education, closer family relationships, and unique adventures. Bright Dais Ahead is more than a clever name. It is our goal is to inspire others to live like the best days are ahead of us and not behind us.
We created this Bright Dais Ahead (BDA) to document our adventures across the USA. In this blog, we will share beautiful photos, videos, relatable stories and give helpful tips and advice. We are full-time RV travelers, content creators, bloggers, and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) philanthropists.
We want to be able to share, give, see, experience, and spend more time with our loved ones. Maybe it’s taking more time to visit family and friends. Or find a few new friends to help along the way.
In addition to our immediate family, you will get the chance to meet our older daughters, Alyssa and Caroline along with our extended family.
We hope we can inspire you with ways to seek the Bright Dais Ahead. Follow us on our adventures, and we live our life differently.
This is the story of our BRIGHT DAIS AHEAD!
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11 – Our BDA Life Verse
Meet our cast of characters:
Sherryl- “Mama”
To describe me, I am Christian, Wife, Mom, Sister, entrepreneur, marketer, self-proclaimed foodie, and former tomboy. Many would say I use too many exclamation points!!, and wear a lot of turquoise jewelry. Having attended three different colleges, traveled a year with Up With People (Cast D ’96), and lived at least 18 addresses in my life, I love to travel. I have lived in New Mexico, Texas, Virginia, California, Michigan, and Kansas. I grew up knowing how to work on cars, handle a firearm, and downhill ski. My career was marketing for both Ford and Bushnell before owning a commercial cleaning business.
I kissed a ton of frogs until I found my prince at age 35. John and I married 8 years ago. During our marriage, we have experienced many highs and a few bumps in the road including; fertility issues, failed adoptions, multiple IVF attempts, pre-mature twins with a six-week NICU stay, starting a new business, and now living 24/7 in a tiny space. Before I became a mom to twin girls, I got to learn, and grow by being a stepmother to my two stepdaughters, Alyssa and Caroline. My A and C daughters taught me selflessness, acceptance, and love before I became a mom to twins.
John – “Captain”
Self-proclaimed “Do-It-Again Dad”. John is not only head of the Nens Family, but dad to four beautiful girls – his A, B, C, D daughters. He is a marketing expert and worked in Brand Licensing for most of his career at Ford and Hallmark. John, or “Jeff”, “Jeffie” and “Brother” as he is called by his family, is from Terre Haute, Indiana where his parents, John and Ann still live in the house he grew up in. He gave his life to Christ at 7 years old.
John’s oldest daughters are Alyssa (29) and Caroline (25), with their mother, Diane. After the divorce, he made his #1 priority to always be there for Alyssa and Caroline. He is a great example of how-to co-parent. John helped open our business, Office Pride. By day he worked in the corporate world and then worked late into the night to get our business off the ground. He is a hard worker and the rock of our family. While he won’t brag, this guy has the pipes and can sing! He also is an extremely talented gardener. Now, he is learning a new role as the home school teacher to our twin daughters.
He is not only our navigator on this journey but is our navigator in life! He steers us on our finances, our walk with our faith, and will be the captain of the Super Duty pulling our 40 foot home.
Daisy- “Boss”
Daisy is our oldest twin by 45 seconds. She is known as twin “A” and she is all alpha. Daisy has hazel eyes, wavy hair, and is slightly more petite. She is the boss baby! While her personality is just developing and sentence structure is starting, we hear things like, “Be right back”, “In a second”, “I don’t like”, “NO Sissy”. Daisy can play by herself for hours. She is easygoing and doesn’t get upset easily, but when she does…she will let you know it! Daisy is no wilting flower as she is a powerhouse and problem solver. She loves puzzles. If Sissy is upset, she comes to Brighton’s aid in a hurry. She’s our helper as she feeds the dog and follows the rules. She loves to make up dances, big dogs, farm animals, high-heeled shoes, anything purple, and Little Mermaid and Lion King.
Brighton – “Sissy”
Brighton is our youngest daughter by 45 seconds. Baby “B” has blue eyes, super curly hair, and is slightly taller. Brighton is a caregiver and nurturer. She makes sure everyone’s “boo-boo” gets kisses or Band-Aids. If someone needs comforting she brings baby dolls, sissy, or daddy blankets to cover up for nap time. Brighton is observant and can walk into a room and know something was moved. She has a little OCD and likes things in their exact spot, all doors shut and animals placed just perfect before bed. Brighton has big emotions and can be devastated one minute then giggling the next. She loves her “Daisy” and just wants to play with her, even if it isn’t Daisy’s idea. She loves to sing, lay on her back looking to the sky for airplanes, horses, all princesses, and prefers purple to pink.
Alyssa – “Coach”
The original daughter of the ABCD girls, Alyss is our “A” daughter and the oldest of the Nens girls. She is married to Sheldon and lives in Royal Oak, Michigan, a recent addition to the Nens Family. They both work in automotive (the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree). Alyssa is a nutritional food coach and you can follow her at Wonderfullymadewellness.com
Caroline – “Care Bear”
While she won’t be on the road with us, our story isn’t complete without Caroline. She joined us on our first camping trip – a memory-making moment! Caroline works in logistics and lives in Buckhead, Georgia. Her passion is all things make-up and is our go-to for fashion questions. Caroline sells clean and safe skincare at Beauty Counter at www.beautycounter.com/carolinenens
Presley – “Hound Dog”
RIP Presley. Presley died October 4, 2021, leaving a hole in our hearts. Read more about Presley and the wonderful dog life he lived. He was our furry baby and brought so much joy to the Nens family. Presley was the perfect dog in every way.
Guests Appearance of the Nens Family
There might be a few other guest appearances from our extended family, namely the grandparents and our siblings, as they explore with us.
We are looking forward to our BRIGHT DAIS AHEAD!