Odds and Ends

Hi Everyone,
Thanks for continuing to keep us all "posted" on what is going on in your life.  As you might have seen - I've started to get caught up on some past due posts myself.  Here are just a few other odds and ends . . .

1. This weekend I have the privilege of leading worship with my friend Jonathan at the Genesis Women's Retreat.  It is called the Chickfest.  I love the name.  The focus is going to be on building relationships - all kinds.  The scripture focus will be on the book of Ruth.  Isn't the logo darling?  One of our church members (btw, we call church members volunteer staff), Janice, drew this for the event.  Anyhow, we are going to be introducing two of the new songs that we have written (Jonathan writes the music, I write the lyrics).  I'm really excited about that.
2. We went to Christ Church's Sunrise service in Fort Lauderdale.  It was great as usual.  The pastor that gave the message was Clay Shiver from Rocketown Florida.  He had a short stint at a professional football career but found his calling as a pastor.  He now is the executive director of Rocketown which is an entertainment facility for young folks.  I love their ABCD's
• Attraction – In the beginning, there is an attraction. Young people come to Rocketown for it’s great music venue, skatepark, coffee bar and programs.
• Building Relationships – once they are here, attendees find people who accept them as they are. Staff, volunteers and peers have created an inviting community.
• Connection – Participants find ways to connect through discussion groups, Bible studies, service projects and shared interests.
• Discovering Purpose – through creative programs in arts, music and extreme sports, participants discover new interests and develop their talents. They learn skills that help develop a sense of purpose. They find affirmation through one-on-one mentoring.
3. Demolition will unofficially start next week in my kitchen.  More details will follow as I learn exactly what they are! 
4. It's time to start creating the spring/summer theme for our blog.  I would love to hear your ideas!  Come on . . .

a little littler

These photos were taken around 7 am on Monday, April 5th at sunrise.  I texted a similar photo from my phone to a friend and said that the ocean and the sun sure can make one feel like a tiny piece of this world and the reply back was "we're all a little littler than we seem".  Isn't it great to be a part of the big picture?

Did you ever think that God made the sun to rise every day to remind us of how He rose for our every day?

Good Eats

This year's Easter meal was AWESOME!  It was tasty and delicious.
Caesar Salad with homemade croutons and anchovies (Our dear friend Joey made this), Grilled Salmon with pepper and parmesean (Aunt Yvonne seasoned and Tim grilled), Uncle Pete Potatoes (I chopped and seasoned, Mom & Tim grilled), Bisquits (Aunt Yvonne), Sliced Tomatoes (Mom).  It was seriously good.  I didn't feel guilty eating it and so I had a piece of lemon chiffon pie & Autie's delicious pineapple and coconut cake.  mmmm!

He Came, He Slept, He Left

Tim and I flew down to Fort Lauderdale.  It had been 2 years since I had been there.  Where has time gone?  Back to the intent of this post.  I forgot how much my brother loves to sleep.  I mean really LOVES to sleep.  He slept in the loft, on the couch, at the beach, on the plane, in the car.  I think he refrained from sleeping at any restaurants because next to sleeping - Tim LOVES food and it would be a shame to waste precious sleeping time if there was good food to be had.  The picture above shows Tim in his most often found position:  reclined.

There is evidence, however, that on occasion Tim was found to have his eyelids open!

Easter Vacation Fun

Fun times

Here are a few picutres of our busy week......... Faith and her friend Luke after visiting the bunny

Faith and Lily my friend Taras little girl, she is 6 months

Faiths playdate after seeing the Easter bunny on Saturday

Joe and I before seeing Three days grace in GreenBay (its so hard to take a nice picture when you have to take it yourself) lol

In front of Brett Favre's Streak House. Im still a fan of Brett

Joe and I before we went out to dinner for his birthday

Faith and Skippy (Joes dog) Isn't it cute

Faith and the so-called Easter Bunny. He/she was a little skimpy

March Madness

A few highlights from March Madness!

Swimming in the Ocean
Brotherly LoveRoyal Oak Farmer's Market
1st Blooms in the Garden
Pig-in-a-blanket winterhat

Ann Arbor Farmer's Market
Zingerman's Birthday

(Mom, Emily, & Carrie's Birthdays too!)

Painting at the Creative Arts Studio

Genesis Communications Team

Pastoral Search Committee

Parent Teacher Conferences

Ice Cream Treats at Jim's Dairy

Helping out the South Africa Missions Team

Had a Great Time in Florida

Hello Everyone

We had a great time in Florida this past week with everyone and I thought you enjoy some highlighted pictures. You can see my post at my blog for more details.

Paul is home from Japan. He is a little tired but overall doing well. Peter had a touch of the flu when he was down but he went to the doctor when he got home. (Emily Ann took good care of him and called before they left) He is doing better. Tim and Tracy's plane was delayed in Atlanta for two hours but they are home safe and sound. They got to see Paul when he came in from Japan to Atlanta and before he went on to Fort Lauderdale. That was a lot of fun for the three of them.

I helped again at the Blessing Pantry. This weekend the church here we go to "Christ Church" is worshiping by serving the community at large. There are all different work groups doing all different things. Then we all come together Sunday night to share and worhsip with music. It is a really great way to show the community God's love. They had a whole crew at the pantry sorting and cleaning. I donated a new label maker so I got to make new labels for everything. I love that kind of thing.

I hope you all enjoy the pictures and I sure wish you would put a post up so I can learn what is happen with all of you. Joy how are the boys? How is your mom doing? Did you get the box I sent? Do the boys have any new art work lately to see? The last pictures were wonderful and I printed them and put them up to enjoy! Addy I would love to see pictures of Faith in her Easter outfit. How is she doing? I bet she is so big! Carol what is up with you what have you been working on around the house? Have any kitty pictures to share????!!!! Linda the out look looks great! Any new projects to share? I love the link to it from the blog! Sara how you doing? I would love to see a picture of you in your Bolero. If I get to see pictures of the last one I will have another one in mind for you. It could come soon with pictures! Debbie did Winter get her other job she wanted? I have been praying she did. How is Linsey doing? Do we have an action picture of her in her school teacher class? Does anyone have a picture of Dad lately sure would like to see him and mom too! Carol and Linda I still need a picture of each of you in your sweaters for my blog. Debbie is already in there. Thanks Debbie. Joy and Ryan still need a picture of you home for my prayer wall. I miss not having you there! (I pray for you anyway :=).) I look forward to seeing and hearing from you all soon. I check everyday to see what is new in the family. I miss being part of the action!

take care love you all

Emily

Shout out from Tracy!

Hi Everyone - I hope you are all doing well. It sounds like everyone had a wonderful Easter. I enjoyed spending time with Mom, Dad, and Pete.

I am off to church today and have and Africa meeting this afternoon.

Carrie and I went to the Royal Oak Market yesterday morning and bought parsnips, carrots, and onions. They were delicious. We also made bread in the bread machine. What fun!

I also bought two containers of wheat grass for the guinea pigs (humans can eat it too) and they thought it was pretty wonderful!