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Friday, July 27, 2007

5'ish miles at Island Lake Recreation Area


Yup, that's me! Carrie invited me to go on a quick 5 mile hike at Island Lake Recreation Area. It was highlighted in her guidebook as an easy 5 mile trail - sort of true - it wasn't a difficult hike - there were hills to climb but we were okay with that. Rather, the trail wasn't exactly 5 miles - more like six - which doesn't sound like a big deal - but my friend was coming over at 8 that night and we had to get home! So an extra mile was a big deal. We made it just in the nick of time. It took us a couple of hours - about 734 mosquito bites (I'm not exaggerating) - and 42 near death collisions with the mountain bikers to get back to the head of the yellow loop trail. It was a great time!


Here are few of the beautiful sites that we saw along the way!


Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Cookbook & Candy Apple Delight

Well - I am closing in on having the recipes entered into the cookbook. When I finish I post a list of all the recipes that I have so that you can send me the ones that you want to include but aren't listed. To keep you all excited about the cookbook - I am going to post a recipe each week! This weeks recipe is a BIG HIT at potlucks - I never bring any home! Candy Apple Delight Salad. I love that this dessert has "salad" in the name! At least it sounds healthy.
Enjoy

Candy Apple Delight Salad
Recipe By :Evelyn Nadeau
Categories : Desserts

Amount Measure Ingredient
8 ounces cool whip Lite® -- thawed
16 ounces crushed pineapple -- drained
3 whole granny Smith apple
3 whole snickers candy bar
1/2 cup peanuts

-- Preparation Method--------
Combine cool whip and pinapple in bowl.
Peel, core, and slice apples.
Cut snickers bars into small pieces. Chop peanuts.
Fold all into coop whip mixture.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 266 Calories; 12g Fat (41.8% calories from fat); 4g Protein; 34g Carbohydrate; 3g Dietary Fiber; 2mg Cholesterol; 60mg Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Grain(Starch); 1/2 Lean Meat; 1 Fruit; 2 Fat; 1 Other Carbohydrates.
NOTES : From Grandma Nadeau

Monday, July 23, 2007

I think they call that a "Varmint"!

Oh yes - we have had a few encounters with another kind here at tracy's blue house. It's hard to believe that I am sandwiched in between two major highways, in the middle of the city, and I have Varmints! We have seen quite a few things lurking in the night: skunk, raccoons, opossums, mice, and an occasional rat - yes I said rat.

The question right now is "What on earth did I trap in the garage this week?" I certainly know it had teeth. Apparently, it also has the urge to exercise. Last Thursday I was hopping in my car which was parked in the driveway to go visit my friend Kathy. As I was climbing in I heard a very loud machine like noise - it was really loud and it sounded like it was coming from my garage. What could it be? I pressed the automatic door opener and much to my disbelief - my treadmill was running at full tilt - 10 miles per hour - I was expecting to see smoke come out from underneath the tread. I turned it off and checked the LCD display - it had been on for 3.5 minutes! Holy smokes - what on earth turned that thing on? I unplugged the treadmill to prevent any further events - I can't even imagine the look on that varmint's face when he turned that thing on. I proceeded back to my car and on to my regularly scheduled plan!

Yesterday - Saturday - I was in the garage and noticed a bunch of blue plastic shreds on the ground. I followed the trail to my heavy duty rubbermaid container - the one that had - I say had because there wasn't much left - had the birdseed and grass seed in it. I used the heavy duty container - to keep the varmints out - apparently - it the lid is closed - they'll just find another way in - eat through the container. So after that - I realized I really had a varmint - so Sunday I vowed to clean out the garage. After much procrastination - I started at 3:00 pm!

I parked the cars in the driveway and began tidying up. I love to get that industrial vacuum going - slurping up every cobweb, spider sac, and dirty and disgusting thing that it's path can cross. It feels so satisfying - see you later spider!!! I swept up the little blue shard of plastic and made my way around. Then I began thinking to myself, "who was doing a wood project in the garage - there are wood shavings all over the floor. Wonderful - I guess I'll just vacuum them up with the rest of the mess." I went over to the window to open it and low and behold - more varmint evidence. That varmint must have been trapped in my garage - because he ATE my WINDOW casing - or at least a big chunk of it. That varmint!!!!!!

The folks over here at tracy's blue house now think that the varmint was trapped in the garage, he tried to get out by the window, gave up, and started searching for food. He sniffed out the seed and ate through the container when he couldn't get through it. He felt a little full and decided to take a run on the treadmill until I decided to finally open up the garage door!! What do you think? Crazy, huh?

Raccoon (I saw one sneaking around tonight!), opossum, rat, or squirrel? Let's hope he doesn't return!

Sunday, July 22, 2007

We have baby deer


Hi

We have baby deer. We have two moms and three fawns visit us everyday. In fact they are out there right now! One doe has twins and one has one. The picture is of the twins. All three were out there this morning but they were scared off by the door opening to take a picture. They are really getting bigger each day. We also have many many many birds. I have to fill the bird feeder each day sometimes twice. I will include bird pictures in the future. In the meantime I hope you enjoy the fawns.


Emily

Thought you might like to see the sweater done


Hello All
I thought you would like to see the sweater that I was working on while visiting this 4Th of July. I finished all the hand embroidery and trim. Paul talked me into photographing all my projects to keep a record of them. So those of you that I have done things for I will be asking to take a picture or two to add to the file. He thinks that I lost track of all the things I have made. I think he is right! so I hope you enjoy seeing this one
Emily

Saturday, July 21, 2007

a Yummy U.P. Lunch at Barb's Pasties

Tim, Carrie, and I had a yummy U.P. lunch. We picked up pasties from Barb's Pasties in Clawson. They were yummy but certainly not good as Grandma's!

Concert of Colors and Harry Madness!

Tonight I had the opportunity to visit with some friends who went on the South Africa trip this year. We ate went to Mexicantown in downtown Detroit for dinner at Los Galanes Restaurant. We all had the buffet - boy was I stuffed - tamales, enchilades, beans, veggies, tortillas! It was delicious. We then went to Orchestra Hall for the Concert of Colors. I went last year to see Ladysmith Black Mambazo who is a phenomenal group!! They were featured on Paul Simon's Graceland album. Anyhow, tonight we saw Hugh Masekela who is a South African jazz artist who participated in the Graceland album but is most noted for his song Grazing in the Grass . He actually played jazz in Detroit at Baker's Keyboard Lounge in his early days.

The concert was quite late and we stopped back at my friend Shelly's house afterward - so I was driving home and was able to see the Harry Potter Madness unfold. I passed several bookstores on my way home and there were lines circling around them - just to get the final book of the series called Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. As I rode through downtown Royal Oak - I saw many people walking home with their books! It was a riot to see at 12:15 AM - that's right - it's just past midnight!! The reviews are already coming out and they are of course - raving. My friend Carrie is at Borders with our librarian friend, Kathy, to get Kathy's copy. Carrie - pre-ordered and is guaranteed to have her copy in the mailbox tomorrow. I am not necessarily crazy about Potter - not really for - not completely against Potter - but I am glad that it has ignited the fever to read. It is my feeling that reading is a KEY element to educational success. Part of me, though, has to wonder what this world would be like if folks were as "crazy" and "excited" about getting a copy of the Bible. I do believe - this world would be a different place!!

Well that's all for now - it's late out.
p.s. I added lots of recipes to the cookbook today!

Thursday, July 19, 2007

Tracy's Pick!




I thought I'd share with you about the daily devotional book that was recently given to me: Streams in the Desert, by L.B. Cowman, Edited by James Reimann. I have been reading it every day (at least trying to) and have really been refreshed by these streams. You can check out some of the entries at back to the Bible.


Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Tourtière: research for the family cookbook

So I have been working on the cookbook (thanks Debbie - for getting me going on that again). I was looking at some of the edits we had made and I came to Carol's wonderful beef and pork pastry dish. I had titled the recipe as "French Tourteries" from Carol's notes but as we came to that recipe when we were doing the edits, we decided that it was torte "care". Somewhere deep in my mind it was aunt "CAR"ol's torte! What a wild imagination. Anyhow - Linda and I wrote sp? next to the "Tourteries" and rewrote something like "Torteccaire". Have we just been pronouncing this wrongly? So what is it? a Teries or Care?

Here is an interesting blog posting about tourtière.
And an interesting CBC radio show debating the wonderful world of Tourteries.

Thursday, July 12, 2007

First Fruits . . . make that vegetables!


Top:Herb Garden
Bottom:Tomatillo

Top:Green Peppers,Zucchini, Cucumber
Bottom:Purple cone flowers

I love July because the first vegetables start coming in. So far this year we have English cucumbers (they are delicious), zucchini, and green peppers. In addition, we moved the herbs to the planter attached to the garage so they aren't getting full sun all the time - and wow - they are growing out of control. The guinea pigs love it because they have fresh parsley and basil to munch on. The weather here has finally cooled off - it is very pleasant now - low humidity and 70 degrees F! Hooray I hope you are all doing well - I would love to hear from you!

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

what season are you?

Find out what season you are by following the link below and then let us know!


You Belong in Fall



Intelligent, introspective, and quite expressive at times...

You appreciate the changes in color, climate, and mood that fall brings

Whether you're carving wacky pumpkins or taking long drives, autumn is a favorite time of year for you

Sunday, July 08, 2007

New Family Photos

We had a chance to take some pictures this past week.


Wednesday, July 04, 2007

Happy 4th of July

Dear God - Please watch and keep over our country. We long to preserve the freedom we have to freely worship You here. Turn our hearts toward You - and shine Your face upon us. Amen

Saturday, June 16, 2007

Fathers. . .



Hello Everyone - It has been a LONG and TIRING week. I am leaving today for South Africa. There are 18 people on our team who are going to serve the Zulu people of South Africa. We have been preparing since January this year and now have 54 bags to check in and 18 more to carry on loaded with many generous donations of medicine and medical supplies. I am so thankful even if it has mean some really late nights. It is such a privilege for me to go and I am so thankful to all of you who supported me in so many ways.

The only BIG bummer about going on this trip at this time is that I am going to miss FATHER's DAY. I know that we have some of the BEST FATHER's a Family could ever have. They are loving, supportive, kind, generous, provide good counsel, love to have fun, and well . . . they are so many things I could say.


I am overflowing with thankfulness for my Dad, my Grandpa, and my uncles. They are so so so special to me. Love you, Tracy

Tuesday, June 05, 2007

Tim's new job

I accepted a new teaching position as Director of Bands at Rochester High School in Rochester, MI.

Rochester High School has approximately 1800 students and is one of three schools in Rochester. It was built in 1955 and renovated in 2002.

Rochester is home of the Falcons; blue and white are our colors. The band program has over 200 students in 3 concert bands and a marching band.

I'm looking forward to this new adventure especially starting at the end of July when I take the band to marching band camp on the campus of Michigan State.

Sunday, June 03, 2007

For Better or For Worse!

Today's For Better or For Worse reminded me so much of Grandpa. I thought you all might enjoy reading it as well. Click here to read!

Wednesday, May 30, 2007

It was a "Memorial" Weekend

How wonderful it was to spend time with the family in Ishpeming.

Grandpa gave us a chance to all get together - unfortunately it was in the hospital!
I was amazed at how well Grandpa managed the surgery. He even kissed "Kimber" his O.R. nurse on the cheek as he was being wheeled into the O.R.

I am continuing to pray for Grandpa's continued healing and that everyone who takes care of Grandpa on a daily/weekly basis is energized and filled with hope!

Tracy

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to Ryan!

Happy Birthday to Sarah!

I hope that you both had a fantastic day!

Sunday, May 20, 2007

Flower Day!



Today we had a wonderful day at the Eastern Market in downtown Detroit. It was flower day and we did a thorough walk-around and purchased vegetables, perennials, and some of my favorite annuals. We arrived at about 6:15 am and we parked at Ernst Hotel Supply Company again - just $5 - and easy access back and forth from the flower vendors. The pig is a painting on one of the buildings where we looked for flowers. It always cracks me up! Our group photos - myself, carrie, alli, and sarah and the second picture carrie, alli, tim, and sarah. We had a great time. Tim, Carrie, and I made a hearty breakfast afteward (eggs, bacon, potatoes) and then fell fast asleep. Afterwards we prepared the flower beds by amending the soil. We are going to plant everything over the next couple of weeks - keeping a close watch on frost advisories. Hooray for Flower Day!



Sunday, May 13, 2007

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother Day - you are all such special moms!

Grandma, Emily, Carol, Debbie, Addy, and Joy!!

Love to you all!
Tracy

Busy Mothers Day



Hello Everyone
It has been a beautiful warm Mother's Day. I miss the kids but everyone called and they sent flowers. I have really enjoyed the day. Paul and I did some yard work. We planted a Hydrangea and a Fox Glove. The picture is of the Fox Glove. We saw them on the table at the restaurant we ate at Friday. They are really unusual and very pretty. I also put together a water rock garden I have been thinking about. Paul helped dig the hole for the tub and I did the rest. I really like it and love hearing the water when we sit in the screen room. Hope all is well with everyone and Happy Mother's day to you all!

Love
Emily

Saturday, May 12, 2007

Silver Clouds


Tim, Carrie, and I had fun last Thursday making "silver clouds" on the grill. (Bisquick, marshmallows, and peppermint patties) It was a great start to what is feeling more and more like summer!

Mom, Dad, Tim, and Pete are planning on visiting Grandma and Grandpa over Memorial Weekend. We are really looking forward to seeing them!

Monday, May 07, 2007

'Master' Tim moves to Royal Oak

Hope everyone is well. Just wanted to let you know that Tim graduated with his Master's in Music Conducting from MSU this past Friday. I will post some pictures soon. We are so proud of all that he has accomplished.

He is also moving into my little blue house for the summer or until he finds a new full time position. Prayers for Tim right now are (1) to sell his condo in Bay City (2) to find a really good high school band instructor position that is near a university.

Hope to hear from you all soon.
Love, Tracy

Thursday, May 03, 2007

Hello Everyone

I was going through some of my computer files looking for something and came across this interesting list I saved. I thought it would be fun to share it with all of you. It is a list of how to's I hope you find them helpful.

Love
Emily

This is "Good" stuff ! Sure hope you can "Mezmerize" all of it.
Who knew?How many of these did you know about?
A sealed envelope - put in the freezer for a few hours, then slide a knife under the flap. The envelope can then be resealed. (hmmm..m...) ======================================================
Use empty toilet paper rolls to store appliance cords. It keeps them neat and you can write on the roll what appliance it belongs to. ======================================================
For icy door steps in freezing temperatures: get warm water and put Dawn dishwashing liquid in it. Pour it all over the steps. T hey won't refreeze. (Wish I had known this for the last 40 years!)
======================================================
To remove old wax from a glass candle holder, put it in the freezer for
a few hours. Then take the candle holder out and turn it upside down. The wax will fall out. ======================================================
Crayon marks on walls? This worked wonderfully! A damp rag, dipped in baking soda. Comes off with little effort (elbow grease that is!). ======================================================
Permanent marker on appliances/counter tops (like store receipt blue!) .... rubbing alcohol on paper towel.
======================================================
Whenever I purchase a box of S.O.S Pads, I immediately take a pair of scissors and cut each pad into halves. After years of having to throw away rusted and unused and smelly pads, I finally decided that this would be much more economical. And now a box of S.O.S pads last me indefinitely! In fact, I have noticed that the scissors get sharpened this way! ======================================================
Blood stains on clothes? Not to worry! Just pour a little hydrogen peroxide on a cloth and proceed to wipe off every drop of blood. Works every time! Now, where to put the body? LOL ======================================================
Use vertical strokes when washing windows outside and horizontal for inside windows. This way you can tell which side has the streaks. Straight vinegar will get outside windows really clean. Don't wash windows on a sunny day. They will dry too quickly and will probably streak. =====================================================
Spray a bit of perfume on the light bulb in any room to create a lovely light scent in each room when the light is turned on. =====================================================
Place fabric softener sheets in dresser drawers and your clothes will smell freshly washed for weeks to come. You can also do this with towels and linens. ======================================================
Candles will last a lot longer if placed in the freezer for at least 3 hours prior to burning. ======================================================
To clean artificial flowers, pour some salt into a paper bag and add the flowers. Shake vigorously as the salt will absorb all the dust and dirt and leave your artificial flowers looking like new! Works like a charm! =====================================================
To easily remove burnt on food from your skillet, simply add a drop or two of dish soap and enough water to cover bottom of pan, and bring to a boil on stovetop. ======================================================
Spray your Tupperware with nonstick cooking spray before pouring tomato-based sauces and there won't be any stains. ======================================================
Wrap celery in aluminum foil when putting in the refrigerator and it will keep for weeks. ======================================================
When boiling corn on the cob, add a pinch of sugar (no salt) to help bring out the corn's natural sweetness.
======================================================
Cure for headaches: Take a lime, cut it in half and rub it on your forehead. The throbbing will go away.
======================================================
Don't throw out all that leftover wine: Freeze into ice cubes for future use in casseroles and sauces. Leftover wine? What's that?! :)=====================================================
To get rid of itch from mosquito bites, try applying soap on the area and you will experience instant relief.
=====================================================
Ants, ants, everywhere.... Well, they are said to never cross a chalk line. So get your chalk out and draw a line on the floor or wherever ants tend to march. See for yourself. ======================================================
Use air-freshener to clean mirrors. It does a good job and better still, leaves a lovely smell to the shine.
======================================================
When you get a splinter, reach for the scotch tape before resorting to tweezers or a needle. Simply put the scotch tape over the splinter, then pull it off. Scotch tape removes most splinters painlessly and easily. =====================================================

Now look what you can do with Alka Seltzer: =====================================================
Clean a toilet. Drop in two Alka Seltzer tablets, wait twenty minutes, brush and flush. The citric acid and effervescent action clean vitreous China. =====================================================
Clean a vase. To remove a stain from the bottom of a glass vase or cruet, fill with water and drop in two Alka Seltzer tablets. =====================================================
Polish jewelry. Drop two Alka Seltzer tablets into a glass of water and immerse the jewelry for two minutes.
======================================================
Clean a thermos bottle. Fill the bottle with water, drop in four Alka Seltzer tablets, and let soak for an hour (or longer, if necessary). ======================================================
Unclog a drain. Clear the sink drain by dropping three Alka Seltzer tablets down the drain followed by a cup of Heinz White Vinegar. Wait a few minutes, then run the hot water. ======================================================

Sunday, April 22, 2007

Warm Springs GA



Hello

Paul and I had a great adventure today. We went to see Warm Springs. http://gastateparks.org/net/go/parks.aspx?locationid=49&s=49.0.1.5 This is where Franklin Delano Roosevelt built the Little White House in 1932. We had a great time.

there was a really good movie by HBO http://www.hbo.com/films/warmsprings/interviews/kenneth_branagh.html about this. It is only about 30 minute drive from us. I just wanted to share the interesting day. We went to the house and springs. The little town has a lot of cute stores and a ice cream place. We had a small picinic at a road side park right next to the pools. We will have to take you when you visit!!!

Well enjoy you week.

Love

Emily

Friday, April 20, 2007

A Night at the Museum



Tim and I headed out with some friends to the Detriot Institute of Arts in downtown Detroit! We first ate out a delicious Irish Deli called Eph McNally's in Campus Martius and then headed off to see the Ansel Adams Exhibit. We all had a grand time. I was reminded of the many places that Mom and Dad brought us kids in our trusty ol' venture camper.

Thursday, April 19, 2007

Happy Birthday Lindsey

I hope it was a wonderful birthday! May God bless you and keep you this year.
Love, Tracy

Sunday, April 15, 2007

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!



Saturday, April 14, 2007

Easter at Florida



Hello Everyone
I hope you had a good Easter! We had a great time and really enjoyed being with each other. I thought you may enjoy some pictures from the beach. We are back in GA and getting back into the swing of things here. take care
Emily

Tuesday, April 10, 2007

Think spring!

Hello everyone!
We had a wonderful Easter weekend in Ishpeming -- in spite of all the snow! There was so much more than when we were there at Christmas! We figured it snowed about 10 inches Friday night after we got there. We stayed with Addy and Faith and as always we had a blast together, but didn't get enough sleep! No, Faith didn't keep us up, we just visit and catch up til late at night! Faith is such a beautiful baby and has a sweet personality -- she's very easygoing. We got to hear her say her favorite words -- especially "dog!" It was so much fun hearing Debbie and Linda play in the bell choir on Easter morning. What a beautiful service. And then there were the ham balls! Yum!
We took Isaac to a ear/nose/throat specialist last week to figure out his ear issues. It turns out that yes, his adenoids have grown back AGAIN and that is the source of his plugged ears and hearing loss (since January). Isaac has had his adenoids removed twice before and in the 30 years this doctor has practiced he's never had to do a third adenoidectomy on a patient. He's stumped, I'm bummed and Isaac is thrilled and very proud of his new nickname "Adenoid King!" Isaac is scheduled for surgery for ear tubes and removal of his adenoid on Monday, the 16th. This will be his 4th surgury and he thinks its tons of fun. I'm just glad he'll be able to hear again. He has great coping mechanisms and it doesn't seem to bother him usually but his teacher and I can definitely tell he's not hearing everything.
Everything else here is fine. The boys have both started soccer again and are loving it. We're looking forward to their Saturday games.
We hope everyone had a blessed Easter! We were missing all of you!
Love, Joy

Sunday, April 01, 2007

The Pollen has come to Georgia





Hello Everyone
Well it is pollen time in Georgia. I couldn’t believe it. The green/ yellow stuff flies through the air like a green cloud and lands on everything. I opened the window to let the spring air in and the kitchen turned green. I posted some before and after pictures of the screen room when we power washed it, just to show you. We are waiting for the rain to come and wash most away. Then we power wash everything.

The top two pictures are from Paul’s latest trip to Japan and China. The pictures are from his hotel in China. I thought the housing was really interesting. We don’t know how wonderful we have it in this country.

Take care, and have a great Easter.
Emily



April Showers bring May Flowers

Good Morning Everyone - Can you believe it is April already? This morning we had strong April showers that have continued on into the morning here. I am hoping that these showers will indeed bring beautiful May flowers.

I have been busy working on the trip to South Africa as of late. We only have 75 days until we leave. It sounds both so short and yet so far away. Thank you to everyone who has responded to my support letter - whether in prayer, finances, and/or medicine. It is really appreciated. I'll certainly keep you up-to-date on my progress! You can also check out my Team Blog.

Yesterday I went to a worship leaders meeting in which we analyzed our 34 strengths according to the Gallup company. It was really interesting. The whole idea is to key in and work with our strengths and surround yourself with people who have complimentary strengths in order to be most effective in your job, your life, and for us our worship teams. My top five were: Activator, Achiever, Arranger, Restorative, and Developer! I wonder what all of yours are?

I am contining on at weight watchers and still am at about 10# lost - I really need a jump start right now. My friend just sent me several links to some good websites that I thought you might be interested in too!
(1) Hungry Girl
(2) Aimee's Adventures
(3) Jaime's Kitchen
(4) Half My Size
(5) Dotti's Weight Loss Zone (This has tons of weight watcher points info!)

I hope you are all doing well.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Love, Tracy

Monday, March 26, 2007

Shout Out from Tracy

Hello Everyone - this is just a Shout Out to say that I hope you are all doing well. Looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Love, Tracy

Wednesday, March 21, 2007

Happy Birthday Grandpa

I hope it is a wonderful day!! Full of fun, family, and celebration.May God watch over you another year - keep you safe - and bless you tremendously. Grandpa - I LOVE YOU very very very very much. You have made a difference to me!!!! to this family!!!! and to this world!!!!!

Saturday, March 17, 2007

Hello from Royal Oak

Hello

I made it to Tracy’s house. Paul leaves for China in just a few hours. He first goes to Japan for a meeting then off to China. He is excited to ride on a train that will go over 300 miles an hour from the airport to the city he will be staying. He loves the adventure! I am sure he took his camera and I will post a few pictures.

Joy I am 56 wonderful years! I love my fifties! I am have a great time. My birthday was so nice. I went to my Thursday Bible study. The women there have been just fabulous friends and so very nice to me. They made me a southern pound cake. I think it was just like the one I saw Paula Dean make. It had a pound of butter and buttermilk and melted in your mouth. Then we went to lunch and had Chinese. I gave myself a present of a facial and full body massage. I loooooooovvvvveeeedddd it! Then I went to Stephen Ministry training and they had birthday muffins and a candle for me. When I got home Paul was home from Detroit. All in all it was a wonderful day. I am just overwhelmed at how nice everyone has been to me on my Birthday and I really only been here for six months. Southern hospitality is really true. It was also nice that so many of my friends from Michigan remembered me too. I got flowers delivered and cards and little presents in the mail. I really felt special and loved.

I hope Isaac is better soon. There is nothing worse then a ear that hurts all the time. Didn’t Ryan have tubes when he was little? I seem to remember that he did. I will keep the boy’s in my daily prayers for healing.

I am still amazed at the wonderful art work the boys did! I hope they post more. I love the bright colors and wonder that is shown in the work. Good job guys, I visit you work on the web often.


Well take care everyone and know that you are loved.
Emily

Thursday, March 15, 2007

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday Emily! We hope you have a wonderful, fabulous day and the beginning of a great year! How many years young are you? : )

It's been a crazy week here. Adam has been under the weather and it turns out he has pneumonia and an ear infection. Poor guy. He's much better now thanks to the miracle of antibiotics! He's glad to be back in school.

Isaac has been having trouble with his ears -- it's been a reaccuring issue for years now -- he gets fluid in his ears and it stays for months and in the meantime he can't hear. This year his hearing is worse than other years, but the theory is just wait and it'll go away on it's own...ugh!!! The pediatrician told me Tuesday that not only has it turned into double ear infections but that part of the issue is his adenoids which have regrown -- he's had them removed twice already! I can see our future now. It'll be ear tubes and adenoid removal this spring. He sees the ear, nose and throat specialist April 5th and we'll know more after that. I just want Isaac to be able to hear normally again. Please keep both boys in your prayers!!!

On a happier note, we enjoyed some unseasonable warm weather earlier this week -- mid 60's! When the boys stepped outside, Adam said "I feel like we're at Disney World!" Our snow is almost gone and we can see grass again. Emily, I loved seeing the pictures of your flowers!

Love, Joy

Happy Birthday Mom

I hope it is a wonderful day!! Full of fun, family, and celebration. May God watch over you another year - keep you safe - and bless you tremendously.

You are such a wonderful, caring, supportive, Mom - You're the best.
Love, Tracy

Wednesday, March 14, 2007

Spring in GA





Hello Everyone
Spring has come to Georgia! It has just been beautiful here. I thought you may want to see a few pictures I took of the flowers in my yard and the Pear tree across the street. There are 100s of Pear tree flowering all over PTC. However, they have an awful smell. It is really bad.

Paul is on his way right now to Detroit for a meeting then he turns around tomorrow and flies home as quick as he can for my Birthday. Two of my dearest friends here took me to lunch today for my Birthday. I really enjoyed myself what a really nice thing to do for me. They had cards and presents and everything.


I really like the cards I have gotten from all my family and friends. What a special card from Mom and Dad! thank you.


well I need to get going.


love

Em

Sunday, March 11, 2007

Weekend Update

Good Day Everyone -
I hope you are all well. Did you Spring Forward into Daylight Savings Time? The automatic download from windows worked perfectly on my computer. Now I just have to remember which clocks I advanced last night - and which ones still need some tinkering.

Last night I went to see the movie Amazing Grace at the MJR Theater. It was a great movie (rated PG) about the abolition of slavery in England. I would recommend it to everyone. When I got home I was still a little bit wound up and not ready to go to bed so I watched one of my favorite tv shows called Ace of Cakes - in this episode Duff and his team made an sesna airplane, a ski jump, and cake for Glitterama. Duff cracks me up!

I have lots of papers to grade this weekend and I am working on sending out my support letters for South Africa. Other than that - I am going to try to take in as much sunshine as I can (it was sunny and 45 yesterday!) Spring is definitely poking its head out in metro Detroit.

Dad is headed to China at the end of the week and mom is going to come "up north" to spend some time with me while he is gone. I look forward to her visit.

Oh yeah - and the pigs are holding steady. Piggy is letting me put her medicine without a fight (thank goodness) and it seems as if her little infection is settling down a bit.

Okay lovely family - those are my little tidbits - updates - and random thoughts for the day. Off to church I go. Love you all - Tracy

Monday, March 05, 2007

Hello Everyone


Hello Everyone

Paul and I are doing just fine. This is a picture of Peter's new place in Chicago. We went to visit him about two weeks ago. We had a great time getting things and putting furnture together to make his place a home. Paul took this picture so I can put it up on my family house wall. I still need a few more pictures of houses from people. I am still hoping that Joy and Ryan will send me one. I have just about everyone elses.
The weather here has been cooler at night but the days are in the 60's to low 70's. Spring is here. The flowers are out and the trees are blooming. There are some really beautiful trees all pink and white.


We can't wait till Tracy comes to visit on Good Friday. We are looking forward to the time together. She has not seen the house here since we moved. So she is flying to Atlanta and then we will all go down to Florida together. It only take 9 1/2 hours to drive from here to there.
Paul is going to China this month on the 16th. I am looking for tickets to fly up and visit with Tracy when he is gone. I have not been able to visit since Christmas.
Well take care everyone. By the way I lovvvvvve the pictures the boys did. They are really nice. If they ever want to make me one to hang in GA just let me know.
Love
to all
Emily

Happy Birthday Addy

I hope it is a wonderful day!! Full of fun, family, and celebration.May God watch over you another year - keep you safe - and bless you tremendously. You are doing a great job with Faith - can you imagine how she will change in just a year?!

Sunday, March 04, 2007

Isaac and Adam's artwork



Our artists!

Hello everyone!
I'm a proud mom who has to brag a little! The boys each had a piece of the artwork chosen for Youth Art Month at our local art museum! Art is chosen from students all over Manitowoc and then on display for a month -- today was the big opening. So we took the boys to find their art and they were so proud to show us. Isaac class was learning about Monet, so they did a Monet style painting in acrylics, and Adam's class was learning about still life art. I'm trying to post the pictures I took -- hope it works! The boys spend lots of their free time drawing and creating so I'm so thrilled for them that their art teachers recognize their talent!
Yesterday we spent the day at the boy's Destination Imagination competition. Both boy's teams did very well and earned some special awards for the presentations they did. It was a blast for everyone! I was Adam's team's coach and was so proud of my little 1st and 2nd graders who placed 6th out of the 13 teams they competed against! The ages of the teams were 1st-5th grade. Isaac's team got 3rd place and he was competing at the middle school level because he had a 6th grader on his team. He was the youngest on his team and did so well. I can't wait til next year!
We've been enjoying all the snow we have this year! Finally! We had almost 16 inches in one weekend, and an additional 10 inches a few days later. Ryan brought the snow blower in the backyard and made a huge pile of snow for the kids to play on with their sleds. We have two snowmen and a fort too. If we have to have winter, it should be just like this!
Missing all of you!
Love, Joy

Saturday, March 03, 2007

Saturday News

Happy Saturday - Thanks for all of the updates on how Grandma and Grandpa are doing. I keep them in my prayers everyday.

This morning I went early to Weight Watchers and lost 0.6#. Slowly but surely - just like a turtle in the race. Afterwards I drove to Farmington Hills to do a Future Problem Solvers Evaluation - but it was apparently cancelled so I treked back home. I brought my guinea pigs (Piggy and Ruby) to the Warren Woods Vet. Piggy has ringworm and Ruby has a broken tooth and a small cyst. They were pretty pathetic at the vet - scared to death. They just kept shedding and shedding and shedding. They were a big hit with all of the staff at the vet since they are sooooo cute.

Tonight I'll just clean the house and grade papers. Tomorrow, I will help lead worship at church and then I plan on working on details of the South Africa trip!

Friday, March 02, 2007

News From Debbie

Hi Everyone,

I finally figured out how to get on the new blogger so here I am.

I am enjoying our 2nd snow day of the week today, we also had Monday off. We have made up for the lack of snow we had earlier. Now we have sooooooooo much.

Mom and Dad are enjoying the chocolates that you sent them Paul and Emily. Mom is doing well after her procedure.

Dad fell the other day and cut his cheek and his ear. He is ok though. He can be stubborn and thinks that he can do everything he used to do. He keeps us all hopping. Thank goodness Bob can be there for them.

Addy and Faith have been sick but are getting better now. Faith is so cute and crawling around.

Lindsey is on Spring Break but it doesn't seem to spring like here.

Winter is doing well and we enjoy her Sunday visits.

Pete is working 12 hr. shifts so I don't see too much of him. He will be glad when the major is over.

Hope everyone is doing well! Love from Debbie

Thursday, March 01, 2007

Happy Birthday Aunt Carol!

I hope it was a wonderful day!! Full of fun, family, and celebration.May God watch over you another year - keep you safe - and bless you tremendously.. I am thankful that God made you who you are and that He calls you His own!

Love, Tracy

Sunday, February 25, 2007

#53 Marvin's Marvelous Mechanical Museum

Hi All - Last night I headed out with friends to Marvin's Marvelous Mechanical Museum. It is #53 on the 100 things every Detroiter must do and see! We have been slowly going to each of the places (not in order). We had a great time. It's like going to an arcade and circus and the same time. I know that Isaac and Adam would have a blast!!

I better run - we had an ice storm last night and it is going to take me a while to get to church! Have a wonderful day. Tracy

Saturday, February 24, 2007

Grandma is a CHAMP!

Hello All - Isn't Grandma a Champ! I couldn't believe it when I called her house the day of the surgery and she answered the phone. She was very chipper and was able to tell me all about her day. Grandma - you are still in my prayers for a continued speedy recovery.
Love, Tracy

Saturday, February 17, 2007

Happy Weekend

Hello Family - I hope you are all well. I've been thinking of Grandma as she gets ready for her upcoming surgery. I am so glad that there is something the doctors can do to help her with the pains she has in her legs.

This weekend Mom and Dad are visiting Pete in Chicago. When I called them earlier they were on their way to IKEA. I wonder if they found anything!

Last night and this morning I went to a Beth Moore Conference. It was a great message on our friendships with man and with God. Beth is a very honest and humble speaker who gives it everything she's got. I got a lot out of the conference. I would encourage everyone to go see her if you have the chance. The worship leader for the weekend was Travis Cottrell. My two favorite songs his team lead were "Lord, You are Holy" and "Revelation Song". You can visit his website and click on the music tab to listen to the songs. Most of his music isn't necessarily my style - but I really do love the words to his songs.

I hope you are all enjoying family, friends, and rest this weekend.

I love you. Tracy

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

Adding Labels

Hi Everyone - Did you know that when you write your posts that you can add a label. A label is just a way to categorize our posts and keep them organized. I have already started adding labels to old posts. You can choose a label that already exists or create a new one. All you have to do is type in the label just below the compose box. If you want to see the list of labels that already exists click on show all in the bottom right hand corner. You can select more than one label. I am going to label this blog as "using blogger". Give it a try the next time you write a post. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Tracy

Snow Day!

I can't believe it - another day off of school. I spent and hour shoveling last night and 2 hours this morning. I think that might count as some activity points for weight watchers!

Tracy

Happy Valentine's Day!

Hello everyone!
The boys are very excited about their Valentine's Day celebrations at school today. Candy, treats and cards from friends -- and their favorite girls : ). Isaac had a fever last night and was worried he wouldn't be able to go to school today, but woke up feeling fine and couldn't wait to go. Ryan had a gift bag full of goodies for me set out this morning. The best thing was season 1 DVDs of the show Boston Legal. He's watched it from the start but I just started watching it this season and love it! I'm not one to sit and watch dramas or sitcoms but each week we enjoy watching this together and look forward to it each week. The funniest part was last night when we sat down to watch it and the theme song started I said in a very goofy mood "This music just brings joy to me heart!" and I danced along with it, not knowing I'd get a whole season's worth today! Ryan and I had a good long laugh about that this morning -- the boys thought we were nuts.
I hope everyone has a wonderful day full of love from friends and family! We love all of you!
Joy and the Carlson men

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

It's Snowing

Hello Family - I hope you are well. It is starting to snow in the metro Detroit area tonight. We will probably get just around 6 inches (that might be a bit hopeful). Last Monday and Tuesday we didn't have school because it was so incredibly cold. So I doubt that the district will budge on another day off of school tomorrow. We cancelled Bible study tonight since the roads are so slippery. I'm just about to head outside to shovel with the snow scoop. I love that old snow scoop - Dad told me that Grandpa made it. People don't have scoops around here - they just shovel or use the snow blower. I prefer the scoop - it's good exercise and it doesn't hurt my back.

Over the past few weeks 3 of my students have been selling red AIDS ribbons at school to help with my upcoming trip to South Africa. They've sold almost $150 ribbons. I was really touched that they put the event together. Now, even the teachers are selling them. It's been really fun to see people wearing them around school. I am going to bring my camera to school and get some pictures of folks wearing them. We are going to create a "Thank You" video that airs during the announcements. It will really be great.

Did everyone get a chance to watch Tim conducting the other day. I thought it was fantastic. I watched Tim's performance and then listened to the rest of the concert online. Tim says that they will eventually make it available to download on to our computers. Isn't technology something else?

All-righty! - I hope you are all doing FANTASTIC!

Grandma - I have been praying for you and your upcoming surgery - that the surgeons can fix the arteries easily and that you have an extraordinarily fast and painless recovery! I love you. Tracy

Friday, February 09, 2007

Happy Birthday Uncle Ken

I hope it is a wonderful day!! Full of fun, family, and celebration.
May God watch over you another year - keep you safe - and bless you tremendously.

Sunday, February 04, 2007

Brrrr!

Hello!
I hope everyone is staying warm! Where did January go??? Hopefully the rest of the winter will go as fast! We spent a wonderfully relaxing weekend with some friends in Madison. The hotel had a great little waterpark so we all spent lots of time swimming and playing. We only get a chance to see these friends about once a year and it was great to catch up! Ryan is watching the Super Bowl and I keep thinking of Peter down in Chicago wondering if he's become a Bear's fan. We haven't been able to muster up any goodwill for Da Bears so it's been a fun game to watch. Adam kept asking when "the king" was going to sing -- referring to Prince's halfime show. He keeps us laughing! We have a new nephew! My younger brother Jon and his wife have a new addition -- Joshua, who was born a week ago and joins his 4 year old brother Luke. We hope we can get down to Nashville to see them sometime soon!
Stay warm everyone! We miss you all!
Love, Joy

A Fabulous Frigid February

Hi All,
It's so cold outside that my garage door won't open again this morning. I don't blame it - why let the cold air in?

Hope you are all staying warm.
Miss you - Tracy