Meeting the Donnelson Family

Visiting with the Donnelsons

We went to Carmel Indiana and visited with Emily Ann and her Family. We had a really nice time. We were able to meet her mom and dad Lynn and Paul, her sister Anna and her boyfriend Mars, and her grandparents Mr. & Mrs. Frasier. What a delightful family.





We toured Carmel and visited all the places that the wedding events will happen. We were able to attend church at St Mark’s on Sunday after we enjoyed a great Sunday Brunch that Lynn made for us. Then we all drove over to the Oak Mansion. We were able to see inside because the staff was getting the hall ready for a New Years Eve party. It is a beautiful room with a lot of windows. I could just see us all dancing and enjoying ourselves there. We than went over to Maggianos Restaurant where we are having the Rehearsal/Out of town guests dinner. We are in the Costello Room. It was very nice. We will be eating family style. Our next stop was the hotels which were just a few steps away from Maggianos. Both Hotels the Sheraton Indianapolis Hotel and Suites and Indianapolis Marriott North are very close to each other and the Hall. They are large Hotels in a very commercial area. The Sheraton has a covered walk way to the near by Mall that has all the stores you could possibly want but best of all they have a Starbucks. Paul was happy to see that. Both Pauls love their Starbucks.

We then finished our tour with a drive around Carmel’s downtown area. It was very nice. I then went with Lynn and Emily Ann to meet the two musicians Madison Gren and Joel Powell of Double Play. Visit their web site and hear their music. Lynn knew them both as Joel attends their church and Madison’s mother is Lynn’s friend. Emily Ann knew just what she wanted and I was so proud of her and the way she took care of the arrangements.

The Pauls and Peter stayed home and watched football when we went to meet Double Play. What a surprise. Paul is all excited that Emily Ann loves football so much. He now has a new partner in crime when it comes to watching. She is a big Colts fan! The baby already has a Colts onesie it is so very cute.

Later on Sunday Emily Ann’s Grandparents came to dinner and we enjoyed them very much. They are very active and healthy and in their late 80’s. Paul had a good time talking with Mr. Frasier about Allison and Delco Remy. Mr. Frasier had worked at Allison for years and Paul visited there with GM a lot in the 80’s and 90’s. They knew many mutual friends.

Emily Ann enjoyed all her Christmas gifts for both her and the baby. She looks great in her sweater and hat I knitted for her. She also liked her mittens.





























It was so nice to meet all them. They are kind and wonderful people and we are very happy they will become part of our family. We have many mutual experiences and values.
Looking forward to seeing everyone at the wedding and missing those who can't but know they wanted to. Love you all Emily Marie

Meet My Swedish Snow Scoop

It's Handy - It's Light - It's efficient - It's "Back" Saving - It's Amazing

It's my Swedish Snow Scoop - a.k.a - the Yooper Scooper!

And I have loved scooping snow with it over the past couple of days. I am so glad that we had a couple of inches to try it out. Thanks to Tim and Pete for my wonderful Christmas gift. Thanks Aunt Linda for the fantastic recommendation - the snow is flying off like a fried egg on teflon!

I love you. Tracy

Outlook

Hooray! The Outlook is done for another month. Deb, Bob, and I will put it together tomorrow night after Bells and Choir. I think it turned out well.

I love the wedding ticker. It reminds me of arrangements that I must make. Tomorrow I will arrange for my personal days and make a reservation for Ziggy Boy at the Puppy Palace. I'll have to start preparing him for his next sleepover.

Oh - oh! Ziggy just knocked over one of my snowglobes. It didn't break. That was lucky.

I don't know if I'm quite prepared for work.... I feel as though I need a little recuperation time. How about you, Tracy and Tim?

Linda

Joining Weight Watchers Losing Weight & Getting Fit in '08!

Just like the millions of other folks around the world - it is time for me to join the "weight loss - get fit" movement. I am hoping and praying that it can be done this year. I am going to rely on my friends, family, and mostly God to help me through. I just don't have the resolve on my own! Aunt Linda and Aunt Carol have been talking about starting the "New Life in '08" too and I hope that we can all encourage each other.

How I am going to start this journey is with the "You on a Diet" plan by Dr.'s Oz and Roizen. If I need I will join Weight Watchers. I think that I am going to try the on-line version first before going to the meetings since that seems to add to my stress. Mom and Dad have been doing the "You on a Diet" plan for about a year and have had some really good results in terms of weight loss and overall "vim & vigor". I took the Real Age Test today and here are my results:

Calendar Age: 34.1
Difference: +5.7
My Real Age: 39.8

My Real Age was fairly accurate until I started typing in my exercise information. Zero - Zero - Zero - and I watched my age increase. I know that this is a big issue for so many of us. I always exercise (5/week) during the summer - and I actually REALLY enjoy it although it does eat up a huge amount of time! So I am going to pick up a pedometer and just try to start walking more often since I find it impossible to get into my schedule.

Feel free to post a comment, encouragement, information about how your are going to "lose weight & get fit" this year. If you want to post a comment just click on where it says # comments just below this post.

Love you, Tracy

Happy New Year's Eve!

Happy New Year's Eve!

Love, Tracy

Happy New Year

Happy New Year to you all. I was just trying to see if I could remember all that Tracy taught me and so far so good. Here is a picture of our Christmas Sunshine Faith! It was a joy to see you all over the holidays and I hope you feel the same. We missed you Pete and are looking forward to seeing you at the wedding and meeting Emily.

Today was Mom and Dad's 65th Anniversary. We had red velvet cake for the celebration and Dad was alert today. Mom and Dad sang to each other again and it was very loving. Edmund and Susie Holmgren, Aunt Penny, Carol, Ken, Linda, Bob, Debbie, Addy, and Faith were all there to share their special day. We are lucky to have loving parents and grandparents in our lives.

I forgot my camera for the party so I don't have any pictures but I am hoping that Carol will post some of her pictures.

Here is wishing you all a HAPPY, HEALTHY NEW YEAR!!!!!
LOVE, DEBBIE

Christmas All Year Long

Hello Everyone - It was so nice to see you all at Christmastime again - I wish it were Christmas All Year Long. I believe that God gave me (and hopefully you too) a gift in having Grandpa so bright eyed on that beautifully sunny day. I will treasure our time together.

I have several posts on the way:

Winter Wonderland
Marvin's Workshop
Meet my Swedish Snowscoop
Joining Weight Watchers
Recipe Day from Our Cookbook


In the mean time here are some of my favorite photos from our time together.

Faith

The princess pumpkin!!!!

Let Me Call You Sweetheart!

Over the meadow and through the hills . . .

To Grandmother's & Grandfather's House we go!

We had a late start (6:30 am) off to the upper peninsula - but it was a nice ride - just a little bit of rain and snow. When we arrived at the house nobody was home so we drove on over to the Marquette County Medical Care Facility to see everyone. Jim the Entertainer was entertaining his heart out for 75 or so elderly patients. Jim, although a bit corny, has a true sense of what Jesus told us to do in loving others. Every person felt loved and cared for by Jim. He sang Christmas songs and songs of 'ol to brighten the spirits of everyone. He invited folks to sing along and Adam and Isaac were a big hit.






We said "see you soon" to Grandpa and headed back home for a lovely dinner made by Grandma and Carol. We had Torte Caire, Veggie Pizza, Ham Balls, vegetables, gum drop bread, and saffron bread. For dessert we had peanut butter and chocolate frozen dessert - it is my FAVORITE! How am I going to fit into that bridesmaid dress? Later we exchanged gifts and spent time with each other. Dad received a beautiful globe made out of gem stones from Linda - it was really unique. Sara made me a beautiful gift basket with markers, a cookbook, a glass box, lip gloss, hand butter, and a beautiful set of pearl earrings. It was so wonderful!

We are all so glad to be here with our family.

Happy Birthday Jesus!

Happy Birthday to You - Happy Birthday to You - Happy Birthday dear Jesus - Happy Birthday to you!

Jesus - Christ - is the only reason that we celebrate this time of year. He is the Christ Savior - the one who has saved us from all our sins. He died on a cross and defeated satan so that we may have eternal - everlasting life. He did this for us because He created us and He loves us beyond measure. This is why I celebrate His birth with great joy!

Luke 2: 1-22
Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened.But the angel said to the them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you; you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased." When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, "Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us." So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by shepherds. But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them. And when eight days had passed, before His circumcision, His name was then called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb. And when the days for their purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord.

Christmas Eve

We had a wonderfully relaxing day.
Mom and Pete visited our friend Patsy in Oxford. Pete wanted to thank her in person for doing such a lovely job on the wedding ring/engagement ring settings. She did a splendid job.
Dad, Tim, and I drove downtown for a Starbucks. Dad can't imagine life without Starbucks coffee! I had a delicious passion tea. (it's decaf). When we all arrived back home, Mom, Dad, and I went to the park (we had wanted to go to the zoo - but we didn't make it in time) to take a walk (dad ran). We made several laps - it was refreshing. We then prepped ourselves for dinner at our favorite Italian restaurant, Picanos. We had a lovely time.

When we arrived home we picked up the house, Lois came over to use the mixer because hers broke, and Carrie readied herself for a sleepover at her parents. We then opened gifts. Mom's side of the family always opens gifts Christmas eve and we wanted to tell mom how much we loved her by honoring her tradition. It was a lot of fun - although Dad did get a little bit sleepy!

Merry Christmas to All and to All a Good Night!

Christmas in Detroit

Only at Genesis!

Eve, Eve, Eve

Yesterday (Christmas Eve, Eve, Eve) was a productive day. Don't get me wrong - I didn't finish everything on my list to do - but I got close. Mom, Carrie, and I ran errands and even managed to squeeze in a pedicure (Ahhh - bliss for the feet - all teachers should received gift certificates for pedicures every Christmas - it's only right). We came home and ate menagerie of edibles that Mom brought back from Atlanta - spinach balls, crab dip, a myriad of cheese, pecan encrusted chicken tenders, ginger wantons, and much much more - it was great. I caught up on some reading and then we went to Priya, our local Indian restaurant, to have dinner with our dear friends the Pawlicks. We have know them since 1974 and cherish their friendship. We had a wonderful meal. In attendance was Mom, Dad, Karen, Bill, Myself, Carrie, Matt, Vivi, Laura, and Joe. Pete and Tim arrived from Chicago after the meal - but we were glad they made it none-the-less. Afterward we went to Target to pick up a few last things - which we did- and the lines weren't even that bad. When we returned I wrapped about 1/2 of my gifts. Oh yes - it was a productive day. Now - however - as we head into the Eve Eve of Christmas I must remember to slow down on remember what Christmas is all about.

Mom & Dad home in Detroit

Hello Everyone - Mom & Dad have made it safely to Detroit! They packed the car full of stuff and drove 12 hours from Atlanta. Dad can really be a "pedal to the metal" kind of guy - so mom packed their lunches in the cooler so they didn't have to stop as often. She planned some really fancy stuff: gourmet cheese and prosciutto. They made good time and the slowest part of their trip was when they hit rush hour about 10 minutes before my house - figures, eh? We had a lovely Red Robin Dinner. I think Red Robin is one of the best fast food - sit down - burger joints because it has (1) a wide selection of gourmet burgers and spirits, (2) fast services, (3) strawberry freckled lemonade. and (4) every sports channel on for dad to watch! What a great combination.

This morning mom & dad were up and going by 7 am. They are off to their favorite morning stop: STARBUCKS!!!!!

Merry Christmas everyone - I am off to start my list of to do's!
1. wrap presents (I have several hours of wrapping)
2. pick up hay and food for the guinea pigs
3. send my god daughter a card/Christmas gift at the post office
4. decide on what we are going to have for Christmas dinner
5. Grade papers and enter them into the grading system
6. E-mail my AP to let him know that my P (principal) approved a personal day off so that I can make it to Pete & Emily's rehearsal dinner on time in Indiana even though it is final exams week!
7. if there is any time - get a pedicure - my toes need it soooooo bad.

Live In Detroit Promo

Hi All - I finally found the video promo for the Live In Detroit Event that was played at our church in order to advertise the event. My friends, John and Kristen, put this video together and have it posted their blog. Click HERE to watch the promo! --Tracy

Last Chance!

All right Everyone - Believe it or not but the cookbook is finally coming to a close. When I come up this Christmas I am bringing my computer & printer in hand. We will enter the final recipes that you have - have the cookbook printed and bound and in your hands! Yahoo! Let me know if you have any questions.

Love, Tracy

Where I Shopped This Year

Just a little list of where I shopped this year! I dare you - yes I dare you to hit the comments link below and leave us a list of where you shopped this year!

• Kohls
• Target
• Meijer
• Costco
• Menards
• Home Depot
• Knit Picks
• LL Bean
• Magellan's
• James Avery
• Dick's Sporting Goods
• The Festival
• Linen's & Things
• Bed, Bath, & Beyond
• Amazon.com
• REI
• Chico's
• Restoration Hardware

The Vedict: It snowed!

It sure did! Tim and I shoveled this morning and Carrie tried out her snow shoes (she's been waiting two years). Tim is a master at the snow scoop! He made perfect mounds just the way that Dad always does!
Thanks for your help Tim.

Love, Tracy

Because - Why Not??

I arrived home tonight at 11:00 pm from shopping at Meijer's. The snow was just starting to beat down when we the folks who live in the blue house decided it was prime time to put up the garland and lights on the house. It was a riot - snow falling - temperatures dropping - and no light to speak of. You ask why - well - because - why not?

Carols and Cookies

Tonight we had Christmas Carols and Cookies at Church. We met at Cana Lutheran Church which is located just next door to Berkley High School where we meet. The kids sang, played instruments, and everyone joined in the songs. It was a great celebration of Jesus' birth. As we sang the snow began to fall - only tomorrow will tell how much snow we'll have!
That's me leading the congregation in singing the carols! And below is perhaps my favorite picture . . .

or maybe better yet . . .

or maybe it's this one!

Christreena Is All Dolled Up!

This year my lovely Fraser fir is sporting multi-colored miniature lights, my favorite ornaments, and icicles (if only I had the made icicle donning skills that Aunt Debbie has). I love the warm glow of the lights and the soft scent of pine. My favorite picture of all times is one that my dad took of Tim and I sitting beneath the glow of Grandma's Christmas tree. It is a perfect picture and an perfect memory of Christmas. I would love to digitize that photo and share it with you! Anyhow - you can read all about Christmas trees on wikipedia. Here are some pictures from our tree decorating.

Before and After!


There are a whole new array of ornaments: 8 new bright colored bulbs with silver glitter accents, a baby bird, an angel that has a beautiful green dress, Jesus is the Reason for the Season, 3 glass chocolate covered strawberries, a carrot, a beaded snowflake from Jacqueline (8 years old) who goes to my church.


Carrie places the lights on the tree - she is an EXPERT! Every branch is covered. I tried taking over the job last year and well - let's just say lights are not my strength. Last year we had to take of all the lights I put on and Carrie had to redo the whole thing. This year I worked in the "detangling" department. I was very relieved because that's where my talents lie!

"Timbo the Antlered Brother" watched as the elves decorated the tree.

And there's this . . . my outlet. It is hooked up to the switch - but for some reason I cannot for the life of me get the darn plate to stay attached to the wall. It lets tons of cold air pour into the house. So this year I was handy - one might even say creative! I fixed it is scotch tape! Oh yes it has a very nice hold!

Big Fat Beautiful Snowflakes!

I had the pleasure of watching Big Fat Beautiful Snowflakes fall for the majority of the day through the windows of my classroom. I couldn't help but to keep saying "Aren't they Beeeeuutiful?" My kids kept responding - didn't you just say that 10 minutes ago - "Yup - Uhhuhh! I just can't get over how beautiful they are!"

Of course - they weren't as fantastic when I realized I had forgot my ice scraper!

Hope you are all enjoying the season!
Love, Tracy

Christmas Dreams and Visitations

This year my church (Genesis the Church) is doing a series called Christmas Dreams and Visitations. I loved the graphic and I have enjoyed the messages (sermons) a whole lot. Maybe you might want to join in and read the passages we are studying too! The podcasts will be up soon as well so you can listen to the messages on your ipod or computer.

December 2nd - the impossible dream - Luke 1:5-25,57-66 Birth of John
December 9th – The Leap of Faith - Matthew 1:18–25 Joseph's Dream
December 16th – Long Way Home - Matthew 2:9-23 Wise men and Joseph’s dream
December 23rd – Christmas Eve - Luke 1:26-38, 2:1-7 the birth of Jesus - The presence of God is near.

My Tree - Christreena Junior!

Yes - I name my Christmas tree. This year she is called Christreena Junior. Here we are picking her out! Isn't she beautiful?

Wedding Bells

I still can't believe that my "baby" brother Pete is getting married! No doubt, I am very happy for him but I still look at him and see that little smiling face through the glass of the hospital nursery. He was the cutest kid and was always full of personality. You all know that of course! He's off now into manhood and responsibility. I can't wait to see how the next phase of his life develops! He and Emily are going to be very happy.


Tim is going to be Pete's best man - it is only natural since Tim is in all sense of the phrase Pete's Best Man! He is going to do a great job. I will be standing up in the bridal party as well. I finally ordered my dress last night - it was a struggle to find (a) a dress that would flatter me (b) a dress that I could wear a bra (c) a bridal salon that wasn't snooty!! I was finally directed to the Miracle Wedding Village which seriously was a miracle. Everyone I talked to there went above and beyond and was oh so kind. Denise helped me pick out the best style - I actually really think its pretty. Here is a picture (I ordered black) to match the other bridesmaids.

First Snow! Hooray!!

We had our first snow here in the Detroit Metro Area. It was absolutely BEAUTIFUL - BIG WHITE FLUFFY FLAKES! I loved every bit of it!

I picked up my Christmas tree yesterday from Sally's tree lot for $40 (I had a $2 off coupon). Tim is always so kind to come and be my measuring stick. His hand just hits the top of my ceiling - so it works out pretty well. I bought a Fraser Fir again. The tree's name is "Christ-treena Junior". It is just a fun way for me to remember what Christmas is all about. Here's what I love about this tree - (1) The needles are really soft (2) The branches are really strong (3) The tree smells like pine and citrus all wrapped in one (4) it has a few bare spots where my big bulbs will fit perfectly!

I'll post pictures in the next couple of days. I would love to see pictures of your Christmas trees/decorations - let me know if you need any help posting!

Love, Tracy

Happy Thanksgiving in Florida

Can you believe Thanksgiving came and went so fast? I can't. I flew down to Florida on Wednesday Night and arrive Thursday morning just after midnight! I had a nice time visiting with the family. We missed Tim, of course, who was conducting the Rochester Band at America's Thanksgiving Parade in Detroit. The parade was syndicated - so we were able to see Tim on TV! Better than not at all! Pete made a FANTASTIC TURKEY - you might even say it was one for the record books. We ate a lot of lovely meals, spent time together, and even managed to squeeze in one board game of Sorry! Mom won, Pete came in second, Dad third, and I proudly took last place. It actually was a pretty good battle.

I am thankful this year for many many many people, events, and new adventures. What are you thankful for?

Tracy

(ps. just a note of interest - this is the 100th post!)

Mom's New Blog

Hey Everyone - come visit Emily at her new blog. She'll keep posting here too - but you'll get to see her latest and greatest creations at her new site. Click HERE to link on over.
Tracy

A little behind on my posts!

Hi Everyone - I am a little behind on posting! Here are a few things you have to look forward to . . .

1. Update on Live From Detroit
2. November Birthdays
3. Thanksgiving
4. Wedding Bells

Love you all - Tracy

Peter and Emily are getting married

Hello Family

Peter and Emily have set a date so please mark your calendars for January 26, 2008. They will be married in Emily’s hometown, Carmel Indiana. We will be sending out hotel information with the invitations. We hope you all will be able to attend.

Tim will be Peter’s best man and Tracy will be a bridesmaid. We are all looking forward to the big event. Paul and I will host the rehearsal/out-of-town guests dinner the Friday evening before.

We will keep everyone up to date on the information many of the plans are just being finished. We are thrilled to add Emily to our family and really look forward to all of you meeting her too. Hope you all will consider coming on down.

Peter and Emily have been dating for ten months. Peter brought her home for us to meet this summer and we had a great time getting to know her. Emily graduated from Purdue and this May received her masters in Speech Language Pathology from Rush University in Illinois. She is currently working at Special Education Department of Lake County near Chicago. She is working with Autistic children right now.

We are all looking forward to seeing everyone for Christmas. So take care and we will see you soon.

Love

Emily

Live From Detroit - A success!

The Live recording of our new worship songs was a big success in many ways. All of the preparation brought our team closer together. We had the chance to collaborate and develop new friendships as well as working partnerships. We rehearsed Thursday night from 6:30 pm until 2 am Friday morning. We each had a couple of good takes that night just in case there were problems on Friday. On Friday evening we gathered together for dinner and then the event began. Around 150 people came which we thought was pretty good for the 1st event - especially being a Friday night! The music was very well received and we pray that it was a sweet offering to God.

Our production company is mixing and mastering the cd right now - I hope to have copies by Christmas!

Happy Birthday Winter

I hope and pray that God fills you with many blessings this year.