It Snowed in Peachtree City

It snowed in Peachtree City Georgia!

I have been told that is has not snowed in Peachtree in nine years. The last big snow storm was in 1993 fifteen years ago but the last time snow fell and stuck to the ground was 1999.


They kept telling us on the weather reports that it was going to snow. They called it frozen precipitation (AKA SNOW). There were reports every half hour and weather warnings running on the bottom of the TV all day. It may stay on the ground was the warning. No one I talked to believe them. The answer was: “Oh they mean up in the Northern Mountains. It snows up there. We never snow here.” So I went about my day believing my neighbors and friends who have lived here longer than me. Besides I just got back from the being with all of you and we had snow (real snow not frozen percipitation) all the time I was up there. I was not to excited to see more. I get my fill with my Christmas visit just fine!


I was working in my craft room when Paul called me from Detroit where he was at the auto show. He wanted to tell me someone texted them a picture of the parking lot at work in Peachtree City and there was snow on the cars. He then told me to go out and take pictures. I thought he was nuts but just as I open the front door to look out the school bus with all the elementary kids was unloading out front and all I could hear was squeals of joy as they saw the snow coming down. I knew it was true. There really wasn’t much there but boy were they excited to see it come down.


Luckily it did not last but the kids had a wonderful time. Plus I get to say that I was around when it snowed in the Atlanta metro area. Everyone got on boots and hats and gloves it was a site. I put on a sweater laughed and went back in the house. But I must say it was a joy to hear the kids and a joy not to have to shovel it away.

13 Hours

I had 13 hours of driving last weekend. First to Chicago, then to Indianapolis, and then back to Detroit. I had lots of time to myself; thinking, singing, taking in the sites. It was a whirlwind weekend of Pre-wedding festivities. I was thankful that Pete & Emily included me.

Pete is a real All American - He loves this country - see the flag hanging in his condo? He was really excited to show me all the nooks and crannies of his place - I loved seeing them all! Even his parking space. It still blows my mind how much a parking space costs in downtown Chicago - it's RIDICULOUS! Pete is most definitely downtown!

Here's the view from His condo - and yes that is the reflection of the Sears Tower - it's that close!

So Friday night I drove from Detroit to Chicago - and only nearly choked to death once on the hot pepper that made its way into my Subway Sub. The directions were easy. Pete met me at the front lobby and we ended up parking my car at Union Station for a mere $25 per day. We (Pete, Emily, Anna[Emily's sister], and Brandi[Emily's good friend from Purdue] visited and stayed up WAY too LATE playing Catch Phrase.

Saturday we woke up early and got ready for Emily's big day of bachelorette fun. Pete chauffeured us to her friend Courtney's house where we had manicures, munchies, present opening and what I'm sure every bride insists upon - Guitar Hero!!! It cracked me up - it was a lot of fun.

Whooaa! Check out that ring! Isn't it beautiful. The stones are heirlooms and the the band was custom made by our friend Patsy. It looks fantastic with the accompanying "Wedding Band" too!

Afterwards we had a lovely afternoon at the Drake Hotel where we had "High Tea". I drank a lovely honeybush (no caffeine & from South Africa). They serves mini sandwiches, breads, and some delicious pasties. Emily just loved the Roast Beef sandwiches that had grilled onions! MMMmmmm!

That evening we caravaned from Chicago to Indianapolis. Like a typical Michigander - I promptly forgot that folks in Chicago pay for their roads - We had to all pull over so that Pete could loan his dear ol' sister some spare cash for the toll booths. It was quite embarrassing. The drive went by quickly - I listened to AM radio - a favorite secret pastime of mine - while driving on road trips.

We were welcomed with open arms at the Donnelson Home. Pete, Emily, and the gang got right to watching the Indianapolis Colts play. (ps. the hawkeye's beat up the spartans that night in basketball! He He He! I love winning!) Emily's mom, Lynn, and I chit-chatted for several hours about teaching! Teachers across America have a common bond (of insanity) that no one else can ever understand unless they become a teacher.

In the morning we had a lovely shower. Lifelong friends organized and prepared for the brunch. Emily's mom made a fantastic chicken salad recipe that had fruit in it. I'll have to get her recipe! We played a few shower games and then presents were opened. There were so many lovely things. I thought the most special gift was the dutch oven that Gram Fraser gave Pete with her special recipe for Swiss Steak. It was such a thoughtful gift since Pete loves to cook so much.

I drove home that afternoon in the beautiful fog and snow. I love the way that our country looks!

65 Years of Bliss

Words to Live By

The New Year's Message (sermon) at my church inspired me to claim these verses as the TRUTH which I will live by this year. Each year I pick a different verse and this is it for 2008!
I will try to put the words to memory and hold them close to my heart throughout the year.

1st Thessalonians 5:12 - 28.

(emphasis mine)

12Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who
are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13Hold them in the highest regard
in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14And we urge you,
brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be
patient with everyone. 15Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but
always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.
16Be joyful always; 17pray continually; 18give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
19Do not put out the Spirit's fire; 20do not treat prophecies with contempt. 21Test everything. Hold on to the good. 22Avoid every kind of evil. 23May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it. 25Brothers, pray for us. 26Greet all the
brothers with a holy kiss. 27I charge you before the Lord to have this letter
read to all the brothers. 28The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with
you.

Our service this morning was really good too. It was about Celebrating how God has freed us from our sins. I want to take the opportunity this year to CELEBRATE just like they did after the passover.

Toast & Pancakes!

Hello everyone!
I've enjoyed reading all the new posts and seeing the great pictures! I'm looking forward to looking through all my pictures from the holidays but the time has flown by and I haven't touched my camera since we've been home from Michigan. I'll post some soon.
The boys were happy to get back to school on Wednesday. I volunteer in Isaac's class on Wednesday mornings and it was so much fun to see all the kids excited to be back and share stories from their holidays.
Isaac and Adam's best friends are Zack and Joey Simmons. It's so wonderful that their best buds are brothers! We love to trade boys with the Simmons -- last night we had Joey here and Isaac spent the night with Zack. The kids were all suffering from withdrawal after not seeing each other much over the holidays. Little Joey is a character!!! He and Adam keep us laughing.
This morning we heard them up at 5:20 and we could hear them in the kitchen. Ryan asked what they were doing and they said, "Making toast!" Next thing we knew they were serving us peanut butter and jelly toast! They kept asking if we liked it, is it good, were you suprised, etc. When we were all done eating, Joey, in the cutest voice possible asks, "Can we have pancakes?" Then Adam chimes in, "Chocolate chip pancakes!" So after eating our breakfast we made pancakes for them. It was great fun!
We sure enjoyed seeing everyone over the holidays! The boys missed seeing Peter and we're all looking forward to meeting Emily!!! Adam is soooo excited to have Baby Nadeau's name for Christmas next year. He's been browsing through the ads trying to figure out what he wants to buy!
Love to everyone!
Joy

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!