Bravo Tim!

You did a really great job at the MSBOA Festival this weekend. I am so glad that I was able to watch your performances. Your dedication really shows through all of your performances.

*******

Tim's band at Rochester High School performed at the Michigan Schools Band and Orchestra Association Festival. It's sort of the MEAP test for the musicals. The first performance included three pieces of music that the students prepared ahead of time and was performed in the auditorium. The second performance included two pieces of music that the students have never seen before. Tim lead them through only 7 minutes of instruction to pull off both of the pieces. The judges seemed pretty impressed with their musical interpretation!

The Varmint Stikes Again & Again & Again

So Rocky hasn't exactly moved out. He's living in my garage. Who can blame him - it's cold out there. He's not paying his rent on time though, so I think I am going to have to evict him.

Sorry Rocky. You have to pay on time - and you have to put things back in the garage where you found them. You just haven't been living up to your part of the agreement. Sincerely, the management of the little blue house.

March Birthdays

March is a very popular month for birthdays in our family. Here are all of our special days so you can make sure to give each other a ring, drop a card in the mail, or send off a birthday e-mail!

1st - Carol Carlson
5th - Addy Cain
15th - Emily Marie Nadeau
21st - Grandpa "Marvelous Marv" Nadeau
23rd - Emily Ann Nadeau

Dear Lord, We ask that you continue to be in the lives of our precious family, especially of those who were born in March. God, please keep them in good health and spirits. Bring Joy into their next year! Amen

The Varmint Strikes Again . . .

and it's a RACCOON!

Carrie was getting out of her car and saw the rascal face-to-face. I've never seen her run so fast and squeal so loudly (carrie, that is). Rocky the raccoon found the one bag of mostly eaten goldfish crackers that I had taken out of my car when I was getting ready to pick up my view. He spent a couple of nights in the garage. We found footprints all of our cars and he moved all of our junk around. He even managed to climb up into the attic and nestle into the large bag of left over insulation that I had up there. I figured this out once I was brave enough to go up into the attic to see if he was nesting in there. Rocky was no where to be found - just the ruffled up insulation was left behind. I am glad that Rocky has found a new home besides my garage - but I am equally impressed that he managed to make a warm spot for himself on those bitterly cold days.

Need a Boost?

One of the ways that I get a boost each day is to reflect upon scripture, spiritual questions, song lyrics, or something that points me towards God. This year I started a daily devotional that record the inspiration for these reflections. I was going to just keep it to myself, but on second thought, I thought it would be better to share - just in case - it might give you a boost too. I have included the links in the sidebar. The devotional is called from fear to Faith. Please feel to comment when something inspires you or causes you to think too!

Love, Tracy

Meet Alaina Marie Nadeau!

Dear Family,

Here are the pictures of our beautiful little girl! We can't wait for July so that we can meet her. The ultrasound showed a nice, straight, spine and no sign of a cleft lip~ such a blessing! 

Alaina (said ah-LANE-ah) means "rock."  What a wonderful name to give such an amazing miracle!

All our love,

Pete and Emily

It's a Girl!

Dear family,

Pete and I received the wonderful news today that we are expecting a baby girl! Her name will be Alaina Marie, and the ultrasound showed that she is a mover and a shaker already.

I will post the pictures next Monday so that everyone can share in our amazement.

Love you all,
Emily Ann

My New View!

I mean - My new Saturn VUE!

Is Your Computer Screen Dirty?

Clean it with this!

Hope Rising

This is our current series at church: Hope Rising

Stuck in the dark: Feb 10
Scripture: Psalm 40

Help in a Perfect Storm: Feb 17
Scripture: 1 Kings 17:7-24; 2 Kings 4:1-7

Light at the end of the Tunnel: Feb 24
Scripture: Matt. 18:15-20

Get up and Walk: Mar 2
Scripture: John 5:1-15

Detroit United: Mar 9
Scripture: Eph. 2:14-18; Is. 19:19-24; John 4

We Need a Hero: Mar 16
Scripture: Luke 3

Hope Unflinching: Mar 23 Easter
Scripture: Romans 5

Visit Genesis the Church to download the podcasts and listen to the messages!

Progress on the Live In Detroit Recording . . .

I just talked with my friend Beau who is producing the CD that we (Genesis Worship Leaders) wrote and performed Live in Detroit. He said that the master and all of the cd artwork have been received at the production company and the 1st copy is being made for proofing. When the proofing is done - they will produce 1,000 copies that will be ready in approximately 10 days. I am really getting excited!!!

The recording event was titled "Live in Detroit" because that was exactly what we were - recording live in Detroit. The title for the CD is going to be Move With You which comes from the title of a song on the CD that my friend Carol wrote.

I can't wait to share it with you!!!

Love, Tracy

Coming Soon . . .

Will Baby Nadeau be a Boy or a Girl!

Cast your vote by February 29th. You can vote even if you aren't part of the Nadeau Family - we'd love to see what you think! So go ahead - place your vote right now!

The results of the poll will be published the first week of March.

The ultrasound will reveal the winners in just a few weeks!!

Bitter Cold Sets In. . .

Yesterday morning when I woke up (late) I was greeted by melting snow, traces of sunshine, and 45 degree weather. Everything looked like spring. I knew what was on the horizon, however; Bitter Cold forecasted for Sunday. I took out my snow scoop and swished all of the slush and water toward the lawn in order to prevent the ice rink that was about to form on my driveway. I noticed, in the process, footprints leading underneath my deck again. Were the skunk's relatives back? Oh No! I can't have a skunk under my deck - I will for certain get sprayed. So I took a beautiful heap of slushy snow and blocked up the hole and left it to freeze into an icy boulder. This morning when I brought the trash out, I noticed it had done just as a wished - but . . . buT . . . bUT . . . BUT now there were a whole series of frantic footsteps leading up to the hole and around it. My icy boulder worked - but my heart sank into my feet. I can't believe that I blocked the only shelter for my dear little skunk, or bunny, or possum, or whatever it is. I am now responsible for the life of one of God's creatures. UGgghhhh . . . . the horror. I am going to remove the boulder today and hope for the best.

appended 7:10 pm - Carrie removed the icy boulder before church this morning.  No sightings of the critters yet today.  I am hoping the critter found a warm spot.  It is currently 3 degrees 

F.

A 1/2 Inch Short!

We just experienced another winter blast in the metro Detroit Area. The snow was falling in a way that reminded me of the lake effect snow in the U.P. Big - Fluffy - Driving - Wet Flakes. It piled up really quickly on everything. Tim & I have been loving the snow scoop! He's truly a lot better at it than me - but we are both just loving the new blue scoop. The snow glides off like a well buttered egg!

Last night Carrie measured our final snowfall at 5.5 inches which put me a 1/2 inch under the "snow day" mark! Tim's school, however, had a great deal more school and so he was able to enjoy the "sleep in"!

Have a super day eveyone.
Love, Tracy

Hi Everyone

Hi Everyone,

It sure was a beautiful wedding and so much fun to be all together. I think the weekend went as well as possible. We sure were glad to have the good travel weather. I liked looking at all the pictures. I will try to post mine sometime soon.

Winter has applied for a new job at the same place but on the adult side. It would be full time and she would get benefits. I hope and pray that she will get it. She missed not seeing everyone.

Lindsey is in her first week of teaching all on her own and is a litte stressed out. Her first day went well but today she had a bad day with many discipline problems. It is a trying class. She will do well though.

Faith ended up with ear infections again after coming home from the wedding. She is doing better now. When we look at the pictures from the wedding she knows everyone's name. She is a smarty!

Hope you all are doing well. Love from the U. P. Debbie

What a Beautiful Wedding - Just Splendid!

January 26 = Wedded Bliss

Pete & Emily's wedding was just beautiful. Their personalities shined the entire weekend! Here are my favorite pic's from the weekend [Oh let's just face it - there are a million favorites that I have and blogger just takes too long to upload a million photos) - So enjoy the slide show at the end!


Blessed Man! (aka Mr. Super Woo)



Family Reunion



Sisterly Love


Lady in Waiting



Proud Pauls



CheeseBalls!


Dancing Duo (Diva and the Dame)



Sibling Smiles



Sacred Union



Raw Talent



The complete slideshow

Goodbye Ruby . . .

Our sweet little pig is now playing in God's lovely garden with all of the other little piggies who have gone before her. Please pray for our sad hearts (and for piggy too.) God did answer our prayers to have her survive through the wedding weekend and give us a last chance to give her a kiss on the nose. Love, Tracy

Finals . . .

There are lots of finals going on today!

I am giving final exams this week in chemistry and biology.
Here's a quick and easy question: If the wavelength of light increases what happens to the frequency?

I had my final dress fitting today. It took a lot longer than I expected but I was finally happy with the results. Thank God for the Miracle Wedding Village.

The wedding is finally here!

Tim, Carrie, Deedee, and I will be heading south to Indiana to tomorrow for the big event. We can't wait to see everyone - and celebrate the union of Pete & Emily.

Love, Tracy

ps. my little guinea pig Ruby finally has a diagnosis. It is unfortunately of lymphoma. Please keep her in your prayers: no pain, no suffering, and that she makes it through the weekend.

Wedding Shower Slideshow!

Generations!

This was my favorite picture from last weekend.

Well It Snowed Again!!!!!!!!!

Well It Snowed Again!!!!!!!!!

I think that our friends in Georgia are about to send us back to Michigan with our weather. It is snowing again. This time the snow is a lot more than before. I knew something was up when we went to our local ACE Hardware store this morning and they had sleds, saucers, and salt all out at the front door. I though to myself “Yeah right someone really going to need those saucers”. Then on the way out there was a woman on her cell phone talking to someone saying “Yes they have those saucer things. Yes do you really think I should pick it up for the hill out back? Well you know the kids will love it.” I gave her a look like any good Michigander would to say are you crazy lady this isn’t real snow you know. Well I think she was right! It is beautiful and snow covered.

We were going out tonight with Super Club. I arranged a dinner at a really neat old restaurant in Newnan called 10 East Washington. It is a delightful old Georgia restaurant. Well I started getting calls from the group saying that they know I wouldn’t think this is much snow but they can’t get out of their driveways because of the hill and one said her church called and canceled all their services for tomorrow. Well I figure if it is good enough for God then it is good enough for me! I canceled. I figured the church had inside knowledge about the freezing roads and more snow that the weather man said would come tonight. We will just have to go in a couple of weeks.

I am just going to spend my time working on the Welcome bags for the Wedding. They are for those who will be staying in the hotel. They will get one as they check in.

Take care, stay warm, and go sledding

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