SUGARFOOT is here!!

SUGARFOOT!!

It was a very exciting day on April 19. That evening at the Sugarfoot Yarn Shop about 20 regular clients gathered to hear the news that ownership of the shop was now being transferred to Emily Nadeau. Everyone enjoyed the hors d’oeuvres and champagne but most of all they were excited about their friend Emily becoming owner of the shop and staying in the area.

On Thursday of this week Emily signed the official paperwork and instantly became a Yarn Shop magnate.

Ten years ago I never thought I would be working for a Japanese Company, living in the Great South, and being the husband of a Yarn Shop owner. Wow! It just doesn’t get any better than that.

Congratulations Emily!!

My Happy Easter boys

My Happy Easter boys!

Happy Easter Everyone!!!

Faith had a wonderful Morning and we sure had fun watching her find everything!

Strike a pose

My Family!

I love this picture!

We were all smiles!~ LOL

I dont like to have pictures of myself when i'm pregnant, but i know after when i'm not i would like to have a picture so here we are both so excited just a few short weeks and we will have a wonderful baby boy to add to our family. WE ARE SO BLESSSED!



I Love this picture of Faith and Winter! Just beautiful!!!

Wedding Website

If you haven't had a chance, please visit our wedding website:

www.jayloveslindsey.com

Faith

Just a few pictures of Faith Enjoy!!!

Sleeping Beauty

Hi All, Isn't she beautiful!! Look at those lashes!!! Faith was over today and took a nap on the couch. She was determined not to take a nap, but sleep won over. She is so precious.



Hope you all had a blessed Palm Sunday. Love, Debbie

Alaina's Birthday Party

Dear Family,

This is very early, but I wanted to announce that Alaina's 3rd birthday party is scheduled for Saturday, June 18th from 3-8pm. I know it will be difficult for most of you to make it down to our house for the festivities, but I wanted you to know that you're all invited and welcome (this goes for any other time this summer you'd like to make your way down to the Windy City).

It's going to be very casual and it's gift-free please!

Hope to see many of you in June!

Emily Ann

Big Bug In Georgia

When you have lots of sun and lots of rain the bugs can grow very large in Georgia. This particular bug is called a Walking Stick. People catch them, dry them out and use them for fire starters. Small animals stay away from them!

It's the small things

Mom and Dad have been asking when I would start posting about my most recent trip to Haiti and I think I'm finally ready. A few years back a fellow missionary who went to Africa with me said that when people ask about our mission trip that we should keep our responses brief because otherwise we are likely to have diarrhea of the mouth from our own excitement. It is true, the excitement and wonder start to well up in a way that causes one to be quite verbose. This most recent trip is nothing short of that. So, I will try to write several short posts about what happened in Port-au-Prince. My words, however, will be insufficient to capture the true delight of being a part of this team and God's calling to Haiti.

When I travel on mission my senses are on their highest alert and my heart and mind are on constant search to hear God's voice say, "this - this is what I want you to do." He has always made it quite clear and in just the right timing. This trip was no exception and His voice was loud, clear, and right on cue.

One of the projects that we worked on was restoring a home in Delmas 2. This is a region of PaP where the Salvation Army is stationed. It is the former location of La Maison du Bonheur where we worked last year reclaiming anything we could from the earthquake. The Salvation Army complex also has a school (College Verena - more on that later), a medical clinic, playgrounds, and the church (also demolished with the childrens' home). It is a haven in a rough part of PaP. Outside the confines of the Salvation Army complex are tightly packed neighborhoods lined up and down alleys covered with potholes. The sights are invigorating - bright colors everywhere. There is laundry hanging from every building, painted signs on the walls advertising local businesses, raw sewage flowing, chickens, and dogs everywhere. The people, though, bring the neighborhoods to life. Creole is being spoken at every volume level possible; a mother whispers to her child to move aside as a vehicle speeds by; a group of men clash and clang their voices in a heated home-brewed game of roulette; children's voices are laughing and squealing as they play with found objects; and even the sizzle from the roasting meat of the street vendor seems to be saying "manje mwen" (eat me) in Creole. The smells are indescribable - food, people, and sewer find a new combination with every step we make into the neighborhood. And as we pass through on our umpteenth trip to Rony's house, we still hear "blanc" or "hey you" from the children. I remember thinking to myself how much I wanted to just stop and take a million pictures right then and there. I refrained because it would be a bit like having a stranger in your own home taking pictures of you as you headed into the shower: awkward in the least. So I said to myself to just take pictures with your mind and that I did.

Rony's house had been marked with yellow spray paint after the quake. The house was not safe to live in but could be repaired. Thankfully the mark wasn't red but it certainly was not green. Nine to ten people living in two bedrooms of this cement block house; there were only 2 single beds. It just didn't add up. Our priorities there were to replace the cement ceiling that was continually falling down in one of the bedrooms, repair the corrugated zinc roof over the "shower" and "bathroom," and repair the structural cracks of the cement walls. When we arrived the first day we knew that those priorities were just going to make a dent. Over the next week we employed several of our Haitian friends who are dependable and skilled tradesmen to work on rewiring the electrical since it was completely exposed and open to the elements (aka live wires) and to replace the cement ceiling (the Haitians are masters at this) . Alan and Drew removed the zinc roofing and built a frame so that the new roof wouldn't fall apart like the previous had. They repaired the shower (just a hole in the ground, no running water - just a bucket), hung privacy dividers, and transformed the yellow mark into green. Two of the sisters who lived there were high school students. I had the privilege of meeting them the girls the year before so I was excited to see them again. They are twins, one who is dying from AIDS and the other who has been spared. Their brother Rony has been taking care of the girls ever since their parents died from AIDS. The girls were so thankful that they would have a safe bedroom, but just this one thing would make it so nice, they garnered up the courage to ask if we could find some beds. It was perfect timing and we heard God say, "This - this is something these girls need." So along with my friend (and translator, navigator, comic relief, extraordinaire) John, we were able to purchase 2 full sized beds which would accommodate 4 - 6 people (all together). They were expensive but God had sent us with just enough money from our supporters to make sure these girls had a place to sleep. Their faces beamed when we brought the mattresses into the house. Their shy voices uttered over and over again "Mesi" (thank you).

It is the small things, however, that seem to catch me by surprise and stir my heart the most. As I entered the house that time, I saw Alan bent over with cement on his tools. He was smoothing out the layer over a beautiful brand new pipe that ran from the shower out of the house to the street. I could feel my eyes filling up over this pipe. Yes, a pipe, I cried about a pipe. I didn't know it was in the plan and it made me so glad to know that the shower water would no longer be traveling through the hallway and kitchen. It is such a small thing but can you imagine all of your own dirty shower water running through your hallways and your kitchen? I loved that Alan and Drew had seen the importance of this little detail and they took care of it without a thought - it was love in action. This small thing was not so small indeed.

Scripture Memorization Challenge - April

Tip #4 Say the verse aloud before every meal.

April's Scripture theme is Obedience to Christ

John 14:21 (NIV) Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.


resource: Topical Memory System by The Navigators

I'm in LOVE!

It's official. I'm in love with my Kindle!

While in Georgia visiting Emily and Paul for her big day, they so generously gave me a Kindle for my birthday! :)

For those of you who don't know, there was a time (before my lovely girls) that I went through at least a book a week. I love reading, but I wasn't ready to give up my paper books.

I WAS WRONG!

As in many things, my wonderfully thoughtful mother-in-law knows me better than I know myself and purchased this electronic reader for me despite the fact that for the past 2 Christmases I have denied my need for one.

Did you know you can play Scrabble on a Kindle? Pete and I play against each other almost every night now.

Did you know you can download free books? I am embarrassed to admit how many I've acquired in just 2 short weeks. I cannot say no to free books. I just can't!

Did you know you can lend your books for 2 weeks to other Kindle readers?

Did you know you can make a wish list and family/friends can search it just like a registry and send books to you that you can either accept or exchange? My sister and brother-in-law sent me 2 for my birthday!

I have no idea I could do all of this with a Kindle! I'm hooked!

I'm currently reading "The Gospel of Ruth" (which was free). I'll let you know how it is :)

Thank you Emily and Paul!

EMILY'S AMAZING FABULOUS 60th BIRTHDAY PARTY

Well the day has come and gone and it was an amazing time! It started several months ago with Tracy getting all the organization in place. The E invitation and associated guest list was really helpful in the detailed planning. Dates / menus / airline reservations all had to be decided to make the day a success. Emily warmed up for the event with a practice birthday celebration with her sorority sisters in Michigan. She followed this up with a birthday luncheon sponsored by her best friend Debbie.

Thursday afternoon our friends from Michigan arrived and we had an outstanding dinner at the German restaurant in Fayetteville

The highlight of Thursday was picking up Peter, Emily, Alaina, and Addison at the Atlanta airport albeit two hours late at about 1 in the morning.

Friday it was off to Sam’s to buy all the food. Dad, Peter ,and Emily Ann had this assignment while Nana played with Alaina and Addison. Nana, Alaina, and Addison were off on the cart to the park

Friday evening it was back to the airport again to pick up Tracy Tim and Sarah. It was beautiful … the entire family was ensconced in our home in Peachtree City!

Friday evening Tracy led some serious game day planning for the big event.

Saturday morning came and more arrivals. Emily’s sister and brother in-law flew in from Fort Lauderdale to join the festivities.

The preparation was like a cross between a ballet and a football scrimmage. Activity and sounds were everywhere. And of course the NCAA basketball tournament had to be on for the girls to watch.

By 6 pm everything was ready and everyone was off to get dressed for the big occasion. Promptly at 7 pm the first guests arrived. About 55 people in all took in the food , beverages, ambiance and company.

At about 9 pm we serenaded Emily with a spirited edition of “Happy Birthday”

The last guest left around midnight and clean up began. At about 1 am we all drifted off to dreamland.

As they say all good things must come to an end.

On Sunday Tracy Tim and Sarah said goodbye and were off to Detroit

Nana loved that Alaina and Addison stayed around to Monday. (She was also happy that Pete and Emily were there too).

The weekend would not have been possible without all the help from Peter Emily Tim and Sarah and especially from Tracy who led the effort from the beginning

HAPPY 60th BIRTHDAY EMILY

We love you!!

Phoenix Trip

Hi All, We had a great trip visiting Lindsey and meeting Jay and Olivia. The weather was great. Lindsey's friends gave her a shower while I was there so I got to go too. We had a good time going to a Cubs spring training game. We ate a lot of good food. We enjoyed going in the pool and feeling the sun on our faces. It was a great trip and we are happy to have Jay and Olivia added to our family. It is snowing today in Ishpeming so were are back to our real world. Oh well, This is the day that the Lord has made, let us be glad and rejoice in it!
Love to all, Debbie

Happy Birthday to you.
Happy Birthday to you.
Happy Birthday dear Emily.....
Happy Birthday to you!
Can you hear me singing with love?

I hope you have a wonderful birthday year filled with blessings and love. Carol

Spring has sprung in Peachtree City. This means it is almost time for EMILY'S Birthday

Springtime is in the air in Peachtree City. In the past several weeks the plants have started to blossom. In the next two weeks there will be an explosion of color as everything starts to bud.

This can mean only one thing. It is is almost time for Emily's fabulous 60th Birthday Party! We are looking forward to having our entire family here with us in Peachtree City. Tracy Tim Sarah Peter Emily Alaina and Addison! plus Yvonne and Dick. To top it off there will be some of Emily's friends from Michigan and a host of her new friends from the Peach!!

And a good time will be had by all

Y'all come see us y hear

M’ te kite kè m’ nan Ayiti

I left my heart in Haiti.

The people, the culture, the despair, and the hope that exists in Ayiti is mind boggling and captivating all at the same time.  I think I finally understand why Paul Farmer can't stay away.  There are a ton of stories to share - some uplifting and some heartbreaking - but for now all I can articulate is that this sign says Delmas will be beautiful.  Delmas is the region of Port au Prince that I have had the pleasure of serving in.  It is trash ridden, smelly, and noisy but nevertheless the hope that resides there illuminates its beauty.  I cannot wait to return and be a part of cultivating that hope - it might just be what I was made for. xx

Happy Birthday to me!!

Hey, 24 years ago they told me to put my affairs in order and here I am having another birthday. A miracle happened and Praise the Lord I AM still here. Wowee, isn't that something.

Scripture Memorization Challenge - March

Tip #3 Think about how the verse applies to you and your

March's Scripture theme is Obedience to Christ

Romans 12:1 (NIV) Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship.

resource: Topical Memory System by The Navigators