Happy Birthday Maestro Tim!

Tim conducting the pit orchestra for the musical Urinetown.

See his arm flailing upword.

So cool he is.

Oh Yes I Did!

Well I haven't been feeling so well since Thanksgiving. I developed a killer headache on Thursday and I just couldn't get rid of all of it. On Monday came a stuffy nose and sore throat. Bah Humbug - Why am I getting sick? I wash my hand umpteen times a day. Anyhow - in an effort to ward off the cold I bought some Zicam (actually the walgreens version). It contains zinc which has shown mixed results for reducing the severity and duration of a cold. Then I took the big plunge and I bought a neti pot. Oh - it is such a weird feeling - but surprisingly - it really does help to clean out the stuffy nose. Here is a brief description at Mayo Clinics. What do you think? Are you going to give it a try?

We Came - We Ate

Seriously good eats for Thanksgiving.

Here's my plate statring at noon and moving clockwise:

12 - braised lamb, asparagus, and brined turkey

1 - Grandma's sausage dressing

3 - Rootmoose (rootebega and potatoes)

5 - Fresh Cranberries with orange essence

7 - Cheesy potatoes
9 - Carrot Souflee

10 - Baked apples with cornbread stuffing

11 - Hawaiian Roles

We had a lovely time at Marilee's house! She is a great hostess!

We drove the Skyway into Chicago on a cloudy evening and found a ray of sunshine at the end of the road.

Here she is - our ray of sunshine.

I'm so perfectly pleased to be your auntie -

I love when you call my name - I love the way you you smile.

Birthday Treats

I just wanted to share with you a couple of pictures from my birthday. Isn't it a beautiful cake? My friend Kim ordered it special for me. I thought it was really beautiful and loved that it had flowers on it. I received several beautiful bouquets of flowers. Alli surprised me when these arrived even though she was on vacation in Peru! I love the Gerber daisies. Carrie also had a beautiful bouquet sent to school. I LOVE having fresh flowers at school - they are like a ray of sunshine.

Biking fun

Ken and I did some biking to and around Henes Park which is along Lake Michigan. It was a beautiful day and a real bonus for the end of November.

Movie Stars

Hi Everyone - Pete was flipping through You Tube today and he ran across this video! We have a few movie stars in the family.

Swimmers

Hello everyone!

We've been having a busy and fun fall here in Manitowoc. The boys are enjoying school and are doing so well. We had parent/teacher conferences yesterday and it's always fun to hear how they're doing in school. Adam's teacher adores him and enjoys his personality and appreciates his leadership! I adore her too! Isaac has been doing super and is ready for the challenge of middle school next year. His art teacher raved about his art abilities -- I can't wait to take pictures of his artwork to share with you. His teacher is keeping his for now to share with other art teachers in the district.

The kids are trying something new this fall -- they've joined the YMCA swim team. We've heard great things about it and the boys wanted to give it a try and they love it! They practice 3 or 4 days a week which I thought would totally overwhelm them but they always look forward to going. They've swam in two meets and did well -- the improvement they've shown is amazing.

That's Adam getting ready for his next race. They both have swam about 3 races plus a relay at each meet. It's all so new to them still!

This is at their last meet in Wausau. What a beautiful facility!

Isaac has the lighter blue swim cap on -- he's about to swim the freestyle.

Go Isaac! He shaved 8 seconds off his previous best time!

We're looking forward to go to Michigan for Thanksgiving and be with family! I'm feeling thankful for all our extended family and am so glad our boys are blessed with so many grandparents, cousins and aunts & uncles.

Love to all! Joy

Wow! Aunt Penny's 90th Birthday

Hi Everyone!

Today we celebrated Auntie Penny's 90th birthday. WOW! 90 years.
Linda, Bob, Mom, and I went to the nursing home where there was friends and family. Mary Beth read a lovely poem she had written for her mother. Her sons Brian and David were also there. We had cake, ice cream, cookies and drinks. Aunt Penny seemed to enjoy herself but did try to escape a few times. Finally she was let loose to wheel the halls like she is used to doing.

Wishing you all a very Happy Thanksgiving. I'm thankful for my family!!!!!!!!!!!

Love, Debbie

Fall Follies

Hello Everyone - Around the Detroit Area it seems like we have an extended fall - maybe even an extended summer. Today's high was 64 degrees F!

As usual because November marks another year in which I 'turn older' - I've done a lot reflection. This year's reflection has brought about a big change for me - I put in my resignation at my part time job at Portable Church Industries. I've had nine wonderful years there, but it is time for me to only have one job. I wish I could say, "I have no idea what I'll do with all that time," but I do know that I am going to be working on "working out" throughout the year instead of just the summer. In fact, while I was at the Royal Oak Holiday Parade, I signed up for the LA Fitness Club. I can't wait to get started. This time will also give me time to pour into our discipleship initiative at church this year. We are using the The Way of the Alongsider materials (slightly cheesy but it does the job) from the Navigators. My church is committed to making disciples who live in community and who reach out to the community. This initiative strikes a lasting chord with me.

Speaking of Fall - Here are some of the pictures from my trip to Harbor Springs/Mackinaw through the Tunnel of Trees.

I have been a busy bee at school as well. The end of October we had parent-teacher conferences (we do two evening and 1 afternoon session). Our assistant superintedant took a superintendant position in Romeo Schools which left an opening at the central office. Our high school principal moved into that position and now we have a new principal at the highschool. He started this past week - midstream in the year. So much change. Mr. Gawell will be my 5th principal in 9 years. CRAZY. Our open house was this past week and the science department did a real "smash up" job. Instead of leaving our classrooms open like we normally do, we shut our classroom doors and opened up our two biggest labs in which we did demonstrations all evening. The community loved it. We had a lot of fire-related demonstrations: flame tests, fire/music demonstration tube, and how to start a fire in the wilderness. I sang into the fire/music tube and watched the flames create sine waves from my voice. It is really cool. I am going to try to get a picture/video of it the next time we set it up!

Last week I celebrated by birthday. I ate way too much. On Friday I had a huge dinner at PF Changs (mmmm!) and Saturday Bastones. My friend Kim special ordered me a beautiful cake. I ate WAY TO MUCH CAKE!!!! (hence LA fitness). Last night I went to see Tim's musical Urinetown at Rochester High School. The pit orchestra sounded great, the teenager/actors/actresses did a really good job. It was my favorite show yet that I have seen at RHS. Oh - and Alaina called me on gmail Video Chat. It was a really big highlight of my birthday. Next week we will all be together in Chicago. I can't wait!!!

That's all for now - please keep posting. Let us know how you are doing or tell us about something interesting!

Love, Tracy

Happy Birthday Tracy!

Happy Birthday Tracy!

Thank you for being such a wonderful example of what it means to love truly and give completely of yourself to your friends, family, and those God calls you to serve. You are a blessing!

"Sometimes our hearts get tangled
And our souls a little off-kilter
Friends and family can set us right
And help guide us back to the light."
~Sera Christann

I thought of you when I was reading this quote. You're always the first to reach out to those who need a kind word or a fantastic hug. I hope your birthday is filled with smiles!

Love you!

"The Last Song" by Nicholas Sparks

I've always been a fan of Nicholas Sparks. Partially because of the way he describes the East Coast with such clarity and detail, but also because of the complex characters and themes that he uses.

His books are fast reads, but they aren't superficial. I loved this book especially because of the underlying themes of forgiveness and loving others when it isn't easy.

The book's main character, Ronnie, is a teenage girl who has been estranged from her father for three years and is forced, by her mother, to spend the summer with him. You learn why she has so much anger towards him and watch as he patiently shows her love through his actions and waits for her to allow him to share her life. This kind of patient love is echoed in the character of a caring family friend- the local pastor, the rebuilding of a church, and the search for God's answers to life's tough questions.

As with all Nicholas Sparks books, it is filled with different kinds of love stories: Love between family, new love, and God's love. It's also full of examples of the power of forgiveness and truth.

A great book, but definitely one that requires a few tissues :) Happy reading!

Sometimes I think I've lost my mind :)

So, I have been trying to figure out why I haven't been able to find the "new post" link for about a month on the blog. I searched the site for help, and finally found a link that would send an email with instructions...if you got that email, sorry I didn't realize it would send to everyone :) Anyway, turns out I was trying to log in with the wrong email address...smart Em, really smart.

Here's what's new with our family:
1. I've been on bed rest since the 22nd of October, but it seems to be working so that's a blessing. I'm at 31 weeks 2 days, but we'd love to see Addison stay put for as long as possible. My C-section is scheduled for January 5th and hopefully I'll make it that far.

2. Because of the bed rest issue, Alaina is staying with my parents in Carmel during the weekdays and goes to daycare at my Mom's school. She's loving it and making lots of new friends. We're lucky that they were able to help us out and that we are able to spend the weekends with her. Emily has been gracious enough to volunteer her time for much of December so that Alaina can come home and be with us! I'm so excited to have both of them in the house during the holiday season! I hope that we can teach Alaina the joys of using sprinkles on Christmas cookies...hehe- that should be entertaining!

3. Pete is still enjoying his job at Research in Motion. It keeps him very busy, abnd we were again blessed by the timing of this change. Many of his coworkers from his old job have been let go. Thank God that we did not have to go through that while going through a difficult pregnancy and my inability to work!

4. Our house is still on the market- has been since June 22nd. We have a second showing on Saturday and are hoping that it will sell so that we can make an offer on a new house soon. We're looking to move to Lake Zurich which has a great family atmosphere and wonderful schools! Not to mention that we would finally have extra bedrooms for more family visits!!!!!

I'm so glad I've finally figured out why I couldn't post before. Now I'll get back into the habit of posting more often. I love reading about what everyone in the family is doing and love the pictures even more!

Love you all!

Tracy has given me the idea of posting about all the books I've been reading, so I'll be doing that soon too. I've found a few worth reading, but frankly some are just to give me something to do and would not make my "must read" list.

New Glasses

Hi All,

Faith has just got glasses. She looks so cute in her new blue glasses. She was excited to get them. Doesn't she look like a school girl?

Happy Halloween everyone! Faith is going to be Minnie Mouse.

I have had a few days off of school because of the flu. Ishpeming had 27% of the students absent last Wednesday so they decided to close for three school days. The janitors will be cleaning the school during the time off. We will go back on Tuesday the 27th. It will be interesting to see how many kids will be out when we go back. So far I haven't been sick, thank goodness. Many other schools in the U.P. have been off too. Hope you are all feeling well.

Love, Debbie

The Leaves changing in Peachtree City

Paul and I took a great cart ride this morning around Peachtree to see the leaves starting to change. I thought you may enjoy the pictures we took.

Emily

 
 
 
 

Pete, Emily and Alaina came to visit.

 
 
 
 

Pete, Emily Ann & Alaina came to GA to spend a long weekend with us. We had a great time! We went to October Fest at the City Cafe and Bakery, had my art show and on Sunday Nana and Grandpa took Alaina to the pumpkin farm to pet the animals and get a pumpkin. We sure had a lot of fun but the time went by way to fast.

Emily Marie

Back to School

Getting on the bus!

Hi All,

Here are some pictures of Faith's first day of school. She is going to Headstart in the mornings. She was very excited about school.

It was a exciting day for Faith to go to school. We are proud of our school girl Faith!

Love to all, Debbie

So Much To Catch Up On

There really is just so much to catch up on - I could have made a million posts - but I think this recap will get us back on track!!

The day I flew in from Mom and Dad's house in Peachtree City I ran an 8K on Belle Isle to benefit United Way's 211 program. There were about 100 runners and I was almost the last one to make it in. I didn't really care, though, I finished in a good time for me - so it was a personal accomplishment.

The week before the kids came back to school, aka Teacher Week, my life was surrounded by many deaths. My friend Nate from Genesis the Church lost his battle against cancer - but I know that he felt the victory of walking into God's arms. He was an amazing man who left behind an incredible wife, Deb, and two children Morgan and Landon. You can read about his journey here - it will stir your heart.

Around that same time a well-loved middle school teacher in our district lost his daughter in a car accident.

Then my dear sweet Piggie started to not feel well. Her lungs started to fill with fluid and she was exhausted. She would rest and then try to "act peppy" to make me smile - but she just couldn't keep up. We brought her to the vet and had to have her put to sleep. I cried like a baby - she was so special to me. I still get choked up when I think about her. My house is not the same without her. Warren Woods Veterinary Hospital was such a wonderful place. They were kind, compassionate, knowledgeable, and understanding. They sent a beautiful card that week. Silly as it may sound, it was also so nice to receive the guinea pig stuffed animal from Aunt Linda. I had just brought the gift home from Atlanta where mom had been keeping it for me. Thanks so much Aunt Linda. It was perfect timing. The picture below was taken earlier this year. Piggy liked sitting in my winter hat all nice and cozy.

The weekend before the kids started a bunch of us went sailing on Lake Huron in Port Sanilac, MI - including Sailor Tim and Sailor Carrie. They had fun testing their skills in the scant wind. By the end, Bob sold Carrie and Tim his old Catamaran. (They worked on it last Saturday and it's ready to sail) It's cool cause it has an orange hull and a striped orange, red, and yellow sail. Do you have any ideas for what they should name it?

These are the first day of school pictures. I take them every year for a record. Berkley High School was named one of Newsweek's Top High Schools again which is great!!

Our dear friend Kim made Carrie and I a lovely dinner on Friday of the first week of school. She wanted to Celebrate Teachers! How awesome is that? What a friend!!! She is a Korean woman who was adopted into a wonderful family who is not Korean. Anyhow, she married a lovely Italian man and she learned how to cook the world's best lasagna I have ever tasted. It was SPECTACULAR - I was so thankful. Kim filled reusable goodie bags full of fun teacher supplies. I was absolutely THRILLED. I was also so tired that night and fell asleep by 10pm. Oh yeah - I also picked up cupcakes from Westborn Market that had "monsters" on top to remind us that we love the little "monsters" we are teaching. They were uber cute.

I am teaching biology and chemistry again this year. My students have been very busy. In biology we used the chemistry kits to make models of mono, di, and polysaccharides. I love this picture because it really is reminiscent of our new district logo which you can see on our web page.

The first weekend after school got started was super busy and included a "washers" party. I stink at playing washers but it was fun. I forgot my camera - and the only shots that I saw from friends were of the back of my head - my hair looked good - but really - you don't want to see that. The following weekend - which was last weekend (bringing this long post to a near end) I drove to Indianapolis to visit Pete, Emily Ann, and Alaina while they were partaking in Emily Ann's sister's wedding. By the way - Emily Ann was absolutely beautiful and adorable in her bridesmaid dress with her pregnant belly. Addison sure is cookin'. I had the privilege of watching Alaina all day Saturday. We had a great time - playing in the leaves, pretending like we were washing our hands, taking walks, and just having fun. Alaina has gotten really good at saying and signing "PEEEEEEEAS" (please) It's absolutely darlin'. The picture below shows her really sayin', signin', and meanin' it!

Alaina and I went to the church so that she could be in the family pictures. Look her beautiful smile. We were having fun playing peek-a-boo. I took a ton more pictures and I will post them in the next post.

Well folks, that's all for now. This weekend I have a music seminar, need to grade a gabillion biology scavenger hunt assignments, and will lead worship Sunday morning with my friend Matt. I hope you are all doing well and will share your latest with all of us!!

Hi All,

I just thought I would post the Christmas exchange list as a reminder to us all. Next year we will be blessed with another addition.

CHRISTMAS 2009
Paul buys for Ken
Emily Marie -- Winter
Tracy --Debbie
Tim --Carol
Peter N. --Peter C.
Emily Ann --Sara
Alaina --Adam
Carol --Addy
Ken --Emily Ann
Sara --Lindsey
Ryan --Bob
Joy --Alaina
Isaac --Faith
Adam --Tim
Linda --Ryan
Bob --Isaac
Debbie --Paul
Peter C. --Emily Marie
Winter --Linda
Lindsey --Joy
Addy --Peter N.
Faith --Tracy

Love from Debbie