Monday, January 25, 2010
Saturday, January 23, 2010
As A Bee
This past week was busy.
The trainer at LA Fitness worked me a bit too hard this week and I could hardly move my legs. My quads are still cramping up from all of the lunges. Literally. I think that I am going to try a new trainer. I can't work out so hard that I have to wait more than a week to workout again.
School was busy preparing for finals next week. The end and start of a semester is always a bit hectic. Kids start to panic because their grades are about to be final. BHS also had the variety show this week and I sang Blackbird by the Beatles with one of my colleagues, Margine. It was a hoot. Before the show one of my favorite former students stopped by. She is headed to London for several months in a travel abroad program. I'm really proud of her. She is going to really spread her wings there. SS - if you are reading this - know that I really mean it - I am proud of you.
Me & Margine (Love that Guitar)
SS & Me
Friday evening I headed back to Chicago to see the Sweet PEAA's! I have been enjoying my time just holding Addison (she's a snuggler) and playing with Alaina. Emily Ann is really recovering well and both Pete and Emily are really loving their time with Addy. We went house hunting today in Lake Zurich but it was a bust. I forgot how tiring house hunting is. It's surprising to see what is out there on the market. Pete and Emily could use your prayers to find a house that is "perfect for them"!
Here are a couple of shots - not a lot of pictures from today as we were house hunting. Hope to rev up my camera tomorrow before I leave.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
SOLD!
As of today, we are under contract! We finally sold the condo and can make an offer on a house ourselves!
As for our other news, the girls are healthy and doing well. Addy is sleeping well and we are falling into as much of a routine as you can be with such a little one.
Love you all.
Emily Ann
As for our other news, the girls are healthy and doing well. Addy is sleeping well and we are falling into as much of a routine as you can be with such a little one.
Love you all.
Emily Ann
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Three Beautiful Girls
Emily Ann,
How is little Addison doing? Is she a good sleeper? What is her favorite activity? How do she and Alaina relate to each other? And.....how are you feeling? Hopefully, everything is going well. Pete, you must feel like a million surrounded by three beautiful girls. We are thinking about all of you. Love, Carol
How is little Addison doing? Is she a good sleeper? What is her favorite activity? How do she and Alaina relate to each other? And.....how are you feeling? Hopefully, everything is going well. Pete, you must feel like a million surrounded by three beautiful girls. We are thinking about all of you. Love, Carol
Monday, January 18, 2010
Bob's birthday
We celebrated Bob's 55th birthday on Saturday. Faith helped him open his presents, as you can see here. Mom made a delicious German Chocolate birthday cake with caramel filling....yum. We even played some games. Lots of fun! Happy Birthday, Bob!!!
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Freshly Ground Productions
My friend John Miller of Freshly Ground Productions put together our first promotional video for the upcoming live recording. As always, he did a great job. I am so glad that he and his wife use their talents to bless us. It was was so exciting to see at church today. I hope you enjoy it.
2010 Genesis Live Worship CD Event Promo from Freshly Ground Productions on Vimeo.
2010 Genesis Live Worship CD Event Promo from Freshly Ground Productions on Vimeo.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
New Digs & Fa La La La La
A couple of weeks ago I mentioned that my church has some new digs. I am excited to say that we are no longer a portable church and we are living in our "new to us" facility at 309 N. Main Street in Royal Oak. Genesis the Church started back in 1997 as a young and hip ministry at Kensington Community Church. By late 1998 we were challenged to plant a church in Royal Oak, a lovely bedroom community with and extremely active and vibrant downtown. 40 of us moved to Royal Oak and started a church. What were we thinking? 20 year olds running a church? Who knew?
Royal Oak attracted and still attracts a huge variety of people to its hip, funky, and fun downtown eateries, bars, and social hot spots. I really love my town. Anyhow, in 1999 we officially launched and we have had our services in many locations including a middle school cafetorium, 3 different high school auditoriums, a middle/elementary school gym, a black box theater, a comedy club, and Royal Oak's Music Theater. The latest location we were at for 2 years was Berkley High School where I work. We had a great relationship with the high school and the custodial staff was seriously sad when we left. They really were 'for us' which is a testament to God's power to use personal relationship's to make a path in the desert. In other words a church had a great relationship with a public school. Imagine That?!
Several years ago we had a building campaign called Epicenter in order to raise fund for a building. Our mortar team searched high and low and examined truly "out of the box" of normal options for us to find a permanent location. Properties in Royal Oak are extremely expensive in the downtown area and it felt like it was next to impossible. Perhaps God designed us to be portable? But God was working in the undercurrent. We had to wait and trust. Two years ago, we needed to find some space for some of our groups to meet for a 12-step program and the First Baptist Church of Royal Oak was ready and willing to let the group meet at their church building. The FBCRO was a church that was celebrating their 170th anniversary. They would be having the celebration at their church on Main Street in downtown Royal Oak - where their historical marker lies. Our church staff started meeting with their pastor, Dave Nickels, and as their relationship grew they realized that they both led churches who wanted to do the exact same thing in Royal Oak: make Jesus known, live in community that disciples each other toward richer and deep relationship with Jesus, and be a people who were the hands and feet of Jesus to those who many would turn their noses down upon. Soon after, our offices moved into FBCRO because of our expanding need for space. Finally, we could see that God was moving these two congregations together with the same heart. We had the same charge from God - we looked different though. First Baptist was a traditional community with a traditional building and strong core of people who had been members for more years than most of us cood imagine. One dear lady was a member for over 80 years. She is 96 years old. On the other hand Genesis the church was a non-traditional community with 2 trailers which could move anywhere to set up church. Genesites on average were about 33 years old and had growing families. We couldn't look any more different but our hearts sang the same tune.
Since the time that Pastor Dave announced that he would be retiring from his official position at FBCRO so that he could be a pastor - without the administrative responsiblities. His official retirement would take place at the end of 2009. In his last year of adminsitrative responsiblities, he and the Genesis Staff did something that most people were and still are highly skeptical of - they joined two churches under one name. As of January 1st, 2010, there is now one church meeting at 309 N. Main Street. The legal name is Genesis the Church formerly known at First Baptist Church of Royal Oak. Most will know us as Genesis the Church - we now have 180 years behind us! We know there will be many challenges for us in the future - but where we see mountains - God sees wide open avenues.
I had the pleasure of leading worship our first service on January 3rd. It was a thrill - a mix of what I would called ancient and modern words that glorify God. Our set list was All Creatures of Our God and King, Dwell, Enter This Temple, Not To Us, and Glorious. The church was packed - even the balcony. But more importantly, our congregation was EXCITED - THRILLED - at the opportunity to walk together shoulder-to-shoulder striving toward God's purposes - doing His work - we hope for at least another 180 years. I am confident in this - for He who began a good work - will be faithful to complete.
And now onto the Fa La La La La La
In the midst of the holidays and moving into our new church the worship leaders, including myself, have been writing new worship music that we will record on January 29th. We are really excited - tired - but excited. We have been rehearsing late into the night. Last night we recorded our demos for the sound engineer. Here is a link to those songs. You will have to select the iDisk Public Folder (Graphite) and then open up the Folder that says 1-15-2010. They are RAW which means there is no editing and no mixing - so they might sound a little bit off at this point - but they will at least give you a glimpse of what will come on the CD. I wrote and am singing lead vocals on "Cry Out of Romans," I'll also sing background vocals on We Are Ready and Glory. I can't wait until the final CD is finished and I can give you a copy! Thanks for letting me catch you up on the latest. Love T
Royal Oak attracted and still attracts a huge variety of people to its hip, funky, and fun downtown eateries, bars, and social hot spots. I really love my town. Anyhow, in 1999 we officially launched and we have had our services in many locations including a middle school cafetorium, 3 different high school auditoriums, a middle/elementary school gym, a black box theater, a comedy club, and Royal Oak's Music Theater. The latest location we were at for 2 years was Berkley High School where I work. We had a great relationship with the high school and the custodial staff was seriously sad when we left. They really were 'for us' which is a testament to God's power to use personal relationship's to make a path in the desert. In other words a church had a great relationship with a public school. Imagine That?!
Several years ago we had a building campaign called Epicenter in order to raise fund for a building. Our mortar team searched high and low and examined truly "out of the box" of normal options for us to find a permanent location. Properties in Royal Oak are extremely expensive in the downtown area and it felt like it was next to impossible. Perhaps God designed us to be portable? But God was working in the undercurrent. We had to wait and trust. Two years ago, we needed to find some space for some of our groups to meet for a 12-step program and the First Baptist Church of Royal Oak was ready and willing to let the group meet at their church building. The FBCRO was a church that was celebrating their 170th anniversary. They would be having the celebration at their church on Main Street in downtown Royal Oak - where their historical marker lies. Our church staff started meeting with their pastor, Dave Nickels, and as their relationship grew they realized that they both led churches who wanted to do the exact same thing in Royal Oak: make Jesus known, live in community that disciples each other toward richer and deep relationship with Jesus, and be a people who were the hands and feet of Jesus to those who many would turn their noses down upon. Soon after, our offices moved into FBCRO because of our expanding need for space. Finally, we could see that God was moving these two congregations together with the same heart. We had the same charge from God - we looked different though. First Baptist was a traditional community with a traditional building and strong core of people who had been members for more years than most of us cood imagine. One dear lady was a member for over 80 years. She is 96 years old. On the other hand Genesis the church was a non-traditional community with 2 trailers which could move anywhere to set up church. Genesites on average were about 33 years old and had growing families. We couldn't look any more different but our hearts sang the same tune.
Since the time that Pastor Dave announced that he would be retiring from his official position at FBCRO so that he could be a pastor - without the administrative responsiblities. His official retirement would take place at the end of 2009. In his last year of adminsitrative responsiblities, he and the Genesis Staff did something that most people were and still are highly skeptical of - they joined two churches under one name. As of January 1st, 2010, there is now one church meeting at 309 N. Main Street. The legal name is Genesis the Church formerly known at First Baptist Church of Royal Oak. Most will know us as Genesis the Church - we now have 180 years behind us! We know there will be many challenges for us in the future - but where we see mountains - God sees wide open avenues.
I had the pleasure of leading worship our first service on January 3rd. It was a thrill - a mix of what I would called ancient and modern words that glorify God. Our set list was All Creatures of Our God and King, Dwell, Enter This Temple, Not To Us, and Glorious. The church was packed - even the balcony. But more importantly, our congregation was EXCITED - THRILLED - at the opportunity to walk together shoulder-to-shoulder striving toward God's purposes - doing His work - we hope for at least another 180 years. I am confident in this - for He who began a good work - will be faithful to complete.
In the midst of the holidays and moving into our new church the worship leaders, including myself, have been writing new worship music that we will record on January 29th. We are really excited - tired - but excited. We have been rehearsing late into the night. Last night we recorded our demos for the sound engineer. Here is a link to those songs. You will have to select the iDisk Public Folder (Graphite) and then open up the Folder that says 1-15-2010. They are RAW which means there is no editing and no mixing - so they might sound a little bit off at this point - but they will at least give you a glimpse of what will come on the CD. I wrote and am singing lead vocals on "Cry Out of Romans," I'll also sing background vocals on We Are Ready and Glory. I can't wait until the final CD is finished and I can give you a copy! Thanks for letting me catch you up on the latest. Love T
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Request for Emily
Emily, how about taking a picture of your wall with all the family home pictures on it. We would love to see how your creative vision came to fruition.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
The Lennon Sisters
Does anyone think we are about to break into song? The Lennon sisters often hid behind a bush......we utilized these roses in that vein.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Motherhood
Sunday, January 10, 2010
What an amazing week!
I wanted to thank you all for your prayers the last few months for my health and Addison's as well. We could not have made it to 39 weeks without the help of our family! Pete and I feel so blessed that we were given such gifts of love and time away from husbands/work/etc.
Addison is just a picture of health and we could not be happier that our family is finally together after much anticipation. Alaina is adjusting to her new role as "big sister" very well, and likes to tell everyone which things around the house belong to Addy.
A big "thank you" to Emily and Paul for supplying lots of Nana time since Thanksgiving. Also, to Tracy who was "sick" enough to come visit for the birth and to take beautiful pictures to capture the moments together. It is always nice to have Aunt CC around--Alaina gets so excited.
My mom is staying with us this week while Pete gets back to work. The week following my sister is bringing up her computer and will work from our house so that I have help with Alaina. The last week of January, Pete will stay home from work again to give me one more week of healing before I have to try this by myself.
I am feeling better everyday regarding the pain, but still get tired very easily. I'm doing my best to help out with Addison and interact with Alaina without picking her up. That's been difficult on both of us since she doesn't understand why I can't lift her and I want desperately to be active in her day.
Please pray for continued healing, that we continue to have showings on the house, and that we are able to convey to everyone just how grateful we are for the amazing love they show us everyday. Sometimes in families such as ours, where the bonds are so strong, we forget that not everyone is so blessed.
Thank you to everyone again.
Love you all dearly.
Emily Ann
Addison is just a picture of health and we could not be happier that our family is finally together after much anticipation. Alaina is adjusting to her new role as "big sister" very well, and likes to tell everyone which things around the house belong to Addy.
A big "thank you" to Emily and Paul for supplying lots of Nana time since Thanksgiving. Also, to Tracy who was "sick" enough to come visit for the birth and to take beautiful pictures to capture the moments together. It is always nice to have Aunt CC around--Alaina gets so excited.
My mom is staying with us this week while Pete gets back to work. The week following my sister is bringing up her computer and will work from our house so that I have help with Alaina. The last week of January, Pete will stay home from work again to give me one more week of healing before I have to try this by myself.
I am feeling better everyday regarding the pain, but still get tired very easily. I'm doing my best to help out with Addison and interact with Alaina without picking her up. That's been difficult on both of us since she doesn't understand why I can't lift her and I want desperately to be active in her day.
Please pray for continued healing, that we continue to have showings on the house, and that we are able to convey to everyone just how grateful we are for the amazing love they show us everyday. Sometimes in families such as ours, where the bonds are so strong, we forget that not everyone is so blessed.
Thank you to everyone again.
Love you all dearly.
Emily Ann
Thank you
Well, it has been a great week for Faith and I getting back to work and school! We do so much better on a schedule. It has been snowing here for 8-9 days and today is the first day without snow! Yesterday Faith and i visited GG and had a wonderful visit. I helped her take down her christmas decorations and get ready for Valentines day. Faith was a great helper and GG loved to watch Faith hang the window clings in the windows.
I wanted to say thank you to everyone who has posted pictures of Addison and Alaina on the blog i think i can say this for everyone that we ALL enjoy it and it feel a little closer like we are there right along with you. Congrats and gods blessing to you and your family!
It doesn't have to be thanksgiving for me to think about all i am thankful for.....
Faith
My Family
My Friends
Good Health
The smile Faith brings to my face
Listening to Faith sing when she is playing and doesn't know that i can hear her
Have a great week!
I wanted to say thank you to everyone who has posted pictures of Addison and Alaina on the blog i think i can say this for everyone that we ALL enjoy it and it feel a little closer like we are there right along with you. Congrats and gods blessing to you and your family!
It doesn't have to be thanksgiving for me to think about all i am thankful for.....
Faith
My Family
My Friends
Good Health
The smile Faith brings to my face
Listening to Faith sing when she is playing and doesn't know that i can hear her
Have a great week!
Saturday, January 09, 2010
Take hold of my right hand
Before Emily Ann went in for surgery I felt compelled to share this verse with her. I wrote it on a little piece of paper for her to take with her to the hospital. A few days later my friend Mary Grace posted the same verse on her facebook page the day she went in to be induced. She delivered a healthy baby boy. Then, we prayed this verse for one of our clients who is losing her house to foreclosure, has 2 small children and a disabled mother. Anyhow, with the verse "coming up" so often - I thought it might be an encouragement to you too!
Isaiah 41:13
For I am the LORD, your God,
who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;
I will help you.
Thursday, January 07, 2010
Lots going on
Hi Everyone,
Thanks for all of the wonderful comments on the pictures. Aren't the girls beautiful? I have lots more photos but I am going to only post a few each evening. I'll be visiting Pete and Emily mid-January so I'll be able to shoot a new batch then!
I hope to write a longer post in the very near future about another something exciting! My church has moved into its "new to us" permanent location in downtown Royal Oak. It has been very exciting and I can't wait to fill you in on all the details - they are extraordinary in my opinion. That will be for another post though. Also, I will be recording one new song on our church's next cd in just a couple of weeks. I was hoping to record two songs but I just wasn't able to finish all the details yet on a song from Ezekiel 37. If you haven't read this passage I would encourage you to do so - it has become one of my favorites. The song I am recording is titled Cry Out Of Romans. I think this might be one of the best songs that I have written yet. My friend Jonathan is playing the guitar and Carol will be adding in piano. I'll be posting about the process as we move toward January 29th.
On a totally separate note, we had our first decent snow here in Detroit and I was thrilled to use my yooper scooper. I was able to clear the entire drive without breaking a sweat in about 10 minutes. I love my scooper. Even better, a neighbor down the street hooked up a plow to the front of his ATV and plowed the sidewalks up and down our entire block - it was such a gift to come home to after a long day at work! Oh and my Dad was telling me today that there might be snow in Atlanta tomorrow. Since there "might" be snow accumulation up to 1 inch they have cancelled school - of course, he said, there are all of about 10 snow plows in the entire state of Georgia. He he he - Ha ha ha! My students are dying for a snow day but I have assured them - we will have school tomorrow!
Thanks for all of the wonderful comments on the pictures. Aren't the girls beautiful? I have lots more photos but I am going to only post a few each evening. I'll be visiting Pete and Emily mid-January so I'll be able to shoot a new batch then!
I hope to write a longer post in the very near future about another something exciting! My church has moved into its "new to us" permanent location in downtown Royal Oak. It has been very exciting and I can't wait to fill you in on all the details - they are extraordinary in my opinion. That will be for another post though. Also, I will be recording one new song on our church's next cd in just a couple of weeks. I was hoping to record two songs but I just wasn't able to finish all the details yet on a song from Ezekiel 37. If you haven't read this passage I would encourage you to do so - it has become one of my favorites. The song I am recording is titled Cry Out Of Romans. I think this might be one of the best songs that I have written yet. My friend Jonathan is playing the guitar and Carol will be adding in piano. I'll be posting about the process as we move toward January 29th.
On a totally separate note, we had our first decent snow here in Detroit and I was thrilled to use my yooper scooper. I was able to clear the entire drive without breaking a sweat in about 10 minutes. I love my scooper. Even better, a neighbor down the street hooked up a plow to the front of his ATV and plowed the sidewalks up and down our entire block - it was such a gift to come home to after a long day at work! Oh and my Dad was telling me today that there might be snow in Atlanta tomorrow. Since there "might" be snow accumulation up to 1 inch they have cancelled school - of course, he said, there are all of about 10 snow plows in the entire state of Georgia. He he he - Ha ha ha! My students are dying for a snow day but I have assured them - we will have school tomorrow!
Dad, You Woke Me Up!
It has been such a pleasure to watch my younger brother grow up to be a dad. Pete was always a bit on the wild side - he loves adventure. As a kid if Pete was given the choice between safety and adventure he would always choose adventure. Now that he has a family I know he makes the best decisions for his wonderful wife and perfectly precious girls. However, he still doesn't mind the adventure of waking up his girls in the middle of a siesta. Here's a picture to show you how Addison already feels about this!
Double click on this photo to see it up close!
Double click on this photo to see it up close!
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
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