NOT AGAIN!

Isn't if funny how we feel so differently about snow when it comes at the end of January or in February than when it happens at the end of November? One time of the year brings out the "oohs" and the "aaahs" and the other brings out the moans and the groans. Be sure to let us know how you react to yet another snow fall on our weekly poll to the left of the page.

I think what makes it so hard for the Traceys is that there's all this awesome white stuff on the ground and it's TOO COLD to go outside and enjoy it. So, we just try to keep Alyssa otherwise occupied. Someone gave us the idea of bringing the snow in; using a bucket or plastic storage bin to transport it inside so you and your kids can play in it without having to brave the freezing cold. I'll have to try that. And, if you have an idea for making winter time fun even when it's just too cold to go outside...let me know!

Happy Friday! Jill <><

I DID IT!

I know it's still a long way from a 5-K, but I finally did it! Something I haven't done in years if ever...I RAN A WHOLE MILE AT ONCE...without stopping! I know, it's not that big a feat (no pun intended)...but for me this is HUGE! It means that maybe running 3.11 miles is actually achievable. It means I'm not so pathetic after all. Well, unless you look at HOW LONG it took me to run that mile (14:51). But, that's not the point. The point is that I've conquered A WHOLE MILE! YEAH!!!!!!

I now know for sure - ALL things are possible with Jesus!

What victories are you celebrating today? Leave a comment and let us know. Maybe we'll get to read it on the air during Doing Life with the Traceys!

Have a fantastic weekend,

Jill for the Traceys <><

Time really DOES fly

I realized it's been almost two weeks already since Alyssa's birthday and I haven't written anything about her big day. Yes, I've been busy. But, I also think the whole thing is a little emotional for me, you know? I mean, wow, it's amazing how FAST time really DOES FLY! Of course when you're pregnant or taking care of an infant everyone tells you the time will fly. And you know in your head that the years will pass quickly. But in the middle of feedings, diapers, baths, diapers, playing, diapers, sleeplessness, and...diapers - it kind of feels like you will have a baby forever! But then the baby learns to sit up, to crawl, to walk. And, before you know it you're having complete conversations with the tiny toddler in the back seat as you're running errands around town. And then she turns three and you feel like you haven't even had time to blink. A few weeks ago I actually asked Alyssa if she would PLEASE stop growing and she said YES! So, I'm going to try to hold her to that! :)

The party was a lot of fun. Alyssa's family and a couple of friends gathered to wish her a Happy Birthday. She had a cake with Rocket from the Little Einsteins on it...something she was REALLY looking forward to. Grandma bought her and her doll, Millie, matching birthday dress outfits. And, of course, Alyssa received lots of wonderful gifts. It was a precious sight to see this little girl SO EXCITED about having a birthday. I couldn't help but think of the words in the Bible about Mary, the mother of Jesus. They didn't have digital cameras or scrapbooks or videos on DVD back then. But, I love how the Bible takes time to focus on how the Mommy was feeling during all of the incredible events that took place after Jesus' birth. Luke 2:19 says, "Mary quietly treasured these things in her heart and thought about them often." Now there's a true Mommy Moment, huh? I'm so fortunate to have pictures and recordings of the special events in my child's life. And, some day I'll get around to getting them scrapbooked for posterity - some day! But, I will always quietly treasure these things in my heart and think about them often!

Thank You Notes!

Why is it that a simple act of gratitude seems like such a HUGE task to take on? Here we are almost three weeks after Christmas and I haven't even begun to construct my list for Thank You notes. And, it's not like I have hundreds of people to write to. So, why does it seem like an impossible mountain instead of a fun mole hill? I really am so thankful for all of the wonderful gifts our family received this year. And, I really, REALLY want the precious friends and family members who gave them to us to KNOW how thankful I am. And, yet, it still seems like a chore. Like something I HAVE to do rather than a joyful expression of my thankfulness. What is wrong with me?! Am I alone in this? I probably should have used the time I just spent blogging on busting out a few thank you notes, right? I'm thinking time management is my biggest issue here.

I guess part of what makes it seem like a chore is that we just got our Christmas cards out of the way and that was definitely a sprint. And, Alyssa's birthday was on Saturday. So, now I need to add those gifts to the list. OR is it bad form to send a combined thank you for the Christmas Gift AND the Birthday Gift note? Probably so, huh? I guess there's no better way to get it done than to just jump in and get started!

What's your system for getting fun and meaningful thank you notes in the mail in a timely manner? Oh, and while you're here...THANK YOU for reading our blog and THANK YOU for Doing Life with the Traceys!

Lysa TerKeurst of Proverbs 31 Ministries on the Oprah Show

http://lysaterkeurst.blogspot.com/2007/07/oprah-show.html

It's truly an amazing story!

Penn does a little talking

An amazing wake up call from someone who doesn't follow Jesus. But, hopefully, one day he will. Watch this and let us know what you think!

Have a great weekend!

Jeremy and Jill <><

Sinus Trouble

How can one little part of your body cause SO much pain? It all started for me Tuesday evening with some sneezing and a scratchy throat. By Tuesday night I knew I was in trouble. Wednesday morning...no question...I had either a sinus infection or a serious cold. Regardless, my face felt like a Mack Truck had tried to drive through it and every time I coughed or sneezed...well let's just say it wasn't pretty. The Mommy side of me is so concerned that Jeremy will get whatever I've got. And that means that our daughter, Alyssa, is right behind him. And, her birthday is on Saturday! I really don't want my little girl to be sick on her birthday! What Mama would want that? So, I'm doing a lot of kisses on the back of the head so I don't pass on my yucky germs. And, I'm surprised I have any skin left on my hands with all the washing and sanitizing! This morning the plight continues and I'm seeing it as an opportunity to whine a little bit. I know I know, what's new right? Actually, I'm feeling a little bit better and may even be able to trudge into work this afternoon. I wonder if anyone would mind if I show up in my jammies? :)

Seriously, the pain and dizziness are reminding me of something. They're making me think of my dear friend in South Carolina who is battling breast cancer for the second time. The tumor is refusing to shrink this time and is causing chronic daily pain for my sweet girlfriend. And, whenever she tries to treat the pain, her body reacts severely to the pain medication. I'm also reminded of many other friends and family members who face debilitating pain every single day. So, yes, I feel yucky. Yes, my face and head ache. Yes, it's OK to whine and let my husband go out for soup from Panera to make me feel better. But, I'm also reminded of the gift of my health the other 90 percent of the year. Usually I can jump up and do whatever I want to do. I'm training for my first 5K and it's actually something I have the ability (if not yet the endurance) to do. Usually I can walk around my house getting things done without feeling dizzy and lightheaded. Usually. So, while I'm really looking forward to the return of "normal", I'm also thanking God that I have a "normal" to return to. How about you?

Have a healthy day!!!! Jill <><

Happy New Year

Looking ahead to a new year is even more exciting through the eyes of a child don't you think? We were so fortunate to ring in the New Year with our friends the Davises and the Fruendts and their adorable kiddoes. We feasted on pizza, wings, appetizers, cookies, and an assortment of leftover Christmas goodies. Basically everything that's bad for you - Yummy! I think the sugar overload helped all the little ones stay up until Midnight. :) My favorite part of the evening had to be when we turned on the TV at about 11:58 to watch the ball drop in Times Square. All the kids and adults got involved in the 10 second countdown. Then the three year olds toasted each other with sparkling Apple Juice in their sippy cups. They were actually saying, "Cheers!" So cute! They may not have known what the excitement was all about but they were excited nonetheless! Just seeing the glow of fun in their eyes was a great start to 2009 for all of the adults. How can anything in the world be wrong when pre-schoolers are having a party? We hope the New Year has started well for you and that maybe there's a little hint of child-like anticipation for what God will do in 2009 in your home! God bless you!!!