Doing Life with the Traceys

Change has Arrived!

2011-08-23T08:49:00.000-05:00

Hello Friends!

We're so proud to announce the brand new web site for Doing Life with the Traceys. You can find it at www.doinglifewiththetraceys.org or by going to the 91.5 WCIC site at www.wcicfm.org, clicking "on the air" and then choosing Doing Life with the Traceys in the drop-down menu.

With the unveiling of the new site, we are transferring this blog to the brand new blog on the new site. So, you will no longer see updates on this blog.

We'll be chatting with you about about family life, show stuff like articles and interesting links, and other fun things. I really hope you'll join us on the new site. One other cool thing...on the new site you'll find out about blog-only giveaways, so be sure to subscribe to follow the blog and site updates!

Thanks for Doing Life with us on blogspot and we'll see you at www.doinglifewiththetraceys.org!

Jeremy and Jill

The winds of change are a-blowin' :)

2011-07-29T13:30:00.000-05:00

Hey, Everyone!

I'm so excited to say that change is on the way! I know the posts have been rather infrequent lately, but some big things are in the works. Please stay tuned for more updates!

In the meantime, have a great weekend! LOVE!

Freedom is never, EVER, free!

2011-07-01T16:10:00.001-05:00

"Oooooh!"
"AAAAAaaaaaah!"

Are ya ready for the Fireworks? The Traceys sure are. Happy 4th of July to you!

As we gear up for the Holiday festivities, I was thinking about the old saying, "Freedom is never free!" I love that and it always comes to mind at times like this. Freedom really is never free whether we're talking about the freedoms we experience in this incredible country of ours or the eternal freedom we have because of what Jesus did for us 2,000 years ago.

The free gift of God's grace makes all of us right with him. Christ Jesus paid the price to set us free. ~ Romans 3:24 (NIRV)

No, the liberty we have in this country to live where we want to live, say what we want to say, do what we want to do, and worship in they way we choose did not come freely. Those freedoms have been bought and continue to be paid for by the sacrifice of the men and women of our nation's military. If you are now serving or have ever served our country in this way, THANK YOU! Your sacrifice means so much for the rest of us. And, thank you to the military families as well.

Just as our civic freedoms have been purchased by someone else's sacrifice, our eternal freedom has been paid for us. But, the good news continues...this freedom is paid in full! When Jesus gave up His life as the payment for all of our wrongs, He took care of the check for the rest of ALL TIME! Now there's something to "ooh" and "aah" about.

Is this freedom something you can enjoy? Do you have questions about all this Jesus stuff? We'd love to chat with you. Just leave a comment on today's post. And, have a great Independence Day!

Caribbean Dreamin'

2011-06-29T10:01:00.001-05:00

Our daughter, Alyssa, posing on an island in the Caribbean

I LOVE days like today and yesterday. The sky is SO blue. The breeze is JUST right. The sun is warm but gentle and the birds' songs are melodious. You would think I'd love for the weather to be like this all the time. Well of course I would, there's just one problem...I can't get anything DONE! Are ya feelin' me? Every thirty seconds I stop typing, researching, show-prepping, or whatever, and just stare out the window at this picture perfect day.

There's nothing at all to complain about, I guess I'm just wondering if it's OK to daydream off and on throughout the workday because I've been revisiting the island in the Caribbean Jeremy, Alyssa, and I got to enjoy in February on our big family vacation. This weather puts me right back there and I want to start looking for some seashells and building a sand castle. Anybody wanna join me? We'll just be gone for a few minutes and then it's back to work.

What's your favorite thing to do on a day like today?

Getting past "fine", "nothing", & "I don't know"

2011-06-21T12:49:00.004-05:00

I've noticed a pattern already when it comes to asking my 5-year-old about her day. In fact, I heard it again just a few minutes ago. I had called my mom after Vacation Bible School pick-up to see how Alyssa enjoyed the second day.

"What was the best part of the morning?" I asked expectantly.

"Right now, being with Grandma!" She bounced back.

"Oh, that's great! And, what was the best part of VBS?"

"Right n- OH! (giggles) Um...doing the verse (for her teacher)."

Did you catch it? I've been hearing it a lot lately. At dinner when I ask what was the best part of her day she'll shout out, "Right now!" We've always responded with "Aw"'s and "That's so sweet"'s. But, I'm on to her. "Right Now!" is her version of "fine", "nothing", and/or "I don't know". Aaaack! Aren't these a parent's most dreaded responses? And, isn't she a little young to have a pat answer?

So, I need to put a little more work into getting some real answers from my little girl. Here are some questions I think might mix things up a bit:

What story did the teacher tell in class today?

Did you have broccoli and spinach for snack?

What was your favorite song during music time?

I'll be adding more to my repertoire as I go along. But, I'm determined to get the real AND the full story from my daughter. I truly want to connect with her and find out what's going on in her beautiful little head and heart.

What gets your kids talking in the car or at the dinner table?

Random Fun Facts for a Friday...and a Random Giveaway!

2011-06-10T12:12:00.002-05:00

Today work started, like most days, with a post on facebook. It was a Random Fun Fact I'd found on my eNewsletter from BabyCenter.com: Did you know that butterflies have about 1,200 eyes? But they're clustered together, so they kind of look like one big eye. Just a little randomness for a Friday. Well, right away three or four friends commented with their own fun facts and that's when the lightbulb went off. How about a Random Fun Fact for Friday Random Giveaway?! Yeah, it's a long title, but it just came to me!

I'm sure you have some Random Fun Fact stored in that incredible brain of yours. Here's you chance to let it out to shine, baby! Share your Random Fun Fact as a comment on this blog post and you could win. What's the prize? We'll draw a few winners at random and send them, well, a random prize. Could be a T-Shirt, could be a CD...could be TICKETS to Faith and Family Night with the Peoria Chiefs, Lincoln Brewster, and this year's Opening Act winner. I'm just saying...it COULD be. But, you'll never know until you win. And, you'll never win until you comment on this post with your favorite Random Fun Fact. Make sure you include an email address in your comment so I can contact you if you win.

We'll post the Radom Winners Monday morning right here on the blog. Happy Weekend!

Best feeling in the world!

2011-06-09T10:16:00.003-05:00

I used to think the best feelings came from the thrill of riding a roller coaster or the heart pangs of the beginning stages of infatuation. But, I had no idea what was waiting for me as a Mommy! This morning as I dropped off my five year old at Grandma's house, I experienced one of the most incredible moments of my life.

I was getting into the car to leave and Alyssa said, "Mommy, I'll help you close the door!" She pushed the door closed and pressed her little face up against my window and yelled through the closed pane, "I love you!" Her eyes twinkled, her little nose crinkled and she smiled that smile that only comes from a truly happy little heart. Then she blew me several kisses one right after the other. And then she was gone. And I was flying high!

Knowing how much my girl loves me and how happy she is tells me three things:

She knows she is loved by her Mommy and Daddy

She knows her Mommy and Daddy love each other

She knows she is loved by God

I mean, think about it, aren't these the three things it all really comes down to? Aren't these the things that make a child feel confident and secure? And then, knowing these three important things, a child can be truly happy. I know I know, it's a lot to take away from one little moment. And, yes, of course, a child can feel confident and secure in a single parent home as well. But somehow this morning that brief interaction spoke volumes to my heart and encouraged me in a way few others have!

Tell me about a favorite moment you've shared with one of your kids or a loved one recently. What did it speak to your heart?

Last Day of School!

2011-05-18T10:50:00.005-05:00

Alyssa at 2 1/2 when she started at Redeemer

They say the first day of school is so hard for the Mommies. They're lying. The first day of school is exciting, happy, new! The LAST day of school is the one that's emotional!!

Alyssa on the 1st day of Pre-K this yr

(SIGH) I just dropped off Alyssa for her very last day of preschool and childcare and I can't keep from tearing up just a little. It's amazing to ponder all of the changes she's experienced in the almost three years we've been at Redeemer Lutheran in Peoria. She's learned to use the potty all by herself (for the most part...but we won't go there). She's learned her letters, her numbers, her colors, and how to listen to the teacher. She's transformed from not-so-sure-about-this-place to completely confident and ready for anything. She no longer uses a stroller, a bib, or a booster seat at the dinner table. So many phases and stages have come and gone in this short time. It's definitely the end of a chapter for the Traceys. We no longer have a little girl in the house. She's departed forever and has been replaced by a beautiful, smart, and hilarious big girl who's all ready for Kindergarten. I just want to know why no one waits for Mommy to be ready. Yeah, yeah, it's a good thing. It's the way of life. Kids are supposed to grow. And, I do look forward to the next big adventure. But, I won't hide it, this is emotional! I'll probably shed a tear or two at graduation tonight. (I'm sure I won't be the only one!) Then, I'll squeeze my sweetie and try to hold on to this age for as long as I can. That is, until she says, "Too tight, Mommy, too tight!"

Thank you to all the teachers, aides, helpers, and staff of Redeemer Lutheran Preschool and Childcare for three wonderful years. We love you!

a FREE Resource & the winner of a "Child-Like-Fun" prize

2011-05-17T10:31:00.006-05:00

Congratulations to melissaH! Melissa, thanks for posting what brings out your inner child. We've got a Child-Like-Fun prize pack for ya including a 91.5 WCIC t-shirt, portable picnic blanket, and a CD. Just email me at jill@wcicfm.org with your shirt size (Adult S-3X) and your mailing address. And, again, congratulations!

How about something else FREE? If you're looking for some encouragement and practical advice for your family in just about every area, you're not alone! Jeremy and I are always looking for some good, solid help and guess what? I just signed up to receive a F.R.E.E. subscription (yes, FREE) to Thriving Family, a bi-monthly magazine published by Focus on the Family. I'd picked up a sample issue this year at the Hearts at Home Conference for Moms in Bloomington and was very impressed. There were articles based on your child's age and what you might be facing, marriage issues, managing money, and more. Very practical and very positive! You can get a free subscription as well. Click on this link for all the info: http://www.thrivingfamily.com/Additions/subscribe-to-thriving-family-magazine.aspx.

I called the toll free number to order my free subscription and didn't have to give anything but my name and address. It looks like if you order on-line, you will have to provide your credit card numbers, but won't be charged anything. Thanks again for all the great posts and enjoy the free mag!

So, what's your favorite parenting or marriage resource? Share it with us in a comment!

So many distractions!

2011-05-11T10:33:00.002-05:00

Hi! First a quick reminder...make sure to post a comment on yesterday's blog entry (5.10.11) to be in the running for a fun prize. Tell us what helps you bring out your inner child!

Today I want to share a quote that's really got me thinking. Stormie Omartian, author of The Power of a Praying Parent says:

There is so much in the world to divert our children's attention away from the things of God, and the Devil will come to each child with his agenda and plan to see if they will buy into it. But when we do our part to teach, instruct, discipline, and train our children in the ways of God, then our children will develop a hunger for the things of God.

This is challenging, convicting, and a little puzzling. How do you know for sure if your child is just being a five-year-old and getting really excited about a new passion in life (Star Wars and the Stars Wars Lego game on XBox360) or if the enemy is presenting a temptation to your child to keep her away from the things of God? We don't let Alyssa play video games every day. She plays on the weekend and for a limited amount of time. And, we try to keep her changing the games so it's not always the same one. We read the Bible together as a family. We pray together. We talk about the things of God throughout the day. Still, Stars Wars and that Star Wars Lego game seem to be on Alyssa's mind A LOT! She loves talking about Star Wars, acting it out in the car, playing the game when she's allowed, and now wants to find books at the library about...you guessed it...Star Wars.

So here's the dilemma...do we again shorten the time she's allowed to play? Do we take it away altogether for fear that it's becoming an obsession? Or do we keep on as we have been; allowing her to play for a limited time on the weekends only while making sure she's getting outside to play, ride her bike, etc.? My fear, if we take the game away completely, is that we'd be setting her up to resent us in later years. I mean, we can't remove everything she seems to have a passion for in life that's outside the "Christian Bubble", can we? What if the obsession becomes gymnastics, dance, or horse riding? Am I only afraid of this particular phase because it has to do with so often demonized video game industry?

Another question that comes to mind is, can we use this current interest to draw her nearer to God? We've already talked with her about how "The Force" is a mythical thing but that we, as followers of Jesus, do have a "force" within us that is called the Holy Spirit. A force that guides us to make the right choices and allows us to know more of God. We've talked about how God talks to her through His spirit, helping her make decisions in tough situations, like choosing to stay in bed during nap time even if Mommy's sleeping in the next room and won't hear her walking around.

I feel like we're doing a decent job exposing Alyssa to the things of God every day. But, I don't want to ignore an area that could potentially draw her away from those very things. This is where the hard stuff begins, I do believe.

So, what do you think? Have you faced a similar issue? How did you handle it? And, how do you help your child(ren) develop a hunger for the things of God?

Oh, to enjoy life like a kid again!

2011-05-10T10:27:00.000-05:00

Do you remember losing yourself in having fun? I loved that about being a kid. And, I love to see it in my five year old. When exactly do we decide to enjoy life a little less? To hold back the pure bliss of riding around town with the windows down? Sad, really. I want to help my daughter hold on to that excitement for life as long as she can! So, tell us, how do you bring out your inner child? Comment on this post for a chance to win a 91.5 WCIC t-shirt, a portable blanket great for summer picnics, and a CD from one of the artists you hear on the station! Dig deep and find that zeal once again!

The Traceys Ditched Bedtime!

2011-05-04T10:22:00.000-05:00

So last night we were planning on heading home, getting Alyssa to bed on time, and then settling in to watch "Makeover Week" on The Biggest Loser. But then Jeremy got a text from Mike Weaver of Big Daddy Weave. He said he'd heard a rumor that we might be coming out for their concert at Crossroads United Methodist Church in Washington and was hoping he'd get to hang out with us a bit. Well, Jeremy and Mike always have a lot of fun when they get together, so my first instinct was to say yes. Of course, who wouldn't want to see BDW, Chris Sligh, AND Luminate? Crossroads always puts on a GREAT show and the people are so friendly (they gave Alyssa pizza and cookies last night which makes them rock stars in her mind). Plus, it would be something different. GOING OUT ON A SCHOOL NIGHT? We almost never do that, at least not all three of us together. By the time we get off work, pick up Alyssa, get home, and have dinner together, it's usually time for her to head off to bed. So, the thought of breaking the routine for just one night was more than intriguing. After a few minutes of debate back and forth we decided to go for it!

And, we are SO GLAD WE DID! Jeremy and Mike got to hang out quite a bit and they were having a great time laughing, trading stories, and looking up funny stuff on the iPhone (I know, surprise with iPhone, right?). They even recorded a short video together which Jeremy will post soon. Alyssa loved the fact that not only did she get to meet Mr. Mike, but then he sat with us, and then she got to hear him sing!

All three artists were terrific. Luminate is very young but extremely talented. I look forward to more great stuff from them. Jeremy loved the lead singer's vulnerability about the fears he faces in life. Chris Sligh...in a word...HILARIOUS. The singing was good, too. And of course, Big Daddy Weave, one of my all time faves. They never disappoint. The energy and professionalism combined with the heart and 'relatability' (I think I just made up a word) is matched by very few artists. They are simply incredible and I am always amazed by the fact that they sound live exactly the way they do on the radio. Just a little louder. :)

The highlight of the night, though, came when Mike Weaver was sharing about the needs of so many kids around the world for even the simplest necessities. He talked about visiting some children in Ecuador and how full of life and smiles and dreams they were. His passion for helping these kids in Jesus' name was tangible and Alyssa felt it big time. When he asked for folks to raise their hands if they wanted to sponsor a child through World Vision, I thought she was going to rip my arm off trying to raise it. She looked at me as if to say, "Mommy, why aren't you raising your hand? We have to help the children!" So, Jeremy and I had a brief on-the-spot conference and decided it was time for Alyssa to choose her own child to sponsor in a developing nation. At the World Vision table in the foyer we found a picture of little 5-year-old Bilihehe from Tanzania. She's just 15 days younger than Alyssa. She was definitely the one. In fact, she was the only child I saw on the table who was even born in 2006. God's hands were all over this and the most precious memory of the evening was seeing Him work in my little tired girl's heart, sparking a huge desire within her to help others. She talked about Bilihehe and Mr. Mike all the way home. Well, until she fell asleep. Plus, she was so excited to find out she was able to pick out one of Big Daddy Weave's CDs as a gift for signing up as a sponsor last night. Double Score!

So, the takeaway? Sometimes ditching bedtime can be a good thing. A really good thing!

Doing Life With Alyssa

2011-04-12T21:24:00.002-05:00

We thought we'd share some of our past Saturday morning with you. Check out Alyssa checking herself out in the iPhone! :)

Do YOU remember?

2011-04-05T17:02:00.000-05:00

Jeremy's friend, Dave Renfrow, sent him the link to a blog that's all about remembering the great stuff from the 80's and early 90's and WOW has it got us remembering! What's your favorite memory from that time period? Or, better yet, do you still have a memento? Take a picture of yourself holding it and you could win a prize. And, no, it won't be something from the 80's or early 90's! Just post your photo here or on the Doing Life with the Traceys page on Facebook. In the meantime, have a smurfy day!

Oh, yeah, here's the link to the I'm Remembering blog!

http://imremembering.com/

A Peorian on Czech Superstar!

2011-03-31T15:28:00.000-06:00

We just had to share with you the incredible talent we were made aware of today that's representing central Illinois halfway around the world! Nancy Klopfenstein of Peoria talked with us on the phone this afternoon about her grandson, Noah Ellenwood. Noah lives in Eastern Europe with his parents, Mel and Amy (Nancy's daughter) who are missionaries with an organization called Josiah Venture. And, Noah is also in the top 16 in Czechoslovakia's version of American Idol, called Czech Superstar. "Check" out his awesome talent:

It's easy to see why Nancy is so proud of her 15 year old grandson! She's also super proud of her daughter and son-in-law who are among 200 missionaries working in 11 countries to share the love of Jesus in an area where 1/2 of 1% of the population are Christians!

A great quote for a Friday

2011-03-25T09:07:00.000-06:00

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms. ~ Ephesians 1:17-20

My wish for you is that God's power will be what gives you strength as we enter the weekend. Whether your challenge is weight loss, family conflict, or a health issue, that power can get you through, my friend. I'm seeing this in my weight loss journey (join me for more on this at www.tellmeitsnottoolate.blogspot.com) and Jeremy's seeing it as he travels through the reality of being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. So, we're confident that His power will give you strength in whatever you're facing today. I'm not saying it will remove the struggle. Oh, how I wish that would happen. But, as we endure the pain and the heartache, His power helps us to NOT surrender to the grief, the hardship, or the just plain yuckiness! Thank you, Jesus!

I really hope these words from the Bible bring you some peace and brightness especially if you're having a dreary day, regardless of the ever changing weather!

Let your voice be heard!

2011-03-15T10:13:00.000-06:00

Well, I'm experiencing something lately I usually never have issues with. Since Friday night I've been practically speechless! Not because I can't think of anything to say, but because of a sinus infection. I've lost my voice! And, wow, you never realize how much you rely on something until it's gone, huh?

I'm a talker. It's my vocation and my style. I could talk all day and all night and still have more to say. Now, I realize I waste a lot of words. I say a lot of stuff that's not worth saying and to which probably nobody really listens. But, I really depend on my voice. REALLY! How frustrating to try to ask my daughter what she wants for breakfast when she can't understand what I'm squeaking about. I even tried drawing a waffle and a fried egg so she could choose between the two and, let's just say she thought I was giving her a choice between a waffle and a cowboy hat. Ha! (This would certainly be easier if she could read!) But, the real challenge comes when you have to venture out into the world without the ability to make yourself heard. I have a deeper appreciation for those who, for whatever reason, know this struggle as a way of life, permanently.

This world is wired for sound and if you can't make one, you're at a serious disadvantage. I'm sure with the invention of the internet, blogging, and social networks like Facebook things have become a little better. But, going to the post office and trying to tell the attendant that you'd like to purchase the mailer, mail your package, and buy two books of forever stamps...not having a voice presents a problem. And, the funny thing is the quieter you speak the louder the other person tends to shout back at you. At one point the attendant even showed her frustration by saying, "YOU'RE SO SOFT SPOKEN!" I know she didn't mean it to come across the way it did but she seemed to be saying, "Your lack of volume is an inconvenience for me!" I pointed to my throat and squeaked out that I had lost my voice and her attitude changed completely but I was left wondering what it would be like to face this kind of attitude on a daily basis. It must get really old walking up to cash registers or bank teller counters or just about anywhere that requires you to speak and have to point or write a note to communicate. Hopefully most people understand and are able to show compassion and patience. But, I'm sure there are always THE ONES who make things awkward. The ones who seem to be just a little put out at having to take a little extra time to understand and help. You'd probably have to learn who understands you best everywhere you go. Maybe you get used to it, but there would always be that extra step, especially when you go somewhere new.

I tell ya, I'm convicted and challenged to help make folks with any medical disability feel completely at home when I meet them or find myself dealing with them in any way. If losing my voice can make me feel like an outsider, I can't imagine dealing with what some folks deal with day in and day out. I guess I should thank God for giving me this experience so I can have more empathy and, hopefully, His eyes and ears for things like this in the future! And, I know I am going to DEFINITELY thank God for the return of my speaking voice. Which, hopefully, will be by 1pm today when I'm slated to be on-air with Jeremy for 91.5 WCIC's Spring Fund Raiser, Sharathon. (Please Pray!!)

At any rate, I'm so glad Jeremy and I have worked over the past 5 years on different ways of communicating "I LOVE YOU" to our sweet daughter. She knows the sign for it and we love to point to our eyes for "I", our hearts for "LOVE", and point to the other person for "YOU!" Her Great Grandfather Tracey did that during his final days on this earth when he was hospital-bed-bound. No matter what pain he was suffering and how hard it was for him to speak, he would always smile with his eyes and do his own version of sign language to let us know that he loved us so much. Now, there's letting your voice be heard! I hope I will always shout LOVE out to the people around me, whether they can "hear" me or not!

A chance to sing!

2011-03-10T10:44:00.004-06:00

OK, so, the weirdest but coolest thing happened to me yesterday and it all started in a bathroom stall at Panera, West Lake in Peoria. Yes, a bathroom stall. I was sitting down and, well, you know...and the lady in the stall next to me starts singing! It was pretty singing and it was even a song about Jesus, but I was a little put off at first. I remember thinking, "Kind of a strange place to burst into a praise song, but hey, I guess I'll just enjoy it." Then, a woman standing at the sink joined in with the first woman and started singing harmony. At that point I'm thinking, "OK, I'll just finish up and get out so they can continue their little worship session uninterrupted." But then the really strange thing happened. I felt a strong urging in my brain and a tugging in my heart. It wasn't an audible voice, but it was clear. It said, "Start singing with them!" I almost laughed out loud. What?! Hello, I'm sitting on a toilet! And, besides I don't know that they even want to make their duet into a trio! But then it came again. Very clearly. "Start singing with them!" I was about to ignore the "voice" when another thought took hold of me. How often do I get a chance to just start singing with total strangers who also apparently are in love with an incredible Savior? If you're going to have something in common with someone you don't even know, that's a great thing to have in common, right? Why not sing praises to Jesus with these women with the beautiful voices? So, I stepped out of the stall and toward the sink where they had gathered and were still singing. One of them apparently worked at Panera and was putting on an apron and seemed to be preparing for her work shift. They stopped singing briefly when they saw me coming and made room at the sink so I could wash my hands. I almost backed down at that point thinking, "Well, they've stopped, oh well!" But, instead I heard myself say out loud, "I LOVE your singing. You have really got me going for my morning!" That was all the encouragement they needed and they started singing again. And, yes, I joined in. Yes, I did! There we were, three believers joined for 30 seconds to a minute in that intimate bond of worship. As I sang with them their smiles grew to unbelievable sizes and their singing grew louder and more beautiful. It was as if they were saying, "Yeah, yeah, yeah! Let's keep going!" Finally I asked them, "Did you make up this song?" They said no; it was a song they sing in their praise band at church. Of course that prompted my next question, "Where do you go to church?" They beamed and said, "Gospel Experience!" Now, that sounds like a fantastic place, doesn't it? As I wished them a wonderful day and walked back to my table, I felt as if I were floating. My day was truly lifted by that impromptu praise session with these women whose names I don't even know. And, as I sat down to dive into my Bible Study (my reason for being at Panera yesterday morning), I continued to fly high as what I read on the pages in front of me totally related to what had just happened. My friends and I are going through a devotional on John, the disciple who was basically Jesus' BFF during his time on earth as a human. But, today, the focus was on Peter and his reaction to seeing Jesus when he appeared to them on the shore of the Sea of Galilee after He had risen from the dead. After the whole ordeal of them going fishing, not catching anything, then this stranger showing up and telling them to fish on the other side of the boat and they had so many fish they could barely haul it in, John realizes and tells his friends, "That's Jesus!" Well, that's all Peter needed to hear. He jumps into the sea and swims, walks, and runs as fast as He can to get to His Lord! Beth Moore comments in the devotional that this is the reaction she always wants to have to Jesus. She doesn't care if she looks like a fool, she always wants to run to Him! Isn't that perfect? At first I thought singing in the ladies' room at Panera was a little foolish, but I believe God's spirit in me recognized Jesus in that place and wanted me to dive in and do whatever it took to be with Him. Do I always follow these nudges in moments like these? Sadly, no. But, I'm so glad I did yesterday and I hope I will in the future, no matter where I am!

And the winners are...

2011-03-07T17:34:00.000-06:00

Congratulations to Abbie Johnson, Chris, and Ken for winning a copy of Living with Less so your Family has More from Jill and Mark Savage! Thanks so much to everyone for posting such thoughtful comments on the things you ARE giving up, HAVE given up, or NEED TO give up in order to give your family more time, attention, fun, and peace. We can all use that, right?

Living with less really can mean MORE for your family!

2011-03-06T11:18:00.001-06:00

Another fantastic in-studio visit with the awesome Jill Savage of Hearts at Home. This past Wednesday Jill stopped by to talk about how giving up things, activities, and even money can mean MORE for your family. More time, more family togetherness, and more PEACE in your home. I especially appreciated what Jill said when Jeremy asked her how you can know that you really are too busy. Without missing a beat, Jill answered right away, "When the things that are important to you aren't happening. Like family meals...". Talk about hitting home!! The Traceys are definitely seeing the benefit of giving up activities, eating out, and buying stuff in order to actually have MORE for our little family! What have you given up so that your family can have MORE? Or, what do you need to give up ASAP? Let us know in a comment on this blog post and you could win a copy of the book, "Living with Less so your Family can have More" by Jill and her husband, Mark Savage. (Make sure to add an email address in your comment so I can contact you if you win!) Hurry! The winners will be posted tomorrow (Monday, March 7) at 5pm. Oh, and check out info on Jill Savage and the Hearts at Home National Conference for Moms at www.heartsathome.org

The LOVE-ly winners...

2011-02-11T18:01:00.001-06:00

Congratulations to the winners of the three books courtesy of Jill Savage and Hearts at Home. Melanie is the winner of Real Moms Real Jesus. My Heart's at Home goes to Jamie A. And, Living with Less so your Family has More was won by kwood. Yeah! Ya gotta LOVE gettin' something for free, right? Melanie, Jamie A, and kwood, please contact us with your address. You can send the information directly to Jessie Browning, 91.5 WCIC's incredible Promotions Director, at jessie@wcicfm.org.

Hey, have a wonderful Valentine's Day. Jeremy and I have next week off for a little vacay time, so we'll check in with you later! LOVE!

Gotta love LOVE!

2011-02-11T10:58:00.000-06:00

Aw, don'tcha just love LOVE? You know that we do. Look at the multitude of chick flicks that come out every year, mostly with the same theme. Guy meets girl. Girl is already in a relationship with some jerk. Guy shows extreme self-sacrifice and a combination of strength, humor, and humility. Jerky guy crosses some line and Girl opens her eyes. But, she appears to be too late. No, wait, she's NOT too late. Girl and Guy finally find a lifetime of happiness and perfection in each other's arms. (SIGH) Isn't that just the way it happens in real life? Ha! BUT..we love those love stories.

So, why is it that we can love the love stories but forget to show real expressions of love on a daily (or at least a regular) basis? I don't know about you but I get so wrapped up in the everyday stuff that I neglect to show my extraordinary hubby exactly how much I adore him. Sad, right? But, it's reality. That's why I love Valentine's Day. Sure, it's full of commercialism but it IS a good reminder to slow down and take the time if even for just one day to focus on loving our loves! If only Valentine's Day would happen once a month. I know, I know, that's what date nights are for. But when EVERYONE else around you is talking about it and making plans, it's a whole lot easier to force yourself to make the effort. Let's hear it for peer pressure! Only the positive kind, of course!

Maybe you're a whole lot better at this daily (or at least regular) expression of love thing than I am. Here's your chance to show off. Leave a comment on this blog post. Let me know what you do routinely to express sweet love to your spouse or special someone. And, it just might mean a gift for you to give yourself or your Valentine this year. The FABULOUS Jill Savage (founder of Hearts at Home) has given us three of her most popular books and your comment could win you one of them. The titles included are Real Moms, Real Jesus (LOVE this one, my Bible Study group went through it last Spring - just what I needed), Living with Less so you Family has More(Co-Authored by Mark Savage) - can't wait to go through this one with Jeremy, and My Heart's at Home. You can learn more about Jill at www.jillsavage.org or www.heartsathome.org. She and the ladies at Hearts at Home are AWESOME!

Time is of the essence here...we'll do a random drawing from all the names of commenters on this post and let ya know who won by 6pm today!

LOVE to you and yours and have a LOVE-ly weekend! :)

Sometimes a song can say it all...

2011-02-07T13:22:00.001-06:00

I can remember hearing the song "Candle in the Rain" by David Meece the summer before I started Bible College back in Renaissance times. Seriously, it was quite a while ago...we're talking the fall of 1988 - maybe you weren't even born yet. There's a good chance that's true.

Anywho...I had never really heard contemporary Christian music before (besides listening to the occasional Amy Grant album at my friend Heather's house during jr. high and high school) and this was like a breath of fresh air. A song that wasn't a hymn, that was more like something I would hear on the radio. And, that song perfectly described the way a relationship with Jesus could be. I remember my eyes instantly filling with tears and the constant requests of my roommate to put that cassette tape back in her cool boom-box-stereo-thingy. I was simply amazed. When did this type of music come to be? Little did I know back then when everything was still in black and white that one day I'd be working in the Christian music industry. God works things out, doesn't He?

So, how about you? What song has had a life-changing impact on you? Maybe it was the song that got you through a painful divorce, the death of a loved one, or a serious and scary medical journey. We want to hear your story. Tell us how a song you've heard recently on 91.5 WCIC has been THE song for you and you might be a part of our audio-visual promotional pieces for Sharathon, our Spring Fundraiser. And, those chosen will receive a special “Thank You” gift including some cool station gear, a travel mug, a wireless mouse, and a couple of CDs!

Leave your story here as a comment or on the Doing Life with the Traceys page on Facebook. And, thanks for sharing the music!!!

And the winners are...

2011-02-04T17:39:00.000-06:00

Congratulations to Pam and Taryn. You've both won a copy of the CD "Sunny Day" by Kid's Music extraordinare, Julie K! And, we're with you, can't WAIT for Spring!

So, Pam and Taryn, I just need you both to contact me at jill@wcicfm.org with your mailing address for the CD! Yeah!

Happy Sunny Thoughts for the weekend!!!

We could use a Sunny Day right about now!

2011-02-01T09:31:00.000-06:00

OK, as we're busy preparing for the snow storm of the century, what my husband has dubbed "Snow-maggedon", I think we need to take a moment to dream of the future. Just a few seconds to ponder the fact that in about 6 weeks or so this blizzard will be a distant memory and we'll be looking forward to spending time outside doing something besides shoveling and FREEZING! We'll be actually pausing to look at the displays of shorts and t-shirts at all the department stores without laughing at the thought of actually WEARING them. Can you picture it? NO? Well, we'd like to help!

Kids' Music extraordinaire, Julie K, has kindly provided the Traceys with several copies of her awesome CD, Sunny Day. I tell ya, popping this puppy in the CD player will have you and your kiddos dreaming of running, playing, biking, and going to the ZOO...all OUTSIDE. Yes, really! You'll even start looking forward to seeing a swarm of bumblebees! It's a fun CD that's designed for kids but will have the adults singing along as well. So, it's time for a giveaway to get us believing Spring will actually come this year!

Here's all you need to do: Reply to this post with a comment about a Sunny Day. It can be about what you can't wait to do this Spring or Summer. It can be wistful thoughts about the lack of snow. It can be a haiku about warmer weather. Just make us forget about what's really going on outside...if even for a few seconds. The folks with the most creative posts will receive a copy of "Sunny Day" by Julie K to help get you through the coldest days this winter!

I'll announce the winners by this Friday at 5 pm, so get those creative juices flowing. Oh, and don't forget to shovel the driveway! (I know, UGH!)

Did you do donuts?

2011-01-25T12:52:00.001-06:00

Last night I was leaving the radio station and drove by Arby's which was apparently suffering a little downtime because the entire parking lot was empty. Except for one car. One car was slipping and sliding around in circles, getting dangerously close to crashing into a light pole at times. And, just like that, I was transported back to my youth. I can remember getting my friends together to go do donuts in a deserted school lot. We would have been in SO MUCH TROUBLE if we had been caught by a school administrator, or the police, or especially our parents. It was irresponsible. It was disrespectful of school property. It was dangerous. So, why did we do it? It was FUN!

I know. That's not a good excuse. I should have followed the rules. I should have been more careful. Seriously, I should have. If you're a minor and reading this, DO NOT take my admission to doing donuts as an excuse to do them yourself, because I really could have been hurt, along with the way too many friends packed into the car with me.

But, I'm reminded that there's something to be said for having FUN! In my adult world with my lists of to-dos and my responsibilities and all my rushing around, I forget to take time to just have FUN! How about you? Now, I'm not saying we should go out and do donuts and possibly harm ourselves, our cars, or someone else's property. But, I do think we should go sledding, have a snowball fight, or take a midnight walk in the snow. Who knows, maybe we'll start celebrating like our kids do when we hear reports of yet ANOTHER snow storm heading our way. Maybe.

So, here's my challenge to myself and to you, if you're willing to accept. Let's get outside and do something, anything, fun this week. Just a few minutes of not accomplishing anything but the enjoyment of the cold, the snow, and spending time with our friends or loved ones.

Hmm...who will reply 1st with what you've done after reading this blog entry? Let's just say a comment might be well worth your effort! ;)

WATCH OUT WORLD...My child is a creative genius!

2011-01-21T11:00:00.001-06:00

Yesterday I attended Alyssa's pre-K parent-teacher conference and I tell ya, when you hear from a teacher how creative your child is, you can feel like you're raising the next best-selling author or world-renowned artist. I knew Alyssa was doing pretty well with her letters and numbers. But, like all her classmates, there's always a few that she gets stuck on. So, I'll be working more with the flashcards, helping her keep it fresh in her mind. But, when Mrs. Neal launched into a description of how well Alyssa's doing with her drawing, I couldn't help but swell with pride, just a little. I know Jesus gave her the talent, but she's MY KID, right?! Then I learned that one of the skills they work on during this year is to have the students each come up with a one or two sentence story about the latest picture they've drawn. Well, apparently, Alyssa can go on all day with the stories behind her works of art. (SIGH) I can see the book reviews and long lines at author signings already.

OK, OK, I'll try not to get ahead of myself. But, I'm so proud of my little creative girl. If you're a parent, I'm sure you know what I'm talking about. There's a certain, well, almost HIGH you can get by celebrating the strengths of your child. For me I think it's the awesome realization that I (with my husband and God's help of course) have created this beautiful little being and now she's creating beautiful things. I'm sure you feel this way about whatever area your child is excelling in, too. Now, the challenge will be to continue to encourage the creativity and freedom of expression without allowing my own self-worth to be confused with my child's successes. Know what I mean?

Anywho, for now, I'm just going to revel in my daughter's creative genius. I'm going to let her know I think she's awesome. And, I'm going to look forward to seeing what God does with this strength that He has given her!

Hey, have a great weekend, and feel free to comment with a story of why YOUR kiddo is a genius! :)

WHO is the reason for Season? The answer might surprise you!

2010-12-11T12:15:00.001-06:00

Guess what’s on my mind today?

CHRISTMAS!

Ha ha…I know, surprise surprise, right? It’s on everyone’s mind. It’s everywhere we look. Sale ads, commercials, decorations, even the cold temperatures and snow constantly remind us that December 25 is just days away. Like many of us, I’m concerned about where our focus is concentrated this time of year. We get so easily sidetracked by the gift lists, the shopping, the decking of the halls, the party planning and attending. Even those of us who want to avoid the commercial-consumption-filled-Holiday find our schedules overloaded. Maybe they’re overloaded with good things like Church services, volunteer opportunities, and family events, but overloaded is overloaded. So, the question is, what are we all very likely missing as we look forward to celebrating Christmas day?

Amid the Christmas rush… In the middle of the mounting bills…In the insanity of our schedules…What are we all losing sight of?

All together now…We’ve forgotten the reason for the season!

But, what exactly IS the reason for the season?

Right now you’re probably thinking…DUH…Jesus is the reason for the Season! Haven’t you seen it plastered on coffee mugs, t-Shirts, bumper stickers, and Facebook statuses?! Jesus is the Reason for the Season! Just ask anyone who believes in more than a big red-suited guy who delivers presents with the help of eight (or nine depending on whether they need Rudolph’s red nose, I guess) mammals who have no business flying outside of the magic of North Pole. Of course, Jesus is the reason for the season!

Would you hate me if I say I don’t necessarily agree with that?

Before you write me off as misled, heretical, or just plain CRAZY…let me reassure you. I believe Jesus Christ is THE son of God. He is the King of Kings and the Savior of the World.

In fact, I would say without hesitation that Jesus is the Creator of the Season.

There would BE no Christmas without Jesus. He is the Creator of EVERYTHING!

The Bible says, “Through (Jesus) all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.” John 1:3

“He came into the very world he created…” ~ John 1:10 (NIV)

So, yes, Jesus is the Creator of Christmas.

I would go even further to say that Jesus is the Focus of the Season.

What He came to do is amazing! I hope to never lose sight of what Jesus was committing to by coming into the world as a baby born in the humblest of circumstances.

“He appeared as a man. He came down to the lowest level. He obeyed God completely, even though it led to his death. In fact, he died on a cross.” ~ Philippians 2:8 (NIrV)

So, yes, Jesus is the Creator of the Season and Jesus is the Focus of the Season! He is the Who, the What, the When, the Where, and even the HOW of Christmas.

But, my friend, we are the WHY!

So, that’s why I believe the Reason for the Season is…

YOU!

“He came into the world…for you.” ~ 1 Peter 1:20 (NIrV)

Isn’t that incredible? The Creator of all that is, the Master of the universe, the Lord of all, gave up equality with God and chose to come to that low level as a human being. He chose to live a humble life in order to show us the way to do it. He chose to die in a horrific way…for YOU!

But, maybe you’re a little like me and you can’t imagine that you could be the reason for this Season. Maybe you look at others and see Wonder Woman or Superman when you feel like the Queen or King of Chaos! I can so relate to that.

And, maybe you’re asking, why me? Why would Jesus come into this world…for me?

Well, my question is, why not you?

You are a child of the one true God. You are His creation. And, besides, all that stuff you try so desperately to hide from the world, from your friends, your family, and maybe even from your spouse…He already knows. He already sees. Every impure thought, every time you say those hurtful words to your loved ones, every time you try but fail, every time you fail to try…God knows, God sees, but He LOVES you anyway.

David the Psalmist understood this well. He got the fact that God knows us, INTIMATELY, inside and out. He had some understanding of the fact that it’s pointless to hide anything from God. In fact, he wrote about it:

1 Lord, you have seen what is in my heart.
You know all about me.
2 You know when I sit down and when I get up.
You know what I'm thinking even though you are far away.
3 You know when I go out to work and when I come back home.
You know exactly how I live.
4 Lord, even before I speak a word,
you know all about it.
5 You are all around me. You are behind me and in front of me.
You hold me in your power.
6 I'm amazed at how well you know me.
13 You created the deepest parts of my being.
You put me together inside my mother's body.
~ Psalm 139, 1-6, 13 (NIrV)

So, yes, God created you, He sees you, He knows all there is to know about you. Even things you don’t know fully yourself. But, here’s the exciting part…He LOVES YOU!

“The LORD your God wins victory after victory and is always with you. He celebrates and sings because of you, and he will refresh your life with his love.” ~ Zephaniah 3:17 (CEV)

So, why not you? He created you; He knows you, and HE LOVES YOU!

AND, He knew this was the Only Way!

“For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard...” Romans 3:23

What is sin anyway? Isn’t it simply choosing to go our way instead of His way?
So, yes, we’ve all done it. If we’ve ever even entertained a THOUGHT that goes
against what He wants for us…we’ve sinned. So, we were all headed to eternal
separation from God.

But, He provided a way…

“The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” ~ Romans 6:23 (NLT)

“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” ~ John 14:6 (NIrV)

And, you know what’s seriously cool? He planned it all along!

Sometimes I fool myself into thinking God had to scramble for plan B after Adam
and Eve chose to disobey and take that fateful bite of fruit. Sometimes I imagine
God saying to Himself, “Oh great! I created this perfect place for them. I gave
them everything they need. All I asked was that they not eat from ONE little tree.
But did they listen? NNNNnnnooo! Now I’ve got to figure out another way to get
‘em into heaven. Why don’t they just LISTEN?!”

Isn’t that ridiculous. This is God we’re talking about here. He’s all powerful, all
present, and ALL KNOWING. He knew we would choose to sin. And, He
PLANNED a way to save us from ourselves from the very beginning!

“Long before God laid down earth's foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ…He wanted us to enter into the celebration of his lavish gift-giving by the hand of his beloved Son.” ~ Ephesians 1:3-6 (The Message)

I don’t know about you, but this gets me all jazzed up. I AM THE REASON FOR THE SEASON. Doesn’t feel so strange to say that now. Why don’t you practice it? Go ahead…don’t worry about your co-workers, or the other customers at Panera, or even your family. They need to know this truth, too. So, go on, shout it out! Or, at least say it out loud. And, then maybe share the good news with someone close by. Can you imagine the encouragement you could give with those words? YOU are the Reason for the Season. Jesus is the Creator of the Season, He is the Focus of the Season. He is the Who, the What, the When, the Where, and even the HOW. But YOU are the Reason for the Season!!!

I don’t know what you’re facing today. Maybe you’ve received some really bad news from the Doctor. Maybe your child is hurting. Maybe you don’t know how you’ll provide food and heat this month, let alone a “MERRY” Christmas. (If you know of someone in this position, make sure you nominate their need to be met at www.icanhelpcentralillinois.org!) But, there’s one thing you can be certain of. It was BECAUSE OF YOU that Jesus came into this world. And, He would have done it if YOU were the only one to believe it, ever. YOU mean that much to Him!

So, on the days we feel like Wonder Woman or Super Man (or Lego Batman on the video game my husband and daughter are playing right now) OR the Queen or King of Chaos…these are the words that can get us through…WE are the Reason for this Season!

LOVE to you this weekend, and here are some words from one of my all time favorite Christmas songs to help you as you trudge through heartbreak, the mall, or both…

We Are the Reason
by David Meece

As little children we would dream of Christmas morn
And all the gifts and toys we knew we'd find
But we never realized a baby born one blessed night
Gave us the greatest gift of our lives

As the years went by we learned more about gifts
And giving of ourselves and what that means
On a dark and cloudy day a man hung crying in the rain
Because of love Because of love

And we were the reason that he gave his life
We were the reason that he suffered and died
To a world that was lost He gave all he could give
To show us the reason to live!

A Daddy's Influence

2010-10-27T15:53:00.000-05:00

Hey Dad, ever wonder what kind of impact you have in your daughter's life and on her heart? Well, what I saw today is proof of a Father's incredible influence. Our 4-year-old had her final ice skating lesson. And, let's just say ice skating has not turned out to be Alyssa's favorite thing. She has repeatedly told me she's ready to give up on ice skating, that the skates hurt her feet, and that she wants to go back to gymnastics. But, we had made a commitment to eight weeks of classes and she agreed to push through to the end. As a treat we took her to see the Disney Princesses on Ice as they twirled through Peoria last weekend. Alyssa loved the program but still held firm to her decision that after her last ice skating lesson this week, that was it! Of course, that trumped my secret hope of her watching the magic on the rink and deciding that ice skating IS her life's dream after all. But, alas, we have accepted the simple fact that Alyssa made it through one round of ice skating lessons and will probably never sign up again. We're OK with that...really. Totally OK with it. Anywho...today's final lesson was anticipated as more or less a sigh of relief. We made it. We persevered! But, it didn't turn out that way at all. Alyssa skated stronger and faster than she had ever before. She laughed and giggled instead of turning to me with that "are we done yet?" look. Instead of trying to think of reasons to get off the ice, she was gliding, dipping, and marching with the best of them. What made the difference? DADDY came to ice skating today! It was amazing the difference in Alyssa's overall level of eagerness simply because Jeremy was there watching her. Daddy definitely made all the difference. Isn't that the story of a little girl's life?

You know, after today's experience, I can't help but think about opportunities for a Dad to impact his little Princess's heart by taking her to a special event like the Father/Daughter Purity Ball put on by the Christian Center. It's a once-every-two-or-three-years event. Yes, you have to get dressed up and yes, there will be dancing. But, can you imagine the way a girl's life would be impacted by this special one-on-one time? I know my heart yearned for something like this as I was growing up. And, I'm so glad to see my own little girl through the eyes of my husband who simply adores her! You can create these special moments in many ways, but if you'd like more information on the Father/Daughter Purity Ball coming up in just over a week...visit http://www.wcicfm.org/.

Oh, and just in case you're wondering, Alyssa was really glad Daddy watched her today but, no, she still doesn't want to sign up for another round of lessons. :)

Time to play the grace card...

2010-10-15T14:04:00.000-05:00

Jeremy and I had a chance to preview a new movie coming out in February 2011. Last night we arrived at the Rave in Peoria, bought our popcorn, and settled in prepared to see a heartwarming film but also something that would be a little underwhelming when it comes to story line and acting. I don't want to sound pessimistic, but generally Christian films can tend to have great heart and intentions, but because they have to deal with a low budget, etc., the overall product is sometimes a little less than excellent. You love the message and the themes, but maybe not everything else. So, we weren't setting the bar too high. In fact, I think we both went into it thinking we needed to LOOK for the good in what was probably going to be the typical low budget film that we wish could be produced at a major Hollywood-production level. Well, we were surprised on all counts! Instead of just heartwarming it proved to be challenging and instead of a poorly written script and not-so-great acting, we watched what could be a real life event taking place in any city across the U.S. And, there were a few strong performances as well. The two lead actors deserve major kudos as does Academy Award winner, Lou Gossett, Jr. who plays a small but crucial role in the film. There's a little violence and blood, in case you're concerned about that kind of thing. The film also deals with some tough issues, but doesn't real life? It's not for the little eyes and ears, but for older kids/teens it could be OK. All in all we are excited to encourage you to see The Grace Card if you can when it comes to theaters on February 25, 2011. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at what these folks from a church in Tennessee have put together. To find out more about how your church, small group, or organization can support the movie, log on to www.thegracecardmovie.com.

People blow me away

2010-10-05T14:38:00.001-05:00

The other day Alyssa and I were in the car when she heard on the radio a spot about Vision this week on 91.5 WCIC.
"Mommy, what's that?" She said.
"What, Vision?"
"Yes"
"Oh, that's our fall fundraiser. Basically we let people know about the need we have for money to keep the radio station on the air everyday. And, we ask people to help us with that need."
Alyssa (crinkling her nose and forehead in that adorable way only a preschooler can), "Well, they need to come up with a different name for that because that doesn't sound like FUN at all!"
Me (trying not to laugh because she's at the age when cracking up at the cute things she says make her very upset), "It's not a FUNraiser, sweetie, it's a FUND-raiser! We raise FUNDS, which is another way of saying money!"

You know...I can understand my girl's 4-year-old logic. It really doesn't SOUND like fun at all. Asking people for money? It actually sounds dreadful. But, somehow...it's not. Somehow it's a blast!

I love fundraiser time. Sure, it's longer days. Sure, my husband and the rest of the full time staff works 1,000 hours overtime preparing for Vision. But, once we open up those mics Tuesday morning...the party begins.It's kind of like a big family get together at Thanksgiving. We have lots of company and so many yummy temptations that I have to ban myself from the kitchen! It's a special time.

Beyond the fun of having a full house of volunteers, it's simply amazing to see how people sacrifice to help keep the music going at 91.5 FM! The volunteers give their time, SO MANY listeners give financially at all kinds of levels and usually it's something that constitutes a major sacrifice for their individual budgets, restaurants donate food and drinks, masseuses offer free massages to our staff and volunteers. It's all about the magic of people who stop saying why they can't help and just start...helping! They see what they CAN do and do it. These people blow me away and I want to be like them when I grow up.

So, whatever you're doing this week to help with Vision on 91.5 WCIC...thank you! Whether you've donated food or services, answered phones, made a pledge, prayed for us, or all of the above...your gift and sacrifice is not taken lightly. We know you give because you believe in what God is doing through this radio station. He notices your act of kindness and so do we.

Things I love about my Hubby!

2010-09-15T22:23:00.002-05:00

I'm sitting here in semi-darkness listening to Jeremy snore and for some reason it's making me feel thankful. So I thought it appropriate to jot down a few reasons I'm thankful for my husband.

1. He's here
2. He loves me
3. He loves our daughter
4. He makes me laugh
5. He gave up going to workout tonight because he wanted to have time with Alyssa
6. He's awfully handsome
7. He kills spiders and other icky bugs
8. He puts up with all of me; good, bad, & ugly
9. He's a good kisser!
10. He just stopped snoring

I think we've found a TRUE star!

2010-08-11T17:40:00.000-05:00

Did ya see America's Got Talent last night? Can I just say...WOW?! I mean most of the You Tube Submissions were not the best due to poor choice of content, nerves, or just plain weirdness that gave me nightmares (thank you dental floss man). But, the final performance of the night was one of those once in a lifetime events that I'm so glad I didn't miss. Not only is 10-year-old Jackie Evancho one of the most talented singers I've ever heard....EVER...but she was so full of grace, poise, and charm mixed with enthusiasm, humility, and innocence. What a sheer joy. I'm so excited to follow this little lady's career. I think it will be long and successful!

Didn't catch it? Well, here it is, enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iiFZcu9UsIk

I love my job!

2010-08-06T09:46:00.001-05:00

In this day and age most people are probably happy just to have a job. Times are tight. The recession's end has yet to show real evidence of itself. Hopefully we're starting to see a turning of the tide but, still, simply having and holding on to a job, ANY job, right now is a true gift. So, having and holding on to a job that you LOVE is a treasure beyond imagination. And, that is where I find myself today; gratitude and joy swirling around in my heart so fast that sometimes I get a little dizzy. I'm sure you've noticed the dizzy times quite often. ;) Anywho, I just had to express my love for my job and tell you that I can't wait to get back on Monday. Jeremy feels the same way but I won't let him post on the blog. (Ha! Just Kidding!) We are both so excited about the fact the we are excited to return to work after a wonderful vacation. Thanks so much for Doing Life with us and please join us Monday afternoon at three. Oh, and we'd love to know what you love about YOUR job. Post a comment and we might get to read it on the air next week! See/Talk to you soon!

A few thoughts on some spilt milk...

2010-06-21T14:55:00.026-05:00

Last week I was making Mac and Cheese for Alyssa, my four-year-old, and she wanted to help. Not wanting to dash her passion for “cooking” I said, “Of course you can help!” Well, the problem with that is there’s really not a whole lot to do besides boiling the water, putting in the noodles, draining, and adding the cheese and milk. And, the majority of these steps involve standing over a hot pan and stove. So, naturally, I wanted to be extremely careful as she “helped” me pour in the noodles, stir them up so they didn’t stick, and so on. I mean, learning to work around a hot stove is important but it’s not really one of those skills you want your pre-schooler to acquire by making mistakes and winding up with a severe burn! Admittedly, I’m a little overly cautious in these situations.

Finally we had successfully boiled the water and the noodles, drained the water, deposited the noodles back into the pan and all we had to do was pour in the milk and the cheese…we were SO close to being done. I told Alyssa I could finish up while she sat at the table but she was determined to see the lunch mission through to the end. Again, not wanting to thwart a chef in the making, I said, “OK, get back up on your stool, CAREFULLY, don’t touch anything, Mommy will help you pour the milk into the pot.” She followed directions precisely. But, Mommy’s arm got in the way. Somehow between trying to help her climb back up on her perch, trying to protect her from the hot stove, and trying to hold the ¼ cup of milk up and out of the way I misjudged something. I didn’t realize I was holding my arm too low over her head and when my sweet girl stood all the way up on the stool she had no way of knowing that she would bump – ever so slightly – into the arm holding the milk. And that’s all it took. It was just one quarter of a cup of milk…and my daughter had just barely bumped my arm…it was really more of a gentle nudge…just a small amount of liquid came out of a very small container…and yet – it seemed to go EVERYWHERE!

Milk splashed onto the hot stove top, immediately scalding. Drops of milk hit the counters, the floor, the sink, the utensils that sit next to the stove. I stood there in disbelief for a brief moment; shocked at how far reaching the damage appeared to be. Of course Alyssa thought it was her fault and I had to assure her that although Mommy needed her to go in the other room for a few minutes so the mess could be cleaned up, it wasn't a mess that she had caused. Then I went to work mopping up. A good 5-10 minutes later, I was finally done and still in amazement. The measuring cup sitting innocently on the counter was still practically full and my mind still couldn't grasp how so little milk could have splattered so far and wide! How could such a small bump on the arm cause this incredibly small amount of liquid to cover so much territory?

That's when the AHA moment finally hit me. (At least if I had to clean up burnt milk from my stove top I could actually get something out of it, right?) Just then I realized that's exactly what happens in life. I thought of the place in the Bible when Jesus says, "Out of the abundance of the heart (the) mouth speaks!" And I thought of all the times I'd listened to men and women talking on this passage about how whatever a container is filled with is exactly what will pour out if it spills over. The reminders that what you fill your heart with is what will spill out any time you hit even a little bump in the road. But on this day I learned something more. I knew that when we hit bumps in life whatever's inside of us - good or bad; positive or negative; fair or foul - is exactly what will come out...BUT the AHA came when I realized that even if it's a teeny tiny amount of what's inside of us that does spill out...it can still go EVERYWHERE! Even one kind or unkind word can go a long way and make a big difference in someone else's day or in their overall impression of who we are and what we're made of. Or, more importantly, one word can sometimes rescue or destroy a person who has come to a critical point in life. In Proverbs we read that a harsh word (A Harsh Word - even just one) stirs up anger while a gentle answer can diffuse a situation. We can never really know how big an impact even the smallest frown or snippy reply can make. Or, on the other hand, how much joy a quick smile or short kind word can bring. And, we can never know how many people can be impacted by such a seemingly insignificant act. A small splash can hit a lot of spots! And, sometimes the spots can't all be wiped clean!

Fears to Faith

2010-06-03T12:08:00.003-05:00

I've been going through the book Real Moms Real Jesus by Jill Savage with some friends on Wednesday nights. Last night one of the discussion questions centered on the fears that we have that we need to hand over to God, believing He is in control and will bring about the best possible outcome for everyone involved. I have a couple of fears that came to mind immediately. #1 - My loved ones who don't know God...what will happen to them? Will they make an eternal-life saving choice before it's too late? In many cases I've been asked to back off and am trying to respect that request. But, many times the absence of opportunity to discuss leads to lots of opportunities to worry. Not good! Jesus tells us not to worry. But, does He mean even about this? Yes, I think, definitely. It's so hard though. Prayer is my only option here. I know that sounds ridiculous even as I type it. Prayer is the most powerful option. It gets me out of the way and leaves room for the Lord of the Universe to work. I know I know I know I KNOW! But, oh what a temptation it is to worry and fear. #2 - It's too late to have another baby...hasn't happened in the year or so that we've been trying...I'm gonna be 40 in a couple of weeks so even if we get pregnant there are so many risks! I know so many friends who have struggled with infertility or secondary infertility. Never thought I'd have trouble getting pregnant after having our precious girl four years ago. I CANNOT CONTROL THIS...even with counting the days on the calendar and taking every "opportunity" we can. Life is a miracle, it's a choice by God to decide to give us a precious gift. So far, we've only received that gift once and that may be all (unless we adopt someday of course). But, oh how I WANT to be in control. I want to be pregnant...with a boy...who would be born happy, healthy, with no defects. Why do I feel so guilty for wanting that so badly? Why do I get my hopes up every month just to be disappointed? I believe this is a kind of fear...a fear of something NOT happening...really that's the case with both of my fears isn't it? But, God KNOWS...God LOVES...God CARES!
So, there you have it, my struggle to let my God turn my fears into faith! Thanks for challenge, Mrs. Savage!
~ Jill
PS - One of the Carpet Installers just told me I'm thinking too hard! Ha ha! ;)

Simply Available

2010-03-18T11:45:00.006-06:00

I was talking with Catherine from the morning show yesterday about something that's been challenging me lately. Somehow we got on the topic of showing love to others and what keeps us from doing that more often. For me it was the waiting to see what new and exciting thing God has for me to do instead of looking at what I can be doing right now. For Cat it was the feeling that it's easier to do something anonymously or from a distance, like sponsoring a child through Compassion or sending a check to the Red Cross, than to actually invite someone into her home or life on a personal basis.

I think for both of us it comes down to taking the time to really LOVE the people around us. I'm talking about really digging in to get to know them, their families, and their struggles. Looking someone in the eye, truly listening to them, and making my life less about busyness and more about human beings. Why is this SO hard?

I don't have to look far for ways to put this into action. My next door neighbor is a single mom expecting her second child next month. I can show up at her door (literally three feet from mine) and say, "I'm here to do whatever needs to be done." And, when the baby arrives...I can show up and say..."I've got her...you go take a power nap or just have a few minutes to yourself." I'm not much of a cook, but I can make an extra large batch of spaghetti and deliver half of it before my family digs in.

So why is this my most commonly uttered 'helpful' phrase: "If there's anything I can do...just let me know!"? Hello! I've had a child...I know what I wish someone else would have done for me in that newborn stage...or what someone else DID that meant the world to me. Saying "If there's anything I can do..." is like saying "If the sky is blue tomorrow let me know and I'll come see how I can help, OK?" A single mom with two kiddos...of COURSE there's something I can do!

This is just one example. I can think of many times when someone's started opening up to me in any given situation and I've had to cut it short because I had somewhere to go, something to do. Now, that's a tough one. We all lead really busy lives these days and we usually are rushing from one place to the next. And secretly most of us are hoping that when we shout out that friendly, "How ya doing?" the answer will be a very quick, "GREAT, you?" But that's not always the case. Sometimes that other mom at Pre-School or the friend I bump into at the grocery store really needs a listening ear. I guess the key here is to really work my schedule so that there's time to be simply available...to my family and to people in general. Maybe it means getting up at 5 am to do my afternoon show prep so that Alyssa and I can go to a park later that morning. Then I'm available to play with her or we can invite one of her friends and his mom and I can truly focus on really talking with that mom. Or maybe it means getting to work early to catch up with the person at the desk next to mine so I can get my work done and still have time to find out how things are going in her marriage or with another situation in her life. Perhaps it's over lunch in the break room. It doesn't take money or a lot of special planning. It just takes TIME.

Love in the form of TIME! WOW - what better way to show someone I value their life than by taking the time to be a part of it! I don't know exactly in what ways this is going to unfold in my world...I just know that I want it to unfold!

A New Year...a C R A Z Y challenge!!

2010-01-04T15:34:00.007-06:00

Hello! Thanks for reading my "crazy blog" as my husband of almost 9 years would call it. Jeremy thinks I'm a little loopy for choosing to make a New Year's Resolution that will not only be very hard to achieve but also is very much out of character for me. You see, I have resolved that in 2010 I will get my four-year-old daughter outside to play for an hour a day. In Peoria, IL. You know, now that I read it, I think it's a little crazy as well. I mean it's like 10 degrees in Peoria right now and the wind chill makes it feel like, oh, about NEGATIVE FIVE! So, a wee loopy it does seem to make a resolution of this caliber. But, I am not going to back down.

I am, however, going to construct a few parameters. But, before we get into all of that...let's look at the WHY! I was saddened the other day when I came across the National Wildlife Federation's web site and realized that the current generation is the first to grow up almost completely INDOORS. I also found out that, according to the NWF, the average American child spends as little as only four minutes a day outside!! I remember thinking, "How could parents allow their kids to stay inside all the time? Don't they know that kids need to be outside...that they need to connect with nature...that they need sunshine and Vitamin D...that they need to get their bodies moving?" Then I had to take a little look-see in the proverbial mirror. And, well let's just say, OH BOY! I far too often find at the end of any given day that Alyssa and I haven't taken time to get outside at all. She now asks first thing in the morning, "Can I have a picnic and watch a little TV?" And, I have never in my life been accused of being an outdoors enthusiast! So, it's not "those parents"...it's ME. I am a huge contributor to the fact that our nation's kids are growing up not even realizing the huge outdoor adventure they're missing.

So, it's time to get serious. And, the way to get serious is to make a goal. I've learned at my Weight Watchers meetings that you can't just say what you'd like to see happen, like, "I'd like to lose 50 pounds." You have to identify the steps you're going to take on a daily or weekly basis in order to make that goal happen. So, I want Alyssa to grow up loving the outdoors and spending lots and lots of time there. How am I going to make it happen? Well, now it's time for those parameters.

The Goal: Getting my daughter and myself outside an hour a day to play in 2010

Parameter Number One - This applies to the weekdays (Monday through Friday) only

Parameter Number Two - This applies to weekdays when the high temperature is at least a balmy 25 degrees and less than 100 degrees. And, of course, if it's dangerous to be outside because of a tornado warning or a heavy thunderstorm, I will not put my daughter in harm's way.

Parameter Number Three - The goal is to spend at least 60 minutes outside but I will not beat myself up if winds up being 30 or 45 every now and then due to schedules or whatnot (I like that word and never really used it before...whatnot).

Parameter Number Four - I can spend the entire time playing WITH Alyssa or I can pass off a portion of the time to Daddy (Jeremy) on vacation days or we can schedule an outdoor play date during which she will play outside with her friends and I will have some much needed time to sit outside and chat with mine (the other mommies).

Parameter Number Five - I will endeavor to introduce new ways of playing. For example, I've never taken Alyssa sledding. The winter's definitely the time to do that. And, we have friends who do an annual outdoor treasure hunt using their GPS devices. I want us to try at least ten new ways to play outside in 2010!

So, there ya have it. Crazy or not, this is my goal for 2010. I'd love to know what you think and if you'd like to take this loopy challenge with me!!!

Even if you don't wanna sign on for ALL the craziness, maybe you can just decide to get out there more this year in a way that works for you. Take a picture of yourself (with your friends or family if you want) playing outside this winter and send it to us. If we post your photo on the 91.5 WCIC web site, we'll send you a reusable bag with the station logo, a t-Shirt, and some other fun stuff! The easiest way to get your photo to us is to email us through the Doing Life with the Traceys page on www.wcicfm.org! Have fun playing!

Jill

What if Mary had told the Angel, "Sorry I'm busy"?!

2009-12-01T10:36:00.006-06:00

So, last night on the drive home Alyssa asked me to sit in the back seat with her. And, to her surprise, I said yes. This was a HUGE treat and she wasn't going to waste one second of it. Right away, as Daddy pulled out and headed homeward, she said, "Let's PLAY!" She wanted to act out the story of the Angel telling Mary that she was going to have a baby, even though she wasn't married yet. We acted it out several different times bringing in different aspects of the story and, of course, conjuring up different silly characters to add to the scene. Finally, she wanted me to be the Angel and she would be Mary. So, in my very best Messenger of God voice I said to her, "Mary! You are highly favored and chosen by God for a very special task!" Alyssa said, "OH!" So, I continued: "You will have a baby boy who is God's own son and His name will be Jesus! And, He will grow up to save the world!" And, she said, "I don't have time, Angel. I'm TOO BUSY and I'm running late!"

Whoa, talk about a slap of conviction right in my play-acting face! It didn't take more than a fraction of a second to realize where Alyssa had heard those words before. And, as Jeremy and I laughed at her response to my Angelic message, I had to wonder if maybe Mama's been saying those words a little too often lately.

Then I asked Jeremy, "Can you imagine if Mary had actually said that to the Angel?" I mean, isn't there a huge possibility of that happening? Especially if Mary had encountered her divine visit in today's world! How many of us are so busy doing important things for God that we're missing out on or not even listening to the one task HE is actually asking us to do?

Of course God's plan to save us all from sin and death would have continued even if Mary had taken a pass, but it's interesting to think about isn't it? And to apply to our lives. I often feel Mommy-guilt for telling Alyssa I'm too busy working or doing laundry or cleaning the toilets to play at the moment. But, how often do I feel Christ follower-guilt over telling God I'm much too busy being a Mom, serving in the nursery at church, or doing a radio show to do whatever it is that He's asking of me at the moment. It may not even be a conscious thing, just a habit of doing what I think is important instead of taking the time to consult the Savior of the world. Hmmm....the things our kids can make us think about!

It's Time for Barbie to GO!

2009-11-16T15:59:00.008-06:00

That's right, I'm taking a stand against a doll! No, I'm not banishing Barbie from my home. Believe me, I tried to keep the golden haired menace away for as long as possible. But, Alyssa loves her "Darbies" and I've decided it's just better not to make a big deal out of it and potentially create a problem where currently there isn't one .

However, I AM banning Barbie from the shower! You see, Alyssa, recently started including her Barbie dolls in her bath time. She loves pretending they're swimming, dancing, appearing on TV, or just taking a bath. Here's the problem: after bath time all the toys get scooped up into a big, green, plastic turtle that allows them to be rinsed off and hung to dry. So, every time I step into the shower, at least one of those Barbies is staring right at me. Barbie…the very picture of a physical ideal that for most women is simply unattainable. That’s what I see first thing in the morning. Kind of intimidating.

Well, since I just started taking some serious steps toward getting healthy, I need all the encouragement I can get. And, I've decided that this icon of impossibility just isn’t cuttin’ it! So, starting today, the Barbies are going to find her own “special place” to dry out after Alyssa’s baths. I think they should consider themselves fortunate that it's not in the recycling bin!

Why are we AGAINST everything?!?!

2009-10-29T13:39:00.004-06:00

I know I may come off sounding a little controversial here...but something's been weighing a little heavy on my heart lately. Is it just me or are Christians AGAINST EVERYTHING? I get it...we need to make our voice heard and stand up for our values. I'm all for that. But, it seems like everywhere I turn it's all negative. We're AGAINST so much and we have no problem stating the fact that we think it's terrible that the mainstream media ISN'T against it all or that (gasp) other Christians aren't also making a stand against the very thing to which we stand most vehemently opposed. Don't get me wrong...I don't want to be like the frog that got boiled alive because he didn't notice the temperature rising degree by degree. But, I just really feel like I'd rather be known for what or rather WHO I am for than what I'm AGAINST. Above and beyond my opinion on health care, the Gosselins, traditional marriage, whether or not kids should "celebrate" Halloween, or even the h1n1 vaccine...I want people to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I'm for THEM because Jesus is for them. I love THEM because He loves them. Is that wrong?

Plane Crash in Peoria

2009-10-19T15:43:00.002-05:00

Wes Brooks, the 13-year-old son of 91.5 WCIC station manager Dave Brooks, created this video after filming the activities surrounding the freak plane crash on Allen and Willow Knolls Saturday Evening (10.17.09)in Peoria. Check out his work! And, what a praise that no one was hurt and the pilot walked away with only bumps and bruises. God is good!

Something of Value

2009-09-30T14:55:00.010-05:00

Ever had that sick feeling in your gut that you've lost something of great value to you? That happened recently in the Tracey house. Somehow a ticket to a Carolina Panthers game in Charlotte went missing. The ticket was for a game Jeremy had been planning to attend with some friends for a guys' weekend and we couldn't figure out how it disappeared. After that first moment of panic stricken awareness...oh no, it's not HERE...we dove into a search and rescue mission. We combed through piles of bills and other important papers that had been set aside as "go through later". We searched through drawers and cabinets that no one had opened in months because we were determined to leave no stone unturned in our quest to find the evasive ticket. Nothing. Bummer. Serious bummer! But, it was reality...an expensive reality. Thankfully we were able to take care of the problem but were more than a little frustrated that our search was so unsuccessful. What can you do, right? Well, except for keep better track of your stuff. However, one good thing that came out of this was a reminder for me of how valuable I am to God. I'm so valuable to Him that if I were to get lost, He would turn His house upside down, inside out, and every which way in order to find ME. And, He'd never give up and say, well, I'll just have to make a new Jill. Nope, He'd never stop searching - just like Jesus' story of the woman who lost her coin and wouldn't rest until she found it or the shepherd who left the 99 to find the one sheep that had strayed. Isn't that the coolest thing? I know we all KNOW this - we've read the passages - probably dozens of times. But, isn't it cool when God can use a frustrating situation as a little reminder...a little aha moment. So, THIS is what it feels like to search and search for something that means so much! OK, OK, the lost Panther's ticket is nothing in comparison to a human being's eternal soul...but it's a little taste anyway!

Deny Myself?

2009-09-17T09:47:00.013-05:00

So this morning I was driving past a church with a big sign out front that said, "Deny thyself, take up your cross, and follow me" ~ Jesus. And, it made me think a bit. First of all, I wondered how many people driving by this sign have no idea what it means? Is it making a difference in anyone's life? I'm not so sure. But, then, I had to stop being the cynical me I tend to be about things like this and ask myself if I really know what it means. I know the context: In the 8th Chapter of Mark in the New Testament Jesus has just finished describing to His followers all the pain and suffering He's going to endure on behalf of all mankind. Then Peter says, (my paraphrase) "Come on Jesus...You don't have to go through all that! You're scaring everybody!" And Jesus says something like "You don't know anything about God's plan. He's going to offer Hope and Eternal Life but it's going to come at an unbelievable cost to Me. And, watch out, there's a big cost coming for you, too, if you want to follow in My footsteps!"

But, I still kind of struggle with applying these words to my life. DENY MYSELF?! Who really denies themselves these days...especially in this country? I love America but, come on, we have so much. Even while I was conducting my 40 Day Vegan experiment, I never went hungry. There are so many options available that you could be completely satisfied at all times even without partaking of meat or dairy products. Basically, we're bombarded by abundance!

So, why deny? Jesus of course goes on to explain that if we pursue our selfish desires and all that the world offers, we'll eventually lose our souls in the process. But, I also think it's about practicing. We practice denying ourselves so that we can follow Him! Follow Him as He offers eternal life in heaven. Follow Him as He puts others first. As He hands over EVERYTHING for the sake of the very people who had turned against Him. Follow Him as He serves. So, practicing the denial of myself...of my desires and earthly needs...will get me in the habit of being willing to put others ahead of myself...just like Him.

Now the questions remains...HOW do I deny myself. I think you know where this is headed. What do I struggle with? I wish it were a taste for fine fashion, interior design, or even too much exercise. But, no, my passion, my indulgence, is FOOD! So, this is day ONE of a 10-day denial. I'm going to eat only fruits and vegetables - kind of what's called a "Daniel Fast" except that in the Bible Daniel only ate vegetables. I feel the need to truly deny, to go without, to learn to lean on Jesus a whole lot more than I do now. And, hopefully, in the process I'll learn to more easily put my own desires aside and really serve others in His love and on His behalf.

Wanna join me? All the cool kids are doing it. ;) Please let me know if you'll take this challenge with me and how it affects your daily walk with our God!

Jaime or Lindsay?

2009-09-10T10:01:00.014-05:00

You know how those little aha moments come to you at really weird times? Well, today it was right as I was saying AMEN during our staff prayer time. At that moment I realized that something had been lurking in the back of my brain that I didn't even have concsciousness of until that very moment. So, as soon as I closed the prayer it popped out of my mouth...Jaime Jamgochain (the Christian music artist and worship leader) is Lindsay Davis's (91.5 WCIC's awesome and super cute promotions director) Facebook twin! It just came to me. Aha! Here...see for yourself...

Lindsay Davis

Jaime Jamgochain

The 40 Day journey comes to an end!

2009-09-08T09:17:00.002-05:00

So my 40 Day Vegan experiment came to an end on Sunday and I thought surely I had overcome any desire for meat and dairy products. Surely I would continue my quest for all things healthy. Surely my taste buds had turned toward more sophisticated fare. And then we went to The Spotted Cow in Peoria yesterday. Of course, Monday's special is my favorite, the chicken cheese quesadilla and tortilla chips. So, I ordered that without even thinking. In my defense, I did share it with Alyssa. But, then...well, I'd already had meat AND dairy, so why not have some ice cream too? And, while we're at it, put that toffee coffee and mocha me crazy in a waffle cone. YES!

Apparently I need to reign things in before they get way too out of hand. But, I have to say, that WAS a pretty good meal. I'm just not sure if I should be disappointed in myself.

Everything Changes

2009-09-03T11:18:00.005-05:00

It seems like one thought has come to my mind over and over this summer...Everything Changes. NOTHING stays the same. And...NOTHING seems to turn out the way you expected it would. I guess it all started when I realized that my good friend, Tara, was close to the end of her life at just 35 years old and before she'd had the chance to raise her two beautiful kiddos. I remember thinking I never expected there would be a time when Tara would no longer be here on earth with the rest of us. Well, at least not until we were all starting to face our final days as old men and women who had reared their families and sent them on their way. This feeling about how everything changes persists now, many weeks after Tara's death and for varied reasons. Sitting in a hotel room with a good friend who has seen her world change from one where she was a stay at home, home schooling Mother to one where she's been kicked out of her husband's life and replaced by another woman. A world where she's struggling to keep her head above water. To pay the bills, spend time with her sons, and just SURVIVE. As she poured out her heart I couldn't help thinking how so many times things turn out so opposite from what you'd ever imagined. We never thought HE would do something like that. People are people, though. Feelings fade and hearts harden and you can be left heartbroken and alone. But, the lack of the constant and stable doesn't just pertain to tough situations. The always-changing aspect of this world of ours reaches also to the good. There are happy changes, too. Watching my daughter grow and try things she never has before. Just yesterday as we went out to play she spotted a small white butterfly flitting around and took off like a shot after it. She probably chased that butterfly for twenty minutes. Except for the times when she told Mommy to chase him because she was "going to take a rest". I thought of Mary in the Bible who pondered everything in her heart. It felt like that's what I was doing as I thought back to the days when I would have had to point out that butterfly to her. Or the days I would have had to carry her over to the grass only to have her recoil at the thought of her feet touching it. Boy, things have DEFINITELY changed there. And, come on, even that little butterfly wasn't always a butterfly! So, with the good and the bad constantly evolving, expanding, decreasing, or simply fading away...there can sometimes be a feeling of despair or at least lack of control that leaves me feeling kind of "flitty" like that butterfly - going here and there with seemingly no real direction or anchor. Guess it's a good thing I know Who to cling to, huh? 'Cause it sure seems like there aren't a lot of things in the world that stay the way they are. And, sometimes, even knowing Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow and being thankful that He will never change...I would still like for the people I love to stay married, for my friends to be here, for my daughter to always want to cuddle with me in the mornings, and for my favorite restaurants to stay open.

Um, Honey, you could use a mint!

2009-08-24T14:11:00.004-05:00

So, it's day 27 in my 40-day Vegan Journey and things are good. I've had a few occasions where I've eaten something I thought for certain was vegan only to find out( too late) that it has some milk derivative in it. Argh! And, I'll admit, a couple of times I've added creamer to my coffee when nothing else was available. Not cow's milk or half and half, but it definitely had some form of milk in it in some small part. GUILTY!

But, for the most part, it's been pretty easy. I'm actually enjoying the foods I'm eating. That's something that's kind of surprised me. I thought for sure it would be torture to watch someone eat a turkey sandwich or something sweet like ice cream. But, for most things I've been able to find a replacement like a vegan burrito or a dark chocolate bar, etc. Honestly, the journey has been a lot less stressful than I'd imagined it would be.

HOWEVER...there has been one interesting development in the past 27 days. Apparently my breath has taken on a foul odor. Most likely it's due to the fact that I'm eating a lot more foods (like hummus which is yummus) that contain lots of garlic. The key to the vegan diet is seasoning...making the veggies, beans, and whole grains as tasty as you can. So, garlic and other natural taste enhancers have made their way into my diet on almost a daily basis. I was unaware of the lasting ill effect though until Jeremy brought it up ever so gently. I believe his exact words were "what's the deal with your breath lately?" :)

So, let me apologize in advance if we have a chance to talk face to face before I've had a chance to grab a mint!

Can't believe it's been a week!

2009-08-05T15:49:00.004-05:00

Day 8 and things are going well. I'm really not missing meat or dairy products. I think the hardest thing about following the Vegan Diet is just finding things that have no animal products in them whatsoever. Other than that...it's pretty yummy. I've been eating some of the Amy's Soups and Burritos - the ones that specifically say VEGAN in the ingredients listing. And, hummus is my new best friend. :) Coconut Milk is definitely better than the Almond Drink. But, I think I'll prefer the original organic version over the Vanilla flavored. The Vanilla tastes just a little too artificial for me. So next time I'm going for the original!

During my 40 Day Vegan journey I've been getting a lot of help from friends. Coleen brought me some delicious Vegan breads from the Peoria Bread Company. Tasha made a Vegan cake which was scrumptious. And, yesterday, I received two books in the mail from my sister-in-law, Aubry! They're all about following a Vegan diet and making it easy for yourself. There are also a TON of Vegan recipes, so I'm looking forward to diving into those. When I wrote to thank Aub for the books she said she was excited when she heard about my experiment because she and my brother, Eric, do a lot of Vegan eating AND she said, "You can't live off nuts, hummus and dried fruit all the time. Nor can you live off salads. Variety is a key...!" Thanks for looking out for me, Aubry! Thank you everyone for your help and encouragement! Please keep praying for me when you think about it. Quite a ways to go- but SO FAR it's easier than I thought it would be!

Day 4 in the experiment

2009-08-01T10:06:00.003-05:00

The 40-Day Vegan is doing well so far. A few ups and downs.

One "up" is I found out that Jimmy Johns has an awesome veggie sandwich. If you order it without the cheese and mayo it's completely vegan. Yay! (However, if you order the Skinny Chips...they are tasty, but make sure you read the nutrition information including the serving size. There are TWO servings in the bag, not ONE. I found out that one a little too late.) Also, most of the Great Harvest and Peoria Bread Company breads do not have any egg or milk products in them. A "down" is that I found out, too late, that the Great Harvest Savannah Bars are made with eggs. Oops! So, I won't make that mistake again. And, I had THOUGHT that the organic toaster pastries I buy for Alyssa were safe. But, looking closer at the ingredients, I've noticed whey protein made from milk. Ugg! So, goodbye to those treats! Another "down", the Almond Drink is getting a little old. I'm going to try to find some coconut milk today.

I'm finding that as long as I have plenty of nuts, raisins, dried cranberries, and veggies and hummus to snack on...I'm fine. Preparation seems to be the key; making sure I don't go anywhere without snacks on hand...especially work! Yesterday I was even able to get Chinese with Jeremy. I just stuck with the sautéed broccoli and steamed rice. I also ordered spring rolls. I asked the lady at the counter if they are egg, meat, and milk free, and she said yes. Jeremy wondered about the wraps, though. I honestly don't know. So, if you do, please let me know!

The journey of the 40-Day Vegan begins

2009-07-30T10:17:00.005-05:00

So far, so good. It's really not bad. Yesterday was day one and here's what I ate:

Breakfast
Handful of cashews
Handful of dried cranberries
Bowl of Shredded Wheat with Almond Drink
Coffee with cinnamon and Almond Drink

Snack
Couple bites of a big banana

Lunch
2 TBS All Natural Peanut Butter (I tried to find another kind of nut butter at Wal-Mart, but I'll have to look elsewhere for that)
1 TBS all-fruit spread
1 Tortilla (realized my whole wheat bread had milk products in it...again, will have to look for an alternative)
1 serving plain Sun Chips
2 TBS Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
Fresh Veggies
3/4 of a Peach
Water

Snack
The rest of that banana
1 serving raisins
1 serving almonds
Vanilla/Caramel Tea
Water

Supper
Veggie Lover's pre-packaged salad topped with sunflower seeds, blueberries, and a raspberry vinaigrette
1 smallish baked potato topped with Salsa
A few Kashi garlic crackers (kind of like Triscuits)
Water and a little bit of Alyssa's organic low-sugar berry lemonade she wanted me to try

Snack
A bag of simply salted all-natural microwave with no butter or milk products that I sprinkled with Old Bay Seasoning
Water

Struggles so far: Called to RSVP for my cousin's wedding and they had no vegetarian option for dinner.
Solution: I ordered the roast beef. I'll give my beef to Jeremy and hopefully there will be a baked potato or something else that I can eat. Also, I'm hoping Jeremy will let me eat his salad as well as my salad and maybe there will some whole grain bread or something.

Watch out Bob and Larry!

2009-07-29T14:09:00.005-05:00

OK, I've started something new today and I need for you not to laugh at me hysterically. I'm going to try a vegan diet for 40 days (and 40 nights as Alyssa said when I was talking about it with her Daddy). Basically I'm cutting out all milk, egg, and meat products during this time. This also means most sugars and goodies since so many of them are made with at least one of these products. Jeremy thinks I'm a little on the loopy side for doing this but I'm curious. How much of a difference will it make in the way I feel? I'm not just talking about weight loss - although I am hoping that will come into play here. I'm wondering about my struggle with allergies and sinus headaches, energy levels, and dealing with pain due to Fibromylagia, etc. Will I be better able to keep up with my 3 1/2 year old? Will I just have a healthier me in the long run if I stick to mostly raw fruits and veggies and whole grain foods? So, today's the day! And, I'm making it really hard on myself by blogging about it. For the next 40 days I'm going to try to blog at least a small blurb about what I ate that day simply for accountability. And, other days I may also include the struggles I'm facing in keeping to this plan or, hopefully, the benefits I'm realizing as a result! So, please pray for me. Granted, today is day one but...so far so good. I can only do this with God's help and strength, though, so there's some direction for prayer if you feel so inclined! Thanks! Jill <><

Some things just DON'T make sense!

2009-07-21T13:28:00.007-05:00

Tomorrow Jeremy and Alyssa and I will catch a flight to Charlotte, NC to be with the family of a very close friend who passed from this life into the arms of Jesus last Saturday at 9:11 pm ET. Tara Rinehart (second from left in the photo above or my current Facebook profile picture) was only 35; the mother of two adorable kiddos that she was completely devoted to; the supportive, loving wife to John; friend to thousands.

Jeremy and I first met the Rineharts when we joined a married couples' Sunday School class at Central Church of God in Charlotte about 7 years ago. We were struck right away by the natural, real, and openly vulnerable style of this big guy and small woman who'd soon become two of the closest friends we've had in our married life together. They obviously loved Jesus but there was no stuffy, churchy language in this class. There was no spiritual pretense. This class was like nothing we'd experienced before. It was a Married Couples class that was actually a Biblically based challenge to work on our marriages week after week. It forced us to take a real, honest look at our relationship that was sometimes funny and sometimes painful...but always necessary.

In John and Tara we found friends we could completely be ourselves with. Friends who'd experienced a little more life than most people and lived through it, so they weren't surprised by much. Friends who made Jesus their number one priority without ever coming across as pious, judgmental, or condescending. We were so excited to be able to continue our friendship when Jeremy and I moved to Peoria in 2004.

Then we got the email in 2006...Tara had found a lump under her arm. Surely it was nothing. Then...it wasn't nothing. It was cancer. For the next three years through the struggles and the victories a story of faith unfolded that I'd never personally encountered. Tara and John showed strength in ways I can't even begin to explain. And, yet, they were still there for others...heading up missions trips, reaching out, helping out, loving. All of this on top of raising a family. And then, things took a turn for the worse. Surely God would heal her right? Her whole life was service to Him. She breathed obedience to the One who had created her and saved her. She would be healed and He would get the credit...right?

Well, her healing wasn't the kind we were all praying for. She and John will never celebrate a 20th, 25th, or 50th wedding anniversary. Tara won't get to raise her beautiful 8 year old daughter and super smart 7 year old son. She'll never tease me again about an insecurity I'm struggling with in that gently sarcastic but loving way that helps me look at things more objectively. She'll never serve us Cheese Pie or any of her yummy recipes again or take us on in Boggle, Scene It, or that game where you see which couple knows each other best. She'll never co-lead another short term missions trip or finish the photo project she was working feverishly on just two short weeks ago.

BUT...she is with the one she did all those things for! She is WITH JESUS! That's where the hope is, isn't it? And in the fact that in the big picture...HIS big picture...there's a reason for this. No one knows what will happen on Friday when the so many who loved Tara will gather to remember and honor this unique woman. No one knows how God will use this seemingly senseless death to bring life to others.

Does that make it easier for her husband and kids right now? No. Does it fill the hole in our lives that she filled? Of course not. But, there IS hope! There IS JESUS! Thank you, God, for Tara Rinehart. Thank you for the time we had with her on earth and the time we'll spend with her, and YOU, in eternity! And, please help me not to be mad at You! Help me in my time of doubt and hurting. And thank You for being able to handle my questions, fears, and anger!

Things you DON'T say to a three-year-old!

2009-07-16T13:05:00.002-05:00

The other day Alyssa and I were in the car where we tend to have some pretty deep Mommy/Daughter conversations. Is it like that for you and your kiddos? Anyway, Alyssa wanted to know if Mommies and Daddies sometimes have time-outs too. I told her that no, grown-ups don't usually get time-outs for bad choices but that there are other consequences we face for doing something we shouldn't or for not doing something we should. This of course prompted a VERY CUTE "like what, Mommy?" So, the first thing that came to mind was showing up for work. I told her, "Well, if Mommy decided not to go to work when she was supposed to she could lose her job, you know...I could get fired." Yeah, I totally wasn't thinking when I said the word fired! But without missing a beat Alyssa came right back with, "But I would save you from the fire, Mommy!" Does it get any cuter than that? :) Of course I then had to explain for the rest of the ride home why being fired doesn't mean actually being SET on fire. But, that initial response kept me glowing the rest of the day!

Is that what I ordered?

2009-06-30T13:35:00.003-05:00

Just got back from a quick run to Arby's. It's been a crazy day...dozens of errands and work projects to wrap up before leaving on vacation tomorrow morning. So, of course, in all the chaos I forgot my healthy, pre-portioned, whole grain lunch at home in the freezer. No problem...had to go back out for a couple of things anyway and decided to pick up a sandwich and drink. So, I ordered the small combo to save a little money because, let's face it, a dollar at Arby's doesn't go nearly as far as it does at, say, McDonald's. I thought at least I'll be smart and get the SMALL in order to conserve a little on the fat and calories. Well, I thought I was ordering the small. When I received my order I was given a drink that I believed would be a medium by today's standards and what would have been considered a large soda a few years ago. I asked just to make sure and the lady helping me said, "Oh, yeah, that's a small. They get a LOT bigger than that!"

I can't BELIEVE how large the drinks and food servings are getting these days. And then we wonder why we're all struggling with our weight? It's crazy!!! I do have to say I made at least ONE wise dietary choice by giving away half of the fries to Jay, our promotions intern. He's young...he'll burn it off, right?

Note to self...order salads and water on the road trip!

Hey, have a great week and a very happy Fourth of July celebration with your family. After today Jeremy and I will be off for several days. We're looking forward to being back on the air on Monday, July 13 for Doing Life with the Traceys on 91.5 WCIC!

The way we ate when we were kids...

2009-06-24T14:15:00.004-05:00

I don't know about you...but I really wish I would have become more disciplined in my eating habits when I was younger. Instead, I distinctly remember going swimming with my friend, Stacey, every afternoon in the summer. This would make us ravenously hungry so we'd go back to my house and promptly pool our money and order not a small, not a medium, but a LARGE pizza for just the two of us which we would then devour. And, yes, we would usually eat the entire thing between just the two of us. If one of my brothers were home we might give them a (emphasis on A) piece depending on how generous we were feeling. And, sometimes we'd toss a few pieces of crust to the beloved family dog, Benji. Yup, we had no idea just how much we were harming not only ourselves but an innocent animal as well with our dietary choices on those hot and humid days. So, our nutrition for the day would usually consist of some chips and sodas consumed at the pool, 1/2 a large pizza, and whatever our Moms were serving for dinner that night when they got home from work. Healthy, huh? And I wonder why it's so hard to practice self control now in my thirties...almost forties!!

Looking back on all of this I know without a doubt that I want to give Alyssa a hand in learning to make healthy choices and developing a taste for yummy nutritious food instead of yummy not-so-much-in-the-nutrition-department foods. And, I know the older she gets the harder that's going to be since I will have less and and less control in this area. So, what do you do to help the older kids and teens eat healthy even when they have to fend for themselves? Share your ideas! And, thanks for the help! :)

Last Birthday in my 30's!

2009-06-19T13:42:00.003-05:00

This is it...the final birthday I'll ever have in my 30's. How did it get here so quickly?! Wasn't I 19 like five minutes ago? You can't expect me to believe twenty years have flown by while I was busy doing other things.

When I stop to think about some of the things I'd like to accomplish before I turn 40 and then realize I now only have ONE YEAR to do them...it can be a little overwhelming. I've never visited the Grand Canyon. I haven't learned to speak fluent Spanish. I haven't lost those 40 pounds that have been dogging me for the last 3-4 years. And so on and so on. I'm sure you have things you'd still like to do but don't know when or IF you'll ever get to cross them off that proverbial list. I am SO there!

But, I can't complain really. Look at what I have to celebrate...a God who loves me unconditionally and gave me the best gift ever in Jesus. A husband who is truly committed to me and a LOT of fun to be with. A daughter who brings me so much joy and inspiration day in and day out. A family that supports me. A job that I enjoy. Friends that enrich me. So...BRING IT old age. I think I can handle it.

And, who knows...maybe I'll actually do some of those things on my list this year after all!

Have a great weekend! ~ Jill

Becoming a Grown Up...is it possible?

2009-06-16T14:17:00.007-05:00

The other day on Doing Life with the Traceys we talked about when you knew that you were a grown up and we heard a lot of great stories. I think most of us definitely grew up in a hurry when we became parents, don't you? There's just something about realizing you are now responsible - COMPLETELY responsible - for a teeny, tiny, helpless human being that makes you braver somehow. I would say I fit into the category of people who GREW UP a lot at that point in life. It was just a little later for me than most since I didn't become a Mommy until I was 35!

But, does this mean that I am officially a GROWN up? I mean, is that really a valid term...GROWN up? Does that mean that at some point the growing has come to an end? I don't think so. I mean, physically, yes, the growing UP one day ends. (Unfortunately for me, the growing OUT never really seems to end.) But, when it comes to growing in other ways...mentally, emotionally, and especially spiritually, does the growing up ever end? I sure hope not. And, what about the desire for new adventures, thrill seeking, and risk taking?! I don't want that part of my life to ever stop. How about you?

I guess we could go with the term ADULT instead of GROWN UP. But, that can have some negative connotations, can't it? I tried to explain to Alyssa that she couldn't watch a movie the other day because it was an ADULT film. And, well, that just sounded wrong. Now I tell her that some movies are for Mommies and Daddies and not for kiddos that are just 3 1/2 years old. So, for this and other various reasons, I don't think ADULT quite describes what I've become at this point in life either. No, I think we need to coin a new term altogether.

I think we should call ourselves grow-ING ups. We're at that stage where we are older, more responsbile, and (hopefully) wiser. But, come on, we're not DONE growing! Whether we're 25, 35, 65, or 105...there's so much more to come. There's so much more life to experience and so much more growing to do. We can learn to open our hearts just a little more. We can learn to love just a little more. And, we can always learn more of God and experience more of a real relationship with Him.

Maybe this all has something to do with my final birthday in my 30's staring me right in the face. Maybe not. ;)

So, what do you think? Will you join me in becoming a grow-ING up?

Another Holiday Weekend Gone!

2009-05-26T13:39:00.002-05:00

Do you ever feel a little bit of a let down after a Holiday Weekend like the one we just celebrated? I don't know about you but it seems that I look so forward to having a little time off...a little break in the routine. And, then, before I know it, it's gone! Then it's back to the regular mundane stuff of life...scheduling hair appointments, going to the grocery store - AGAIN, filling up the tank, cleaning the house - AGAIN! So, I'm thankful for the little breaks even if they're too fast. Otherwise I think life's to-do's would just overwhelm us all. Don't you? Remember when we were kids? Those special days were HUGE - three or four day weekends were EXTRAORDINARY and vacations were LEGENDARY! We hardly paid attention to the in between stuff. Now, at almost 40 years old, it seems like the in between stuff can be all there is sometimes. So, here's to the long weekends and the days off that help us refresh and better tackle the everyday! Hope you had a GREAT weekend!!!

Rain, rain, go away!

2009-05-15T09:36:00.002-05:00

Yet another rainy day in central Illinois! It's amazing how much the weather affects my mood. Yesterday with the sunshine and the warm temps, I had so much energy. Today, I think I could sleep all day if I had the chance. Does it affect you like that too? Well, at least I remembered my umbrella before I left to do Doctor's appointments and drop offs at school and work. So, today I'm sleepy but not soaking wet like I was while I was running errands on Wednesday! :)

Hopefully we'll have a little sunshine for ya this afternoon on Doing Life with the Traceys. We'll find out whether a new release this weekend is Family Friendly at 3:21. And, at 4:31 we're going to take a short poll to see whose family is attending the most recitals or end of year concerts this month. There just might be a prize for the winner. Tune in to 91.5 WCIC to see if you win!

In the meantime, stay dry and awake!!!

Happy Weekend, Jill <><

Variety is a good thing...right?

2009-05-12T20:31:00.002-05:00

Tonight Jeremy and I decided to stop by KFC for dinner. Thing is...we couldn't agree on what we wanted. I wanted a bucket of grilled, he wanted Original Recipe. Alyssa didn't care, she was just bummed that we were still going to be eating at home instead of in the restaurant. But, she doesn't stay bummed for long, so really she was pretty happy.

In steps the VARIETY BUCKET! We got the grilled chicken, the OR chicken strips, and Jeremy's favorite, hot wings! Boom, everybody's happy!

But, this got me thinking...there's so much variety in our world these days. Nobody ever has to give up what they want, or at least it seems that way. But, is all of this variety really a GOOD thing? What about when we're trying to teach Alyssa that you don't always get what you want? Could she argue that she could as long as we get a Variety Bucket? OK, OK, I am NOT blaming KFC for all the ails in the world and all of the problems with kids these days. Besides, they wouldn't sell the variety bucket if people weren't buying it, right? And, that goes for restaurants and retailers in general.

So, where is the problem? Is it with advertisers who dream of schemes of getting us to believe we deserve more, more, more?

I believe it's more of a human heart condition. It's a base desire to have everything we want right when we want it, isn't it? Advertisers in our country have just figured out a better way to tap into that desire.

It all goes back to free will. Sometimes I wish God would have made my heart in such a way that the only things I'd ever desire are the things that please Him, the things that are good for me and for others. But, that's up to me, isn't it? I've got to pursue that harder, less immediately gratifying path toward pleasing Him instead of myself. He doesn't push it on me. He simply waits and watches as I try Variety Bucket after Variety Bucket and eventually decide to turn to the ONE THING that truly satisfies my soul.

Hmmmm...all this from a bucket of KFC. Maybe it's indigestion. Regardless...I'm starting to think about it. How about you?

We're back!

2009-05-11T13:56:00.003-05:00

Hello! Jeremy and I hope you've had an awesome week! We are still basking in the glow of memories of the Music Boat 2009. But, at the same time, we can't wait to talk with you this afternoon! Feel free to check out our photos on my Facebook profile page!

Oh, and speaking of warm weather memories...tomorrow afternoon on Doing Life with the Traceys on 91.5 WCIC we're going to be talking at 4:31 about researching summer camps for the kiddos. Any ideas on good questions to ask before they go? Also, we want to hear your favorite camp memories.

PLUS...don't forget that you and your family could enjoy a FREE family summer membership at the Clubs at River City in Peoria. That includes free admission to the outdoor pool ALL SUMMER LONG. Nothing wrong with that, right? Here's how you can win...join the Doing Life with the Traceys group on Facebook. That's it. Once we get to 500 members, we'll do the drawing. Everyone who's a member will automatically be included. The faster we get there, the faster you can win! So, tell your friends!!!

Have a great rest of your day and enjoy this BEAUTIFUL weather. Love to you!!! Jill <><

Taking advantage of those little moments

2009-04-29T09:32:00.005-05:00

Got a chance to snuggle with Alyssa this morning and I'm still riding on that high. Isn't it invigorating to spend even a few moments with your child just tickling, hugging, kissing, and talking? I'm determined to spend more and more time each day focusing on these activities. And why not? It makes Alyssa feel secure in who she is and in the love her mommy (and daddy after snuggle time with him - see a small example in the photo) has for her and it completely energizes me! It's better than coffee, exercise, or even a girls' night out. So, why don't I do it more? Ah the struggles of balancing work, home, and family, huh?

What's your favorite way to connect with your child?

Oh, and a reminder...if you posted a comment on Friday, April 17's blog entry, I need to know where to send your 91.5 WCIC reusable shopping bag! Email me your address at jill@wcicfm.org!

Wishing you lots of kiddie cuddles today!!! Jill <><

Super Why's in a Movie to teach Kids about Going Green!

2009-04-17T14:09:00.005-05:00

I've been a little confused about whether this movie is already playing and have finally found out that YES it is playing on Saturdays and Sundays for the rest of April at the Rave in Peoria. I'm so psyched. Alyssa ADORES Super Why and also Word World, who's characters join Super Why in this full length feature film called Earth Days. Its centered on introducing toddlers and preschoolers to the idea of taking good care of our planet. So, I'm thinking Mommy/Daughter date! :) Really, it's a win/win. We get to spend quality fun time together without the hustle and bustle of the weekdays. And, I get to introduce my three year old to Going Green. Pretty cool, huh?

So, here's my question for you...how do you introduce the concepts of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle to your kids? Have you found something that works better at one age than another? Please let me know and you could win a way to go green yourself. The first 25 people who post a comment to today's blog entry will receive a 91.5 WCIC reusable grocery bag/tote. Super cool, huh? And, we just might use your ideas on the air next week!

So, send us your ideas and tell your super GREEN friends about it, too! And, maybe I'll see YOU at the movies! Have a great weekend, my friend! :0)

Jill for the Traceys <><

Easter '09 Memories

2009-04-14T13:57:00.007-05:00

We hope you had a fantastic Easter Weekend with your family. The Traceys celebrated by attending church and then heading to Grandma and Papa's house for lunch and time with family. Alyssa's cousins, Brandon and Derek, (and my sister, Jennifer) joined us for a little Resurrection Rolls making.

They were so cool because when you bake them they come out of the oven hollow, just like Jesus' tomb was empty on that glorious Sunday Morning two thousand years ago. Thanks so much to Dawn who emailed the awesome idea to us. You can get the recipe for next year. We've posted it on the Doing Life with the Traceys page at www.wcicfm.org.

All in all, we really feel Alyssa is starting to understand the true meaning of Easter. That it goes way beyond bunnies, chocolates, and baskets. But, she still enjoys those things. Who doesn't? I know I still do and always will. But, the true joy is in celebrating Jesus' resurrection with your loved ones and looking forward to the promise of Heaven and our forever future!

The BIG DAY!

2009-04-07T09:50:00.004-05:00

Well, the day I'd been anticipating, albeit with a trace of dread in my heart, finally arrived. Jeremy and I took part in the Lakeview Museum Interplanetary 5-K in Peoria this past Saturday. And, let me just say, WOW am I SLOW!!! :) It's OK, I expected to be slow and I really don't care that I came in dead last...beaten by EVERYONE by at least 5-6 minutes. All I wanted to do was FINISH THE RACE. And, I did. And, even though I was last my time of 42:15 was about five minutes faster than when I ran the distance in training. That's pretty cool! Now I can actually say I have run in a 5-K race. Amazing! Never in my life would I have dreamt of achieving such a feat. And, I'm even thinking about the next one...isn't that unbelievable? Of course thinking and TRAINING are two different things, aren't they? :)

OK, I have to back up just a little. When I say I came in last, that's not exactly true. My wonderful husband came in last and NOT because he had to. He ran right next to me for the entire race at MY pathetically slow pace so he could encourage me to keep going. Everytime I wanted to give up he was right there with a word of encouragement, reminding me that it was a great accomplishment to just be IN the race and that I COULD make it to the finish line. Then, at the very last leg of the trip...he dropped behind me so that I wouldn't be the last runner to come in. What a GUY, huh? He's my sweetie!To see more pictures, check out the Doing Life with the Traceys group on Facebook. It was a great day and I'm so glad I got out there and did it. And, I just want to encourage you...whatever it is that you've been THINKING about doing...whatever challenge you're facing...you CAN DO IT! Just find a friend or loved one to run the race with you and to help you keep going when everything inside of you SCREAMS that you can't! Latch on to that person who will remind you that with Jesus you can do ANYTHING. And, you know what? You can!!!

Tomorrow's the BIG DAY!

2009-04-03T13:19:00.002-06:00

I never thought I'd EVER hear myself say, "I'm running a 5-K tomorrow". But, wow, I GUESS stranger things have happened, huh? It's amazing what you can do with Jesus and your husband at your side. If you're available tomorrow morning and want to join us, we'll be taking part in the Lakeview Museum Interplanetary Run at Detweiller Park in Peoria at 9 am. I'm pretty sure you can still register at the event. You can find out more at www.lakeview-museum.org. We'll be sure to post some pictures after the BIG DAY! :) Please pray for me!!!!!

Amazing Faith

2009-04-01T12:09:00.005-06:00

Hello! Jeremy and I just had to share this news story with you out of Ft Mill, S.C. Our dear friends, John and Tara Rinehart, have been waging a battle against breast cancer as Tara received news that she had a regional recurrence of the disease back in July. She has fought and fought with chemicals and other treatments. Now, she has decided to go the all natural route and trust God for the outcome. She knows it is not what God puts on the heart of every person facing this awful disease. But, she believes it's the way He is leading her. Please read Tara's story. We think her faith will encourage you and maybe someone you love. It has tremendously encouraged us in many ways as we continue to pray for her and for John and their two beautiful kiddos. Just click on the link for the news story!
http://www.fortmilltimes.com/240/story/512587.html

Running Update ~ 3.11 MILES!!!

2009-03-24T14:26:00.004-06:00

Just a quick note to let you know...I DID IT!!!! This past Saturday morning with Jeremy at my side I "ran" (slowly jogged) the entire length of my 5-K race in preparation for the Lakeview Planetary Run coming up on Saturday, April 4!! I absolutely could NOT have done it without Jeremy encouraging me and cheering me on every step of the way or, of course, without Jesus! :) I'm thrilled to know that I can actually cover the distance (on the treadmill at least) and hope now to simply better my time. It took me approximately 47 minutes to go 3.11 miles on Saturday. I know, I know, pathetic! :) But, wouldn't it be cool if I could shave off at least 5 minutes when I do the actual Run? Only time will tell - no pun intended! Thanks for your support in my training. And, don't forget to send us your Getting Healthy in '09 goal. Just go to the Doing Life with the Traceys page at www.wcicfm.org to find out all the details on how you can win an iPod Nano and a Running Central Family Footwear Fourpack!

Running for my health and to win the Ultimate Prize...Jill

Sharathon 09

2009-03-20T12:48:00.003-06:00

THANK GOD and THANK YOU for a fantastic spring fundraiser for 91.5 WCIC! We are in awe of what's happened over the past few days. Record breaking hours, super duper challenges, and YOU making YOUR pledge. Every amount helped and we closed Sharathon this morning just after 9 am with 1,068 new members of Team 360!! Yeah!!!! Thank you so much!!!

Another highlight of Sharathon this year are the staff videos you can see at www.wcicfm.org. Or, just click on the link below. And, make sure you check out Jeremy's debut as a Magic Man (Dropping the Gauntlet)! :)

Videos :: Family Friendly Radio :: WCIC

Alyssa goes to Chuck E Cheese's

2009-03-20T09:56:00.003-06:00

Alyssa experienced a first earlier this month...the ever popular Chuck E Cheese's! I'm not quite sure how our sweet girl made it past her third birthday without frequenting the little indoor amusement park that is CEC...but somehow she did! Her friend CJ was turning three and we helped him celebrate by playing the games, riding the rides, and eating the pizza. We were there at 10 am so we practically had the run of the place...not the story at other times, I've heard. Alyssa LOVED it!!! She wants to know when CJ will have a birthday again so she can go back to Chuck E Cheese's. I told her that she and Daddy and I will have to go sometime "just because". So, she's looking forward to that. And, I should probably warn our friends and family ahead of time...Alyssa wants HER next birthday party to be at...you guessed it! Have a great weekend in the meantime! ;)

My Heart's at Home!

2009-03-13T15:29:00.002-06:00

Just want to send a shout out to our good friends at Hearts at Home. Their national conference for Moms is going on this weekend on the campus of ISU in Normal. The latest we've heard is that there are still walk-up registrations available for the Saturday session. Find out more at www.heartsathome.org or www.wcicfm.org! And, Jeremy and I hope to see you if you're at the conference tomorrow. We'll be at the 91.5 WCIC booth near the resource center/shopping area from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm in case you get a chance to stop by. We'd love to say HI and chat with ya a bit! Otherwise, have an awesome weekend!

She Did What?

2009-03-10T09:06:00.002-06:00

I no longer have the ability to say that my sweet, mild mannered, compliant, three-year-old has never purposely destroyed anything in our home. On Sunday afternoon Jeremy went to wake Alyssa from a nap when he found her on the floor, sleeping away in the midst of a huge pile of items that had been stored in a tidy little white basket on the top of her dresser. We thought it was well out of reach for someone who's only three feet tall. Little did we know her capabilities as a monkey-like climber. She was able to grab the basket and pull it and it's contents down to the carpet. From there she proceeded to take the Baby Vick's and spread it all over her adorable pink with white polka-dots rug. Then she found those little baby nail scissors! What harm could those do, right? They have the rounded edges and can barely even cut her nails half the time. They're just not that sharp. Well, I guess they're sharp enough to make little tiny cuts up and down one of the panel of her sheer white/polka dotted curtains. Was it the polka dots? Maybe that's what inspired her to attack both the curtains and the rug. She did tell me later she wanted her dots from her curtains. So...maybe she was trying to cut one out?! Who knows! All we do know is we finally have one of THOSE stories to tell as Alyssa grows up about her sometimes mischevious nature. I guess I should be happy that she got past her third birthday before an episode like this took place! :)

Manicures!

2009-03-04T15:17:00.004-06:00

Alyssa and I did each other's nails this morning after her bath! How fun to be able to do such girlie things with my little princess. And, I was impressed with her abilities. Although most of my nails are only half painted, she did stay ON the nail pretty much, which is better than I can do myself most of the time! Oh, the precious memories! Now Alyssa wants to paint DADDY'S nails next! :)

One Tank Trips - Fun but CHEAP Family Vacation Ideas

2009-03-03T16:50:00.002-06:00

The phone lines lit up this afternoon with GREAT ideas for stuff to do with your family during Spring Break. With the economy as tough as it is a lot of folks are staying close to home this year. It reminded me of a trip our family took last June. We rode the train from Normal to Chicago just for the day and visited Navy Pier and the Children's Museum. So much FUN! Do you have ideas to add to the list? Just post a comment and let us know!

Check out the Cool Video they showed at our Church this weekend!

2009-03-02T13:57:00.001-06:00

Thank God for extra time!

2009-02-27T09:32:00.001-06:00

Found myself with some extra time this morning. And, it's kind of ironic. Last night I told Jeremy it would be great if one of my meetings got canceled today so I could clean the house for our small group meeting tonight. And, it did. Now, I didn't pray for that to happen and I know it's most likely a coincidence. But, I'm feeling guilty because for the past 20 minutes...instead of getting a jump on the cleaning...I've been answering emails and posts on Facebook! So, I guess I should wrap this up and get moving on the cleaning. :) Just wanted to check in and say HI and HAPPY WEEKEND!!! Jill <><

Race Update

2009-02-25T10:07:00.002-06:00

Wanted to let you know...we've chosen the date for my first ever 5-K run. Jeremy and I are going to take part in the Lakeview Museum Interplanetary Family Fun run on April 4. It's at Detweiller Park in Peoria and is supposed to be all in the lower part of the park...meaning NO HILLS! YEAH! So, who wants to run with us?

Free to be Me

2009-02-19T09:57:00.003-06:00

Have you ever noticed how we can base our opinions of ourselves on how we’re performing at the moment? I'm training to run a 5-K in a couple of months and I've had lots of ups and downs. One day I'm able to run a mile and a half. Then, the next time I go to the gym, I can’t even push myself to run one mile!

I've realized that on the days I do well I feel great about myself. I feel fit and like what I see in the mirror. But, on the days I struggle and, in my mind, FAIL, I'm down on myself in almost every conceivable way. It’s all based on my performance in one small area of my life. Have you ever been there? It reminds of the song we're playing right now by Francesca Battistelli, "Free to be Me". The line that says, "perfection is my enemy". Oh, I can SO resonate with that lyric!

Aren’t you glad God loves us no matter what? No matter how well our workout goes…no matter what promotion we get or don’t get…no matter how our children behave or MISbehave...no matter how we feel about ourselves!The Bible says God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. And it says His love for us is forever! Maybe that will help us feel differently about ourselves!

Getting Healthy with the Traceys Update

2009-02-17T15:36:00.002-06:00

Big News!! On Sunday I finally ran over 1.25 miles without stopping! I know, if you're a runner, this sounds utterly pathetic! But I'm that much closer too being able to run a 5-K in late March/early April! We just have to decide on WHICH 5-K!

Today I was a little bummed because I just couldn't push myself to go that far again. But, I'm taking it in stride and realizing there are going to be ups and downs as a I continue to train. So, I'll be back at it Friday morning! :)

Jeremy's doing a GREAT job with his Swimming Lessons. He starts week two tonight and so far only has one bump on the head as far as mishaps go. He's hoping to be able to swim those two lengths of the pool by the end of March.

Don't forget to tell us your Getting Healthy goal for 2009! You could win two free passes for a free week's membership at The Clubs at River City in Peoria. Plus you'll automatically be registered for the Grand Prize - an iPod Nano and a Running Central Family Footwear Four-Pack! Just go to the Doing Life with the Traceys page at www.wcicfm.org!

The Big I HEART YOU Day

2009-02-13T17:17:00.003-06:00

Alyssa was so excited to attend her first Valentine's Day party today. I can't wait to ask her how it went. I'll have to let you know. Jeremy is also so excited...he's looking forward to seeing how much candy Alyssa will bring home from the party. :) On a serious note, we just wanted to remind you that whether you're married, single, divorced, engaged, whatever...there is Someone who loves you more than you will ever know. We hope that this weekend will be a reminder for you of the awesome, eternal love our Father God has for you and expressed through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ!

Happy Valentine's Day from Jeremy, Jill, and Alyssa Tracey <><

What a day!

2009-02-10T13:50:00.001-06:00

I can't believe I was able to take Alyssa outside for a quick PBJ picnic lunch today! Who would have thought it could happen in the middle - not even quite the middle - of FEBRUARY! All I can say is we NEEDED that after the llllllooooooonnnngggg period of SUPER COLD days we've experienced in central Illinois this winter. So, what have you and your family been doing to take advantage of the nicer days lately? Post a comment and let us know!

How'd you meet your spouse?

2009-02-06T13:20:00.005-06:00

We had so much fun listening to all the cool and unusual stories of how people met their spouses. It made us think about the day we met. It was January 10, 2000 at a radio station in Charlotte, NC. Jill was co-hosting the Morning Show and part of her responsibilities included writing and reading News headlines. Well, she had left the room to rip a feed off of the station's AP wire. When she returned to the studio, the "new guy" was sitting in her seat! He had been asked by the station manager to come in early for a "welcome to the station" interview by the Morning Show team. Jill, however, was unaware of this fact and at the moment she only had about 30 seconds to try to say "Hello" in a nice way and also get into place for her hourly newscast. Suffice it to say that, instead of an instant love connection, Jeremy got the impression that the morning girl was a little too task-oriented! :) Thankfully he got over that first impression and eventually asked Jill to marry him!

The phones were ringing off the hook yesterday with friends telling the fun story behind how they met the love of their lives. If you didn't get a chance to call and still want to share...just post a comment with your story. Maybe we can read it on Doing Life with the Traceys during "Love Week"!

Have a great weekend and God bless you! ~ Jeremy and Jill Tracey <><

Happy Ground Hog Day!

2009-02-02T15:08:00.003-06:00

Isn't it funny how a certain date on the calendar brings back old feelings? Today is one of those days for me. Ground Hog Day always brings back the feelings of pregnancy. All the ups and downs, queasiness, cravings, excitement, and inability to sleep comfortably. Our precious girl, Alyssa, was actually due on Ground Hog day back in 2006. So, the entire time we were expecting we often referred to her as our little Ground Hog. We joked that we were wondering if she was going to pop out her head and decide to go back inside for six weeks. And, believe me, the longer I was pregnant the more I feared that something like this could actually happen. :)

But, the idea of our little Ground Hog arriving on February 2nd was bypassed quickly on the morning of January 9th when we found ourselves rushing to the ER with complications and found out we would be "delivered" that day. I remember I had to verify what the Dr. meant by that. "You mean we're going to have the baby...today?!" And, while we didn't actually have her that day, we did the next, and we were SO unprepared. We had only taken one childbirth class and I hadn't even BEGUN the nursing classes. Talk about waiting until the last minute! So, we didn't get a Ground Hog after all! Instead we very nearly found ourselves with a New Years' baby and we couldn't have been happier to have bonus time with our little Princess.

This morning I was remembering the days of waiting for Alyssa to come while I was watching her take part in her weekly gymnastics class. Wow, did three years fly by! There she was doing a forward roll all by herself and I was reminiscing of the days when she fluttered and kicked and struggled with hiccups in my tummy. What fun memories. And, what better way to get over the fact that the old Ground Hog just predicted another six weeks of winter for us?!

NOT AGAIN!

2009-01-30T14:40:00.002-06:00

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!

2009-01-23T16:07:00.002-06:00

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

2009-01-22T09:26:00.004-06:00

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!

2009-01-13T11:08:00.005-06:00

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

2009-01-09T15:43:00.003-06:00

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

It's truly an amazing story!

Penn does a little talking

2009-01-09T13:43:00.003-06:00

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 <><

2009-01-08T09:25:00.002-06:00

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

2009-01-06T11:18:00.001-06:00

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!!!

2008-12-30T14:01:00.002-06:00

Feeling the need to diet in the New Year? You're not alone! A friend sent me this poem today and I thought it might at least help us feel like we're all in this thing together! Hopefully it won't depress you...too much. :)

Happy New Year, Jill <><

A POST-CHRISTMAS POEM

'Twas the month after Christmas and all through the house
Nothing would fit me, not even a blouse.
The cookies I'd nibbled, the eggnog I'd taste.
All the holiday parties had gone straight to my waist.
When I got on the scale there arose such a number!
When I walked to the store (less a walk than a lumber)
I'd remember the marvelous meals I'd prepared;
The gravies and sauces and beef nicely rared,
The soda and the chocolate balls, the bread and the cheese
And the way I'd never said, "No thank you, please."
As I dressed myself in my husband's old shirt,
And prepared once again to do battle with dirt---
I said to myself, as I only can
"You can't spend a winter disguised as a man!"
So-- away with the last of the sour cream dip,
Get rid of the fruitcake, every cracker and chip.
Every last bit of food that I like must be banished
'Til all the additional ounces have vanished.
I won't have a cookie-- not even a lick.
I'll want only to chew on a long celery stick.
I won't have hot biscuits or corn bread or pie,
I'll munch on a carrot and quietly cry.
I'm hungry, I'm lonesome, and life is a bore---
But isn't that what January is for?
Unable to giggle, no longer a riot.
Happy New Year to all and to all a good diet!
- Author Unknown

2008-12-16T09:13:00.002-06:00

Christmas is a whole new world in the Tracey house this year. It is so much FUN to see the Season through the eyes of a little girl who is not quite three. Alyssa is incredibly excited every time she sees even the smallest Christmas light display and gets really thrilled when a yard is all decked out with Santas, Snow men, and angels. It's funny how I always kind of thought those yards went a little overboard and now I search for them with almost as much intensity as the beautiful toddler riding in the seat behind me. When she's excited I'm excited. And then there's what she wants for Christmas, a microphone to sing with. And, she will tell any version of Santa she comes across with complete confidence and certainty that this is what she would like to see under the tree on December 25th. (I have a feeling that he has heard her and will satisfy that request.) She loves the parties, the decorating, the trees, the songs. This girl simply adores Christmas and the celebration of the Season. And this makes for two pretty excited parents as well. But, even more exciting than the gifts and the secrets and the planning...is the opportunity to teach our precious girl the real Christmas story. She loves lighting the candles at dinner time and reading the Bible verses and learning more about the birth of Jesus Christ. My prayer is that as the excitement of the "kid" part of Christmas starts to wane over the next couple of decades the excitement over what Christmas really means will remain and grow into values and beliefs that will last a lifetime. For me, I think that's the most exciting part of celebrating Christmas in the Tracey house this year! Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones and let us hear from you! In Christ, Jill <><

2008-12-11T19:33:00.002-06:00

Will my child ever be potty trained?
I've heard so many things from so many people...do it when she's ready...the training doesn't start until the diapers come off...use candy as a reward...don't use candy as a reward! I think my favorite bit of advice came from a friend of ours in North Carolina - just don't potty train her at all. That way you don't have to worry about dates bringing her home late when she's a teenager. :) I guess the frustrating part is that Alyssa was doing so well and now doesn't seem to want to go on the potty at all no matter how many treats and prizes and big girl panties we promise and even show her. So, I think for now I'm going to relax and enjoy the Christmas Season. Potty Training will wait until after the Holidays, right? If you have any ideas I'd love to read 'em! Thanks!

In Christ,

Jill <><

2008-12-08T13:54:00.001-06:00

Hey, big news! We found out that we didn't originally post Jeremy's OFFICIAL time in the Jingle Bell 5-K run. He actually ran it a little faster than we'd thought. His official time is 36:53! Yeah, Jeremy!!!

2008-12-06T15:32:00.009-06:00

He did it!

Just a couple of hours ago we returned home from Jeremy's first attempt at a 5-K run. He had been working SO hard for several months and was still very nervous about participating today. But, we are very proud to say that he made it across the finish line and at a time that was two minutes faster than any of his practice runs! His final time was 37 minutes and 10 seconds. Yeah Jeremy! Jeremy would be the first to say that he couldn't have done it without the help of his new friend and running guru, Steve Freundt. Thanks for all the help and advice,
Steve.
And, Jill was grateful to have Steve's wife, Melissa, to show her the ropes of being a waiting wife as Steve has run in many races before. Alyssa was excited to cheer Daddy on and to get to know the Freundts' two daughters, Kayley (3) and Kate (9 months). They kept each other company while waiting on the guys to bring it on home! :) Alyssa also had the chance to meet a very special guy in a big red suit. Hello, Santa!

After the race we headed to Texas Roadhouse in East Peoria for a victory lunch. Jill's dad, Joe (Papa) Kauzlarich joined us. And, our friends, Jeff and Sue Lichtenberger, celebrated with us as well.

Jeremy says thank you for your prayers and words of encouragement as he was gearing up to reach this huge goal. Running in this year's Jingle Bell Run was rewarding on so many levels. He was able to support a good cause and see a dream realized. He also met up with several other runners who said that they'd been training with him as he talked about getting ready for the run on Doing Life with the Traceys. Thank you! So, what's next for Jeremy and running? He says he wants to kick back and relax and see if he can gain 60 pounds in 30 days. ;) Jill doesn't think that's gonna happen!

2008-12-02T15:17:00.002-06:00

Hey there and Merry Christmas! Welcome to the new blog for Doing Life with the Traceys. We are so excited to do life with you on the internet now as well as during our afternoon show on Family Friendly 91.5 WCIC. Please feel free to talk back, too. We want to hear from YOU! Thanks and much love from Jill and Jeremy! <><