Another Holiday Weekend Gone!

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!

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?

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!

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

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!

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

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!

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!

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

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