Taking Matters Into My Own Hands

Yesterday was the start of the summer heat wave in Detroit. Ugghh - I'm not a hot weather lover - but at least I don't have to work - so I manage to find places to cool off. The window air conditioners have been working well this year - but really - today was HOT! So Carrie and I decided to go to the Red Oaks Wave Pool. I love going on the Lazy river - round and round - I could go forever.

We decided to go in the afternoon and looked up the prices of the tickets: $16 a person. If we waited until 4pm they were half price: $8 a person. Afternoon it would have to be. We drove over just after 4pm and behold there was a line out the door - it was long . . . really long - and it wasn't moving - they were at capacity! What were we going to do? Well - it was time to take matters into my own hands. I drove to Meijer Thrifty Acres and bought myself a good ol' kiddie pool. Our next door neighbor Chuck hooked up his 150 psi air compressor and pumped that baby up!

We filled it up with the hose - and AHHHhhhh refreshment! All for the price of $23.99 plus water! What a deal - who needs the water park anyway?!

A Sweets Invasion

We have been experimenting with different sweeteners at my house. I am growing a plant called Stevia. It is an herb that has leaves that are 1000x sweeter than sugar. I am going to dry the leaves and crush them into powder. It's great for coffee, tea, and most beverages that require sugar. I am going to look for some recipes that use it too. Ohh - and it hardly has a calorie in it.

I also picked up some Blue Agave Sweetener from Trader Joes. MMMmmmm. It's a lot like honey but it doesn't cause a spike in a person's glycemic index. In other words, unlike other sweets, it doesn't make you more hungry.













the only problem is . . . well the recent ant invasion that I have had. Every day I am greeted by hundreds of tiny ants. I need new ant traps. Apparently they love Agave Nectar too.

Spending Time On the Cart!

Hi Everyone

Paul and I have been enjoying the summer and driving around Peachtree City with our cart. These are a few of the places we like to visit. Paul reads the paper and I paint or draw or knit. We usually take a pinic lunch and enjoy the ride. So here are some of my watercolors and pictures of sites.

Matthew 6:28 - 34

And why do you worry about clothes? Look at how the lilies in the field grow. They don't work or make clothes for themselves. But I tell you that even Solomon with his riches was not dressed as beautifully as one of these flowers. God clothes the grass in the field, which is alive today but tomorrow is thrown into the fire. So you can be even more sure that God will clothe you. Don't have so little faith! Don't worry and say, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear?' The people who don't know God keep trying to get these things, and your Father in heaven knows you need them. Seek first God's kingdom and what God wants. Then all your other needs will be met as well. So don't worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will have its own worries. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Alaina's first 4th

My parents, sister, and her boyfriend came to visit for the fourth of July.  We had a BBQ at my aunt's house and went to the Taste of Chicago.  Everyone had a great time spending time with Alaina- she looked adorable as usual.  

Happy Birthday Linda!

Happy Birthday to you - Happy Birthday to you - Happy Birthday dear Linda - Happy Birthday to you! I hope you have a wonderful day. I am so glad that God made you exactly the way He did! May your year be filled with unexpected joy - and experiences beyond your imagination!

Mom & Me Time

As you can see here, Emily Ann and Alaina have tons of fun together. Alaina loves to do her exercises everyday. Emily is a such a natural at taking care of Alaina. You can hear the joy in her voice!

So Young . . . Yet So Many Faces . . .

What are you lookin' at?
No, I simply will not!
Here, Here Matey!
and my favorite Bliss - Pure Bliss!

Welcome

Welcome to the World Alaina Marie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Pete and Emily what a beautiful and precious little girl you have. We are so glad to welcome her to the family. Congratulations from the U.P. We enjoy looking at the pictures of Alaina.

Love from Aunt Debbie and Uncle Pete

These are a few of my favorite things . . . by Alaina

5.  Smiling or Opening one eye at a time

4.  Giving Kisses (yes she really does give kisses)

3.  Sleeping

2.  Mom 'n Me Time

1.  Daddy's Snuggles

whisper sweet nothings to me. . .

Mother's Love

Beautiful Blossom

Welcome to this World Sweet Girl

Emily Ann and Alaina snuggle together. She feels so good right next to mom.

Alaina already recognizes her Daddy's voice.

Alaina is the first grandchild on both sides of the family.

Here she is meeting Nana Emily for the first time.

Here she is meeting Aunt Tracy (CC) for the first time too. She (tracy that is) is overjoyed.

Tomorrow she gets to meet Grandma and Grandpa Donnelson! She can't wait.

Emily did an amazing job - the nurse said that she was an incredible pusher. Pete encouraged Emily along the way. They are already great parents! Everyone is healthy and happy. (ps. Alaina was 8lbs14oz)

Just A Snipet of Alaina in Action!

Still Waiting . . .

But it should be soon. Emily Ann is feeling a lot better today since they have given her an epidural. She is resting right now - but the contractions are getting much stronger. It shouldn't be too much longer.

TN

She's Coming - She's Coming

Alaina has decided to make her debut early!

Emily is in the early stages of labor.

I'll try to keep you all updated.

Love, Tracy

School's Out

We are finally out of school! I finished up last Saturday with my end-of-year requirements and had a quick meeting yesterday morning. Tim checked out on Monday. (He has to go in all week, though, to finish up odds and ends.) It is so nice to be able to sleep in a little bit.

We are anxiously awaiting the arrival of Alaina. I wonder when she is going to make her debut on this earth. I am guessing June 25th. When do you think?

A Very Busy Day.

May was one of the busiest months for me - so the 31st was no exception. In the morning I ran/walked in my first 10k - the Oak Apple Run. My friends Sarah and Dave ran too! Dave is my coach and he generously offered to run beside me the entire race. He kept my mind from drifting and helped me reach toward the finish line. I was very thankful. The race started at 7:30 amidst a sea of "crazy runners" - it was a bit like letting the flood gates open. We ran for the first few minutes - followed by a fast paced walk - then at every mile marker we ran for 5 more minutes. I was slow as molasses - but I finished in 1 hour 26 minutes and 24 seconds according to my watch. The official results are 1:27:14. I wasn't last! (There were 5 more people behind me)

Even though I was at the back of the pack I still made some personal achievements: (1) I finished (2) I finished under 2 hours (3) I made 14 minute miles which was faster than my 16 minute mile training pace.

After the race I drank about a gallon of water and we all grabbed an omelet at Leo's Coney Island. That was followed by a quick stop at the Royal Oak Farmers Market and then I rushed home to get ready for my friends' wedding that I was the soloist for.

I made it to Rochester Hills in the just the nick of time and I even managed to squeeze my feet into a pair of black heels. (ouch) The wedding was beautiful - the flowers were orchids - which I just love. The wedding was at Crown of Life Lutheran and the reception was at The Heathers Club in Bloomfield Hills. By the time the evening was over - my feet were swollen to the max!

I made my way home and watched (slept through) Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade so that I can make plans to see the 4th one called Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Have any of you seen it yet!

So I am welcoming June - the completion of school and the beginning of rest and rejuvenation. Bring it on!

Tracy