Mother Tucker

Since the purchase of our pooch, Byron, 3 years ago, dog parks have been an active part of our weekly . . . if not . . . daily lives.   He is, as you probably are already aware, a Parson Russell Terrier . . . also known as a Jack Russell (I’m not sure if “Russell” is spelled with 2 L’s or not, who cares).  Jacks are notoriously high energy, they were bred that way for fox hunting purposes.  We are the idiots that bought a high energy breed of dog but now he has wormed his spring-like self into the center of our hearts . . . so he’s stuck with us.

Since the big move to Salemland we had yet to find a loverly dog park to take our exercise deprived animal, to wear out him adequately.  No amount of walks or jogs can squelch the amazing resilience of his Jack energy. But dog parks take a little bit of it out of him, thankfully.

3 weeks ago we found one.  A dog park.  25 acres of leash-less abound! So many dogs, so many acres of green grass to romp, pee, and poop . . . but mostly romp.  And it is so spread out that I don’t mind the kiddos walking on the bark paths with us, instead of squashed in the stroller to watch the going ons.  So, in a fashion, its a dog and kid park.

And, thankfully, summer is slowing taking over, so the weather has been oh so nice!

Here are some pictures of the outing yesterday, late afternoon.  We’ve been multiple times but I managed to remember my camera . . . and I managed to remember to take pictures once we arrived.

Setting out for a walk around 25 acres of off-leash glory!!

Byron, Tobias and Samuel . . . in the lush scenery.

Tobias, growing up . . . so good looking. I’m not biased in any way though.

Samuel at the dog park. Didn’t have time to edit this one before the real live Samuel woke up from naptime.  And now that he’s sitting on me, fresh from a nap, I’m going. He’s good looking too, by the way.

Today I am grateful.  I am grateful for my unconditionally loving God, my awesomely hot husband, my two beautifully bright children, my completely provided for life, and the grace and faithfulness of God to keep covering it and creating it!

I dream a lot. Last night’s dream, that I won’t go into, brought perspective to the malcontent that creeps into my being; dissipating it completely, for now.

God Bless!

Hubby and Toby being goofy. Summer of 2007

I’m sitting in front of my computer . . . the boys are sleeping, or should be anyway, and I’m tentatively “clocked out” for the evening. The “clocked out” bit gets easier as they get older and fall into nice little structured routines.

I did well today, diet wise, keeping it well under my calorie goals and worked out hardily in front of my tube to crazy blond Aussie and really really happy ab jam lady. She is pumped about abs! Not sure why the walk didn’t work itself into the picture, except the boys were crabby this afternoon and I didn’t feel the gumption to fight them into the stroller and make the best of it. That, the stroller bit, does not get easier as they get older. Bummer.

But currently I have a gigantic bowl of popcorn . . . I’d like to take this moment to thank my friend, Sarah, for creating an addiction to popcorn out of her generosity to buy me kernels once. Since I have been unable to resist a scrumptious bowl of popcorn . . . bowl is used loosely, as it more resembles a barrel than a bowl.

Nope, not ice cream, not chocolate, not even the whip cream and strawberries I bought on purpose as a ice cream substitute . . . nope, its the salty goodness of the popcorn.

Thank you, Sarah!

Thats really all I wanted to write about . . . making sure credit for the obsession is placed on the correct person, wouldn’t wanna confuse anyone. And I definitely couldn’t take personal responsibility, I’m American!

God Bless!

In the course of conversing with a friend of mine this past weekend, I came upon the realization that Justin had embarked on this firefighter superman adventure 1 year ago.

He turned in his paperwork showing he was interested and he got an interview with the head staff (chief) the first part of June.  He went through the rigmarole of finding and purchasing his first full suit; tie, belt, socks and all. He looks snazzy when he’s dressed up . . . mmm mmm good! He then had to schedule all of his prerequisite tests for college level, well, everything and he had to show up and pass a physical abilities test mid-summer. Then there was paperwork galore and vaccines, cuz you work with real patients, ride real firetrucks to real calls, etc, don’t want any blood-born diseases . . . is that how you write that? Blood born? Anyway, thats beside the point, you get it.

And the stress and nervousness before each test or entry point . . . right into EMT Basics where you maintained a C or above or you were completely out of the program.

Not having attended school since he was a wee teenage boy, he was a bit insecure about how he would do at the schoolwork end of stuff. Of course, because of his outstanding work ethic, he does fantastic at all aspects! I do like to brag, I do! I’m so very proud of him. And he’s on my mind cuz he’s on shift today . . . waking at 4am to get to the station by 5:30am for 24 hours of firefighting extravaganza . . . oh, and a few menial classes.

Sorry, I had to answer the phone . . . it was my hubby . . . his ears must of been ringing, considering I’m creating an entire post about him . . . not that this is the first time. Carp!

So, where was I?

Oh yeah, so he’s doing good.  Last term he had 26 credits, um, thats a lot. Over double of the minimum full time credits. He managed a 3.6 GPA despite the extensive work load of Chemistry and EMT Basics . . . amongst other fire related classes.

And now he’s working towards officer level.  He has oral presentations tomorrow and then he finds out how he was ranked; lieutenant or captain.

And then . . . then he starts drilling testing other youngins that are coming into the program . . . fun. That starts in July, I think.

The balance of family, school and work is a hard feat! We’ve had our tough days and weeks . . . I frequently run the selfish ‘I need you here’ brouhaha and he frequently gives in but its hard to switch gears from intense learning, drilling and fireman duties . . . to home life, which is rigorous in toddler-hood and  needs of its own.  Many of the single fireman in his class are interning; literally living at the firestations to learn their duties. The job is intense.

Civil service (I think thats the right name for policeman, fireman, etc) have some of the highest divorce rates. We’re learning what some of the stresses are and are determined to beat it at its own game. Of course, divorce isn’t even an option in my head . . . but a healthy and happy marriage is . . . and the boys having a happy and healthy dad is a priority as well. So we’ll learn as we go . . . we’ve already learned so much!

Well, that is plenty of thoughtage for ya for one day. 

My hubby is on your far left, a buddy of his in the middle and I have not a clue who the guy is on the right. I need to get pics of him in his blues! So hot!!  And yeah, me hubby is making a face. I didn’t take the pic.

I took my pooch out potty the other day and the boys locked the door behind me . . . forcing me to go get the office staff to unlock it.  I had not a clue that they even knew how to work the deadbolt.  Lesson learned. Uh-huh.

Today Justin had to go up to Brook Firestation and do some pressure washing and some other stuff . . . its his job, work-study, fun fun.  I loaded the kiddos in the stroller at the same time he was getting into his car, to enjoy this happy happy warm weather we’re experiencing at the moment. We waved, Toby cried (always does when dad leaves), and we walked practically right next to him out of the drive . . . which just prolonged Tobias’ crying. Ugh.  Half way down the Salem Parkway Justin honks as he’s driving back toward the apartment.  We wave and my mind starts pondering what he might of forgotten.  And then something shiny caught my eye and I forgot about him.

We went for quite the walk and we’re coming up on our road that will lead us back to the apartment complex when it dawns on me that Justin is religious about locking the door.  I am not.  I did not bring my keys. So, of course I get agitated about it before we ever reach the apartment . . . in part because I had to use the restroom something awful.

Yes, the door was locked . . . but the sliding glass door, I found after I shimmied over  the 5 foot (ok, maybe 4 1/2 ft) enclosing wall, was not locked and we were inside in no time.

So the lesson here is, quite possibly, to carry my keys with me at all times. No matter if I’m the last one out and did not have a key in the first place to even lock the door . . . just carry the keys.

Yep, I figured out what day it was yesterday . . . Friday.  Which makes today Saturday.  Just in case you were confused. Glad I could clear that up.

Justin is pulling the third shift of the week today . . . 3rd.  He’s only required to do one.  But he missed last week altogether and . . . well, that explains 2 of them . . . and today, I’m not sure why he’s there. But whatever. He’s got officer oral presentations on Wednesday . . . he’s nervous but it’ll go fine. That will weed out 2 or 3 people from the running. Leaving, something like, 12 or 13 people left.  He’ll do fine, I’m sure . . . and if not, well it wasn’t in the cards, and it won’t be for lack of trying and hard work.

That said, I really do miss him today.

We’ve been on a walk this morning already . . . the weather is beautiful! Kinda hazy but warm.

I think my kiddos have low-grade fevers today. Ugh. They’ve been fighting a relatively mild head cold, runny nose, nastiness but now they seem to be even crankier (I didn’t know that was possible) and they’re warm to the touch. Of course I might want to feel their foreheads before they run around and play outside . . .

I’m not one that likes to shop.  Never have been much into it.  It takes a lot of energy and time.  I do like to use up energy outside though.  But last night I had had enough of the inside (and outside) of my adobe, so I left when Justin got home/boys went to bed and ended up at Target.  All I bought was a toothbrush (yes, see previous post) and coffee filters (necessary paraphernalia for severe coffee addiction), yeah, thats it . . . toothbrush and coffee filters. But it was nice to wander aimlessly without the chasing and managing of chitlins.

Well, I can ramble with the best of ‘em, so I’m going now.  Just thought I’d drop a note to say we’re still alive and kickin’ over here in Tuckerville.

God Bless!!

Being at home . . . a lot . . . I tend to forget what day it is and what date it is. Believe it or not I keep track with Justin’s schedule . . . shift was Wednesday so today must be Friday? Is it? I don’t know. I’ve even gone as far as hanging 2 . . . 2 calendars within the living and dining room to help me out.  I tend to reference them every other day or so. Most of the time I forget they’re there.

And since being that my day in and day out routine does not alter depending on the day . . . or date, for that matter . . . it is not of great importance to my tiny little world right now.

Why did I bring that subject up? I don’t know. I was just thinking perhaps I should title my blog the day of the week and then, for the life of me, couldn’t figure out what day it is . . . without referencing the calendar in my living room or googling it . . . which both would have taken less time than explaining my insignificant dilemma. Thats kinda what happens when you don’t have a whole lot to write about.

I took my dog out to go pee this morning, bright and early (around 10am), and the boys locked the door behind me.  Yeah, I didn’t have my keys. Thankfully it was a weekday (I wasn’t completely sure at the time) and the office staff were in.  But I still had a mild panic attack regarding.  I have never seen them operate the lock in our door, now I’m aware.

I was a giddy school girl with the sight of sunshine today!! Yay sunshine!

I saw the wild roses had blooms on them this morning . . . they’re in the apartment flower beds.  Very loverly! I will get pics soon.

The Pansy at the top of my blog is mine . . . nice, huh? They’re fun cuz they’re so dramatic in digital macro. (note: blog header changes frequently so this paragraph will soon be obsolete.)

I understand the invention of toothbrushes a bit better.  I lost my toothbrush in the midst of our overnight stay in Harrisburg last week and I’ve been using my finger and my fingernails . . . um, gross #1 and #2 the bristle invention, much better technology. I will be replacing my toothbrush today for those of you who are concerned about the health of my teeth and gums.  And I might brush 5 or 6 times a day for a few weeks. I have the analogy its like doing dishes without dish soap . . . just a wet sponge . . . not really cleaning, nope.

I want Justin to graduate and get a decently good job, so we can buy some little crappy house on about 3 or 4 acres and have us a couple of horses and cows . . . maybe a chicken or two.  A garden would be nice.  They talked about doing a community garden on the property here at the apartments but apparently it fell through, bummer. I think a few years, or 5, will pass before any of the above happens . . . well, excluding the apartment plans for a community garden . . . they can do that anytime they like.  Ah well, I have patience, sort of.

Alright, this lonely old lady is going to stop rambling now and find something productive to do . . . like catch up on everyone else’s ramblings.

God Bless!

One of the loverly Pansies I captured whilst the kiddos ran around rampant at the playground. I need photoshop . . . badly.  I don’t like the white specks all over it, which I’m sure is pollen or something, just distracting.

I have two beautiful boys. Beautiful, I’ll say it again. Inside and out, that is.

Today a third was added to our numbers, just for the day, while my sister went to Vancouver to check out a new car. Yeah, we’re on the way here in Salem-land . . . so she dropped off my nephew, Braxton. This wasn’t a rare occasion when we lived less than 10 minutes away, but now we are over an hour . . . its a rare occasion.

I enjoyed the day, despite that we were basically trapped indoors due to the weather and, on top of that, my boys decided it was melt-down day . . . yeah, can we get a nap time. They did but they didn’t sleep. Ugh.

Braxton was a dream . . . as my boys probably would have been outside of their element.

We watched lots of Disney movies. Well, they played in the background whilst the business of playing with trucks and out on the patio, during sun-breaks, took place. They didn’t seem to notice the flicks of animation until they were over . . . then they proceeded to beg me to turn on another. And I was in the mood to indulge. So the tv and dvd player will have less visitors the next few days . . . I hope the weather gets better so we can live outdoors.

Ok, I also have to say . . . Tobias turned 3 years old three weeks ago and, if I’m not mistaken, he’s changing . . . and not for the better ( not better for mother tucker anyway). I thought I had it bad with tantrums from, a bit before two on, but this isn’t tantrums this is just a bad attitude or something. My mom told me yesterday she was gonna tell me that 3 years old is crappier than 2 years old when I complained about the 2 year old era but she didn’t want to scare me. Great. So here I am, terrible 3’s? Ugh! He’s usually not hard to discipline but I’m having to be more direct with him and really talk to him about what he’s doing . . . so much more energy.

Alrighty, I’m done whining. I’ve got it made, I tell ya, I’m home with my kiddos . . . what a blessing!! And I get to deal with the different stages, instead having to leave it someone else’s hands . . . its a gift and I know it.

So I mentioned I started jogging early morning . . . yeah, Justin’s work schedule changed for him to be there, majority of the week, at 5:30am. Guess what, I don’t have a treadmill and I ain’t runnin’ in the dark in this here neighborhood. I’m not sure I would in any neighborhood. So, back to work out videos but as it warms, I’ll get my jiggle on . . . in other words, I’ll run more. Sorry if that creates too much visualization for ya.

Alrighty I got some pics of the boys for ya from today. I do love pictures, mostly my own, but I love looking at other people’s photos too. I can go to flickr and look at random photos for hours . . . odd, you say . . . maybe but there are some pretty professional looking photos there. Type in ‘light’ in the search bar and it brings up some nice pics! Mine, not so professional . . . but fun nonetheless.

Braxton and Samuel, focused on Retro Rocket . . . super toy.

Tobias, Braxton on Retro Rocket and Samuel . . . apparently Retro Rocket and its rider are hypnotizing . . . this is the first glance of still life I had all day. And, yes, that is the very popular Cars movie playing on the screen . . . and, yes, no one is watching it.

This is more like it . . . chasing the pooch for the millionth time. Byron looks defeated but I’m pretty sure he’s also chewing up one the stolen crackers he managed whilst the chasing occurred.

Where the pooch goes when the tots have bestowed too much loving attention.

This is what it did most of the day . . . well, weirdly intense moments of sunshine, then this, then some rain, then some really intense sunshine, then this, then some rain . . . you get it?  Yeah, crrrraazy weather we’ve been gettin’.  I think they call it spring . . . maybe cuz it springs back and forth from winter to summer until summer finally takes over, eh?  Like that one?

I’m done jabbering.  I’m home alone tonight . . . today was/is Justin’s official shift day . . . Sunday was a makeup day since he missed last week’s. Thats my excuse for writing so much in one sitting.  I really really want some fatty butt ice cream . . . like Ben and Jerry’s S’mores . . . so bad, yet so good. I think I’ll go to bed instead. Can’t gain calories (i.e. more fat) by sleeping instead of eating, eh?

God Bless!

. . . from Tuckerville.

Justin pulled shift yesterday and is still at school attending classes.  He is suppose to be home around 4-ish . . . but tired he is and I’m sure he’ll crash, hopefully reaching, either, the bed or the couch prior to passing out.

Kiddos have a mild cold but I’m not complaining.  It seems its been a rough winter for folks with kids this year . . . all the illness and stuff.

I’m enjoying being able to leave my sliding glass door open for the fresh air to come in my house.  Thats one of the top reasons I dislike cold weather, it gets so stuffy with closed windows and heaters running.

My plants outside . . . the very few that I have . . . are blooming. I love spring! Hopefully I can get some seeds started here very very soon. I think some vines would be nice, considering they are residing on a lattice railing, it would look nice growing down perhaps. Any ideas of a good vine with pretty flowers . . . majority sun-worshiping . . . let me know!!

I have some good coffee in my possession at this moment . . . thanks to some dear friends of ours that know me a little too well. Mmm mmm, good stuff!! I think I’ve had like 6 cups today . . . hee hee.

Well, here’s some pics cuz I’m outta words for now. I love flowers. If you ever think of me . . . get me flowers. haa haa.

Oh, so tiny white flowers.  Not so much in focus, but I don’t care . . . captures the subtle beauty just fine! And the sun!

Played with the effects on this one quite a bit but its fun and bright.

Nope, not an old country fence (you would see sky if that was the case) just my downstairs patio railing . . . note the ceiling above. But how quaint a flower! Love it! Good thing I love it . . . I might be the only one. hee hee

Light makes a photo . . . thats my personal, have no idea what I’m talking about, opinion . . . caught this one just right, in my naive opinion.

Hey, just a slight celebration of spring in Tuckerville! I hope you all had a great weekend and your week has started off positively grand.

God Bless!!

I don’t want to be vague . . . I would actually like to spout off about a situation that I deal with day in and day out here my lovely apartment complex.  But I will choose to not spout off . . . in other words thrash these people.

Sometimes the best way to grow grace is keep my mouth shut and my heart right in God.  Its only by HIS grace that I’m not in the same predicament. Thank you, Jesus!

Alright . . . thats all I gotta say about that.

God Bless and good night.

My mom sent me photos of some of their plants and Cacti that were blooming like mad right now in good ol’Las Vegas, NV. I played around with the editing stuff (which I’m severely limited) and I liked this one . . . ain’t perfect but I like it anyhoo.