Mother Tucker

. . . 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.

I’m a bit of house-hermit but this weekend some good friends of ours invited us over . . . an overnighter, folks. I don’t think I’ve done that since I was in my early 20’s and definitely before chitlins. That doesn’t include my Momma’s house. I was a tad nervous of how the kids would do . . . Sam hadn’t traveled for an overnight trip since he was 3 or 4 months old. But, as usual, things went better than I expected . . . actually they went really really well. And, on top of that, we spent some well-needed and overdue time with some very good friends! I enjoyed myself immensely and found myself even more grateful and blessed (and humbled) to have such people as these on my short list of friends.

Then last night we went to church.  I cried (literally) for the time lost at my “home” . . . where I feel most at home . . . and I cried cuz the presence of God was so thick in the place.  The message edifying and convicting all at once. And I can’t wait to get back.  It was excellent to see all of my friends as well! If you didn’t know, my church (Life Bible), is over an hours drive right now; living in Salem while J does his school thing.  And with finances being so slim, getting down there but once every couple of months is a miracle the last 6 months or so.  But I just choose to trust God, even though I don’t completely understand why He has us in this season.

Here’s some pics, hopefully its cool with my friends if they are posted on me blog.

Mixture of families, since there was a birthday party going on for Chad and Ezra.  My hubby is on your far right. hot!

At the table after some awesome burritos, courtesy of Sarah and Linda. Again, mixture of families and my hubby is on your far right.

Playing with our dog, Byron.  It was still relatively warm out at 8pm. My husband is on your far right . . . I’m seeing a pattern forming.

Enjoying cake and ice cream.  Ezra wanted a pink cake . . . so the frosting was, indeed, pink. Very cute! He turned 3 years old.

I didn’t mean for that last post to sound self righteous.  I have my many faults and do not live up to, even, my own standards most of the time . . . much less that of a faultless God. I am so very grateful for the grace God has chosen to show me in this life and lean completely and utterly on that . . . truth is something I’ve been convicted about gaining more of, through the Word, to balance out my daily walk with Jesus.

Nothing new to really update anyone on.  I do want to give honor to God for the place we call home right now.  A misunderstanding of a letter we received insinuated that we weren’t eligible to live here but it was ironed out quickly and we are no worse for wear.  God just keeps providing and keeps giving us favor where its obviously HIM.

And, again, finances just keep coming through! We are blessed with much more than money, but the finances are a necessity.

So, Justin tested for an officer position this past week; interview, written test, peer and teacher reviews . . . all 36 people left in the program did.  He should hear back next week.  Lieutenant or Captain (I believe) are one of the two he could be placed in . . . several people will be.  This is for the fire program and he will be over the first year students come Summer term.  Just the current update. So school is going good! He’s got a much more laid back term than last term . . . he’s home more frequently and he’s able to get to work study more often.

Samuel started going down the slide, at the playground, by himself.  For the past 3 months or so, he would climb the stairs just fine but then wait at the top for me to come set him on his rump and help him slide.  I kinda got busy talking to someone while they were playing and recognized he was at the top of the slide . . .  apparently I took too long; before I knew he was  squealing with delight as he came to the base of the slide. Tobias was on the slide next to him, so I’m sure he was watching and receiving coaching from his elder brother . . . but since then he has it figured out.  So very cute!! He’ll be 20 months May 12th and that means he nearing the 2 year mark! Crazy how life gets away from me . . .

Tobias, in the past couple of months has picked up singing. Mostly with his favorite movies and cd’s and sometimes to the radio with a random song. He mimics the sound and the words aren’t so clear but that does not keep the laughter at bay from mom and dad . . . or to keep us from joining him.  So far he’s been my hippety hopper (quite the moves that boy has!!) and now my crooner.  His dramatic nature just makes it so fun! I love it when he fake falls to the floor or dramatically fakes it as he runs into the wall and to the floor. I’m not sure where he picked that up but he’s obviously acting it out. And we really really have to keep an eye on what he watches cuz he mimics and acts out the stories and words with his toys, words and hands.

I have 15 pounds to go before I’m where I want to be physically.  Doesn’t seem like much but the last bit is so stubborn and motivation wanes with each passing pound. Thanks to Kacy I’ve revved it up with Billy Blanks’ Taebo videos.  I get so sore and keep saying “darn you, Billy Blanks, darn you,” whilst shaking my fist at the sky.  Justin keeps telling me that thats a really creepy thing to do and to knock it off.  hee hee. You know that just eggs me on. haa haa He’s not amused.

Well, geez . . . there’s an earful for ya . . . or eyeful, whatever.

We are in Harrisburg this fine weekend.  We are to be visiting and spending the night at some dear friends of ours, house.  An overnighter . . . thats a first in a long time, minus my parent’s house.  A bit nervous I am but so at ease when I remember how much we are loved and accepted by these cool people we call friends.

Welp . . . God bless!  I hope all of your weekends are fabulously full of family, friends and good times!!

mmm mmm . . . hotness! My hubby . . . don’t tell him I posted this, it would embarrass him.

I grew up being a pastor’s kid in a non-denominational church. That was 15 years of my life (age 10 on). So I was fully aware of “callings” and the like . . . all the religious jargen associated. I truly feel like my day in and day out, comings and goings, are what God has called me to. My eyes being focused on the one we were created to worship (Jesus) and letting the overflow of that . . . the fruits of being in HIS Spirit . . . effect my daily contacts and life. How I choose to treat my upstairs apartment neighbor is just as important as how I portray Jesus and HIS teachings in a message to thousands (I haven’t had the opportunity to do that, by the way). So I don’t have a clue what my “future” calling is . . . but I know what God has laid in my life and path to do today . . . raise my boys to truly know HIM, treat all humanity with the love and grace of our Saviour, and be the best wife possible.

As for dreaming, I dream about going back to Africa as a missionary . . . to somehow be involved in placing orphans and bringing a solid and truthful knowledge of Jesus where hope seems depleted. If thats in the cards God has for me, so be it.

I’m learning daily that I’m loved by an amazing and gracious God. I yearn for truth and wisdom . . . as much I do for grace and mercy . . . having more grace than truth is spiritually off balance . . . I’ve always leaned more on the side of grace and God is really convicting me to balance it out a bit with more truth.

I always thought I was adventurous.  Hey, I had traveled to Africa . . . lived in the ghettos of the outskirts of Nairobi . . . met and fell in love with a people  and land that I will never ever forget . . . a life altering experience (with God’s grace and protection).  I’ve experienced 50 mile endurance races . . . on horseback, that is . . . taking place on land and with people I knew nothing of; just colored tagging ribbons to light the non-path.  I’ve scuba dived and will continue to scuba dive the open ocean with my hunk of a husband. Fear has never been a strangle hold for me . . . as I know loved ones have dealt with. Don’t get me wrong . . . I’m not a daredevil, but I don’t mind indulging in the unknown, etc; and I definitely definitely have my limits!!

We move to Salem, Oregon and I am paralyzed in my apartment.  I ventured out in my own neighborhood . . . I have driven all of ten miles to a nice park on the edge of the Willamette University Campus . . . but I haven’t made an effort, at all, to get to know the city in which we’ve chosen to reside for the 3 years of Justin’s schooling.

Yesterday Justin and I went to South Salem . . . which seems much nicer than the area I live (which scares me in part. . . what was that about fear?) and enjoyed an immense park (like 900 acres).  They have an off-leash dog park area, consisting of 25 of those acres! Nice! Byron got to run about willy nilly and the boys had a chance to also wear themselves out quite nicely (reason for the early nap today)  . . . so we will be back there soon. And, of course, I forgot my camera.

But it hit me that, by summer, I need to have scouted out hiking opportunities, walking paths, swimming areas and hang outs that don’t require us to be on busy streets.  I might have to put my explorer hat on and take on the task.  Not ‘might’ . . . I have to . . . or I will go nuts holed up in my tiny area of Salem with very little to do.

Thats all I got to say about that.  I miss Eugene, mostly because I knew where stuff was . . . hiking, swimming, etc . . . but there is an excitement with figuring out new areas, getting lost, finding my way, etc.

God Bless!

I haven’t been writing quite as often as I used to . . . like two times a day. hee hee. But I’m apparently making up for lost time today with 3 posts in one day. Pathetic is what they call it.

Anyhoody . . . I mentioned the outing to the zoo last week (week ago from this past Wednesday) and that I was the royal dunce and forgot my handy dandy camera . . . my beloved and cherished possession . . . not kidding about that.

Ok, so Justin’s momma was good enough to send me some photos of the time at the zoo and the restaurant afterwards.  She has edited and “scrapbooked” them for me (and grandma Lu) . . . so here they are . . .

From top left (your left): Justin’s mom, grandma, Tobias and dad, me. Botton row, Taylor, Aunt Kim, Justin’s dad, Sam in the stroller. That fleece I’m wearing makes me look fat . . . or I am fat, crap!

Top left, Justin, his grandma and Tobias. Next one on the top, Taylor, me, Sam in the stroller and Grandma Lu. Bottom is Justin, Tobias and Grandma Lu

Again, I did not edit these . . . not that they are not cute, but they are in Justin’s mom’s style and words . . . note “Gama meets the Tuckers”. Don’t know . . . I call her Lu, not Gamma.

Ok, the pics are Grandma Lu and Tobias . . . the fourth weird one, you got me . . . I don’t know. Must be a joke cuz these pics were sent to Lu as well.  Also we were not alerted to the fact that it was Lu’s birthday so I had the pleasure of being embarrassed for not being prepared with card or gift. Crap!

Story of my life.

I’m gonna get off this thing.  It must be cold outside cuz I am freezing sitting here in my bedroom this evening. Man . . . I might need the heat on. brrr

God Bless!

Um, ants are gross. What I thought was sugar ants . . . tiny little black ants that seemed to permeate my kitchen, sliding glass door, pantry and entry way, aren’t really eating sugar. And, as I battled their existence at the above named areas of my home, with vinegar (what a joke), cleaner, bleach, 409, etc . . . they did disperse to a certain degree, especially from my now very well maintained kitchen. But I have now seen them in weird places . . . bathrooms, bedrooms, hallways and the latest “hang out” is the dirty laundry hamper, which always has a load waiting, it seems.

So, because I seem to be squishing more and more of them, I looked it up, again, on the internet . . .

I think they might be Argentine Ants . . . they seem to like dirty stuff, like laundry, throw up, rotten food, etc . . . but they are small like sugar ants. Also sugar ants are suppose to smell funny when you squish them and my little invasive critters don’t smell a wit . . . and I’ve squished many many many of them. And they are harder to get rid of than sugar ants. . . great balls of chicken crap. But I am going to get bait today (or tomorrow when the hubby gets off shift) and will see if the Boric acid will wipe some, if not all, of them out!! Get a little offensive, not just defensive in my technics. War has been waged and I am answering the call of battle. And I’m not being dramatic!

Ok, after reading about them for half an hour, I’m gonna go shower, I’m pretty sure they are crawling all over me . . . oh, mother earth and all that is good in this world . . . I hate ants!!!

Update: ok, not argentine ants (don’t even deserve to capitalized) those like warm weather states, sw states inparticular . . . just gross little black ants . . . still waging war.  Actually its a good thing they aren’t argentine ants cuz those, apparently, are hard as heck to get rid of.

So my pooch has decided that he needed pee on my floor . . . not once but 3 times in one week.  This is not ok . . . an occasional accident due to the negligence and absent-mindedness of the owner, thats understandable. Being outside to potty, coming inside and peeing in my floor within an hour and a half . . . all three times . . . not ok.

I was hot to trot, as they say, and the hubby received an email with some not-so-nice content about the dog he chose and how he needs a new home, etc.  Yeah, not a friendly email.  But the ‘hot-headedness’ wore off and I forgave, once again, the goofball of a dog known as Bye Bye (thanks to Tobias’ version of Byron).

Now, this is a 3 year old dog . . . well house trained since he’s resided in our home (wherever that may be) his entire life.  So, we’re gonna try getting out for walks, at least once a day . . . despite the weather. I’ve been hanging indoors, only going outside to let the boys romp about at the playground . . . doing my cardio indoors to Billy Blanks (thank you, K!) and the crazy Australian kickboxing lady.  Thats gonna have to change, I do believe . . . if we are to hang onto the dog I’ve come to tolerate and the boys adore.

I do love walking/jogging outdoors but I’m also routine oriented to a fault. Once I get started on a certain workout regime, thats what I do, day in and day out. So, with the weather turning cold/rainy once again, indoors win out.  Learn to be flexible . . . thats what I need, I suppose.  I’ll add it to the list of stuff to work on. Getting out and about will be easier as the weather gets nicer.

So, you can tell I’ve got many exciting things happening in my life right now. I’m talking about my dog peeing on the floor . . . can’t get anymore exciting than that!

God Bless!!

I put so much chocolate and other stuff, such as bananas, in my friendship bread mixture . . . so its still edible.  BUT about half of them didn’t rise like they were suppose to.  Kinda flat and doughy in places.  Argh! Thats a lot of time and energy (not to mention fundage) that was poured into that carp for them to turn out just ok.  I was bummed cuz I had plans of giving them away to my neighbors and J took some to school but all of them came with a disclosure of apology for the flat dense texture.  My neighbor said the humidity would of messed with it quite a bit and it was humid the last few days . . . so I blame that. hee hee. She still took it and pretended like she was gonna eat it.

Well . . . my life is not all that exciting right now, so I’m going.

God Bless!