Mother Tucker

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

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.

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.

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!