Mother Tucker

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 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!

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.

Ok, the post before this was wrought with emotion . . . whether or not I portrayed that.  I believe I was crying at the time.

I thought I’d let you all know I’m fine.  It all worked out . . . an extraordinarily short conversation took place and apologies were spoken earnestly and  the subject was dropped . . . both parties realizing I had blown it out of proportion in my mind . . . as I do frequently.

Anyhoo . . . all is good and peaceful in the land Mother Tucker this evening.

Actually I’m doing quite well.

Hubby was taking a test all day today to earn his state EMT basic certification. A very difficult and hands on type of test. He passed it folks.  As I knew he would . . . God is so faithful and Justin is a hard hard worker! PROUD wife and best friend tonight!

*warning, abrupt subject change*

I’m horrible about taking my camera places . . . hence the reason for so many home-bound pictures of the fam and stuff.  And if I manage to remember the camera I tend to forget that I have it (cuz I’m so used to forgetting it) and don’t capture any photos.

I actually remembered it on the evening of our anniversary.  I had plans of getting fab photos of us trekking downtown Portland, OR . . . eating at the cute and quaint place we dined . . . smooching under the stars . . . my cool shoes . . . anything but this

My dorky self . . .

Hubby trying to ignore my giddy, yet dorky self . . .

Ah, the togetherness . . . can you feel the dork juice oozing from the screen? Watch out! It is contagious!

Yeah . . . those are the pics I took . . . on our way to Portland.  Once the camera was put in its cute little pouch . . . it was forgotten. Very sad about this because the restaurant that we chose was so cute . . . and it was in the cutesy, artsy, part of downtown Portland . . . Oregon, that is.

Dork-ridden pictures of our 6th anniversary outing . . . kind of fitting actually.

God Bless!

Hubby is taking his last final of the term as I write this. His medical terminology final is/was today and he didn’t seem too nervous about that one . . . its the Chemistry one he was SO SO nervous about . . . shock and awe, he did just fine.

At times its been hard this term.  He had 26 credits to complete, 7 different courses.  He was gone a lot.  If it wasn’t the 24 hour shift, it was work-study, studying/homework, or just trying to catch up on what little sleep he could. I didn’t see much of him and what I did see, he was a bit stressed . . . yeah, not exactly refreshing fun.

I’m finding that, with God, I’m stronger that I ever thought I could be.  Though thats not to say I haven’t seemed to lose it a few times . . . unfortunately I can have quite the temper and a sharp tongue; two attributes about myself I am not proud . . . and it comes out a J.

I am thankful, mostly to God . . . but also my good and dear friends that have kept tabs on me and have made the lengthy road-trip to come see me . . . multiple times. I am so blessed and so grateful to have such friends and family!!

So, I am truly truly looking forward to 10 day of Hubby’s smiling face (extra help w/toddler #1 and #2) and to have him just relax, even if it is a short time.

I have questioned why I keep a blog at all. Words words words . . . but in the end, if anyone gets anything from me or the words written here (except to just catch up on us)  is that I am a completely imperfect person and to see the one that keeps me sane, sanctified and joyful . . . Jesus!