I saw the sun peak out this morning. That is saying something, considering we live in cloudy-ville USA (Western Oregon). In a complete frenzy, I dress my nearly naked tots and cram them, the dog and myself in the truck and head for the nearby park. It was 8:45AM.

Good thing I used my super-senses, knowing the sun wouldn’t last, and took action immediately . . . in less than an hour, clouds had invaded and completely covered the sky. Being a balmy 35 degrees when the sun is out, well that is bearable. 35 degrees when the sun is blanketed by clouds, not so much.

But, in that hour, Byron chased the frisbee, I walked, Tobias rode his scooter and Sam the big wheel. Then the boys started playing and I realized they were referring to each other as Agent T and Agent S. Apparently I’m raising the youngest secret agents ever. I think they were for the same agency, though I’m not sure . . . there was a lot of chasing and fighting, so maybe not.

This obsession with secret agents, and spies, was brought to us by the movie, Cars 2 . . . and by the program Phineas and Ferb (Agent P).

I love taking a hot coffee with me when I go to the park . . . whether it be 8:45AM (so justifiable) or 5:00PM (addiction much) . . . cold days at the park = hot coffee in the to-go mug. mmmm, coffee sounds good right now. Speaking of, I ended up with StumpTown Coffee and a cool new mug for Christmas, via the gift exchange at my sister’s house.

Stoneware mug from Tiffany. Perfect vessel for my addiction.

I was using this . . .

Aaaand, the camera focused on the fish bowl, ok, forgive the fuzzy mugs. I’m spilling waaay less now . . . and, I don’t get funny looks from people, in July, for using a Christmas themed mug. Yeah, I’m cheap like that. Though I still might get funny looks for clinging to a coffee mug at 5pm at the park, though I don’t notice because I’m too busy sipping that hot coffee and snuggling down in my thick, Michelin Man coat to ward off the freezingness of freezing land.

I don’t know if this has been the case all along and I’m just now noticing it, but does it appear lately that people will go to the dog park, the kid park, or any outdoor venue . . . where you will remain, well, outside . . . and be wearing minimal winter clothing, i.e sweatshirts and jeans. I have found myself suddenly self conscious about being over-dressed for the out of doors. Yet, if I spend any time watching these people that, at first, seem to have a high pain threshold, I realize they have spasms of furiously rubbing their hands together and  periodically shoving them deep in their jean pockets before the tips of their fingers relent and fall off due to frost bite. If you know its going to be cold, isn’t better to over-dress than to stand their and nearly freeze to death? I’m all Michelin Man coat (puff coat), mittens, scarf, sweatshirt, sometimes a hat, and fuzzy boots, if its anywhere under 40 degrees. But then, I don’t think I was designed to live in cold regions. I wish I was, I love the mountains, but alas, I am not.

Welp, this post ranges right in the norm for randomness that I am . . . Happy New Year, again, and have a great week!

I’m seeing New Year’s resolutions EVERYWHERE, of course . . . it’s that time of year. I thought about it and had an epiphany. I have, the longer I’m married, interlinked my resolutions with Justin’s more and more. I have my separate goals and aspirations but I’m thankful I have someone strong to dream with and scheme with. March of 2012 will be our 10th year of marriage! Talk about time getting away!

Anyway, back on subject; New Year’s resolutions . . . in Mother Tucker’s world:

 NUMBER 1. I’m going to be completely generic in this first one. I’ve gotten, to plainly put it, fat over the past year or so. I must, must, lose weight. 20 lbs is my goal. I am uncomfortable and out of shape. 

NUMBER 2. Move from Salem, Oregon. We moved here for Justin’s schooling. We don’t want to live here anymore, and especially in this apartment . . . time to move. I will keep you updated on whether we move to North Carolina or, an hour north to Portland. We are, currently, all over the board in our decision in that department. 

NUMBER 3. Get more involved in church (in the time we have left in Salem) and continue that after we find a new home. 

NUMBER 4. If all goes splendid, which I am determining it, it will . . . I will be going back to school and/or getting a job come fall. God willing. That is on my resolution list for 2012

NUMBER 5. Dream more . . . and dream huge! I’m guilty of letting go of some of my past dreams and now it’s time to pick’em up again and run with them! . . . see which ones pan out.

NUMBER 6. This is vague, but trust God . . . trust him with our finances, trust him with our family, trust him with our jobs and schooling . . . trust him . . . and that boils down to obedience. That tests whether we trust him or not; obedience. 

So I think that sums it up. My (our) New Year’s Resolutions, Mother Tucker style. What are some of yours? 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!! 2012

The first child has a unique situation.  They are “only” children for a period of time, then a sibling, and then often a caretaker for the other siblings.   Because first borns are so important to how the family unit functions, they become accustomed to being the center of attention.  They tend to revel in the praise and attention they receive from parents before the other children arrive.   This does, however, cause a slight problem when a second child arrives and begins to steal the attention away from the first born.  They may feel unloved or rejected because the parents had another child.   Because of this, sometimes the first born will misbehave to receive attention, although some first borns choose to opt in the other direction- first borns will try to point out what makes them better, more interesting, smarter, etc., than the other children, in order to gain attention.  

The other children of the family usually look up to the first born as the natural leader.  Second, or middle children especially look to the first born for direction and guidance when they are out of it themselves.   Consequently, first borns often believe that they should gain and hold superiority over the other children.  They love to be right and hate to be contradicted.   Oldest children may show off their knowledge or abilities to other children or adults in order to gain appreciation, love and respect.  They are competent at an early age and may be responsible beyond their years.   In some cases, this causes the first born to grow up too quickly, which may affect them throughout their lives to come. 

Eldest children are usually socially dominant.  They are very driven and extremely conscientious.   Unfortunately, they may be less open to new ideas, prone to perfectionism and long to please people, which may be a result of losing both parents’ undivided attention at an early age.   To make up for this, first borns often work throughout their lives to regain their parents’ attention.   

When first borns do not achieve their goals, they often suffer from extreme guilt.  They feel as though they’ve failed themselves, their parents, and those around them.   They feel a loss of love from others when they’ve failed, whether or not that loss is actually there.  They also have a strong sense of justice which contributes to their feeling of guilt- they think that people should get what they deserve.   This makes it that much harder to convince a first born that failing at a project does not make them a bad person. 

Whether or not your child grows up with all of these personality traits, chances are good that they will retain some of them.   In order to protect your first born from some of the negative aspects of that birth order type, try not to ignore your first born once you’ve had another child.  Encourage your child to succeed, but don’t push them to hard.   Don’t give your first born too many responsibilities at a young age.  Remember that they are still just children and should still be treated as such! ~Found Here

“Tobias, you do not rule the world, yet,” I point out regularly. Everything from the music that’s playing to where we should turn while we’re driving . . . to bossing his brother around too much to what’s for dinner. I’m not very tolerant of it but understand in the same light. I have an older sister, the eldest. I get it.

Speaking of. Tob has decided that “dance music” is the best! Dance music consists of Daft Punk (the new Tron movie) and other related music. Deadmau5 is favorite of his. Thankfully there are no words, just hyped up industrial/techno style music. Unfortunately it is both energizing and tiring, in the same half an hour of listening. There is, in his mind, no other kind of music to love. I hope this passes. Daft Punk

So, thanks Pandora, for making this available at any moment in time. . . (slight sarcasm)

Samuel is the oldest kid in his preschool. His birthday is September 12 . . .  2 days after the cutoff for the public school system. I attempted many a phone call to get him into kindergarten but finally relented after reading an article (which I can’t find) stating it was better for boys to wait the extra year, than to start a tad early, with all the backup arguments, etc.  So he is getting another year of preschool. He gets bored with it but he will do so well kindergarten.

Sam has all but beat Sonic Colors for the Wii. Thank you, Granny, for sending that our way.

I’m learning to set limits on video games, since that is relatively new thing the kids are into. There are days that I know he plays waaaay too much; normally on vacation days and weekends. Between Daft Punk and Sonic Colors, I may end up in a prolonged seizure.

I’ve been painting like a mad man . . . or woman, whichever. I’ve painted some stuff I hate . . . and one or two that I really love. My walls are running out of space. Anyone want a  painting? Here’s a couple that I found ‘hang-worthy’ . . .

This is one is my Mom’s. For her red bedroom. I did a few clean ups on it since I took this photo. I’m liking it alright.

 This is one of my favorites. I want to take a course in painting. I know I’m still really really rough. Just remember I’ve only done a half dozen canvases.

That’s all. I tried my hand at a Koi, it turned alright . . . definitely one to practice and do on canvas eventually. I tried a butterfly wing. That was interesting and turned out like a kid might’ve been the artist. One to play with though.

Hope everyone had a blessed Thanksgiving! Time for Christmas! We go get our tree next weekend! Yay! Wow, that’s a lot of exclamation points.

Don’t get me wrong, I attempt not to judge.

But what gets me is the cutesie lines and attitudes surrounding marriage . . . especially that gooey stuff that oozes from newlyweds and the soon-to-be-married crowd.

I know what you’re thinking . . .,”Ope, she’s becoming a cynic.”

But I’m not . . . I choose to call myself a realist.

To think each day is going to be wedded bliss is a myth, based in complete fantasy. There are days that I would like to do nothing more than strangle the man beside me. There are little and big things that bug me to no end and, when they happen, I feel the nails-on-chalk board effect. Depending on my horomonal state, sometimes it’s more pronounce than other times.

Hello . . . is that hard to call me back when you’re at work? I think not! I shall then pop my knuckles in your presence, which I’m fully aware drives you nuts. I love you that much.

But, what I’ve learned, is that you hang in, you keep forgiving and those moments of murderous intent pass and you come to a better place . . . a stronger place. Somehow, learning to love your partner through the poop actually makes you love him more. Even if the poop was something of his making.

Ok, a little stinky around here . . .

I recently became a member of Pinterest. It is a treasure trove; a collection of creative and witty ideas and saying and photos and art and stuff. It’s also a trove of interesting ideas and people’s weirdness, collected for the world to view. I love it.

To get this out of the way . . . Hi, my name is MotherTucker and I am weird. I do not doubt this character trait in myself. I also like to lose myself in the fantasy that life is grand and always will be. But I know where reality lies and I am grounded there.

I was going to go into an elaborate example of sayings that made me want to puke in my shoe, via pinterest and other avenues. Such as the “fun wife” one that keeps floating around, with the nerf gun and the note to the hubby that just came home. Yeah, I can’t find it, ok. Something about being the “fun wife” just annoys me. Like being your kid’s “best friend”, or the “cool mom”. All annoy me. I see marriage as a job, as much as it is a romance. Be punctual, be on task and never take it for granted; the paychecks will keep coming.

Some of the ones I have found on Pinterest are so great! Shmooshy, but great!

Three of my favorite sayings thus far.

I have been absolutely blessed with a great guy. One that takes care of my feelings and cares what I think. I know not everyone is as lucky. If ten years has gone by and I feel more admiration than annoyance . . . for me, that is great! I can claim I’m still in love with the man I walk hand in hand with . . . not bad, I’m tellin’ ya.

I like the reality of our relationship more than the fantasy I had when we first hooked up. Truly I do. It is real, not a bunch of hot air. There is substance and true support. No empty promises, but honest intention; with no need to impress.

My prayer is, our relationship just grows stronger, deeper and more real with the decades that pass. Thankful God has blessed us so much thus far!!

The boys are my occupation. Painting my hobby. God my everything.

Justin’s day off is today. He is sick with a cold and has appeared once this morning to eat breakfast and disappeared back to bed. He has been sleeping since. I feel really bad for him. It has been a relatively rough week.

Have I mentioned feeling enormously blessed for the opportunity to be home. At times I feel alone but, mostly, I create my home to be our family’s haven and that is what I love! I’m doing what I love. How many people can claim that?

It doesn’t mean that’s all I’ll ever do, but, for now, it is.

God’s mercy just about makes my head explode, trying to fathom it. Grateful today (and everyday) for HIS great mercy and love!

I found Pandora. I’ve known it’s there but haven’t used it much. Our Blu-Ray player has it readily available. Jesus Culture radio is currently my favorite . . . though it ends up on Daft Punk because Tobias can’t get enough of the beats. ‘Dance music’ as he calls it. Daft Punk = Good housecleaning music and Good running music. Just in case you were curious.

I’m out of canvas and must replace it soon or I will go crazy.

I have 4 weeks left of p90x. We took a 10 day break due to my friend injuring herself . . .um, doing P90X. Eeks. Anyway . . . we’re back at it and it hurts so good!

I miss my mom and dad . . . they live in Madison, Alabama now. Not Pasco, WA, 4 hours to the NE of us. Time to look into airline tickets.

My wonderful and dear friend and sister, Tiffany, her husband and son, all came to visit last Friday. We ate our fill of lobster and seafood Linguine. Justin made it and it was gooood! Awesome to see her . . . wish we lived closer to them. Maybe one day. You never know.

So, that is about it. Crossing my fingers that I don’t pick up someone’s cold.

Have a great week!

I texted my mom today and asked if I could send photos via email to her of my paintings thus far. Justin doesn’t critique very well and I want someone to be honest, and encouraging in the same breath. Hence, the text to my mom. She said sure and to hurry up and send the photos . . . here’s what I sent her . . .

Now, be kind, this is my 2nd painting, on canvas, that I have ever done. Akhal Tekes are my favorite breed of horse and I decided to attempt a replica of them here.

The very first one I did on canvas . . . going back, I would’ve given him a bigger head, but I’m in love with that particular color right now. I decided he’s a welsh pony.

Very first one . . . on canvas paper . . . right out of the new paint box. Just playing around.

So, that’s it. I have another one in the works that I’m hoping will turn out alright. Inspired by some amazing photography of wild mustangs . . . I’ll link his flickr site when I post the finished product.

Right now, I’m washing my brushes out and then going to bed.

Sitting over dinner on our date night, Justin mentions I should take a painting class. I kind of just stared at him blankly and thoughts of ‘expense’ ran through my mind.

“I think you’d like it,” he stated bluntly.

My mind started thinking about it and then bought into the idea and then I literally bought into it, with a cheap little starter kit from Michael’s Craft. The cashier mentioned their painting classes that run every Saturday as I was checking out. I then exit the store and notice the guy out front painting and strike up a conversation with him. He is the teacher for the painting class and I introduce myself. The next day I drive back and pay for that coming Saturday’s class.

Yesterday was my painting class. Besides fiddling around with my new painting stuff, I hadn’t painted a thing in my life . . . unless you count that one time in High School art class a million years ago, but I don’t remember much about that.

We painted a Magnolia flower.

Ok, it’s not the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen, but I was surprised to finish and be able to tell what it was . . . and what kind of flower it was suppose to be.

I have plans to attend one more of his classes. The art store downtown does 6 week courses, which is super tempting . . . just depends on finances.

So, anyway, I might annoy you all with more photos of my paintings as time goes on . . . just a heads up.

For now, I’m completely in love with painting, whether or not my stuff is gorgeous .  . . there is just something to it that tangibly feeds my soul.

I’ll hit the tready this morning and eat right, I’ll feel right as rain in a few days.

What does ‘right as rain mean’?. Does anyone know the answer this burning question?

My boys have a slight cough but they are as energetic as ever; no fever or any other symptoms, so off they go.

Justin gets home late Thursday, so it’s time to start getting the house back in order and all that jazz too. But I’m overdue for that; it always feels good to get the house clean.

Here’s to a loverly Mond . . . I mean Tuesday.

Speaking of nerve endings . . . whilst getting the shot to numb half my face, the dentist hit a nerve that shot shock waves through the front of my gum and down into my lips. I winced bad on that one . . . he apologized but said that does numb faster when he manages to get that close the nerves. That was the most painful thing that happened during the whole thing . . . the rest of it was just anxiety.

I’ve had my face numbed before and I don’t ever remember that happening. So, hopefully, it doesn’t . . . EVER again. I have 2 more appointments to cover all the cavities I’ve managed to accumulate in the last 24 years. Yeah, I’m just that good.

Anyway, hangin’ with my good friend Kacy this afternoon and then heading home, courtesy of my awesome brother, Bill. Family rocks!!

I’ve enjoyed my weekend!! My sis, Kelli, put us up and treated us the whole time we were here. My boys only drove her crazy a half dozen times or so . . . she’s 3 months prego  . . . if I were 3 months prego, I would of tempted to put them in a crate with food and water for the day. Hence the reason we are stopping at 2 munchkins.

Ready to head home though. Justin gets home Thursday and I am overly excited to see him!!

‘Here’s the kids, I have to take a day to myself!’ . . . ‘Aren’t you glad you’re home, sweety?’

This weekend, though, I’m packing up and heading to my sister’s house. She has kindly opened a spare bedroom to me and the boys. Tentative plans are for the pumpkin patch tomorrow and, solid plans for the dentist Monday morning.

I’m always hesitant to leave home. Not panic hesitant, just mildly. I think I’ve texted her about half a dozen times with worry questions and concerns we were busying her weekend too much and what groceries to bring . . . etc.

Updated ****

I had to stop writing earlier to get ready to leave . . .  and take care of my boys that were bickering in the other room. Ah, reality.

So, now I’m sitting on my sis’ couch, watching CSI Miami and typing here. My sis is 3 months prego and has had a busy day, so she’s off to bed. I’m going to Alton Baker Park, old stomping grounds for my jogging ventures . . . they have some of the best trails systems ever! Also there is a dog park, a big loverly dog park and Byron will mistake it for heaven . . . so, that’s my plan in the morning. The afternoon we are all headed to the pumpkin patch, which should be a blast! Megan and Bill plan to join us at Lone Pine Farms. I’m thrilled to be around my family!

That’s the plan man. Thats the story morning glory.

And that is all.