Oh, Hey, Its Me . . . We Live

It is November already and I can’t even get close to getting over how quickly this past year has flooowwnn by.  Blows my mind actually.

The boys are doing fantastic!  Tob enjoys school so very much . . . Sam is huge.  Huge, I tell you!  Yeah, he wears size 5.  5. Size 5.  Tob and Sam wear the same size in clothes and are about size apart in shoes. They are 17 months apart, right?

Just checking.

I hate rain . . . hate it.  I went out into it anyway today . . . walking and jogging (jogging used lightly) for Byron’s sake, really. Poor puppy dog, I think he misses summertime more than me . . . thats pretty bad.

I put his rain coat on . . . thats why I bought it.  A bright yellow rain coat made for Byron’s size.  We get home, I take it off and the underside of the “raincoat” was damp.  Whats the point if its not waterproof?

Anyhow . . . then my loverly friend, Jalaine, brought Taebo Kick-My-Butt over and, well, kicked my abs really.  Buns are tomorrow . . . I know you’re thrilled. Maybe I’ll actually start making a dent in the 10 or so pounds I put on through the past 6 months . . . grr.

We did get a membership to the Kroc Center, thanks to Tob’s preschool, its a brand new fitness club, pool and community center not a mile from my house.  That has been the biggest blessing!  And in the nic of time, this stinkin’ cold winter weather limits the old outdoor time, for sure. The pool is super cute, made for kids and the boys have loved every second.  Mom loves the workout facility and daycare so I can actually USE the workout facility.  Nice!

Justin is in the thick of the Paramedic Program . . . he has started clinicals, about 2 weeks ago, and next week that ups to clinicals three times a week, plus school, plus studying, etc.

Holy Crud . . . and thank ya, Lord . . . all at the same time.

We do get to make the trip to Washington for Thanksgiving with my parents . . . yeah, they are currently residing in the Trij-Cities, if you didn’t know.  Much closer than Vegas. Justin has the weekend and I’m so looking forward to the family time!!

Tob has taken to calling us different kinds of animals.  He has settled on me being a rabbit, Justin being an elephant, Sam being a turtle and himself being a frog.  Its been this way for a month . . . he reminds me of our animal kingdom names every few days.

Myron . . . that is what Tob decided Byron’s name was today and there was no telling him otherwise!  Myron, kinda cuter than Byron.  Hmm.

The imagination of a 4 year old boy. I won’t talk about the smartelic remarks that come from the same beautiful face.

So, here’s to living . . . my life is really not very exciting so I haven’t written very much lately.  Just wanted to pop in here and let ya’ll know we still exist . . . our hearts are still oxygenating blood and pumping away . . . though Justin has informed me after the billionth time of listening to my heartbeat over the course of the last few months that I have an irregular rythm every once in awhile.  I asked if I was going to die, he said no, so I think no more of it. The heart has its own electricity . . . I love learning this stuff and making it my very own . . . how freakin awesome is that?  And I’m not tested and graded . . . much funner!

My wisdom teeth were pulled out, all four of them, on Friday.  Awesome, cuz the two bottom ones were rotting.  Painful, it has been . . . but apparently very normal healing process. They feel like giant holes in my head . . . my friend informed me the grow together, in other words the holes go away over about a month’s span of time.

Cool . . . hurry up about it!  I love almonds and almonds are IMPOSSIBLE to eat without getting the little almond crumbs in those gosh darn holes.  grr.

The hardships of life.

Justin was at school all day . . . now he’s at the gym . . . he’ll be back anytime now.  I better go for now, I suppose. I might need to go to bed as well.

Huh.

Well . . . have a loverly week!  Happy Veterans day, for Wed., I surely appreciate whats been done for me and mine, including my country!!

 

New School Year

Ok, the mayhem doesn’t actually begin until the 28th of September.  But Justin had orientation for the Paramedic Program this past week, so our eyes have been fully opened to just how intense and busy the program is!  We’re talking 6-7 days a week, going going going.  Geez . . . not to mention the amount of driving that will have to be done by my one true love.

We picked this apartment for several reasons, but one main one was the close proximity to the Chemeketa campus.  Yeah . . . they (Chemeketa Community College) decided to refurbish or remodel, whatever, the paramedic area of the campus.  Soooo, for this year only, the paramedic program students will be meeting on the Santiam campus . . . uh, 40 minutes away in Stayton, Or. This is the beginning of the drive-time nightmare.  He also will be interning, starting winter term (January) and will be on duty anywhere from Eugene to Portland . . . and the location changes periodically.  Hmmm.  Eugene is an hour drive . . . Portland, not much better.

But, God willing, we’ll have the funds to get the Honda in good working order and that will be the commute car.

Is that enough whining??

We have never lost the perspective of the obvious blessing in all of this  . . . the favor J’s had with the teachers and staff, etc.  25 people got into the Paramedic program this year . . . out 130 some odd applicants.  Not too shabby . . . not earth shattering but a blessing nonetheless!

Lets see, that covers the school/Justin extravaganza.

I have two cute boys.  The younger, Samuel, is turning a whole 3 years old in a week!  Yikes . . . shall I say it?  Yep, I’m gonna do it . . . .Time Flies!  Yeah, I have to agree, he’s cute.  Blond curlies and green eyeballs.  :)  We’ve started potty training in the last 2 or so weeks . . . and that is going well, for the most part. I’m just excited to be rid of diapers soon!  We’re headed to the zoo this Saturday to meet up with my dad, sisters and cousins . . . we’ll do a mini-celebration for his upcoming b-day and my dad’s b-day, which is Sunday.  Fun times!

Tobias, the eldest, is headed to preschool in less than 2 weeks.  I’m not positive how I feel about this shift in Tuckerland, but I’m sure it will turn out good for all involved.  Tob is so so so excited!  He’s super social and has accumulated friends . . . despite his mother’s hermit ways.

Look how tall he’s getting!  I don’t know, but he might take after the male-giants on my side of the fam.  He’s a ball of energy and revels being outside and busy.  In this pic we are headed down to the amphitheater at Riverfront Park in downtown Salem to watch an outdoor movie.  Brilliant idea for families, by the way!

Getting too big for the jogging stroller!  Ikes!  Now what do I do??

That about sums it up.  Nothing groundbreakingly new . . . just life.  And two cute boys to occupy my time.

Hope all is well with friends and fam!

God bless!

No Dawdling Here . . . Both Feet Immersed

As, anyone that pays attention to my rambling posts, knows . . . we’ve been on vacation for two weeks.  We arrived home day before yesterday.

Approximately two weeks prior to that Justin went on winter holiday from school; time to seperate the fall and winter terms and give time with family during Christmas and such holidays.

At any rate, he was home with us.  He had all of his fire station shifts covered and the whole bit during the month of December.

School started Monday,  so Justin was a few days late for classes . . . though all was in order for him to do so.

So, yesterday marked his time back at it . . . school . . . and he had his 24 hour shift yesterday as well.  Today he is off dealing with an EMT thing he had to attend, errands and, most likely, catching up on homework.  I saw him for a split second before he showered and raced out the door this morning before 7:30am.  And in my sleepy state that could have been more of a mirage than anything.

So . . . here we go again . . .

Thankfully this term is not nearly as full as last term.

And, we have only 1 year left . . . give or take a term.

God bless!

ps . . . I am, admist my sarcastic whininess, very very grateful for the oppurtunities lended us in this venture of life.  God is so good and faithful . . . I’m still human and it takes a bit to get going after having so much down time with the love of my life around so much . . . spoiled is a good word for it.

Two of my three guys, enjoying the views from my Mom and Dad’s balcony . . . views of Vegas strip’s lights and such.  Good times.

Loverly Thursday

I thought I’d cry daily without internet to escape into when my days fell quiet in the evenings and my mind just wanted to focus on one thing . . . fizzle out the stresses of the day . . . share on this crazy thing we call a blog, almost daily.  But I didn’t.  I found myself doing somewhat productive things . . . reading more, cleaning more (to Justin’s liking), and doing a bit more soul/spirit searching than I’ve allowed myself in quite some time.

Thats not to say that I didn’t miss writing and connecting with my friends and family . . . since we all know how good I am at picking up a phone and calling . . . but it definitely didn’t altar my life to the magnitude I had convinced myself it would.

We have been going through it, financially, this term (Summer).  Financial aide decided to randomly pull us for audit . . . most likely, we were told, because we pull so much aide . . . so, not so random.  But, because of this we will not receive our aide until the end of the term.  It has hit us hard, considering we, as a family of four, depend on this for bills, school (including tuition and books) and miscellaneous junk, such as diapers and shampoo.  I am, by choice, a stay at home mom and Justin takes, anywhere from 18 credits to 28 credits, depending on what needs to be done when.  Work is not an option, outside work study . . . ope, and thats connected to financial aide.  Awesome, I tell you.

But, its just another bump in the road.  Life, as it is.  God has provided a means to keep going and I know HE’s completely in control.  His eye is on the sparrow . . . how much more is he watching and caring for us?! Also, though, if you think about us, send up a prayer for us, eh.  Thanks.

Well, I think I’m going to end now.  Life is full of adventures . . . some of those adventures leave me a bit stress-induced but the history and character it creates is worth it!  Thank you, Jesus, for all character building experiences!

God Bless!

1 year

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.

self righteous

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.

life

Anybody keeping track of me and mine . . . we’re doing good . . . relatively speaking. It’ll be nice, when J finishes school, to have a regular income once again.  I need a outlet pretty bad, since my church is so far away and I don’t get down there much anymore . . . actually not at all.  But I come secondary, right now, to my boys and J . . . won’t always be that way, but for now it is.  So when we have 5$ for gas and he needs to get to school for the next week . . . guess what comes in second . . . my wanting to drive an hour, one way, to church . . . or even across town.  Same goes for keeping the electric on and phone/internet on.  And, no, I’m not the sole reason we have internet . . . J needs to have access when he’s home from school to be online.

Most days are great . . . flow easily within our schedule . . . and there are some days that are so long I want to poke my eyes out with a sharp stick . . .  gotta rely pretty heavily on the grace of God right now . . . as always.  I’m kidding about the poking my eyes out bit . . . thats gross.

So, today is a great day . . . I actually got in my running . . . which I mentioned earlier last week . . . “I’m going to run everyday, blah blah blah”. Very next day, it poured down rain, and continued to pour down rain for several days. The first clear day, I was out with my dog . . . felt great . . . got in over a mile.  Don’t laugh, its the first time I’ve jogged for reals in several years . . .  Today was my second run of the week and went about 3/4 of a mile . . . but I was pushing upwards of 70 lbs in a jogging stroller and had the crazy Jack on a leash. So I get bonus points for that, right? hee hee.  Total with walking the other day was about 3 1/2 miles . . . today was 2 miles total.  I still walk a lot. But I was reminded why I enjoyed the running bit so much . . .  it feels awesome; empowering in a way. I’ll keep with it . . . I think I’m falling in love with running once again.  And its challenging . . . gotta mention that.

Alright, I’m taking my dorky, tired self to bed now.  I’ve spent the last 3 hours . . . 3 HOURS . . . unthreading and literally picking these stinking letters off J’s practice turnout coat . . . my fingernails hurt. ugh. Now my legs, butt, sides, stomach muscles, toes, shoulders and fingernails hurt . . . all from jogging, except the fingernails.

God Bless and have a great rest of the week!!

ps, we get to go out for our anniversary!! A good friend offered to take our boys for us and I’m mighty mighty excited!! You know who you are  . . . THANK YOU, from the bottom of our pea pickin’ hearts!!

days go by

Hubby had/has shift today . . . still there.  24 hours for those of you who don’t pay attention to all my posts here in Tuckerville. That’s how long his shift at the firehouse lasts, 24 hours.

Hubby has always always been a work-a-holic, it doesn’t take extreme 26 credit hours at school and a mandatory rotating 24 hour shift to create a whole day or two of not seeing his smiling or half asleep face.  He worked swing shift at a mill and a second job during the day prior to us ‘moving forward’ in life.  He works a lot and he’s a hard worker on top of it . . . not just hanging out for free donuts and coffee.

Today he has been at it since 5am and I’m sitting on this thing at 9:30pm wishing he were here to share the evening hours with.

I married him cuz I liked him  . . .  and loved him . . . but I really liked him; his personality, his wit, his sense of humor that could easily be overlooked because of his quiet nature and his sensitive and caring self. And, yeah, I complain about being isolated, but I miss . . . tonight . . . my hubby.  I’m sure he’s helping some dude in a car accident off Lancaster or helping a beyond morbidly obese person out of their bathroom after getting stuck taking a crap . . . but he’s loving the challenge and the hope of a better future for our family.

Sooooo, I will suck it up . . . trust God, as I’ve spoken of a lot recently, and make the best of it.  And when he is actually here to hang with, watching my attitude so he stays awake for a few extra minutes . . . just to be together.

My thoughts and prayers are with my hubby this evening. God speed!

God Bless!

Hubby and Tobias, playing soccer at the track where my husband attends school and in view of the training tower at the firehouse.  1/’08