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!

7 Years and Counting

Sorry I haven’t been on here more.  I know you’ve missed me dearly . . . and my goofy words.  

This week has been busy with Justin, me hubby, home . . . so I haven’t had a chance to be on the computer much.  Not to mention my beast of a desk top computer does not work well . . . if at all . . . and so I haven’t attempted to turn her on this week . . . resorting to using Justin’s laptop, but infrequently. 

We were in Eugene Tuesday.  Justin had the second round of stuff done to his poor teeth . . . he has one more visit for that.  The boys and I went to my sister, Tiff’s house.  Always good hanging with my baby sister! 

Wednesday marked the 7th year Justin and I have been married.  

7 Things I Love About Hotness:

1. His good, solid gold, heart

2. His spontaneity and drive to do new and interesting things.

3. His amazing ability with his 2 boys and how he loves them so completely . . . not all little boys are so lucky.

4. His intellect and his need to learn and keep learning.

5. His unconditional love for me  . . .  a love that I’ve tested to the extremes.

6. His wisdom regarding life and relationships with others.

7. And, of course, the fact he is hot hot hot!!! He’s mine and I love that he is mine!  

Here’s to the next 70!

We went to Laurelwood Cafe in Portland for dinner . . . a family friendly brew pud.  I have a few photos but haven’t put them on my puter yet.  Not sure if that will happen anytime soon.  Tob and Sam went with and enjoyed it thoroughly.  They had a play area, though smaller than advertised, the boys loved it with the wooden train set and random toys.  The food was good.  Overall it was a relaxing and enjoyable anniversary.  I’m getting a new phone, that is my present from Justin.  Now to pick one out.

We are just hangin’ today.  Justin is actually still sleeping . . . something he has been able to catch up on a lot this week!  He needed it, that is for sure. We’ll probably head to the playground this morning and the gym is calling my name as well.  

Another day in the Tucker house.

God Bless!

Say Something!

Ok, I’m normally not very negative on here . . . whiny, but not negative . . .  and that post I did on the state fair is bugging me every time I log in here . . . which is a couple of times a day if I’m home enough.

So I’m gonna write something else, say something, so thats not the first thing I see on my blog.

Yesterday my sisters, Kelli and Tiffany . . . along with their tots, Braxton (Kelli’s 2 year old) and Aidrik (Tiff’s 1 year old) . . . came to visit me.  They hung out and ate dinner with us and just generally caught up with me and mine, since we don’t see each other very often, at all, anymore. I loved having them!! I miss living in close proximity!!

Justin was home today.  Though he had worked overnight, so he had to sleep while the boys and I went to church this morning.  Church was good and then we took some well deserved naps, yours truly included.  This afternoon we had errands and stuff we needed for the house so we managed to get to the store and Petco for dog food. Poor dog, he’s always out of dog food for like a week before we remember to get more. He doesn’t starve, believe me you! The dog eats more than my kids, I think.  Just unhealthy people food. He starts to itch really bad, I’m sure its food allergies, and thats usually when it dawns on me he’s been living on people food for a good week.  The itchiness goes away when his diet is primarily dog food.

I know you wanted and needed all the above information . . . especially about my dog and his negligent owners.

That about wraps it up.  I’ve been a bit of a slacker in the exercise department . . . but so goes life (as my friend, Sarah, pointed out) and there’s grace for that.

God is always good to us and I’m grateful tonight for his covering and grace in our lives . . . our health and well-being, as well.

God bless!

Samuel, he’s busy picking flowers . . .

Maybe . . .

So we are still moving. Next week is the last word. The got in there after the last tenants and decided to replace the carpet. Thats what we’ve been waiting on. They replaced it, finally, yesterday and they said it should be ready by next week.

Good news? . . . we will have brand spankin’ new carpet. Annoying news? . . . we’re just now getting the slowly brightening green light to move in. Hopefully thats the last hang up.

Justin is going to paint the living room for me . . . I don’t know whether or not we’ll do any other rooms. But two years is awhile so we decided the living room could use a splash of color . . . easy peasy.

I enjoyed the short-lived rainy break we had at the end of that severe heat! Beautiful! But I also like the return of the sunshine today! We made it to MInto-Brown for my jogging loop . . . which I did nearly the whole 3 miles . . . give or take a quarter mile. Thats WITH the jogging stroller (plus 2 giant toddlers) and the dog. Not bad . . . not a half marathon, but very good for me. Afterwards the boys ran rampant at the playground area and then we headed home for lunch.

Justin is off painting a house with a good friend of his, Joel. Beautiful day to do so. Justin has actually been working on this house for quite awhile, hanging new siding and such, so I’m sure J is ready to get it out done and over with . . . not to mention hanging with his friend he calls brother that he hasn’t seen in awhile. * Ok, update . . . I was wrong . . . the painting with the friend/brother is tomorrow, not today . . . tomorrow.  I know this messes up everyone’s day, but the big day for painting the chief’s house is tomorrow.  Ok, all cleared up.  *

I bought an apple green t shirt . . . I love it. 3.50$ at Target. I love it. Its apple green . . . bright beautiful apple, grass and clover green. I might be the only one that loves it cuz it was 3.50$ on the clearance rack. hee hee. The color makes me happy, if you didn’t catch that.

God Bless!

Coming Into Focus

The blurry future picture is slowly coming into focus.  We have right at 2 weeks until our apartment is ready for move-in.  Oh yeah, and we have an apartment number . . . thats helpful . . . and, yes, it changed about 3 times.  I like the location, actually, better than the one we’re in now.  Justin said he’d paint the new one for me before we get everything set up.  happy.  I have some inkling on the colors and I will post pics asap.  I’m color gal so it will be cheery and perhaps a bit obnoxious but I’m the one thats living there, eh. I think J was ok with it.

I’m 85% sure I’m going to have the boys share a room and make the 3rd bedroom a computer / fire gear / bicycle room (since J’s bike has to sleep inside).  I have not a clue what color I’m going to do their room.  I am a bit limited since we are renting and the colors have to be approved. But I can still have some muted fun.

Anyhoo, I’m suppose to be busy busy getting my bedroom and bathroom clean and completely packed today . . . I’ve done a lot so far but still have a lot to do.  I see a few screws in the wall staring back at me . . . awaiting my battery powered screwdriver. I know thats not what its called but my mind went blank.

So that is the really really exciting update on the move stuff situation thingy.

I just ate a pop tart . . . I don’t think those count as healthy food, dangit.

Apparently I’m out of things to say for now.

Oh, except me sista Tiff is coming to see me tomorrow! Oh the pure joy of it! And Aidrik! Me happy!!

And J is on shift today.  Thats not happy making.

Ok, bye for today!  Have a great rest of the week.

We Po’

My internet connection will temporarily unavailable to me . . . well, because we’re poor and can’t afford it right now.  We’re waiting on financial aide to come in . . . which its totally late, grrrrr.  And then we’ll see.

I’m at my loverly elder sister’s home today.  We enjoyed a tasty bbq with my two other sister’s and their husbands, played (watched tots play, anyhoo) in the backyard and caught up with chit chat.  I miss my family something awful at times and it was good to just be in their presence.

Now, Kelli and I are just hangin’ until its time to head to Island Park for fireworks.  Thats where Justin is now.  He has friends that are doing the main fireworks show there, at Island Park, and he is helping them set up or just hanging out chatting . . . whatever works.

We’re going to regroup (my sistas and their husbands, that is) at Island Park to watch the fireworks extravaganza.  Should be fun . . . with tots that haven’t slept a wink since last night . . .

I need to lay off the sugar cookies . . . sugar cookies goooood.

Alrighty that is all for now.  Nothing new in the land of the Tuckers. Pray finances work out . . . we’re feelin’ the heat right about now.

God Bless!

Good Day . . .

. . . 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!!

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!!

update . . . sorta

Hi, I’m on break, which means the kids are peacefully sleeping away in their cribs for nap.    I do love this time, its rejuvenating in a lot of ways.

I’ve talked to my mother multiple times today, the first being her waking me at 7:30am to let me know dad was going back for surgery at that very moment. Ok, sleep was not coming back after that so I slowly made my way to the kitchen to make coffee and do some praying. I was more anxious than I thought I would be but could not get my dad off my mind, I ended up praying a lot! Then I called her around 10am, he was still in surgery. Thats normal, I was mostly checking on her status; my bro, Billy, was with her so I worried less. Then she called me around 11:20am and he was out of surgery . . . everything went fine, though they ended needing to bypass 5 arteries, instead of 4 . . . but it still went very smoothly and he’s sedated in ICU right now.  The 24 hours after surgery is the most crucial.  Strokes can happen, not to mention other potential difficulties . . . so they keep a super close eye on him for a day or two.  Then he will start his recovery in the hospital for a few days then go home, probably Wednesday or Thursday of next week.  Its a painful recovery, from what I gather, so please keep praying that God just speeds recovery and gives my dad the grace to deal.  HE is faithful, so I’m not worried, just want to keep him in prayer.

Wow, I think thats all I have to say about that. Nothing new here. Justin is off taking a day of leisure scuba diving with a buddy of his today.  He loves to dive! So I hope he’s having the time of his life! He works so hard I’m glad he gets to just take off today! Though I have to say he’s diving a bay up by Tillamook and the name sounds like retard . . . so I’ve been calling it retard bay, I think its native American and it seems that its Negard bay or something but its waaaaay to close to retard . . . thats too bad.   I told him not to get retarded in retard bay. haa haa I crack myself up!

Ok, not that funny  . . . guess I’m going now.

God Bless!

Mom, dad, Tobias (26 months old), Samuel (8 months old) and cousin Braxton (15 months old) . . . see, my dad is a handsome dude!