HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011

It has been a LONG time since I blogged. A lot of exciting things happened over the year. To be honest, I am still trying to catch my breath and take it all in. At times it is still overwhelming but exciting. I just wish my personality would sit back and enjoy what is before me. Oh, that is a New Year Resolution!! Stay calm and enjoy the moment..... oh and exercise, don't eat too bad and try to have a Holy hour 2 times a week.

So, where to start? Approximately 1.5 years ago we came to a little town named Wenatchee.... sounds like " WIN- NATCH-EE". According to the signs, it is the Apple Capital of the World! It is smack dab in the middle of the state of Washington, 2,750+ miles away from the state of Texas. Thats mighty far!!
We knew that if it was God's will we would live in a small town to regain the sense of "family" and try to raise them with some basics.We had a lot at stake. Thomas had a thriving practice in Austin and a reputation to follow. Twenty ( yes, 20!) years of a medical practice is huge to leave. We just felt there had to be a way for him to practice medicine, raise a family and have a more balanced life. Well, over all we have found it. We love it here!! Yes, we miss our friends but we have done more here than we have in the last 5 years! The weather is great. The mountains are beautiful. The fruit and veggies are OH so tasty. The outside activities never stop. You get up and go outside.... its wonderful.

Our Buddies the Donohoes come for a summer visit!

In the last year, we have had another baby! Henry Joseph. He is a year old and just a doll. A sweet natured baby that has killer blue eyes. I remember thinking-- "Really? I am pregnant-- AGAIN?" but I would not change it for the world. He is perfect. As I have reflected in the last couple of weeks, our children are not ours. They are a gift. They are entrusted to us for a short time. We do not "know" the plans our Almighty has for us or them.... but they are a gift. Cherish it and try to take a moment to realize it! Enjoy the crying, screaming, giggles and whines. Even when you want to bang your head against the wall..... it won't last forever.
* Side note- God Bless our Friends the Hempels. They lost a child in December. Our prayers and hearts are with you friends. We love you.

Jax is growing like a weed. He loves it here. Loves to garden, pick fruit and totally addicted to skiing. He will start a program next week that focuses on ALL mountain terrain. He also focuses on racing. Jax has an awesome teacher, Mr. C, who is inspiring him every day. He misses his friends but has met some really nice kids. (9)

Blaise is almost as tall as his brother. He loves to be outside. We are looking into wrestling club for Blaise. He is a leader in his class and a good brother to his siblings. He is thriving in school. He too loves to ski and seems to be a bit of a dare devil with the more difficult terrain. We are going to have to really "train" him.... God help us. (7)

Madelon Rose. oh Madelon Rose... she is a hot mess. She is skiing Blues and loves gymnastics. Madelon is a huge help to us when it comes to caring for Henry. She has made some BFFs and loves art and crafts. She loves to garden and is great at digging for worms. Her favorite trip was Whale Watching. She is requesting to go back for her Birthday next year. She is still a giggle monster!! (6)

Elizabeth is going to put me to an early grave. She is smart, tenacious and has no fear. She is almost on the first green run on the slopes. She is amazing!! Henry loves her. I am sure he is picking up bad habits! She is still an "elf" and weighs 24.8 pounds- 25 pounds. Wears a 12-18 month pant and will be 4 in Feb!! She is a blessing and a challenge. Anyone know a good boarding school? :} (4)

Henry is a pure delight. Sweet. Loves his pacifier! Not walking. Why should he- he has LOTS of folks packing him around. He is a love bunny. Loves Daddy.... He is my buddy. Can't believe a year has flown by. Loves the snow and his sled. Screams at the deer when they walk through the yard. So easy going BUT he IS a Tucker- it will change. Oh- he is short and has a big noggin. Dude is vertically challenged!! :}

Thomas is working hard trying to get into a groove. Figuring out the system, hospitals and staff. He is enjoying his work and feels he is practicing the way he should. He even has skied while on call. Yep- that would NEVER happen in Austin. We are now focusing on how "we" can refocus on the kids, not feel so tired and HOW to squeeze in exercise. Thomas is going to daily Mass, sits on the school board and has been asked to sit on another Catholic school board for the upper grades. He stays busy but not too.... I reign him in every once in a while and remind him WHY we moved in the first place. Old habits are hard to break!

Me-- well my lifestyle has changed. After 9 years of having "Baba", my nanny, I am in charge of the little rascals. Still trying to get the groove. Every time I think I have it- something throws me for a loop. Oh, such is life. Every day I start over with a "Dear Lord don't let me loose it" prayer, a cup of coffee and a side glimpse in the mirror-- "go get'em kid". I am working out ( well, starting over this week) with Jillian Michaels DVDs... LOVE it and I have seen HUGE results. Check'em out- I am her unofficial cheerleader.  I am skiing as MUCH as I can. I LOVE it. It is challenging but relaxing. It sets me free and lets me relax in the most gorgeous surroundings. Awesome.
Love, Love , Love to ski!

We have been so lucky to have friends come visit. Baba and Terrance came back in August to get me "together" before the school year. My friend Sarah D came with her brood. We enjoyed white water raftiing, baseball games and camping in the backyard. Brenda and Mark came at the beginning of November. They are good friends and past patient. Dr. and Angela Helmer ( Tom's old partner ) came for a quick visit. They promise to come back to fish this summer! The Slevins came for Turkey. Alisa is a BFF and was Tom's nurse of 20 years. She stayed for 2.5 weeks. It was GREAT! Finally, my sister Kelly came from Dallas.
We tortured her with high speed sledding and snow shoeing. Constant attention was requested by the kids for her to "play" with her. Pretty sure she needs a vacation from her vacation. It was super special for my Mom to have her here. She misses her little girl.

Our new year is to take it slow and easy. Enjoy skiing and reconnect as family and as husband and wife.
It has been a crazy year. One I hope to remember when it all slows down. One I know that no matter WHAT craziness happened it has been worth it.  We have made some wonderful friends who I look forward to getting to know better. I look forward to being more active in this great Catholic community.I love it here. I love seeing my children thrive.
I will be better in updating more. I wish you all a happy, healthy and spiritual new year. May our Almighty bless, guide and grace you all in every aspect of your life. Actually, he is- but are we listening?


Remember- fear can paralyze you. So you can get busy living or get busy dying!
 ( Shawshank Redemption).

God Bless and much love to ALL of you and those I have reconnected with in the last couple of months.

Seattle Seahawks Game

Baseball Games with the kids

Trips to Seattle

Whale Watching

Cherry Gathering

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving 2010

It is Thanksgiving Day- 2010! There is so much to be thankful for over this last year. The birth of our son, the move to the NW and our friends... new and old.
I was in Mass yesterday and I wept. It hit me- it has been ONE year. I have a new home, new life and new friends. It has flown by. I also have a beautiful family that is healthy and happy. We have had friends from Texas come and visit us from summer to November. It seems strange that they left and hard to think we might not see them until next year. Our best friends are here visiting us for Thanksgiving. WOW!
Nine years ago we started a Thanksgiving tradition with one of my college roommates. Her father had passed away and we didn't want her or her mother to be alone. Since then we have spent EVERY Thanksgiving together. It has grown.... into more friends who might not have family around. It has gone from cooking to catering over the years. It has been at Michelle's childhood house , our house and our ranch. There are many memories and many, many, many bottles of wine that have been enjoyed. We have sang karaoke. (I have LOTS of pictures) It has been a great 9 years!!

Thanksgiving 2008

Over the years my other college roomie joined in the fun. So did our friends, our priest, my ObGyn and others who would wander in and out throughout the day! It has been great!

Thanksgiving 2009

Now there is a new page that is turning! We are so blessed to have the Slevin Family here to be with us. We have spent MANY a family holiday together. I hope they will come back! My friend Michelle now has her own family ( twins as of 4 days ago) so she too will start a new tradition. I hope, my friend, we will reconnect and gather again in the future!! I am blessed. I have a husband who loves me unconditionally ( even when I gripe about cooking a turkey, dressing, etc) and a beautiful family that is healthy, strong willed and fearless! My grandmother is still with me and helps me in every aspect of my life. My Mom is here with us living in Wenatchee. I am making some lovely friends. God is good.
I cannot believe it has been a year. I miss some of the tradition... but today we start a new one.
I have made a Turkey, dressing from scratch and sweet potatoes. I have "catered" the pies. I here the children fighting and giggling in the background as I type. My husband and David are talking politics and the football game is playing. Tonight we go to the Tornabene's ( our first friends in Wenatchee) for dessert, drinks and a game of "flashlight freeze tag" in the snow. Tomorrow is sledding!
So, when you sit at your table.... slow down for a minute and REALLY take stock of what you are thankful for this day. Remember the past, remember the moment and pray for the futures.
May God bless you all and remember we love ALL our friends and Family!!!

"Father all-powerful, your gifts of love are countless and your goodness infinite. OnThanksgiving Day we come before you with gratitude for your kindness: open our hearts to concern for our fellow men and women, so that we may share your gifts in loving service. 

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. "

November

Well the snow is coming and the leaves have fallen from the trees. Every minute the leaves fall like snow and by the end of this week most of ours will be off the trees!
I am posting a short blog and will not post again for a couple of weeks. We have GUESTS coming for the next 3 weeks!
Our friends Mark and Brenda will be here this weekend. Next is Dr. and Mrs. Helmer ( Dick and Angela), he was one of Thomas' partners in Texas. They get to go to a Gala with us! Finally Alisa and the rest of the Slevin Family will join us for Turkey. Alisa will stay for a couple of weeks--- yipee!!!! :}

I will post pictures as they come along but will post in a couple of weeks. Keep us with us via FB.
Till then- Happy Turkey and be safe in your travels!!

October 2010

Hello Friends. It has been a WILD October for us. It seems that is flew by and now it is time for TURKEY!!! :}

Thomas was chosen to drop the puck for a Wenatchee Wild Hockey game. He took the boys and they walked the "red carpet". So fun! This was a huge honor- not everyone gets to do put out the first puck.

Thomas and I got away without kids for the first time since Feb. 2009. We went to Seattle and had a lovely time eating and shopping. We went to a Seahawks game. WOW, WOW, WOW- are those fans loud! It is an outdoor stadium and we wore earplugs. Great seats and lots of fun. It rained but we were covered- sitting on the 40 yard line. We yelled, screamed and drank great micro-brew beers. A great way to end a fun weekend.

We came back to gymnastics, iceskating and the screams of "MOM". It was bitter sweet! :} I missed them terribly but enjoyed being away for some R/R. The week picked up pace and soon was speeding along. By Wednesday it started taking sharp curves. Blaise came home saying his "knee" was hurting. Whimpering is not unusual for Blaise when needing to rest or trying to get out of something. I saw a scratch/bruise. Again, not unusual since Blaise and gravity are BFF. By Wednesday evening it was the size of a grapefruit and he could no longer put weight on it. Ice and motrin. Thursday morning he was still swollen but could put some weight on it. He went to school but knew I would try to get him seen by a Dr. (that is a whole other story!) By Thursday afternoon I was staring at his knee with my mouth wide open. It was huge, red and burning up!! WHAT???
The clinic here has a "walk-in" hours-- not like an ER and not a "free clinic". You are seen by a Dr. and if it is serious, the clinic has an ER.... ANYWAY, you know there is a problem when the Dr. comes in and takes 2 steps back! We did and xray and was thrilled to find out it was NOT an infection of his bone (Praise God!) but they were not thrilled to culture it because that could lead to secondary infection. Instead we are on 2 super duper antibiotics to kill the staff, strep or other crazy things growing in his knee. All said, he is doing good. Trying to get that boy to sit still is impossible!! He is doing much better but will have to miss iceskating this week.

On Friday, after the 2nd Dr. appointment, we headed to Chelan for a new doctors retreat. All family was invited. They offered free babysitting while the parents had dinner and met other physicians. On Saturday there was breakfast and Thomas went for a discussion with the CFO and CEO of the hospital. The kids and spouses went on a hike and to a petting farm. Fun times. The couples all seemed super nice and it was nice to see so many families with SO many kids. This medical community is simply amazing. They take a LOT of time to find people who will be happy here and will benefit the community. Then they bend over backwards to show you how glad you are with them. It is a atmosphere of "team work" and family. They will do whatever they can to help you in any situation. It lets Thomas be what he wants to be -- an EXCELLENT doctor and Dad!

Saturday it was back to Wenatchee. We dressed the kids in Halloween gear and head into town. The city provides a night on the "AVE" of Trick or Treating. Businesses dress store fronts and sit outside handing candy to the kids of Wenatchee. Then there is a party with games and crafts. WOW! We met up with some friends and went Trick or Treating. We did not stay for the party because we had Mass but- HEY- one extra night to wear costumes and trick or treat was worth it!

Sunday I took the kids up to Mission Ridge to see the first snow. We should have gone earlier in the week but they had a great time. Even Henry liked sitting in the snow. Looks like the weather is getting colder so soon there will be more.

Halloween we went to a friends house for homemade soups and cornbread! YUMMY! We took the kids  for all the candy they could get. The nice thing is- all the houses are close together. When we lived on Marshall- it was hard because it was half a block to your neighbors.
Today- I put up the Halloween and pulled out the Thanksgiving. We will be having guests soon. Friends from Austin will visit November 13-15 and then the Slevins come for Turkey! Totally excited!!

Brenda La Tremenda

Me and Alisa enjoying my last favorite margarita in San Antonio

For the final update- I had put my "Jillian" DVDs on hold for 2 weeks. Life happens..... but today I was back full blast cursing myself for putting it off. The constant struggle between good and evil. Its never easy. Now- I have maintained the weight I lost ( the most important of this story) so I just need to "shape things up". I am now focusing on ski conditioning. I don't want to be in pain or exhausted just from one day of skiing.
Last but not least- Henry is trying to walk. We are done with nursing and he is 100% on table food. He is  a chunk and L-O-V-E-S food! He is a Tucker!!
Hope all is well with your families.... miss our friends but we do love it here!
Hugs and prayers.....

FALL!!

It is Fall here in the Northwest and absolutely beautiful! Last weekend we went for a drive and took many pictures of the gorgeous leaves. Even caught some family pics! The kids were wonderful in the car. We took a bunch of head phones and movies and off we went. Madelon got to bring a precious friend. We stopped for a yummy lunch with super yummy shakes. We stopped at a covered bridge that looked like part of an old train route. The kids played on a little school playground. Folks- this is a one room school.... tiny!
They were troupers and rewarded with taffy at the end of the trip. Gonna show you the pictures but keep scrolling down and will give you the rest of the story.....

 Look at my BABY!! Not a baby anymore!! :{

So the rest of the week was a little busy. Thomas started traveling to Moses Lake ( a satellite office) and I caught a cold. You know the kind that just makes you feel totally off and you never know if your nose is going to run or be stopped up. 

The kids got costumes via online and got the box. Excitement was brimming in the house and everyone had to "try" it on!! It was a lot of fun. Thomas was thrilled to see the kids all dressed up when he got home. He tries to act like things come too early but when he sees the joy in their faces--- he forgets he is a stick in the mud! :}

Tonight- the boys are at a hockey game with their Dad. This is exciting stuff. The Wenatchee Wild dyed the ice pink and are wearing pink jerseys for Breast Cancer Awareness month. Thomas got to drop the puck to the guys and the boys got to go out on the ice. I don't think they understood the magnitude of this event. People just don't get to go do this every game. I hope they had fun!! Total awesome "dude" bonding moment!!

I, on the other hand, stayed home with my girls and big H... and Memom. We painted fingers and toes, dressed those up with Halloween stickers and topped it off with glitter top coat. We ate popcorn.... after I burnt the first 2 ???? WHAT????

Then sat and watched MADELINE.... OMG- cute, cute movie. Total Mommy and girls movie! I even cried!

So- the evening ended up with a tickle fest- lots of kisses and a memory I pray they store in their brains! They are awesome, goofy, silly ,BEAUTIFUL and loving girls.

I am blessed with ALL my kids!!

On a final note--- I get to go to 2 yes TWO social events (big ones, my understanding for Wenatchee) in November! I ACTUALLY get to dust, yes dust off my gorgeous high heeled shoes and put makeup on and a nice dress and go out! WHOO-HOO-- Jillian, get ready to kick my $%#*!! Wanna look killer! I am saying that because I have to GET into something that is smaller than me at the moment!! SIGH!!

Oh- one other thing- cut my hair off and love it! Its a little too dark, but it will lighten up in a week!

Hugs and Blessings to all