The End of Summer

Today is our last day of summer. The kids start school tomorrow, Sept. 1, so today will be spent getting things ready! Backpacks will have lunches ready to go tomorrow. Waterbottles, bike helmets, tires on bikes aired and ready. Yes, we get to ride our bikes to school! Checkups today. Haircuts. Last minute dash around town for anything I have forgotten. I will even sit and watch a movie with them today.

I write this with joy and sadness. It has been a GREAT summer. I have watched my children grow, adjust and "be". Infact- Jax said, "Why would anyone want to live in such a hot place or big city, there is nothing for them to do there". Ok, we have done our job.... they seem to enjoy it here.
It is time for them to go back to school and gain some knowledge. I must say, I am not the person to homeschool. To sit down and "teach" each one .... not my cup of tea. One or two- yes, not all 5. I don't know how these Moms with a lot of kids do it. Too much chaos for me. Saying this, we did read, do math and tried to keep of with the academics over the summer.

Seattle

Fish Lake Fishing

Future Cheerleader

Just a happy boy!

Yesterday, they received their St. T yearbook. They really enjoyed looking for friends and remembering "WHEN". It was bitter sweet. We do miss our friends but we are putting our best foot forward to meet others. I said the other day that Thomas and I are having a "Freaky Friday" moment. He is the out going one and I am closing the blinds behind me.... just not wanting to move too fast. WEIRD!!
I think things finally caught up with me.

Today I will remeasure my kids on our closet door. We did this at the beginning of the summer so it will be interesting to see how much they have grown. I am blessed.
I will post the first day of school tomorrow......

Back to School Night!

Tonight we had "Back To School" night. Usually, I dread this night. LOOOOONG speeches and a lot of blah, blah , blah.  Sorry- but its true. Its so "formal" and over the top. Well, not tonight.
St. Joseph was a come and go evening. Chatting with the teacher and bringing supplies. OH- and the kids are SUPPOSE to come .... its all about the family. They even served pizza and icecream. Our kids were in heaven. I am trying to stay under the radar-- but you can't when they take their "volunteer" hours seriously. By the end of the evening- I have signed up for at least 3 things. Here at St. Joe's they say you don't do your hours you PAY.... 2k! Yep- and they mean it. Hey, its a SMALL, struggling Catholic school who needs all the parents support. Not just a certain group to run it. I am not heading any big projects- but I am making 2-3 scarecrows for the fall festival at the end of September and helping with the pumpkin patch. Oh- another nice "Welcome".... if you are new to the school- you get a month of free tuition (PER KID)!! NICE!!

Well, there goes me NOT volunteering this year. Ok, back to the kids.
We seem to have some great teachers. Jax has a man for a teacher.... and LOTS of boys in his class. Blaise has an awesome teacher.... she is really going to help him grow. Madelon has a bunch of girls and has a Mrs. P or Mrs. Fitz type ( like back home). Oh- she is thrilled to see the "girls". Elizabeth- well, she and the teacher had already met over the summer. If she isn't too bad- they might let her stay. She is thrilled to be going to school. I must say- she asked us to put her in a dress and do her hair.... Oh, Lord!

This weekend, we have another friend from Austin coming in to the WA area to check it out and come for a quick visit. We are looking forward to showing him around and taking him to a tasty dinner.
Should be nice-- highs are going to be in the low 70's. Sweet.

I am taking our 5th child to get his picture taken. Poor baby- his only photos have been via the iphone. He is getting so dang cute!!! So- more will come by next Friday- We start school Sept. 1!!!  I will update after the first couple of days with full stories to go along with it.... oh, and a couple of pictures.

He is 10 pounds ahead of me....

Weird title!!! Yes, it is odd but it is just a quick update of this weeks events. So, "the Baba" and Tman left us once again and returned to Texas. Within the first day- our kids were "bored" and fighting constantly. A good sign it is time for school to start. It has been the longest and best summer ever- but I think it is time for a routine --- for EVERYONE.
Now, we are setting up the uniforms, getting a list of chores together for the kids and settling in to our new lives. I think this will take a little longer than expected. :}
My husband thought he would be vegetarian for about 48 hours. He changed his mind on Friday when I packed his lunch of a veggie salad and then had a veggie pizza when he came home that evening!
Saturday morning he announced he needed a steak!! Thanks be to God!! I made sure he had one. Don't get me wrong- I am ALL for having a couple of all veggie meals a week- but not total vegetarian. NOPE!
I like meat! PERIOD!
Anyway- the 10 pound thing.... Thomas started running yesterday... after 1.5 years of nothing. I say he is 10 pounds ahead of me because he will run 5 times and loose 10 pounds. So by next week- he will be back in his skinny jeans. So- what is a woman like me suppose to do? Well, I just ordered the supreme over the shoulder boulder holder ( aka sport bra) and anxiously awaiting it. Look- it takes an army to keep them in place nowadays and I had to make sure they would not "bounce". Not fun for a nursing mommy.
So- in 5-7 days- I too will start doing something with exercise. It usually does keep me more sane.... such a good stress releaser. Not to say I have any stress- ers.... ummmm, well- at least 5.
Soon- you will see a post about my new routine. I really think I will blog about it for 30 days... yes, 30. It will make me accountable and you guys in stitches!! Guess that means more VEGGIES!!!
Otherwise- we are good. It is off to yearly check ups, dentists and drum lessons this week. Oh, hair cuts for the boys. We start school Sept. 1. Did I mention the trees are starting to get some oranges on them and it was in the mid 80's this week..... I think they call it FALL!
Stay Tuned.....

August- a year ago!

A year ago, August 2009, we brought our family up to Wenatchee to visit the area. In my heart I knew we would move here.... but sometimes you think your heart is just saying what you want to hear.

1509 Marshall Lane- Austin

Wenatchee

Well, last week it was a year ago that we visited and now we LIVE in Wenatchee. Where in the world did the time go? In that year- I packed and sold 2 properties, had a baby, lived in a rental, contracted our new house from 2500 miles away and moved a husband, five kids and 2 grandmothers. I also planted a garden, gathered fruit off our fruit trees, and officially unpacked EVERY box we own!! It is official- we have moved into this house. Boxes are labeled and in sections, china is completely unpacked, clothes that don't fit are up in the "please Lord let me see those jeans again" containers, kid's rooms are full of uniforms and we can park the cars in the garage!!! Even Thomas' "man shack" has everything in it!
For those of you who REALLY know me--- this is HUGE! I have never, ever completely unpacked any of my stuff when we lived in Austin, I guess I was just too busy.... ironic!!

My husband gave up a practice of 20 years and the status he once knew.
I gave up maid service , Terrance ( painter and fix-it guy) and "THE BABA"..... ouch, that hurts!

We prayed a lot on what to do , why are we doing it and what does this mean. I gave myself till September 1st to allow my quick temper, crazy manic self to be crazy.... then I am to take on my new life with GRACE, PEACE and JOY! For we know- this is where we should be in and God will continue to lead us.....
We bought a "smaller" home with a lot of advantages. We walk to church and to school. We eat from the garden and I buy from a farmers market if I haven't grown it. I have done school work with my children most of the summer ( a FIRST) and have enjoyed it!
I have seen whales, gone white water rafting and taken my children fishing. We will car camp next!

We realize we won't see our friends as often as we like and that is something we struggle with daily. We pray for new friends that are honest and loving and we have met some that we feel will be good friends. When you are married, older and set in your ways--- it is hard to meet new people. You just don't know if they can "handle" the quirks!
We have said goodbye to Baba and Terrance but welcomed them back for a visit and fun! Oh don't think they haven't worked their booty off--- because they HAVE--- but we have done fun things this time! It is great to have them here.... it will be sad to say goodbye for the second time. I know it will be a year before I see them again and this is H-A-R-D!! Words can't express my admiration and love for Baba. Or, the close friendship I have with Terrance. They are my peeps..... and we love and miss them.
I have learned composting. It is amazing the amounts of food I threw away in Austin. Composting folks is easy and everyone should have a little one in their backyard. No excuse.... you would see what I am talking about.
We enjoy the evenings now. My husband is no longer so exhausted as he was in Austin. He comes home and plays catch with his boys. He feeds his Koi fish and piddles around in the yard. He has a new peace to him.

We go to confession together.... with our son. We have vowed to do this once a month. For a convert like me--- this is a MAJOR commitment.
I am watching my children grow in front of my eyes and all of the sudden- the clock started spinning out of control. Jax is turning into a lovely young man. Blaise is "shooting" up in size. No longer the short, boxy dude... now in the 95% in his age group. Madelon Rose is acting like a teenager before her time.... she is sooo pretty but sooo emotional! Pray for us.
Elizabeth--- well, her days can be good or bad.... just depends on how the wind blows. She is brilliant!
Henry- has 3 teeth and can say "mama" and he MEANS it... he is fat and happy.

How much can you fit in a year? Much and if you don't watch it--- it will be ten years that have passed and you never stopped to look back at the fruits you have grown. Like I said- I want to slow it down and take care of my fruits and flowers.... they are so very precious!

So, in a year much has happened and it was in a New York minute. I am happy and at peace. I look forward to the new adventures. At the end of the day--- I am thankful for all that has been given to us. Thanks for reading and I hope you will continue to keep up with The Tucker Family Circus... we all know it won't be dull....... Hugs to all!

Fish Lake

Yesterday we went fishing on "Fish Lake". This is a small lake up in the middle of no-where in the mountains. After winding around and around and around the mountains, we got to the lake. Spectacular!!!

It is the most peaceful, quiet, gorgeous lake I have seen. It is very small but the water is like glass. You can rent boats for dirt cheap and head out to fish...... great fun.

One problem- the kids had gone fishing 2 days earlier where the fish were jumping on the hook.... this fishing was more about nature and PATIENCE!!! Well, I learned my eldest has none of that.... he was a little toot for the first part!

We did get some fish- but none worth keeping. The one on the stringer we considered keeping but in the end we released them back to the water. I think Madelon Rose is VERY hooked and so is Blaise! BTW- I bait and knot all my own hooks and there is proof....

Well, I am having a hard time learning about the weather here. It was cool down in the valley and COLD up in the mountains. Ok- so I still think like a Texan.... it is August so that means shorts, flipflops and tshirts. UMMMM- NOT!! I need to ALWAYS carry a jacket and sweat pants in the car. It got REAL cold on the water and a little rain came down too! The kids had 2 shirts on and thank goodness I had packed these picnic blankets that are insulated.... it kept the wind off.
Oh well- lesson learned.  Here is Jax and Madelon covered up... trying to keep the wind/rain off.

Over all- we had a good time. Madelon did have "the one that got away" and it was BIG! Oh well, we will be back! Baba caught a little bass and Terrance ran around fixing and baiting hooks. God love him....

Captain and First mate... made sure everyone had fun.

Letting the lonely one go....

Happy Birthday JAX!

August 7, 2001- Nine years ago- I gave birth to John Alexander Tucker. Weighing in at 7lbs 8oz  and 20 inches long. After 14 hours of laboring... he was delivered c-section due to the fact his O2 levels were dropping quickly. I weighed in at 201 pounds.... true!  He was just gorgeous. Big, perfect round head, big eyes and a big screaming mouth. Nothing has changed.... especially the screaming mouth!

Thomas and I had much to learn about children. For the first 2 years of his life he did not sleep through the night --- WHY we even had more children after that is beyond me. We couldn't even take him to dinner. He would scream the entire time. He did not see a restaurant for a year. Our first road trip was to Santa Fe and he screamed most of the time. We were "stupid" new parents thinking he "HAD" to stay in the carseat the entire trip! OMG- that trip almost ended in divorce! Somehow we decided we would take him over seas- he had JUST turned 2 years. God's graces and the help of Baba- he was great! He began talking, sleeping... etc. Oh, by then we had Blaise who was only 5 months. Jax has been a great joy!

Jax is a very LOYAL and LOVING kid. He is just like his father. They stand the same, walk the same and yes- love to argue the same. Even the "smartalic" is the same.... I have another word for that :}!
He has been a ball of energy since the moment he came out... looking back, he has been a pretty easy kid. I thought at the beginning- he was sooo hard- nope! Being a first time parent makes you THINK things are hard- but in reality, we put expectations on children that are unrealistic and think they should be adults... foolish!

* listening to his "echo" in a church in Germany......
Now, he is 9--- NINE---Nueve--neun-- nove-- neuf! Folks, that means I have 9 years to make things good/better than before. Continue to work on establishing a loving, faithful relationship with us and God. This means- I have a short time before he goes off into the world ( we hope) and become a part of society! SCARY! Where did the time go? So beautiful and sweet and I feel like I missed a lot of it because of choices I made. I ran a nonprofit when I could have been his "MOM". I volunteered WAY too much. I allowed outside influences to come in when I should have been concentrating on raising ALL my family..... sigh! Well, this is one reason we moved. To stop the rat race and be with our kids. Sorry it took us so long to figure it out.... but so far- we feel we have started something good!

Jax loves sports. He loves soccer but now has started loving baseball. He is a quick learner and very fast!

 A smart student and loves Boy Scouts and his friends. He has had some great, life long friends. So far- just a loving, easy going kid who just wants to have fun!!

 Did I mention what a GREAT BIG BROTHER he is to his siblings! He really is amazing!

Here is to 9 more years- we love you so very much. Love God and your family first-- because in the end that is all who will be standing there!!
BTW- today Henry is 8 month old.... chunky monkey!!

The Donohoe Trip to Wenatchee!

Hello Friends! We have been VERY busy around here for the past 10 days!! Our good friends (Sarah, Shea, Liam and Molly Kate ) came for a visit to the great NW!! It was packed to the last second of playing, playing and playing......

It was super fun and super exhausting! Their trip started with a VERY late night arrival at 11:35pm to Wenatchee. Yes, we have airlines but there are only 3 trips in from Seattle a day so most have to suffer the LATE flight! You hit the wall around 9:30pm when you are waiting for the flight. It is like you have a hang over..... but you haven't been drinking. I usually have to drink a beer just to "smooth" out the feeling. I know, I know... sounds crazy but it works! You will see when you come for a visit!
The first day was filled with just NOISE!!! Running through the sprinklers, going wild and full on screams. It was awesome to see them run around. The kids really seemed to love the fruit on the trees and the garden. I think they were shocked to see they could stay outside ALL day and not sweat to death or be eaten by mosquitos!! Oh- it was 100' here- but it cooled down in the evenings. Not to mention- just go stand under a tree for a degree difference.

They stayed with the ChiChi for a couple of nights just to get some rest and adjust to the time change. Then-- WHAMO- the kids were all over the sleeping over in the tent! They did this for 2 nights. One night they gave up- too windy and "spooky". That's what you get when you tell ghost stories!!

We took the kids white water rafting.... So much fun. I think its great to see kids see "moving water". Lakes are still but man do these rivers move it!! All the kids rode on the "front" of the raft. They had a blast paddling, swimming and splashing down the river. Afterwards, the rafting company had hotdogs, hamburgers, smores and horseshoes. OH, this was all sitting in a middle of an apple orchard. Sarah and I laugh at some of these pictures.... she is so tall, blond and thin.... and I look like my name is "Pat"! Enough said.

We took the kids to the Applesox game. This is our minor league team that has dudes from all over. The kids ran around and played catch, sang at the 7th inning stretch and caught foul balls. It was alot of fun. OH- it gets better.... the first base coach *Fletcher Vynne* is staying with our neighbors during the season. He was coaxed to come play catch and to show some basic skills in baseball. I mean- COME ON-- one to one attention from a REAL baseball player.... they were in HEAVEN! They played pickle, high catch and were shown pitching and catching techniques..... check it out! Thank you Fletch!
Oh, btw- This guy is going to the Naval Officer Academy here in a couple of weeks. This guy is WELL educated, VERY nice and feels honored to do this for his country!! GIVE UP PRAYERS for this young guy... God Bless and Thank you Fletch!

We also went to Slide Waters in Chelan. Awesome! It is a great park that is just right for letting your kids who can swim- roam around and feel some independence. Waterslides, tube rides and racing slides. So much fun. To say they were tired--- couldn't see straight. We did manage a nice dinner after one day there... at a vineyard. Yes, it was for US not them! :}
On Thursday- I loaded the van with 5 weepy kids and headed back to Seattle airport. It was early morning but an easy drive. After lots of tears- we hugged and said good-bye. It was hard for everyone. It was really hard on "the mommies". WE look forward to the next adventure.... camping, hiking, more swimming and of course LOTS of laughter and screaming....
Thanks for coming all this way. Thanks for remembering us and loving us. Please come back soon....
WE LOVE YOU!!