A Look Back On 2012!

Where should I start when I look back at 2012? There have been many, many good times but there has been some disappointment that has made me look inward and wonder -"What happened here?"

Over all- we have been blessed with good health, amazing children and a great place to live. 
So- lets start on step one-- Children!

Barbara Bush, former U.S. first lady

"You have to love your children unselfishly. That is hard. But it is the only way."

If you have children, you will totally understand this statement-- There is not one day that I don't wish I could slam my head against the wall. Well, to some that is harsh but to those who have strong willed children, as we do, you totally get it. Our children have been blessed with strong wills. Yes- it is a blessing and a curse. They might take me to an early grave but I have no doubt they will rule the world one day...... or just make GREAT people!

This year I found myself being too involved in things. Things that helped them in their "world" but overall took my time, focus and patience. In the end, I found myself feeling guilty because I had put my time, treasure and talent in other places and not in them. So- I started the school year a little more focused. I am still working on it and vow to work harder this new year. Time is slipping away and I don't want to miss a moment because I thought my time should be spent some where else.

Resolution #1-- Focus on the Family!

“Faith is not the belief that God will do what you want. It is the belief that God will do what is right.” 
― Max Lucado, He Still Moves Stones

Aaahhhhh- Faith! It has been one that will challenge me to my last breath! Don't get me wrong, I have a strong faith in God but it has been hard at times this year. Not in God but in people. Let's just say I put my faith more in those I did not know and in the end.... well, it was like a "high school" moment all over again. I swore I would not go back to high school! People are funny. I would like to say, I feel I am a honest, loyal person. What you see is what you get. I try to live clean but realize I have lots, lots of faults. Seeeee- I told you I am honest!
It has been strange, it seems the more I get stronger in my faith- I get slapped down by someone's words. I am shocked that people -- grown people-- can act so crazy. Again- strange year. What I did discover.... my FAITH! I look back and wonder, "WHY did I put so much effort into others and not into my Faith?" Basically, it has been a wake up call-- Focus on what is important--- FAITH!!!

Resolution #2- Let Go and Let God!

“The future depends on what you do today.” 
― Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi

In the last week or so I have reflected on many things. If I look around there is a lot of anger towards others one has never met. I can't let myself go there. It disturbs me-- but my focus is on how I can teach our children to love more and to be tolerant of others. Life is what you make it. You can sit around and be angry at everyone or you can love them. Yes- love' em. Look- you can be complimentary to someone. Be nice. Show compassion to others even if they don't agree with you, call you names or stop talking to you. I mean- kindness is a great example of living a good life. Otherwise you are just wasting your time shouting at the emptiness.
Yep- this might sound "zen" to some but it is the fundamentals of society. Compassion, kindness, tolerance. Don't give up on those things.... show them more to others. This is the fundamentals of Christianity. Remember- Christ loved the sinner more at times than he did the devoted. People really focus on stupid things. They focus on what was said in People magazine, the TV media and instant postings on the various messaging. Lord, I have a hard enough getting the PBJ sandwiches put in the right lunch boxes. 

I just want to raise good kids, have memories that I can live over and over again in my head when my kids are grown and hopefully , with the Grace of God, see my children grown, grounded in Faith and being good examples to others. 
Happiness is what you make it. Love is important- it is not everything but showing it more to others is very important.

This year I lost a dear friend. It has been hard to think we won't get her  phone calls,emails or texts. She lived life to the fullest. She was a fighter. She was good people. She is missed. I miss her fire.  Tell people you love them....life is short.

I tried to make my thoughts clear but it is hard when you have children talking to you, needing things and having melt downs.
Basically- take whatever you have learned from this year and turn it in a growing experience. How can you adjust your thoughts and actions. Love more, hate less. Don't take everything so personal. Squeeze your children more.... even when they think it is gross. Pray more... 
Take a deep breath and live.... it goes by fast!

Resolution #3- Do Good Deeds, Pray Often, Remind People You Love Them, Live Life! 
OOOH- and blog 2x's a month! Gotta start somewhere!

Happy New Year!!

The Truth About Henry

Henry is our 5th child. He was born with big chubby cheeks and a calm soul. He is full of laughter, hugs and spirit. Henry is now close to 3 ( December 7) and things have changed drastically..... He is now sneaky, devious, and just plain naughty. The other day, he tested me to the limit. He snuck out of his bed, flooded the bathroom and then pee pee all over the kitchen floor.... then rubbed his body in it.

I wanted to laugh and cry!!

My father- who is so very talented with story writing.... wrote this great story of what REALLY happened!! It should give you a GREAT laugh! Peace and love my friends.

On one particular smokey afternoon in Wenatchee, Henry Tucker decided that the time had come to further the education of his Mom in the art of child raising. Waking from an obviously sound nap, young Henry scurried down stairs to try to help his always over-burdened Mom. Finding that she was nowhere to be seen, he undertook the mundane task to letting in the family dog, we will call  her Abby,  because it was obvious that she needed to be inside or risk death by smoke inhalation. Much to Henry’s surprise, Abby, over come by smoke,  proceeded directly to the kitchen where she made a big pee-pee puddle on the floor.

Deeply concerned, Henry recognized that a good deed had gone terribly wrong. Suddenly, a wave of anxiety passed over him. What if Mom didn’t recognize that this was all Abby’s doing? Mom would blame him, and realize her child raising skills had deteriorated and all her teaching and training had been in vain. Henry couldn’t bear to have his Mom in such a state, so he quickly set upon a plan. I will leave a note so she will know what really happened here and her self-esteem will be saved.

Henry looked around. No pen, no paper, not even a color. In his desperation, Henry would take it upon his self to sacrifice for the family. I will write a message in the pee-pee and Mom’s delicate mental balance will be saved. Disgusting as it was, Henry proceeded to leave his message. There was an unexpected downside to his good deed however, this stuff smelled. Henry realized that he would have to bath to remove the odor from his hands and other parts of his body that had the tiniest drops slashed on him in his exuberance to help his Mom.

Henry proceed upstairs, to his great-grandmothers bathroom. Yes, this would be the perfect spot, won’t tie up the main bathroom…always have to think of others you know. Henry carefully undressed, and proceeded to turn on the water…and then it happened…earthquake!!! Water splashed to and fro all over the bathroom…water pressure exploded sending even more water into the bathroom. Henry fought furiously, finally getting the water under control as the water pressure and earthquake subsided. Henry took a long look around. Sure there was a small amount of excess water around, but he had saved the house from sure disaster. Mom would certainly understand after all he had saved her mental health and probably the homestead.

Wait…I think I hear her coming now! Boy, is she ever going to be mad at that dog…

Summer of 2012

It has been a very long time since I have blogged. It is hard for me to get to it and to put down the words.....it seems someone is always "needing" me.

So- with this said I am going to do a quick run down of our summer with some pictures to share!

School ended June 15th. On the 17th we had a family friend come and visit for 10 days. Fr. Bruce Bradley is a good friend of Thomas's from back in his college days. Fr. Bruce has baptized all of children. He is a good man and always comes with solid "good sense" advice. For me, he came at a perfect time. Last year was difficult on many levels that challenged my faith, my trust and my path on what to do next in my life. Let's just say, he helped me snap out of it!

After Fr. Bruce left, came Orcas Island and our annual whale watching trip. We have started this vacation as a way to see the whales, celebrate Madelon Rose's birthday and start off summer. It was our first trip to Orcas. It is beautiful. Definitely a great place for kids. The kids had a great time. We rented a house. Yes, we are too big of a group for hotels at this point. It does make life easier. More space and always a great place to crash when needing down time.

Next, was a visit from Aunt Barbara and Uncle Boyce. Thomas's sister and bro in law came in for a quick visit. They had been up in Alaska and came back to Seattle and decided to extend their trip for 5 days to come see us. It was great fun. Not to mention, the kids love to see any family who wants to "play".

Next on the list was one of my besties.... Amy Ware Lepien. We had a total blast hanging out and going to Lake Chelan. I took her to Stehekin and we rented a condo in Chelan for a couple of nights. It was a gift her husband gave her for Mother's Day. He gave ME the gift. You know, you only have a couple of people in your life who "get" you.... she knows the good, the bad and the UGLY! Miss my friend....

It was Papa and Grammy time for 2 weeks. Yes- a great time for me and even more fun for the kids. I miss my parents SOOOOOOO much! This time we stayed local and went sight seeing around this area. Third trip to Stehekin and the water falls were over flowing. A beautiful trip. There are so many folks I know that live in this valley and have NEVER gone up the river to Stehekin. Come on folks, go explore the beauty around us.....

During the fun times, we also had a very sad time. My cousin, Bill Crabtree, passed suddenly. He is married to one of the strongest women I know, Linda. There is no true explanation of what really happened except he got sick and never got better. He leaves behind so many who loved him and so many lives he touched with his kindness and help. We love you Bill.

We rounded up summer with a surprise visit from "BABA"! Our nanny ( family) of 9 years came to visit the kids. It was soooooo fun. Man- I miss her so much and so do the kids. Not because she was our nanny ( I will always miss that part) but because she was our friend, family and constant figure in our everyday lives. She will be graduating from nursing school this next Spring. We wish her the best and send her our love.

The week before school started Thomas and I got away for a trip to Oregon. Long car ride but a great place to "relax". I spent the day in the SPA while my husband was in meetings. Looking forward to going back....NEXT summer. Finally, a visit from one of Thomas's patients, Jefre Outlaw, came through Wenatchee during his US adventure tour he is taking. One fascinating guy!! A true pleasure to meet and a great way to end the summer!!

Well, I think that is it. It is all I can remember. I know our sitter, Kate, was glad to go back to school!! She worked very hard and I am sure the bank of Tucker helped with some tuition costs for the year....lol !! We miss her too!!

I will try better this year to blog. I have this fancy camera that I am learning how to edit photos. I hope I can teach this old brain something new.
Till then- have a good Fall.... pray for some rain ( no lightning) in the PNW and remember... put God first and the rest will fall into place.

My boy is growing up!

Jax started alter serving earlier this year. There are not many 4th graders who alter serve but Thomas and I were persistent  that he start now! Above are his partners in crime...Leo (L) and Peter (C). These two have become good friends to Jax.

Jax hasn't been serving long and only during school Mass. So, Sunday morning one server did not show and Jax was asked to step in. Can you say "deer in the headlight" look? He nodded his head and out he went to robe. Luckily, Peter's older brother, Sam, was serving so Jax was in good hands to have such a strong leader. As he walked down the aisle, I just got so choked up. There was my first born, serving his church. Nervous, but proud he walked and snuck a look out of his eye for the "Am I doing ok?" look. A thumbs up- and he was "ON".

You could see in his face he wanted to do things correct and he was so very reverent! It makes me proud and sad. Proud because he is just a GREAT kid. He really is.... YES, he is like his Daddy in many, many ways ( all those weird, annoying traits) but he also listens like his Daddy. He watches and listens and wants to make his family proud. No one time did that boy fidget. I was so proud of him for stepping in and being there for our church.

I am a little sad... because he is almost a teenager. I have one more year as my "little boy" before he starts to think I am a total idiot. One more year to hold his hand in public. One more year before PUBLIC SCHOOL....
I have been weepy lately because I am thinking back. Newsflash- don't do that! It will tear you up!
I wish I would have done things a little different. Enjoyed the moments more. I wish I would have been the mom who sits and colored on the ground. Who played more in the yard with them when they were little. Wish I would have held them more. I did forget one thing- I was having babies back to back. So my attention was spread out.... and patience was thin. Still is- but different now.

My son will go to Rome this fall with his Daddy. I will stay behind with all the other kids. Kills me. I would love to be with them for many, many reasons... but this is a Father/Son moment. They will travel for a Canonization and pilgrimage led by our Bishop. It is a once in a life time thing- so grab it and go. It should be pretty amazing! A canonization, walking through St. Peter's, seeing "The rock on which the church is built".  I NEED A NANNY!! I wanna go..... wait, sacrifice, sacrifice... breathe!
I am glad I can help give this gift to him. Time with his father and time to be immersed in his faith.

I am trying so very hard to capture moments and paste them in my memory bank. These kids are wild and loud and head strong. They make me want to scream loud.... and bang my head on a wall. But sometimes- in a quick moment- you can still see that little man ( or girl) that I held in my arms. That baby - who I guess- will always be my baby. I never knew a mother's love could run so deep and hurt so bad as they grow. But for that- I am thankful. I wouldn't trade anything for these years.

Spring Catch-up!

 This Spring has started out a very windy one. Full of sunshine and wind, wind, wind. COLD wind... did I mention it has been windy?? After a season of skiing it has been on to the next sports... soccer and lacrosse. Blaise has been thrilled to play soccer again. Blaise has had a great team and been a force to deal with... a great ego booster!

 Blaise also received his First Holy Communion. There are more pictures but I just threw this one up for a tease. I am so very proud of him. Blaise has grown up so much this year. He is a great kid! We were lucky to have the Slevin's come for a visit ( more on that too) and had a lovely brunch prepared by my dear friend Lyn Kelley!! The Iron Chef don't gots nothing on hers brunch...!!! Yes- I meant to spell it that way... suppose to be a little slang!

 FOR YOUR ENTERTAINMENT: THE FOLLOWING PICTURES ARE AN ARTISTIC INTERPRETATION OF "HOW TO DIE"... BY HENRY! WATCH CAREFULLY!

 This last weekend we went to Coeur d'Alene , Idaho for Jax's last lacrosse stint. Good stuff! Lots of fun to watch and lots of fun to go to this town. Art, food, great beauty!!

 The girls were amazed by an artist and her work in progress! Madelon Rose had opinions on what she should name the piece. Love to watch their faces!

 FOOD- oh how I miss fine cuisine! Not to say the big Wenatchee doesn't have good food- it does- but the variety is lacking. I just miss a little bit of "umphf" with my choices!!

 This italian place even offers a "make your own pizza" for the kids. You tell them the toppings- they set them up and the kids go make their pizzas.... Yummy!

 The chef's hat was too big for Elizabeth (shocker) so big brother took the hat. I haven't seen them so excited about food in a LONG time. They should make their OWN dinner more often.....

 At the end we went for a walk along the river front. Lovely and the grounds are impeccable. Can't wait to get back.... maybe a quick vacation with Thomas? It's only 2.5 hours away from Wenatchee....

 At the end of the weekend- we stopped in Spokane and walked around the Gonzaga campus. Very lovely, quaint college campus. The chapel was stunning! Doubt any of kids will see this in their future... it is a PRIVATE Catholic University... we will not have any funds left for this school. Sigh!

Well, this is short and quick. Mainly because I have a broken finger and it takes to much time to edit. Oh - isn't the point to get the general idea and look at the pictures???
Much love- happy spring