WINE TASTING- Walla Walla, Washington

In early May, we were invited to go to "First Crush" in Walla Walla. It seems this is the time of year that all the wineries bring out the new and tasty wines and they needed people to "taste" the fruits of their labors. Well, we knew this would be a difficult task- there are over 135 vineyards in WallaWalla - but we accepted the invite.

Rob and Lindsey had invited us. Rob is the GM of the country club here in Wenatchee. He needed to pick up wine for the club and thought we would enjoy the weekend. Is the Pope Catholic?
Off we zoomed in the suburban what seemed very familiar..... WEST TEXAS familiar. You know- flat, flat, flat desert like with tumble weeds. I am not one for driving-- so this kind of scenery kills me! Thank goodness there was lots of conversation and laughter!!!

The weekend was great. Lots of wine, good food and believe it or not- WallaWalla is pretty!
There was a place in downtown that seemed to be our "go to" spot... "OLIVE". They served it all= wine, coffee, food. A perfect hangout. We usually started and ended our day there. There were so many lovely places. Doubleback is a winery ran by Drew Bledsoe. So happens- Drew if from the Valley and was Rob's babysitter. So funny to watch Rob turn red when Drew talked about him. Such a nice guy....

We went to a winery called Leonetti... you have to be on a "list" just to get in and another "list" just to buy the wine. See, this is where I have a problem.... really-- to be on a "list" to buy wine? It was ok- but it wasn't the best wine I have ever tasted. No, that wine came from a bunch of nuns in Italy... where they made their own, packaged it in a soda bottle and handed it through the gate because they took a vow of silence. Yes,= THAT was the best wine I have EVER tasted!!  So saying that...Impressed with the grounds of Leonetti but not the staff, I just took my wine buying self to the next winery--- I know they appreciated the case and a half we bought from them!!

Over all- we tasted some GREAT wines and look forward to going back next year. I have not laughed that hard in a couple of years. It was really nice to be able to get away, be with friends and make some memories. Let the pictures speak for themselves!! Cheers!!

Madelon Rose's First Communion.

April was a very busy month. We have 2 birthdays in the month of April. It was also very special because it was our sweet girl's First Communion. Man- the excitement in the house was huge! We had my husband's family and my sister in for the occasion. We celebrated with two other families with BBQ and a glorious and scrumptious cake!

Madelon was thrilled to receive another sacrament. The anticipation of receiving THE Blood and Body of Christ was killing her. When asked how she felt after Mass -- she said she felt like angels were hugging her and she felt so very happy!! From the mouth of a child.....

We pray for her today and everyday that she keeps looking towards the face of God. May her journey take her back to the Eurcharist!! That is where it all begins and where that happiness will always be!
We love you Madelon Rose Tucker

Elizabeth Gianna Turns SIX!!

First, I am not doing a good job on my New Year's resolution. I have an excuse--- really! Christmas came, then we went to Disneyland ( to post eventually) then I ended up getting sucked into another project at our school.... AUCTION! My duties were not all clear when I signed on (sucker) and it took me 1 month of working 4 to 5 days a week with 15 hours a day realizing I had been roped in AGAIN to time away from my family. This will be blogged about later..... now to the serious thing!!

ELIZABETH IS SIX YEARS OLD!!!

WOW- how time has been flying by.... cannot believe the littlest thing in the world is so grown up! Many of you know that Elizabeth is our "spirited" child. She will be the one to put me into an early grave ( although  her older brother is pushing me in right now). From conception- and I mean FROM conception- she has made me wonder WHAT am I going to do with this child?!

She is such a smart girl. Seriously- if I could just mold her stubbornness a "little" she would probably be in middle school by now. She is loud, she is bold, she is fearless, she is tender, she is full of love. She is my sunshine and my thunderstorm. She is a gift from God that day by day a little piece is revealed of what and who she will be. She is small, petite they say, with a personality that would remind you of Mardis Gras in full swing!! She is my little baby. Thomas always says: "Hang in there- she will be your advocate one day!" He is right. Elizabeth will never be pushed around. I will not have to worry about that-- ever!

There are moments ( daily) that I wish God would drop her "manual" so I could do a better job of mothering. I am sure of one thing--- I life would not be the same without her. So when I want to throw in the towel, I look into her BIG brown eyes and see the love and spirit of Christ in her eyes.... and for that, I am forever in love and grateful for his gift to our family.
Happy Birthday little Gigi.... we love you so very much!!

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!!