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!!

Peaches, Pies and Baseball

Hello Everyone! I am sure that you thought I had given up on the blog. Not so, just been busy shuttling kids to camp and embracing my new domesticated life!

So, where to start??? On the 6th of July Dr. Thomas B. Tucker started seeing patients as the NEW Oncologist for WVMC ( Wenatchee Valley Medical Clinic). The week started out a little rough. He was introduced to an all computerized medical chart system. Some people think- this is not a big deal- but when you have been doing paper charts and writing notes for 20 years-- a big deal! The second week started and all seems to be going a lot smoother. The people are kind, the staff in full of energy and he is really enjoying being a doctor. WHEW!!!!
You should check out the clinic- www.wvclinic.com - it will give you some perspective on what we are doing here. They even celebrated their 70th year celebration of being a DOCTOR OWNED facility!! Folks, in this day and age of "treat and street" this is huge! They treat patients no matter their means. This clinic  covers a 12k mile radius of care... bigger than Maryland! They put a lot into patient care. They have a DaVinci robotic surgical machine.... WOW! Ok, I know you don't know WHAT I am saying- but check it out.... we are so very impressed!!!


ON TO THE PEACHES!!!!

Well, the peaches and apricots are falling off the tree faster than I can use them. It is almost a sin to watch it happen..... ugh! I fell off our orchard ladder this last week. They are not very sturdy. I felt it coming and screamed then tried to grab branches as I went down. Well, the ladder had closed down on my foot and ankle so I went where the ladder went. OMG! I wasn't sure if I had broken my ankle or foot. My electrician and mother were standing there--- watching in horror. I really bruised my ankle and foot but no bones sticking out!! I got up after watching some stars swirl above me and got back on. I can even shimmy up a tree still.... problem is- getting down!
These peaches and apricots kick Fredericksburg peaches to the curb.... AWESOME!!!
I am making baby food almost daily. I make peach and apricot pies and MAN are they good! I am freezing fruit left and right. Have not gotten to "canning or jellies" yet. We even go blueberry picking in our back yard. A nice picture of my FIRST EVER pie.... lasted 20 minutes!! :}

ON TO BASEBALL!!!
This last 2 weeks have been VERY busy. The boys have been in baseball camp. So much fun! They love it and the players are awesome. It is like living in Mayberry and Andy Griffith is the sheriff. This minor league is well supported by the community. The players come from all over and stay with host families. Amazing- the guys LOVE the kids and they love to teach them. We have an Applesox player living next door. He has said he would love to play "catch" with the boys..... WOW!

We go to the games all the time. It is easy, cheap, fun entertainment!!! The kids can and do run around. The parents get to chit chat and there is always something going on..... so much fun!!!

They had "mascot" night and "royal" night this last week.

 The junior Apple Festival Queens were there. Yes, you can guess that Elizabeth whooed her way into pictures and a crown opt! The girls loved it. One of our friends daughters was an Apple Jr. Queen... she is the one to the far right with both the Tucker girls.

The kids go out during the 7th inning stretch.... they sing "Take me to the ball game" then run to the concession stand for free ice cream or snow cones!! WOW-- where AM I????

MADELON ROSE AND ELIZABETH
No pictures here--- just too busy. BUT- Elizabeth went to Spanish camp. Yep- Spanish camp. She LOVED it.... little toot. She needs more "intellectually" since she seems to be so bored so quickly. AGH- she is frustrating at times. Next, Madelon Rose.... this girl cracks me up! She went to cheerleading camp--- OMG, like gag me with a spoon! LOL! She loved every shish-boom-bah moment. Jumping, cheering, dancing, shaking and just full of joy! Look out- I am in BIG trouble. I was not the cheerleading type-- I just made fun of them! Hey- not everyone can fly into the air and be "cheerful" all the time....
Things haven't changed- they all have the SAME hair cut, smile the SAME way and are concerned constantly about the "moves".... yep- 20 plus years later--- it is still the same!
Oh- one thing that was sweet..... these are just "girls". These are not the ones that have been "bred", forced, coached and tortured to be cheerleaders. These are just girls doing a great job without all the steroids. You KNOW what I mean! I hope it stays so sweet by the time it is MR turn.
VISITORS!!!! YIPEEEEEEEE~~~
TOMORROW THE DONOHOE'S  ( Sarah, Shea, Liam and Molly Kate )COME TO VISIT FROM AUSTIN!! To say we are excited is an understatement. Keep a look out after the 30th. It should be a great blog post!


AND NOW- IN THIS CORNER- WEIGHING A WHOPPING 14 POUNDS AT 9 MONTHS-
THE SUPER LIGHT WEIGHT CHAMPION OF THE WORLD----
LUKE "THE SPIDEY" WHITAKER!!!!!!

After a long struggle with insurance (shocker!) Luke got his helmet to help with his "flat spot" on the back of his head. My God Son looks tough folks! Just look at his face! With his fancy wrapped helmet.... he can take it on!!! I just love him so very much.... wish I could squeeze him and kiss his little face!
This kid has been through it- from conception to now-- he has been through IT! But still sweet, loving and happy!! When you see him- you can see the Grace of God looking right back at ya!
Go get'em TIGER.... you might be able to take on the "Hulk" one day! LOL

Update--- SOON!!!

Hello friends! I will be updating at the end of the week. There is a lot going on....
Thomas started seeing patients, boys went to baseball camp, Madelon Rose to cheerleading camp and Elizabeth to Spanish camp.
So- there is lots to chat about--- Should have it up by Friday.
Till then--- we are all doing good. Miss our friends and family. Starting to feel at home--- minus the absence of Tex-Mex.

Stehekin, WA

The last weekend in June we went to Stehekin, WA.  To us common folks, it sounds like "Stuh-he-kin".
It is the upper part of Chelan. This was our FIRST vacation as a family sans Baba! My mother and husband "planned" this trip. I knew we were going on a boat, staying in a cabin and going hiking.
At 9pm the night before- I was informed what to bring. Ummmm- huh????
Listen folks- I have packing and traveling down to a science. BABA and I have had this down for years!! It is like a fine art.... not to be messed with!
Ok- so I start packing, shoving, etc into bags. Stress can't describe my pain I was feeling!!!!
The next morning- we were off-- and I was telling myself--- "these kids will be great. They are great travelers and this is a short trip"! FOUR hours up the river later we arrived to Stehekin.....

On our way up we saw gorgeous waterfalls and crystal clear water. The ferry ride was awesome. Can't even describe the views or the gorgeous weather we encountered. Simply breathe taking!!

Check out this CRYSTAL CLEAR water folks.... amazing! You could see fish swimming! The boat would stop and drop people who are adventurous. These folks would either go on a 22 mile or 7 mile hike and camp in REAL tents. Even have to "dig" their own potty! :{ As you can guess- the Tucker's are NO where near that lovely type of adventure. UMMM- we are use to camping at the Ritz Carlton.... not in a tent! Can you picture it---??? Later, later, later.... we will learn how later!
After some good lunch we headed off to our cabin.

We got there and this was my view from our front porch and door.
this place offers scenery, hiking and opportunity to become one with nature.

So- I brought the jogging stroller but not the hiking backpack. So I took Ebeth and Henry on a bike ride while the others headed off with Dad.The kids even got to go white water rafting.

Morning hikes for us were a 2 mile walk to the most amazing pastry company. There are only 140-160 people who live on this island. The school is ONE room-- kinder- 8th grade. They produce a paper with what the kids are doing, learning, reading and writing. I must say it is VERY impressive. Most of the pictures were from the walk back after the GIANT cinnamon roll highs!! My boys are growing too fast!

 Yes, even I risked my life and climbed down a cliff to get this shot..... no, this is not a beached whale.... My mom and Ebeth even posed for some pictures. Of course- Ebeth had her OWN thoughts of how it should go down. If you take your eyes off her for a SECOND- boom-- she is GONE! On a rock in the water. Little stinker! Pray for us.... she is K-I-L-L-I-N-G me!

At the end of this- we learned alot about our family. Our expectations were way too high for our children. Our children are children who are STILL becoming familiar and comfortable with nature. We know NOTHING about camping, hiking, wolfbears or cougars. This process is hard at times but rewarding at times. I am sure Thomas is glad to go back to work-- but we already miss him.
My grandmother went too. It was hard for her to "go" with us... but she loved the nature and the scenery!! I even captured this sweet picutre of mother and daughter... (chichi and Memom)

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Happy 4th of July!

I will be updating over the weekend. I just wanted to wish everyone a safe and fun weekend. It might rain here- but I hope not. We have plans to go to a kids parade and over to one of the Oncologist's house on Sunday......
This was Thomas' s first week back to work. All orientation. Next week patients.
So- here is just a fun picture to keep you laughing over the weekend. To be continued.......