Make a Joyful Noise

Lucey wants to do everything her brothers do.

Andrew (orange) and Christian (green) are practicing their duet for their piano lesson. Oh, on a side note...I got such a kick out of them practicing together. Messing up...getting on each other's nerves and trying to be in sync...it was quite the show. They crack their teacher up.

Lucey ran to get her "piano"...the boys were very tolerant of all the noise next to them. She put her toy right next to the keyboard and "played" along.

On this day, Andrew was practicing his Clarinet. Lucey grabbed her "pute" and made her joyful noise.

Make A Joyful Noise Unto the Lord - Psalm 100

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness; come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord he is God; it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise; be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

I Won!

Gee, I never win anything...I'm so excited!!! Jumping up and down excited! Okay, maybe not jumping up down...I'm a very calm, even person so I'm really just smiling. How fun to get two new books...I'd love the cute boy with the bedhead too but I don't think his Mama would part with him. Thank you Renea....I'll look forward to the books. Oh and that book, "Intimacy" comes at a good time. With 4 kids and a husband that is traveling all the time we may just get some helpful hints. Not to mention that our 19 year wedding anniversary is coming up soon. ;-)

What Goes Around Comes Around

10 years ago these trains and tracks were set up in Andrew and Christian's room....I pulled them out of the basement on this day and now they have become a favorite of Lucey's.

Our Lucey Lu Came Home One Year Ago Today

This day a year ago, I held my baby girl for the first time. Lucey seemed so tiny, so fragile and she was not so sure of me. It didn't take long for her to embrace me and call me Mommy. She has taught me so much this year and I (we all) can't imagine our world without her. She has blessed our family beyond imagine. Lucey is radiant, so very special. She is strong....



My first glimpse of Lucey.

Welcome home! It's been a long 2 1/2 weeks and this day is finally here.

I'm careful to not frighten Lucey. Of course I wanted to take her into my arms and just hug her to pieces....I'm containing myself.

She's so beautiful. The boys were so sweet to give me this little bit of time to touch Lucey and talk to her.

She let's me hold her....ahhhh.....what a wonderful feeling that was. (I still hold Lucey a lot...not because she is needy....she let's me. She is little for such a short period of time and for her first two years I would bet she didn't get held much. I spoil her with lots of holding, hugging and kissing...it's a privilege.)

To watch the video--you will need to scroll down to the my music list and push the pause button so you can hear our silly commentary.

This clip is of me holding Lucey for the first time. My Dad was able to catch this on his camera. I have no idea what Ron is talking about (it's kind of funny)....all I cared about was that she reached out to me and let me hold her.

I can't wait to see how this year unfolds.

I can't think about this day without remembering this man. The pastor of a church we once attended and a friend of Ron's. My thoughts and prayers go out to his precious wife and two daughters. I can only imagine what today felt like for them.

TGIF--Tidy Up

Lucey and I spent some time organizing. Over the days that I was not feeling well, she managed to bring every toy from her room down to the living room. Lucey has a lot of puzzles; every puzzle piece (which was MANY), every block, every Leg*, every magnetic letter and number, every tea cup and saucer and little spoons, every Mrs. Potat* Head piece, every book from her book shelf, and every Little Person was away from their "home." She loves to "put in" "take out" count, reorganize. So....we had to take everything back upstairs and put every little piece back to their original spot. She loved being the helper.

This is her little spot in the living room where just a day ago we could not see the floor. Ahhhh...so much better. On a side note: the 4 guys in the house were oblivious that there was a huge mess in the making. They kept stepping over the toys. And let me tell you....this was all right in the path to the computer so there was a lot of "stepping over" going on...."I'm just saying....."

All of her toys are back in place; ready to be played with again.

The boys made a shield with the sleds for their snowball fight with the neighbors. Lucey is tucked behind...still shoveling.

Here we go again..."putting in-" Her tea cups, saucers and spoons are in her lunch box. She loves to open, close and tote things around. She is ready to have another tea party...I love having tea with my girl.

Miss Lucey is ready to play!

Ron has work out of town this weekend and he is taking Andrew and Christian with him. They will swim, dine and hang out with their Dad at the university. I'm glad they will have this time together. Adam, Lucey and I have made some plans of our own....

Have a Blessed weekend!

More Snow

The snow started last Saturday night which made for a little bit of a scary ride home from the dance. It snowed all day Sunday and school was called off yesterday.

This picture was taken on Sunday.

The boys were good about shoveling.....again and they took Lucey out to play. This is Andrew with Lucey.

We had SUN!!!! Lucey wore her new sunglasses given to her by Jia and Joy...go check out Joy's blog. She is inspirational! Lucey and Jia have a lot in common too. Thank you, Joy...Lucey loves to wear her sunglasses.

Making snowballs with Christian.

Shoveling the snow just like her big brothers.

Andrew taking Lucey for a ride on her sled.

"I had such a great time with my brothers! I've worked up an appetite..."

The boys went back to school today...Lucey and I stayed in for most of the day. Lucey decided she wanted to be a princess....she twirled in her dress all morning.

All fluff!

She has all her bracelets too. The one her Godmother, Renee, gave her is always on her little wrist and then she adds the costume pieces too. As I type....she is playing with transformers and her firetruck. So, she is pretty diverse. Prefers pink though!

I feel SO much better today. Wow!!! I have a lot more energy and I'm so happy!

One Year Ago Today....

It's hard to believe....one year ago today Ron and Adam held Lucey in their arms. I met my daughter for the first time over Sk*pe. You can go here to read more about Ron, Adam and Lucey in China.



The first time I saw Lucey.... I captured this image on Skype. I was up all night waiting. I was so nervous I could hardly think straight. Lucey was sleeping soundly in Ron's arms and he was In Love! I was too! It was an emotional moment. It's amazing to me how I met each one of my children in a completely different way...even Andrew and Christian who are identical. Adam was placed in my arms immediately. Andrew was placed in my arms about 3 hours after he was born. I saw a Polaroid picture of Christian hours before I was able to hold him. The picture had "Hi Mom" written on it. I held Christian about 5 hours after he was born. Then there is Lucey...Ron holding her first just like with Christian...he was there with him first. I held Lucey 2 1/2 weeks after she came into our lives. That was meant to be. God had a plan for our family and Lucey was always meant for us....to be a Tucker. She has blessed us beyond what we could have ever imagined.

The guys were so taken by her and she had the greatest little personality from the moment they held her. It was amazing how she settled in immediately with them. Our prayers were answered.

So sweet, so tiny.

And.....a huge appetite.

With Daddy on the boardwalk in Fuzhou....such a happy little girl. She made everyone smile.

She still does....she has the most fun, loving, happiest personality.

She has blossomed this past year. She is very intelligent and learning language like crazy. She knows all of her colors and numbers up to 10. She can count items and does this often. Lucey loves puzzles and books. She is all girl and loves her hair bows and pretty clothes. She is happy, healthy and very attached to us. She has grown too.

Then: She was about 33 inches tall and weighed about 22 pounds when she came home.

Now: She is about 35 1/2 inches tall and weighs about 25 pounds.

We have an amazing support system....all of you who read and post encouraging words. Our family and friends and all the prayer poured over us. I never thought we could do this....adopt a little one from a far off land and one who has a huge medical journey ahead of her. I think of Lucey and just smile. God's Grace has been sufficient. All we need to have is a willing heart and to say, "Yes Lord." It's not easy..it's scary to go beyond ourselves and into the unkown. I like to have control and this journey has been out of my control. As we take steps towards Lucey's first surgeries we will have to surrender every detail to the Lord. It's a comfort to know that all of you are right by our sides, praying along with us.

A Date With Adam

Adam and I have been looking forward to the Mother-Son dinner dance for a long time. Adam says they call it the "Mom Prom." I love it! I was so worried about feeling well enough. I didn't want to go and just sit; I knew there would be a lot of dancing and games.

I pulled myself together on Saturday....

My handsome date!

Adam and I had so much fun! I met all of Adam's buddies and their Moms. The junior class is very close and the boys get along so well. Some of these boys have been together since pre-school. The Mom's were so welcoming to me and shared with me how much they think of Adam. Adam fits in so well with these boys and has made close friends in such a short period of time. It warmed my heart to be there and to see Adam in action.

The D.J. was hilarious. He was sure to remind the boys to, "hug your Mom"..."Tell your Mom you love her." Every Mom danced every song. We slow danced, we did the Duck Dance, The Limbo, the "Makes Me Want to Shout," Thriller, The Conga Line.....just to name a few. The boys told Adam it would be the best dance of the year. He laughed but that night he told me..."my friends were right." Those boys can get wild and Adam said it was nice to not have the drama of the girls being there.

I am so happy that God gave me extra energy for that evening. It was a night to remember.

Sick and Tired of Being sick and Tired

It's been over two weeks since we first got sick. Having the flu has taken a toll on all of us. The boys and Lucey are getting back their energy with just some residual cough and runny noses. I am still struggling along but feeling better than I did last week. I finally went to the doctor for a chest x-ray. Thankfully no pneumonia but I do have bronchitis. I have felt like there has been an elephant on my chest. With Ron gone all last week, I didn't get the chance to rest like I would have wanted. He arrived home at midnight last Friday night and completely took over the house over the weekend. I'm grateful for that. I'm ready to feel better.

Lucey....the self entertainer: She has done a fantastic job entertaining herself this week. I have had no energy to play. My house is a mess...she brought every toy from her room down the living room. It's been fun watching her be creative. Who cares about the house....right?


She insisted on wearing this BIG headband on this day. She was cracking me up.

That's a lot of hair "stuff" going on....

Taking a break with some juice and a snack.

On a side note....I have all four kids home again today. We have had another snow storm. My goodness...the boys are heading out to shovel once again.

The Birthday Boys!

Andrew and Christian are 12 today!

(My babies when they were 1 1/2)

Gifts for the birthday boys.

I made a yummy home made carrot cake. Christian was a huge help. He loves to work with me in the kitchen.



I can't believe they are 12.

(I have been so sick so I could have cared less that Christian's top and bottom did not match...those of you who know me...you know I must have been borderline delirious.)

Andrew: You came into this world with spunk at 4 pounds 6 ounces! I knew when you were in my tummy that you had a lot of personality. You were very active and you were supposed to be baby number 2 until you "forced" your way into the number one spot. Your heart stopped right before delivery and I had an emergency c-section. You came out beautiful and healthy. I couldn't believe how tiny you were when I held you for the first time. You are definite in your choices and you work hard to achieve your own personal goals. You love Boy Scouts and work hard for your badges. Daddy and I rarely have to remind you of your duties. You are self motivated. You have such a great sense of humor and you are sensitive at times. You made it to 5' tall this year. You chose the birthday cake...you know what you want. I'm so proud of you.

Christian: You came into the world one minute after Andrew. You were a beautiful 5 pound ten ounce baby who struggled for every breath. You were quiet and snuggly. I didn't get to hold you right away but when I did, you snuggled right into my arms and I melted. All the nurses commented on your beauty. You were the largest baby in the NICU III. You are still that sweet, snuggly boy. Andrew may have chosen the birthday cake but you were right by my side helping me in the kitchen. You have grown a lot this past year. You are officially bigger than me. and you think that's so great...you are 5' 2 1/2" and 110 pounds. You play the piano very well, naturally. When you are on the soccer field, you are quietly fierce. You can do anything you set your mind to. I am so proud of you.

I love you both so very much!