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!

Putting on the Full Amour of God

Do you remember being 12? I believe the middle school years can be the most difficult. I remember it was a difficult time for Adam --Adam turned 12 four days after Ron left for Iraq and turned 13 on the day Ron arrive home. Adam grew 6 inches that year. The body is changing and emotions, at times, can be all over the place. As you know, Andrew and Christian just turned 12...they are identical twins but the Lord made them very different. We try and remind them of that.

“For YOU created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful I know that full well.” Psalm 139: 13-14

They are in school for the first time in three years (I homeschooled) and that has been an eye opener. We have had many conversations about things that make my heart break (I'm so thankful they share a lot with me even though it makes my toes curl). Kids are exposed to so much and some kids talk about these things at school. One of my guys is haunted by some of these images. He is struggling. Thankfully Ron is home this time around and is very real with the boys. We can pray with them, talk things through with them, love them but, as Ron explained to them recently, they have to make the choice to surrender themselves to The Lord.

Today, Ron presented Andrew and Christian with one of these coins....he read the verse and they talked about what it means to wear the full amour.....



God's armor brings victory because it is far more than a protective covering. It is the very life of Jesus Christ Himself. Boy, don't we all need to feel victorious in Christ.




If you would like one of these coins...I would be happy to send you one. Just leave a comment and I will get back with you as soon as I can.

(It's fitting that Ron would present the boys with a coin....coins are a military custom. The military gives unit coins to their Soldiers. Coins are used as a tool to build morale and used as a reminder of who they are. The tradition probably began amongst special forces units during the Vietnam War.)

Winter Homecoming for Adam

On January 30th, Adam took a good friend, Sarah, to Winter Homecoming. Because Adam is a day student at a boarding school and drives 20 miles one way to get there, we went with Adam's wishes and did not follow him to meet Sarah--she lives in the dorms. Thankfully, one of the parents is a professional photographer and she took lovely photos that evening. Sarah and Adam made a handsome couple.



My tall handsome boy.

I had to sneak in a photo with my guy...I'm a little under dressed wouldn't you say.

I took this picture out of bewilderment....is he really pulling out of the drive way and driving off?

I keep asking myself this question, "How did we get here?" "Why is Adam so grown up?" Is it just me or do you ask yourself these same questions when you look at your children?

LOVE

Happy Valentine's Day!

I felt somewhat better this morning and made the kids a little treat to go with their small gifts. Ron surprised me with flowers on Friday....an early gift knowing I needed a little "sunshine."

We exchanged cards after Ron and Andrew came home from church. I have to say, I just love the homemade cards from the heart. Nana sent some cards too with "extras"....thank you, Mom! We send our love right back! Lucey received the cutest outfit from her Godmother, Renee....thank you, Renee!!! She wore it yesterday but would not smile for the camera. She was in a mood. Poor thing has a scab under nose from blowing so much.

Today I was reminded of this verse--

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 :

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Last week was difficult for the Tucker Troops. All of us, except for Ron, had or still has the flu. It started with Andrew with a high fever of over 103. Right behind Andrew was Lucey. Both with high fever, body aches and terrible cough. I started feeling poorly on Tuesday-- fever and body aches. Adam left school early on Tuesday and did not go back to school until Friday. Christian was convinced he was fine...not so much. He missed school Wednesday and is still not feeling very well. He was still running a fever yesterday. As for me, I don't have a fever anymore but I still ache and have a headache and my eyes hurt when I move them.

Love is patient....thank you, Ron...for being so patient this week. Last week was the first week in 5 weeks that he was not traveling. Thank goodness! Although he had late nights, he was running errands after work, cleaning up, bathing Lucey (and even blew dried her hair!) for me and trying to slip in where ever he could to help. This four day weekend has been a blessing for me. I have been able to rest--finally. Ron has been doing most everything. Love is kind.....Ron has been helping with such a happy heart. Getting up super early in the morning with Lucey who has been coughing a scary cough.

We hope this week brings us health.

I hope your Valentine Day was spent with the ones you love and that you are happy and healthy.