Merry Christmas!

A very belated but very Merry Christmas to everyone! It was nice having a little break from blogging and emails. Life was very busy the past few weeks but with the new year almost here, it will be getting back to normal again. I hope. I have tons of pictures to download from different events so I will be getting those up soon.

Here's a sneak peek of our "Dennis the Menace". This was on Christmas Eve at Sonny's parents, trying to get a nice picture with Great Grandma Tucker. Nice.

Thanks...

Thank you to everyone for the calls, emails and cards for me and my family during our loss. For those who don't know, my grandfather passed away last week. It was so nice to hear and read that people were praying for us, it is very much appreciated!

It's been a while since someone in our family has passed away and going through this recently has helped me put a lot of things into perspective. You just take for granted that your family and friends are going to be with you forever. You never know when the Lord might take someone from you to be with Him. It's hard to think that way but God is in control.

Here are some thoughts I've had: Don't take your family and friends for granted. Don't hesitate to call or write when you get the inclination to. Remember to say "I love you" as often as you can to everyone you can - we all need love! Don't be nervous to pass out that gospel tract or invite that person to church. You never know if that day will be their last. I like that saying "Always kiss me goodnight". Don't let an argument get in the way of love. So often, we let petty things take over our minds and hearts and we don't let the true love of Christ shine through. God can always take something sad, such as losing a family member, to help bring out positives and things to strive to change to be more like Him. He is so good, isn't He?!

To my friends (and sister Dee!) who take time to read my blog ~ I LOVE YOU!

To my Grandpa "Ski" ~ You are and will be missed! See you on the other side!
Love, Mary

Giving Thanks

I know Thanksgiving is over but I was so busy over the weekend that I didn't get to post and wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving! Having said that, I just want to give praise to God for all He has done and all He will do in my life. I am so thankful for my family and friends, my church and church family, my home and all inside of it. I am thankful for the creator of paper plates and boxed cake mixes. I am thankful for crayons and coloring books. I am thankful for the/my Bible! I am thankful for true friends near and far. I am thankful I am a wife and a mother and a sister and daughter, a granddaughter, niece and friend. I am thankful for love and life and for Jesus!

Thanksgiving to me this year can be summed up in two lines from a loved song of mine - "To God be the glory, great things He hath done"

~~~~~ *** ~~~~~

Wordless Wednesday

Psalm 100:4 & 5

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.

Pumpkin Patch Pictures

Back in the beginning of October, we took a trek to our favorite Pumpkin Patch in Medina. It is called Richardson's Farm and this is our 3rd year going and we really enjoy it! This trip, we brought along Grandma Tucker and Starla and made a day out of it!

Here are the two newest arrivals on the farm!

Here are the two cutest nose-holders!

This is Luke saying "cheese" by his favorite "truckter"!

Here is me apple-picking for the very first time! I had so much fun and the apples were so pretty and delicious. The aroma of the apple trees is one I will never forget!

Here is Luke on his first apple-picking trip as well. He was feverishly picking every apple within his reach!

Here is my chubbers trotting down the rows of apple trees. It quickly became a game of chase!

Here is chubbers with a little problem...

Problem solved.

Here is Grandma pulling the boys and apples. I'm sure this was a heavy wagon for her!

We had a great day together and topped it off by going to Yours Truly for lunch! This was such a fun day, watching my boys having fun, apple-picking for the first time, being with family and thankful for days to be able to do this!

Blogging

Well, as you can see, I was in the mood to change my blog theme today. I have major Christmas decorating cravings and it's not even Thanksgiving yet. I love Thanksgiving but am really looking forward to Christmas this year!

I also enjoy blogging but am finding it hard to post regularly! I'm sure my whopping 4 followers don't really care but some days I feel bad, like I should have posted more during the week. I am very behind on posts and hope to catch up soon but no promises! I wonder how some of these blogging moms actually have time to post every single day! They must wear the same clothes for a week and eat out! Oh well, as in everything, I try to do my best! And for my whopping 4 followers, thanks for following! :)

Enjoy your Friday!

Wordless Wednesday +

There is still one hour left of Wednesday so I could say it's officially 'Wordless Wednesday'. Funny how the only time I have to post is when I should be in bed! Well, this picture is from one of our last days in Florida. It was a beautiful, windy day and we enjoyed an afternoon at Jax Beach. This picture reminds me of the verse "Be still, and know, that I am God". Enjoy!

I'm back!

Hello to my faithful followers! :) I'm back! We were gone for almost 2 weeks on vacation and I didn't have time to post right before with cleaning and packing so I'll get back to posting very soon. I have lots of pics to share from our fabulous time in Florida! Hope everyone is doing well!

Received this cute pic from a friend via email. The subject line read "H1N1: Tensions Rise". :)

Have a great Friday!

Wordless Wednesday + a teeny bit...

Love this picture of cousin "Whoa-zee" (Rosie)!

I would LOVE to know what she is thinking!

Just tell me...

Who, tell me who

needs a girl when I have a boy with this curly cuteness...

and these frilly foo-foos...

and these long eyelashes that even the camera flash catches them...

and with a cute little side stand like this...

Who?

Well, if the Lord gave me a girl, I'd be overjoyed just the same but if not, I have enjoyed immensely the playing, braiding and french twisting of this little cutie! These were after bath shots when his hair is at its curliest!

FYI - he will be getting a haircut before the end of the year.

Daddy is still holding on to the "baby" hair but it's on the Tucker to-do list!!!

Our House

* This post is for an out-of-state friend who wanted to see a pictures of my house *

This house was such a blessing to and for us. The Lord knew exactly what we needed (doesn't He always?!) We weren't looking in this area much but our realtor set up an appt. for this one and we fell in love with the land. We met the owner, a widow, who was looking to downsize. Later on, we found out there were 2 offers on this house, but after meeting the owner, she chose us because she was excited that a young couple about to be married wanted to purchase it to raise a family in and live for many years, just as she and her husband did back in 1957. We still keep in contact with her and she is still pleased! :)

The house was originally a beige-y peach-ish color but THANK GOD, we had it painted last year. I fulfilled my dream of a red door (and had them paint my mailbox to match)!

Hubby keeps the grass looking ever so loverly! Thanks, hon!

Wifey waters the plants! Thanks, me!

Our backyard, complete with lots of open yard, a trampoline we call "the jump-o-line", a baby swing, patio set on a small brick patio and lots of outdoor kids toys. We enjoy the open space to entertain our families and friends! God has been so good to us!

Wordless Wednesday + a little more...

For those of you fortunate enough to be around Luke much, you know this is his weakness! Running! How he loves to run!

"Mom, I go fasss!"

Do I make Jesus happy?

This has been my main thought for a couple days now. Here's why:

On Sunday, Luke's behavior wasn't the best, not what it could or should have been. Monday was worse! His cousins were over that day and he decided not to share his cars and trucks with them, making these evil, shrieking sounds whenever they came near them. That was a long day of working with him on sharing but that evening, the Lord spoke to me about obedience. It's not just something we hear or sing about, but something we need to do daily. I am quick to correct him of his wrongs, but I thought "does he really understand why?". I spent some alone time with him last night and today to talk about sharing and why we need to share and obey. Not only is it right, and makes mommy and daddy happy, but most importantly, it makes Jesus happy! I could tell he really enjoyed our little talk, saying throughout the evening last night "make Jesus happy, make Jesus happy".

Today, after his nap when he woke up, the first thing he did was come up to me and say "me make Jesus happy"! I teared up and gave him a big hug and reassured him that obeying makes Jesus happy! I know it will be a rough road at times, but him starting to understand who Jesus is, that He loves us and wants us to obey Him is such a blessing to see! I am re-living my Sunday School days, singing the kid songs they sing and listening to many Patch the Pirate tapes. I was just SO happy today, thinking of all this, and how Jesus must be smiling at my little blonde haired, blue eyed boy.

Thank you, Jesus, for Luke! Thank you, God, for Jesus!

Now, back to the "obeying thing"... Being a parent and going through this for the first time has been so convicting. I tell Luke to obey Jesus, but do I? Do I? What an eye opener! I am thankful the Lord has brought me through these couple days with a renewed outlook on obedience! I truly do want to make Jesus happy!

Do you?

Changes

With the cool weather and the leaves falling, I have felt the need for change these past few days! I have decorated the house for fall and rearranged some furniture throughout the house. And then I decided to change my blog! Hope you like it!

I have had lots going on lately and have lots of pictures to download and posts to write. Stay tuned! I'll leave you with this cute pic! This was "the gang" on a trip to the Akron zoo!

Lillah, Noah, Starla holding poor Zach, Rose, Benji & Luke

Happy Baby!

Wordless Wednesday

Say "CHEESE"

Prayer

This past Sunday evening, our church has what we call a "singspiration". We do this in every month that there is a fifth Sunday. I just love it! All we do is sing! Anyone can request a song to be sung and give a testimony or blessing, people sing specials, play instruments and it just a good time!

This past singspiration was different for me though. The Lord made it so that I really was touched by some of the songs we sung. Many of the songs we sang were songs we sing often in church congregational hymns, but this particular night, they really weighed on my heart.

One hymn that stood out to me was "Sweet Hour of Prayer". I have been convicted recently of not praying enough. I don't know if "not praying enough" is correct since the Lord says to "pray without ceasing" but you know what I mean! :) I sometimes use nap time or down time to do things like go through paperwork, read a magazine or book, peruse a cookbook, but the Lord has brought it to mind to use that time to pray. There are SO SO SO many people I know with burdens and problems, health issues or health concerns for their children, missionaries with needs, our church family with needs, my family members with needs, people who need to be saved... and the list goes on and on. Instead of devoting "time for myself", I need to devote more time to Him and pray! So, that's what I'm going to do!

I'm sure most of my readers know this song but read the words and really listen to them and apply them. I think my favorite line is "In seasons of distress and grief, My soul has often found relief" - how true! So many times I only pray when something is wrong or going wrong instead of praying and praising Him for all the good! My friends, that will change with me... will it change for you? I will be praying for you (since I know my 3 followers very well and my other 2 readers too!) I hope this is an encouragement to you!

Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!

That calls me from a world of care,

And bids me at my Father’s throne

Make all my wants and wishes known.

In seasons of distress and grief,

My soul has often found relief,

And oft escaped the tempter’s snare,

By thy return, sweet hour of prayer!

Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!

The joys I feel, the bliss I share,

Of those whose anxious spirits burn

With strong desires for thy return!

With such I hasten to the place

Where God my Savior shows His face,

And gladly take my station there,

And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!

Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!

Thy wings shall my petition bear

To Him whose truth and faithfulness

Engage the waiting soul to bless.

And since He bids me seek His face,

Believe His Word and trust His grace,

I’ll cast on Him my every care,

And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!

Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!

May I thy consolation share,

Till, from Mount Pisgah’s lofty height,

I view my home and take my flight.

This robe of flesh I’ll drop, and rise

To seize the everlasting prize,

nd shout, while passing through the air,

“Farewell, farewell, sweet hour of prayer!”

Wordless Wednesday... very late... with words

Okay, this week has been very long, very busy, very trying... I'm so thankful tomorrow is Friday! No big plans, no appointments, nothing to rush for, the house is pretty much clean minus a few baskets of laundry to be folded, but isn't there always something! The Lord got me through some very trying situations this week, nothing big deal if you knew them, but to me, they were monstrous! He knows just what I need to get 'back on track' and 'let not my heart be troubled'.

For example, at times this week, He used my children, two genuine friends, a rainy day, and a mound of bills all to bring back my joy when it was lost. I know your wondering how a mound of bills made my joy return, but knowing that God provided for each one of those bills gave me such an overwhelming feeling of thankfulness that they can be paid! There is something to be thankful for in every little detail of life... Like YOU for instance, you're reading my blog right now. That to me is so neat! That you would even care to read what I have to say!

Here is my "picture of the week". Did you know that my son is Dennis the Menace? In more ways than one! :)

A Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious Evening

I like surprises. No. I love surprises. For other people, that is! I love planning and stressing over making every detail just right. However, I don't do well when they are for me! Saturday, Aug. 8th was a Saturday like no other. We've been so busy this summer that there hasn't been a 'nothing to do' Saturday in a while. I was doing dishes and cleaning the kitchen, the boys were napping, it was nice, quiet and I even had time to relax.

While I was relaxing, Sonny had a wonderful idea and asked me to go out to dinner with him. He had the idea to go early to beat the rush and that sounded good to me. He even called my mom to check about watching the boys so we could go alone. I was excited! He said "Why don't you get all dolled up?! It'll be fun!". I was game.

We dropped the kids off at my parents and were off to dinner. We decided on The Cheesecake Factory, since that is one of my favorite restaurants. We had a nice quiet table, delicious food and it was fun talking, just the two of us. We were stuffed, but decided on dessert. I suggest a McD's cone since they are pretty good and cheap! He said that sounded good but didn't want to get it right away. We'd get it closer to my parents house. So, we got on the highway and started driving. We were talking, and as we were, I noticed we passed my parents exit. I just kept talking and figured he had another McD's in mind. I noticed we were then getting close to downtown Cleveland. I started getting a nervous feeling and wondered what was going on. I asked and he said he had a surprise but not to ask any more questions. I kept guessing at what it was but I was wrong until we pulled down Euclid Ave. The State Theatre! Through family members, I knew that weekend was the Mary Poppins musical at the State Theatre. He was taking ME!

We got there with time to walk around and find our seats and relax a bit and talk. I was shocked! We had great seats! I don't know why but I didn't think to take pictures until we left. It was such a fun night and I'm so thankful he was so thoughtful and took me. Just thinking of me and planning such a wonderful surprise was so special and an evening I will never forget!

Me & my wonderful hubby

We were literally running out of the building to beat the rush of traffic so as we were running, I snapped this pic. Obviously, I was looking good enough to get her head in it!

This was our little greeter when we got to my parents house!

The Fabulous Four

Love & Fireworks

Here is my very late post from my July 4th! I was in one of my best friend's weddings on this day! Melanie and I have been friends since around the age of 2, growing up together in church and all of school, kindergarten through graduation. She has been a true friend all along the way! I have never heard an unkind word from her and she has been such an encouragement and Christian example for me and for so many others.

Mel was patiently waiting on the Lord until one day, there was Josh! I remember the email I received from her saying how she met/talked to this really great guy! That really great guy turned out to be her really great fiance and is now her really great husband!

Mel, I was so honored to be one of your bridesmaids and loved

sharing in your very special day! I love you!

Mr. & Mrs. Vickerman

The Bridal Party

Really fun fortune cookie placecards

Love how this picture came out - the cupcakes were delicious and oh so cute!

And they will live happily ever after!

Happy Friday!

Just want to wish my readers a happy Friday! I hope you have a great day and a wonderful weekend! No wordless Wednesday or posts this week. I have to get my chores done first! Be back with you on Monday! God bless!

4 years to 4 ever

Today marks our 4 year anniversary! It doesn't seem like 4 years has gone by. The Lord has been more than good to us and I just want to praise Him for getting us this far! He has blessed us abundantly and we are so thankful to Him!

I went perusing through tons of folders of pics on my computer last night and found some to share. I went all the way back to 2003 when we first started dating, which seems ages ago. I was laughing and crying, looking at pictures that reminded me of so many events in our lives. We have had good times, bad times, trying times, very happy times but no matter what "times" we were going through, we went through them together. I am so thankful for Sonny and the husband and leader he has been for me and our family!

Dear Sonny,

Can you believe it? Four years?!!

Happy Anniversary, Honey!

I want to remind you how thankful I am for you, what a wonderful husband you are, what a fun daddy you are to our boys and a good leader and example for us! You are the best book reader I've seen in a long time (you gotta hear him read "Thomas the Train" books!), you can just about fix anything and you are a good centipede and spider killer! You are very special to me and I love you with all of my heart!

I also want to remind you how good God has been to us and all that He's gotten us through! We're 4 down and forever to go!

I love you,

Mary

I Thessalonians 3:12

"The Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another..."