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"

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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!