Jessica and Rhet

Today's lesson for...Colby?

2012-02-01T15:05:00.011-05:00

Some of the skills that Colby has acquired in the last semester:

*identifies colors, shapes, and numerals 1-5
*categorizes groups by color, shape, or size
*identifies items that don't belong, or that belong together *writes name legibly
*completes simple patterns
*names opposites
*separates and categorizes objects up to 10
*completes mazes
*completes simple puzzles
*Sequences events
*connects dot-dot #1-10
*identifies groups with more or less
*cuts and pastes
*completes weekly chores
*manipulates Wii controls

Today's lesson: correctly using "If...then" statements.

Mom: "Colby, IF you are able to accomplish all of these tasks, THEN you should be toilet trained." "Do you think you can try one?"

Colby: "Of course, mother. I would be absolutely delighted to demonstrate my understanding of this concept..."
"IF you would buy me the regular sized candy bars as "potty treats" instead of one pointless M&M, THEN I might use the restroom correctly".

Mom: "Well, OK... good. I think you have it."
"Would you mind taking my phone messages and setting the table? I need to run to the store real quick."

I LOVE my gym!!!

2012-01-31T13:56:00.011-05:00

Why do I LOVE my gym?

#1 The staff are fast to respond to any improvements needed. I'm sure that any day they are going to fix the mis-calibration of the scale.

#2 The members are thoughtful. For every Nautilus machine I use, the previous member graciously moves the pin down to a weight that matches my increased strength ability. I don't have the heart to tell them that they are slightly over estimating.

#3 The lay-out is convenient. If I need a quick break, I can sit in the bikes that are positioned right in front of the TV's. Great way to keep up with concise, important current events.
Totally off topic, but did you know how funny Kelly Ripa and Ellen Degeneres are?

#4 My gym combines fun and fitness. My gym is filled with distorted mirrors. So silly and fun. It's just like going to the fair's fun house.

It reminds me of a fond childhood memory: When I was five, my grandmother was going to take me to the fair. I must have read a scientific article that stated it was safer to drive a car without a seat belt. I was taught to stand up for my convictions and not surrender to peer pressure, so Mama and Amber went without me. I wasn't bitter, though. I actually served my sister by giving all her barbies updated hairstyles.

#5 The treadmills are fantastic. There are a few treadmills that have some glitches in their display, but mine is always properly working.

Some examples of the display errors:
*The lady next to me has her mph listed as 7.3. Any functioning treadmill couldn't possibly go up that high.
*The same lady has a time displayed as 40 minutes and she isn't glistening. Although the sign is severely scratched up, I am almost positive that it reads "Please limit your treadmill use to 10 minutes." I always try to follow gym etiquette, as I'm sure she would if her screen time was correct.

I appreciate the positive feedback of the display. There is a part that counts the number of breaks you take during your work-out. I am proud to announce that mine is always at "0". I am embarrassed for my neighbor whose number is 4 or more. I'm not sure what the acronym stands for, but the initials are I.N.C.L.I.N.E.

There is a large capacity water bottle holder. It also works well for half-empty mini water bottles that you might find under the car seat in a forgotten lunch box.

#6 There is no fashion/dress code standard. They understand when mornings are tight and you show up in pajamas, flip flops, and under eye mascara. Although, I personally like to keep up with the trends. Just the other day a lady in hot pink spandex and a pink and brown sports bra was running next to me. After my cardio, strength training, and shower there happened to be another woman with the exact same outfit on that same treadmill. I'm sure Target or Walmart will carry a similar style for me.

#7 My gym is inexpensive. I choose to spend my saved money on healthy food. These items are usually grouped together in the aisle labeled "convenience". I do find it disquieting that my fellow gym buddies spend their saved money in quick fix schemes. It is obvious that pills, suctions, enhancements, and surgeries are aiding in their physique- "real" women can't look like that.

#8 Trainers are ready to assist you. I specifically remember the advice of the training team to loose weight slowly for it to stay off. To make changes gradually. I missed the rest of the class, but I can easily deduce not to throw out all the junk-food, stop eating after 10, or watch portion control for every meal. Since studies show that small steps equals success, then surely teeny tiny baby steps would be even better.

#9 Free trial membership. I am a regular that would love to show you around. Just disregard the front desk staff that looks up my name in the computer- I believe she suffers from short-term memory loss.

If you would like to meet me, just remember to bring a charged ipod. Without it, you may find that you are forgetting to increase your speed in your interval training session... because you are mentally blogging all of the reasons why you love your gym.

Disclaimer: I didn't cut the dolls' hair on the same day as the fair. I don't just wear a sports bra.

Ready, set...GO!

2012-01-26T13:38:00.004-05:00

Date:Saturday, January 21, 2012.

Time: 5:30 pm

Location: Peachtree Mall. Columbus, GA

Mission: Complete as many items as you can in 45 minutes, with digital documentation.

Teams: Jess, Daiz, and Ben vs. Dad, Lex, and Colby

Upon Completion of task: Meet in food court for ice cream of choice.

Rules:

One point deducted for every minute tardy.

An adult can only participate in two tasks.

Starred items are bonus items due to the bravery or difficulty required.

Rotate photographing.

Five points deducted for running.

Try on a funny t-shirt.

Eat a piece of chocolate chip cookie.

Find a scarf and try it on.

Spray on some apple scented body spray.

*Try on some orange shoes.

**Find a gold diamond ring and try it on.

Listen to a classical song.

Find a 50% off sign.

Read one sentence of a Dr. Seuss book.

*Find purple finger nail polish.

Find Wii Sports or Mario Galaxy.

Pick your favorite cell phone.

Try on a pair of fitting tennis shoes (boys) or high heels (girls)

*Try on a black jacket.

Buy a gumball.

Find something "Disney".

Find something "Cars" or "Spiderman".

*Find something Christmas related.

Buy two purple things for $2 or less.

Find a pair of colorful knee socks.

Find a card.

Buy the biggest thing for under $3 (extra point if your thing is biggest)

**Get a bag from 5 different stores.

Try on a pair of glasses.

**Pose like a manaquin in a store window.

Wash hands in a bathroom.

Wear a feather boa.

****Sing "Mary had a Little Lamb" to a stranger.

*Plank on a bench.

*Plank in a store.

***Give ketchup or napkin to a stranger in food court.

*Ride a kiddy ride.

*Ask someone for the time.

Look in a mirror.

***Spell out "YMCA" with someone at a store.

*Get a menu from a restaurant.

Get a credit card application.

Try on a pair of glasses.

**Salute someone coming out of Old Navy.

Eat a food sample.

**Get a stranger's autograph.

How many shoe stores are there? ____________

How many restaurants? ____________

How many high chairs in food court? ____________

How many entrances? ___________

The winning team is?.... Mom and Dad tallied the score and amazingly it was a tie! (Like every other team game we play.)

Bingo!

2012-01-25T13:47:00.004-05:00

The family is playing "Goal Bingo". First to get "bingo" gets an amazing date with a person of choice.
When the whole family "Black Cards" it, we are on our way to a mini- vacation.
Wish us luck...we'll need it!

Here is Alexis' bingo sheet as an example of how this works...
Most of the boxes are self explanatory- but the numbers underneath usually means one straight week at a time. So if you miss a day, you have to start your week over.

Most kids' goal sheets are the same, except Ben also has "eating fruit everyday" and "10 books" instead of 1.5 million words. He also has exercise goals instead of journal writing ones.
Sorry, I'm not posting Rhet and my goal sheets. You aren't taking a look into our lives with those magnifying glasses!

What? More goals charts?

2012-01-25T10:00:00.000-05:00

So... a far off vacation is hard for a child to work towards; hence, this weekly chart.

For each day that the children complete all of their goals, they earn $0.50 -Every two weeks, they get their "allowance" in cash. I have learned that it is much more effective with a tactile, tangible reward to equate the behavior with the positive consequences, instead of just "buying it for them on my card"... although, it is so much more of a pain!)

They no longer get money for doing chores- if they don't do their chorse, money just gets deducted from their over-all amount. (Which is why $0.25 is deducted on Tuesday. I am no longer going to be the "wet towel on floor nag".

So far, the kids have been extremely motivated. They make their own charts at the beginning of the week, they fill in their own bubbles, and don't have to be reminded of any goals. Oh, I wish I would have added so many more :)

The problem I forsee... one day they may realize that if they forget to brush their teeth in the morning, that there would be no point in completing any of the rest of the day's goals. Another one; they may realize that on a "hard" day (journal writing, preparing family night, and being reverent throughout all of church)... they may decide that it isn't worth $0.50 when they can easily get the money other days for less work.

So far, so good- so I won't tell if you don't tell. Besides, they are too sweet and obedient for that, right?... or they just want as much mula as possible. Yah, that's it.

For those of you who don't agree with rewarding behavior that you inherently expect... try rewarding yourself for a week of eating healthy and exercising everyday (no treats, though). It gives incentive to do your best and really work towards achievement... and then along the way it becomes a habit and a way of life. That's my philosophy anyhow; mine as well test it out and experiment on my kids! Hopefully, they won't be thirty calling me on the phone to send them some goodies for doing the dishes!

The handsome men in my life...

2012-01-16T20:21:00.002-05:00

I love this picture. I wonder if the golfer waiting behind them is as impressed.

Meeting Mr. Claus at the library

2011-12-28T22:34:00.002-05:00

Get a little closer; don't be shy.

Apparently, Santa isn't wearing "Arrid extra dry".

Is this legal?

2011-12-15T21:30:00.000-05:00

I wonder if this is what they had in mind when they wrote "no dumping" next to the drainage ditch.

Planking Competition

2011-11-20T21:45:00.001-05:00

Planking (or the Lying Down Game) is an activity consisting of lying face down in an unusual or incongruous location. Both hands must touch the sides of the body and having a photograph of the participant taken and posted on the Internet is an integral part of the game. Players compete to find the most unusual and original location in which to play. The term planking refers to mimicking a wooden plank. Rigidity of the body must be maintained to constitute good planking.

I think Ben may have won for originality...But Daisy wins for technique!

Ben's 6th birthday

2011-11-16T22:07:00.000-05:00

Time for Christmas... a little early!

2011-11-12T22:25:00.003-05:00

You think this is early?

Look up my November 2009 post. Go ahead, look it up! I will give you a clue....

The post title is "Halloween Trick.... or just being sneaky?"

Fun after school

2011-11-10T21:02:00.001-05:00

Daisy! Get down here and finish your homework!

Colby! You are too young to be in a tree! Yes, I know "tree" sounds like "three" but that doesn't mean that is the age requirement!

Ben! Quit monkeying around! What shirt are you hiding under that jacket? Did you wear your orange shirt again to school today?

Alexis! How many times do I have to tell you not to climb trees in your clean, white socks!

Children! Where is your father? I know he heard me when I asked him to start dinner!

Halloween...lots of fun on halloween

2011-10-31T20:08:00.003-04:00

Neighborhood block party!

Hay rides, pizza, a projected movie, and carnival games. We were freezing, but we got lots of candy and the chance to hang out with some great neighbors. Good times! Daisy, our cowgirl

Ben-Man, Black Spiderman Alexis, the evil (but cute) witch

Colby, the pirate

Mom, lady with too much eye shadow

Dad, hot mountain man

Colby attempting to put on his own clothes

2011-09-15T19:53:00.000-04:00

Alexis is 9 years old!

2011-08-23T19:42:00.000-04:00

Alexis had the girls from her class come over for her birthday party. They had fun putting make-up on blind folded, creating foil princess outfits, and using "money" to barter for prizes. Our little, shy gal ain't so shy anymore...she rocked that party!

First Day of School

2011-08-10T19:25:00.003-04:00

I'm sure Mrs. Franklin is ready for some sass in her class!

Daisy, dear, you are just in 3rd grade. But I do appreciate the formal etiquette pose.

Ben? You do know the rules at school, right?

Daisy's baptism

2011-08-09T19:22:00.000-04:00

Freaky

2011-08-02T20:24:00.000-04:00

Daisy may need a little practice trying to scare us!

Our first house guests

2011-07-01T19:35:00.000-04:00

New house!... I'm excited!

2011-06-18T21:55:00.000-04:00

Our cute 5 bed, 3.5 bath home that we just bought in Columbus, Georgia. June 28 closing day- here we come. Saw 20 houses, argued a little, and closed on this plan, the Cambridge. All in a DAY'S work. (Rhet doesn't get off much, but that will soon change!) The kids are already discussing which room is theirs and I am already planning for guest room furniture. SO- if you plan on staying with us (please, do) let me know what kind of bed you like!

Ben Soccer Spring'11

2011-05-19T14:10:00.005-04:00

Pool party at Nana's and Grampy's

2011-05-19T14:07:00.002-04:00

Yummy ribs
Jaime and Mackensie

sweet sisters

Ben-man

Golf with Uncle Brett

2011-05-19T14:03:00.002-04:00

Strawberry pickin' in FL

2011-05-19T14:00:00.002-04:00

Family Piano Party

2011-05-19T13:54:00.002-04:00

Alexis' performance at MamaRue and Papa's house, with aunt Lynette and Melody.

My big boy...preschool graduation

2011-05-19T13:51:00.005-04:00

Ben with Miss Angie at Wesley UMC in Evans, GA

Weekend with George

2011-02-13T22:31:00.004-05:00

Alexis racing

George skating.

Ben skating with George

Benjamin took home "George," the class monkey, for the weekend. We were supposed to bring George all around with us, and then report on his whereabouts in a journal that came with the monkey, blanky, and bag. It was just extra cute to see Ben toting around a stuffed animal. He is usually my tough, non-snuggly guy and this seemed to make him soften up a bit. At least for this weekend.

Here is what Ben's journal enry said...

"I was so excited to have a turn with George. At first, I didn't know what we would do together, but then mom said we were going skating. George loved to skate, but I only liked it a little bit. On Saturday, we went to my sisters' basketball game, the YMCA, and to the movies to see Megamind. George was especially handy on Saturday night, because we went camping in the back yard and he helped me to not be afraid. We had a fire with s'mores and everything. On Sunday we took it easy. After lunch, we went to church together. George wasn't used to three hours of church , but after a few snacks and some fun lessons, he was ok with it. I liked having George. It was fun and I will miss him."

Beginning and almost End of Kitchen

2011-02-13T22:13:00.003-05:00

Although these cabinets look all nice and white, they are very cheap and have a lot of water damage... and aren't white 95% of the time with sticky fingers around.

the wood on the back of the bar hasn't been put in, or the backsplash tiling... or painted, or crown molding, or toe kick. You get the picture that Rhet's work is not quite done.

Great job, Rhet. You're almost there.

Chug-a-chug-a. You can do it. You can do it. Toot. Toot.

New hardwood floors

2011-02-13T21:59:00.001-05:00

My basketball stars

2011-02-13T21:56:00.002-05:00

Isn't the snack the best part of the game?

Slide and Glide

2011-02-13T21:53:00.003-05:00

Only in Georgia would you use a boating inner tube as a sled!

Happy New Year

2011-01-09T10:10:00.000-05:00

Free digital ecard customized with Smilebox

Am I in trouble?

2011-01-09T09:23:00.001-05:00

Taking initiative and being inquisitive are positive character traits, right?

Tucker Family Photo 2009

2011-01-09T09:20:00.001-05:00

My handsome 5 year old

2011-01-09T09:18:00.001-05:00

Hawks 2010

2011-01-09T09:16:00.001-05:00

Christmas outfits

2010-12-26T10:07:00.000-05:00

camoflauge Santa hats? Only in the south!

'Nette 'Nette and her chef in training.

A Christmas Forest

2010-12-20T09:31:00.000-05:00

Our birthday boy soccer star

2010-11-16T10:02:00.001-05:00

Colby is two...shirts optional

2010-10-15T09:36:00.000-04:00

My baby got baptized

2010-09-23T22:55:00.000-04:00

Grandma made the beautiful dress.

Daddy baptized and confirmed Alexis.

The water was HOTTT!!

Daddy only had one white shirt, so he had to wear his jumper.

Brooke, Adam, Dantzel, Grampy, Nana, Nette Nette,

Rachel, Mara, and our family were able to be there.

Thank you for coming, family!

Dantzel and Jessica's Weekend Getaway

2010-09-06T23:06:00.002-04:00

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Gooooooo Hawks!

2010-09-06T22:55:00.008-04:00

My little Romans

2010-09-06T22:52:00.001-04:00

What does "Veni, Vidi, Vici" mean?

"I got there. I took over. I left."

Close enough.

Our two week dog, Lacey

2010-09-06T22:45:00.004-04:00

We miss you already, Lacey.

Just not our chewed up stuffed animals, plastic plates, toys, measuring cups, and rugs. Nor do we miss the accidents, accidents, and more accidents. Nor the staying outside for 20 minutes every two hours. Nor the whining in the crate... but we do miss your sweet snuggles and reminder that we are dog lovers, not dog owners! I guess we'll keep the boy. Better get rid of the crate, though- or DHS might come knocking.

Alexis' "big girl" party

2010-08-23T22:41:00.000-04:00

foil dress up

crazy pinanta

silly musical dress up

yummy cupcakes

Daisy's Dalmation Partay

2010-08-09T22:34:00.000-04:00

Complete with face painting, pin the dog bone in the Dalmation's mouth, doggy pinanta, find the hidden dog bones, barking game, water balloons, egg race, and more chaos than I care to remember.

Family Memories 2010

2010-07-25T18:44:00.000-04:00

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Mom and the Kids

2010-07-25T17:01:00.002-04:00

Ben- why are you always choking me?

Girls' night out...watch your chocolate, Melting Pot!

Slumber Party at Nana's and Grampy's

2010-07-25T16:49:00.004-04:00

I think we woke up Grampy. Oops.

Family Time

2010-07-25T16:24:00.005-04:00

Family Barbeque

Jaime, Colby, Sharee, and David

Mom, cousin Celeste, and big brother, Cortez

S'mores, swimming, and slumber parties

the Bell family

Brett, Amber, Jess, Mom, Dad, Marcell, Jaime, Mackensie, Celeste, Becky, Craig

Bath time sillies

2010-07-25T16:22:00.002-04:00

Don't worry- Rhet's swimsuit is on.

4th of July cake

2010-07-25T16:17:00.003-04:00

Go, Tiffani and Jessica!

4th of July

2010-07-25T16:15:00.000-04:00

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Road Trip to Nauvoo

2010-07-25T16:03:00.003-04:00

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My little sis graduated

2010-06-29T21:00:00.001-04:00

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Books

2010-06-29T16:52:00.003-04:00

Just got done reading this series. Thanks, Dantzel for sharing them with me.

White Water

2010-06-29T16:25:00.003-04:00

Rhet and I slept in. The kids have been going to bed late and waking up later than normal- so yeah for us. After picking up a little, Rhet (not the spontaneous one, by far) says, "Let's go to the water park." So around 10 we get our bathing suits on, throw some snacks in the car, and drive to Atlanta to go to White Water Six Flags Waterpark. We stayed till it closed and got home at 11pm. I love these kind of crazy days!

Nauvoo

2010-06-29T15:49:00.006-04:00

What do you get when you have:
- a 15 passenger bus
- 8 kids eight and under
- two families
- a week off from work
A GREAT TRIP TO NAUVOO!

We went to the Nauvoo temple

We saw the Parthenon in Nashville. We saw the Arch in St. Louis:

Thanks Ruth and David!

Good times, good times.

Lil' sis

2010-05-09T19:06:00.001-04:00

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Big sis

2010-05-09T18:19:00.000-04:00

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To mom, Love Rhet

2010-05-09T18:07:00.000-04:00

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A wonderful mother

2010-05-09T17:24:00.000-04:00

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Boredom

2010-03-21T15:29:00.002-04:00

I just wanted everyone to realize just how bored I can get in the day.

No more snarls, girls!

Another use for painters tape

2010-03-21T15:21:00.003-04:00

Rolls

2010-03-08T17:15:00.003-05:00

Pictured here is the price I paid for having a nice, peaceful time making dinner.

Ben's dinner

2010-03-08T17:11:00.002-05:00

Instead of getting upset, comparing, reading another parenting book, or calling Supernanny...

I decided to see the humor in our tri-daily attempt to get Ben to eat normal food.

The sad thing is- this is the before AND after picture.

McDonalds Playland

2010-03-08T17:07:00.004-05:00

It reads "Teenagers may not enter the playland".

It doesn't say anything about 31 year-olds acting like they are teenagers.

Date night

2010-03-08T16:20:00.004-05:00

This is what a cakeball looks like when Dantzel makes it.
This is what a cakeball looks like when Rhet makes it.

This is whata cakeball looks like when Adam makes it.

Regardless, we had a great double date with delicious treats and games.
Man, is it nice having family close by.

SNOW?

2010-02-08T16:16:00.000-05:00

The snowball fort.
No, this isn't a Utah visit- it's our backyard!

Prima donnas

2010-01-10T16:46:00.000-05:00

Tiffani made some beautiful tutu's for our beautiful princesses.

Brooke (cousin), Mara (cousin), Daisy, Alexis, and Rachel (cousin)

Lights of the South

2010-01-08T16:32:00.003-05:00

We went to Lights of the South in December before Nicole (our exchange student) left. It was freezing but we had a great time. I took all the pictures of the family, and none of the lights. Oops.

Nicole by the lollipop Three kids having fun in the tubes.

Hayride time.
Waiting in line...again.
No, this isn't a double stroller.

Yuck.

2010-01-01T17:03:00.000-05:00

The "boys" decided to have an egg nog show down. Ryan (Rhet's brother) won hands down!
Sick. Just plain sick.

Christmas Recorder Concert

2009-12-31T16:54:00.000-05:00

The girls were in a Christmas Recorder concert. Just lovely, ladies. Notice the socks.
Thanks for the roses, dad.

Just having fun.

2009-12-09T12:39:00.003-05:00

Most of these were taken by Ben-Man. Great job, Benjamin!

Just for me

2009-12-09T12:32:00.004-05:00

This is Rhet for the last month. Just wanted to remind myself that he is real, alive, and isn't just a "picture" of perfection. Let me go see if I pinch him, if he will move! He sure didn't even blink when I took this shot.

You are on candid camera! You just won $5,000! I bought ice cream! Move, dang it...MOVE!

I figured it out and...HE MOVED!!!!!!!!

2009-12-09T12:31:00.000-05:00

Oh, THAT is what lingerie is for. Just kiddin', just kiddin. I'm seriously kidding, Nicole is on the floor watching Friends.

Co-op GIngerbread Houses

2009-12-09T12:22:00.005-05:00

BEFORE

AFTER

Months of the Year-2010 Calendar

2009-12-09T12:09:00.009-05:00

JANUARY: Together for the New Year.FEBRUARY: We love you our Valentine!

MARCH: My little good luck charm

APRIL: Some spring bunnies

MAY: April showers bring May flowers

JUNE: Summer fun

JULY: My sweets

AUGUST: Hummingbirds are here. Coo coo

SEPTEMBER: Back to school timeOCTOBER: Halloween fun

NOVEMBER: Veteran's Day

DECEMBER: My Christmas stocking

Jaime and David's baby, Mackensie

2009-12-09T10:54:00.004-05:00

Gotta have them cheetos after birth!

Dad, Mom, sister Autumn, and David-the proud father

Poor little bruised Mackensie

Ahhhh... how sweet! I want one.

"Merry Christmas," Love the Washing Machine

2009-12-09T10:51:00.004-05:00

Just an early Christmas present from the washing machine

Come trick-or-treat at our VAN!

2009-11-28T19:42:00.005-05:00

Why just pass out candy when you can trick your fellow trick-or-treaters?

You choose-

Curtain 1: toothpaste or sanitary soap

Curtain 2: ooey gooey leftover dinner squished up in a yucky blucky blob. (wipe included with choice)

Curtain 3: delicious store bought candy; none of that black or orange cheap-o nasty stuff, either.

I think our kids played about 10 times each. Definitely something to do again next year!

The Tucker Halloween Circus...pretty scary!

2009-11-28T19:18:00.004-05:00

TUCKER FAMILY CIRCUS

Forget ghosts and goblins- you need to be worried about the Tucker Family Circus coming through your town on Halloween night. We have a magician (Alex) and her magic bunny (Ben-Man). There is a tight rope walker (Daiz) and an interesting mime (yours truly) and finally, the ring master with the crazy hair (J Rhet).

Watch out, trick-or-treaters, the Tucker Family Circus ONLY does tricks... you never know what it is going to be-you may get a flip or a silent performance, or even a terrifying act of a daring feat. OR it may be a trick of toothpaste, instead of candy, in your jack-o-lantern sacks. There is one thing we do know--- the Tucker Family Circus will AMAZE YOU!

Primary Program

2009-11-16T00:31:00.005-05:00

What happened to my babies???

The older three children had their Primary Presentation for church. Dad was on TDY, but it was super cute, so I wanted to post their lines that they wrote and memorized.
All three spoke at the microphone and were wonderful.

Ben: (grumpily to the teacher trying to help- but saying it to her IN the microphone) "I already know it!" "My dad is super nice. He plays games with me."
Daisy: "I like reading the scriptures because they make me feel warm and good."
Alexis: "Temple blessings unite families. I think the temple is pretty. The temple is important because it is where we are sealed together forever."

(I put their words in their favorite colors, pretty genius, eh?)

We worked REALLY hard on the songs, and it was great to realize while they were on stage that all our work was in morning devotional- which Ben misses for Preschool. He just happened to be in the front row and probably sang ONE (chorus only, mind you) out of thirteen or so songs. Woopie- go mom! Girls in the back had them DOWN, though. Oh, ya! Too bad Colby wasn't as well behaved during this glorious hour and ten minutes.

No computer= freedom?

2009-11-16T00:19:00.002-05:00

Have you ever wondered what it would be like in the pioneer times? No cell phones, no computers, no internet? Well, stop wondering and come over to Jessica's house! Apparently this home in Georgia has taken a step back in time to show this family the stress free life without the worries or email, texts, and phone calls.

Come to Jessica's house and realize that we aren't in pioneer times, so if your computer and cell phone decide to die in the same week... you are thoroughly, how should I put this?... in trouble. That is how everyone communicates, my dear. You still will get important emails- people just think you are a flake for not being where you need to be. You will still get voice messages-people just think you are a snot for not returning them. So- in other words, DON'T come to Jessica's house (plus, I would have to clean.) DON'T let your son play with your cell phone and suck on it (I like to think it was the sucking and that it never landed in the toilet), and DON'T try to download crazy stuff from youtube. It isn't worth the experience!
I much rather cook on an open fire and leave my lights off to get that pioneer sensation. I would say take away my car, as well- but stranded with four kids ALL day in one little house would just seem wrong. Sorry, Laura Ingalls Wilder, we'll just stick to reading about your day!

Halloween Trick...or just plain sneaky?

2009-11-15T23:54:00.005-05:00

So, on Halloween, the kids and I sent Rhet on an errand to Lowe's. Then we decided to decorate the house for Christmas a LITTLE early... complete with Christmas tree, lights, stockings, and ornaments (yes, we are fast!)
We said it was all in the name of a Halloween TRICK...
but who am I kidding: I love Christmas. I love the huge blow up yard decorations, the smell of cinnamon brooms that can knock you out if you get too close, the hay rides, the hot chocolate and marshmallows sitting by the fake fire, the darkness at 6:00 and the kids think it is time for bed, the opportunity to remember service, the excuse to spend money on airplane tickets and gas to spend time with family...
SHOOT, I'll admit it (partly because Rhet never reads my blog) - I had no intention whatsoever of waiting till the day after Thanksgiving!
It was pretty funny when trick-or-treaters came to the door and saw Christmas inside! I'm thinking of keeping it up till April and claiming an "April Fool's Day" joke. Whatever works to keep the holidays present "in my heart". Plus, I HATE, I HATE, I HATE putting it all down. Perish the thought of that dreadful day!

Mmmmm, can it be Christmas forever??... Why, YES, it can!!!!

Nooooo!

2009-11-15T23:38:00.004-05:00

What do I get for trying to be a health conscious, whole grain loving, natural bread making gal?

Well, it isn't my fault they put

AND

in the SAME stinkin' lookin' foil pouch

P.S. Hot chocolate in a wheat grinder= bad idea.
P.P.S. Don't try it at home.

Watch out, Armed Forces!

2009-11-15T23:21:00.005-05:00

Out of these three proud American veterans, can you tell which two are having bad days???

Nicole...such a doll, oh, I mean cheer bunny!

2009-10-31T07:20:00.000-04:00

Friends Maty and Drew "flapping" away.

Mady and Nicole.

Go Greenbrier! Nicole- top left!

Nice birthday cake, Nicole. Sorry- frosting was a little runny. Remember the Barbie legs that are now on the side of the cake. Yummy!

P.S. If you are way clueless and never read my blogs- Nicole is our fun exchange student from Germany.

Nicole- what kind of day is it today?

2009-10-16T09:01:00.000-04:00

Is it going to be this kind of day?OR

THIS kind of day?

You decide.

Birthday wishes to Mama Rue and Grandpa

2009-09-30T09:28:00.006-04:00

Six Flags fun

2009-09-26T07:38:00.003-04:00

We went to Atlanta in September and met my mom, dad, and older sister there.

SIX FLAGS, BABY!!

What a perfect day for it. It was Sept. 26, right after Atlanta flooding, everyone thought the park was closed, and it was overcast with 90% chance of rain. All I can say is roller coasters, roller coasters, roller coasters. Went right in the front row over and over for Batman, Superman, Goliath, and the other great ones.

And what was the funnest part for the kids?
the hotel

and the hotel ice machine, of course!

Another fun night

2009-09-10T18:37:00.003-04:00

So I tend to post family night every time. It is just when we have our most exciting moments. The other days we are just plain boring.

So--- in case you wondered IF we had a lesson:

The lesson was on forts- how ancient American inhabitants built forts to defend their cities from enemies, but how if it wasn't strong enough or if there were holes, enemies could sneak in... then we compared that to how to make our homes strong. And how we can have sneaky holes in our strong fort home that we don't even realize (TV, music, forgetting to pray, etc).

So there were "destroyers" (worms) in our "city" (pudding) that we had to get out to make our city strong and clean.

And obviously, Nicole fits right into the family!

Too bad I can't get the video on here... it is AWESOME!
(ONE great thing about being the mom- you get to take all the pictures and not have to participate!)

Scripture time

2009-08-21T07:50:00.002-04:00

Devotional didn't quite go as planned:
The lesson was on responsibility and how as you get older you are given
more responsibilities. I gave Ben a ball he had to take care of throughout
the lesson- if he popped it we wouldn't be able to play ball afterwards.
Daisy had the phone to call Dad, and Alexis had some candy that she
would pass out at the end if she was able to hold it and not smush or eat it.
We talked about how babies have less responsibility but can't do the fun
things, either- can't play ball, talk on the phone, or eat candy. Then, I made
the mistake of saying, if you can fit into baby clothes, you don't have to be
responsible. BIG MISTAKE. Daisy is wearing Colby's pants and Lex and
Ben are sporting his onesies. Guess that means extra duties for mom until
the "babies" get older. Humph.

Ouch!

2009-08-21T07:48:00.001-04:00

Rhet's battle wounds from a sprained ankle.

Church basketball...

it'll getcha every time!

Happy Birthday, Daisy!

2009-08-21T07:44:00.005-04:00

This is kind of embarrassing to put on here- but it only took 15 minutes

to frost and Alexis helped me...that's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Happy Birthday, Daisy. I love it- stay six forever. "Mom, you did such

a great job. It is just what I wanted." Let's see if Alexis will be as gracious

in a week:)

Ahhh...Volcano!!!!

2009-08-21T07:39:00.003-04:00

Alexis liked how adding gelatin made chunks.

Daisy learned that if you keep adding baking soda, you can get a couple of

eruptions.

Great cheeser, Daiz!

2009-08-21T07:37:00.002-04:00

My cute pregnant sister. What a great mom she is going to be! Jaime is
due in November and is going to have a precious little girl. Way to go Jaime
and David:)

Nicole is here!

2009-08-20T21:28:00.003-04:00

Hi. I am Nicole. I am from Germany. I go to Greenbrier High. I not really
talk like zis- but Jessica is writing zis. No matter where I live, I like to do
the cheerleading, Indi music turned up really loud, drums, sitting on the
warm grass, and gouda cheese.
What I miss most about home: sidewalks; German bread; my
friends; my family; my pets- Mizi, Baghira and Jonny; Fleischwurst; the l
ake by my house, my bike, my cheerleading team, bugs, flies, some peace
and quiet while trying to do my homework. OK- my home is always loud-
but it is my music turned up and not Jessica and the kids all yelling and
running around playing hide-n-seek or ring-around-the roses.
What I enjoy most about Georgia: Jessica's sweet and sensitive
nature; not so many chores; a new cheerleading team; way easier schooling,
better marks, air conditioning in every room, greenery, eating with everyone
at the table, the mailbox is at the street, the trampoline, the big fridgerator,
the awesome four jet shower, price and look of the clothes, Target, Walmart,
the Y, so many cars, having my own room.
America Likes: bagels, cream cheese, ice cream, cool whip, Lays, Skittles,
Peanut butter crackers, Chick-Fil-A, staying up till 3 am talking to the coolest
person ever.
Don't Like: fake cheese, the word "foreigners", people who think I don't
understand but really I am just being quiet, 3 hour church, changing dirty
diapers (although I never have), getting up at 6am for school, riding the noisy
bus home, my English teacher, cleaning the dishes after Colby and Ben ate at
the same table (although I have only done it once and we had fast food), school
dress code, the kids going in my room to get their dress up clothes and then
putting all my clothes on the floor- after I took so much time to put them
away exactly in their place.

Ok- so this wasn't exactly pre-approved from Nicole's mouth- but I'm sure
I'm pretty close. Nicole is a joy to have at our house and has quickly learned
the quirks and faults of the Tuckers. We hope she will overlook these foibles
and enjoy her time with our exuberant family. I will be a happy mom if our
daughters grow up to be teenagers as responsible, dependable, and making
good choices as Nicole is. We love you, Nicole. Welcome to our family!

Family Night Fun

2009-08-20T21:15:00.005-04:00

Nicole, Jess' parents, Lex with a bowl on her head, Daiz, and Ben-Man

Family Night: (def.) n. A weekly night of short Christian lessons, an activity,
treat, songs, and a little bit of chaos. Held on Mondays after dinner. Each
member of the family takes a turn being in charge of a part of the festivities.
Not to be confused with Family Fun Night which is games/movies/treats on
Friday night that mom gets ready.

Anyhoo- Lex was in charge of the lesson and needed me to make water
balloons. Normally, I would not be so inclined- but I will do anything for
the sake of "object lessons" or learning. So- I sat there and made water
balloons for 20 minutes.

Her lesson, thought entirely on her own: "We should all be baptized because
it will bring you blessings. Each person was then to share an aspect of baptism
that they knew to be true. Then, we were all to go outside. We all got to hold
"blessings" and shower them to others, so that they could have the blessings,
too. How fabulously gifted my child is:) She knew exactly what to do to be able
to throw some water balloons- when it wasn't even her turn for activity.
Brilliant. I'm not sure if the kids understood why we were throwing water
balloons- but that 20 seconds of fun was worth 20 more minutes of filling
them up. (although I won't do it again next Monday- sorry, guys.)