Tucker Tribune

Now THIS is the way to enter your wedding! Talk about a celebration.

2009-07-23T09:59:00.000-07:00

My, oh my. The memories.

2009-05-07T10:11:00.000-07:00

Some photos from Kyle and Amber's wedding last weekend

2009-05-03T13:13:00.000-07:00

Have you ever seen a country boy "gettin' after it"? Go Papa, go!

One of my most cherished memories of the night was dancing with my brown-eyed girl. Hopefully she will be just as excited to dance with daddy at her wedding.

Grandma Tucker and the flower girls.

I still don't think they are fully convinced that the day wasn't about them.

2009-04-08T20:36:00.000-07:00

The pile up - Emi really was o.k., believe it or not

Mom, I found some bread! - YUM

Jacob loves to take pictures with the camera - he has a fascination with taking pictures of the floor or his feet (probably the easiest thing to aim)

2009-04-08T20:23:00.000-07:00

Aren't we so cute?

Wow!

2009-02-19T11:13:00.000-08:00

(CNN) -- Chris and Georgia Frankel have no idea what it must be like to live alone as a married couple. They started out their life together staying with relatives and later friends.

Those early years proved to be good training because their house in Albuquerque, New Mexico, now has 12 people calling it home.

In addition to their three daughters, ages 3, 6 and 17, the couple shares their space with five adults and two teens.

The family started taking in people before the economy soured, and now they say they are weathering the downturn better than some, in part because of their unconventional living arrangement.

You can read the rest of this CNN article at www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/personal/02/19/survivor.extendedfamily/index.html

What would it look like if the church was out there doing this? What would the world say? What would others in the church say? It is kind of sad that in some circles, the only place people can experience the love of Christ is from the hands of non-christians.

Deep Ponderings

2009-02-12T13:33:00.000-08:00

I was listening to a friend of mine talking the other day about Jesus. He pointed out something that I found very interesting. Now when I say that he pointed out something that was very interesting, you need to know that what I am really saying (in super-secret Christian code) is that he said something that convicted me. But, of course, being a pastor and all I shouldn’t be convicted because pastors don’t sin and if they do, well they get fired for being a “sinful pastor” and especially in this economy pastors don’t want to go around getting themselves fired just willy-nilly.

So like I was saying, my friend shared something about Jesus that I found very interesting. He was talking about Jesus’ encounter with Levi (Matthew) as recorded in Matthew 9:9-13 and then in Luke 5:27-32. First, we see in Luke the line, “After this he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the tax booth. And he said to him, ‘Follow me.’” Jesus saw a tax collector, so says Luke.

Next my friend contrasted Mathew’s version of this encounter from his own perspective. In Matthew 9:9 we read, “As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, ‘Follow me’”.

And here is where my friend pointed out the “interesting” part. You see, in Luke’s version of the story. Jesus saw “a tax collector”. In Matthew’s account, what stood out to him in his retelling of his own story was that Jesus saw “a man”.

“Yep, that’s Bob. He’s an accountant.” “There’s Sue. She is a nurse.” Okay, an accountant and a nurse are actually in an acceptable crowd of people. Let’s try this. “Yep, there’s Bob. He’s a truck driver. Smells like stale coffee and cigarettes most of the time, at least when it’s not hunting season.” “There’s Sue. She’s actually a thief. Heard she got caught shoplifting just last week down at Macy’s. I actually saw her using a food stamps card at Publix the other day too.”

Why must I see titles? Why must we be relegated to what we do as opposed to who we are? What would it be like when I go out to eat, instead of seeing my “server”, I saw a single mom trying to make extra cash because her husband hasn’t sent a child support payment in five years? What if, instead of seeing the “trouble kid” in the neighborhood we saw the young man that no one has ever given anything but criticism. He feels himself worthless and sees the only way out as numbing the pain with self medication or possibly with suicide? Why must we assign an individuals worth depending on their perceived place in our maddeningly prevalent and completely unbiblical social constructs?

Matthew was an outcast among his people. He collected taxes for the Romans, the occupying forces who ruled over the Jews. He worked as a traitor for the occupiers. It was also common practice for tax collectors of the day to skim off the top to line their own pockets. Not only was he a traitor, but he was also a cheat and a thief. Yet Jesus, passing by along the way looked over and saw a man. And because Jesus saw a man, we see Jesus through the gospel of Matthew, a man changed and used greatly in the kingdom. How have I handicapped the kingdom of God because of my lack of vision? Who have I passed by who could have been used greatly within God’s body?

Yes, I believe in the sovereignty of God and confess that He is firmly in control of everything. He is plenty big enough to make up for my shortcomings. But my correct theology should never be a blanket with which I seek to hide or disguise my sin, err, I mean those things that I find "interesting".

2009-02-04T11:39:00.000-08:00

I was doing some reading the other day (and by reading I mean surfing the blogosphere) and came across the following blog entry from a guy named Steve Timmis.

If you ever want to make other Christians feel guilty, get them to listen to a talk on evangelism. For the majority of us, evangelism is a bit like base jumping—sounds like a great idea, but most of us don’t actually have the guts for it. Whilst it might be true that only a relatively few people are gifted evangelists, all of us can make a significant contribution to the evangelism process. What we need to do is change evangelism from “me doing the gospel thing with my mates” to “us doing the gospel thing with my (soon to be our) mates.” It’s a simple transition, but it makes a world of difference.

Make Evangelism Communal

In that context, I then introduce my friend who’s not a Christian to my brothers and sisters (a.k.a. church). My friend gets to see us hang out, laugh and cry, forgive and serve. He sees the gospel in action and he hears the gospel as we apply it to one another. Evangelism is going on all the time, and all I’ve done is bring my friend into a context where he’s going to be exposed to the gospel. Evangelism done this way changes it from being a big scary monster that makes us want to run and hide into a cute little puppy that we all want to hug.

Great article. Okay, except for the “cute little puppy” part at the end. That was a bit much. But Steve makes a great point.

Many of us are intimidated by evangelism because we envision Billy Graham standing on a street corner or on a platform in a stadium as opposed to a group of neighbors standing around a grill. There are a few of us who are called to stand on street corners and in stadiums to proclaim the wonders of the gospel at the top of our lungs. For the majority of us, we are called to something very different. Not to a different message, but to a different method.

Each one of us does “stuff” during the week. For some it is running. For others it is painting. Some might have an affection for or a heightened appreciation of fine coffees while others among us may passionately pursue the perfect grilled fillet. Here is the point. Evangelism is taking the stuff we are into (our God-given passions and desires) and seeking to glorify God by walking with others in pursuit of these passions.

If that is the point, then here is the twist. Sit down, this may be a shocker. It is okay to pursue our passions and desires with non-believers. Who came up with the idea that it is okay to wall ourselves off in Christian ghettos and pursue our passions only with other Christians? I mean, we have Christian bookstores, Christian coffee shops, Christian running clubs, Christian knitting clubs, Christian underwater basket weaving clubs. Okay, I made that last one up, but you get the idea. It is no wonder that statistics show the longer one is a believer, the fewer non-christians they are in relationship with. How can we win or influence a world from whom we are in constant flight?

So what do we do? We simply do what we are already doing. We run, we paint, we drink fine coffee, we pursue culinary perfection at our grills.... WITH NON-BELIEVERS. Don't know any non-christians? Try this, walk next door to your neighbor's house, gently raise your fist to the front door, and knock.

Construction Part 3 and Overview

2009-02-02T10:46:00.000-08:00

Because it has been a while since we have blogged, we are combining these pics and giving a summary of the last couple of months

The walls went up and Jacob loved helping daddy work.

His question when the back part of the house was closed off was, "why is that our old house?"

With the sheet rock up his question was, "Mommy, why is this our new white house?"

Jason built the back steps to the new rear enterance.

He did an awesome job! He got the boards and posts up using clamps because he didn't have an extra pair of hands. Go ahead, pat him on the back with a comment on

how incredibly straight he was able to do that all by himself.

We didn't have much room for a tree as you can see the pantry and fridge were in the living room, but we found this small one that would work. It was perfect for the little space we had and the kids had a lot of fun putting the Disney ornaments on.

The cabinets came in right before Christmas. The guy in the picture is not Jason, it is actually a cousin of a friend of Susie's from college - we exchanged the "I know you's" for a second and then reminisced some of the funny memories.

Things slowed down at Christmas and throuh New Year. We spent the time in Sweet Water and Mobile.
We had a lot of fun with the family and taking a break from the chaos.

The pace picked back up the first week of January -

the granite came in, plumbing the next day,

then electric, then appliances, and ...

Yeah!!! We were finally able to move everything out of the living room and have a functioning kitchen. Jason kept asking what I thought but I wasn't able to appreciate it fully because I was still recovering from the stress of what we had to live through to get to this point.

Poor Jason thought I didn't like it. I do - I love it!!! I can say that now because I have been able to use the kitchen and my living room is CLEAN and I can walk through the house without stepping all over things!!!

I can't really say what is my one favorite thing, but things I love are how the lights above the sink give it character, I have a double oven, the countertops and floor are not WHITE so they don't show every tiny crumb and everything just looks so nice.

Conctruction progress part 2

2008-11-17T10:40:00.000-08:00

The wall between the new mudroom / rear entry and Emi's new bedroom, before and after insulation. I itched for two days after instaling this stuff.
The kitchen with most of the new wiring and insulation done. In the left you see the new peninsula and bar. Cabinets and the range will be located on the back. We were able to salvage enough of the tongue and groove siding from the demo to finish out this short wall.

Construction Progress

2008-11-17T10:28:00.000-08:00

Future range peninsula and countertop bar.
The door on the right is going away.
The iron bar in the left of the photo leaning up against the wall is from the pit. It weighed a ton and abused me for two straight days. It was, however, the only tool able to make it through the layers of plywood, linoleum, and then hardwood that were all hidden underneath the significantly raised tile on our kitchen floor. Too bad the original hardwoods were unsalvagable.

Here is a view into the kitchen from the dining area. Again, this wall is coming down to open this space up. The peninsula / bar will be on the left of this photo.

Three year olds make life interesting (part 2)

2008-11-10T09:55:00.000-08:00

One minute you are sitting at your local pizza place having a nice Sunday lunch, the next minute you are picking your son up off the floor as he spits blood and pizza at you.

4 hours in the after hours clinic (I did mention this was on Sunday afternoon right?), and 3 stitches fixed everything right up. At this point I am kind of glad I only have one boy in the bunch. I don't know if I could stomach much more blood and pizza.

2008-11-08T07:06:00.000-08:00

Emi is getting her first tooth at 6 mo. and Anna Grace loves to help feed her.

Halloween happenings

2008-11-08T06:40:00.000-08:00

"Yes we can!" (Bob the Builder, not the politician.)

Tinkerbell and Hannah Montana, way too sassy!

And so the madness begins.

2008-11-08T06:28:00.000-08:00

There's nothing quite like loosing a full third of your house for almost two months, especially with four kids age seven and under! At least I have some free labor.

3 yr. olds make life interesting

2008-10-05T20:52:00.000-07:00

I was preheating the oven the other day when I decided to check on a strange smell coming from the oven. Jacob had stuck his crock in there and I found it before it caught on fire! However, it did melt and shrink some. He keeps me laughing all the time.

Lessons all around

2008-10-02T13:04:00.000-07:00

“Hey Dad”
“What?”
“Oh, nothing. I just like saying that.”

The above interchange happened a few weeks ago after a meeting in which custody of 12 year old twin boys was officially transferred to friends of mine in St. Louis. They were driving down the road after this meeting when the interchange occurred between one of the boys and and the dad.

For some reason I can't seem to read those lines without crying.

Fun in Puerto Rico

2008-08-24T19:57:00.001-07:00

We swam at Titi Maria's pool and swam....
at the beach (Jacob really loved it though his face in this picture doesn't show it)
The walk to El Morro (the Fort) was very windy, but lots of fun!
Inside El Morro (Emi enjoyed it the most, can't you tell?)

Flower girls

2008-07-12T11:40:00.001-07:00

Very few time will you ever get Anna Grace "dolled up" like this. We took as many pictures as we could. We might not see her like this again until prom or her own wedding!

Emi joined in the fun with her little Amish bonnett.

"Wait, these people are throwing all of our flowers on the ground!"

And yes, we ended up bringing two full little cans home.

The prettiest flowers in the garden.

Whatchoo talkin' bout, Willis?

2008-06-23T11:55:00.000-07:00

You sure you wanna' mess with me?

Girly giggles are the coolest!

2008-06-23T11:50:00.000-07:00

Check out the little nose crinkle. Ahh, I'm in love.

Life as a minority

2008-06-17T13:44:00.000-07:00

Okay Dad, can we please go to Home Depot or do something testosteroney to get away from all these girls?

Dewayne Wood

2008-06-11T10:58:00.000-07:00

You know, when you are 35 you just don't think about losing friends. People our age just don't die, unless it is in some tragic car accident or something similar. But to fall asleep and simply not wake up?! Dewayne is a friend with whom much valuable time was spent in the past, and not enough was spent in recent years. I remember nights spent with a small band of guys hanging out at our friend Bill's apartment. Sometimes we would talk about "deep life" things. Sometimes we would simply watch "Fear Factor" and gag over all of the gross stuff these people were trying to eat. I remember nights sitting at Innisfree Pub talking about everything from theology to marraige to the finer artistic points of some new music group. I remember him relating that he was moving to Orlando to pursue his Masters in Counseling from Reformed Theological Seminary. Shortly therafter Susie and I moved to St. Louis to attand Covenant Theological Seminary. We haven't spoken often enough over the last few years, although I remember fondly our lunch at Johnny Ray's BBQ while I was traveling through Birmingham last summer. He had a wreck on his way there, but still showed up. Typical Dewayne. Dang.... I was really looking forward to being in the same city again. I will miss you.

GRADUATION!

2008-05-17T13:05:00.000-07:00

According to the piece of paper that I received tonight, I am now a Master of Divinity. HAHA!

At least Jacob looks impressed.
My little snaggletooth is proud too.

I think this one is still waiting to be impressed.

Masters schmasters. I bet he still can't do this!

Sisters tell the best secrets.

2008-05-10T13:42:00.000-07:00

They are plotting against us. I just know it!

So glad winter is over

2008-05-09T07:37:00.001-07:00

You know, it was fun while it lasted. But I must say, this past winter seemed to be the longest, coldest, snowiest winter EVER! I am so glad to see the threat of snow and ice melt away and make way for spring allergy season. Did I just say that? Break out the Claratin!

Self protraits are so much fun.

2008-05-06T12:46:00.000-07:00

Now that Anna knows how to operate the camera, you never know quite what to expect when you start scrolling through the pictures. Always an adventure!

I love being a dad

2008-05-01T12:37:00.000-07:00

Conversation on the way to school one morning recently, based on lyrics of Rodney Atkins' new song "Cleaning This Gun". Here are some of the Lyrics.

Come on in boy sit on down And tell me about yourself

So you like my daughter do you now? Yeah we think she's something else

She's her daddy's girl Her momma's world

She deserves respect That’s what she'll get Ain’t it son?

Hey y'all run along and have some fun

I'll see you when you get back Bet I’ll be up all night

Still cleanin' this gun

Here is the conversation that followed.

Carmen: "Daddy, why did he say he would be cleaning his gun?"

Daddy: "Well sweetie, sometimes daddys have to make sure that boys taking their daughter out on a date treat that daughter with respect. Some dadys have different methods of doing this. Some of them like to throw a little entertainment into the mix as well."

Carmen: "Well wouldn't it be easier if the Daddy just went on the date with them?"

Daddy: "Yes sweetie, it would. Let's make sure we remember that when you start dating."

Carmen: "Okay, Daddy."

I'm kind of looking forward to that first date now. I sure do hope he takes us somewhere nice.

New little life

2008-05-01T08:06:00.000-07:00

Okay, so after Anna Grace went to bed last night I FINALLY got to spend a little time with Emi. After she ate her supper, she laid on my chest and watched Law and Order with me. We are going to get along just fine, although she did fall asleep during the most exciting part. I will have to work with her on her attention span. Just as I was about to wake her up and talk to her about the finer points of how good the script writers were and how the change in lighting during the show affects the mood being conveyed by...... oh whatever. She did redeem herself by actually laughing out loud during her sleep. I don't know what was going on in her little head, but whatever it was must have been hilarious. I have never heard a one week old laugh. Pretty funny.

My beautiful ball of energy

2008-04-29T09:08:00.000-07:00

I have been amazed at the gentleness and softness of expression that this little dynamo has expressed towards her new baby sister. Since coming home from the hospital on Saturday, Anna has held "her" new baby at least twice as much as Daddy has been able to. She has fed her more often that I have. Now if I can just get her to do diapers.

Gummies
Chocolate donut with sprinkles.

Um..... maybe I am beginning to see where some of here energy is coming from. This may turn out to be a helpful discovery considering the fact that I have two weeks left before final exams. Maybe I should try to finish on a sugar high.

My angel

2008-04-24T13:07:00.000-07:00

This woman amazes me. First of all, she has been married to me for eight years. That alone deserves a medal. And on top of that she has given me six beautiful children. She has bravely carried and brought all six into the world. She has also walked with me as we have said goodbye to two of those precious gifts. So here we are again, welcoming another amazing life that she has carried and cared for over these past months. As we approach graduation I have no idea where we are going. The Lord seems to be playing His cards close to the vest in that regard. But this much I do know. No matter where I end up, I have an angel with unparalleled reservoirs of wisdom, depth and strength who will be there standing beside me. Regardless of geography, wherever this woman is, I will be home. Thank you Suz. I love you. And thank you God for showing your grace to me in the gift of this incredible individual.

More baby pics

2008-04-23T19:25:00.000-07:00

You know your family is too big when..........

Jacob is such a ham. He can't seem to say "Cheese" without having the whole squint thing going on. Oh wait.... ham....cheese..... I've got to go make Carmen's lunch for school tomorrow.

The proud (and sacrificial) grandparents. They are here for a couple of weeks to help out. Retirement must be pretty cool.

And here she is!

2008-04-23T11:13:00.000-07:00

Emilia (Emi) Renee Tucker made her appearance at 10:04 Tuesday morning. All 8 lbs 4 ozs and 21 inches of her. Susie and Emi are doing great.

Get ready girlie. You've got a lotta' momma's ready to take care of you whether you want it or not!

Jacob still can't quite figure out why we would do this to him. Oh well, at least he gets some good hang out time with Papa while everybody else is going gaga over the new little distraction.

2008-02-26T12:46:00.000-08:00

I wish I was smart enough to be able to post a video to this thing. Anyway... I was thinking the other day about what it means to be created in the image of God. Not only just for me, but how does this cause me to view others? I have seen the following clip several dozen times now, and have yet to view it without weeping. Weeping for what it says about how these children view themselves. Weeping for the ways in which I myself play a role (though passively) in promoting this very evil. Weeping for the image of God...lost. Why is it that humans contain such capacity to devalue others based on an arbitrary list of characteristics? Anyway, watch and let me know what you think.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17fEy0q6yqc

Interesting Question

2007-12-11T11:54:00.001-08:00

Here is an interesting question that I have been thinking about lately.

If Christians really do exist, why are there such things as orphanages?

Hmm...

www.compassion.com

I love going through old pictures

2007-12-11T11:47:00.000-08:00

I am constantly amazed at how quickly these guys are changing and how little I actually remember from this stage. Maybe it is sleep deprivation that causes the memory loss. Well, at least we don't have to go through that whole baby stage again. Crying and feeding and waking up at all hours of the night....wait, what?.... Oh CRUD!

Christmas time

2007-12-06T04:56:00.000-08:00

How cute are we? Thank you for the cool Christmas clothes Nana!

While Mommy was out the other night, Daddy had the bright idea to make some Christmas cookies. Let's just say that this is harder than it looks in the little book. The cookies didn't really taste very good, but I had excellent helpers!

Whirlwind

2007-12-04T13:00:00.000-08:00

Very soon this little girl will probably come to be convinced that her last name is actually "Slowdown" since this is the phrase that most often follows her first name. Why do I so often seek to cram her little energy filled self into a nice, calm and orderly box of my own creation. Surely it is not for her. Too often I fear that I force my children into what is most convenient for me rather than taking the time to pursue what fills them.

I was thinking about this last night as I was leaving the girls room after bed time. It had been another long day of too many assignments crammed into too little time. I think I yelled at every kid for something at some point during the day. Why do I find myself wanting to control them rather than to simply love them? After all, what's wrong with a little chaos? Life is certainly more interesting with Ms. Slowdown playing the unique role that she has been given to play. I think next time I catch her running through the house, I might just challenge her to a race.

Family portrait... or the best we can get

2007-11-28T10:51:00.000-08:00

I am so greatful for my family. I think of the new things that each one of these little gifts has brought into my life and it makes me so eager to meet the next one. What will she be like? How will she fit in? Will she be prissy? Will she play football with us? Will I finally get at least one child with blue eyes? Oh well. As long as she is born healthy and an Alabama fan. That is all that really matters. Hey... PRIORITIES!

On Saturday we were able to spend time with Susie's family. Everyone isn't looking in the right direction but you know, we did the best we could. At least we were able to get everyone there in the picture. That ain't half bad!

My boy

2007-11-27T12:07:00.000-08:00

For a kid who I couldn't get a smiling picture of for almost the first two years of his life, this guy is turning out to be quite a ham. Over the past Thanksgiving holiday our little family of five spent a total of around 20 or so hours together in the car. This little guy kept us cracking up for much of the trip.

Yes, I am dreaming of college scholarships already. You may think it is silly, but LOOK AT THAT FORM!

Bubbles have GOT to be the most amazing thing ever! Hey, I wonder if Aunt Jackie will laugh if I can pop that thing and manage to get it all in her hair.

The few The proud. The outnumbered

2007-11-26T10:58:00.000-08:00

Well, after Susie's doctors appointment this morning, it looks like us boys are going to have to stick together. We are now set to be outnumbered by a much greater margain come April. Poor Jacob. He has no idea what's coming.

The Perfect Saturday Outing

2007-10-29T07:35:00.000-07:00

Sunny. 67 degrees. A ridgeline trail with spectacular river views. What better way to spend a Saturday afternoon. (Alabama was off this weekend)

My two hikers.

Jacob wasn't a hiker so much as he was a weighty appendage attached to my back throughout the hike. Afterwards everyone except for Daddy and Carmen fell asleep on the way home.

What a great day!

Surprise!

2007-10-19T16:53:00.000-07:00

I know it's a little bit fuzzy, but you should probably recognize this if you have ever seen one before. Due to arrive mid-April.... Just in time for finals, graduation, and moving. Yeehaa!

The High Sheriff and the Princesses

2007-09-26T20:19:00.000-07:00

Well, you know sometimes us men has got to do what we can to protect the womenfolk around here. Sometimes there's varmints roamin' round out there. Aunt Jackie came over to spend the weekend with us while Mom and Dad went out of town this past weekend. Dad left me in charge.

Oh we feel so safe and secure!

Sibling cuteness

2007-09-05T19:24:00.000-07:00

Little brothers are the coolest! Especially when they are still small enough to boss around.

First Day of School!

2007-09-01T18:32:00.000-07:00

Since when did this happen? This was our conversation the other night as she was getting ready for bed.

"Daddy?"

"Yes, princess."

"Daddy, I don't want to grow up."

"Well, there are a lot of good things about growing up. You get to go to school and meet new friends. You get to drive a car and learn all sorts of neat things. Eventually, when you get old enough your mommy can't even tell you not to eat Oreo's for breakfast. That's cool, huh?"

"No, I mean if I grow up, that means you get old. Daddy, I don't want you to get old."

....Stunned silence as I contemplate my mortality in the darkness of a childs room....

I was struck by two things in this conversation.

1. My daughter is incredibly deep.

2. I cry much more easily than I let on.

No comment needed.

Well, everybody else seems to be doing something special to have their picture taken. I'm going to get in on this too.

A couple more party shots

2007-08-17T07:28:00.000-07:00

Smile big boys! Party animals on camera.

I love my Papa.

Even though she really didn't understand why this wasn't her party too, once she discovered that there were crafts with jewels and glue, everything was right with the world. And by the way, did I mention that this one is convinced that she is getting a guinea pig for her upcoming birthday? Advice?

Happy Birthday to you!

2007-08-12T19:13:00.001-07:00

Oh my! Can you stand the drama?

Anybody believe that my wife built this herself? She had to. I refuse to put this much effort into a building that probably won't survive the day. (It is still standing in our basement. I stand corrected.)

Yeah, I know. Princesses normally don't have pinatas. Whachya' gonna do? You marry South Alabama to Puerto Rico and this is what you get!

What a difference two years makes!

2007-08-02T09:41:00.000-07:00

How time flies!

2007-07-31T11:39:00.001-07:00

Anybody got anything to slow down this growth thing? Besides the fact that I cannot afford to clothe these growing creatures, Daddy really isn't sure I like the idea of them getting so big so fast.

Sweet Water High School Class of 1939

2007-07-20T08:53:00.000-07:00

It isn't often you discover your grandfather's high school class picture. These guys look so much older than I felt when I was in high school! It probably has much to do with the way in which they lived their lives. It is also interesting to think that in just a few short years, some of these guys would ship off to Europe and never see South Alabama again.

My little chef

2007-07-17T13:09:00.000-07:00

Some of her own breakfast creations. This girl will turn ANYTHING into an art project!

A new year, a new look.

2007-07-13T09:02:00.001-07:00

Well, for the first time in about seven years, the beard is gone. I guess I figured since I just turned 34, I needed all the help I could get in maintaining a younger appearance. I am also going to be interviewing some over this next year and thought I would put the clean-cut look out there.

....and Susie told me to.

Can it get any better?

2007-07-04T15:56:00.001-07:00

On Tuesday night Susie and I went down town to a Card's game. The sky was clear and the temp in the low 80's. Perfect weather. Can it get any better? Well, we could have won. The game itself wasn't pretty (Card's lost big), but the downtown fireworks over the right field wall were amazing.

St. Louis, what a cool city.

After a busy day of grilling out with friends, there is no better desert than a good, old-fashioned mud pie!

Alabama fun

2007-06-30T08:12:00.000-07:00

There's nothing quite like jumping in puddles after a refreshing rain. And seeing as how this was in South Alabama, you enjoy whatever rain you can get.

Hanging out at the Summit in B'ham.

We just finished eating with Uncle Kyle and Ms. Amber and were walking around looking cute.

Good stewards of God's creation

2007-06-25T12:39:00.000-07:00

While we were playing in our back yard, we came upon this little robin that had fallen from its nest and injured itself. Now in south Alabama we would have simply taken this as an opportunity to save two or three bucks on a can of cat food. But, seeing as we don't own a cat and the fact that Anna Grace (our resident animal lover) would have given me a beat down, we made this little nest for the injured guy and began to try and figure out what to do.

Fortunatly for me there is a wild bird rehab place (who knew those existed!?) less than 10 minutes from our house. If not I would be asking you guys what to do with an injured bird instead of relating the story.

We all loaded up and took our little rescue case to the ER. (Yes they actually have a little room marked "Emergency Room".)

On the way home we were able to talk about the instructions God had given to Adam about having dominion over creation and how "having dominion" meant, in part, watching over all those creatures He made.

You know, some days I really like this Dad thing.

Yes, I live in a nut house.

2007-06-21T09:14:00.000-07:00

You know, sometimes pictures don't really need words.

Here are a few that summarize well what it is like to live in the Tucker household.

Yeah, I know.....

2007-02-27T14:17:00.000-08:00

Monday
5:15 - 6:00 Get ready
6:00 - 7:30 Study
7:30 - 9:00 Keep kids while Susie is at work
9:00 Drop Jacob and Anna Grace at Mom's (Dad's) morning out
9:15 - 11:00 Study (Carmen is often doing homework with me)
11:00 - 12:00 Lunch / Carmen to school (Sometimes Aunt Jackie helps out here)
12:00 - 3:00 Study
3:30 - 8:00 Work
8:30 - 9:45 Gym
10:30 Bed (FINALLY!)

Tuesday
5:30 - 6:15 Get ready
6:15 - 6:30 Drive to campus
6:45 - 8:00 Study
8:00 - 12:00 Work
12:15 - 3:00 Keep Anna Grace and Jacob while Susie works
3:30 - 5:00 Study
5:30 Eat
6:15 - 9:00 Class
10:30 Bed

Wednesday
6:30 - 7:30 Get ready
8:00 - 11:45 Class
12:00 - 4:00 Work
4:30 - 6:00 Gym
6:30 Supper with family (One of two nights a week this happens)
8:00 The kids are in bed!!
9:00 - 10:00 Aunt Jackie comes over and we all watch LOST
10:30 BED

Thursday
5:30 - 6:15 Get ready
6:30 - 7:30 Study
8:00 - 11:30 Keep kids while Susie works
12:00 - 2:00 Study
2:00 - 4:00 Class
4:30 - 8:00 Work
8:30 - 9:45 Gym
10:30 Bed

Friday
Repeat of Wednesday's schedule

Saturday -
Spend as much time with family as possible
Try to squeze in 2 - 3 hours of study during weekend

Whew! Any questions about why I don't update this thing more often?

Merry Christmas!

2006-12-14T07:43:00.000-08:00

Final Exam week is here. There should be a little more relief, but I guess that will just have to wait until next Tuesday when exams are over. Then we get to cram all six of us (Papa Jose included) into the minivan and drive 12 or so hours to Mobile. I am looking forward to being there, it's just the getting there that worrys me. Susie says that I can't just box the kids up and send them UPS. I was going to enclose a sandwich and a bottle of water in the box with them. After all, I am not a barbarian. But she said that we couldn't do that, so I guess we have to stick with the original plan of the minivan.

With the way our schedule looks over the next few weeks with exams and travel, I may not get a chance to update the blog very often. So for all of you who we don't get to see in person...

Merry Christmas from the Tuckers!

GO DAWGS!!

2006-12-12T07:10:00.000-08:00

As of Saturday afternoon, the Sweet Water High School Bulldogs are the 1 A State Champs! And by the way, this is the second time in three years that they have brought the trophy back to the little South Alabama town I grew up in.

I know all of you are extremely interested in 1 A, South Alabama football, but with Mal Moore and Robert Witt totally destroying the football program at Bama by firing coach Shula, I am transfering all football loyalties back to my high school team. Was I completely satisfied with the way Bama's season turned out? No. Do I remember what Shula and his staff did last year? Absolutely. Witt and Moore should resign and beg forgiveness from everyone in the entire state. (Can you tell I am a little emotionally involved in the discussion?)

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree

2006-12-09T12:23:00.000-08:00

Here we are full of Christmas spirit as we put up our Christmas tree! Well, some of us are full of Christmas cheer. Others seem to be full of something else.

Oh, I just don't know why we must go through this drama.

There we go. That's what we were looking for! God help daddys of little girls.

More snow pictures

2006-12-06T12:08:00.000-08:00

Here are a few more pictures from the snow. It is Wednesday, almost a full week later, and it is still piled high in parking lots and on the sides of the roads. I used the seminary's car to take some visitors to the airport this morning and there was still snow and ice lodged under the windshield wipers! It got up to around 40 degrees today, but the high on Thursday is only supposed to be in the 20's. I sure am glad we are going to Mobile for Christmas! Maybe it will be a typical Southern Christmas and the thermostat will be hovering at around 65 or 70 degrees. Hopefully I can catch a nice Christmas bass from the pond behind my uncles house.

First snow of the season!!

2006-12-01T19:15:00.000-08:00

Well, in case you haven't heard, the Mid-west was attacked by Old Man Winter this week. We had between 3 - 5 inches of snow at our house, which really isn't all that bad until you realize that the snow fell on top of 2 - 3 inches of sleet. You could dig through the snow and be stopped by a solid slab of ice!

This stuff was everywhere! It encased trees, power lines, vehichles and bird feeders. And after the ice came the wind and snow. Do you know what you get when you mix ice and high wind? A prayer of thanks that I went to Home Depot earlier in the week and bought a kerosene heater! We lost power at around 1:00 AM. It really wasn't too bad. We kept the house at around 60 degrees and were pretty comfortable. The power just came back on around 4:30 this afternoon.

Can I say that I have been amazed at these guys out working in this mess, just so that I can have the luxury of sitting here in my pajamas and surfing the net? Amazing.

And of course what winter storm would be complete without a day off from school for everyone under the age of 13 to enjoy the new landscape? By 10:00 AM this morning the kids down the street had built snow forts and were launching attacks at eachother. How cool!

We had our own fun, although it was a little more low key. Carmen, Anna and Jacob all helped Daddy shovel the driveway and then we played in the back yard for a few moments before retreating back inside for some good ole' hot chocolate.

Jacob

2006-11-26T15:36:00.000-08:00

Here is a quick shot of Jacob. Every time Susie took this firemans hat off, Jacob grabbed it and put it back on.

"Check it out Mom, I'm making a fashion statement here!"

First Thanksgiving program

2006-11-22T18:16:00.000-08:00

Carmen was in her first Thanksgiving program at kindergarten today. She did really well remembering her lines and everything. She came up to me this morning and said, "Daddy, I've never been in a play before. I'm a little bit nervous." I told her that every time Daddy preaches he gets a little bit nervous too. We prayed together and she left with a big smile. I love this job!

Here she is singing about coming to America. She truly is an adorable little pilgrim.

Thoughts

2006-11-16T09:19:00.000-08:00

The events surrounding Dustin's accident have touched me in strange ways I was not expecting. On one hand, here is a tragic accident that happened to an acquaintance I have not spoken to for over ten years. On the other hand, I think about the similarities of place in life that I share with this college friend. We are both in full-time christian work, both of us married up in quality and substance and are better ministers of the Gospel for it. We are relatively close in age and both have three kids that we adore. At the risk of sounding self centered as I think through my own reaction to these events, it has caused me to think nonetheless.

How far are we really from this happening in our own lives? How many crazy little things could happen and set everything on its ear? As I sat in my home last night listening to the wind howl throughout the large oak tree outside I wondered about the possibility of a thousand other "freak accidents". It is truly enough to drive a man mad.

Into this madness, however, speaks a God of providence and compassion. Am I saying that God knocked Dustin off of that bike? Certainly not, although that has been what many hear when we speak of God's providence. What we mean is that, while God is not a perpetrator of evil, he is able to take the pain and confusion we experience by virtue of living in a world that is fallen, less than it was created to be. He is able to take those open wounds and touch us there, redeeming the brokenness into something more.

I have been amazed and encouraged as I have read through the responses and prayers posted to the Salters on the sites linked in my last post. It reminds me of why I have given my life to Christ's body, the church. This is what we are meant to be, a family walking together through a world that, though we seek its redemption and pray for its salvation, often seems intent only on destruction.

This has also reminded me of my own experience with the death of Christina and Elena, my two precious daughters. Again, I state that God is not the author of evil, and I can think of no greater evil or no greater evidence that brokenness exists than the death of a child. But in my own experience, now with four years of perspective, I can say that in many ways God has redeemed this incredibly painful event in the lives of my wife and myself. We have seen the hand of God's comfort in the actions of his body, the church. We have felt his embrace in the flesh and bone of real men and women who have been used by him to carry us when we did not have the strength to stand ourselves. God is in the business of stepping into the midsts of falleness and creating something that, while we would have never chosen it for ourselves, and something that causes us to ask deep questions that sometimes seem to have no answers, nonetheless it is something in the end brings us to a place of deep and awful beauty.

This is my prayer for the Salters, that they would know the comfort of God, and be kept in his hand and sustained by his body, regardless of the outcome. May the God who defies definition be glorified.

Dustin Salter

2006-11-15T06:59:00.000-08:00

Dustin Salter is a guy I know from my college days at Livingston University and Campus Outreach. He graduated with his Masters of Divinity from RTS in Orlando and has been a campus minister at Texas Christian University and most recently at Furman University.

Dustin was recently in a freak bicycle accident while playing with his kids and sustained a massive head injury. Please pray for Dustin's healing as well as his wife Leigh Anne and their children. You can get more info on Dustin at the links below.

http://www.redeemerchurch.net/dustin/

http://www.furmanruf.com/

Recent Memories

2006-11-10T17:58:00.000-08:00

Recently we were at the zoo here in St. Louis. Have I mentioned that I really enjoy living in a place where there are so many family oriented things to do that are TOTALLY FREE!!

Anyway, here are some shots of our kids getting up close and personal with the hippos.

Anna: "Quick, that way! Hey, if we catch him do you think Mom will let us keep him in the bath tub?"

Carmen: "Nah, don't ask Mom. She will NEVER let us keep him. Ask Dad. If you bat your eyelashes just right he will jump in and catch the hippo for us!"

Jacob: "Did you guys see what I just saw?!? Just imagine how much bacon we could get out of that pig!"

Costume fun!!!

2006-11-03T20:49:00.000-08:00

Trick or Treat!!

We must be, like, the cutest kids ever!!!!

We have GOT to figure out how to get this holiday more than once a year!

Next time we will see if we can keep Daddy from asking people to trade our candy for canned goods and baby food.

Just playing around

2006-10-23T06:25:00.000-07:00

Watch out world, here I come!

And when the "new" wears off, we can always have fun with the box. We could probably have done all the birthday shopping at the local Wal-Mart dumpster!

What is it about a simple cardboard box that brings so much joy? It almost causes you to wonder just what our children would be capable of if we would stop shoving videos and technological gadgets at them and just let their imaginations develop. Turn off the electricity and GO OUTSIDE!! (Okay, temporary soap box now put away.)

BIRTHDAYS!!

2006-10-14T20:01:00.000-07:00

Well, today was a big day. We woke up and went to a Saturday class that Susie and I are in called gospel-centered parenting. After class we returned home by 12:30 to prepare for Anna Graces 4th birthday party which was supposed to be at 1:00. Actually we showed up and my sister had everythng ready! Happy Birthday Anna!!!!

And we figured that since Jacob just turned one we should probably give him a little something too. We don't have a baby any more. Happy Birthday big boy!!

VBS week in B'ham

2006-06-14T19:48:00.000-07:00

Well it's that time of summer. We are having our Vacation Bible School here at our church this week and it has been a blast so far. Ms. Social here has certainly been loving it. Her class alone had around 20 kids yesterday! Can you imagine 20 kids who are K-5 and 1st grade?

Anna Grace has been enjoying it as well. Her class is a little smaller than big sister's, (mercifully for the teachers) but she has had plenty of people to play with. Here she is in her typical attitude, happy and full speed.

Susie is teaching in Carmen's class so Jacob gets in on the action in the nursery. He and his dimples have once again begun to win hearts and influence people.

All in the family

2006-06-02T12:00:00.000-07:00

Yet another shot of my little man. This was in the middle of all of the packing and organizing to try and get us to Birmingham for the summer. We eventually just set him down in the clothes basket with some pillows and let him entertain himself. Oh well, whatever works!

Oh, and did I mention that in the middle of winding down finals and getting things ready for the move we got a phone call? Susie's dad, his brother, his sister, and his mother (in her 90's) were informing us that they were about 3 hours away and they were coming to visit. Sure come on in!

It really was fun. The kids loved seeing everyone, and it was the first time for all of them (except for Susie's dad) to see Jacob.

After staying with us for two days, they continued their journey down Old Route 66 towards California. They even took a major detour and drove through Yellowstone National Park just because they wanted to!

And here is the matriarch of the bunch.

The first trip I ever took to Puerto Rico was to this sweet lady's birthday party. She might have a few years behind her, but she jumps up in that van and heads cross country with the rest of them.

Well, we are mostly settled in at our summer home. That sounds like we have gone to the beach for the summer or something. We have finally settled in at where we will be living for the summer. There that's better.

Anyway, this Sunday will be our first Sunday at the Presbyterian Church of the Hills, so I'm sure there will be alot of new faces. I have already been able to participate in several of the weekly Bible studies here at the church and met several members through that. I am currently working on my Bible study for Sunday night that I will be teaching throughout the summer. We will be looking at different attributes of God and how those attributes inform and affect our relationship with Him. We are really looking forward to diving in for the three months that we are here.

Speaking of diving in, we have struck pure gold at our apartment complex as far as the girls are concerned. They have been there all of three days and have already been to the swimming pool three times. Daddy had to take them to Wal Mart this morning to pick up some princess goggles so they could see under the water. Don't worry Papa, we won't leave them under the water for too long. And yes, I did say "princess" goggles. Disney has hit it big with the marketing of their Cinderella, Snow White, Ariel, and Sleeping Beauty merchandise. Everything we get has to have some sort of Disney princess on it!

Jacob is eating it up too, although he seems to be liking the carpet just as much as the swimming pool. Everywhere we have lived since Susie and I have been married has had hardwood floors. Now I don't know if you have ever tried to crawl around in long pants on a hardwood floor, but it's a little tough to get any traction. Every day we have been here Jacob has gotten better at crawling. This is not neccesarily a good thing, because we still have little boxes of stuff all over the place. Well, he likes that too, so I guess it's all good.

I'm so bored. Anybody have anything I can do?

2006-05-06T11:52:00.000-07:00

Well, another semester draws to a close. It is hard to believe that we are now half way through the four years that it takes to earn the 103 necessary hours for my Masters of Divinty degree. That is assuming I pass all of my finals next week, which rests solely upon whether or not Jacob decides to sleep at night or play the night owl. That and whether or not I can hold my focus with everything else going on around us. What is going on? Well I'm glad that you take such an interest in my life. Thank you for asking. :)

Let's see, well, I have accepted a three month summer internship in Birmingham for this summer, so we are trying to get everything put together for that move. You know, three months is such an odd time frame. It's too long to only take a couple of suitcases of clothes, but is it really long enough to justify a full blown move? Anyone know a good two or three bedroom place in Birmingham for the summer? Actually, if any of you more financially well off among us has decided to tour Tuscany for the summer and need someone to maintain your pool or kep dust from collecting in your beds while you are gone, please contact us. We would love to serve you in this way. Yes, I know. I'm just that kind of guy.

Also, as if that weren't enough, we have decided that our apartment here is a little too small for five people, so we are moving into a new house in St. Louis as well. So, come the end of May (OH MY WORD, that is in a couple of weeks!!! Sorry, mini freak out there.) we will be loading up everything that will not be making the trip to Birmingham for the summer and putting it into a POD to be stored for the summer. Upon returning to Saint Louis at the end of August, the POD will be delivered to our house and we will move in. No sweat!

Thirdly, (yes there is a thirdly) our wonderful tenants in Birmingham will be moving out of our house in Hoover at the end of July. This will give me a couple of weeks to spruce up the place and try to get it rented out again before our trek back to the Midwest. We found out about this after accepting the internship. Isn't it funny how coincidental it is that we will be in Birmingham to be able to take care of all of this? If I was a little more reformed in my theology I woud almost believe... Oh, wait...scratch that last remark. Of course it is providential! In all seriousness though, please keep us in your prayers while we walk through all of these transitions.

Anyway, that is most of the news for now. There is probably more that I could write, but my alloted time away from studying for final exams is way past due. I will update more pictures of the kids later when I find time to pick up the camera. Have a great weekend!

Yet another picture of Jacob

2006-04-29T14:14:00.000-07:00

Yes, I am aware that we do have other children as well. The only problem is that, since they are 4 and 3 years old, they won't stay still long enough to catch a decent picture. This little one is immobile (at least for a little while). He has been pushing up and rocking back and forth on his hands and knees, so we think he will be crawling pretty soon. As soon as he moves a couple of inches I'm sure I will proudly declare it to the world here on the blog, so stay tuned....

Goofy people

2006-04-24T13:06:00.000-07:00

And what person doesn't have the uncontrollable urge to dress up as a green froggy every now and then?

Here we are being sweet to our baby brother. Enjoy it now, Buster. Because once you come out from under that protective "baby" title we are going to clear out all the furniture and have a HUGE wrestling match. I might be a beautiful princess, but I will always be your BIG sister!

Kissy, Kissy!

2006-04-19T12:44:00.000-07:00

Uhm.... A little help here?

CUTE!!!

2006-04-12T19:54:00.000-07:00

Yeah. This is one that we will pull out in front of girlfriends for years to come. Who knows, it will probably end up in some rehersal dinner slide show or something. He's going to LOVE us!!!

Lazy Sunday Afternoon

2006-04-11T16:55:00.000-07:00

Do you see that look of contentment? Now look down at the empty bowl. Yeah, there used to be cake and ice cream in there. That's Daddy's girl.

Now here we have Jason expounding on some deep theological truth that has Edward and Michael spellbound. Wait..no...my bad, they're just talking about how wonderful their wives are. Aw, how sweet.

What a fun way to spend a Sunday afternoon. There is something of the true gospel in spending good time with friends. What is it that one of my professors calls it? "Echoes of Eden" What a cool term. Reminders of what life was truly meant to be, once upon a time.

Just another day

2006-04-09T16:28:00.000-07:00

You know, this whole helpess infant thing does have its advantages. You can just sit back chillaxin' and let everybody else do all the work. Daddy keeps saying he wouldn't mind switching places with me for a day.

Chilaxin'? What is that? The whole purpose of life is to go, go, go, untill you pass out. Then you wake up the next day and do it all over again. I've got WAY too much to do to sit still for anybody! Catch me if you can!!

Hey Dad! Can I have a pet lizard?

Fun with grandparents

2006-04-04T19:40:00.000-07:00

What?! Go with Papa on a "job"? Sure, hold on a second and let me get my toolbox.

Here are me and Papa after busting into the safe. We make good partners. Hmm... What do I want more, the stacks of cash or that carton of chocolate milk?

Those silly boys! What are we gonna' do with them?

A Day in Lost Vally

2006-03-31T20:07:00.000-08:00

Today we took a short drive from Colorado Springs to visit Lost Valley Ranch, a dude ranch that Susie worked at back in the early 90's. It was a great little side trip on our vacation.

Susie and I took a hike up to Sheep's Rock overlooking the valley. This was the view from the trail. We didn't quite make it the whole way, but considering we just finished two days of skiing and the fact that we were hiking at over 8000 feet elevation, I thought we did pretty well.

Well, tomorrow morning we are headed back to Saint Louis. It has been a good little break and we are very greatful to Nana and Papa Tucker for allowing us to take this trip by taking care of the kido's. After waking up around 5:00 in the morning and driving for 12 - 13 hours, we should pull into town in time to do bedtime with our little ones. We have had a blast, but.......back to reality!!!

Story time with Papa

2006-03-31T07:51:00.000-08:00

Papa brought us a big book that Daddy used to read from when he was little. We love our story time with Papa.

We love our Papa. He and Nana are taking care of us while Mommy and Daddy are on vacation. We still can't figure out why they really need a vacation. I mean, come on, we do all the work around here. We clean up our toys, we help feed Jacob, we can even help make supper and brew coffee. All Mommy and Daddy do is just sit around and look tired. Oh well, we are not complaining. We have alot more snack times when Nana and Papa are here anyway.

First vacation without kids in THREE YEARS!!!

2006-03-30T16:03:00.000-08:00

Okay, yes we left our kids in Saint Louis for a whole week and no we don't feel guilty. Well, I don't feel guilty. Susie might need some therapy later on.

Winter Park, Colorado is an incredible place!! The weather has been perfect, the snow has been great and the time away from the daily grind has been a welcome break. I am pretty sure that we will go back to Saint Louis after this vacation is over, but if this weather holds....who knows?

Here is a quick shot I snapped of my little snow bunny. She will kill me later for displaying it here for the whole world to see but oh well, I've led a full life.

Arranged marraige?

2006-03-25T21:03:00.000-08:00

" So, you come here often?"

Life is sweet when you've got a cutie like this living right next door!!

Happy Birthday!!!!!

2006-03-25T20:52:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthdy to you,

Happy Birthday dear Jackie, Happy Birthday to you.

For those of you who dont know, today is my sister's birthday.

We celebrated last night at the Casa Loma Ballrroom with a little swing dancing.

Great fun!! Anyway, Happy Birthday Sis!!!

OH MY!

2006-03-19T18:03:00.000-08:00

Hey baby! How you doin'?

Check out these biceps!!!

Can you believe this is the same kid?!?

A day in the life

2006-03-13T12:35:00.000-08:00

"Ah, the life of a princess. What could possibly be better?"

"I know.

Isn't it wonderful to dress up in lace and beads and just walk around being precious all day?"

"Oh, give me a break!

Somebody please get me away from all of this estrogen!"

All Jacob

2006-02-26T19:20:00.000-08:00

Yes, I know I look goofy. But I just couldn't convince Dad not to put this picture up here.

Who's a Daddy's boy?!?!

Actually, Daddy is more of a prop here. I'm smiling so big becauses I see my Mommy.

Okay, okay. I give up.

Long Time Coming

2006-02-08T07:52:00.000-08:00

Okay, okay, I know. I have committed the mortal sin of blogging by not updating the site for quite some time. There are many excuses, some of which are kind of whimpy, many of which are really good. But you guys don't want to hear those. I know you are just here for the pictures of the kids. So here they are.

Aww.. How cute! Ain't we lovely?

We are really sweet.......when we aren't being bad.

Carmen is still doing ballet every Tuesday and enjoying it. We are going to an open house this weekend for to look at a potential kindergarten for the fall. She is so excited about being four and a half and almost being old enough to start school.

Anna Grace is...., well she is Anna Grace. She is precious and precocious. She is full of sweetness and spice and everything ACTIVE!! We are hoping next year when Carmen goes to school that Anna can begin gymnastics or something similar. I think it would be good to give her an avenue through which she can use some of her giftedness as a beautiful energy ball.

Jacob is doing just what he should be doing. He just lays around being fat and happy. He is smiling and laughing a lot now and always brightens up when he sees his Daddy.

We all went to the zoo a few weeks ago (when it was not snowing and in the 20's). I caught this shot of Carmen and Susie that I thought was precious.

Whirlwind tour

2006-01-03T09:31:00.000-08:00

After "Christmas" at my Grandmothers house with all of the cousins, we woke up Christmas morning and opened gifts at my (Jason's) parents house. Grandma Tucker came up to resume her duties as Jacob's token caretaker and napping place. It was amazing, whenever she would hold Jacob, or even touch him, he would seem to immediately relax and fall asleep. We need to take this lady back to St. Louis with us!

On the 26th we loaded up and drove to Jackson, GA to spend a couple of days with Susie's uncle and aunt and their family. Here is Carmen with cousin, Austin (Susie's youngest brothers son). They came all the way from Birmingham to play for the day. Ain't they cute?!

After feeding all those people here comes the fun part. I would pitch in and help, but someone has to photo all of this and record it for prosperity.... or something.

Here is Susie with here Tio (uncle) George.

Tucker Christmas, Take One.

2005-12-24T16:57:00.000-08:00

Jacob had a great time at his first Christmas. Why wouldn't he with all these people to hold him and take care of him? Here he is being fed by cousin Kate.

Anyone for a big pile o' cousins?

Just how many people can say they got to sit around and listen to the matriarch of the family jamming out on the guitar to Beyonce and Brittany Spears?

Go, Grandma, Go!!!

I'm really not sure how we got this many to all sit still together at the same time. We are missing one of the cousins, but all things considered, we did very well!

Everyone had such a fun time. We had cousins from Saint Louis to Mobile all coming together to play at Grandma's house. (Talk about over the river and through the woods !!!!) We don't get to do this nearly enough, so it was a good time. We will update again in a few days with the Tucker Christmas, take two.

2005-12-21T11:50:00.000-08:00

Well, finals are over (for better or worse) and we have made the treck from St. Louis to South Alabama. Last year we had to brave a blizzard to get here. No blizzards this year, but we did survive getting lost in rural northern Kentucky and attempting to get something to eat in Birmingham at a Church's Fried Chicken that didn't have any chicken. It is amazing how flustered a seminary student can get at the little things. If they didn't reveal the flaws in my character so effectively they would almost be entertaining.

Carmen and Anna Grace have had fun playing with cousins and going to Uncle Bly's "clubhouse" down by the creek. We even found Daddy's initials that he had carved while in highschool in an old sycamore tree hanging out over the water. Jacob has just been kicked back taking it all in and being held by everyone. He says he doesn't mind all the attention.

As we are spending time with family and playing in the country, I will continue to update every few days. I'm sure there will be many entertaining moments to relate. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

Hard to believe she's gone

2005-12-14T08:10:00.000-08:00

Busch Stadium is no more, at least the "old" Busch Stadium. The last section came down this past week in the snow and they are hauling away the final piles of rubble. The new Busch Stadium is being built in the same spot and is said to be a little over half way completed. It has been amazing to see them build the new stadium while tearing down the old one at the same time.

I am glad we got to see a game in the house that Ozzie Smith and Mark McGuire played in, though both were long gone before we moved here. We did get to witness Edmunds and Pujols at there best, and that was a cool thing. This game against Chicago featured a sweet finish with a couple of multi- run home runs by the Cards to beat our good neighbors the Cubs. For those of you in Alabama, Cardinals / Cubs fans get along almost as well as Alabama / Auburn fans do.

Well, this is finals week and I guess I have procrastinated long enough. Back to the books!

1ST SNOW OF THE SEASON!!

2005-12-10T08:24:00.000-08:00

We got our first snowfall of the season the other night. A whole 2 - 3 inches! For a family from Alabama that is plenty. Just enough to play around in a little bit, but not enough to really get in the way. We actually got off easy. Everything to the north and west of here got blasted.

It's actually still hanging around too. Yesterday was our sixth day in a row with temperatures not rising above the freezing mark. Have I mentioned how nice it is going to be to spend Christmas in South Alabama?

Here is a picture of Carmen and Anna Grace playing with friends in the snow.

The snow was so dry and powdery that it was difficult to make it stick together. Great for skiing, bad for building snowmen.

Anna Grace just cracks me up!

2005-12-08T06:10:00.000-08:00

There is just no end to the ways Anna Grace cracks me up. She packs SO MUCH LIFE into one little body! It is almost as if she is afraid she is going to have unused energy left at the end of the day or something. This shot is typical of her hamming it up and being the unique gift that God has made her to be.

Being a sweet sister.

Anna is so excited about her new role as BIG sister. She repeatedly makes the comment throughout the day, "Daddy, I'm big." Yes you are Precious, and Daddy doesn't know how he feels about that.

2005-12-05T05:35:00.000-08:00

Hey, is Dad asleep yet? Quick somebody go get some shaving cream or something. He will never suspect me. After all, I'm just an innocent little baby. Heh, heh, heh. Boy they don't know me very well yet, do they? Actually, I'm going to give him another minute or so to get real comfortable and then I'll scream like a banshee. It's so funny to watch them jump up and try to figure out what is wrong. Ahh, parents are so much fun.

Carmen's first dance recital and meeting Santa

2005-12-03T10:36:00.000-08:00

Saturday was Carmen's 1st ballet recital. She and her little friends got to dance for the crowd as everyone awaited the arrival of a very special guest.

Nope. That's not the special guest.

Although I am glad that my Aunt Jackie got to come and see me dance.

There he is! It's SANTA CLAUS!!!! We got to see Mrs. Claus as well and she gave us a sucker! Well, everybody except for Jacob, of course. He was very mature about it though. He didn't pitch a fit or anything. Daddy says that's because Jacob takes after him. Mommy says that Daddy is full of it. I asked them what that meant and they both told me to eat my sucker. Grown-ups....I'll never understand them.

2005-12-01T11:17:00.000-08:00

Memories of summer playtime outside. So what is a mid-western winter with three children in a two bedroom apartment going to be like? I guess I could always take more classes next semester. That will remove me from the madness, but it might not be good for my health in a physical safety / marital relationship sense. Know what I'm saying? Hey, it only took five and a half years of marraige but maybe I'm starting to figure some stuff out! Grad. school is good for me!

Jacob and Papa having boys time. We've gotta get this boy to South Alabama so they can sit out on the front porch and look at Uncle Jimmy's cows. We can't have him growing up to be too much of a city boy.

Uncle Kyle's first trip to see us in Saint Louis. We had a blast! Thanks Uncle Kyle.

Saturday, in the park, Think it was the Fourth of July......or maybe it was Thanksgiving weekend or something.

2005-11-28T08:21:00.000-08:00

"Hey, this is fun! I haven't ridden one of these things in years."

"I mean after all, it's not like I've been pregnant for the last five years or anything. Anyway, surely it can't be that complicated."

Aaahhhh!!!!!!!

"I knew I shouldn't have broken my concentration."

"Mommy, maybe it would be better if you let me drive."