My Newest Kitchen Helper

Today Skyler cooked dinner, all by herself!!! She made:

Penne with Spicy Vodka Tomato Cream Sauce
SUBMITTED BY: Star Pooley PHOTO BY: LADYJAYPEE
"A nice change form your typical tomato sauce! If your worried about the alcohol, don't be! It cooks off and can not be tasted! It simply helps to enhance the flavors."



RECIPE RATING:

Read Reviews (372)
Review/Rate This Recipe


INGREDIENTS (Nutrition)
• 1 pound uncooked penne pasta
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons vodka
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 (3.5 ounce) links sweet Italian sausage

DIRECTIONS
1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
2. In large skillet, heat oil over moderate heat. Remove casing from sausage and add to skillet. Cook, breaking up the meat, until brown. Add garlic and red pepper and cook, stirring until garlic is golden brown.
3. Add tomatoes and salt; bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes.
4. Add vodka and cream and bring to boil. Reduce heat to low and add pasta, toss for 1 minute. Stir in fresh parsley and serve!

MMMmmmm...delicious!! Thank you Skyler!!

Ohhhhhhh dear........

Trendon has made a great new neighbor friend. They have tons in common, love video games, cars, and boy stuff. This boy also has a crush on Skyler. We know cause he told his Mom who told us. Well, today he's over to play and I noticed both him and Skyler weren't in the basement with us anymore. So, I quickly went upstairs to find them. I noticed her door was closed and the light was off!!!! SO, of course, I swung it open with my heart in my stomach....and they were snuggled up in her bed....playing her Nintendo DS together.....YIKES..... so it was totally innocent. But, I grabbed Zack and he put a stop to it. New rule, friends over means doors open and lights on. It painted such a scary picture of what's to come for the next 10 years. So, when do we start the birds and the bees discussion? Surely not yet?!? Why can't there be a real guide book for parenting.....oh this so hard. Any comments, advice or suggestions are completely welcome....we take all the help we can get in this department! :-) ....deeeeeep breath.......

Old-Skool

On Saturday night one of my best girl friends, Angela, hosted a Girl's Sleepover at her beautiful home! Angela hasn't yet had her own babies....so she LOVES to spoil ours! She bought them make-up and other presents, baked them cup cakes, read and loved on them, and even allowed sticky fingers to grace her gorgeous furniture without even a grimace. It was such a fabulous night. The girls had an absolute blast!!!!!

The girls all decided to wear Angela's t-shirts for jammies....in her drawer she had saved her New Kids On the Block t-shirt...from what like 1990?!?! WOOOWIE Now, Skyler doesn't understand how freakin' fabulous this is but still loved posin while us ladies cheered in delight!!!;-)

Anticipating Jake's Return

In preparing for Jake's (Zack's brother) return from Iraq, the family all drew self-portraits on a huge banner!!! We all had a great time deciding how best to depict ourselves and the banner turned out just fabulous! Jake--we hope you like it!!!!!!

We are all so happy that he is returning home, today in fact! Zack and I have been together over 3 years and this will be the first Christmas that I have spent with the family that Jake has been there too! It's gonna be a great year with EVERYONE there!!!! We love you all and can't wait to see you!!!!

The Great Desert Scavenger Hunt

Skyler's school play from a few weeks ago (sorry so late)! It's kinda hard to hear so be patient and perk up those ears:-)

Our Deep Theological Discussions....

Tonight's dinner conversation....

Abby: "Why is Christmas at the end of the year every year?"

Mommy: "Because, that when Jesus was born!"

Abby: "And, Lady's birthday too!!!!"

Livie: "Yea, God made EVERYTHING...even Lady."

Mommy: "That's true, God did make everything!"

Trendon: "But some of those shop workers like at...at....at....

Livie: "Wal-Mart?"

Trendon: "Yea, Wal-Mart. They make stuff like cups."

Technology for the Family

Ah, the age of modern technology. We are so blessed to have so many resources in which to keep in touch with family spanning 3 states. The blog has been a great outlet for us to show you our world and keep you updated on our wacky life. You may have noticed, we also just purchased a digital video camera. This is mine and Zack's anniversary and Christmas gifts to each other...I guess that's what you do when you are married folk...purchase something you want/need and call it good:-) Works for us anyway. So, expect to see lots more of our little videos on here.

We also have a web-cam which anyone can purchase for under 20 bucks. This allows you to chat with the kids in real time and actually see them. It's been great for Skyler and Trendon since Jenny bought one. They get on the phone with her and can see and wave and blow kisses....really helps when they miss her desperately. Also, last month they were able to get online simultaneously and look at costume websites so they could choose a halloween costume with their Mom. And, Jenny has been able to help Trendon with his reading homework the same way. We just type the words that he is practicing and she can help teach him how to read them. Great, great way for them to stay connected with her. The kids enjoy doing this very much so let me know if you get one and they can chat with you as well!!! I am happy to help you with the logistics of getting it set up and running.

We love all of you and respect your roles in helping us raise this family. We understand the distance is difficult and vow to continue doing all we can to help keep everyone in the loop.

Watch next week for some ADORABLE videos of Skyler, Abby, and Livie. On Monday evening they have their closing ceremonies for their cheer leading season. They have been practicing a dance routine that they will (hopefully) perform in front of the whole crowd! I have my doubts that Livie will follow through, she is awfully shy. But, Skyler is an absolute pro. She already has the entire routine memorized and has been practicing with Abby.

Also Monday, Skyler has a play at school that I plan to video. She has been practicing both memorizing lines and acting skills. I am confident it will be quite entertaining:-)

I guess it's that time of year....

Trendon and I just got back from the doctor and we are both pitiful and sick:-( I have strep-throat and the poor boy has bronchitis. They have put Trendon on an inhaler because he has outgrown his breathing machine. They are concerned that the inhaler may be a constant thing....for life:-( Pitiful. And, Monday we took Mia in to the doctor as well, she has an ear infection:-( How many more illnesses can we get in a week's time?? :-(

The doctor laughed and asked if she should write a note to the family prescribing me rest, solitude, and plenty of fluids (including a glass of wine)! Haha, least she got a smile out of me....

Have a great week-end everyone..hopefully we'll get lots of rest and re-coop quickly.

Mia---HAPPY

I had to share this video of Livie and Mia playing this morning...listen to the laughter. What better sound is there than a baby's laughter to her mommy's ears? Nothing, I say absolutely nothing....

Chaos

This video captures our evenings quite well. We have dinner, clean up the kitchen/dining room and start on about an hour or more of homework with the kids. Mia is normally almost ready for bed and gets cranky.....haha enjoy

A Bedtime Song

Great Day!

With an extra hour in our day we decided to take advantage, not by sleeping in....that's not possible with little ones...so we took off to Lexington for a day of shopping and fun! First, we headed to Bob Evans for a fantabulous country breakfast and then to the mall for a little shopping. We ended the afternoon with ice cream at Culvers! Tonight, I cooked the most amazing dinner -



The Best Bourbon Chicken!
Recipe #160446 | 25 min | 10 min prep | add private note
(18) RATE IT NOW Print Recipe
By: Bryan The Iron Chef
Mar 20, 2006
This chicken tastes just like the stuff that the food court guys are trying to get you to sample all the time!! Its really easy to prepare if you can get boneless chicken thighs and make sure that you use a good bourbon! Remember--if you wouldn't drink it, do not cook with it!
SERVES 4 (change servings and units)
Ingredients
• 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup bourbon
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 scallion
• 1 teaspoon powdered ginger
• 2 garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons peanut oil
Directions
1.Coarsely chop the scallion and mix all but the chicken and peanut oil together in a bowl and whisk until well blended. set aside.
2.Dice chicken thighs into bite sized pieces and sauté in very hot pan or WOK with the peanut oil until lightly browned on the outside.
3.Add liquid mixture to the chicken and reduce heat to medium.
4.Cook this UNCOVERED until liquid is reduced to a glaze on the chicken bites and chicken is fully cooked.
5.Serve with your choice of side dish. Fried rice or Lo Mein noodles work well.

Skyler's Vote for President

NOTE: Zack and I do watch the news a lot with the kids around....but we never get to "talk politics" until they are in bed. This was completely unprovoked....

Last night, sitting on the couch with the children, Skyler starts talking about her day. She explain how they got to vote in the presidential election today at school. She volunteers, "I voted for Obama. I wanted to vote for Hillary again but she wasn't on the ballot anymore. I voted for Obama because he said he will bring home the troops from Iraq."

Now, I am not sharing this for political debate purposes. But, I am rather relishing in the beauty of her innocence. Uncle Jake is in Iraq and she wants him home, period:-) He will be so proud of his niece Skyler, as am I.

Report Card Time

Here's the report on the kiddos!! SO PROUD!

T-Bird: Doing fabulous! His teacher wrote, "Trendon is doing great! He's a hard worker and a great friend to everyone! Keep reading at home. SUPER JOB, TRENDON!"
They also included a creative writing assignment for us to see. I will keep punctuation, spelling etc the same so you can appreciate his efforts:-)

"*I Like My PokenoN.
*I Lik to jump on the treplen.
*Wen I fel bad I em sad.
*wen I em skard i do not criy.
*Trendon Clay Tucker"

Ahhhh, don't you just love that?!?!?!?!

Abby: Her teacher wrote, "Abby is a wonderful gal who works hard and successfully accomplishes every task. She has such a caring personality and gentle spirit. Academically, she is doing fantastic, as well."

Skyler: Her teacher wrote, "Skyler is a super kid and a great student!!" Skyler is still reading light years ahead of her grade level!! She is also working diligently on studying the Battle of the Books reading list. Next month is the quiz to determine if she makes the team!

We are so proud of our hard working kiddos. They are really doing phenomenal. It's hard work!!!:-)

1 Week Until Election

So, I will not reveal my political affiliations in this blog as it is a friendly keep-up with the family blog. However, I will encourage you all to go vote! The kids are out of school on Tuesday so they will ALL be going to the polls with me!!!!:-) Enjoy this video I found....it's bipartisan:-)



And, since it is difficult to understand....they lyrics:

Obama on the left
McCain on the right
We can talk politics all night
And you can vote however you like
You can vote however you like, yeah

Democratic left
Republican right
November 4th we decide
And you can vote however you like
You can vote however you like, yeah

(McCain supporters)
McCain’s the best candidate
With Palin as his running mate
They’ll fight for gun rights, pro life,
The conservative right
Our future is bright
Better economy in site
And all the world will feel our military might

(Obama supporters)
But McCain and Bush are real close right
They vote alike and keep it tight
Obama’s new, he’s younger too
The Middle Class he will help you
He’ll bring a change, he’s got the brains
McCain and Bush are just the same
You are to blame, Iraq’s a shame
Four more years would be insane

Lower your Taxes - you know Obama Won’t
PROTECT THE LOWER CLASS - You know McCain won’t!
Have enough experience - you know that they don’t
STOP GLOBAL WARMING - you know that you won’t

I want Obama
FORGET OBAMA
Stick with McCain and you’re going to have some drama
We need it
HE’LL BRING IT
He’ll be it
YOU’LL SEE IT
We’ll do it
GET TO IT
Let’s move it
DO IT!

Obama on the left
McCain on the right
We can talk politics all night
And you can vote however you like
You can vote however you like, yeah

Democratic left
Republican right
November 4th we decide
And you can vote however you like, I said
You can vote however you like, yeah

I’m talking big pipe lines, and low gas prices
Below $2.00 that would be nice

But to do it right we gotta start today
Finding renewable ways that are here to stay

I want Obama
FORGET OBAMA,
Stick wit McCain you gone have some drama
MORE WAR IN IRAQ
Iran he will attack
CAN’T BRING OUR TROOPS BACK
We gotta vote Barack!

Obama on the left
McCain on the right
We can talk politics all night
And you can vote however you like, I said
You can vote however you like, yeah

Democratic left
Republican right
November 4th we decide
And you can vote however you like, I said
You can vote however you like, yeah

–

Mmmmm

I fixed a FABULOUS new recipe for dinner last night. I thought everyone should enjoy it:

Aloha Pork Chop Skillet  
Prep Time:
5 min
Total Time:
30 min
Makes:
4 servings
What You Need
 
2 tsp. oil
4   bone-in pork chops (1-1/2 lb.)
1 medium each: red and yellow pepper, cut into chunks
2 cans  (8 oz. each) pineapple chunks in juice, undrained
1/2 cup fat-free reduced-sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup  KRAFT CATALINA Dressing
1-1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1-1/2 cups  instant white rice, uncooked
Make It
 
HEAT oil in large nonstick skillet on medium-high heat. Add chops; cook 5 min. on each side or until browned on both sides.
ADD peppers, pineapple, broth, dressing and garlic powder; mix well. Bring to boil.
STIR in rice; cover. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer 5 min. or until chops are cooked through (160°F). Remove from heat; let stand 5 min.

Pasted from

Fall

My favorite season! We spent some time Sunday afternoon to watch Mia's reaction to the leaves....she absolutely loved them! The kids would "rain leaves" on her face! We giggled and wrestled around in them....just a perfect Fall afternoon!

Then later, I took Abs, Sky, & Liv to see High School Musical 3. Skyler was completely captivated from the first preview to the end of the credits! Abby cited boredom after about 45 minutes and Liv was somewhere in between the two. Regardless, we enjoyed a girls day out!! We also stopped at a consignment shop and found Liv the cutest pink boots to replace her favs from last year that she has grown out of!

Mia is One, already?!?!?!

Our Mia Faith Tucker turned one this week!!! We had a small party for her on Sunday afternoon. My parents and sister came as well as some of our very best friends! She seemed aloof about all the attention but had a blast playing with the tissue paper from her gifts!

We made miniature snacks to serve at the party including mini-burgers, mini-meatballs, cheez puffs, and a chocolate chip cheeseball. My dear sister made two cakes for the special day. One just for Mia and another precious baby face for the rest of us!

Today, Mia had her 1 year check-up and weighed a whopping 25.25 lbs! She definitely gets plenty to eat. Doc says she is right on track with talking/walking the whole bit. Mommy loves to hear that!!! Doc does say its time to wean the bottle, I don't think she's too dependent on it and will give it a shot next week....no need to act chaos to an already hectic week-end. She is walking all over the place and thrilled to be so mobile. She spends a lot of time in her big sister's room trying to find anything she can possibly chew on.

She has such a sweet, sweet spirit. Smiling at anyone who pays her any mind. She LOVES LOVES LOVES her Daddy above anyone else. We are just incredibly blessed for this sweet addition to our family. I love you Princess Mia!!!!!!!!!!

The Week-End

Happy Friday everyone!!!!

We have a busy week-end upon us. Tonight, Zack is taking Trendon, Olivia, and Mia to a Boy Scout Carnival!!! I am taking Abigail and Skyler to a Girl Scout Lock-In. Everyone is very excited and busy now cleaning their rooms so they will get the all clear to leave in an hour:-)

Tomorrow, the kids have a ballgame, if the weather cooperates. It's been raining all day today in Kentucky....chilly and rainy.

AND, it's Mommy & Daddy night out on Saturday!!!! Zack and I are going to our good friend, Angela's, for a Halloween party. I am going as Sarah Palin, the hunter and Zack will be a cross between Joe 6-pack and Joe the Plumber...cause we all know it's all about Joe! Brooke is babysitting for us so the kids are completely excited. She often brings movies and other surprises for the kids when she comes. We will miss her dearly next year when she leaves for college.

I'll be posting plenty of pics, as always!!

Precious Moments

Yesterday I was awoken, as always, by the sounds of my baby daughter in her room. I went into pick her up and start our day when she grabbed my cheeks, looked me straight in the eyes, and lovingly said "Ma-Ma". This wasn't the first time she said this but the sweet, tender touch and clear conviction in her voice melted my heart. It was like she had this epiphany that I was Mom and I was there. So beautiful.

Coming back home...

I put in my two weeks notice today at work. Long story...but the economy isn't favorable to advertising sales right now. With nearly $1000 per month going to childcare....not really a good fit! I am excited to come back home for a while with the babies and finish my Master's degree strong. Just 11 months til I graduate!!!!! I am beyond blessed to have a husband that supports me in whatever I choose. We have debated this decision for over a month and it finally became clear that it was best for everyone for me to quit working for now. I will continue looking for something more lucrative, but likely stay at home for a while if possible.

I have lost 20 lbs since I started working so I gotta find a way to keep that off while at home! I need a work-out buddy...anyone?!?!:-)

Manners Class

We found this sign on the girls bedroom door this evening!

You Ready For Some Football?!?!

The kids enjoyed a beautiful afternoon playing football and cheer leading today! Mia & I also enjoyed watching! It's a gorgeous day in Kentucky, 70 degrees beautiful blue sky! Why can't every day be like this? The kids are all upstairs now, watching cartoons and resting before we go to Fall Festival at school in about 30 minutes! They are so exhausted! Our life is absolutely nutty but we love it!:-)

Dinner tonight: Pork BBQ at the festival!

Thursday night = Crazy night

McDonalds cooked dinner for us tonight cause we have absolutely no time to cook on Thursdays. Honestly, we don't even have time to eat, we eat in the car in route. I had a Girl Scout Service Unit meeting tonight at 5:30 so Zack took the big kids to football/cheerleading practice and I met them there late. Then, we hoped to get Abby involved in 4-H Horse Club except I must have had the wrong address. At about 8 we all arrived home for quick showers, snack, and bed! I think everyone is already asleep cause they were worn out! I am thrilled to have my laptop perched on the side of the couch downstairs waiting for the VP debate!!!

Saturday night is the school's Fall Festival which is a ton of fun! There are bookoos of games, face painting, hair painting etc. that the kids love! We are obviously volunteering to work in the booths so Z and I will take turns with volunteering and corralling children! And we'll have an extra set of hands as Peachie is coming too!!! :-)

Ahh...the debate is underway and I gotta listen! I'll end with another family loved recipe, especially by Zack:-)

Man Dip

1 roll of pork breakfast sausage
1 pound of ground beef
1 large white onion
2 cans of cream of mushroom soup
2 pounds of velveeta cheese
2-5 jalapenos, depending on your taste for heat.
garlic salt to taste
black pepper to taste

Brown beef, sausage and onion in pan until cooked and onion is transluscent.  Take the meat mixture and put in crock pot.  Add all rest ingredients.  Cook on high or low until it melts, stir and serve with corn chips. 

What are you known for?

Me....having the good low-down on yummy recipes. When my friends aren't calling to chit-chat they are calling to see if I have any new recipes for them to try!;-) Sometimes, I'll post my favorites here......cause that sounds fun! If you try them let me know. Practically everything I post will be approved by the kiddos. Each time I try something new we take a vote to see if it should go in my recipe file or just be tossed! Last night's dinner (a new Baked Spaghetti recipe) will definitely be tossed ICK!!! But, tonight's dinner got a big thumbs up from everyone....including Miss Picky Pants herself hehe

Easy Slow Cooker French Dip
SUBMITTED BY: lonwolf32 PHOTO BY: DawnF
"This makes a delicious French dip sandwich, perfect for the working mom! Nobody, not even teetotalers, have been able to detect the presence of beer in this recipe, but it adds a wonderful flavor! French fries make a great side dish, and they are good for dipping, too."

INGREDIENTS (Nutrition)
• 4 pounds rump roast
• 1 (10.5 ounce) can beef broth
• 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed French onion soup
• 1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle beer
• 6 French rolls
• 2 tablespoons butter

DIRECTIONS
1. Trim excess fat from the rump roast, and place in a slow cooker. Add the beef broth, onion soup and beer. Cook on Low setting for 7 hours.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
3. Split French rolls, and spread with butter. Bake 10 minutes, or until heated through.
4. Slice the meat on the diagonal, and place on the rolls. Serve the sauce for dipping.

---AND----

Southern Hash Brown Casserole Recipe
• 1 bag of frozen hash brown potatoes (2 lbs)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup melted butter
• 1 ½ tsp salt
• 1 small onion (chopped)
• 1 can 10 ¾ oz cream soup (cream of chicken or cream of mushroom work very well)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups crushed Corn Flakes
• ¼ cup melted butter
Directions:
1. As mentioned above, thaw hash browns (or use refrigerator style hash browns).
2. In a large bowl, mix together hash browns, cheddar cheese, ½ cup melted butter, salt, onion, soup, and sour cream. Stir until evenly mixed.
3. Spray a 9 x 11 or 9 x 13 inch pan or casserole dish with Pam or lightly grease the dish. This helps on clean up.
4. Pour mixture from bowl into pan and spread evenly with a spoon. Do not pack down tightly.
5. In a small bowl, mix together Corn Flakes and ¼ cup melted butter. Mix together and spread on top of casserole.
6. Bake at 350 degrees F for 45 minutes without a lid. The top should be lightly browned when done.
This is a large casserole (feeds 12 or more), and it is not from the healthy cooking file. Depending on the size of the serving, expect between 300 to 400 calories per hearty serving with about half those calories from fat. For these reasons, this recipe is usually served for special occasions. And, the casserole dish usually comes home empty.

MMmmmm.....we are all so stuffed!

Girl's Day Out!

"I count myselt in nothing else so happy
As in a soul rememb'ring my good friends."
- William Shakespeare

The best gift you can give to me is to love on my children, I am confident all you fellow mommies can relate. I stood yesterday with my heart so full and bursting with joy watching my girls having such a fun day!

Amy and I have been friends for more than 8 years, we worked together at Cracker Barrel while attempting to support ourselves through college. She doesn't have her own babies to spoil yet so she decided to spoil mine in honor of Abby and Livie's birthday. What a great gift idea - a day of girlified glamour and fun!

THANK YOU AMY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mia's Get To Know You

(Collaborated on by the 4 big kids and Mommy)
1. Where were you born? Harrison Memorial Hospital in Cynthiana, KY
2. When is your birthday? October 22nd
3. What is your favorite color? purple cause her silky is purple
4. What is your favorite food? BANANAS!!! (unanimous!)
5. What is your favorite school subject? Nothing
6. Who is was your favorite teacher ever? Daddy
7. What is your favorite sport? crawling
8. Where you do you like to go on vacation? to her daddy's bed
9. Where did you go to school? Still a homebody
10. What is your favorite part of the day? Morning....snuggle time with Mommy before she has to get in the shower
11. What is your favorite holiday? every day is a holiday to Mia
12. What is your favorite book? any book that she can rip the pages out of
13. What is your favorite kind of music? Her brother and sister singing..."Mia Faith Faith, Mia Mia Faith Faith Mia Faith Faith I love yoU!"
14. Do you have any pets? Yes 1 yellow lab named Lady
15. Name 3 hobbies you enjoy. *taking a bath *making messes *eating
16. Tell us about your most embarrassing moment. I don't think she has had any of these moments yet
17. How tall are you? short
18. How old are you? almost 1
19. Do you have any brothers or sisters? Yes 3 sisters and 1 brother
20. What do you want to be when you grow up? Super Baby (says Trendon)
21. What is your favorite ice cream? Banana
22. Can you touch your nose with your tongue? No way, she's too chunky (says Livie)
23. Can you juggle? No N-O (says Abby)
24. What do you do if you are bored? She flips her head around(says Abby) Goes to sleep (says Skyler)
25. What is your middle name? Faith

Olivia's Get To Know You

1. Where were you born? Mount Sterling, KY
2. When is your birthday? September 15
3. What is your favorite color? PINK
4. What is your favorite food? what we just ate! (Chicken Parmesan, corn on the cob, salad) and fruit!
5. What is your favorite school subject? Coloring stuff
6. Who is was your favorite teacher ever? Ms Tammy
7. What is your favorite sport? Cheerleading
8. Where you do you like to go on vacation? Hiking
9. Where did you go to school? Indian Creek Preschool
10. What is your favorite part of the day? Ummmmm....winter (?!?!"-)
11. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas! and Valentine's Day
12. What is your favorite book? Max and Ruby
13. What is your favorite kind of music? "I Want Candy"
14. Do you have any pets? a dog and her name's Lady
15. Name 3 hobbies you enjoy. *read books *skating on ice *riding
16. Tell us about your most embarrassing moment. Going to preschool, I was kinda shy...wasn't I? No, I did really really really good.
17. How tall are you? I don't know
18. How old are you? 5
19. Do you have any brothers or sisters? 1 brother and 3 sisters
20. What do you want to be when you grow up? Ummmmmmmmm a doctor or maybe I wanna be a nurse
21. What is your favorite ice cream? Pink
22. Can you touch your nose with your tongue? No
23. Can you juggle? No
24. What do you do if you are bored? Jump on the trampoline
25. What is your middle name? Olivia Hope Donaldson

Abby's Get To Know You!

1. Where were you born? Mount Sterling, KY
2. When is your birthday? September 10th
3. What is your favorite color? Pink and Purple
4. What is your favorite food? I don't have a favorite food, I like everything.
5. What is your favorite school subject? Science
6. Who is was your favorite teacher ever? Mrs. Cockrell
7. What is your favorite sport? Volleyball
8. Where you do you like to go on vacation? the best place where I would go would be the beach
9. Where did you go to school? Southside Elementary
10. What is your favorite part of the day? When I am at school and I get to go home
11. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas
12. What is your favorite book? The Book (Bible)
13. What is your favorite kind of music? I don't have a favorite
14. Do you have any pets? Yes
15. Name 3 hobbies you enjoy. *play on the computer *count to 100 *sing
16. Tell us about your most embarrassing moment. Ummmmmmmmmmm....the first day of Kindergarten that was sad cause I had to leave my Mommy
17. How tall are you? really really tall
18. How old are you? 7
19. Do you have any brothers or sisters? Yes
20. What do you want to be when you grow up? A veterinarian
21. What is your favorite ice cream? Strawberry
22. Can you touch your nose with your tongue? Nah
23. Can you juggle? Nope
24. What do you do if you are bored? tell my momma
25. What is your middle name? Grace

Sarah's Get To Know You

1. Where were you born? Charleston, South Carolina
2. When is your birthday? November 20th, 1980
3. What is your favorite color? all shades of green except Hunter...ugh
4. What is your favorite food? anything gourmet
5. What is your favorite school subject? English in high school, History in Undergrad, Marketing in Master's
6. Who is was your favorite teacher ever? Mrs. Carmony - 5th grade - even though I was a dorky kid she made me feel beautiful and smart
7. What is your favorite sport? Football
8. Where you do you like to go on vacation? Holden Beach, North Carolina
9. Where did you go to school? Montgomery County
10. What is your favorite part of the day? Anytime I get to snuggle my babies and husband
11. What is your favorite holiday? Thanksgiving because I LOVE FALL and being with my family
12. What is your favorite book? ...ohh that's really really hard for me. The Kite Runner is probably my favorite if I have to choose 1.
13. What is your favorite kind of music? I really, truly like lots of genres of music except for heavy metal and ghangsta rap.
14. Do you have any pets? Yes 1 yellow lab named Lady
15. Name 3 hobbies you enjoy. *cooking *reading *socializing
16. Tell us about your most embarrassing moment. As a waitress at Cracker Barrel about 8 years ago, I was carrying a full load of glasses, pitchers of iced tea, plates, and a bread basket when I tripped over a rug full force into a dining room FULL of people. One table help up a napkin with *10* written on it. So humiliating, but I never made better tips than I did that night!
17. How tall are you? short...5'4
18. How old are you? 27
19. Do you have any brothers or sisters? Yes 1 of each!
20. What do you want to be when you grow up? I'd love to own a fine dining catering company
21. What is your favorite ice cream? I am not really an ice cream person....but butter pecan would likely top my list
22. Can you touch your nose with your tongue? Not even close
23. Can you juggle? Absolutely not!
24. What do you do if you are bored? clean
25. What is your middle name? Michelle

Trendon's Get To Know You

....see below for explanation....

1. Where were you born? Ummm..Nebraska
2. When is your birthday? April 28th
3. What is your favorite color? black
4. What is your favorite food? hamburgers
5. What is your favorite school subject? homework
6. Who is was your favorite teacher ever? Mrs. Ware
7. What is your favorite sport? football, same as Daddy's
8. Where you do you like to go on vacation? to the beach
9. Where did you go to school? Southside
10. What is your favorite part of the day? when were all here
11. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas
12. What is your favorite book? Transformers
13. What is your favorite kind of music? Alvin and the Chipmunks
14. Do you have any pets? Yes
15. Name 3 hobbies you enjoy. *tv *computer *guitar
16. Tell us about your most embarrassing moment. Ummmmm..when were in the car cause my belly hurted
17. How tall are you? not as tall as Daddy
18. How old are you? 6
19. Do you have any brothers or sisters? Yes I have sisters, no brothers
20. What do you want to be when you grow up? Ummmmm......Ummmmm.....a.........babysitter
21. What is your favorite ice cream? chocolate with cookie dough
22. Can you touch your nose with your tongue? Nope
23. Can you juggle? NO
24. What do you do if you are bored?ummmmm...play
25. What is your middle name? Clay Tucker

Zack's Get To Know You

....see below for explanation....

1. Where were you born? Lincoln, Nebraska
2. When is your birthday? February 19, 1979
3. What is your favorite color? Red
4. What is your favorite food? Chicken Fried Steak
5. What is your favorite school subject? Math
6. Who is was your favorite teacher ever? John Pierce
7. What is your favorite sport? Football
8. Where you do you like to go on vacation? Montana
9. Where did you go to school? Seward High School
10. What is your favorite part of the day? 5 o'clock...cause that's when all my family is home
11. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas
12. What is your favorite book? Freakonomics by Stephen Dubner and Steven Levitt
13. What is your favorite kind of music? indie rock and anything obscure
14. Do you have any pets? Yea Lady & Skyler
15. Name 3 hobbies you enjoy. *Watching football *Music *Playing with my kiddos
16. Tell us about your most embarrassing moment. Anytime my Mom makes me watch that stupid Ponca State Park video
17. How tall are you? 6 foot 3/4
18. How old are you? 29
19. Do you have any brothers or sisters? Yes I have two
20. What do you want to be when you grow up? Rich
21. What is your favorite ice cream? Cookie Dough
22. Can you touch your nose with your tongue? No I cannot
23. Can you juggle? Barely
24. What do you do if you are bored? I'm never bored. How can you be bored with 5 kids.
25. What is your middle name? Ervin

Skyler's Get To Know You

We are enjoying a lazy Sunday afternoon on the patio today. Skyler and I decided to create a get to know you interview! She wants EVERYONE who reads this to answer the questions too:0) She created most of these questions!!

Here's hers:
1. Where were you born? Seward
2. When is your birthday? February 9th
3. What is your favorite color? Pink and Purple
4. What is your favorite food? Corn
5. What is your favorite school subject? Math
6. Who is was your favorite teacher ever? Mrs. Gant
7. What is your favorite sport? Soccer
8. Where you do you like to go on vacation? Mommy's to go to Six Flags
9. Where did you go to school? Southside
10. What is your favorite part of the day? Afternoons because sometimes I get to take naps.
11. What is your favorite holiday? CHRISTMAS
12. What is your favorite book? When Jesse Came Across the Sea
13. What is your favorite kind of music? Pop
14. Do you have any pets? Yes
15. Name 3 hobbies you enjoy. *playing the keyboard *playing on the tv *playing with my toys
16. Tell us about your most embarrassing moment. Umm...on my graduation from Kindergarten because I had to stand in front of all the people and dance
17. How tall are you? I don't know
18. How old are you? 7
19. Do you have any brothers or sisters? Yes
20. What do you want to be when you grow up? A teacher
21. What is your favorite ice cream? Cookie Dough
22. Can you touch your nose with your tongue? Nope
23. Can you juggle? Nope
24. What do you do if you are bored? read books
25. What is your middle name? Kathryn

Mia's First Steps

It's REALLY hard to tell in this video but Mia took her first steps at Olivia's birthday party!!! I promise I will capture a better video soon! She is growing WAY WAY WAY too fast!

Livie is 5!

Our "Fancy Nancy" party was a huge success! Livie decided she wanted a dainty tea party and for everyone who came to dress as fancy as possible! So we all got decked out in fancy dresses and sport coats with all the tacky jewelry we could find! Several little girls from Livie's class joined us to celebrate! Zack helped me make some delectable crudites for the party including chocolate covered pretzel wands, hot pink sherbert punch, cheese and veggie kabobs, and mini PB & J's. We had a great party:-)

It's hard to believe my little "Ollie" as Abby used to call her is 5 already! I remember being in labor with her....it was a Monday morning after I had spent the previous week-end moving into a new house. I was sooo ready to go into labor so I was carrying mattresses up the stairs, loading boxes after boxes....it was crazy. So Sunday evening I had to work but wasn't feeling too well. I was up ALL night that night sick ..... ugh. Then, about 4 am I realized it wasn't a stomach bug but that I was in labor! At 8:30 when the dr's office opened I went in to be checked....sure enough I was already 6 cm. But, silly me decided to go back home and labor there....I didn't want to be stuck in some stark hospital room for hours!!! I got home and about 30 minutes later I was obviously in transition (8-9cm). About 5 minutes passed while we were loading the car and trying to get a hold of everyone who wanted to be there.....and I involuntarily started pushing!!!! So, Livie was ALMOST born in my front yard. We raced to the hospital (only 2 min from my house). I miraculously held her in until the moment the dr walked in to the room!!! She was absolutely the most dramatic labor/delivery of my 3.

I love you my sweet, dainty baby Ollie!:-)

You can call him Coach

The Upward Wildcats have a stellar loyal football lover as their new head coach!:-) Zack will be the coach of Trendon's team!:-) I don't brag about Zack a lot....partially cause it drives him crazy....but he never reads this blog so I may be OK! I am just so incredibly grateful for him. He gives everything he has to our family, his time, his money, his heart....all of it. How did I get so lucky?

GO WILDCATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Abby is 7!

We had Abigail's 7th birthday party on Friday evening. She chose a doggie theme and we went all out:-) Corn "Dogs" for dinner, "puppy chow" in "doggie" bags, Red Rover Red Rover and Pin the paw on the puppy for entertainment! And of course, Zack created a soundtrack of doggie songs....B-I-N-G-O etc! What a ruff ruff of a good time!:-)

It's so hard to believe that 7 years ago she was just a sweet newborn baby with crazy fuzzy hair that stuck up all around her head. She was a gorgeous baby! People thought I gelled her hair to keep it sticking up....hehe Time has passed way too fast and I am amazed by the sweet young lady she is becoming. She received some really exciting gifts at her party and has been a rock-star, sharing them with her brother and sisters. I am just so proud of my baby girl!

Happy Birthday Abigail Grace! Mommy loves you waaaay more than you'll ever realize....well maybe when you are blessed with your own daughter!!:-)

Oh, so anxious!

Grandma Carol and Grandpa Jack came in for a visit over the week-end. The above picture is of the kids waiting at the end of the driveway counting down the seconds until they arrived! They were SO excited to see them:-) Gma and Gpa went to meet the kids teachers at school and have lunch with them during Grandparent's Day. They also gave Keshia the day off so they could spend time with the kiddos! Then of course, Abigail's birthday party. On Saturday we went to a festival downtown and then to a hotel for lots and lots of swimming!! We miss them already and can't wait for Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!

Livie's 1st Day of Preschool

Wednesday was Livie's very first day of preschool. I was SHOCKED by how well she did! No tears, no shyness. She just jumped right in and started playing with all the little girls. She is already beaming about how much she loves her teachers and can't wait to go back! YEAH

Author Skyler

To all my family.
I think my hair is cute too.
I love you.
I like my teacher.
School is the best!!
Did you like school?
My favorite school subject is math.
Thank you.
I am in upward cheerleading.
I like that too.
I miss you a lot.
Here is a cheer.
B-R-E-D-S Lets go breds.
Love:skyler
by-by.

Skyler's New Do

We took the 4 big kids to get their hair-cut last night. Skyler decided she was ready for a whole new look!! What does everyone think?

Tucker/Donaldson Update

Hi to everyone! I really miss blogging as much as I did before I started working. I truly enjoy knowing all of you are able to keep up with us even though you live far away. The above photo is the kids with our nanny, Keshia! Everyone seems to just love her, especially Mia!!!! She's been doing a terrific job keeping the laundry up and cleaning the house....plus playing with the kids and enjoying them! Her parents own the restaraunt around the corner from our house so they walk there nearly everyday for treats. I think everyone that works there has fallen in love with our babies!:-)

The kids are in school and loving it! Homework is in full swing and we are starting to get into a new routine. Trendon is expecting a visit from the tooth fairy tonight! He lost one of his bottom teeth:-) He is VERY proud of the gaping hole in his mouth! We signed Abigail, Skyler, and Olivia up for Pee-Wee cheerleading and Trendon for flag football again. Practice and games start next month. I'll try to post their schedules and I will absolutely post lots of adorable pictures!!!!

On another note, the school is doing a fundraiser that I think is just fabulous! All of you grandparents and parents can participate too, if you choose. Market Day is a company similar to Schwan's offering frozen foods for sale. Southside recieves a percentage of each order which goes to books, playground equipment, etc. This is the first time we are participating so I will let you know how we like the food but my friends that have bought from this company were all pleasantly surprised by the quality. Our school's code is: 26262 if you choose to give it a try! Those who can pick-up their order at the school click here those who need direct shipment click here. Let me know what's yummy and can feed 7!:-)

Have a great week everybody!!

Back To School

I cannot believe the summer is over already! The kids start school back tomorrow!!!! We went tonight to meet there teachers and see their classrooms etc.

Skyler has Mrs. Gant. 2nd grade will be a lot different, no more show and tell! No more snack break in the afternoon! We talked to Skyler's teacher about being sure to challenge her reading skills. We noticed last year that if Skyler gets work got too repetitive and too easy then she would start sloughing off. We found that the more she is challenged the harder she works.....and what a GREAT quality we want to continue developing. Her teacher was very receptive to our thoughts and seems excited to teach Skyler.

Trendon has Mrs. Ware who is actually on bed-rest right now. She is 7 months pregnant with her first baby. She won't return until 6-8 weeks after her baby girl is born. They have found a very sweet long-term sub for her, Mrs. Marshall. She seemed to be very excited about her position and was friendly and eager to connect with Trendon. He does have some familiar faces in his classroom from last year however, his best friend, Braden is in Abby's class. Trendon says it's OK cause they'll still get to play on the playground together!!!!

Abigail has Mrs. Cockrell which is Abby's dream teacher because she has pets in the room! Hamsters and fish!!!!! Mrs. Cockrell is very nice and has lots of teaching experience. Abby has many friends from Mrs. Free's class including Stormy & John Thomas, 2 of her favorites!! So I know she will have a great day tomorrow!

It's almost time for Birthday Palooza at our house. Abigail's party is going to be Friday, September 5th. She wants to have a camp-out. Luckily, we have the basement for back-up if it rains! Olivia's party will be on Saturday, September 13th. She hasn't really given me any clue yet as to what she wants....except she wants her party to be funny?!?!?! Not sure where I will go with that one yet....

Then, my baby girl is going to be a year old!!!!!!!!! October 22nd...I can't believe it. I ordered her the most beautiful pink princess dress to wear at her party...plus I plan to have her one year pictures made! Of course I will post many many pictures!

Watch tomorrow for a digest of the children's first day. I plan to let them tell the stories in their own words.....we'll see if they are all in the mood to cooperate!

Love to all!!!!!!

CHOCOLATE

The kiddos were enjoying a Mint Oreo for snack the other day after lunch. I was holding Mia while passing them out....and lo and behold...she grabbed one right out of my hands!!!!! I decided to indulge her, just this once *wink*, and stuck her in the sink to get messy. What a cutie chocolate face!!!!! :-)

Crazy Day

The 3 big girls went to cheerleading day camp this week! The camp was sponsored by the Harrison County High School cheerleading squad, which our fabulous babysitter Brooke is a member! She was so sweet and came to pick them up each morning and brought them home. She even took them out to lunch! Not much feels better than knowing people LOVE your children! I have felt very warm and fuzzy this week...!

So the above picture is of Crazy Day. I am sure we all remember Homecoming week at high school when each day there was a silly way to dress in order to show school spirit.....well my girls caught the school spirit this week! We had to find the tackiest outfit we could possibly put together. As you can see, we did a pretty darn good job! I then fixed their hair as crazy as I could and they each wore 2 different shoes!!! It was a very fun morning of giggles and grins.

...and there she goes....

Quick Update

Afternoon all! We are counting down the days till we get to pick up T-bird & Skyler.....13 to be exact! It seems like they have been gone forever! We are planning to make our trip to Memphis more than just the pick up. Zack and I have been researching something fun to do with the whole family while we are down there....perhaps in Nashville! It'll be our last little hoorah of summer cause school will start just 2 weeks after we get back! We found a fun water park or maybe the zoo......still deciding though!

Abby had a great week at Kids College (a day camp). She learned to make Alka-Seltzer bombs and how to blow a balloon up using science instead of just air...ask her for details! Livie is getting excited about preschool this fall. I have the luxury of being able to come home for lunch nearly everyday...which is confusing her. She always asks if I am home for good or not! :-) Mia is cruising around furniture and is able to walk assisted with a toy! ITS SO CUTE!!!!

My goal for the evening, besides finishing my homework, is to get a little video of Mia crawling...watch later for an update!

Mary Poppins a.k.a. Keisha

We hired a nanny!!! Her name is Keisha, she is 19 and fabulous. I love her because she has a PERSONALITY....we interviewed soo many chicks who were so boring!! I can't handle my kids being with....blah all day! She loves kids and already has great plans for fun things to do with ours. She started today and was...early!! Oh I was absolutely delighted! She is very open to what we want and need from her PLUS she did laundry and cleaned!!! WOWIE....this appears quite promising:-)

Mia is Mobile!

She has begun crawling!!! It's absolutely adorable!!! She gets wherever she decides to go.....which normally is anywhere with something she can pick up and stick in her mouth!!!! So, babyproofing cannot be procrastinated ANY LONGER!!!! She is already figuring out how to pull up and stand, holding on to her crib or whatever....she isn't a little baby anymore! :-( It went sooooooooooooo fast! I am sure she will be walking so very soon....

The J-O-B

So, I love my job. Ad sales is such a great fit for my personality!!! I got to meet most of my clients this past week. There is lots of room for development, which is a GREAT thing! It will be a huge shift from the Journal Star to the Cynthiana Democrat. Mainly, transitioning from a larger daily to a small....rural, weekly paper. The differences are more than I expected them to be. But, I can adjust and learn new things, hopefully!

We have begun interviewing nannies. That has been quite the experience. Some have seemed, well, not a good for our family! But we have 3 candidates right now that we wouldn't mind hiring. They all seem very nice and passionate about helping children. However, we need to determine who is going to be the most dependable. People haven't seen me upset until they make me late for something, especially my new job!!!!! I know the children will be in good hands with either of the three of them. We are trying to schedule some of them for a trial run with my sister here. She can watch their performance and let us know who appears worthy of the position! This is serious business!! We'll keep ya posted!

Momma Needs a New Pair of Shoes!

Well, it's been fun...being the domestic diva for a year and a half but it is officially over. After our move to Kentucky I got a horrendous job that I couldn't stomach for more than 10 days. So, I quit! Soon after, baby Mia was on her way so finding a job at that point would have just been, well silly. Fast foward to now, Mia is nearly 8 months old and I am ready to join the land of the working again! This job kinda fell in my lap. My dear husband was bragging about my success at the Lincoln Journal Star to one of his co-workers, whose wife happens to be the Sales Manager at the local paper here in Cynthiana. Their sales rep is retiring so they told Zack to have me apply! So I did and I recieved a job offer last night!

I start Wednesday!! I am really excited and anxious. It's going to be a huge shift in our routine and activities. I am thrilled to help Zack by contributing to our family income! Childcare isn't completely ironed out but I have temporary care in place. We are placing an ad this week for a permanent position!! Be thinking of me Wednesday morning as I cope with the first day at a new job jitters........

The "Mc" Carlson Annual Pool Party!!!!

Saturday we enjoyed a day of water guns, slip-n-slides, and pools. The weather was absolutely magnificent! We had been worried all week that it may rain but we had a perfect blue sky all day long.

Our kids started at 9 am and didn't come in until they were forced at aroun 7:45! They had such a great day but got a little toasted by the sun!!!!

You know they are smart when......

you catch them reading a newspaper for fun at age 7!!!!!!!!!

This is Skyler relaxing on Jack & Carol's porch! :-)

Tucker Family Farm Day!

Sunday afternoon we went to Norfolk, Nebraska to visit Zack's grandparents farm. Grandma Tucker always feeds us well and we LOVE to get a taste of the farming life. We caught frogs, fed pigs & cows, and went on several tractor rides! In fact, their driveway is so flooded from all the rain they have had up here that we couldn't drive through it. Grandpa Tucker met as at the entrance and we all piled in a pig cart hooked to the back of the tractor(see above picture)!!!!!!!! It was quite the experience and we laughed all the way up to the house!!!!

T-Bird's Tooth Troubles

Trendon had his first cavity this week:-( It was so deep they almost had to do a root canal. They then decided to just pull the tooth. He was such a trooper! He has 2 more cavities he needs to get filled this summer:-(

Our New Friend!

(From L to R -- Naomi, Olivia, Abby, Livie, and Skyler)
We are in Nebraska for our Summer visit!!!!!!! YAAAAAAY! We got here Monday evening around 7:30 PM. The trip wasn't too bad. I thank God every trip for portable DVD players!! Mia got pretty restless the last 2 hours but besides that the trip really was a dream.

Carol has a new neighbor with a sweet daugher named Olivia! Her and the girls have become practically connected at the hip! She lives in Barbie heaven so the girls have had a blast!!!!

The Last Day of School

Skyler waiting to get her award!!!

Trendon's teacher -- Mrs. Lutz

Abigail's teacher -- Mrs. Free


Wow, this year really and truly flew by! The kids have grown so much and I am just so proud of them. Their end of year assessments were all stellar. Trendon and Abigail are reading well and learning how to do math. Skyler's language arts skills far surpass the other children her age. We are absolutely beaming with pride!!!!!!

On the last day of school Skyler received a special reading award. Only 1 other girl in the whole school received it as well. SHE IS SO SMART!