And...I'm back in the game!

I am so grateful for air conditioning. We're right smack in the middle of a heat wave...the temperatures have been hovering right about 100 degrees for a week now. It's been unbearably hot! We've ventured out a couple of times, but have mainly been having our fun indoors. I am so thankful for air conditioning.

May 15, 2008

It's that special day that I love looking forward to...Triple Coupon Day! It happens around six times a year and it is by far my best weeks of grocery savings. Today was the first day of Triples at Harris Teeter and since Scott will be leaving for Denver tomorrow, we hit up the store this afternoon. I used 20 coupons and he used 20 coupons. Here's what we scored:

• 2 packages of Nature's Own Bagels
• 4 Jif to Go Peanut Butter
• 2 jars Duke's mayonnaise
• 3 cans French's French Fried Onions
• 6 boxes Barilla Piccolini Pasta
• 4 cans Valley Fresh Canned Chicken
• 4 boxes Chocolate Chex
• 4 Nestle Nesqik Powder
• 4 Nestle Syrup
• 2 Nestle Ready to Drink Milkshake
• 2 bags Inland Valley Curley QQQs Frozen Potatoes
• 2 jars Salsa verde
• 4 McCormicks GrillMates

Now, you guess how much that would cost?? It normally would cost $110.25....but we only spent $29.43. So, we saved $80 only items that we will use!

May 14, 2008

Today I got to spend some great quality time with Dallin. He is such a sweet boy and I love him so much! We went to the park as soon as we dropped Kylie off at preschool this morning. Corbin slept in his seat the whole time we were there. I felt like Dallin had a fun time playing and he loved for me to play games with him while he was swinging. He loves to say "Butterfly in the sky, I can fly twice as high" to get to go higher in the swing. And he loves to say, "Under the Rainbow" if he wants me to push him high and run under the swing. He thinks it's hilarious and as soon as I get done running under, he is already saying, "AGAIN!!!"

I am glad I get those tender moments of quality time with my kids. I love Dallin.

May 13, 2008

Friends--What a tender mercy.
I spent the evening tonight helping one of our best friends, the Bartholomews, clean her apartment before she moves tomorrow morning. I'm full of emotion thinking of just how many of our friends will be moving away this summer. It's so sad to part ways, but exciting to think about the beginning of a new phase in their lives. It's also exciting and sad to think that we will be in this position a year from now. We will finally be the ones moving away from Chapel Hill.

What a wonderful blessing our Heavenly Father has given us in friends. I am thankful for my ability to make friends easily (although I do feel anxiety when I think about having to be social and make new friends again)! We have really been truly blessed with some great friendships here!

May 12, 2008

Mondays are usually a dreadful day at school for Scott. It's the day that the residents are responsible for treating Dental Facial Deformities patients. It makes for a long day with a lot of treatment planning workups that have to be finished by the next week. Anyway, today was the last day of DFD for Scott....and he didn't get a new patient! So, a great day for him!

May 11, 2008

Corbin has begun sleeping really well at night, waking up at around 1:30am and 5am. This is great...and he is sleeping in his own bed now! The extra sleep has felt so good to my body and mind and has helped me get to the end of the day much easier and happier now.

May 10, 2008

Three things of note today:
#1...We were under a Tornado Watch last night and we had terrible thunderstorms during the night. The sound of the pounding hail against our windows woke 4 of us up. Kylie and Dallin were terrified of the sound! It sounded like our apartment building just might be pounded down. I wondered if a tornado was coming our way. It didn't and our new van was spared from getting hit with hail. The place where we were parked in the garage was clearly open to the hail, but none damaged the van. What a blessing!

#2...Again, another blessing with our van! This afternoon as Scott was returning home from helping a family move, he pulled into the garage underneath our apartment building. There was a car driving in front of him and when that car got about halfway into the garage, Scott saw their reverse lights come on. Before he could stop and put the van in reverse to get out of their way, the car in front of him floored the gas on their car and it didn't look like they would stop in time from hitting our van. Scott laid on the horn as fast as he could. The car came to a halting stop just inches from the van. What a blessing that we didn't get hit and that Scott is safe.

#3...Last night at Kylie's ballet recital, we somehow made the mistake of not turning on the camcorder when we thought that we were recording her dance. I was so sad last night afterward and even cried that I now don't have that memory recorded for her. I found someone this morning though who recorded Kylie's class and I asked if I could have a copy of it. Hopefully, I get it!

May 8, 2008

I am so thankful for an easygoing baby. Comparing this experience of being a mother to the experience I had when I became a mother to Kylie, this experience is so much more relaxing and comforting. It's been very enjoyable so far! Corbin has been such a blessing to our family! He eats well, sleeps well, and is so cuddly.

May 3, 2008

I received in the mail today two pieces of mail that I had been waiting and hoping for. #1...an acceptance from Medicaid for Corbin to be on Medicaid insurance for the next year. #2...Corbin's Medicaid card. Both arrived today. Medicaid sure has been a huge blessing in our lives since we've had three children while being students.

We haven't had to pay for Dallin or Corbin's pregnancies or deliveries, all of the antibiotics Dallin has had to be on because of his ear infections, Dallin's surgery to get tubes in his ears, and all of the copays that we would have had to pay without it.

It has saved us literally thousands of dollars.

May 2, 2008

It's a blessing to have healthy, thriving children. Corbin had his one month well-child checkup today with Dr. Goldbach.

He weighed 11 pounds 5 ounces and was 21 1/2 inches long which puts him off the charts in weight. That's quite the stark contrast of his 4 day old appointment where he weighed 7 pounds 2 ounces and the doctor was worried that he wasn't gaining weight.

We have no need to worry in that area. What a blessing from our Heavenly Father.

April 28, 2008

I'm back...Being a mom to 3 kids has certainly gotten me out of my normal routine and it's been hard for me to keep up with everything I was doing before plus Corbin.

About a year ago, we wondered if Dallin was lactose intolerant or intolerant to milk protein. We started down a path of drinking soy milk to see if the lack of cow's milk helped his diarrhea problem to get better. It seemed to be better for a while and so we assumed that he must need to drink soy milk. We bought a 50 pound bag of soy milk powder in the meantime...and then the diarrhea came back and we realized that it wasn't the soy that had made him briefly better. So, before the bag of soy milk arrived, we were back to drinking cow's milk.

The soy milk has since sat in our closet and I've wondered what to do with it. It was unopened and I wished I could sell it. It cost me $100 and I knew we weren't going to use it. So, I posted it on craigslist.org last night to see if I could sell it. Today, my sister called me because she heard that someone in the ward wanted to buy it! YAY! I sold it today for $100, it is out of my closet, and I don't have to worry about it anymore.

What a blessing!

March 31, 2008--April 11, 2008

Since I delivered Corbin, I haven't updated my Tender Mercies. So, this is my attempt to remember the Tender Mercies that I have been blessed with in the last 12 days.

1. After wishing for 8 months that the timing of Corbin's delivery would coincide with Scott's Spring Break, it did!
2. My water broke on March 31 at 3:30am...this was the first day of Spring Break.
3. Despite the surprise Corbin coming 3 weeks early, we had great friends, the Smiths, who took Dallin while I was having my cesarean.
4. March 31 was our day scheduled at Kylie's preschool to be parent of the day. She had really, really been looking forward to this day because she knew that Scott would be on Spring Break and would come with her to school. (It was a bigger deal to have dad come than mom.) Instead though, Uncle Gary agreed to be Uncle of the Day...Kylie had a wonderful time and felt so special. Gary even took her to school on the bus, one thing that Kylie especially loves.
5. We got to the hospital at around 7:30am. Corbin was delivered at 11:18am. We were so blessed that they got us in so quickly.
6. Scott is a worthy Priesthood holder and was able to give me a blessing before my surgery. I knew that everything would be okay.
   
7. Even though my hematocrit was very low and a blood transfusion was a possibility for me, we were very blessed that I only lost half of the amount of blood during surgery that is normally lost. I didn't have to have a blood transfusion.
8. Although I was looking forward to Dr. Schlegel delivering Corbin, we had a great doctor who was on call. Dr. Thorpe did a wonderful job (and we didn't have a resident this time!)
   
9. We decided on a name for our little son just in the knick of time. Corbin fits just perfectly.
10. Even though Corbin was 3 weeks early, he weighed a whopping 8 pounds 2 ounces!
11. Corbin's apgar scores were great; a 9 and 9.
    
12. I was only in the recovery room for about 2 hours after surgery.
    
13. Corbin latched on and was a champion nurser from the get-go.
14. Since it was Spring Break, Scott was able to stay at home with Kylie and Dallin most of the time while I was in the hospital. That was a big relief to me because I didn't have to worry about someone else taking care of my kids.
15. Corbin was a great baby in the hospital. He slept most of the time and nursed all night the second night in an attempt to get my milk to come in.
16. My milk came in on the third morning!
17. I had several visitors in the hospital that helped to keep me company.
18. I was able to get up and walk. I only had 1 percocet in the hospital which helped in convincing the doctors and nurses to let me go home after 2 days.
    
19. I had great nurses in the hospital who helped me with Corbin while I was alone and couldn't get around as well.
20. My recovery has been amazing! I was able to walk around outside with the kids at the playground only 3 days after giving birth!
21. My mom came to help on Saturday, Monday, and Tuesday. It was kind of her to take off of work to come be with me.
22. I got my staples out on Monday and it felt so good to have them out!
23. Since my cesarean was scheduled for April 9, Scott had the 9, 10, and 11 off from school. He has been able to be home with me the latter part of this week. It has been SO nice!
24. Kylie and Dallin have adjusted amazingly well to having Corbin in our family. They love him so much!
    
25. Corbin has been a great sleeper and eater so far! He is sleeping 20+ hours per day.
    
26. He has a great temperament and rarely cries.
27. Corbin had lost more weight after being discharged from the hospital. He weighed 7 pounds 2 ounces on Friday, April 4...but only 5 days later on the 9th, he had gained a full pound! 8 pounds 2 ounces and 3 grams :)
    
28. We were able to afford a new computer this week, as our old computer was about to bite the dust.
29. We were able to sell some of our old cloth diapers for a decent price. Hopefully, we will be able to sell some more soon!
30. We were able to purchase new cloth diapers that are better than our old ones!
31. We have 31 wonderful blessings including a beautiful son, Corbin, born on March 31!
    

March 30, 2008

I taught Relief Society today...the lesson was about pruning and prioritizing in your life. Even though I didn't have much time for my lesson, it turned out really well and I felt the Spirit. It was a great blessing.

March 29, 2008

I am so grateful that I came across the Grocery Game a year ago! We have been able to save thousands of dollars in groceries over the past year. This weekend, Harris Teeter was having a Triple coupon weekend! I finally got around to making my Harris Teeter run tonight....and it was well worth it. I ended up getting $180 worth of groceries for about $60! What a wonderful blessing!

March 28, 2008

When I was pregnant with Kylie and Dallin, we were able to quickly come up with a name that we wanted to name both of them. Kylie and Dallin both seemed like the perfect name and we just loved them from the start. With this third baby, it hasn't been so easy.... We have not been able to come up with a suitable name! It's been driving me crazy to not know what to call this little boy! We've been through myriads....Brycen, Braxton, Bracken, Briton, Wyatt, Quentin, Preston, and many, many more. But, we have finally come up with the name that we feel like is the right name....CORBIN DAVIS TUCKER! I am so grateful that we have named him.

March 27, 2008

Tonight was the Relief Society Birthday Dinner. Since my calling is the 2nd Counselor in our RS Presidency, I am the counselor over Enrichment. I have a wonderful Enrichment Leader, Jessica Jones, and she put together a wonderful birthday dinner! I will sure miss her when she moves in July. The evening was so wonderful for the sisters and it was a great blessing!

March 26, 2008

When we bought our new van 2 months ago, I was completely freaked out about having a car payment. I thought about ways I could make money to cover the payment, thought of ways I could work from home or the middle of the night...all of which was absolutely absurd giving the fact that I have 2 kids and one on the way. Anyway, the blessings of tithing are so real. Needless to say, I didn't get a job and neither did Scott. But, since we've had the van, our expenses have somehow been $400 less than they were month after month before we bought the van. Our car payment is $400 a month and so with our less spending, the car payment has been totally covered without any more out of pocket than we were already used to spending. What a blessing!

March 25, 2008

I went to my second to last OBGYN appointment today with Dr. Schlegel. I am grateful that although this pregnancy has been scary at times, this seems to be a healthy pregnancy. My c-section is scheduled for April 9 and I can't wait to meet this little guy!

March 24, 2008

Kylie has been on antibiotics for double ear infections since Thursday...although I am not sure how much of the antibiotic she has actually consumed because she has thrown it up more times than not. We had a check-up on the ears this morning and it was such a relief to be able to see Dr. Goldbach, explain how she's been doing, and for him to check her ears. Instead of a 10/10 in both ears, she was only 1.5/10 and he gave us the go ahead to throw away the medication and see if she can get better on her own. What a relief for Kylie to not have to take this medicine that she finds disgusting in taste and for Scott and I to not have to fight her on it! It was causing many tears and frustration in our home...tears for Kylie because she was just sure that she couldn't take another dose and frustration for Scott and I when she would begin gagging at even the mention of the medicine. We are grateful for her body's ability to heal itself and for Heavenly Father for helping her get better!

March 23, 2008

Today is Easter Sunday and obviously our thoughts have been turned to our Savior, Jesus Christ. I am so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who sent His Son to atone for me. I am grateful for my Savior, for His sacrifice, His Atonement, and the opportunity it gives me to become a better person and return to live with my Heavenly Father and my Savior. There couldn't be a better or bigger tender mercy in my life.

March 22, 2008

We had the great chance this weekend to spend the weekend alone...meaning, without children. My mom and dad offered to take the kids home with them and let us spend yesterday and today alone, and it was so nice! Scott and I spent the day yesterday and part of this morning driving around the area and looking at places that we might possibly like to move in 1 year when we are finished with school. We love looking at houses and walking through their floorplans! It was so much fun! Today, I think we found our ideal place to live...it's called Chapel Ridge and is in between Chapel Hill and Pittsboro. It is the perfect compromise for Scott and I. I want land, but he likes subdivisions. So, this is a subdivision with affordable land with large lots, you choose your own builder, and there is no time restriction on when you build. We would love to live there if we can find an orthodontic practice opportunity close enough to there. I am grateful to my parents for letting us have this little time alone before we add one more little spirit to the Tucker mix.

As we were leaving with the kids to come back home tonight, Kylie realized that we didn't have Snowball (her very special polar bear stuffed animal) with us. I called my mom to see if she had seen him and she hadn't. She looked in all the places she could think of, but couldn't find him as we were making our way back to her house to retrieve him. When we got there, she still hadn't found him and Kylie was very worried. She recounted all of the places she remembered having him, but he was no where to be found. As looking for about 10 minutes, my dad found Snowball outside under the seat of the wagon where Kylie had been "giving him a ride". As she said her personal prayer on the way home, I heard her say "Thank you for helping me find my Snowball". What a simple tender mercy of the Lord for Him to help us find her prized comfort and much loved Snowball.

March 21, 2008

It's my mother's 60th birthday today. I am thankful for such a wonderful mother who has taught me the gospel and raised me up to be who I am today. What a wonderful blessing she is to me.

I am also thankful for the gift of music. At an early age, I knew that I had been given a special talent to perform and to love music. Music moves me. It speaks to me and allows me to feel of the Spirit. So...several months ago, I found out that a classical group called Mannheim Steamroller would be holding a concert in Raleigh on March 20. My mom has always loved this group and has passed that love on to me. We bought tickets to the concert for us and for my parents for my mom's birthday. As I sat totally mesmerized by the music that I was hearing and feeling, I couldn't help but long for the time and opportunity to reimmerse myself in music. Since having children, it seems that my time for music has dwindled and I can't wait for that season to come back into my life.

March 20, 2008

I've been waffling over whether or not to take Kylie to the doctor to get her ears/hearing checked. Scott and I have had suspicions that she isn't hearing well. So, I finally took her in this morning. I was right...she couldn't hear too well because she has 10/10 ear infections in both ears. Poor little girl. The doctor put her back on a prescription for Augmentin, the same antibiotic that she was on last time that seems obvious to me that it didn't work! They want to check her ears again on Monday to see if they are getting any better.

Today, I am grateful for:
1...Modern medicine and antibiotics
2...Rosemary, who I called at a moment's notice and asked her if she could go to the drug store for me and pick up some pedialyte. Although I am grateful for antibiotics, Kylie seems to have a very adverse reaction to Augmentin. Both times she has been on it, she has begun vomiting profusely. She was throwing up about every 5 minutes, Dallin was asleep, and I needed some kind of electrolyte for her little body because apple juice and water just weren't cutting it! Rosemary so kindly went at a moment's notice and picked it up for me and brought it to me. Thank you Rosemary!
3...the Priesthood. Kylie is begging for a blessing and can't wait for her daddy to come home to give her a blessing. I am grateful that she has the faith to ask and the knowledge of the restored Gospel.

March 19, 2008

I am thankful for the beautiful spring season that is upon us. I love Spring and Easter and everything associated with it! Kylie's preschool class had an Easter egg hunt today out on a small area of UNC campus. She had a wonderful time, despite only finding 3 out of the 11 eggs that she was guaranteed. Dallin had a wonderful time chasing squirrels and birds out on the lawn...it is one of his favorite things. The weather was just beautiful and my kids couldn't have been happier. I am thankful for the rebirth of Earth in the springtime and all of the wonderful sights and sounds that our Heavenly Father has provided us.

March 18, 2008

I am grateful for the Gospel. I was able to attend the Preach My Gospel study group tonight with some sisters in the ward. We mainly discussed the various commandments that the Lord has given us and it was such a great reminder to me of the blessings He promises us if we obey them. They are clearly given, the blessings are clearly awaiting us, and all we have to do is be obedient.

March 17, 2008

Kylie didn't feel well at school today and wanted to come home, but she said that her teachers must not have heard her request to come home. She is so soft and sweet. I am so grateful to our Heavenly Father for giving me such a wonderful daughter.

March 16, 2008

Today was Ward Conference. We have really been working with the kids to be reverent during Sacrament meeting. Today was a really good day for them. They both did really well. I am grateful that I got to hear the messages of my meetings and the reminder to stand "Steadfast and Immovable".

March 15, 2008

I am thankful for a great ballet teacher, Jessica Jones, and a fun little ballet class that Kylie has enjoyed so much these last few months. What a blessing it has been for her to have found a talent that she excels at and enjoys so much. She is so cute!

March 14, 2008

Dallin has been running a fever of 103 degrees today. He woke up, acted fine, but then told me he didn't feel well after I got out of the shower. I held him and thought he felt warm, but wrote it off and thought it was because I was cool and wet from my shower. He came back a little while late complaining again and when I held him, he still felt warm. I took his temperature and it was 101.2. I told him that I was going to give him some tylenol and then vacuum his bedroom. He said he was sleepy (at 10am) and that he would watch me vacuum. Note that it only took me approximately 2 minutes to vacuum his small room, but when I finished he was asleep already. He slept for 2 hours, woke up for 30 minutes, and then went back to sleep for 2 more hours. Poor little guy! After he woke up the second time, Scott got to come home early (Tender Mercy of the Day!) from school, we took a trip to Sam's Club, and then Dallin was ready for bed again. We kept him up for a while, but before he went to sleep his temp was up to 103. Hopefully, all of this rest will help him get better. His cousin, Brennen, has Hand foot and Mouth disease....so, we'll see if that's what Dallin is showcasing.

March 13, 2008

Eve Carson, the Student Body President of UNC, was murdered a week ago and it has weighed heavily on my mind and the minds of our entire community. Scott and I have discussed it as the plot has developed and we have unintentionally let Kylie hear us talking about it. Knowing Kylie's anxious nature, it isn't the best kind of thing to let her know about. She worries about everything as it is and it is one more thing that she has thought through so thoroughly and had scores of questions about. Each morning during the past week, she has asked if the "mean people" have been caught....and I knew she would continue asking until the case had been solved. So, tender mercy of the day...the two suspects that killed Eve Carson were caught in the middle of the night. Hopefully, this will put my poor little girl's mind to rest. :)

March 12, 2008

I finished a sewing project today! I am grateful for the health and motivation to actually finish the table runner that I started...and I got it done before this baby comes! I am thankful for the talent that Heavenly Father has given me to learn how to sew and to enjoy sewing so much.

Also, after trying for many months, Dallin learned how to peddle his bike today! Not only does this make me happy because now he won't drag his feet on the ground while riding his bike...but to see the excitement and sense of accomplishment on his face was just priceless! He was very proud of himself for peddling his bike!

March 11, 2008

I had a check-up at the OB today. Everything looked great and is going just normal! I am so blessed to have such great pregnancies (uncomfortable now, but healthy!) and although a ceserean is not my dream delivery, I am grateful that I get to be a mother and have the opportunity to have my own children. I am thankful for a great doctor who I've been to with Kylie, Dallin, and this baby. She is very mindful and considerate in listening to my concerns. I am grateful that she will be the doctor who actually delivers me this go round!

I am also grateful for the wonderful weather this week! The kids love playing outside with their friends in Baity Hill and this week, we have had beautiful weather for them to play in.

One more little tender mercy today...We went to eat dinner as a family at Chick-Fil-A. I am grateful for "Kids Eat Free" nights! It was such a pleasant surprise to get Kylie and Dallin's meal for free tonight!

March 10, 2008

I am grateful for the chance I had today to spend "alone" time with Kylie. I got to the be the Parent of the Day at her preschool for part of the day. Since she's been in school, I get lots of alone time with Dallin that I've loved, but I have really missed being with her. I dread this fall when she goes to Kindergarten! I am so blessed to have such a wonderful little daughter who loves me so much. She is just so sweet!

March 9, 2008

Spring is on it's way! The birds are singing, daffodils are blooming, and trees are budding. I love this time of year as the earth is rejuvenated and receives new life! It's so wonderful. On our way home from church, the kids were singing "Popcorn Popping on the Apricot Tree" when I pointed out to them all the beautiful, blooming trees. I just love it! What a wonderful showcase of beauty that our Heavenly Father has given us to enjoy.

March 8, 2008

Today, I am thankful for several things:

1. I am thankful that Heavenly Father has provided Scott a job as a dentist that he can work some weekends, make great money, but not have to work every weekend so that we still get to have fun with him!

2. I am thankful for my parents who are always willing to help me when I need them. Scott was scheduled to work today at the same time that I was hosting an Enrichment activity at the church. My parents happily came and stayed with Kylie and Dallin while I was gone. It eased my burden so much.

3. I am thankful for the Enrichment program through the Relief Society program of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I have grown to have a real testimony of it, it's strength, and how it can strengthen the lives of the sisters in so many ways.

March 7, 2008

We received rain not once, but twice this week! What a wonderful blessing it is to our area and our family! We received over an inch of rain today. It poured all day long and it has been just so wonderful to see rain falling. It is nourishing our earth and pulling us closer to being out of a drought.

Kylie and Dallin begged to go puddle jumping. There wasn't a time that it actually stopped raining to go out and play in the puddles...and so, we went while it was raining. It was cold, but the kids absolutely loved it! They both put on rain boots and trekked out into the downpour. In some areas there was so much standing water that it was nearly ankle deep on them.

We are very grateful for the rain!

March 6, 2008

Over the last few weeks, I have been helping Scott get his CV and cover letter ready to send to the area Orthodontists in our first attempt at the job hunt. It may seem early since we are a little over a year away from needing a job, but these negotiations take a long time to find and then a long time to pan out.

So, last week we finally got everything ready, printed, envelopes stuffed, stamped, and put in the mail. It's just waiting time now to see if we get any responses from an orthodontist saying that he/she is looking for an Associate or better yet, is ready to retire and sell their practice.

The first one came in today and Scott has his first "job talk" on April 1! What a blessing for our family!

March 5, 2008

Sometimes I feel like I have the perfect little family. I mean, I know we're not perfect, but my family brings so much peace, happiness, and fulfillment to my life.

I recently joined an Enrichment group at church that is studying the missionary manual, Preach My Gospel. I have loved the emphasis that is put on the family in this book. It's more than I would have expected for a manual intended to teach investigators of the gospel. But, as I was reminded while reading it yesterday, "The most important of the Lord's work [you] will ever do will be the work you do within the walls of your own homes" and "No other success can compensate for failure in the home". I love this! What a wonderful gift our Heavenly Father has given us by giving us our families to work, grow, encourage, and love each other in this life.

So, today I am grateful for a husband and children who love each other and love me. I feel so blessed by them. Two small instances come to my mind that happened today that showcase just a glimpse of their love.

In the mail lobby of our apartment building, there is a small storage room that the two maintenance workers and the lady who cleans our building often hang out in. Dallin loves these three individuals and loves to go into their room to say 'hi' anytime we are coming or going. So, as usual this morning, they were in their room eating breakfast when we were leaving to take Kylie to preschool. He stopped in to say 'hi' and I laughed and said "It's like you guys are his best friends!" When we got to the van, Kylie quickly chastised me saying, "Mom, why did you say that to them?! You KNOW that me and Dallin are best friends!!" And she's right...they are each other's best friend and I hope and pray that it always stays that way.

This afternoon as I was making dinner, Kylie and Dallin were watching the pioneer movie, "Legacy". Dallin was draped over the each of the couch watching while Kylie sat on the floor leaned up against the couch. She tilted her head back to look up at him and he would kiss her on the forehead. I watched this happen a few times and then saw him get off of the couch and wanted to shower her with kisses while sitting beside of her. She allowed this for a little while, but soon grew tired of it and asked him to stop. His response was just so cute, "But Ky-ee, you LOVE kisses!! It's just me...Dallin Big Boy! (the name he calls himself)."

March 4, 2008

I know it's hard to believe that a place as green as North Carolina could ever really be considered to be in a drought, but we are. In fact, we're in a really bad drought and have been for over a year now. We are trying to conserve water and Kylie has learned all about water conservation in preschool. (She's excited for the drought to be over so that she can wash her hands at school instead of using wet wipes and hand sanitizer :) The drought is constantly on our minds and we pray for more water often. Our Stake President has asked us all to fast, pray, and attend the temple more often to be relieved of these dry conditions. So today, what a wonderful tender mercy of the Lord to give us rain....and lots of it. It's been raining all afternoon and this evening. Just another way that our Heavenly Father shows us that He loves us.

March 3, 2008

Not that any blessing or tender mercy of the Lord is trivial, but I guess some seem to have a more lasting impact than others. But still, all the same, I am grateful for even the 'small' ones.

It's been a huge struggle during the last few weeks for us to get the kids to eat any meal, much less anything nutritious. Yesterday was the worst...with neither child eating anything for lunch or dinner and then hearing Dallin as he went to bed saying, "I'm hungee". It's been very frustrating for me. But today was different! Dallin complained of hunger all day, every time I turned around he was asking for food (probably because he's starved himself for a week!) and he ate very healthy foods today. I've taken on the mission to provide more healthy snacks and meals. So today, Dallin had cheerios for breakfast and Kylie ate oatmeal. Kylie had her snacks and lunch at school, but Dallin had an apple and grapes for a morning snack. For lunch, he actually ate a peanut butter sandwich and a string cheese. Both kids had broccoli and celery for an afternoon snack and loved it! For dinner, they both ate a half slice of bread, fruit salad with yogurt, AND Spinach Stuffed shells!!! I made a dessert for our Family Home Evening treat; Chocolate chip cookies made with chickpeas. The kids and Scott didn't even know there were beans in those cookies and they tasted great! So, tender mercy #1 of the day is that my mind is finally at ease that my children actually consumed food into their bodies...AND it was healthy!

#2...may seem silly, but it's not really to me. :) For over a year now, I've been attempting to make my own whole wheat bread. I saved enough money through the grocery game last year to purchase our own wheat grinder and we've been grinding our own wheat and trying to make our own bread since then. I've gone through myriads of recipes, liking some and not liking some...but never finding the perfect one. Meg's recipe has been by far the best, but it was still a little more dense than I was looking for. But today, alas, I believe I have found the perfect bread recipe that I've been searching for! From just the looks of it as the dough was rising, I knew it looked good...if only it would taste great too, we'd be in business. I baked it and took the kids outside to play while it cooled. When I cut into it and felt how soft it was, I was hopeful that this was IT! I tasted it and loved it, but didn't say anything about it when Scott came home. He always cuts a piece of homemade bread when he comes home from school if he sees that there is a new loaf out. So he cut a piece and turned to me and said, "I hope you stop with this recipe! It's the best one yet!" So...all Tuckers are in agreement...we found our perfect bread!

March 2, 2008

So, as I've mentioned, Scott has been out of town this weekend. I've been dreading taking the kids to church today without him. Sometimes Sacrament meeting is a nightmare with Dallin and sometimes not. Reverence is still something we work on daily and is often the topic of our Family Home Evenings. I feel like 3 ring circus act with the many activities I bring with me to church to try to keep him occupied. I've spent countless hours in making LDS themed quiet books and activities for the children to do.

I thought all week about calling a lady in our ward, Louise Cole, and just asking her to sit with me during Sacrament. I put it off all week and finally remembered that Sarah Massey wouldn't have Gary to sit with since he is out of town too...and so, I just planned on Sarah helping me during Sacrament if I needed help.

The time arrived. We made it to church on time, although it was a 2+ hour effort on my part this morning to get everyone and everything ready to go so that we would be on time. I put our things down on a bench and then took the kids to the bathroom before church started. While in the bathroom, Kylie's underwear accidentally got wet...and since she is well potty trained, I didn't have a back up pair. I did have 1 emergency pull-up for Dallin in my bag that might fit her, but would be on the small side. So, we went back in the chapel, got the pull-up, went back to the bathroom, changed the underwear, and by the time we got back, Sacrament meeting had already begun. Things didn't start out too well, I thought to myself....and I didn't see Sarah anywhere in sight to help me.

As I looked at the bench where I had left our things, there was Sister Cole sitting on our bench. A wave of relief fell over me as I realized that Heavenly Father was mindful of me. Even though I dismissed the prompting to call her all week, He still cared about me and led her to sit on the empty bench that we were going to sit on! It turned out that Sarah wasn't even in Sacrament...so, this couldn't have been more perfect for me!

Tender mercy #2 is an indirect tender mercy...a wonderful husband that helps me in so many ways. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, right? It sure does in these instances! Scott is so helpful at home and everywhere we go. He is always willing to help me clean the apartment, do the dishes, help with laundry, or give me break whenever I need it. These past few days when I've had to do everything that needed to be done from dawn to dusk (and the hours in between when bad dreams occur), I've constantly remembered what a wonderful, loving husband I have. I am so glad he's home!!!

March 1, 2008

Elder Eyring says, "I wrote down a few lines every day for years. I never missed a day no matter how tired I was or how early I would have to start the next day. Before I would write, I would ponder this question: “Have I seen the hand of God reaching out to touch us or our children or our family today?” As I kept at it, something began to happen. As I would cast my mind over the day, I would see evidence of what God had done for one of us that I had not recognized in the busy moments of the day. As that happened, and it happened often, I realized that trying to remember had allowed God to show me what He had done.

More than gratitude began to grow in my heart. Testimony grew. I became ever more certain that our Heavenly Father hears and answers prayers. I felt more gratitude for the softening and refining that come because of the Atonement of the Savior Jesus Christ. And I grew more confident that the Holy Ghost can bring all things to our remembrance—even things we did not notice or pay attention to when they happened."

And so it is with me...I finally made the decision to keep this type of remembrance journal yesterday. I dreamed all night last night about it. My mind was racing with so many instances that the Lord had obviously had a hand in my life. I slept, but I felt like I hadn't slept when I woke up this morning because I had been reminded of so many blessings in my life. How could I deserve to be so very blessed? Heavenly Father loves me so much!

Today, as I reviewed my day, I have been reminded of three such blessings. To someone other than me, they may seem so small...but to me and my circumstances and feelings, today they were definitely tender mercies.

1. Family--Like I mentioned last night, Scott is in Michigan for 3 days this weekend. I planned to go to visit my parents today. It's been a while since we've been and the kids really love going. Miserly me hates the gas, the miles, and the time it takes to go...so, we don't go as often as we should. But today it was such a blessing to be able to go. I am 5.5 weeks away from delivering our third child and to be quite honest, I am just plain exhausted! It was so wonderful to have the kids be able to play the day away with my parents and with their cousins. They didn't have a care in the world. They had the grandest time riding in the wagon while Grampy pulled them with the lawn mower, riding bikes, swinging, sliding, throwing the ball with the dog, and getting all kinds of treats from Grammy. When the kids talked to Scott on the phone tonight, the excitement in their voices told all when they told him about their day with Grammy, Grampy, Callan, and Brennen. Tender mercy #1 is that my family came to the rescue and allowed my kids to have a wonderful day instead of a boring, possibly stressful day if we had stayed home alone.

2. The bike--As we were getting ready to leave for Grammy's this morning, we stopped by the dumpster to drop off some garbage. Sitting by the dumpster was a brand new-looking child's bicycle. It was turned over on it's side on the ground. I picked it up and it just flopped over and so I assumed it must be broken. But as I walked back by it, I had to take a second look because it looked so new! Now, Dallin has a tricycle but has been wanting a bicycle...and you must know that this is the girliest bike you've ever seen...but Dallin would love it nonetheless! I decided to pick the bike up and bring it with me for my dad to look at. When we got to their house, I showed my dad the bike and we tried to figure out why it was at the dumpster. My dad discovered that the tire valve to fill the tired with air was broken. A new inner tube would fix it perfectly. The tread was still on the tires, there were no bumps or bruises on the back...I am pretty convinced that it's basically new! Off to Walmart went my dad in hopes of fixing this bike for the kids. When he came back with a $3 inner tube, the bike was as good as new...and the kids had a blast on it! Tender mercy #2 is that the Lord provided a new bike for the kids. Dallin has a bike to ride now...even if it has pink streamers, a bell, and a baby seat on back (he already mentioned that Brown Sugar would love to take a ride in that seat :)!

3. The kiss--After we drove home, the kids were asleep in the car and I didn't know how I would get them both inside asleep. I was afraid to take one up and leave one in the car in case the one in the car woke up and was scared. So, with my 8 month pregnant belly, I somehow managed to get them both unbuckled and into my arms, into our building, up the elevator, and into their beds. I was exhausted, physically and mentally. It's been a long day even with having my family around. As I was about to lie Kylie in her bed, she hugged me tight and gave me a big kiss. I had just finished listening to a song in the car that I thought of when she gave me this sweet little kiss. Tender mercy #3 is that I have sweet little children who love me. "Kisses are good medicine. Kisses make it better...the medicine of love."

Here are some of the lyrics to this song, "A Hard Day".
Mommy had a hard day
I spilled milk on her floors
I made a mess with all my toys
Then I slammed every door
Mommy, don’t you worry
I have the thing that works
I’ll put my arms around you
And kiss it where it hurts

Kisses are good medicine
Like laughter, tears and hugs
Kisses make it better
…The medicine of love

Baby had a hard day
Slipped on milky floors
Hurt my feet on messy toys
Slammed fingers in the door
Baby, don’t you worry
I have the thing that works
I’ll put my arms around you
And kiss it where it hurts

Kisses are good medicine
Like laughter, tears and hugs
Kisses make it better
…The medicine of love.

Patience

To some is given patience. And some days, it is given to me....some days not. I have come a long way in the last few years in controlling my temper, my emotions, and keeping my voice calm. It is easy for me to see now a great tender mercy in my life over this time period. Day by day then, it was so hard. I felt like I never saw any improvement. I would think about it, pray about it, read about it, and talk about it...but it always seemed out of my grasp. A friend of mine mentioned a book called Bonds That Make Us Free: Healing our relationships, Coming to ourselves. I set out to read that book and it was honestly the finale in my search for how to come to understand myself, come unto my Savior, and change the behavior in which I was engaging. After reading this book, I really felt the Atonement work in me and I have since then been on the road to great improvement.

Lately, I've fallen back into the trap...not as bad as I used to be, but more of just losing patience when my children don't quickly obey. If there's one thing in life that has always been frustrating to me, it is repeating myself. So, I've found myself trying to make it to 5:30pm each day when I know Scott will be home to kind of take over and give me a break. It hasn't been a good thing for me to look forward to that because in the hours and minutes before 5:30, I have found justification in raising my voice with my children.

So, I've known for a while that Scott would be going out of town to Michigan this weekend. I've pretended to ignore it, knowing that I dread the times he is out of town (although it is always good as it makes me realize what wonderful blessing I have in having him as a husband). But the day came today and I knew that this would be a long day...and a long weekend. So, I've tried really hard today to be patient and to be kind....ALL day.

What a tender mercy of the Lord...the kids were so great this afternoon. Even though Kylie didn't have a nap, she wasn't whiny. The weather was great and we were able to run off some energy outside. They ate their dinner with no "I don't like that" comments. They helped clear the table and then cleaned their room with me. And then we all cuddled together on the couch while they watched Aladdin before bedtime. Dallin was even reverent for his own prayer and family prayer. We read scriptures, brushed teeth, lotioned them up, put on pajamas, read goodnight stories, and I sent them to bed. They stayed in their room quietly and played. ...and when I went in to check on them, they were fast asleep in their beds looking like beautiful angels. Heavenly Father knew of my concern and my desire to be patient with His little children today, and He helped me make it all the way to bedtime with a sweet little girl and boy.

It's Leap Day

It's that odd day of the year that only comes once every 4 years...Leap Day.

In the October 2007 General Conference address given by Elder Henry B. Eyring entitled O Remember, Remember, Elder Eyring urged us all "to find ways to recognize and remember God's kindness". That talk, probably more than any other given in that General Conference, touched my heart. I remember hearing it and I remember the feelings that I felt when I heard it. I knew it was for me, something that I myself needed to do. I've remembered it almost every day since then and have done nothing about it. I've thought of the tender mercies of the Lord in my own life as they've come daily and when I've been humble enough to recognize them as such. But yet, I have not taken that leap of faith and actually written them down so that I and my family can REMEMBER.

So today, Leap Day, will be my leap of faith. This blog will serve as my way of preserving and remembering the hand of the Lord in my life.