I did it! I had all of the molding sanded and molded before we were ready to install the floor on Saturday. So excited for the results. Check out the pictures at the link below.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Thursday, March 17, 2011
I had laundry waiting for me again...
WARNING: I had laundry waiting for me again, so this is long enough to be two blogs. If you just want to know what’s happening these days in the Tucker household, read the first part. There’s plenty of warning when you get to the middle, where I switch gears, and write about a topic I feel like writing about. J
organizing the office here at home… which begs the next paragraph.
We were able to scrounge the money to put in a laminate floor in the office, so have the materials ready to go, and will install it on Saturday. We should have a good crew here, combining those with the brains with those with the backs and hands. I’m excited to add to my skills in that department, as well as in sanding and painting: My goal tomorrow is to sand and paint the molding so it’ll be ready to reinstall when the crew gets here. Should be interesting, but I’m kinda excited!
Also, the moment you’ve all been waiting for: We have 2 new additions. Romeo and Jada have been one big ball of energy from the beginning. One of these days I’ll hafta blog about the adventures of settling in grown-up puppies. They may not chew on much like puppies would, but we’ve had to train them in just about everything else. Romeo is turning into quite the stinker. We’re sure it’s him that has found ways to knock down the child-gate that’s supposed to keep them in the kitchen when I leave them at home. We try doing it tighter,
stacking things against it, stacking things against both sides, etc. I’ve got an idea for next time, but that stinker is BOUND to find a way around it. Jada on the other hand, really doesn’t like car rides (doesn’t get sick though), shivers in fear in new situations, and then turns around and has started trying to put Molly in her place (someone needed to!). All kinds of craziness! I’m just glad they’re finally acting like they’re potty trained most of the time.
that help me make life a little more manageable.
1. Weekly Schedule
cook. Then I can add a few recipes that I’d like to make on the nights when I have more time to cook (like Friday when I don’t work and can have something ready to welcome Duane home for the weekend). I usually try to find at least one recipe that is new or a little more challenging to try out. Sometimes that is from a lovely home-made recipe book made by a friend (thank you to Sarah Seck and to my CEF friends in Eugene!!!) Other times, it’s one I’ve kept since childhood, or in one of several cookbooks in the cupboard. If I STILL can’t
find what I want, there’s always the internet, but I’ve never gotten that far yet!
Next I fill in all the other blanks with simple meals. This is where I usually refer to the E-Mealz program (a subscription to weekly menus using a budget priced according to the grocery store or diet that you prefer – this also includes the shopping and price-list). I did it for a full year, and as a single for most of that time, I couldn’t use CLOSE to all of it. I cancelled my subscription, and now go back it for very simple but tasty menus. It includes
the shopping list right with the menus.
hodge-podge of things that meld together to help me tackle things.
The first main tool is to give myself permission not to get it ALL done in a week. Somehow I wake up realizing that I’ve put pressure on myself to get it all done, and feel like a miserable
failure for not, so then I don’t do anything. Reality is that I work full-time, am involved in various ministries, have physical issues I’m still trying to figure out (another blog for another time), and am often emotionally exhausted, and just can’t devote 24-7 to keeping house. Cuz you know all those house-wives who don’t “work” get it all done AND sit around and eat bon-bons while watching their soaps on TV. Just kidding. Anyway, Once I realize that I don’t have to do it ALL in one week…
I realize that I DO have to do the reasonable amount. So at the beginning of the week, I figure out what I can handle – even just for that week – and add that to my calendar.
Basic things: While waiting for the dogs to finish their morning and evening meals in the kitchen, I do a quick tour of the kitchen, tidying up, filling the dishwasher, putting food away,
etc. In the morning, I also make the bed, have a “quiet time”, shower, take care of the dogs, etc (still working on getting all that into a routine, but working on it nonetheless).
Then I assign things for each day. This week, for example, I was to Pay the bills on Monday, update the budget, and go grocery shopping. Tuesday I knew I wouldn’t have much time at home, so just decided to sweep the floors and do a quick tour of the bathrooms (check TP,
empty garbage cans, wash the sink, clean toilets if there’s time). Wednesday, I planned to Vacuum and mop, which was scheduled around calling to chat with my dad. This was also a night I knew I could catch up on any chores from the first part of the week that I didn’t get done. Tonight (Thursday) is my built-in kinda-relaxed night: After I do any dishes that need to be hand-washed, I “get” to do laundry (one of my least favorite chores is FOLDING laundry) while watching a movie. Fridays I don’t usually work at the office, so I have two
main goals. First, I want to fix some food that Duane will be able to take on the truck with him, so I’m not scrambling on Sunday afternoon to get it ready for him. Sometimes that’s rice krispie treats, other times that’s dip for his veggies, and still others, it’s tuna packets (tuna and mayo in a squared off crescent roll). The other goal is to pick two chores off of my chore list to do. This is why I maintain my list throughout the week of things that need done
around the house. These are usually bigger chores that will take more time or focus than a busy weekday schedule can afford. This includes washing the windows, hauling in wood to the garage, gardening, etc. I make it my goal to do at least 2 of these each Friday, and then am completely satisfied that I did what I needed to do. Then if I can do more, it feels like it’s a bonus, but at least SOMETHING gets done, instead of being overwhelmed by all that COULD be done but isn’t.
One thing that will make all this work, whether for me or for you, is to START. Right now, doing some part of this, I can start to be successful in being diligent as the Proverbs 31 woman in caring for her household. Thanks for joining me in this journey!
Proverbs 31:27 She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Inexpensive Date Idea:
Resources:
E-Mealz.com (Mention Dave Ramsey and get a major discount)
The forms mentioned above (menu, schedule, and chore list) are part of a wonderful FREE collection of organization sheets available for your home notebook. http://organizedhome.com
Well, last Friday I was in Elmira, OR getting to hang with my folks, and went for a drive with my brother, Ben, so didn’t get to write to ALLLLLL my FANS… all 2 of you. I know you were all just drooling in anticipation for my next entry, and must have been HIGHLY disappointed that there wasn’t an entry last week. Uh huh.
Anyway, good stuff has been going on over the last couple weeks. We got our taxes back from the accountant (her fee was SO worth it!), and we were shocked at the amount we’re getting back. Thank you, God! I was actually just shocked we GOT money back. J When Duane started adding up the numbers, I thought they were numbers we’d have to pay, and was starting to freak out, not having a clue how we would’ve been able to ever pay that amount. THEN he told me we were GETTING that amount. There’s Duane for you. So here’s a quick poll: Add a comment to this blog, and tell me what you would do if you got money back from your taxes? Don’t worry, we have plenty of ideas of our own, but I’m always curious how others decide what to do with theirs. We made a
wish list of all the things we’d like to do with it, from paying off credit cards to a flat screen TV, to stuff for working on the house. THEN we had to figure out our priorities: the money isn’t ours, but God’s, and we want to be good stewards of it. We now have a preliminary budget, which I imagine will flex as we go. It’s amazing how fast money goes!
I’m now on a vacation for the next several days, so you might hear a little more from me. My CEF committee (i.e. my bosses) ordered me to take next week off, and who was I to argue. ;)My sister, Anna, is coming to spend most of the week with me, and then we have company coming for the weekend, too. The rest of the time, I’ll probably get Anna to help me onwish list of all the things we’d like to do with it, from paying off credit cards to a flat screen TV, to stuff for working on the house. THEN we had to figure out our priorities: the money isn’t ours, but God’s, and we want to be good stewards of it. We now have a preliminary budget, which I imagine will flex as we go. It’s amazing how fast money goes!
organizing the office here at home… which begs the next paragraph.
We were able to scrounge the money to put in a laminate floor in the office, so have the materials ready to go, and will install it on Saturday. We should have a good crew here, combining those with the brains with those with the backs and hands. I’m excited to add to my skills in that department, as well as in sanding and painting: My goal tomorrow is to sand and paint the molding so it’ll be ready to reinstall when the crew gets here. Should be interesting, but I’m kinda excited!
Also, the moment you’ve all been waiting for: We have 2 new additions. Romeo and Jada have been one big ball of energy from the beginning. One of these days I’ll hafta blog about the adventures of settling in grown-up puppies. They may not chew on much like puppies would, but we’ve had to train them in just about everything else. Romeo is turning into quite the stinker. We’re sure it’s him that has found ways to knock down the child-gate that’s supposed to keep them in the kitchen when I leave them at home. We try doing it tighter,
stacking things against it, stacking things against both sides, etc. I’ve got an idea for next time, but that stinker is BOUND to find a way around it. Jada on the other hand, really doesn’t like car rides (doesn’t get sick though), shivers in fear in new situations, and then turns around and has started trying to put Molly in her place (someone needed to!). All kinds of craziness! I’m just glad they’re finally acting like they’re potty trained most of the time.
Tomorrow will be our 6 month anniversary and I haven’t killed Duane yet. I told him this morning, that I’m holding out, so I can at least say I survived the “excruciating” task of putting up with him for six months. Watch out for the day after that though!!! J Totally kidding. That man rocks my world. My heart still does flip-flops when I see those blue eyes
looking at me, and I can’t stop thanking God for Duane’s patience with me, his sensitivity,
his strength, and… just so much.
looking at me, and I can’t stop thanking God for Duane’s patience with me, his sensitivity,
his strength, and… just so much.
So that’s the news for this week. Now here’s the topic onwhich I feel like waxing eloquent: Weekly Planning.
When Duane leaves on Sunday afternoons for the week, I breakout our “Family Notebook”, my “Menu Notebook”, as well as a couple of interesting cookbooks, and get ready to plan. I know I’m not the only one with a crazy schedule, and somehow I still managed to forget a meeting today (sorry again, ladies!), but there are a few things I’ve learned to do that help make things go a lot smoother. I get overwhelmed easily, so I have three main worksheetsthat help me make life a little more manageable.
1. Weekly Schedule
2. Menu/Shopping List
3. Chore List
(these are available at the end of the blog)
The weekly schedule comes first. This is a two page schedule, with a quarter of the page for each day of the week, and one quarter for errands I need to run. I start with my PDA and its calendar I’ve updated from work. Then I add in from our home calendar, and any other new commitments I’m making. Then I start adding my errands – usually Duane and I think of plenty of things that I can do during the week to make life easier for everyone (this week it was some grocery shopping, paperwork for the dogs, and a couple projects around the house). I also add my chores for the week, but that comes a little later. Any phone calls that need to be made, blogs to be written, cards, etc, are also added to this list, on the day on which I need to do them. This way I can space them out to a practical load for each day, and not get overwhelmed!
Now that this is done, I can start working on my menu. I do a quick field trip through the kitchen and pantry to see what I have, taking special note of leftovers and perishables that need used up, as well as the canned goods that could be coupled with other things for tasty dishes. Then I start filling in the menu, with an eye toward my schedule. This menu is a table of 3 columns (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and seven rows (Monday thru Sunday), as well as a column of lines on which I can make my grocery list. I try to add the leftovers first, especially considering them for lunches at work or busy evenings without much time tocook. Then I can add a few recipes that I’d like to make on the nights when I have more time to cook (like Friday when I don’t work and can have something ready to welcome Duane home for the weekend). I usually try to find at least one recipe that is new or a little more challenging to try out. Sometimes that is from a lovely home-made recipe book made by a friend (thank you to Sarah Seck and to my CEF friends in Eugene!!!) Other times, it’s one I’ve kept since childhood, or in one of several cookbooks in the cupboard. If I STILL can’t
find what I want, there’s always the internet, but I’ve never gotten that far yet!
Next I fill in all the other blanks with simple meals. This is where I usually refer to the E-Mealz program (a subscription to weekly menus using a budget priced according to the grocery store or diet that you prefer – this also includes the shopping and price-list). I did it for a full year, and as a single for most of that time, I couldn’t use CLOSE to all of it. I cancelled my subscription, and now go back it for very simple but tasty menus. It includes
the shopping list right with the menus.
Anyways, as I make the menu, I add to the shopping list on the right side any of the
ingredients that I’ll need to buy (I try to limit this as much as I can by using things on hand), which becomes part of my general shopping list as well.
Chore list: Thankfully we have a simple home, and there are plenty of things that we STILL haven’t moved in yet in the 6 months we’ve live here, but somehow, there are still PLENTY of things to do to keep it tidy. And I very easily get overwhelmed when I start to think about it (or avoid thinking about it). So I’ve stumbled on a couple tools to help me. I’ve discovered that there really isn’t any one perfect plan for everyone, much less me, so I make aingredients that I’ll need to buy (I try to limit this as much as I can by using things on hand), which becomes part of my general shopping list as well.
hodge-podge of things that meld together to help me tackle things.
The first main tool is to give myself permission not to get it ALL done in a week. Somehow I wake up realizing that I’ve put pressure on myself to get it all done, and feel like a miserable
failure for not, so then I don’t do anything. Reality is that I work full-time, am involved in various ministries, have physical issues I’m still trying to figure out (another blog for another time), and am often emotionally exhausted, and just can’t devote 24-7 to keeping house. Cuz you know all those house-wives who don’t “work” get it all done AND sit around and eat bon-bons while watching their soaps on TV. Just kidding. Anyway, Once I realize that I don’t have to do it ALL in one week…
I realize that I DO have to do the reasonable amount. So at the beginning of the week, I figure out what I can handle – even just for that week – and add that to my calendar.
Basic things: While waiting for the dogs to finish their morning and evening meals in the kitchen, I do a quick tour of the kitchen, tidying up, filling the dishwasher, putting food away,
etc. In the morning, I also make the bed, have a “quiet time”, shower, take care of the dogs, etc (still working on getting all that into a routine, but working on it nonetheless).
Then I assign things for each day. This week, for example, I was to Pay the bills on Monday, update the budget, and go grocery shopping. Tuesday I knew I wouldn’t have much time at home, so just decided to sweep the floors and do a quick tour of the bathrooms (check TP,
empty garbage cans, wash the sink, clean toilets if there’s time). Wednesday, I planned to Vacuum and mop, which was scheduled around calling to chat with my dad. This was also a night I knew I could catch up on any chores from the first part of the week that I didn’t get done. Tonight (Thursday) is my built-in kinda-relaxed night: After I do any dishes that need to be hand-washed, I “get” to do laundry (one of my least favorite chores is FOLDING laundry) while watching a movie. Fridays I don’t usually work at the office, so I have two
main goals. First, I want to fix some food that Duane will be able to take on the truck with him, so I’m not scrambling on Sunday afternoon to get it ready for him. Sometimes that’s rice krispie treats, other times that’s dip for his veggies, and still others, it’s tuna packets (tuna and mayo in a squared off crescent roll). The other goal is to pick two chores off of my chore list to do. This is why I maintain my list throughout the week of things that need done
around the house. These are usually bigger chores that will take more time or focus than a busy weekday schedule can afford. This includes washing the windows, hauling in wood to the garage, gardening, etc. I make it my goal to do at least 2 of these each Friday, and then am completely satisfied that I did what I needed to do. Then if I can do more, it feels like it’s a bonus, but at least SOMETHING gets done, instead of being overwhelmed by all that COULD be done but isn’t.
One thing that will make all this work, whether for me or for you, is to START. Right now, doing some part of this, I can start to be successful in being diligent as the Proverbs 31 woman in caring for her household. Thanks for joining me in this journey!
Proverbs 31:27 She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Inexpensive Date Idea:
Anna Nutter suggests “at-home candle-light dinners are fun, especially if they're a
surprise. I know it's not fancy, but we always enjoy long afternoon walks, too…”
Thanks to the gang for posting ideas on my facebook page! I’ll put one on here each week, and am open to more ideas (just message me or email me with them). surprise. I know it's not fancy, but we always enjoy long afternoon walks, too…”
Resources:
E-Mealz.com (Mention Dave Ramsey and get a major discount)
The forms mentioned above (menu, schedule, and chore list) are part of a wonderful FREE collection of organization sheets available for your home notebook. http://organizedhome.com
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Yup, still expecting!
Okay, so I guess I can end the torture now. I was hoping to do it with pictures, but the torture was going on for too long. We ARE expecting: Any day now we’re expecting to pick up Romeo and a girl of unknown name to adopt (seems to me that Juliet would be appropriate! lol). One is five years old and one is three. They do have long ears. They're also pretty hairy. We already told our folks the news, and they were quite excited too. Molly isn't quite as excited, and I'll venture to say she doesn't understand why she can't still be the baby of the family. Our new "kids" are two long-haired daschunds, and will get to be Molly’s playmates. Duane’s talking about taking one on the truck with him at a time, then the other two can entertain themselves at home. Soooo….. only God knows if and when for sure this’ll all go down, but I’ll keep you posted as I can. :)
Friday morning came and went with little time for updates, much less an actual blog report. Duane got home just in time to help me with the CEF Children’s Workers Conference on Friday night and all day Saturday. Oh how much fun!!! It was definitely tiring, and plenty of work, but what a joy! We had about 90 people come to it, and we had instructors from the local CEF (I got to see “my” teachers become instructors!), local children’s pastors, and
CEFers from Salem and Albany (here's a shout out to the Franz’s and the Villanueva’s!). I had SOOO many thanks from people who were grateful for the opportunity to be there, and the quality training afforded them. I got to meet so many more people from the community, and just got to see God do amazing things. We met someone who is planning, Lord-willing, to teach a Good News Club next year. Someone else said that God was challenging them to do more, and an instructor shared how God had been impressing them even more with the need to challenge kids to be missionaries NOW. I got a kick out of the fact that on the evaluations someone had said that the class on discipline needed to be longer! J Over and over again I’ve thanked God for his amazing blessing of an entire team to do the job. There is no WAY in the world I would try to do that on my own, but with the team God provided, it was
downright peaceful in the process! Thank you, God!
CEFers from Salem and Albany (here's a shout out to the Franz’s and the Villanueva’s!). I had SOOO many thanks from people who were grateful for the opportunity to be there, and the quality training afforded them. I got to meet so many more people from the community, and just got to see God do amazing things. We met someone who is planning, Lord-willing, to teach a Good News Club next year. Someone else said that God was challenging them to do more, and an instructor shared how God had been impressing them even more with the need to challenge kids to be missionaries NOW. I got a kick out of the fact that on the evaluations someone had said that the class on discipline needed to be longer! J Over and over again I’ve thanked God for his amazing blessing of an entire team to do the job. There is no WAY in the world I would try to do that on my own, but with the team God provided, it was
downright peaceful in the process! Thank you, God!
This coming week is scheduled to be crazy, but in a relaxing kind of way (thank you, God!). I’ll wait for next weekend to report on it though, since only God really knows what’ll happen anyway. One exciting thing that is scheduled though, is that Sarah and I are supposed to start attending the Dave Ramsey course: should be plenty to report on in that department. :)
Blessings on y’all!!!Cora for the Tuckers J
Friday, March 4, 2011
We're Expecting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The exciting news involves a boy AND a girl!!! We can already tell that they have big ears - just like their mom and dad. :) We can hardly wait!!! More news to follow as available!
Friday, February 25, 2011
Snow Up to Her Eyeballs (Molly's that is!)
 |
| Molly desperately trying to get nature off of her! |
After surprising me by coming home earlier than expected this week, Duane went and also surprised me with that sweet blog. Awwww! Now we've been "working" in the snow today... packing wood, shoveling snow, etc. So much fun to have Duane home for an extra day!
As we've been working so hard to cut back on all extras lately, it was a special treat when Duane took me to a movie last night! It was actually a movie screening that was for free, and we got to see some of the actors and directors, etc in person. They shared some great testimonies about the process of making the movie, as well as those who have been affected even in the screening process. You should definitely keep your eye out for Loving the Bad Man, co-starring Stephen Baldwin.
Today's blog will hafta be brief, but I wanted to at least check in! I'm off to go sample some of the ham and bean soup that Duane made yesterday! Did I mention I love my husband? :)
Thursday, February 24, 2011
A Wonder Woman for me
Hi gang! Duane here, I get to 'blog' for the first time as well. For those of you who know me, you know that I like to write stories of adventure, humor, with maybe a little bit of a heart tug. Writing a blog, which is my beloved wife's idea, is not exactly my 'thing'. Just look at my facebook page to see when the last time I logged on and updated was! However, I do need to say a few things about this woman to whom I am married and to whom I am grateful to my God and beloved Saviour, as He is the one who gave such a woman as this to me.
She really doesn't realize how much of a blessing she is to me. I know that she is proud of me and loves me as it shows in her writings about me. But here is the thing: I just drive a truck to make make a living, pay our bills, and have a house in which to stay warm in. She has all of the responsibility. She works on the budget, keeps the house clean, organizes the house, is the director of a VERY busy chapter of CEF, baby sits this big kid when he comes home from work at the end of the week, and is my best friend and beloved wife. I wouldn't have her job for anything! What a heavy load of responsibility!!
So, while I spend my time sitting behind a steering wheel, listening to pod casts of John McArthur and R.C. Sproul on my iPod, I pray for her. i.e.: her health, sanity, her wisdom, organizational skills, heart attitude, life attitude, and for patience to put up with a grouchy old curmudgeon like me. I still look at her in amazement and wonder what she ever saw in me. My running joke with my friends is still, "She has great taste in men ... just not the best eye sight!" I love this woman, with all that I am. She is my 'Wonder Woman' and I am so proud to call her my wife and best friend.
"Lord, please bless the woman you have blessed me with. Please let her know how much she means to me and how much I love her, her heart, spirit, and beauty--both inside and outside. Help me to be the man you want me to be so I can be the man she needs me to be. And may You receive all of the glory, praise and honor."
She really doesn't realize how much of a blessing she is to me. I know that she is proud of me and loves me as it shows in her writings about me. But here is the thing: I just drive a truck to make make a living, pay our bills, and have a house in which to stay warm in. She has all of the responsibility. She works on the budget, keeps the house clean, organizes the house, is the director of a VERY busy chapter of CEF, baby sits this big kid when he comes home from work at the end of the week, and is my best friend and beloved wife. I wouldn't have her job for anything! What a heavy load of responsibility!!
So, while I spend my time sitting behind a steering wheel, listening to pod casts of John McArthur and R.C. Sproul on my iPod, I pray for her. i.e.: her health, sanity, her wisdom, organizational skills, heart attitude, life attitude, and for patience to put up with a grouchy old curmudgeon like me. I still look at her in amazement and wonder what she ever saw in me. My running joke with my friends is still, "She has great taste in men ... just not the best eye sight!" I love this woman, with all that I am. She is my 'Wonder Woman' and I am so proud to call her my wife and best friend.
"Lord, please bless the woman you have blessed me with. Please let her know how much she means to me and how much I love her, her heart, spirit, and beauty--both inside and outside. Help me to be the man you want me to be so I can be the man she needs me to be. And may You receive all of the glory, praise and honor."
Monday, February 21, 2011
Let's all go to the Races!
So I got to go to the races yesterday: Lana and Kage Raber had been training for quite a while now, and finally got to run the 5k at the local walk/run. So fun to watch "little" Kage press through when the going got tough.
I was just glad it wasn't ME running! :) Great job guys!
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