Christmas Day

We stayed up way too late doing the wrapping that we had procrastinated on. Followed by being woken up much too for parents and not early enough for a nine year old boy, who doesn't know how to make coffee yet. We made our way down the stairs to be greeted by three sons, excited as every year on Christmas morning. The boys were pleased with their three gifts each and even more surprised with their first year of stockings hung by the fire. 

Fighting the urge to linger in the chaos and comfort of home, we quickly left the house as is. Drive up river to Mapleton trying to beat the tide that has covered the road each day for the last two weeks. Once we arrived at Mapleton we were greeted with more cousins and family. We enjoyed our first ever white elephant gift exchange. Our Christmas dinner was something to remember too! 20 people to share this special day. 

Sunday Beach Cruise

Tres and I went out in a 4x4 beach run. Looking at what the flooding and King Tide washed ashore. Wood Jekyll'r found some decent wood, so we broght a bit home. I tried my hand at driving 4x4 I did all right, considering tres WAS able to get us unstuck at the sea wall. Guess I need to keep practicing! 

Buckwald Family Christmas Vacation

We brought back our old tradition of going to the snow. The last time we did this Jake was just 5 years old. Now that our children and nieces and nephews are growing and understanding the gift of experience and time, Grandma and Grandpa rented the whole family a place in Sisters. We lucked out with plenty of snow, we all had a great time! So much fun and many memories made. Lucky to have all 4 of my siblings and their families with us for two days. Cousins played and played, it was a time to remember.

Weekending

This might have been the shortest weekend preceded by the longest week. We didn't do much, but it went by fast. Christmas crafting with Stella and the boys, a pot of chili, flooding on hwy 126, lots of cozy time in front of the wood stove, some sweet time with baby Ziyana, lingering in bed extra long, and my tarot card reading. It's my birthday week after all... Good to get perspective on what may  come next! It was a good weekend, be all of can barely wait until winter break. We need it! 

He and I

Two weeks in a row now, we have taken intentional time together. This hasn't been a night on the town, or even a meal out together. Just a walk in the woods or a cruise & walk  on the beach. The idea here is to take intentional time to be together, just us. Talking, laughing, exploring and being present for each other. Sometimes we don't talk, just be together. I couldn't think of a person I'd rather be with than Tres I also couldn't think of a more valuable demonstration of love to show our sons. I want them to know the value of time given and love does not always mean an expensive dates, flowers (however that is nice too sometimes). After 15 years of being together, we still have to work at being good for each other. I'm just happy we both want to and wouldn't have it any other way. ❤️

Angels 2015

This year will be 21st year attending our annual angel making gathering. We also make swags and wreaths. Each angel is a unique work of art. Showing all the bounty of greenery and clippings of our flora and fauna. The gathering over angels is not only a time make and create, but also to connect and renew with one another. No shortage of eating, drinking, and being merry as well! 

Ruben turns 12 years old

Ruben Reef Tucker is growing up so great. He is smart, funny, dedicated, compassionate, thoughtful, sensitive, and strong, and respectful. To name a few of such wonderful qualities he has. 

I always get a little emotional on my birthing days. I feel so blessed to have Ruben as my child. I remember his birth and how Tres was so supportive and present for such a significant day in our life. It was one of our greatest moments.

Happy Birthday Ruben! You are loved, cherished and we are so proud of you! 

❤️ mom

 

Sunday Day Date

I have wanted to explore Sparrow Park Road and trails for quite a while now. Since the ocean was not so great for surfing today and the boys were busy. Tres decided  he would go with me to look for a lake off sparrow park road only accessible by foot. We hiked in on a gorgeous trail through the first and came out  at Threemile lake. It was beautiful and I was grateful to have finally come to this place that I read about and looked for on the map many times. Best of all it was with Tres and it was 20 minutes from our home. 

Blue Friday

We don't shop Black Friday. We like to go be outside at the beach or in the woods. This year we had our cousins with us. I told them today we are having Blue Friday. While Tres did the last elk hunt of the year. I took the boys and pancho, Cutter Fagen Katlyn and their dog Stella, Alex, Lakia, Dayla, my mom and Mandy Melissa's dog. To Siltcoos beach where Blue Friday was a success! We all walked to the river mouth, watched the seals fishing for salmon. I would say Blue Friday was a perfect everyone got something out and it cost no one a thing!