Well, it's my 46th birthday and I'm thrilled I've made it this far. This may turn out to be one for the record books. As I sit here typing, Wizard of Oz on in the background, my mom is in the hospital after having surgery last week, my wife has been throwing up and is aching on the couch. Daughter #1 has also been throwing up and is asleep on the other couch, my mother-in-law is not much better off and my sister is on the road picking up her daughter out of town.

Daughter #2 and I have been holding down the fort today and so far, knock on wood, we have been immune to the ills of the day. Fortunately I was able to have a great evening last night with our fantastic tennis crew and friends. We had a fun dirty Santa party and the luck of the Irish was with me as I drew the #1. We also had a cake and celebrated dual birthdays with another member of the crew.

My hot wife reserved a room at the local Bed & Breakfast last night and we were able to relax and got up without having to worry about the kids. I played a bit of tennis and after that all heck broke loose.

All in all, even with the set backs, it's been a great birthday. My precious daughters drew me pictures and put them in frames. My friends left me messages online and my phone kept ringing throughout the day. I visited my mom, a.k.a. Granny Ann, and she is doing good. I'm blessed and I'm very thankful for my health, my family and my friends.

Labels: Curtis Tucker, Fun Events, Getting Old

Many posts on my blog deal with my fond memories of growing up in the 70's. The kids of the 70's are now adults and are influencing the world. The events of those years shaped us and made us who we are today. They were awesome times and I look back on those memories with great fondness.

It seems I'm not the only one trying to remind people of those eventful years. Architect Darryll Sherman, a fellow 70's youngster has turned author and written an account of his 1970's childhood. His new book, My '70s Book, has been released and is poised to bring back all of those 70's memories.

Do you remember having to do real chores to earn your allowance? Do you remember a time when you had to make up your own games and use your imagination when playing? Or how about getting one big gift at Christmas and sometimes even having to share it with your brothers and sisters? If any of these memories ring true for you, you will this new book.

Many of us easily identify with My '70s Book as it takes a sentimental journey back to a typical childhood in 1970's suburbia. What child of the '70s doesn't remember riding around on their stingray bike with the banana seat? Or playing yard games like croquet with the whole family? There were no cell phones, no computers, and no Gameboys to constantly entertain kids. Children had to use their imagination and make up their own games. Squirt guns were the ultimate outside toy! An electric light saber was created by waving a stick around and making noises with your lips!

My '70s Book includes lists of many of the bands, movies and television shows that defined the decade. Sherman even includes some of the popular commercials and advertising slogans that will have readers reminiscing about their days in front of the tube. Who can forget "Ancient Chinese secret, huh?" or "I can bring home the bacon; fry it up in a pan!"

Perhaps the most poignant part of Sherman's book is the chapter "Things we had and took for granted" where we realize how much life has changed for American families since those simpler times. Back then, the neighborhood was safer and kids could stay outdoors all afternoon playing until dinner time, when the whole family would sit down and have a home cooked meal ... together.

Find out more about this walk down memory lane at bookstores like Ingram, Baker & Taylor, Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Borders and others.

Read more http://www.my70sbook.com

Labels: 70's, Getting Old, Memories

Well, I'm only 5 days away from making it to my 46th birthday, hint, hint (I wear a medium, like green and never have enough gadgets). I've really tried to stay in shape since I now have to keep up with five and six year old active girls.

I workout every day doing an aerobic exercise 7 days a week and lifting weights 3 days a week. I'm actually stronger and in better shape than I was in my twenties. I've also taken up playing tennis and play a couple of times a week. I know that even the most fit individuals have no guarantees in life but I'm hoping an active lifestyle will keep me young.

Nearing this birthday has opened the door to that monumental birthday of turning 50! My oldest daughter asked how old I was going to be and when I told her 46, she exclaimed, "That's almost fifty!"

Events this week also reminded me that if we're getting older, our parents are getting even older. I've had several close friends lose parents recently and also know of several in the hospital. My own mom ended up in "urgent" surgery this weekend which makes this her third major surgery in the past few years. Having a parent in the hospital is an eye opener and should shed some light on how important it is to stay fit and healthy.

My daughters "Granny" is doing well and should be out of the hospital soon. She's only 68 and will have many years to spend watching her grand-kids. My hot wife's grandmother is now into her 100's and will be 102 or 103 in January! That's staying power!

My advice is to stay active, take care of yourself and strive to see your grand-kids. Since my daughters will not be getting married until they are 35 I know I will not be seeing grand babies until I'm in my late 70's.

My wish is that my daughters will stay fit and teach their kids to be fit. We're all getting older but with a little mind control we can be as young as we want to be. I've locked in on about 32 years old with a splash of 22 here and there. The calendar will say 46 but I won't be listening.

Labels: Getting Old, Parenting

Okay folks, if you're checking in on my blog I've got something free for you! A fantastic funny free Christmas eCard. Send this card to all of your friends and family. It's brand new and only on ChuckleBerry's so no one will have seen it yet.

Enjoy and Happy Holidays!!

Send card here.

Labels: Cartooning, eCard, greeting cards

Our happy home has been invaded by a Christmas elf. This small elf has been keeping tabs on two very worried little girls. You see, this so called "Elf on the Shelf", sits high atop the room and watches every move the girls make.

He's a magic elf and reports back to Santa Claus every night. If the girls have been good, he tells Santa and returns every night only to be found in a different spot every morning. The elf came with a book that explains the entire process. According to the book the girls are to name the elf and are never supposed to touch him. If touched by a child, he could lose his powers.

Not touching a brand new, shiny red elf when you've just discovered him is almost more than a five and six year old can stand. Especially a five year old. After hearing the rules and getting over the shock that he is not to be touched, the girls went about naming their personal elf. After much discussion his name is now Tiny Kriddles.

The routine goes something like this... the girls go to bed knowing where Tiny Kriddles is, they wake up in the morning full of wonderment. Our five year old is usually the first to hop out of bed and begin the adventure of finding Tiny Kriddles. She'll search high and low looking under things and checking every room.

Once she spots Tiny she goes into full cackle mode and starts pointing at him just like a bird dog. She'll laugh and scream and holler for the closest person to come running to see just where she has found Tiny. All in all this has been fun for the girls and has kept them in check just a smidge more than they might have been.

I believe Hallmark might be the spot to get your very own Elf on the Shelf. If nothing else, it sure is entertaining watching the girls search for Tiny Kriddles every morning.

Learn more. Happy Holidays!

Labels: Christmas, Daughters, Fun Events, funny moment

And now, a ChuckleBerry moment...



ChuckleBerry's Paper Card Co.

Labels: Curtis Tucker, entrepreneur, greeting cards, video

The live trees come from Wisconsin and make perfect Christmas trees. We strap the tree on top of the SUV and take it home. The girls can hardly wait to decorate the tree and ask ten thousand times when we can drag the decorations out of the attic.

Tonight we get to drag the totes out of the attic and will decorate the tree while watching Santa Claus is Coming to Town.

Happy Holidays!

Labels: Christmas, Daughters, Memories, Photo

To help keep you in the holiday spirit I have tracked down dates and times of the most popular Holiday Classics. Mark your calendars and enjoy! I will most likely add to this list as we get closer to Christmas.

12/1 7:30 ABC How The Grinch Stole Christmas - Cartoon
12/2 7:00 ABC Santa Claus Is Coming To Town - Animated
12/3 7:00 CBS Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer - Animated
...... 7:00 & 9:00 TNT A Christmas Story - Movie
12/4 7:00 DISN The Polar Express - Movie Animation
12/5 7:00 ABC How the Grinch Stole Christmas - Movie
12/6 7:00 KAUT Miracle on 34th Street - Movie
12/7 7:00 AMC Prancer - Movie
12/8 7:00 ABC A Charlie Brown Christmas - Cartoon
12/12 7:00 CBS Frosty The Snowman - Cartoon

Labels: Christmas, Memories