Getting into a school routine.

The count down to the big day has started. Next Wednesday is the big day. The kids find out tomorrow who their teachers are and what class they are in. Very stressful, the whole weight of their school social life is determined in this one moment. Hehehehe. In the summer Chris argues with me about the kids bed time. So now, I have to re train my children. Showers, jammies, brush teeth, and in bed at a reasonable time etc. etc. Jonah has been working very hard on being ready for school. Last night he was sitting on the chair watching Top Chef reruns with us, I looked over and saw a string dangling from his mouth, it started at his teeth breaking of into two lengths, both sides twirled and twisted, cascading down, down, down until a good portion of the "string" was laying in two directions on the floor. I said "Jonah what are you doing? What is that?" "Mom, I am flossing my teeth." I just about peed my pants at the realization and had to get the camera. I buy the kids the animal individual teeth flossers. The dentist gives them regular floss and Jonah used it. He used it all as you can see. The pic is blurry b/c it is from Chris' phone cam. Enjoy.......

It is 7:43 am and the boys are in the front yard playing baseball. They woke up ate breakfast and got right outside to play. Maybe they realize school will be coming soon and they need to get all their playing time in. I have really enjoyed how well the boys are getting along lately. I just love watching them all play happily together and I can honestly see the blessing of having three boys so close together. They really are great friends. Yesterday they set up chairs in the yard so the neighbors could watch their game. Oddly enough they did. It was a funny sight to see.


MAX JUST HIT AN INSIDE THE YARD HOME RUN!!!!!


I am still a little nervous about the school year. I am really going to miss the kids. We have had a great summer just hanging out together and I love it. It is such a blessing that I haven't had to work while they were young. Oh well enough of that mushy stuff. Tanya is coming over today and I am so excited. It will be the third time I have seen her this week. Yeah!

Hangin' with my Cuz...

This last week was nice and unexpected. My cousin Tanya just moved home after living all around the last few years. She and her family just moved back from Georgia. We went to visit her a couple of time. Chris, the boys and I went out on Saturday and we all went four wheelin'. The kids loved it. It is so nice to have some family around. Tanya's daughter is adorable. We had burgers and just relaxed and enjoyed the beautiful view. I think she took pics, I will post them as soon as I get them.

Stuff

Oh my! Another week of summer gone by. The boys are out in the drive way playing basketball which just reminded me that sports will be starting up again soon. I procrastinated on signing the kids up for soccer because of Christian and his re-occurring broken leg. Now no one is signed up at all and it is too late. The boys did golf a lot this summer so I am just going to sign them up for the kid golf program here at Mt. Si. Then Basketball. Jonah really likes basketball and seeing Max out there blocking him is just cracking me up. He can finally play this year. The problem I have with basketball is that it really cuts in to our skiing time. This all brings us to the point.....who has time for all of this?

This summer has been so nice and calm. I have been hiding away in my house, sleeping in and taking it easy. Chris and I have just been chillin with the fam on weekends and I just love it. My friends are beginning to think I am a recluse....don't worry I will be back in action soon. School starts in just 16 days and I will be on my own.....I wonder should I get a job? I think Chris wants me to but I am finally loving the fact that for the first time in a million years I have some time to myself.

Goals for the future: learn to golf and to become an even more amazing sno-boarder than I already am (heehee). I think I am going to take on more hours at the library to make up the difference.
Oh well, I looked at the calendar this week and for the first time ever I have not one thing on it all week. (except Seahawks) No wonder I am dreading getting back in the swing of things, I am loving the pace we are keeping these days. I am just rambling now. The only pic I have to share today is Max on his birthday. He got a dirt bike and loved it. I tried teaching him how to ride but I just made the bike back heavy and we did pop-a-wheelies down the whole street. Ooops.

Tid BIts

Well, things have been pretty mellow around here and I love it. The kids and I have just been hanging out without a lot of "things to do". We went to my friend Gen's yesterday and the kids ran around and played all day. I only see Gen a couple times a year but the kids always pick up just where they left off and they play! I love it. Gen has been doing a lot of beautiful work to her house so I was really happy to see that. She is practically perfect in every way, which tends to make me want to vomit....Love her.
Christian has been working really hard at getting back in shape. He has started running around the block. I never let the kids go past our driveway (and Mrs. Tubbs Driveway) so this is a big thing for me. I know he is almost 10 years old. When I was 10 I walked myself to and from school. I had an afternoon babysitting job and everything. I know I shelter my kids a lot but I don't want anything bad to happen to them.
On that note it has really been hitting me hard lately that all three boys will be gone everyday and all day. Max was wondering if he gets his second breakfast at school. I said no, you just get lunch. He said "Thats ok, how many lunches do I get?" I said only one. He was shocked and apalled..."What about in second grade, do I get two lunches in second grade?" That kid is non stop when it comes to food.
I don't know what I am going to do with myself all day. For now, I will just go help Jonah with his piano.

King County Max Library

The King County Max Library is open for business. Max worked very hard along with his assistant Jonah to bring to life a Duvall family library complete with a circulation desk and everything. I love it. The kids have always talked about being engineers like their Dad. This is the first time they have ever shown interest in something I do. YEAH. Plus, I love that they are motivated to read and love books. Be aware that they do charge a penny a book, after all not everything in life is free. My little entrepreneur librarians....

Holy Cow the laundry room is clean!

Most people don't even know I have a back bathroom/laundry room. I always have it closed up and the sink has been broken forever. This week I decided to add plumber to my extensive resume. The main bathroom sink was clogged so I tore that apart and fixed it. I was on a confidence high! So, I decided to tackle the beast in the back. I tore the sink apart and fixed it too. Then I actually cleaned the laundry room which tends to second as the "room of requirement" or catch all to everything that has no home. I figured this was one opportunity to see it clean and organized so I thought I would share. Unfortunately it is so small a picture was difficult but here it is.

Seawaks and the Duvall Boys

macaroni man

Jonah

Christian

We woke up this morning and were on the road by 7:30- Destination...another Seahawks training camp. The boys and their friends were all loaded up in my car excited about what was to come. I told them not to get too excited because we weren't sure who would be there. They all wanted to meet Shaun Alexander of course, but he doesn't do too many signings. After practice they did a 30min signing for kids 12 and under only. We were about 10th in line (early birds). The kids were watching and waiting too see who would do the signings. Jordan Babineaux, Deion Branch, Nate Burleson, Seneca Wallace, Rob Sims, Jordan Kent, CJ Wallace, Marcus Pollard, Patrick Kerney, Lofa Tatupu and the last person to sit down was of course Mr. Shaun Alexander. It was difficult to get pictures because I had seven kids with me but also because as soon as Jonah walked up to Shaun the T.V. Cameras went nuts. I was actually elbowing my way with camera men to get shots of the kids (they actually said no pictures but I had to bring Dana proof). Jonah is sure he is going to be on TV tonight. We will be watching all the local chanels and of course the Seahawks Training Camp show. The boys asked questions and talked to all the players. I was proud of the kids for asking good questions. They are always very nice to the kids which makes it all worth while. Ian, one of the boys I took, said it was the best day of his life. I love it.

GO SEAHAWKS

What does Tom Ashworth, Baraka Atkins, Josh Brown,Bryce Fisher, Marcus Green, DJ Hackett, Walter Jones, and Floyd Womack all have in common.

I will tell you. Saturday the Seahawks hosted a scrimmage game at Memorial field. The boys and I positioned ourselves to first in line for the autograph session that included over 20 Seahawks for our section. The guys were so awesome, they talked to the kids asked them questions and one of them was teasing Christian about breaking his leg playing kickball. Josh Brown asked Max if he road dirt bikes (he was wearing a Fox shirt he got for his b day) Max said yes and Josh (we're on a first name basis) talked to him about riding four wheelers. Christian told Walter Jones he was his Dad's favorite. It was awesome! Chris got left in the crowd and eventually made it up to the table to meet WJ. Of course the rules were strict, you could only have one autograph per player and since they were trying to keep the lines moving there was a no picture rule. I AM NOT LYING!

So the answer is: all those guys got to meet my wonderful children!!!

Tomorrow the Seahawks are having an open practice at UW and doing a special autograph signing just for kids. I am taking the boys and a couple of their friends. I hope the will let us take pictures this time b/c I know that Dana is talking smack about me behind my back and doesn't believe a word I SAY!!!!

Oh yeah the pic is Christian in an authentic Josh Brown and Mac Strong jersey.

Happy Birthday MAX!!!!

Ok, this is a picture of Max from a year ago but it is all that I hadn on my computer. Anyway, Max is the cutest kid in the world.

10 Years

I can't believe Chris and I were married 10 years ago today. As my wonderful friend pointed out to me at 7:30 this morning, that is a third of my whole life. I am so blessed that I have a successful marriage and family. Chris and I met when we were young and just jumped in and never looked back. I am always surprised with the divorce rate what it is it could have go ne a whole different way. Chris is awesome, he is the BEST Dad ever. He is kind, honest, hardworking, passionate, strong etc. etc. So, I thought I would try to come up with a top 10 highlight. The kids obviously are the greatest highlights of our marriage but here are a few more.

1. Honeymoon

2. Chris'graduation (So stinkin proud)

3. The Day we bought this house.

4. Our hammock and margarita's

5. Gin Rummy/Risk.....I love to win!

6. My Mother's day breakfasts.

7. Our trip to Hawaii (a moment alone)

8. Our late night talks

9. I love making Chris laugh, it doesn't happen often (heehehehehe)

10. There are so many favorite days, golf day, our bike ride, our walks, Mt. Si, Rattlesnake, on and on so my 10th favorite thing is that there could never in a million years be only 10

Happy Anniversary.......

The End of an ERA

Anyone who knows me knows that I love to read. I read all of the Lord of the Rings and was so excited when the movies came out. Since my children were small I have been reading the Harry Potter series. It is hard to believe that I am done. I took Christian and Jonah to a midnight release party. We dressed up and had a lot of fun. Jonah was the first to recieve a copy of the book!!! No kidding! I went home and I began reading immediately. My birthday present this year was that Chris would take care of the kids so I could sit back and read. I read all day Saturday stopping only took cook a meal and for potty breaks etc. Oh yeah, I went to the store to buy some lemonaides to drink. I finished just after midnight on Saturday. I loved the book but I am sad the series is over. I will just have to wait to see the next two movies.

Yesterday, Trevor came and picked up the boys and took them to a movie. Chris and I thought back and that is the first time anyone has ever done that. The kids have been gone one at a time but he and I have never been left alone without children. I envy those people with family close by to help. Chris and I have never really had that. Thankfully, I have friends close by to help with the here and there'. But no one has ever offered to take the kids just for the afternoon. It was awesome!!! We were left at home by ourselves with nothing to do, we went for a bike ride and sopped on the way home for rootbeer floats. It was a really nice afternoon and the kids loved the movie. After they went out for shakes.

Overall, the weekend was fantastic and relaxing. I can't wait to discuss the book with those of you who are done... You won't get any spoilers from me.

What a lovely day.

Yesterday was such a nice day. I took Jonah to acting and then I came home and sat on my rear-end and read. I then picked up Jonah and the kids and I went over to a friend of mines for lunch. I scored 2 bottles of wine, one bottle of champagne, balloons, flowers and a marble cake! Then I came home and sat on my rear and read some more of my book. Chris came home and took me out to Gordys for a prime rib dinner. Love it! Then we went and saw Harry Potter for the second time. You know my husband is a good man if he will see a movie twice that he cares very little for. While we were out Trevor called and offered to take us out to dinner but we had just finished eating. Instead, he came over and ordered pizza and soda for the boys and hung out with them while we were at the movies. The kids thought that was FANTASTIC! My friends daughter was babysitting for the first time and she did a great job. I never would have known they had a pizza party because the boys were tucked nicely in their beds and there was no signs of pizza and soda anywhere....not even in the sink. KUDOS to Danielle Burns!!!!!! What a way to end the night. Well, I must be off.... Jonah is Harry Potter in a play at the village theater today and Christian has more physical therapy! I am going to a Harry Potter release party tonight at midnight. I am so excited. I have agreed to take Jonah with me because Sarah says if I don't he will be in counseling for the rest of his life. She would know, she's a counselor.

I am sorry Diet Coke

I can not believe I forgot Diet Coke, I suppose somewhere I assumed it was like mentioning air, water or blood. Things that are necessary to live. I have been a fool but I hope that all will soon be forgiven. I promise to drink a diet coke everyday just to make it all better. I will make that sacrifice......again I am sorry.

31 Highlights (In no particular order)

31. Target
30. Movies
29. Ice Cream
28. Starbucks (pumpkin spice latte)
27. I am oddly thankful I am a girl
26. I am thankful that I didn't marry several of my ex's
25. Nobody puts Baby in a corner
24. Leg warmers
23. Jet skiing
22. Sno-boarding (Skull Shredder will ride again)
21. Cheesecake factory
20. Hiking Mt. Si
19. Mo's clam chowder....ummmmm
18. Our first House
17. artichokes (they remind me of my Dad)
16. Piano lessons from my Grandma
15. Harry Potter (I don't know that they should make the top 31 but it is what it is)
14. Madonna
13. Jane Austen
12. Oh, my I can't believe I haven't said Margarita's yet.
11. I am happy I had a hard childhood b/c I wouldn't be the Mom I am if I didn't
10. I love the smell of rain
9. Going to New Orleans
8. Mother's Day
7. fresh cut Lilac
6. my pictures of my family
5. Hawaii of course
4. Books
3. I love my "Best friends"
2. My beautiful Children
1. My amazing Husband (wedding day almost 10 years)

I know I have forgotten many things...............Oh well

THE LAST DAY OF SCHOOL

Today is the last day of school. It is so hard to believe that we have finally made up all our make up days. YEAH. We survived a flood, windstorm, power outage, two broken legs, house remodeling and three baseball teams. AMAZING. I am looking forward to spend some relaxing time with my boys.



Christian and Jonah rocked the talent show last week and I have to say they looked adorable. I loved it.

Max is officially a first grader. His last day of school was yesterday and frankly, I am still in shock.

We are planning a small vacation back to the tri-cities over the fourth. YEAH. I know Chris is really looking forward to some down time. He hasn't been to bed later than 7pm since Friday. I would say he is sleepy.

I am going with my friend and 7 boys to the Mariners game tonight. Christian's best buddy is having a birthday. I think it should be a good time. Tomorrow we are doing an end of year family bowl and I am thankful we practiced on Fathers Day because I plan on whooping up on some people. OH YEAH. You know I could become competitive.....or not. Off to take my kids to their last DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Fathers Day

Fathers Day rocked this year! Well, half of it did. Chris got up bright and early to go to work (that sucks!). Then, he came home and we met up with some friends to bowl. The girls and I thought it would be fun to go to a second hand store and buy some bowling shirts for a little team bowling. Don't we all look so freakin' hot! We had such a great time. The kids also had fun even though Jonah looks like he'd rather be sleeping in this photo. It reminds me once again how blessed we are to have such great people around us. After, a few of us went out for dinner! Yummy! Chris and I came home and watched a movie. Overall, it was a nice day. I am so proud of my family and especially my husband. Chris is the best man I have ever known and I am so glad I married him.

Two Down, One to go!

Last night was the end of yet another teams baseball season. Jonah had a tough night and was a little hard on himself for no good reason. He did rebound once trophies and cupcakes were passed out. I also scored with another gift certificate to Gordys and a certificate to STARBUCKS!!!!!! Holler! Piano ended on Wednesday and my morning routine is a little less chaotic. The boys have pajama day at school today but Jonah wants to wear regular clothes because it is raining. He doesn't like pajama day when it raining because when he wears pajamas he doesn't wear a shirt. (I am sure the school appreciates his sacrifice.)

I have a ton of errands to run today. I have been putting off so much of my regular household duties to do baseball and of course I am still tearing apart the boys' room. I did get the popcorn ceiling scraped this week. I just need to demo the walls and drywall. I have to say my motivation for that is lacking. The boys are sharing a small bedroom nicely.....

Fathers Day is Sunday and I have no idea what to do for my main man. I have a couple ideas but I am not sure the weather is going to hold out. Wed. it said rain Sat but not Sunday and yesterday it said rain Sun but not Sat. I just have to say that weather people smoke crack!!
Sat is our tournament, team party and BBQ and Sunday is Father's Day. How do I chose which day I would rather it rain? Mariners are away, the races will be wet, Chris isn't a movie buff, hmmmm, maybe bowling?

Well, wish me luck, I am off to Costco, the drycleaners, the bank, and to find Christopher a gift...ugghhh.

Recital, Tryouts and more Baseball

Sunday was the boys' piano recital. They did a great job and both Christian and Jonah earned awards. Max did not participate as a first year but he will next year. Max asked if he could bring his blanket to the recital because last year he went to sleep and didn't have his blanket with him. This year he wanted to be prepared. Obviously, the recital made a huge impression on him. He did not sleep this year.....we will call that progress.

The boys tried out for the annual talent show at school. I don't know how many times Jonah has tried out but I know of at least three different performances that he is wanting to do. While Jonah is singing and dancing, Christian plans to wow the crowd with his amazing piano abilities. I told Max he needed to wait until he was in the first grade to try out.

Baseball, Baseball and Baseball. Last night was Max's last game. He had two solid hits. I am so proud of him. Because we were coaching he played up a level, skipping tball. I am so pleased how he "hung" with the big kids. The team gave Chris and I a gift certificate for golf and lunch at Gordys. I love Gordys. I really enjoyed Max's team and was a little sad to see it end. Christian has his last regular season tonight and their team starts their tournament Sat. Jonah's last game is on Thursday. I am feeling some freedom coming my way.

Chris is golfing on the ridge. One of my friends has a house on the fourteenth hole so we are going to go harass Chris. This is going to be a fun day.

Technilogical Malfunction

I dislike computers. My computer has been acting up for days. It is driving me crazy, I can barely even check my email. Baseball is coming to an end. Our we only have two games left for each team. Christian's team has a tournament that starts next week and then we are done. My house is coming along nicely. I still have to start on the boys' bedroom and I will, just after my trim is done. I had a field trip yesterday, today Christian starts physical therapy, and I am not feeling well. Needless to say, my productivity is down. I just can't shake this cold. I am of the belief if I just laze about today I will feel better tomorrow. My main goals for the day have shrunk down to just doing some laundry. The rest will come later. Christian and Jonah have their piano recital on Sunday. That should be nice. My plan is just to ride out the weekend and attack their bedroom hard next week.......we'll see. Other than that things are pretty normal. All is well in the Duvall house......
Oh some sweet mormon missionary girls stopped by. I can't imagine going door to door sharing my faith. That takes such courage because you never know who is going to open the door and what they are going to say. I feel bad because they have good hearts and most people hide from them or are down right rude.

Anyway, with that thought I best be off. I need to get some rest in before I take Christian out to his PT appt.

Disconnected

Well, I have been without technology for several days. No home phone and no computer. I had to unplug to redo my floors. After a long hard back breaking weekend we are finished with the floors. YEAH. Chris has to put base boards up and we have to install new interior doors but other than that we are ready to move back in. Currently our bed room is in the carport, the living room is on the patio and the boys bedroom is scattered about. Their bed is in the lawn because I am refinishing it, dressers on the pation, mattresses in Max room......you get the picture. Today or tomorrow I will be starting on the boys room. I am taking down the wood paneling finally and hanging drywall. I am so excited about this b/c it will be the last room in the house to be remodeled. YEAH. I finally feel like we are coming to an end to our remodel projects which were started exactly two years ago on Memorial Day.

In other news (I sound like a tv reporter), Christian pitched in a baseball game last night. It was the last inning but he walked up to that pitching mound (full length cast and all) and pitched an inning. It was really cool of the other team to let him pitch b/c techinically he is supposed to bat too. He threw an 11 pitch inning. 3 up and 3 down. AMAZING. He was so happy. I on the other hand was extremely emotional. Maybe it is the lack of sleep from the weekend, but I started to cry. I don't usually do that but I think I wasn't sure I was ready for him to go out there and the other team let him play, it was all really overwhelming but he did a great job and I am sooooooo Proud of him. After the game he came up and gave me a big hug and said "do you still not want me to pitch?" I of course cried again.....blubbering idiot.

Well, off to work. I have several big days ahead of me if I want to get my house pulled back together. I am still working out how I want the boys room painted. I have a couple of ideas but if anyone has anything brilliant please share. Final decision won't be made for at least a week.

Jenifer if you are reading this you better start blogging. (Not you Jennifer!)

The Week in Review

It has been a crazy week. I had said for a long time I wanted the finale to be Jordin and Blake. When the finale came I have to admit I was a little dissappointed because the final song was written for the "Jordin's" of the world and it left little for Blake to work with. After the finale, I wanted Jordan to win so poor Blake didn't have to sing that Miss America song ever again!!!!!

Jack Bauer was also good. I was disappointed Ricky became blind. I liked him on the show. I hear they are taking the show less globaly next year and it will be a bit more personal. I think I will like that better. Chris and I started watching House this season and the finale also looks to be great. Lost was a bit odd but I can hang now that I know it is the beginning to the the end.

So with all my fav's in wrap up, I went to sleep. After our game last night I climbed in bed with Max and fell asleep. I think it was 8:15pm. Max likes to sleep with us and since we have had a no kid rule in our bed since Christian was born it rarely happens. He is so cute when he sleeps and he still lets me hug him like a teddy bear.

We are wrapping up baseball season with a four day break over Memorial Day. No baseball until Tuesday! I am glad. I am getting tired. After the break each team only has four or five games left so we are down to our final 15. Yeah. Each team is working hard and doing well. The kids are sweet so that helps keep me going.

As for the Duvalls we have a big weekend of work planned for us. We rented floor sanders and are planning on redoing the living room and finally doing the boys room and our room. I figure we may as well dry wall the boys room too and just get it done. Then I can honestly say we have done every room in the house. CRAZY. I have learned a lot and cried a lot so I am glad to also be coming to then end of the remodel. (that is until Chris goes up and out.....we'll see)! All we would have left is for Larry D to come help us with the baseboards, trim etc. I love it. I am starting to feel like it is a home again instead of a construction zone, well I start demo again in about oh.......55min. But whatever.

On a personal note I am so glad Blogger implemented auto save. I can't tell you how many times I have typed out a blog and bam, it deletes, I throw my hands up and walk away. I would say b/c of auto save I am successfully blogging more often. Thanks Blogger People.

Christian is insane (his Dad isn't much better)

So, Christian broke his leg for the second time just four short weeks ago. The Dr. said that as of today Christian was allowed to walk on the cast. Item number one on Christians agenda...Pitching. I am not kidding. Please note the cast on the right foot that goes all the way up his leg. Yes, I said all the way up his leg. The most insane part about this is A). He can throw a strike most everytime and B). His Dad let him. I personally wanted to sell tickets to passerby's. I think if we took this kid on the road he could make us some money!!!! Also, the nice thing about these Photos is it show correct pitching form (well as correct as you can get with a broken leg). I have now sat my child down and told him he is not allowed to use his leg for the rest of the night. I wonder if that is what the DR. meant when he encouraged us to have him walk on it after 4 weeks. He gets his cast off in two weeks and goes into a boot. He will begin physical therapy shortly there after. I must go American Idol is on. I LOVE BLAKE!!!!!

The Sock Hop

Friday night was the schools sock hop. We took the kids and several of their friends. They had a great time playing, drinking rootbeer floats and dancing! One of my friends took his picture of Jonah which really says it all. Jonah is hilarious. I love it.

Sleeping In

It is 8:25 am. Christian and Jonah are still sound asleep, but who could blame them. Yesterday, Sarah took the boys to school b/c Max slept until 9:45. We have been so busy lately and the kids are consistently missing their bed times. Add in the beautiful sun shining in their bedrooms bright and early and you end up with a lot of missed sleep. This morning it is cool, damp and cloudy out. We have no where to be until the early afternoon so I am letting the boys just chill and sleep as long as they need.
On Thursday Chris took the boys to the Mariners game. They had a great time. Last night was the school sock hop and the kids rocked the dance floor in their usual fashion. Christian stayed in his wheel chair and made chair dancing a new fad. He has such great friends that stayed and pushed him around. They dressed in crazy wigs it was fun. Jonah was John Lennon last night and a dancing genius. Max hung with Annie and Connor, they looked like a gang.
Chris is golfing in the "Crying Shame" golf tournament (church sponsored). I am just hanging around drinking coffee, thrilled that we don't have to be to the ball fields until 1pm!!!! YEAH! Jonah has a game at two. Max and Christian have games at 4pm and we are doing a potluck with Christians team which should be fun. Hopefully, everyone will be rested and ready to go for a fun filled afternoon.

A Christian Duvall Original

MY MOM

The important thing about my mom is she drinks diet coke.
My mom is crazy sometimes.
My mom takes me places.
My mom lets me do sports.
My mom helps me when I break my leg.
My mom pays so I can go to piano.
My mom pays so I can go to school.
My mom loves me very much.
But the most important thing about my mom is she drinks diet coke.

Christian Duvall
2007

(I don't pay for him to go to school but I won't tell him that. Well, I guess taxes....)

Happy Mothers Day to me

I had a fabulous Mother's Day weekend that was busy, busy, busy and a whole lot of fun. Friday I wasn't feeling well so Chris brought home take out....Love it. He picked me a up jammies and a movie and gave them to me on Friday so I could just chill. Saturday was non stop baseball again and after the game we had a our friends kids over so they could go out. We made brownies and watched movies which was really nice. Sunday Chris made me breakfast and then we went out to the Horse races with our friends. They had so much for the kids to do: face painting, tatoos, pony rides, Bouncer etc. etc. It was all free!!!! I sat out watching the horse races and drinking margarita's. YEAH. It was a long day but a lot of fun. They boys fell asleep on the way home they were so tired and frankly so were we. The boys had all made me sweet gifts. I had such a nice weekend. Chris stayed home "sick" yesterday and we went golfing at Mt. Si. It was 85+ degrees yesterday. We had a nice afternoon together just hanging out. I had never really golfed before. It was a lot of fun. After we had more baseball. We have a game and a practice tonight but will have Thurs and Fri off which is unusual. It will be a nice break before all day Sat. games. It was nice to have some time with Chris b/c we have been non stop for so long that we haven't really hung out in a long time. I think our last date was in January. Hopefully we thing will get easier by mid june. Love it. Christian is healing well and is schedule to have his cast off June 5th. YEAH!!!

Jonah and Alex.

Jonah and Shaye

Jonah's First Communion

Here is Jonah and his good buddy Andy at their First Communion. It was a big day for Jonah. He was very excited and had a lot of fun. We went straight from First Communion to baseball pictures and games. After that our friends invited us over for dinner which was really nice. Jonah got a chance to celebrate some more with his friend Jamie and Christian played with his buddy Casey. Chris and I just kicked back and relaxed with our friends while the kids had a good old time. Over all it was a really nice weekend. Jonah is getting to be such a big kid. Thanks to everyone who sent cards and gifts. It meant a lot to us and Jonah was very excited with everything. I don't have a camera so I had to rely on friends for the pics. I will post a few when I get them. Thanks Dan for this wonderful shot.

Lucky US!

Lucky for us the ER doc gave us bad info. Christians leg is broken in the same spot. That changes everything. The ER doc told us it was in a different spot and that potentially posed some problems for Christian. However, we got good news yesterday. Christian broke the leg in the same spot which just happens some times. Unfortunately for him he was one of the unlucky ones who re-breaks. We are happy to be in a cast and on the mend with no real issues to deal with. Like all mom's I was paniced by the what if's and I am very relieved that everything is ok. Christian is back at school today with a new BLACK cast. Chris drew a Blue Jay on it which is the name of his team. The kids at school were happy to see him and Christian was glad to be back. He is so blessed to have such great friends.

Jonah is celebrating his First Communion this weekend. He is so excited. He is doing such a good job in school and is becoming a great little ball player. I am so proud of my Jonah.

Max is doing well also and playing ball. He wants to be a dirt bike rider and we are trying to make that happen for him.

Another Bad Break

Yesterday while Christian was at school he was running and he slipped. When he fell he heard that ever distinctable sound of a crack. His friends went for help immediately. I was called and so was the ambulance. Sure enough he broke his leg. The ambulanced us to Childrens in Seattle where they x-ray'd, splinted and gave him pain meds. He will go for his cast in the next couple of days. His spirits are good. Friends have brought us dinner, ice cream and chocolate. His team got him balloons and a card and they gave Chris and I mini tequila and malibu rum. I am so appreciative of all my friends who have helped me out over the past 6 months. I started writing a list of all the people who need Thank you's and I am just amazed. I don't know how I will be able to thank them all, and since I am the worlds worst Thank you card writer (30 years running) I am now at an extreme disadvantage. I told Christian yesterday two things: #1 God never gives us more than we can hanle and #2 I know it sucks that he broke his leg again but I told him how blessed he was to have such great friends. He had calls all afternoon and parents were calling with their concern. It is such a comfort to me that I have great friends but it is even more comforting that he has great friends who support him. God really new what he was doing planting us here in Snoqualmie.

Happy Birthday Chris

Chris turned 33 yesterday. Looking good! We had a fun filled weekend of baseball. Friday was my grandmothers funeral. After that we the kids to the capital state building and they were allowed to go into the House of Representatives and vote. They took our picture with our Representatives and everything. It was a total fluke, a case of being at the right place at the right time. Saturday Chris woke up and went golfing and then we had baseball starting at 9am. We had back to back games all day and didn't leave the field until after 5:30. Christian had gone to a Husky baseball game and we went out to dinner. Sunday we went to Church and then out for Breakfast with some friends. Christian got to be the bat boy for USC and they told him he could do it on Sunday as well. So we all went to the Husky baseball game on Sunday and Christian and his friends got to be bat boys again. They got their baseballs signed by both teams and had a fantastic day. After, we took Chris out to dinner for his birthday. It was a great day. Busy weekend but overall really nice. I have a picture of Chris that I am trying to post but it is in the wrong format so once I figure it out, I will post it.

Isn't Max cute

So the story goes like this....

"Max, what did you do today?"

"I went to recess."

"Who did you play with?" I asked

"Oh, with Hannah." He innocently replies.

"What did you and Hannah play?"

"Well, all Hannah wanted to do was kiss me." he says with a shrug "so, that is all we did."

When Chris came home he told Max to stay away from girls. But if he is going to kiss someone it may as well be Hannah. Isn't she darling.

Things are going well. Baseball season is off to a good start. I am immensly fatigued. Chris says it is because I am not used to doing things all day long. Nice.

We are hoping to make it home to the tri-cities this weekend. Hoping, Hoping, Hoping. Christian and Jonah both have practice in the morning and then we are going to hit the road.

In other news, Lent was officially over last night after mass. Today is a day of fasting and abstainance. I am trying to decide if I can still have my diet coke. If I am fasting, I would still drink one and diet coke is not meat. I have resolved myself to think that I am ok in having a diet coke. (Sarah said I could). Chris is crazy busy and he has a deadline Monday which he is trying to get done today so we can go home free and clear.

I am excited for Easter and excited to see the family even if it is only for a couple of hours really. I have to go get a couple things for the kids' easter baskets this afternoon. My work is never done. So much for not doing things all day long.

Juxtaposed

Our days have been so incredibly strange. I take the kids to the bus then Max and I come back to the house. We usually just clean and pick up. If it is a good day then I will make dinner and be ready for the evening. Once Max goes to school, I finish cleaning the house. I will eat a quiet lunch maybe take a shower if I haven't already. There is plenty to fill up the three hours, whether I am preparing for practice or taking 10minutes to myself. Then in the afternoon as if supercharged by the joy of their education my children arrive home. I then quickly stuff food in their throats and shove them quickly in the car. Last night we had practice at 5 and then Chris had practice at 5:45, then Jonah had first Communion classes at 6:30. After class we went back to the fields to help Chris clean up his stuff. Tonight I will pick up the kids from school take them to piano, then straight to Max's baseball team. I am not sure at what point our kids are going to eat today but I am sure they will sooner or later. The point is My days are busy, then they are calm for just a moment then the storm hits out of nowhere and I am left wondering if I can handle eleven more weeks of this. I can do it, I can do it. I can do it. I have been thinking a lot about my kids and their friends lately. I have been thinking about our priorities and the life we have made for them here. I know we are busy, busy, busy but the kids are really happy. The only downside I can find is that we have not seen family in what feels like forever!!

The Three Piggy Opera

This morning when Max woke up he climbed in bed with me and reminded me today was the three piggy opera.
"I know"
"I'ts at 2:30-" He said
"I know"
"Mom, you have to get there early if you want to get the front row."
"I know."
My point is this is the first time I can ever remember Max counting the days down to anything. This little opera is so important that at 6am he is reminding me to get there early so I can have the front row. He is the brick peddler and has a small solo. My friend is loaning me her camera so I can take pictures and post them. In the mean time only 5 hours left til the three piggy opera.

Baseball season is here again.

It is always so shocking to see the change that comes over this family in baseball season. The draft was just two weeks ago and we are already in full swing. Christian had baseball practice in the rain last night. Chris had the boys practice sliding out in the grass. They loved it. I always enjoy seeing the team dynamics and we are so blessed to have so many of our "boys" back on our team. I received an email last night about Jonah's team, we should be up and running next week. YEAH. Jonah has three of his best friends on his team which is fantastic! I think Jonah is going to have a great time this year. The league informed us that we will infact be coaching Max as well. He is so excited to play ball and it is nice for us that we get to be a part of each boys team. (Even if that wasn't what we signed up for). The league is working really hard on scheduling so that we aren't triple booked. Max will have games every mon/wed. Christian and Jonah will probably alternate tues/thurs games and they will both have a game on Saturdays. Which leaves us baseball free on Fridays and Sundays. Plenty of opportunities for people to catch games.

Jonah will be celebrating his First Communion on May 5th at 10am, Christian has a game following at 1pm and Jonah will more than likely have a game that afternoon as well.

Busy Busy Busy but all worth it. Just know if we aren't communicating with everyone it is not because we don't love people, it is because I have three boys and baseball.......By the way I picked that picture from Chris' Mt. St. Helens hike because it was peaceful, which is how I anticipate my life being in just 11 short weeks from now. But who am I trying to kid. Oh yeah, Max is going to be in the three piggy opera at school next week and he is soooooo excited. March 20th at 2pm. Love it.

I Love Yoga

I started this blog talking about being unnecessarily stressed and yoga relaxing me when my computer has now bliped twice and I have lost my post twice. Go figure. Anyway, what I was saying that got erased is that I have been waking up early because of Chris and today I did yoga. I love my yoga and since the flood I have gotten out of the habit of doing it. Which is probably the time I should have done it more. I just couldn't get out of bed to be ready by 6am. This weekend was a big one for our family, it was draft time for little league. Christian had to try out in his boot and was able to run which gave him a zero in one whole category. It didn't matter though because he received a perfect score in all three categories, except one coach marked him down (his dad) in one category. The amazing thing is even if he had received an average score in running he would have been in the top couple of kids...but as it was he had to settle for the top 20- booted leg and all. That kid is amazing. (shameless bragging) Today is a big day for him because his boot comes off. He is so excited. He ate breakfast, took a shower, got dressed and is practicing piano and it is only 7:30. In contrast Jonah just went flying over the coach in his p.j's being some sort of crazy guy, he has been asked to get dressed three times. Ugghh. I went to spy on Jonah in his class yesterday and I couldn't find him for what seemed like the longest time. Then I spotted him in the corner head down, focusing and working really hard. I was so proud. Jonah has been practicing two numbers for the talent show in June. We will see. Max got up this morning, he and teddy did yoga with me. The don't get the quiet yen thing yet but we are working on it. Max was stretching his legs and the muscles were pulling and he puts his hand under his knees and says very seriously "I don't know if I should be doing this?" He was very concerned. It just makes me laugh. You should see his triangle pose. It is awesome. Baseball starts this week and I am gearing up for a crazy season!!!! I will post a game schedule for all the boys in case anyone wants to see a game. I believe Max will be every Monday and Wednesday starting in April. Thats all for now.

American Idol

Chris and I have never watched American Idol before, we have seen a few of the older seasons but never sat religiously and watched. We have a couple of Fav's and a few we don't really care for. Chris has a highly technical way of deciding who to vote for. Any contestant that resists the urge to promote themselves by holding up their fingers gets a vote from Mr.CSD.
The kids did not go to school again today because of the snow which bring us to two full weeks of missed school due to flood, power or weather. Tack that on to the end of the year and we will be going to school until July 3rd unless something is done about it. LOVELY! The good news is the mountain got more snow which leaves us with some more spring skiing. Yeah!
Christian has been grounded since Monday for refusing to eat his sloppy joes and then vomitting. That was a fun night. Jonah and Max are being hobbits right now and I just keep following them around picking up whatever they drop on their trail. My life is truly riviting.

The Skull Shredder

In an attempt to post more regularly I decided to write about yet another sno-boarding extravaganza. First of all I think people would pay good money to see me shred the mountain side and I am seriously looking into creating a new reality t.v. show starring myself. Second it is important to remember that my last outing was seriously traumatic. It is also important to note that while I am up for most anything, I am cautious and sensible.
So Claire and I went sno-boarding yesterday........
Lets just say we got off to a rough start, mostly I was scared shootless. But never fear, I am amazing and after several runs I was back to my old self again. Once confident in my skills I felt it the perfect time to break for lunch (I brought girlscout cookies). So Claire and I went and had lunch in the bar and since it was early and we had several hours before driving or kids we decided to have a Margarita..... I also think it is important to note that I gave up Diet Coke for Lent. Anyone who really knows me also realizes they probably don't want to hang with me until after lent. So I have been drinking bottles and bottles of water but I haven't found that thing that quenches my thirst like the diet coke does. So anyhoo, Claire and I have a rather large lunch, a big sandwich, a bag of chips, four girl scout cookies....I however, was still really thirsty and not responsible for operating any vehicle at all for the rest of the day. So yes, it is true, I had a second Margarita. (which oddly enough was quenching my thirst) So Claire and I left the bar laughing our butts off after changing our ring tones and calling ourselves over and over so we could hear the songs we put on our phones....I think you know where I am going with this. So then Claire and I went back to the bunny slope where we are famous for our styling. At this point my cousin Tanya, who I have been playing phone tag with calls. So of course, I take the call. I mention to her while talking on the phone and sno-boarding down the mountain that I indeed had a couple of drinks and now I am a super duper talented sno-boarder.....great!! She mentioned that may not have been a good choice....hmmm...I wonder if she has something there????? So at this point I get off the phone and convince Claire we are ready for a big kid slope. So we sno-board over to the highspeed Quad (may be a clue?) and we get on. As the chair starts moving up, I realize a key point about myself which I forget.....I am afraid of heights....So here I am on a lift I made Claire go on, and now I am having a small panic attack...AWESOME. Claire is doing what any good friend would do in that situation (Laughing hysterically). We made it successfully to the top of the mountain and began to ski down. We go the way we think looks easiest down a mild grade hill when we come to what appears to be a straigt down drop off, after another small panic attack we have no choice but to head down the mountain. Which we did, I went left, I went right, I went front edge, then back edge, I rocked that mountain like nobodys business, Claire was also rocking an rolling on the mountain and when we were done all the people stood up and cheered (ok there weren't any people but had there been they would have cheered). We came, we saw, we kicked that lifts a**. The point is last week, I was broken and defeated never wanting to shred again, but now I know I was born to shred. I was made to shred and I also should get fully loaded before going....... That end my totally irresponsible adventure sno-boarding. For those of you who are now seriously concerned about my mental stability know that I never sno-board without a helmet. Isn't that comforting.... The other point of the story is that in observation of lent I am sacrificing diet coke which I love and is difficult for me. It is a nice reminder for me to pray instead of drinking diet coke and is particularly nice at 1pm, when the kids are at school and I am sitting down to relax instead of diet coke, I am having a nice quiet moment....However, the down side is the one thing I have found to quench that thirst is a margarita....I am not sure that is an appropriate substitute or anywhere near what Jesus had in mind. Pray more, drink more. Just throwing that out there.

Eighteen Days

It has been 18 days since I last blogged which is crazy to me since I feel like I post everyday. As per usual nothing slows down here ever. Jonah has his last basketball game today. I love watching him play basketball because he is so happy and has such a good attitude. Chris and I took Max and Jonah night skiing the other night. The mountain kicked my butt in a big way but the kids had a great time. They are amazing jumping and racing, just having a good ol time. Max gotten taken out by a huge snowboarder racing down the mountain. Chris chewed him out and then Jonah scolded Chris for yelling at the boy. He told his Dad that he should "treat others as he would want to be treated" and he reminded Chris "the other boy could have been hurt too." Chris felt bad, it was a bad crash and he was really scared for Max but in the end Jonah taught him a good lesson. Jonah is seriously the most thoughtful child. He is soooo nice. Max is doing well, he is my cuddle boy. I took the boys swimming and Max just likes to hang with me. I used to think he was a Daddy's boy but I think he likes me OK. Christian is doing great. This whole broken leg has brought out quite a bit in Christian.. things I've noticed are #1 He doesn't talk much, people will talk to him and ask him questions but he won't talk to them. He answers them but he doesn't talk to them. (anyone who knows chris knows what I am talking about, unfortunately I can't give Christian a beer to fix the problem..HEEHEE) I am surprised to see he is a little shy because at home and with his friends he is NOT. #2 a softer side to Christian, he is hugging his mommy again. We went to visit my grandmother yesterday and he sat in my lap the WHOLE time. He was playing with my arms and driving me crazy but the fact that my nine year old boy was cuddling me outweighed the irritation from lack of personal space. He holds my hand when walking and just basically relies on me where for a long time he had thought he had outgrown me. #3 Private Christian, poor kid. He has been so private for so long but not any more. I guess when mommy has to take you potty and give you baths you just kind of loose that. I think overall he just is a little more vulnerable which might not be bad for a kid who is as confident and "naturally talented" as Christian. But never fear that driven Christian is still there. A week after he took off his cast he was swimming, playing basketball, practicing baseball and alter serving. He can stop wearing his boot at home next week and the whole thing comes off on the sixth.

As for me and Chris we are doing good. We miss our family and are really feeling the pressure of our busy schedule and how it affects the extended family. I have had the flu and Chris came home from work to take care of me. I love him. I went to Olympia yesterday to see my grandmother. Her health is failing and I have been really wanting to see her. It was a crazy day, my mom had all my brothers and their kids over at her house so the boys had a nice time with their cousins. We went to grandmas and spent an little time with her until she got too tired. It was nice, I hadn't seen her since my grandfather passed away a couple months ago. It is nice to see her spirits are up and despite the fact that she has cancer she was doing quite well. I missed seeing my grandpa sitting in his chair beside her. It was bittersweet.

It is snowing here again, I think we will just make a fire and stay in. Jonah has his game and then it is p.j time for us. Yeah!! I love relaxing.......

Crazy Dreams

Oh my goodness, I wonder what I ate last night. I have always said that my stress manifests itself in my dreams....no kidding. I had the most crazy dream that I took Christian to get his cast off. Not so weird except that the Doctor's office was exactly like the kindergarten class room and the art portable at the school. Not only that but everyone I have ever met was there with someone who had broke something. Even my friend Coleen and her family. I haven't seen her family since Max was a baby. So instead of being with Christian in the Dr. office I left him there alone while I socialized....nice mom. Then I finally decided to grace him with my presence when the Dr.'s were discussing the next coarse of action. They were leaning towards another cast and I was not happy. I begged them to take an x-ray to see how his leg was when they informed me the bone had slipped and Christian would need surgery....aggghhhhhh.

It was at that moment the phone rang and Chris woke me up. He was calling me because he had left a set of drawings at home. Not a good morning for him. In the mean time I made the family muffins and everyone is dressed and ready. Christian has less than two hours left in that cast buy I am still unsure of the fate that awaits us. I am obviously unconcerned about it too. Hee hee. Christian has a cold so he is in a bad mood and I am trying not to discuss the situation so he has no preconceived notions. He is a planner and if things don't go according to plan he gets stressed. Not unlike his mama. I took a pic of the boys saying "last day for this stinking cast."

News News and more News

Things are happening around here and I am starting to feel like we are on an up swing but I really don't want to jinx myself. I would say that the stress level of the last three months has been maxed out!!! However, the tide is beginning to turn. I will start with telling you my new name which is the SKULL SHREDDER. Chris bought me a snowboard a couple of weeks ago and it has skulls on it. It was the best board for the price. I have been going up to the mountain about once a week and shredding if you will. I find it is a positive way to release some stress. Last week I was feeling like I was hot stuff as I was rocking the bunny hill. Jay Buhner and Jeff Nelson were also on the bunny slope and I will give myself props for being able to "hang" with the big boys....(they are actually really big). They weren't too awesome on the hill though which made me feel like I was top dog on the bunny slope. Fast forward to the weekend when I met Chris up on the pass with Max and Jonah. (Thanks Kim for watching the Skip). The kids are all done with the bunny hill and I was feeling pretty confident so we went down gallery which is barely bigger than the bunny slope!!! I have to say the mountain wooped my hiney. Max and Jonah rocked and Chris ended up taking Jonah down some pretty major slopes after Max and I took off. Jonah rocks. I however will go back to ruling the bunny slope.
In other weekend news, Jonah was awesome in his basketball game with three hoops, four clean steals, several rebounds and his coach mentioned to me that he has the best team spirit and attitude on the court. Love that kid. Oh yeah and one huge rejection at the hoop. Jonah
However, our biggest news of the Week is that Chris passed his final test for his final license this weekend. He now has two initials after his name. Chris Duvall P.E. S.E. I like to tease him about that. This is huge news not just because of the initials but the test is really hard and time consuming and hard on everyone. The amount of time and studying Chris has to put in is unbelievable on top of being and awesome engineer, coach, dad and husband. It is with great relief to all of us to be past that chapter. I couldn't be more proud of my brilliant husband.
Finally, the countdown to the wheel chair is almost done. Tomorrow morning at 9:40 Christians full length cast will come off. We are hoping he is healed enough for the walking boot and not another cast. Pray that all the milk he drinks will pay off in this interesting time of recovery. Christians teacher mentioned to me that she was done with the wheel chair and I can only say, I know how she feels and neither one of us are Christian so I hope tomorrow will prove to be a positive day for him.
Other than that we were happy the Bears lost the Super Bowl and we are looking forward to the Seahawks going to the Super Bowl next year. We just have to get through baseball season.
Chris will be coaching Christians team, I am coaching Jonah's and Max will get his start in t-ball. I just want to know why God thought it was a good idea to give me Three boys. Oh yeah, he never gives you more than you can handle......I hope he knows what he is doing!!!

Teaching Christa how to blog

today my dear friend Christa drove a gazillion miles just to spend the day with me. Love her and her sweet daughters. So, I decided to show her how to blog so that I can keep track of her growing family better.

January Update

It has been a long time. I have just been struggling to get things back into order. The kids were out of school last week for snow. Which brings us up to 8 snow days and the canceling of our mid winter break. I am just trying to reestablish routine and get my house back in order. At the same time, I am trying to get out of the house for my sanity. Last Thursday I drove up to the pass and went snoboarding for a few hours by myself. That was so nice. Sat, Chris and I went out to his annual work party which was fun. We left early and went dancing down at Pioneer Square with some friends. That was funny. We were the oldest people in the room and it was way past our bedtime but don't worry we rocked it anyway.
Christian is getting around in that wheel chair pretty well. He only has two weeks left. He is finding things to keep himself busy. He has gone to a couple of friends houses for playdates and he even stayed home alone for a short period of time. I think he can't wait to get moving again.
Chris and I took Jonah and Max skiing after Jonah's basketball game on Saturday. It was nice for the boys to get out. Max likes to tear up the mountain and he tries to do as many jumps as possible. Jonah is all about turning. The competition is fierce between those two but they are also the best of friends. Chris and I were laughing yesterday just listening to those two playing and laughing together. They were cracking eachother up and they were in hysterics. It was hilarious.
I am hoping that the next couple of weeks are incredibly uneventful and very relaxing. I have high hopes as we head into Februaury.

To good to pass up!!!

My brother posted this picture on his blog www.daredub.blogspot.com and it was too perfect to pass up so I shamelessly stole it for my own. His own family pics are adorable and it is worth checking out my adoorable niece. As for Jonah, I just love him. He is coming into his own and he is such an amazing little boy. He played in his first basketball game this weekend and he was awesome. He had the most rebounds and steals (in my opinion). He was so aggressive and did such a great job. He got "3 hoops." He has spent the weekend practicing a song he wants to sing in the talent show at the end of the year. I think he is adorable and perfect. Christian is watching sports 24/7 because he can't do too much. His birthday was January first and he is a big time 9 year old. I let him have a sleep over with several of his friends. We had a surprise party on New Years Eve and under the circumstances it was just what he needed. He stayed home alone for the first time (for an hour and a half) this weekend during Jonah's game. I had the Mustang and couldn't take him and the wheel chair. I think he was really nervous but in the end he was excited. He was allowed to play video games and anyone who knows me knows that is a rare treat indeed. Max is crazy as per usual. He has been Jonah's partner in crime all weekend. He and Jonah have been watching movies, playing legos, singing and racing on their new scooters. This morning before church Chris told the boys to get on their best favorite shirt, get ready and stand by the door. Like a good boy he did as he was told. When we got to church and took off his coat we noticed he didn't have one favorite shirt on but three. None of which were buttoned properly. It was hilarious but at least he dressed himself. When we got home we realized that his undershirt was unusually big for him. I told him to take it off but before he did I noticed he was wearing one of my shirts. OHHHH MY, the people at church must have thought we were nuts. Chris is working today after working at the pass, stacking wood and watching the seahawks game yesterday. I am so glad the won. We are also excited that the Seahawks face Rex Grossman. If you see or talk to Chris tell him you love Rex Grossman....trust me, its a fun game. Well we are off to another crazy week, wish me luck...

Christian's broken leg

Yes it is true. Christian broke his leg skateboarding on Mrs. Tubbs drive way. He knew it was broken right away and begged for me to take him to the hospital. We ended up at Swedish in Seattle and found that he broke it in two places. Once down on the left side of his leg in the big bone it is broken right on through just a couple inches above the ankle. Then on the right side just below his knee is a smaller break. Therefore he needed the full leg cast to keep his knee imobile. As per usual he was not without his Seahawks hat or two layers of seahawk shirts. He was a little disappointed when they had to cut his jeans off of him. I am holding up his jeans in the background. Christian is laying on the couch watching sports movies. He won't be able to be up around for awhile but he is in good spirits and a little pain. So that is the newest chapter in the Duvall family saga.

lights out

Well, we were hit with another natural disaster and were without power since last Thursday. As you can see we tried several things to amuse ourselves. This is a picture of the Christian, Max and a flashlight. The storm hit taking out our phones and electricity. I of course had very little battery on my phone and Chris could not get a signal on his. We had one gas station in town that worked and people were waiting up to three hours to get gas. It was incredible there wasn't gas for miles and supplies were depleted all over western Washington. Everything was closed, people were selling supplies for outrageous prices. I just wanted a Starbucks but no such luck. Monday, Issaquah finally got power and I was able to take a sick Max to the doctor. He of course has a slight case of pneumonia. Lovely! Monday night I decided to take my meat up to a friends refrigerator (she has a generator, and is also the same friend who saved us in the flood, She Rocks)! When I got home a light was on in my house and someone was here. It was my mom. She and her husband had driven up after work to save the day. They brought us a generator and gas! YEAH! That instantly changed the temperature in our house 10 degrees. It also gave us the use of a fridge again and more importantly a hot cup of coffee. Thanks Mom!!!!! Luckily it had been cold enough outside to keep most of our food. The last two days we have been cruizin in style. Our power came back this morning around 11am. I instantly did several loads of laundry, it was starting to stink around here. I also did some dishes in my dishwasher. I love dishwashers. Today finds us a little better off although Max is still under the weather, Jonah has a fever of 102 and Christian and I are holding strong at 99 degrees... The last two months have proven to be exciting for the Duvalls. We have learned a lot about ourselves and what is truly important......Electricity (just kidding) I hope we are able to make it out of here to see some loved ones over the Holidays. The boys pageant was reschedule for this Saturday at noon. Can you believe it, they even canceled Church. Catholics canceling church, I have never heard of such a thing. I thought we would pray by candle light but no such luck, they did however print bulletins and when we went to church on Sunday morning they were passing them out. Got to love that. Love to all.

Christmas News

Well, I was surprised to realize I hadn't blogged since Thanksgiving. Part of me was waiting for my brother to send me some Thanksgiving pics but I have long since given up. The other part of me has just been doing all kinds of things getting ready for Christmas. Max and Jonah are in the upcoming church play so I am making Shepard and Angel comstumes for both of them. Chris has been working and was in Omak and Wenatchee today doing some sight visits on schools. I ordered my Christmas cards which I will pick up from Costco tomorrow and hope to mail out before the end of the year. (anyone that really knows me is concerned right now) I thought it might be nice to post a pic of the kids and a little about what is going on in their lives as we head into the new year. Which by the way Christian turns 9 on the first. I can not believe I have a nine year old. Well, I am going to sign off so I can finish up the last costume and maybe sit back with a nice glass of wine and a good book. Merry Christmas incase I forget to post again.

The Skip

Ever since Christian was born we have called him Skippy. I can't even remember why. While we were in the hospital on the day of his birth he was entranced by the sports on T.V. and his obsession has only gotten more intense. He is a nut. I don't mind however because he is such a smart boy with so many talents. He is a great at piano, baseball, and chess. He loves learning and is always striving to be the best. At the same time he is often praised for his good manners and kind heart. Our struggles with Christian are few and far between because he tries so hard at all things (except cleaning his room). He and Chris are the best of friends. Chris does not enjoy it when Christian is at a friends house playing especially if a good game is on. That child knows more useless sports information than anyone I know. This year has been a good one for him, he had the opportunity to meet Josh Brown, Seneca Wallace, and Bobby Ingram from the Seahawks. Two of them signed his hat that NEVER leaves his head. Christian recently finished alter boy training and he looks like a little angel when he is up there. The flood was a little difficult for him and has brought on a few nightmares which is unusual for him. It was the first time his structured life was a little haywire so I am not surprised. He is amazingly mature and I know he can handle it. Well everyone pray that the Seahawks go to the Super Bowl so Christians dream can come true.

Jonah, Jonah, Jonah

MY OH MY, What am I going to do with this child? Obviously, he thinks he is something else

and frankly so do I. I have never seen a child with such an amazing imagination. He was in a small play is his acting class yesterday. I am proud to boast he rocked it. He is also going to be a shepard in the up coming pageant. I think Jonah was casinova in a former life because all the little girls adore him but who has time to worry about such things when you are seven. In stead Jonah is trying to figure out how he can be in a movie and he has written several drafts to Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter) to solicite advice. Acting lessons are his main passion but Jonah is also in Piano and he will be starting basketball soon. Jonah is the funniest little boy in the world , my friends and I have actually developed a new language based on Jonahisms. But this is not the extent of his many talents Jo is also a great artist. He loves art and is perfectly content sitting for hours with a notebook and a pencil creating books, pictures or alternate universes. There is only ONE JONAH!!!!

MR.MAX

Max brought the candy cane ornament home from school for me. He was so proud of himself. He is such a loving kid. He was very excited about playing on the Grand Piano in his lesson today. He is also excited about being a shepard in the upcoming pageant. Max is such a sweet child. Chris and I often comment on just how happy he always is. I love it. He and I spend every morning together and it is just nice to have quality time with my little boy. He is however a starbucks addict and everyone knows him by name even the customers.....Pathetic. (Don't tell Chris). But don't let his sweet disposition fool you he has a hidden dark side and will wrap you around his little finger to get what he wants. Chris is rarely able discipline him because he's got his daddy right where he wants him. He is also a quick learner. We went to the library the other day and he asked me if he could get a kindergarten book, he did and he came home and read the whole thing aloud. I had no idea he could read. Sneaky little bug. He still loves maps, music and trucks and aspires to be a fireman. It is convenient that most cops and firemen hang out at the starbucks. I can't believe my little baby is turning into a little man. He still climbs in bed with me for a good cuddle from time to time so he's not all grown up yet.