Camera Crazy

So as most of you know, I don't have a camera. Chris bought me one years ago for my birthday and then he broke it in 2005 at a Seahawks playoff game with Christian. I used to be really great about taking and organizing pictures. Now, I SUCK! I am so thankful that I have amazing friends who do everything from helping me with my kids, saving us during floods, helping take tablesaws that have fallen on me off, bringing me flowers, making me cookies, helping out when one of my various family members ends up in the ER, and often times taking pictures of my children. Sarah has taken pictures of my kids on the first day of school for years, halloween, pre-k graduation. You name it she takes the pics. Nan took all of the kids first communion pics and Jeremy (Peggy's husband) has taken most of the sport photo's and a few others. I will often get a c.d. of a compilation of pictures from different points in my childrens life that I had almost forgotten. The perspective of other peoples picture taking is cool and they often capture their personalities better than I could. Jeremy sent a c.d. home with Christian (after watching the kids for Jury Duty. THANKS FURSMANS!!) The result were some fun pictures that I hadn't seen. The pictures of Jonah are from a Harry Potter party. Peggy bought Jonah book seven for his birthday and invited us to a midnight release party. She gave Jonah the first book of the night, which he will never forget. THANK YOU AGAIN! Then there are some pics of Christian playing ball in his full length cast. Chris let him play in a couple of games and he was so happy (not my favorite choice but better than when he had him on the roof in his cast). Also, there are a few pics from the boys at Ian birthday. Peggy and I took them to the Mariners and it was a lot of fun. Christian, Ian and Cooper were also bat boys for a Huskie USC game and I will be posting a couple of those as well. I often times forget why I love where we live so much. I keep talking about what a hard year it has been for my family but I would never had made it through without my "BEST FRIENDS" You know who you are.......Stop making fun of me!!!! God gave me this fantastic "collection" of friends because he knew I needed all the help I could get. If I haven't told you thanks lately sorry, but I do appreciate you!

Jury Duty

I have spent the last couple of days in Jury Duty. It has been crazy. I have been in a large pool of jurors for a criminal trial and I have yet to be booted off. I feel like I am part of a tribal council on Survivor. I have spent most of the time waiting and waiting to hear about my fate and talking with other jurors. I made a few friends (shocking). We went out to lunch and I of course drank a margarita hoping that would get me kicked off, but no, I am still there. I have to go back on Tuesday for more of their examination. As it stands now, I am on the jury unless someone veto's me. The case is expected to take a couple of weeks which is CRAZY! As if I have time to be on a jury for a couple of weeks.

Other than that, things have been pretty normal. I had a little league board meeting the other night and then met a girlfriend for a birthday margarita. Happy Birthday Kathy! Chris has to be at the summit this weekend and will be hunting again with his friend. Poor little Elk! The boys and I are planning to check out the BEE movie.

I am hoping for a relaxing weekend. I don't have to teach this weekend but the kids have pageant rehersals Sunday. They are excited. Christian is planning on playing the entrance song on the piano. He is getting really good. Jonah is angry there is no Joseph this year because he has waited his whole life to be Joseph. Its devestating, I am sure.

A year in Remberance

All right so marking the anniversary of the year from hell is probably a little dramatic. Oh well, it has been a tough year and I am so happy it has finally come to a close. 1 year ago today we flooded. With little to no rain in sight, I am counting my blessings that it is not likely to flood again this week. YEAH. We had a check up at the doctors a couple of weeks ago and Christian is not likely to break his leg again anytime soon (despite all his efforts).

The passing of my grandparents this last year was difficult. I was really blessed to have an opportunity to say goodbye to both. There was so much emotion wrapped up in all of that, it is hard to explain how the experience changed me but it did.

I am hoping for no more major power outages or illnesses but that is unrealistic. A friend of ours was just diagnosed with terminal cancer and was given just a few months. After seeing the miracle of brain surgery this last year and knowing God's grace and love, I have no choice but to hope. However, I am very well aware the miracle I am asking for may not be the one God is giving.

So here is to a new year. I hope it is a good one. If it floods, let it be a little one. If Christian breaks something, let it be a bone he doesn't need.

Here are some pics my cousin sent me. I was teaching the boys to ride the dirt bike that got stolen. Oh well, it was a fun day and the boys had a great time.

Chris and his 4x4

What an exciting weekend for Chris. After a hectic week at work Chris's buddy got him out of the house and into the woods. The two men spent the last two days hunting. Ryans wife went with them yesterday, she is braver than I. I received a phone call about 12:30 this afternoon saying they got one. Chris was very excited, it was his first Elk. He is lucky to have Ryan helping and teaching him. The boys and I hurried over to the Kolodejchucks to see the prize. The boys were excited and loved the whole process. We had a nice dinner and spent a great afternoon with their amazing family. I rushed home to put together a slide for all to see. Hope you enjoy!

Check out my Slide Show!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

A crazy thing happened yesterday. Work emailed me that they desperately needed someone to sub at the library last night. I jokingly said Chris was working late and I would do it if I could bring my kids. The guy I work for said he was willing to try. So I loaded the boys in the car and we went to work. They were so well behaved. I was so proud. I couldn't believe it. They had to be virtually silent in the library for over two hours and they were. After about an hour and a half Max got lonely for me so he would walk up and down the isle's with me and push the carts aroung. As for the other two they were content just hanging out reading, doing homework and playing on the computer. I was able to get them mostly caught up before I left which is always good.

Halloween is tonight and that should be fun. We are going to our friends house and having pizza and then heading out for trick or treating. The boys are ready to go. No costumes at school though. That is what they get for going to public school. Oh well, maybe I will be able to afford private someday.

MRS.SIPY

What a week it has been. The kids have been full of one liners this week and it is truly hard to keep up. Jonah came home with his spelling pre-test last night of double letter words such as Letter (leter) Middle (midle) Pretty (perty). Needless to day he did ok but did not catch on to the need for the double letters. As we were reviewing the list we came to a word that did not make sense in his list until it did.....Mississippi....Jonah wrote Mrs. Sipy. I thought that was the greatest thing ever!!!!



Halloween is tomorrow and I am running around last minute trying to get costumes together. Jonah is going to be Harry Potter......again. Max is going to be a dirt bike rider and Christian is going to be the ghost of Babe Ruth! It should be so much fun. I ususally decorate for Halloween but who has time for such frivolities. I just barely finished carving the kids pumpkins last night. Christian's is a seahawk, Jonah's is Harry Potter, and Max's is a dirtbike rider (shocking on all three). That is the only decorating I managed but really we never get any trick or treaters here and we are always gone all evening.



Our friend is in the hospital today having some tests done. They don't really know what is wrong with him so pray for him if you get a chance.

Crazy Dreams

I had an awful night of sleep last night. I woke up several times having various crazy dreams. It must be the pain killers. School was out yesterday because vandals cut chords and slashed tires to our bus fleet. NICE. I took the kids to the aquarium and Madison Park they had a good time but at the end of the day I was exhausted and feeling like I may have over done it. We spent the day with my cousin and her daughter. I am so glad she moved back from Georgia. It has been a long time since I have had any family around. She is someone who has always been there for me and puts a ton of effort into our relationship and I appreciate that! Love ya, Tanya. Not to mention her daughter is adorable and the boys love her. My mom was here for a couple of days last week to take care of me while I was down. I have eaten more cheesecake than I care to admit. My neighbor brought me chocolate chip cookies. I love it. I am just going to spend the day laying on the couch. I rented 8 million movies. I think I will watch pursuit of happiness. It is beautiful outside and I am loving the fall view of the mountains from my windows. It is not often that I get quiet time so I am loving it. Apart from the crazy dreams, plumbing issues and fatigue all is well with the Duvalls. Here are a couple of pics of the boys playing at Madison park. yes, Max's shirt is on backwards.

Pics from my trip

Here our a few pictures of our trip. The first pic is Claire and I making fools of ourselves on the main deck. (unusual) The second is all of us as we left port. The sun was shining and it was beautiful. Finally, the pic with us and the umbrellas was at the Gardens. That was a fun morning that ended with a high tea that was awesome! I was thankful someone took pictures to document at least some of the trip. I am always amazed at how I go out in public and allow myself to be photographed without my hair or makeup done. I was in such a rush to get everything ready and to get on the boat. Who has time for hair and makeup? Clearly not me.

long time, No Blog

It has been a long time since I blogged. Things have been really crazy around here. I have been working everyday at the library and keeping busy with the regular kid stuff going on. I went on a cruise this week with Claire (and friends). Chris stayed home with the boys and did a fantastic job taking care of them! YEAH Chris. Claire and I had a very relaxing time. We went to high tea and spent far too much time in the hot tub drinking champagne! Love it. We spent one afternoon laying around by the pool reading. I am very relaxed and excited to be home. I am happy that my husband is awesome, he did laundry, homework, vaccuumed, and took the kids to Sunday school and baseball without me. He even went to the Gap and bought a girl birthday present for one of the girls in Christians class. I am soooo proud of him. Not that he can't do all those things but more that I appreciated it. Yesterday when I got home he took me to lunch and then we picked up the kids. We had dinner and I receive a foot massage along with tons of hugs and kisses from the kids. I missed them a ton and am happy to be back home, even if it means giving up champagne and hot tubs. I think someone took pictures of us on the trip, I will post them when I get them.

Not Good

Things just can't seem to be going all that good lately. Chris and I have really been disappointed in people lately and it is just something that is not easy to get over. I wonder why people act the way the do all the time. Max got a dirt bike for his birthday on August 3rd. He went outside to sit on it yesterday only to discover someone had stolen it. I am just beside myself with disgust. The audacity it takes to steal from a 6year old is really something else.

Then on a larger scale of disappointment, one of my dearest friends is going through a very difficult time. Her husband was rushed into surgery yesterday to remove a growth in his brain the size of a golf ball. I have had everyone I know praying for them. She called me at 4:30 to say all was well and then by 5:30 things were not looking so good. I am praying and praying that all goes well.

This has been a really tough year for us, me loosing my grandparents, floods, power outages, broken legs, and I am sure there is more I just can't think of right this second. I am happy to say in this time God has really let us know about people, support, love and many more. I know I have personally changed a ton this year and I am wondering who we will be on the other side of this. I can't deal with another heart break right now. Christa and Matt are some of finest people in the world. Matt is a pastor and father of two beautiful girls. Christa is a strong, beautiful, adoring wife. I know God has a plan for them and I just hope for the miracle we are looking and praying for.

This and that

The boys had two baseball games yesterday. That was fun, it was a nice afternoon to be out. The week is going by quickly and I am surprised at the little amount of down time I have. I am working everyday at the library for the next 3 weeks (not sat or sun). Busy busy busy. We have yet to see a Seahawk game which is starting to wear on Chris. The first game, stopped recording after a few minutes. The second game we lost so he didn't want to watch. yesterday I recorded seven hours of channel 13 and the game was on channel 7- ooops. I guess I should get rid of my VCR and break down and get the fancy DVR. I have been refusing, with our schedules I am thinking it is a necessity. I have just a few minutes to choke down lunch and get to work. Thats about all I got for today, until my next blog, Cheers!

JONAH AT BAT!

One thing I have learned over the years is there is no way to measure the love you have for your children. I am amused daily by small things they say or do. In the past several months I have watched Christian grow and change in so many positive ways. Our relationship has been amazing. In the last few weeks I watched my little buddy Max, go off to school and not look back. He is so confident and happy he goes to school with a smile and comes home excited. I can not believe what a big boy he has become.
I was expecting those changes what I haven't expected is to watch the drive and determination that has come over Jonah. Jonah is so mellow and easy going, so imaginative a dreamer. I just wasn't expecting this. This year when Jonah went to school he must have taken a little something with him. He has so much effort and drive. When we decided to coach fall ball, Jonah asked if he could play. I was a bit concerned for a couple of reasons: Jonah would be the youngest by more than a year, Jonah hasn't really grown much in the last two years and finally it is hard to be in with a group of boys who are as close to eachother as Christians friends are. I was not worried the would be mean, quite the opposite, all the boys are our church kids and they are sweet and kind. What surprised me most in practice was Jonah's hustle and drive. He was not going to let a mistake happen on his side of the field. I was unprepared for who he would become in a game. Jonah was the kid on the field who called out the plays, he encouraged the pitchers and kept the mood positive on the field. When Jonah got up to bat for the first time ever hitting off a "kid" pitcher he looked at that first pitch, swung his bat around and jacked the ball to left field. I came unglued! I went postal with enthusiasm and excitement. I was more than proud. He went on to walk, be hit by a pitch and strike out but inside he never gave up. When Christian was pitching he was at first and as Christian walked back onto the mound Jonah gave him a few secret hand signals (who knows what they meant) but Jonah was in charge of the field yesterday and I was already so proud of him, today I was shocked because I have never seen that intensity in him. Jonah my sweet mannered, loving, fool hearted boy was a super hero yesterday actually he is a super hero everyday you just never know in what form he will take shape!

First Week

Well the first full week back to school went well. They boys are two weeks into piano and sports. Things are moderately hectic around here but alarmingly quiet and calm when the kids are gone. I am trying really hard to keep on task and not Laze about while they are gone and I am also trying hard not to do too much. BALANCE. I am not sure I know what that means as I have been moving full speed ahead for the last 10 years.
I picked up a few hours at the library over the next couple of weeks which is nice. I forget how much I like working there. I always come home in a good mood and energized. I had to get dinner together before I left yesterday so work wouldn't throw a kink in the routine. That was ok because I would much rather have dinner ready when we all get home then rush around and eat late.
Chris and I are both working this weekend and we have games. Christian serves this Sunday for the first time since he broke his leg. I think he is excited. The Seahawks play on Sunday and other than that it should be pretty quiet.
Lets hope the rest of the year stays this calm for the Duvalls. Everyone knows last year was anything but calm. I am hoping for the best and if the first week is any indication, it will be a great year!

A Day at the Spa

Oh my, What a nice day. I got a coffee, hopped in the car and took off for a nice day. I had never had a massage before and it was really nice. It was difficult to stand up after though and I really had to come back to reality. I then had a pedi and hair cut which was nice. I promised one more hair dresser that I would stop doing my own hair and this time, I kind of half mean it. After I was back in the real world I went to the grocery store and picked up a pizza for the boys. I was so tired. I had a hard time waiting up for Chris' phone call at 8pm. I climbed in bed and passed out. I can't usually sleep when he is gone but I was full on tired. Must be the after effects of spa day. Chris comes home tonight and we have baseball practice Saturday and two games on Sunday! Should be a blast. Christian is beyond excited! Jonah and Christian are matching today at school. I love it. Max is not trying very hard on his piano so I have to go motivate him. A Mom's job is never done.

Today is the first day of the rest of my life!

I can't believe it. I am beside myself getting my kids ready for school today.
Max, my first grade boy is so cute. Yesterday for meet the teacher he dressed in a three piece suit and brought the teacher roses from our yard. (all his idea)
Jonah, I can't believe he is in third grade. I remember my third grade year with Mrs. Lee vividly. It is such an exciting time.
Christian, Holy Cow is in the fourth grade. It is amazing to me that I am here. He is such a mature young boy. He wanted to see his old teacher, his music teacher and of course, the P.E. teacher.

As for me, I have coffee scheduled with a girlfriend, then I am meeting a couple of girls for lunch and mani's. I love it. I can't believe it. Tomorrow, I am spending the day a Gene Juarez for a massage, pedi and hair cut! Ok, so this isn't really going to be my life but for right now it feels great. I will get stuff done next week and I will be perfectly relaxed to do so.

Chris is in Wyoming until Friday. I think he is building a hotel or something. He will be back in time for a full weekend of Baseball. Sunday we have two double headers and the boys are so excited to play (especially Christian). I am feeling particularly blessed today!

I will miss my kids while they are at school and I am not sure how well I am going to handle it in the long run. My Max and I are so used to paling around. What will I do. I am so thankful we had a calm summer where we all just hung out with each other. It was fabulous. On to my new life with three school age Children. Should I get a job??????

Gen Pehlivanian DAY!

Low and behold we spent a day together with no SNOW

My Baby

Last night was another earlier bed time, which I even had to fight Chris for. The kids were enjoying watching the Seahawks and the big bad mommy put them to bed. Max went in his room and laid with his head propped up at the bottom of his bed so he could still see the T.V. Obviously, he fell asleep like that. He brought me back to a time long since forgotten of cribs and babies. As he laid there behind the bars all I could see was my baby. His face when he sleeps is just like when he was a baby. It is so crazy. I think I may be getting a little uncomfortable with the fact my kids are growing up and I will be home all day alone. I am half excited and half terrified. I know, maybe I will just have another baby........................or not.

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.