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The Duvall Brothers

I remember when I was young, I would dress up and dance about the house singing my favorite songs. I loved it. I remember singing Neil Diamond's America, Billy Ocean, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Cindi Lauper. You named it and I sang it. I came home to three boys dressed up and crazy, dancing about to their favorite c.d. Jonas Brothers. Here are a few pictures of the concert they put on for us.

FAT TUESDAY

Last night was Fat Tuesday and we celebrated by ordering pizza (which we never do). We talked to the kids about lent and the 40 days Jesus spent in the dessert and how we can honor that through sacraficial giving of our own. We also talked about different ways to observe lent by participation instead of abstaining in events. Jonah wants to give up t.v. Max says he'll give up the speed channel and Christian didn't commit. We talked about various ways they can help in the community in addition to their sacrifice. We talked about spending more time in prayer. So with all that in mind I thought it might be nice to make a list of the things I would like to do this lent well, and forever...
1. Pray more, do my devotionals regularly instead of sparatically.
2. Swear less, even when I am mad at Chris
3. Honor my body by eating better and healthy exercise.
4. No alcohol for 40 days at least
5. turn off the t.v and computer and spend quiet time with the kids
6. worry less about finances
7. I would really like to take the kids to a soup kitchen

I am still trying to think of ways to volunteer and help out in the community more but it is hard to come up with new and interesting ways. Also, I volunteer a lot and am not sure that it is mentally safe to add more.... Hmmm.....any good ideas, I would love to hear how other people honor this time. I know my list is long and goofy but it is a goal so I hope I do good.

NUTS

Max performed in his first grade concert entitled "The Circle of Life" With hit songs like, "We're Nuts and Big Bad Squirrel." It was absolutely adorable and of course, my child was the cutest. It was hard to take pics of the performance but I got a few after with some of his good friends. Jack, Annie, Connor, Blake and many more. Aren't they adorable.....

OOPS, sorry about the blurry pic. It is 7:52 a.m. and two of my kids are still asleep. This happens so rarely that I had to take a pic to document the event. I guess they were tired. Christian is of course dressed and ready for school. He has eaten his breakfast and has all the lunches ready for the day. Clearly he is a morning person. I am just going to let Max sleep and will drive him to school. This happens so rarely that the little guy must just be exhausted. Last night while playing webkinz, his webkin got sick. He freaked out! Webkinz are stuffed animals you buy with a code to make them a virtual pet too. You can buy them rooms, clothes, you exercise them and Max is careful to only feed his healthy food. It cracks me up. Anyway, I have to work today and Chris is going to take the kids to piano. YEAH. I hope with the extra sleep the boys are extra good pianists.....

Ok, so Max is super cute. We are in our third week of basketball and it is a ton of fun. Max is just learning the game and having a great time. He is a crazy little guy out there on the court.

Jonah is turning up the heat on defense and chasing the ball down. He and Christian are on the same team this year and several of the players are at least a head taller than Jonah. That doesn't stop him. His coach had him guarding the tallest guy on the other team b/c he is so aggressive. He is doing great.

Christian is having a ton of fun and just thrilled to be back in sports. He is taking his time and mentally trying to figure out the game. In true Christian form he checked out a book from the library on Basketball's offense. That kid cracks me up.

In other news the boys stayed the night at Tanya's this weekend. It was the first time Max had ever slept anywhere without me. Tanya and Travis took the boys to get a movie and fed them pizza and chocolate sundaes......they loved it. Chris and I went to his work party and had a really nice time. It was so weird to wake up without kids in the house. Tanya and Trav brought them home and I made a huge breakfast. They didn't miss me at all. Travis went sno-boarding with Chris while Tanya and I had some girl time. They stayed for dinner and chocolate chip cookies. It was a fun day and makes me sooooo thankful to have family around. We went through a bunch of old pics and spent some time making fun of our bad hair/outfit choices.....not GOOD.
However, it was a great weekend. thanks T-for taking the boys.

Busy Weekend

Well, I am not sure what happened but two days just flew by and it feels like a week. It started off with a pretty mellow and relaxing Friday night. We all snuggled up and watched a movie.
Saturday we woke up and were out the door for an 8:30 am basketball game for Max. He is hilarious when he plays ball. I love it. He moves from perfect defense to standing half court fooling with his nails in no time flat. He is one of the smallest out there and it is adorable. Max is on steroids following some respiratory issues so the jittery effect is an added bonus to the game. After the game we ran home to meet a home nurse for Chris and I. We are changing our life insurance policies and we needed a medical exam. After stepping on the scale, Chris and I were humiliated and are now on diets. The boys had a game at 1pm and we had friends coming over at 1:30. We went over to the school early only to find that the game didn't start until 1:30. I ran home to meet our friends and get a video tape going for the Seahawks game. I watched half of the first quarter by myself and then everyone showed up. As it turns out, I am the only one who got to see the good stuff. So, to avoid Chris and Doug going into huge depressions we loaded everyone up as fast as we could and went up to the mountain for some night skiing. FUN. We didn't get home until 10pm but we had a blast.
Sunday morning- I can't believe there is still more to tell. Christian had to serve at church and Max had class. Chris had to work at the pass, Jonah skipped church and went with him for some one on one time. They left at 8am and didn't get home until 4pm.... long day but it sounds like they had a great time. Christian, Max and I went to church and the came home for some R and R. After naps we headed out for a bike ride to the park. There is a track there so I walked a couple miles with a friend while the boys went crazy on their bikes. We made it home just after Chris and Jonah.....We all cuddled up and watched movies, Chris and I are practically dead from all the physical activities. In the end it was a fun weekend with lots of adventures. I hope to recover some today before I have to go to work......We'll see.

Keeping up with life.

What a week. It feels like Christian's birhday was just two days ago and I am not that far behind. Unfortunately, life with three boys moves much faster than that. My mom came up to stay the night with us to celebrate Christians birthday. She headed up to Belligham the next day to see my neice. I really wanted to jump in the car and go with but I had to be back for the boys. Saturday all the boys had basketball games and I had baseball sign ups for the little league. A couple of our friends came over to watch the Seahawks game and when I got home from sign-ups everyone (including my house) was bonkers. Sunday Chris worked on the pass. Christian went with him and they had a great day of male bonding. They skiied the crossover from central to west and Christian loved it. I have been making new friends at the copiers here in North Bend. I have been makig copies for the little league and distributing them all over the place in the community. The girls at the copy place are sweet and the get my projects ready when they see me pull up to the curb.
Last night I took a shift at the library, trying to finish my LA training so I can get more hours and become a contributing member of this family. After work I headed to NorthBend for some more baseball sign ups. I kind of have to shamelessly brag about something but it makes me feel so good that I have to share. Going through the signup sheets there were a few coaches requests. One set of names came up pretty frequently and I was so proud. Chris gets hands down by far the most requests in the little league. Some people remember to add my name as I coach with him at the younger levels, but it is Chris. I was noticing not only returning kids but other kids we don't know put Chris down for various reasons. Most of the requests aren't our friends either. Our friends know it is a draft and have stopped trying long ago. The requests are awesome regardless because we put so much time and energy into baseball and the community. You hope that people appreciate your effort and think you did a good job. This is the only sure way to know that they do. I came home last night and told Mister Humble Pie about the requests and he says a non-chalant "thats great." I on the other hand was bursting with pride that we have the opportunity to have such a positive influence in these kids lives. Maybe in the end when all the registrations come through, we won't have the most. No one really counts those things anyway, but the fact that we even have a few is the best reward. It makes you realize its not just worth it for our kids that we are there everyday, it is worth it to some others too.

Happy Birthday Christian

My son is 10- I still remember the night he was born. The car broke down on the way to the hospital. I had wanted a boy sooo badly, that God answered my prayer three times. Christian was a beautiful baby. The most common comment was that he was incredibly alert. He has turned into such a great kid. He is smart and talented. His piano playing is beautiful and he is such a good little athlete. He has taught me so much about myself. I love how he is a leader in the class room and a great big brother to the boys. He worked his butt off this year to recover from two broken legs. Physical therapy was hard but he did it. It is weird to have him stand next to me and know that in such a short time I will be looking up to him.

I am proud that he is such a well rounded little boy who is liked by all. He aspires to be a football player or baseball if football falls through. He know the importance of school and is always volunteering at church, whether it is alter serving, helping out a pageants and most recently delving into the music ministry. I know this is gushing and rattling on but it is hard to put into words what you feel for your child. Happy Birthday Christian, you have exceeded every expectation and I am so blessed you are my son.

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12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS VACATION

Chris has had twelve days off. They have been fun filled, packed days. It started with the trip to the coast, and a Family day with the Paulson's. Then we had a fun Christmas with friends. We spent four days up at the pass skiing with the family. While we were up there we decided to call some of our friends and we spent three of those days skiing with the Burns family. The invited us to stay with them at their cabin. Max finally got a sleep over with Annie and we had a late night sledding/snoball fight. Then we headed out to Yakima to spend a night with the Kallevigs. We played Wii and just had fun hanging out. Yesterday the whole clan gathered for some sledding on White Pass. The Mercado's, Cambells and two Kallevig families were in attendance. We headed home last night to ring in the new year watching movies and eating chinese food with the kids. Chris and I fell asleep and Christian had to wake us up to ring in the New Year. We have had such a wonderful, fun filled vacation. We hadn't seen the Mercado's in along time and that was nice. This Christmas couldn't have been more different from last year. Today is Christian's 10th Birthday. I can't believe it. Chris goes back to work tomorrow and all will go back to normal again. I am so blessed for this vacation. We needed it.

Here are a few shots from the clam dig

Clam digging.

Chris took the boys clam digging with Uncle Don and from the looks of things they had a blast. The kids took to clam digging really well and loved every minute of it. The went to work with Chris yesterday which went well despite a little brotherly feud. They made it just in time for the clam dig. Chris took some Elk steaks down to Don and they had an elk feast. Yum. This morning after eating Don's famous sour dough pancakes they headed out for some crabbing. While the boys were gone Max had an all day playdate with his friend Jack. He was in heaven. The boys made it back just in time for Trevor to pick them up and take them to the movies and out to the cold stone for ice cream. They had a fantastic time and are very exhausted.

A Camera, A Camera, I finally got a camera!!!!

The big news of the day is Trevor sent me my Christmas present in the form of a camera. I am sooooo excited. Unfortunately, Chris and the boys woke up and were out the door by 6:30 a.m. and they took my new toy with them. First they are going to work with Daddy and then they are going for a clam dig with Uncle Don. They should have a blast.

Max and I are chillin' at home. He hasn't been feeling well and with his history and Christmas, I don't want to take any chances. That and clam digging sounds cold and wet. No fireplace.

I have been really excited about Christmas this year and surprisingly finding myself caught up in the spirit. I think changing my expectations, and no disasters has really helped. Plus, I have Jonah to teach us all about the meaning of Christmas.

Jonah recently asked Santa for a hamster. Santa promptly sent him a letter, gold envelope and all, telling him of terrible bad weather and the possibility of some children not getting hamsters this year. Jonah sat down and promptly composed this letter with barely a glimpse of disappointment......

Dear Santa,

Thank you for telling me about the Hamster. Christmas is not about hamsters. It is about God's birthday so I am not sad.

Just Harry Potter Five and two sketch pads. Happy Christmas, Love Jonah

Shortly after writing this he met Santa again at Chris's work. He quickly accosted Santa to explain guiltily why he asked for two sketch pads, it wasn't that he was selfish......."I just draw A LOT Santa!" he exclaimed very passionately. I love that kid.

So God Bless and I hope everyone has happy holidays. I hope to post less sporadically in the New Year. My friend had the idea of people commenting on the favorite holiday traditions. I would love to hear yours......

The Adventures of Tanya and Danielle.....

It has been awhile since I posted. Things have been steady around here. The weekend went by in a blur. Saturday, Chris took the boys out shopping and we went to mass and had a fun quiet evening at home. Sunday my Mom and Chuck brought over lunch and came to watch the Seahawks game. Tanya and Tavis came over with Tori so it was a nice afternoon.
Yesterday Tanya and I decided to kamakazi up to Oak Harbor to have lunch with my cousin Melissa (Tanya's sister). We should have known the trip was doomed when we realized Tanya left her purse at my house with her car keys in it. Ooops. We dropped off my car in Lynnwood and then headed to Oak Harbor. We went out to lunch and then back to Mel's house for some chill time. We hit the road just after two so that I could be back to pick up the boys. Tori was not to happy about another long car ride. All of the sudden Tanya's check gauges light went on and the car began to smoke. We were able to make it to a gas station and then we sat and waited. We got the Durango towed. The tow truck driver wouldn't wait for Travis to come pick us up. Melissa is spending Christmas with Tanya so her car was full of Melissa Christmas gifts. We unloaded everything onto the curb of the gas station and sat and waited for Travis to come pick us up. I felt like Santa Clause stranded on the corner. By that time Lynnwood was in the height of its 5 o'clock traffic time. We forgoed sitting in Traffic any longer and opted for dinner at the Red Robin, Yummy! I made it home just before 8pm (slightly late).
Today has been a little less hectic, I went to work in Max's classroom but no Max. He was in the office laying down because he didn't feel good. Not good. By the time I was done helping he had spiked a fever so I brought him home. He fell asleep instantly. I hope he doesn't get too sick.
Well that is it for now. Merry Christmas.....stay tuned for the next big adventure.

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Tanya sent me some pics of our weekend together. I put together a holiday slide show for all to enjoy. I am finally finished with my jury duty so I will be able to post more regularly now. Happy Holidays

Winter Blast 2007

One of my favorite things about storms in the Northwest is the ridiculous titles the news gives them. I named this years storm Winter Blast!

This weekend started out lovely. Tanya and her family came out yesterday morning to go get a christmas tree with us. She just found out Friday she is expecting a little brother for her daughter Tori. I am so happy for them.

We never get our tree so early in the season but after last years disasterous Christmas season, I was happy to get the Christmas spirit flowing in this house early. We went out to my favorite tree farm. We met Santa (the best around!!!!!) and went on a hay ride. Tori, was freezing but we made it through. Tanya got a huge tree and we got the perfect tree for our house. On the way home we stopped and had Mexican food for lunch. I love it. It was a nice time and I was really happy to spend some quality time with the Paulson's. On our way home it began to snow. I said a few quick good bye's and then rushed Jonah off to two birthday parties (he didn't get home until 8:30).

We put our tree up and Max and Christian headed out to play in the snow. Ususally we get a couple of inches every now and again but never a lot of snow. Well, the snow kept falling, and falling. The news called for late night rain but we just kept getting snow. By the time, I went to get Jonah the snow was steady and hard. We woke up this morning to a winter wonderland. I took a yard stick and measured over a foot and the snow was still falling. We had some huge snow drifts in the yard which made for great snow caves for the kids.

With a record breaking fourteen inches, the snow slowly has turned into rain. The boys are soaked to the core and in for some tea and a movie. Jonah had so much fun yesterday he lost his voice, so we are trying to keep him calm. This afternoon we are headed out to Tanya's for a chili feed (no snow there). We are crossing our fingers for the Seahawks and frankly, I am hoping the snow melts some before I head off to jury duty over Tiger Summit in the morning. Chris is hoping the snow stays so he can stay home with the boys. We will see who gets their wish. I leave you with a couple of snow pics to enjoy and a the promise that this holiday season will be much better than last. We are off to a great start!

Thanksgiving

Well, our Thanksgiving was great. It was very calm and quiet. Chris had four whole days off and we just spent them hanging out watching football. Chris told a friend at church that we were doing my favorite thing. (laying around and watching t.v.) Unfortunately, I have to disagree. I am a little burnt out on football but know that this is my lot in life and am willing to make the best of it. I did a puzzle which was nice and I worked yesterday (not nice). Today I am back at jury duty which is another word for sit in a room for undisclosed amounts of time staring at thirteen people you don't know waiting for court to begin. I was asked to be here by 8:50am but we didn't go into court until 11am. It is grueling. I don't have internet in the conference room so I have to wait until my break to connect with the real world.

Here are a few things I am thankful for.....

1. that we have a justice system
2. my family
3. my home
4. our town and church community
5. There is no football on tuesday or wednesday and not usually on fridays
6. Diet coke (got called out on that once and will never forget again)
7. Pumpkin pie
8. warm gloves
9. my fire place
10. I haven't needed a lawyer for anything........yet.

I leave you with a joke that Jonah made up this weekend.

Why can't Lewis and Clark play basketball?

Because they travel!!!

He is very clever.

Jury Duty PART 2

First let me say when I signed up to be a mom, no one told me I would be responsible for plumbing. The toilet was leaking and I had to pull it apart and replace some strange o ring...... I really ought to start paying people to fix my problems because somethings you never want to know how to do!!

As for Jury Duty, I was picked to be on the jury. The case will go on for what seems like forever (begining of Dec). It is very difficult to get the kids up and out the door by 7:30 every morning. The commute is not so fun either. I spend a lot of time locked up in a jury room with 13 people, I don't know. The testimony is long and grueling and the attorneys bicker about everything.

I do know that if I ever am in legal trouble, I am hiring a good attorney. Also, I am going to never try to break the law. I think it is a reasonable goal.

Things are crazy, I barely get home in time to make dinner and run the kids off to where ever they need to go. Tonight is alter boy training.....Fun! Until the next time.......D

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!

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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.