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.