Max practicing his piano

Hangin with my boys

Today we woke up and took the boys up to Alpental for some skiing. The pass was awful and on the way home they had checkpoints to make sure people had chains before heading up.

We came home, had showers, ate grilled cheese sandwiches and just hung out as a family. The boys wanted to play the wii so I let them beat me at dance dance revolution and mario cart. I could've won but I didn't want them to feel bad.

Chris is helping Jonah with his Homework, Christian is doing his piano and Max is reading. It is just a nice quiet night. I will add some photos of the house later.

Home repair

Here are the long awaited photos. Things are changing so fast. Chris keeps asking me if I am taking pictures and I am but only about once a week. These pictures actually showed up in reverse order. The pics on top are actually from today. They show the new drywall and subfloor. The pics below are various stages of construction from insulating walls to complete distruction. This is not at all fun but we are dealing. The kids are getting excited to see some change. It looks as though we will be moving back home the first week of April. I am anxious.

I have WALLS

After not blogging for a long time, here I am blogging two days in a row. I have had several updates today from my contractor. The drywall crew came in hung all the drywall, taped and have now added two coats of mud. I can not believe it. This morning when I walked in and saw the walls a weight was immediately lifted. I still haven't had time to post pics but I will definately try to this weekend. In the mean time, I think we are right on schedule for getting back in very close to the end of the month. Yippee!!!

Flood update

Well, I know I have not been great at communicating what has been going on. I have daily requests to post pictures and update what has been going on. Sorry. I will post pics when I get home this afternoon.

Things are finally getting put back together which is nice. The furnace, duct work, hot water tank, electricity, insulation and some plumbing have all been replaced. The drywall is being delivered to day and hopefully they will start hanging it today as well. The flooring has been ordered. They tell me it won't be finished for a month still. Which is freaking me out.

We had our first baseball practice last night and all three teams will be in full swing come Saturday. It looks like we may be moving back in on Opening Day Weekend. GREAT! Maybe a couple days after.

I am getting anxious to go back home. I wish this was all behind me yesterday. We are still dealing with Fema, Insurance and the SBA which irritates the heck out of me. We are hoping to raise the house this spring so we NEVER have to deal with this again. Pray that all that lines up as we hope it will.

The kids are doing so much better. They are good boys. They are handling sharing one room between the three of them quite well. Chris is busy with work, which is a blessing in this economy. I am forever learning how to juggle more effectively. Work is good for me and I am pleased with my new schedule. I am trying hard to keep up with laundry, housework, the other house, the boys and my job. I do better on some days than I do on others but heck, I am doing the best I can.

My friends have been so patient with me and helped me a ton. They haven't gotten completely ticked that I am not returning calls in a reasonable amount of time. My friend Jerean spent 6 hours running house errands with me (anyone who has ever shopped with me knows she is a saint). In my defense, I ate before I left the house. Maria loaned me a microwave (holy cow that has changed our lives). Our friend John solved our flooring dispute. Sal single handidly destroyed our Mold problem. My girls have helped keep me sane, I adore my friends. Big props to them all. Other than that, things are normal. Thanks to everyone who has pitched in to make things happen. I will try to update this again soon.

Update

It has been a long time since I blogged. It is not really my fault a lot of things have been happening and I haven't really been communicating well. First we finally moved out of the house. We had thought a long time about staying in our trailed but the short story is it is simply way to small and too old to be of any use to us in this weather. We had a few offers to stay with people but God stepped in. Mrs. Tubbs (our fantastic neighbor) offered to let us stay they in her home when her renters moved out. We move about two weeks ago. It has been great. Jonah is already much happier. He had a hard time being cold and was not happy. Not to mention, our house had no furniture, heat, I couldn't cook etc. etc. I am thankful for the generousity of our friends and family. So many people put our family first time and time again. It was just huge to see.

Dealing with Insurance, Contractors, Fema etc. Has not been my favorite thing. The red tape is something I will never understand. However, things are starting to come together and work is actually began two days ago. The house is already completely gutted. Just the second layer of walls (long story) and the floors have to go still. It is truly bizarre walking into a gutted house.

In the mean time, things are getting back to normal. The kids are loving basketball, skiing and we have been trying to do unique family things to keep everyone feeling good. The boys are having their ups and downs but all in all life is getting back to normal.

Chris is working hard and doing all he can to juggle the work load, kids, the house and an emotional wife.

We had a chance to go on a date last night which was fantastic. The last two nights have been good for me and I have been able to sleep without waking. Neither one of us has slept much but I am feeling a change in that...Yeah. I love sleep.

So that is where we are at. I will keep you all posted and try to post pictures of the house process. Lots of love and so much thanks to all of you who have gone above and beyond for us. The meals were fantastic, the stuff was great and most of all the outpouring of love is something I will never forget. If I asked for anything, someone jumped in response and I will never be able to repay that. Thank you!!!

Asta la vista Meli

So Melissa is going to Iraq, which I guess is cool but mostly it sucks, but then its kinda cool. I don't know. Anyway, my perfect cousin Tanya threw her a good bye party to which I was unforgivably late to. Which is proof of how much I suck. Also, Chris had his work party to go to after so we left early. My perfect cousin Tanya, took the kids and watched them all night for us. I stole the pics I am posting of Tanya's blog which is more proof of how much I suck but oh well. I love Meli and will miss her. I am sorry I missed most of the party but I was glad I was able to participate. The boys love their aunts and cousins so it was great they got some time with them.

Flood

I know I haven't blogged in a long time. Things have been a little hectic with the flood. I am sure when things settle down a little I will be back and bloggin with the best of them. Here are a few pics for now and I will write more when I can. Today we are packing and getting ready to move out of the while everything will be fixed.

Happy Birthday Christian

Christian had a New Years sleep over for his birthday. Several of his friends came over and the boys had a blast.

Christian has turned out to be such an amazing young man. He is smart,funny, athletic and charming. He has had a great year at school and is excited that he will be in Middle School next year. (a topic that came up a bunch last night) I can't believe how big and mature he is. It seems like just yesterday he was a little boy. Somehow over night he has turned into a big boy with big boy dreams. He wants to play football but is good at baseball, basketball, skiing and golf. He was asked to be on a golf team this year but we just did not have the time. Christian would do just about anything if we let him. He enjoys his piano and wants to pass clarinet so he can move on to the saxaphone. He is such a good boy and he gets great grades, the teachers seem to like him ok. For now he is still just interested in sports not girls and I am really happy about that.

Last night was a fun filled evening packed with Dance Dance Revolution, Mario Kart, Great Outdoors, Rocky, apple pie, and ringing in the New Year. I am glad Christian has such awesome friends. He said it was the best birthday ever and I am glad. He wanted Uncle Don to make pancakes for his friends but had to settle for me making them but I think he was happy anyway.

WHITE CHRISTMAS!!!!!!

The snow if falling and it doesn't look like it will stop soon. The picture here is a little strange b/c there is no snow around Chris' car but the steps to my house are completely covered. There really are only a few inches out but there are some deep snow drifts here and there. The biggest one in the neighborhood is at the edge of my driveway so Chris could not get out even if the mustang was slightly better than a snow sled (with heat and a radio). The suburban however loves this and Chris digs driving over the snow drift. I think he made up reasons to leave the house just so he could pop it in four wheel drive and get out of he drive way (kidding of course). Thankfully they have scrapped and sanded all the roads in and out of our neighborhood. The worst spot truly is the edge of my drive way.

I am excited for Christmas tomorrow and looking foward to some skiing. I don't know if we will go up today or wait until Friday but it should be fun either way.

Andy and Susanne came by for a visit. We haven't seen them in a long time so that was nice. They brought their dogs which the kids loved. We went to Susanne's parents house last night for a little party. Tonight we go to Mass, read A night Before Christmas and wait for Santa!!! So exciting.

Holiday Happenings

There has been so much going on that I thought it was time to create another slide show. They boys had a Christmas Pageant and Jonah had his last performance of "a Christmas Carol" last night. Tanya came out to get our Christmas tree. We spent time decorating the tree and then took a trip to "Santa's". We went out to Santa's house in the trees. We saw his workshop and then we went inside to spend some time with Santa. It was such an amazing thing. The house was decorated beautifully and after we had cookies and cocoa in the kitchen. Tanya, Trav and the kids came with us and it was truly a wonderful experience. I forgot my camera but I know Tanya will be sending me pics soon. I love that they are so close and we get to share these memories together. The kids adore her children and it is nice to have family around. I guess you could say I am finally "in the spirit."

I taught Sunday School today and we talked a lot about waiting for Jesus. How we as Christians are always celebrating and always waiting in one way or another. We talked this week of rejoicing while we wait. As those before us worshipped and rejoiced the coming of the birth of Jesus. We remembered that while the anticipation for Christmas is great there is an important part of our waiting. We are meant to prepare the way for the lord. I am so blessed that my kids get it. We talked of how we prepare ourselves and I am reminded of all the gifts I already have. All in all it was a wonderful day. Today we Rejoice!

A Holiday Slide Show

Opening Night

Last night we were treated to a full dress rehearsal before opening night. It was a performance geared for families. These are pictures from that show. Tonight was opening night. It ended up being a very emotional experience for Jonah. I have to say I was surprised and at the same time not so much. Jonah has always been a very tender hearted, thoughtful young man and he proved so tonight. While he was eating dinner he jumped up and came to give me a giant hug. With big old crocodile tears in his eyes he said "thank you mom, this is my dream and you made it happen for me." I said "no, Jonah you made this happen." He just hugged me and cried. It only took a few minutes to gather himself. He got very nervous just before the show and in between scences he would panic and cry a little. He kept finding me back stage to give me a hug. I continue with words of encouragement and I have to admit I was beginning to wonder if he was going to be ok. However, when he went on stage it was like BAM! He was on. He did great and all his scenes went smoothly. Anita, the Religious education leader at t our church came, along with the childrens librarian Kate and a family that we have known for years. I mentioned to Kate what had happened back stage and she truly looked shocked. Jonah was so relieved after the show and I think now he knows he can do it. He also kept thanking me for getting him an audition. The hugs and love were almost overwhelming for me. He is such an angel, and a little ham too. I hope you enjoy the pics. He has two shows tomorrow and two more next weekend.

It was so hard to pick my favorite pictures. The guy who took them took over 400. I tried to limit, I even left out three small scenes he was in but still I overwhelmed you with Mom bragging pics....

Thanksgiving

Here are a few of my favorite Thanksgiving pics. It started out with a Rocky induced coma. The boys cuddled up for a Rocky marathon. Claire and the girls came over to help me finish cooking and to get things ready for my brother and his family. Derek, his wife Christina, Chloe, Devyn and their "adopted" daughter Courtney came about 2:30. I can't think of a time where there were so many little girls running through my house. At one point during dinner Derek's daughter and Claire's daughter announced that they were best friends. It was adorable. We had a wonderful dinner and then a fabulous dessert. As you can see the kids were excited about pie. After Derek's family left Chris, Claire, the kids and I vegged out in front of the t.v. for a couple of hours. Claire and the girls decided to have a sleep over. When we woke up Chris went to the store and picked up cinnamon rolls and butterhorns for us (love Chris).

The rest of the weekend was pretty low key. Trevor stopped by for leftovers, Jonah went to a birthday sleep over, we had pageant rehearsal, did a puzzle, watched more football than anyone can imagine and finally Chris put up the Christmas lights. I am starting to get into the holiday spirit which is nice. Chris and I both have to work tomorrow but it was a nice few days off. I am excited about my lights and I can't wait to go get my tree. This week is hell week with Jonah having dress rehearsal 3 hours every night. Opening night is this Friday and we are all excited.

I hope everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving and ate plenty of Turkey.

Max's First Reconcilliation

Max celebrated his First Reconcilliation on Nov. 22nd. It was a great day. Max is excited to be on the road to his First Communion. He is so cute and I can't even imagine what he told the priest. He is such a good boy. I can't believe how big he is getting. I am starting to field old as my little men reach these milestones. What am I going to do when they get married?

Sleep over with Aunt Tanya

So they day started off pretty normal with me not hearing my phone ring 4 times for various people to tell me school was canceled because they expected flooding. Well, this happens to us all the time but they never cancel school (should've been my first clue). We were about to catch the bus when I checked my phone. Good thing Sarah decided to text me and let me know what was going on. Then people kept calling to tell me the flood was going to be real bad this time. After our last experience I took the warning. I called my friend Tara (who's husband works for the city) and she said we needed to go and that they were expecting 20% more water than last time YIKES! So I quickly began preparing the house w/ the flood cresting at 4. I had no time to spare. I figured the road would flood around 1pm. As I was desperately packing and picking thing up Tara pulled in the drive to help me. We put everything in the car and picked up as much as we could and then we were out by 1:15 and still no water....That was good news. So I felt a little over dramatic leaving but I thought it was better to be safe than sorry. Right, right.
So anyway, around 7pm Tara calls to tell me the city workers are going home, Mike drove by the house and it was fine. At the same time Sarah called to say that Kimbell Creek (the major threat to us) was backing up into her yard and she now had lake front property. With conflicting reports we were just happy to be at Tanya's house eating a fantastic dinner and watching movies. At 7am this morning Steve drove by my house and said all was well but the street behind us was under 2 feet of water. I drove into work but stopped at the house to turn the electricty back on and get it ready for the boys. I drove around and noticed the water stopped at my fence and went no further. My back yard neighbors yard were under water and I am not sure if they had any water inside. I felt very fortunate. We lucked out! The water knocked on the door but didn't come in. In the mean time, I am thankful we left because we would have seen the water coming and done another midnight retreat (which wasn't much fun the last time). The boys were happy and comfy and so were we. No stress, no drama. The water flooded the road into our house but the water had gone by the time I got there (not nearly as bad as last time) so that was good. I love my home and where I live but this whole flood thing is starting to get old. Well, I am going to go I am off work and I want to see my kids....

evacuation

We evacuated just to be on the safe side. I will let you all know how it shakes out tomorrow. So far so good! Say some prayers and wish us good luck.

Max's Heritage

Max was recently asked to do a small project about his heritage. He was to pick a family picture and present it to the class along with an explanation of his family traditions and/or heritage. Here is what he wrote:

Hi my name is Max.

We have a big family.

We are hard workers.

We love eachother.

We live in Washington.

We all go to Catholic Church.

We pray.

We sing to God.

We take care of poor people.

We celebrate God's bday.

We are Americans.

We love our soldiers.

We celebrate seasons.

We celebrate Thanksgiving and 4th of July.

My great-great grandparents taught us to work hard and love God.

From Max Duvall

That says it all...Here is the picture he is including. It was taken 3 years ago around Easter.

A weeekend alone

It seems so strange but the second the boys were done trick or treating, Chris left with them to visit his Uncle in Yakima. They went to build an addition on his house. I couldn't go because I had to do the children's mass this weekend and they wouldn't be back in time. The plans were so last minute that I didn't have time to plan a single thing so I stayed home by myself and cleaned out the garage (thrilling I know). I get scared and a little melancholy being here by myself so in true Halloween fashion, I slept with a baseball bat and a butcher knife in the mattress of the bed. I am so ridiculous. I did have an opportunity to go into Seattle and see a friend who is in the hospital and I stopped by the U Village Barnes and Nobles for some book time. (as if I don't get enough of that already) My friends Peggy and Ruth went to the hospital with me and we were sent on a mission to get books. It was hilarious, Peggy is a 2nd grade teacher, Ruth is an Art teacher and I work in a library (all very passionate about literature). We had a difficult time picking out appropriate reading material for a 12 year old but in the end each of us picked our favorite classic. Ruth "My Antoine" Peggy "Jane Eyre" and I picked "Pride and Prejudice" Along with "Why the caged bird sings (her selection) Secret Life of Bees and Tricksters.
I am happy to say she picked Pride and Prejudice for her first "book club" selection....I did shamelessly dance about a bit. The boys finally came back this morning and we have a whole day of pageant rehearsals, and team parties to go to. Back in the grind. I best go they are getting crazy over there. Plus, I haven't had a hug in about 10 minutes.

Halloween

Here are some shots of our treak or treating gang on Halloween. We had a wonderful time at our friends house and the boys had a blast getting candy. Our friend the Fursmans hosted another wonderful Halloween bash and we walked throught the neighborhood. Many of the neighbors got very creative with their decorations as you can see by the graveyard created by a family who lives on Silva St.