Happy Halloween!

So Happy!

Claire is almost 11 months old.  She is such a happy little girl!

I was pulling out all of Catherine's old clothes and came across one of my favorites!  Claire looked so cute that I wanted to get a picture...but she kept hamming it up!

Here are the pictures from our little photo shoot

Like I said, she's a ham!  Can't wait for her daddy to see her!  10 more days!



To Walk or Not To Walk: THAT is the Question!

In efforts to keep up with her brother and sister, Claire crawled somewhat early.  I think it was around 4.5-5 months.   The day after she crawled, she pulled up on the couch and began cruising.  At that point, I was completely convinced that she was going to walk early. 

Well, since then, she has showed no interest in trying to stand unassisted and would just sit down if you tried to hold her hands while she walked.  So, maybe she won't walk early.

On Friday (10/28), little Claire bear woke up from her afternoon nap a new little baby.  I brought her downstairs, put her on the floor, and she immediately crawled to the couch, stood up, and let go.  She didn't fall, she just stood there...like she had been doing it for months.  In a two day period, she is not only standing up unassisted, she is also getting to the standing position without holding onto anything, and she is starting to take steps.  Holy Macaroni little girl!

These sweet children amaze me with how quickly they learn new skills.  I asked Paul if he cared if she walked before he got home.  He said he didn't but that it would be funny to be able to tell people that he got to see it only because I had spent three weeks pushing her over.  haha.  He cracks me up.

I'm wondering if Claire will be like her brother.  Paul never 'tried' anything.  He would only attempt it when he knew how to do it.  He never did the whole falling over walking thing or tried to say words he was unsure of.  If this is a projection of anything, I would say that she might be following in his footsteps. 

I'll let you know when the full walking begins!

Our 3 Year Old Who Likes To Do Dishes...

...And the 9 month old who tries to help.

Beauty Parlor

The girls were upstairs in my room with me while I was cleaning up.  I knew they had gone into my bathroom but didn't think much of it.  When I finally DID think to go in there...this is what I found.

Catherine had decided to wash Claire's hair.  ACTUALLY, she decided to CONDITION her hair.  Claire was loving it!

I forsee many fun beauty parlor times with these girls!



The Truth Behind Losing Weight

Claire's Baptism, January 2011

As many of you know, when Paul left for deployment, I set a goal for myself to lose ALL of my baby weight.  After having little Paul, I had never gotten back to my prepregnancy weight.  I always had 10 extra pounds hanging around.  Even though I had lost all of my weight from having Catherine and gaining the least amount of weight with Claire, I was FLOORED when I left the hospital with over 30 lbs to lose!  SERIOUSLY???  I had only gained 25!!! 

So, here I was, four months postpartum with a 29 week deployment on my hands and, now, 33 lbs to lose.  We set up our budget to where I had 'my' money that could be spread however I chose between groceries, gas, family needs, eating out, etc.  After thinking about it, investigating it, and talking with Paul, I decided to dive into my first two paychecks and pay for a trainer for 12 sessions.  I won't tell you how much I paid, because its ridiculous, but I can say its some of the best money I've ever spent!  Every two weeks, I am given a new weight training workout and am kept accountable for my previous two weeks.  Not to mention, I really enjoy the social aspect as well and the information I am recieving.  Slowly but surely, between my eating and working out, my weight started to come off.  The first 10 lbs were the hardest but once I got past them, it just started to fall off. 

During this process, I realized that if I was going to really make a lifestyle change I needed to address my 'picky eating'.  If you know me well, I have always described my picky eating as an eating disorder.  It has always had incredible control over me.  Over the years, from a child to teenager to adult it has gone from something that was 'cute' to being a problem.  If someone is tryings to pressure me into eating or drinking something or pesters me about the foods I do and do not eat, you will most likely see my temper flare pretty quickly.  It is my biggest insecurity.  What I have learned in the last few months is that my picky eating is not just picky eating.  It actually IS an eating disorder.  The anxiety that I experienced when faced with a dinner at someone else's home or when trying a new food is OUT OF CONTROL!  We're talking chest pains and sweat!  Crazy, I know.  So, now that I have this valuable information, I am addressing it.  I WILL eat like a normal adult...eventually. 

At the shooting rang with Paul 4 days before he left.
May 2011

So, just based on the simple equation of how much I can handle during deployment, I decided to leave the eating well enough alone, for now, and work the foods that I DO eat into my calorie count.  With this, I have continued to find great success in my weight loss. 

I am now 23 pounds down with 10 to go (and 9.5 weeks until Paul gets home).  As I get closer to my goal, I am realizing that losing weight does not mean going back to the old me.  I will never be that girl again.  In talking with my other mom friends, I am realizing that I am not the only one who struggles with their changing body after having children.  EVERYTHING is different.  I say my goal is 33 lbs but I have absolutely no idea what I will look like.  I am genuinely very nervous that I will be highly disappointed in my body at my goal weight but I have decided that I am not going to sabotage my weight loss because of fear.  If I get there and I want to make other adjustments, I will.  If I don't, I won't.  The whole purpose of losing my baby weight was to get myself back into a healthy condition so when I get pregnant again, I can successfully and gracefully carry another baby without DYING of back and joint pain.  I think I have already accomplished that goal.  Now, we'll just see what I'm left with.

This One is So Mischievous!

She may be cute and pudgy but she sure is a mischievous baby!  If you leave her for more than two seconds she into something or roaming around upstairs! 

A Halloween Hint

Well, the 'Duval Family Halloween Picture' will be back this year.  I considered holding off again this year but decided that I couldn't do that 2 years in a row!  So, make sure to check the blog, your e-mail, or facebook on the morning of Halloween to see what we have come up with this year. 

This is your only hint:

Just in case you forgot about years past, here they are!

2008

2009





Happy Fall!

9/11: Never Forgotten

Today holds a very dear place in most American's lives.  Ten years ago, the country that we love went under fire.  When I woke up this morning, the meaning of the day was heavy on my heart as I knew there were many people mourning the loss of loved ones and many remembering the fear that took hold on that day.  The other aspect that hit me today was that my kids have absolutely no idea what 9/11 means.  For something that is still so vivid in my mind, they were not even a thought in my mind.  Heck, I was in 10th grade...they better not have been a thought in my mind!  That realization made me contemplate how I was going to teach them about that day, especially given how much time their dad has spent deployed. 

I decided that I would start by teaching them to have a thankful heart to those who serve us in our community and beyond.  I have ALWAYS made a point to thank any service member, police man, or firefighter I see for their service.  While I understand the uncomfortable feeling they have when someone thanks them, it is so important for the kiddos to know that other people sacrafice on a daily basis so they they can sit comfortable and protected in their home. 

Charlottesville had a fantastic program today complete with every rescue truck imagineable as well as a parade and a program (that we did not stay for).  We had a great time and Catherine may just end up on the news after she waved and thanked every firefighter and policeman as they marched by in the parade.  You should have seen her, it was so cute!  Here are a few pictures from our afternoon.

A MEATBUS!  Can you tell he was busting with excitment!?!

They said this truck looks like the one daddy is driving at work! 
Kinda, but not really.

A piece of the World Trade Center

Happy Girl!

The bagpipers that lead the parade (and scared Claire to death!)



Catherine Sings Her ABC's

And now the behind the scenes video.  She had spilled some milk on the floor...obviously, she couldn't get over it.

Enough Said...

Catherine's First Day of 'School'!

Every Friday, I take Catherine (and now Claire) to a 1 hour class called 'Mainly Music'.  It's a fantastic program full of songs, instuments, dancing, snacks, and a bit of free play (and social time for moms).  Last year, I started referring to it as 'school' and you could see the pride that would beam from her face.  So, this year, we made just as big of a deal about Catherine's first day of 'school' as we did about Paul's first day of school.  Pictures, special call from dad, and excitement to go around!

Happy Birthday, Mary!

In celebration of Mary's birthday today, mom and I took the kiddos out for cupcakes.  We sang happy birthday, watched them crumble eat their cupcakes, and then watched them play on the merry go round.  All in all, a pretty good birthday party to say the least! 

I have so enjoyed teaching my kids about days like today.  Just yesterday, Paul pulled the stool up in front of the crucifix to 'look at Jesus' boo-boo's'.  During lent, we had talked about all of His boo boo's and why He has them.  It's so amazing to watch their little brains comprehend with such simplicity.  Hopefully, teaching them about Christ's sacrafice and Mary's 'Yes' while they are little will make being open to God's Will a 'norm' for them when they are older. 

Paul's First Day of School!

Yesterday was Paul's first day of school.  This year, he is going three days a week from 9-12.  Last year proved to be very beneficial for him not only on the talking front but also with stability through moving, new baby, and daddy leaving.  We were very excited about school starting this year and it was GREAT!

First of all, I feel the need to explain the backpack for school.  In my frugal, practical, and brilliant overly-simple mind, I had planned to buy Paul a L.L.Bean junior backpack that would not only last for a few years but could then be passed down for future use by his sibilings.  Well, upon hearing about my plan, multiple people quickly told me that my plan was TERRIBLE and I needed to let the poor, deprived child pick out his own.  So, I took him on a date to buy a backpack.  When we got to the store, he found the three 'Cars' backpacks and started searching through them.  After realizing that cars didn't actually come INSIDE of the backpacks, he headed for the door and said he didn't want one!  HA!  So, while they were in Atlanta, I searched all over Charlottesville to find the last of the 'Cars' backpacks and he was thrilled when he came home to it, complete with cars inside!  So, without further ado...

                                                              PAUL'S BACKPACK!

Oh, sweet Catherine...no clue!

The most dramatic part of the day was Paul saying goodbye to Catherine, as she did not want her "brutha" to leave. Thankfully, my mom stayed home with the girls and they painted nails so it wasn't TOO bad.

Sorry for the lopsided picture

To make her feel better, Paul made sure to yell out the car window "Bye, Sis!  I love you!"  He is so sweet to her!

Paul was so incredibly excited to get to school.  He told me where to turn, stop, etc, the WHOLE way.  Once we got there and got out of the car, he walked in like he'd done it all of his life.  He hung up his backpack and waited for the door to open.  He was excited to see that a lot of his friends from last year were in his class this year and that he remembered his teachers.  When they opened the door, I thought he would just RUN right in.  I was so touched, when he grabbed my hand and said, "Come on, mom".  We got up to the door and he ran in.  No drama, as expected. 

Paul's first day went great.  He came running out, into his sisters arms, with his first piece of artwork for the year.  He had a great day and is excited to go back tomorrow!

She has the BEST laugh!

We Be Cruisin'

WE'RE GOING ON A CRUISE!!!

In celebration of Paul's homecoming and our 5th anniversary, Paul and I are going on a cruise at the beginning of January.  Not just any cruise, a 7 NIGHT/8DAY cruise.  A whole week?  WHAT? 

Excitement doesn't even touch what we are feeling! 

Welcome to the Caribbean Princess!

Now, knowing me and my LOVE of a good deal, I have spent a lot of time figuring out the best plan for our port calls.  Do we go on the ship shore excursions?  Schedule our own?  Is this island the best one for snorkeling or should we wait for another one?  Well, all the decisions have been made and our plans are set.

January 8, 2012 - San Juan, Puerto Rico

Arrive in San Juan, Puerto Rico

After going on the Segway Tour in Washington D.C., we might take advantage of this tour in San Juan and see the city before hoping on the boat. 

January 9, 2012 - St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands

Discover Scuba Diving

We will take a basic course on Scuba diving in a pool and then be taken out to try in for real.  Paul and I have both always wanted to Scuba Dive so we are both SO excited!

January 10, 2012 - Tortola, British Virgin Islands

Dolphin Swim Adventure

Paul is being a trooper with this one!  I've always wanted to swim with dolphins.  I don't think he overly minds but I know it wasn't his first choice either.  This was one of the biggest savings that I found.  The excursion through the ship is simple an 'experience', meaning you stand in the water and maybe touch them.  I went straight to the company and not only is it CHEAPER but we are doing the package where the dolphins will push us and swim with us.  Super excited!

January 11, 2012 - Antigua

Zipline Canopy Tour and Ropes Course

Oh my goodness, we are SOOOO excited about this one!!!  We have been wanting to do a zipline course and this one is reviewed very well.  There are 12 zips and then the ropes course.  Knowing Paul and I, I'm sure this will be made into a competition to some degree. 

January 12, 2012 - Dominica

Island Tour with Woody

This tour came HIGHLY recommended on many sites and tripadvisor.com.  It is not a big tour, rather, it is a single guy named Woody who gives 'off the beaten path' tours of the island to individual groups (i.e. Paul and I).  He shows you everything that you wouldn't see if you would just do the tourist thing.  Additionally, we will have a traditional 'Dominica' lunch, I believe, served by a family member on the beach.  I hope it lives up to all of the reviews.  I have yet to find a website or review that is less than amazing.

January 13, 2012 - Barbados

 Thriller Turtle & Shipwreck Snorkeling Adventure

This is another tour that is a single owned business that has absolute rave reviews!  We knew we wanted to go snorkeling to see the turtles and the shipwrecks.  So when I started researching options off the boat I started seeing random 5 star reviews of this guy named Stephen.  It took me about a week to track him down but it finally happened.  His tour, taking no more than 12 people, takes you out to snorkle with the sea turtles, then you head to the ship wrecks, and then a reef.  All of this is followed by lunch on a quiet beach and swimming.  Sounds awesome to me! 

January 14, 2012 - Day at Sea

Who knows what will happen...thats the beauty of it!

January 15, 2012 - Disembark in San Juan, Puerto Rico

Unfortunately, the cruise will have to end and we'll have to go back to real life but I'm sure by this point we'll be ready to take it on with a new energy. 

We cannot wait for our cruise!  It's been nice to have something else to look forward to besides Paul's homecoming.  You can be assured that there will be LOTS of pictures! 

Anybody else planning any winter vacations?

HALFWAY!!!

It is official...

100 days left until we are a family again!   

We're not crazy! We're enthusiastic!

This week, the kids and I have been working on some welcome banners for Laurens arrival on Monday.  Not only have we had a lot of fun with paint, crayons, markers, etc but I have had a BLAST teaching them about enthusiasm.

I think most people, especially my husband, are generally shocked by the emphasis that I put on making sure incoming guests recieve an enthusiastic welcoming, birthday's always have balloons and signs, and general tone of voice in conversation.  For some reason, these are things that God has put on my heart and I know are very important.

While I know my children will gain some of these qualities by my example, I also know the responsibility I have to teach them about enthusiasm.  I am currently reading TLC's The Duggars 2nd book.  In both of their books, they have had some incredible insights.  One of my favorites was this one:  

"We teach them [our children] to overcome shyness by constantly reminding them of another foundation of our faith: Jesus' instruction to treat others the way you would want to be treated (Matthew 7:12).  To us, it's not cute when our little ones turn away when someone speaks to them, or hide their faces in Mama's skirt, or stare back, wide-eyed and worldess; we believe that behavior is disrespectful of the other person.  In contrast, eye contact shows repect; it tells the other person, You're important; You're special. 

Turning away means the child fails to acknowledge the other person, and it also nurtures in the child a self-centered focus, something we want each one to learn to overcome as he or she matures."

This exerpt explains my thoughts pefectly!  It's about respect.  It's about showing other people that they are worth your time and energy to put forth a little bit of effort on their behalf.

This week, we have been practicing self-introductions on the phone.  They are so funny!  If you call the house any time soon, most likely I will have have of the kids pick up and you will hear, "Hi, I Paul" or "Hi, dis Cafrine".  Haha.  Baby steps. 

So, just know, that if you spend a birthday with us, you will probably have balloons, a sign, and cake.  If you come to visit we will either be waiting in the airport, in the driveway, and possibly even holding signs.  If you call, we will answer with "umph" so you know that we are excited to hear from you.  And if you speak to us, we will be sure to look you in the eye and answer you.  We want you to know that you are important to us and that we appreciate the relationship that we have.   

THE BECKERS ARE COMING!

About four years ago, I met one of the coolest and most fun girls I have ever met.  She and I met in California as we waited for our men to arrive home from a 6 month deployment.  Her name is Lauren Becker. 

Just a little bit about Lauren.  Lauren is one of the most fashionable, decorating savvy, do it her own way people I know!  We are complete opposites in that manner.  I choose simple, basic, color matching decor and clothes, and she and her family and home are always STYLIN'! 

Example : Our 25 Week Pregnant Pictures

            Simple                                                                            Stylin'

Okay, now before anybody says anything about my thinking she's better or anything like that, know that I am completely confident in my own style.  While that might come easily to Lauren, we'll just say that it doesn't for me and leave it at that!

Get it? 

While we couldn't be on any farther points when it comes to style, we are on the same page on the things that count.  We both believe in a Christ-centered home, where our husbands are the head while we are the heart.  We believe in raising children to be productive adults who are not reliant upon others for their own well-being and happiness.  We believe in living debt free and buying what you can afford with cash.  We believe that we were put on this earth for a purpose and we strive to fulfill the will that God has for us!  But most importantly, we believe in the power of music and HAVING FUN! 

Lauren has taught me one of my most life lessons.  I have always known that I am a very blunt speaker.  I tell things like I see them.  Over the years, I have worked very hard to learn to curb my tongue and speak gently but unfortunately, I still have times when I am quite frank and sharp.  In these moments, I will generally preface what I am about to say with "this might come out wrong" to which she would always reply, "Jeanne, don't worry, I know your heart".  Phew, what a relief!  Finally, someone who knew me well enough to know my intent.  She has taught me to give people the benefit of the doubt and look to their heart before their words. 

So, back to our story.  In short, we became super good buds.  We moved to Italy and they moved to Hawaii.  Could we be any farther apart?  Now, 3.5 years later, three kids for me, one and a half (she's pregnant) for her, and we will finally get to see each other again on Monday! 

She and her son, Roman, are home visiting her parents for 10 days.  When she called and asked if they could come stay a night or two with us, I just about cried!  She is taking 1/5 of her days at home to drive three hours (with a one year old in tow) to come see us!  How cool is that!?!?!

So, needless to say, in true Jeanne style, preparations are being made and their will be a proper welcoming for them!  I AM SO EXCITED!!!!!!