Well, I have decided to finally start up a family blog. More than anything, I wanted a place where I could let our family and friends see all of the fun things that we are doing here in Charlottesville and beyond. Additionally, I wanted a place that I could essentially have a 'baby book' of sorts to look back on and watch my children grow. Life moves so fast and despite my best efforts to remember those little memories...I forget. So, here we go!
I will be making this a secure blog so as to protect my family from the world wide web. I also need to make sure that nothing that is said here comes back to bite my husband in possible future political arenas. With that said, please make sure that you are registered properly to view our blog.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Duval Family Update June 2011
Hi Family and Friends,
It's been quite a while since I have written. With Paul's deployment and three kids, life has been quite hectic.
Paul left for his deployment on May 6th. He spent one week down at Ft. Benning and then headed off to the middle east. Thus far, he seems to be doing very well and is quite fulfilled by his work. His usual day consists of working for 14 hrs, working out, talking with us, and sleeping. Sounds so monotonous to me but he always thrives on such routines. His 'home date' for now is November 22nd, two days before our 5th anniversary and Thankgiving. Let's hope that happens.
The kids and I are doing very well. I thought that this deployment was going to be a lot harder than it has turned out to be. The kids have adjusted very well and we are having a lot of fun. I have become increasingly thankful for this opportunity as I have learned a lot about being a productive, fun, and gentle mom. I can run one heck of a home but I have always struggled with stopping to play and be silly. These few months have made me realize how important it is to do that.
Sadly, I lost a close friend two weeks ago to domestic violence. She was such a joyful, loving, and GENTLE mother, despite the conditions that she endured. I have been GREATLY affected by her murder and am trying to adjust my life accordingly. I have experienced death a number of times but this, by far, has been the most difficult to accept. Everybody can say what they want about her being in heaven, being an angel, and forgiveness but that doesn't change the fact that she's gone, through the horrific actions of the man who fathered her children. It makes it nice and fluffy for a moment but doesn't change the aching in my heart, her parents hearts, her children's hearts, and all of those whole loved her. The only sense of consolation that I have found is one that came to me while praying the rosary at her wake. She carried her cross. Whether she was ever supposed to HAVE this cross, we will never know, but she accepted it for what it was and decided that she was going to live as joyfully and fully as she could. I, for now, am also a single mother and will joyfully take up my cross as Shannon did. I pray that she can give me a boost when I need one and hold my tongue when it is sharp.
Please pray for me. More importantly, please pray for Shannon's children, Emma (3) and Peter (1), her parents, brothers, and friends. This has truly been devestating.
If you would like to know more about Shannon's story, this is a link to one of my good friend's blogs. She has done a beautiful job telling Shannon's story. Start at the bottom. Shannon's Story
If you have an interest in donating to the trust fund for her children, it is greatly appreciated. Here is the link: Donate Here
Love,
Jeanne
It's been quite a while since I have written. With Paul's deployment and three kids, life has been quite hectic.
Paul left for his deployment on May 6th. He spent one week down at Ft. Benning and then headed off to the middle east. Thus far, he seems to be doing very well and is quite fulfilled by his work. His usual day consists of working for 14 hrs, working out, talking with us, and sleeping. Sounds so monotonous to me but he always thrives on such routines. His 'home date' for now is November 22nd, two days before our 5th anniversary and Thankgiving. Let's hope that happens.
The kids and I are doing very well. I thought that this deployment was going to be a lot harder than it has turned out to be. The kids have adjusted very well and we are having a lot of fun. I have become increasingly thankful for this opportunity as I have learned a lot about being a productive, fun, and gentle mom. I can run one heck of a home but I have always struggled with stopping to play and be silly. These few months have made me realize how important it is to do that.
Sadly, I lost a close friend two weeks ago to domestic violence. She was such a joyful, loving, and GENTLE mother, despite the conditions that she endured. I have been GREATLY affected by her murder and am trying to adjust my life accordingly. I have experienced death a number of times but this, by far, has been the most difficult to accept. Everybody can say what they want about her being in heaven, being an angel, and forgiveness but that doesn't change the fact that she's gone, through the horrific actions of the man who fathered her children. It makes it nice and fluffy for a moment but doesn't change the aching in my heart, her parents hearts, her children's hearts, and all of those whole loved her. The only sense of consolation that I have found is one that came to me while praying the rosary at her wake. She carried her cross. Whether she was ever supposed to HAVE this cross, we will never know, but she accepted it for what it was and decided that she was going to live as joyfully and fully as she could. I, for now, am also a single mother and will joyfully take up my cross as Shannon did. I pray that she can give me a boost when I need one and hold my tongue when it is sharp.
Please pray for me. More importantly, please pray for Shannon's children, Emma (3) and Peter (1), her parents, brothers, and friends. This has truly been devestating.
If you would like to know more about Shannon's story, this is a link to one of my good friend's blogs. She has done a beautiful job telling Shannon's story. Start at the bottom. Shannon's Story
If you have an interest in donating to the trust fund for her children, it is greatly appreciated. Here is the link: Donate Here
Love,
Jeanne
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Duval Family Update April 2011
Dearest Family and Friends,
I have not written in quite a few months because I have had no idea what to say or how to say what I wanted! Paul and I had the privilege of taking a four day vacation up to D.C. this weekend and it has refreshed, renewed, and redirected me and I can now put my thoughts into words.
So, as I tell you what the next few months hold for us, know that we are ready and willing. Please pray for us! Pray for me to remember my motivation when it is hard to do so, pray that my children do okay without their dad, and pray for their dad who will be working very long and stressful days. We will miss him greatly but will do wonderfully here without him.
Lastly, I just wanted to say, if you are ever looking for a way to 'support your troops', make a family a meal! It is such a simple way to take stress out of one evening and I assure you, the deployed spouse will appreciate your kindness towards his/her spouse!
Outside of these preparations, all is going well around the Duval household. Claire is getting big and sleeping great! Catherine is just as nutty as ever! And Mr. Paul is about to turn 3 on Thursday! I can't believe it!
I hope you are doing well!
Love,
Jeanne
I have not written in quite a few months because I have had no idea what to say or how to say what I wanted! Paul and I had the privilege of taking a four day vacation up to D.C. this weekend and it has refreshed, renewed, and redirected me and I can now put my thoughts into words. The biggest event taking place in our family is that one month from tomorrow (May 6), Paul will be deploying to Afghanistan for 6.5 months. Such a daunting sentence, I know. While I have not struggled with the idea of Paul leaving, I have desperately struggled with where I stand on the whole situation. For the first time, I am in the civilian world where the words 'deployment', 'tdy', and 'skype' are just words, not a way of life. I have struggled to find footing in this new civilian world because I am used to living in a community that bands together for each other. It is so different out here! I am not asking for help, and DEFINITELY not pity, but I have been amazed at the lack of understanding for what all of these men, women, and their families do.
I have struggled with all of these thoughts for the last few months but thankfully this weekend, I have turned a corner. To watch my husband face light up with pride for his country made me realize something, I am equally proud to serve my country, no matter what my opinions are on the wars, the president, or anything else! He did not sign up based on his views, he signed up to defend his country...no matter what!
So, as I tell you what the next few months hold for us, know that we are ready and willing. Please pray for us! Pray for me to remember my motivation when it is hard to do so, pray that my children do okay without their dad, and pray for their dad who will be working very long and stressful days. We will miss him greatly but will do wonderfully here without him.
Lastly, I just wanted to say, if you are ever looking for a way to 'support your troops', make a family a meal! It is such a simple way to take stress out of one evening and I assure you, the deployed spouse will appreciate your kindness towards his/her spouse!
Outside of these preparations, all is going well around the Duval household. Claire is getting big and sleeping great! Catherine is just as nutty as ever! And Mr. Paul is about to turn 3 on Thursday! I can't believe it!
I hope you are doing well!
Love,
Jeanne
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Duval Family Update January 2011
Happy New Year from the Duval Family!
I hope the end of 2010 treated you well and that you are looking forward to taking on 2011! Last night, Paul and I were discussing our year and decided that it was definitely one of our biggest years yet. It included trips to Greece, Paris, Florence, and Siena, moving back to the States, Paul's separation from the Navy, his first civilian job, moving to Charlottesville, buying our first home, buying two cars, my brother's Priestly ordinations, and having our third baby. Now THAT is one heck of year!
So far, 2011 is shaping up to be quite eventful itself. A new nephew, a 6 month deployment, my best friends first baby, and many other events that will be sure to challenge and excite us! Can't wait to see where we stand this time NEXT year!
So, let's back track a bit. We have settled into our new home quite nicely. We still have those lingering boxes of random stuff to finish but for the most part, we are completely in our new home and LOVING it. Paul has definitely enjoyed the hiking and biking trails out of our backyard. He takes the kids out for a hike at least 3 times a week. We are amazed how well Charlottesville fits our lifestyle and family! God definitely had a plan with moving us here! We are so happy!
On a different note, WE HAVE A NEW BABY GIRL! I know you all already know this but it's still fun to say! The realization that she will be a month old soon is insane! Baby Claire has been everything I prayed for! She is so sweet, so tiny, and a GREAT sleeper! For those of you who don't know, she was born on December 14th at 11:37pm. Even though she weighed 8 lbs 6 oz, she definitely has a much more petite frame than her brother and sister. I have always wanted to have a small baby so I am LOVING it! She's definitely attached to her mama but it is in a very manageable and sweet way (unlike her sister who would bring the house down screaming if I didn't have her). After 10 days of just winging it, we went back to our Dr. Denmark methods for sleeping and she has been sleeping about 7.5 hrs straight most nights. So nice! With my darling Catherine waking up at 6AM every morning, I need the sleep! All in all, things have gone extremely well with the new addition! Give me another week and I think I'll be into a good routine.
Lastly, I wanted to thank you for all of your prayers for my brother's Priestly Ordinations on Christmas Eve. While I was not able to be there, I definitely recieved the graces from his ordinations. My pride is busting at the seams and I cannot wait to see him and experience the fullness of his vocation in the Mass. Eddie is now Fr. Edward...and thats cool!
I hope you all have a wonderful New Years Day! Make sure to eat your black eyed pea for good luck (my mom always made us do that. I have since decided that I don't believe it luck therefore I don't have to eat it...haha. I still like the tradition though)! Have a great one and keep it touch!
Here's to an awesome 2011!!!
Jeanne
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Claire is HERE!!!
Friday, October 29, 2010
Duval Family Update October 2010
Greetings from the ever-BEAUTIFUL Charlottesville!
In efforts to distract myself from the halloween candy that is staring me in the face, I have decided that it is time for our October update.
I am always so amazed to look back on our months when I go to write these updates. Day-to-day it never seems like we are doing too much. Then, when I look back, I realize how much we have done and what has changed.
After our closing date got bumped back to November 1st, we had to quickly find another place to live as our lease was going to run out on October 15th. I found a lovely townhouse in a different part of town that was able to accomodate our family of four for 2 weeks and 3 days. So far, it has worked out well and there is even a 3 year old little girl who lives next door! While we have enjoyed both homes, we're more than excited to move into OUR home on Monday.
It's crazy to believe that we are down to our last week of bouncing around. When we move in, it will mark 6 months from when the kids and I left Naples. I was thinking about what life will be like in just 3 weeks and got so incredibly excited at the fact that my suitcases will be put away! In addition to that, I am looking forward to having the chance to really prepare, mentally and physically, for the arrival of our new little girl. With all of the commotion, my brain hasn't quite flipped over to the idea that we will be bringing a new little one into the world in just 8 short weeks. I am excited to get her crib up and clothes (still to be bought) ready. My mom made the prediction that I will go into labor as soon as I finally put my feet up in the new house and relax...I'm hoping to have a few weeks of putting my feet up.
Our little man is growing and maturing by the day. With all of the changes going on, we decided that it would be good for him to start pre-school two days a week. He is having a blast and has already started talking A LOT more. He has also become quite the speedster on his bike. His lack of fear can definitely present an issue for Paul and I but he is having a ball zooming around. Now, Catherine (or 'little C' as we call her). Seriously ya'll, this girl is a piece of work! Under that hair is a little girl with an attitude the size of texas and a heart thats even bigger! She has her daddy and her brother wrapped around her finger and enjoys every minute of it. She is now 15 months old and trying her best to keep up with the Guidman. I'm starting to get a bit nervous about how she is going to react to a new baby in the house but I'm hoping that she's just going to roll with the punches and stay distracted with Paul.
And lastly, Paul is still really enjoying his new job. His deployment is tentatively set for April/May 2011 which gives us a few months to just 'be' in between that and the baby. Like me, he is more than ready to settle into the new house. He has been such a trooper dealing with work, a very pregnant wife, moving, and two toddlers. Even with everything going on, we always manage to have such a good time together! Love,
Jeanne
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Duval Family Update FROM....
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA!!!
Well, after a long few months we have finally settled in Charlottesville, VA. Paul will start his new job with CACI on September 27, 2010! We are both very excited about this move and are really looking forward to finally having a permanent place to call 'home'. We are currently living in a rental house until mid-October when, if all goes according to plan, we will move into our very first home. We went 'under contract' today on an awesome house that we are both VERY excited about!
So far, we are REALLY enjoying Charlottesville. It took a bit to come up with the right words but we are now describing it as a mini-city. The city itself is TINY! You can get from one end to the other in 15 minutes but yet it has everything! Downtown has a fun 'old town' feel with the upbeat dynamics of the UVA students. The weather is gorgeous! The other day it was 94 degrees but compared to Atlanta's 94, it felt like 85. There is SO MUCH to do with children here. They have a website specifically for letting you know what is going on in and around Charlottesville and fun activities to do with your kids. Definitely very family friendly. The kids are doing very well. Catherine is still quite the ham and her hair just adds to the chaos! She tries pretty much EVERYTHING that her brother does. The other day, Paul caught her trying to climb an arched latter after her brother at the park! Thank goodness for his ninja like speed or she might of had her first ER visit. She's learning more and more words by the day. Given that Guido has been a little slow on talking, Catherine has served as quite the motivation for him to improve his skills. Little Paul has also been doing very well! He has turned his love of boats into a love of buses...can I tell you how many buses there are in Charlottesville!?!?!?! Between the university, the city, and the different schools, we are left with a pouting Guido during 90% of every car ride. He wants to go on EVERY bus! I never thought that I would dread the sight of a bus like I do now.
Paul and I are also doing very well. I am almost into my 3rd trimester with little miss Claire. Getting bigger by the minute but feeling good overall! I'm starting to get a bit anxious about getting into our own house with our own furniture but I know that it will come in due time. After 8 years of faithful service, Paul is officially a civilian. He is really looking forward to starting his new job and become an 'expert' in his field. The only drawback to his new job is that he will be doing a 6 month deployment to Afghanistan shortly after Claire is born. So, if you are in need of a vacation from March/April-September/October of next year, let me know. You can come visit us!!! I figure if I can have one visitor a month the time will go by WAY faster! So, let me know!
I think that about wraps it up. I hope this e-mail finds you all doing well. Please keep us updated on your lives and never hesitate to e-mail.
Love,
Jeanne
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