Paul and Catherine came up with a song today that they are VERY proud of! I taped the first performace sideways so there are two.
And now for their duet!
Sunday, July 31, 2011
We're Getting There
Friday, July 29, 2011
Sheepdogs, Really?
Unless you know my husband well, you may think that title of this blog is a little odd. A couple of years ago, Paul shared an article with me that explained our society quite well. If you haven't read it Click Here. In short, it explains that our society is split into three categories: Sheepdogs, Sheep, and Wolves. This is something that we take very seriously. Living in the world that we do, we want to teach our children to have the heart of a warrior but a deep love for their fellow citizens, similar to that of St. Michael the Archangel. I don't think it is a coincidence that Paul was born on St. Michael's feast day, September 29th.
When we talk about being a sheepdog, this doesn't only apply to literally protecting our country. It's an attitude, a mindset, a lifestyle. It means that you will go through the tough stuff to get to the greater good. When you are faced with a challenge, you won't back down because it is hard, rather you take it on, and fight for what is right. This is applied to our country, our relationships, raising children, money, EVERYTHING.
To Blog or Not Blog: That is the Question
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.
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.
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
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