Thanksgiving '07

We made a short detour to Hell on the way home from Aunt Kathi's house. Nobody wanted to stay long.

Yes, Hell is frozen over.

Greg, Shawna, Kathi, Margo, Micah and my Dad

It was a chilly Thanksgiving in Michigan this year. This is us behind Aunt Kathi's house...a beautiful place to spend the holiday with family.

Daddy and Micah "driving" the tractor in Aunt Kathi's barn on Thanksgiving

Shawna and long time friend Emily (Wagner) Linnert at her baby shower Nov. 10th.

Thanksgiving was a wonderful time of relaxation, great food, and quality time with family. Tommy (Shawna's brother) came up from TX on his break and my Dad and Margo flew in from Gig Harbor much to Micah's delight. You see, whenever "Hah!" comes (Micah calls his grandad "Hah!" because that's how they laugh together) he gets to ride on the shnazzy Bob the Builder TV cart at the grocery store. And he gets a donut while riding in the cozy little digital coupe. he's got the life? I think so. On Thursday morning we all drove to my Dad's sister's house in Gregory, MI (fitting, I know) about 1.5 hours away. She lives out in the country and has two horses, lots of barn kitties a tractor, a 64" flat screen TV, a basket of toys, and a great dog named Zeke...sooo...guess who was in heaven at Aunt Kathi's? If you're thinking "Micah" then you get two points :) Thanksgiving dinner was delicious and the homemade pumpkin pie (courtesy Margo) was the perfect quintessential Thanksgiving dessert. As the pictures notate above, on the way home we made a slight jaunt to Hell, MI, to satisfy Greg's curiosity. We wanted to get Micah a T-shirt that read, "My Mom and Dad went to Hell and all they got me was this T-shirt", but there were none to be found. I know, a little distasteful, but come on, you don't name a town "Hell" without asking for all kinds of puns and slapstick humor. Seriously, though, there's not much going on in Hell, MI. A country store, a biker bar and a video rental place. It is a pretty place, though. And makes me ever so grateful for the promise of a very real Heaven someday. So, to end this entry...Thanksgiving came and went too quickly and Christmas is upon us in bright array. As Micah says, "Mifus tickles", which translated means, "Christmas twinkles". I need to do another post with all the Micahisms we hear each day, but for now, let's just say Merry Christmas to you all. We are heading to TX on the 20th and greatly anticipating time with friends and family. We haven't been back in over a year, and as much as we are loving our new home here in GR, we are eager to be with familiar faces and places and experience all the warm memories they will both remind us of and create anew. Grace to you all "and to all a goodnight." :)

One Wednesday Morning...

It's 7:22 am and I hear "MOM!" I'm in there by 7:25 only to be questioned by a two year old as to why I wasn't there sooner. Pardon me, oh little one. I will try better next time. He then notified me that we had gone poo poo, so my "cup of coffee" this morning was a very stinky diaper.
Breakfast was oatmeal that was too hot and spilled as I took it out of the microwave. When Micah finally finished eating, I had just begun sitting down to my breakfast. I got up to wipe him down and get him out of his chair and he was off. I decided I would have a little of Greg's leftover coffee still on the burner and as I was stirring in the creamer I hear, "Ready, set, GO!" Uh oh. Stabilize yourself. Then "Slam!" I am plowed into by a toddler full of energy with no signs of slowing down.
Since this morning is "Meijer Morning" (i.e. grocery shopping morning) I decide to forfeit a much needed shower in order to quick go through the grocery ad and clip the coupons I'll need. Micah gets out the sections of the newspaper he desires, namely all of them, and they are strewn all over the kitchen floor. He then looks at me and says, "poo poo again." OK, let's go. We change him and get him into clothes that match well enough for a trip to the store. I then quick try to finish my grocery list and realize that I'm still hungry and need protein. So I make a bagel, which, of course, I have to share with Micah as his big blues eyes look at me and say "Bite!" over and over again. OK...time to pull my hair into a ponytail, put on the only pair of jeans I have that fit. As I'm putting on a bit of makeup I smell a minty scent coming from the floor. "OH! Micah!! No Sir!" Daddy's Listerine is spilled all over the carpet. As I'm scrubbing that up, he quickly reminds me of the places where he dropped broken pieces of blush into the carpet as well. Thank you very much. We get that at least somewhat cleaned up and I remember I need to switch the laundry downstairs that has been sitting both the washer and dryer since yesterday. As I throw the last sock into the basket I look over and see that he has gotten into the sump pump drain in the corner of our basement that has chalky paint all over it. I also realize a giant wet spot of Listerine is on him as well. I strip him right there and throw his clothes in the existing mound and we go upstairs to find some clean jeans and a shirt. Then it's time to go on the shoe hunt. One shoe...YES! Where's the other shoe! Hurray we found it! NOW we can FINALLY get to the store. "OK, bud, let's get in the car!" Oh, wait. I have to put in the car seat we switched out yesterday. Here, let me get my big pregnant belly into the middle of the backseat of the Honda so I can sit in the carseat to put enough weight in it to be able to snap it in...There. Done. Now to get a reluctant, stiff, toddler into his seat. I apply force and we're off, right? Nope. I have to go to the bathroom. OK...now we can go. Nope. Where are the keys? Back in the house. Here they are and...WE'RE OFF!! Only two hours after we got up. So much for leaving early, but at least we'll probably still beat the crowds and get home in time for an early lunch.
We get to Meijer and about one quarter of the way through I realize I don't have my wallet. No money. You've got to be kidding me. I call Greg and the phone won't work inside that black hole. He wasn't planning on leaving the office anytime soon, anyway...so here we go. Leave the cart at the entrance of the store and we're back in the car to zip home and zip back to finish what we had already started. SO, two hours later, we are finally arriving back home for a not-so-early lunch...but in all of that Micah was a gem. He made music with the mac and cheese boxes at the store, at all the marshmallows out of his "Lucky Charms" snack and occupied his time in line by snatching a Britney Spears update in one of the magazines. Finally, he got to ride the penny pony and couldn't have been happier. Now he's sleeping soundly so his battery can be recharged...something tells me I should be doing the same :)
I write this with a grin. Nothing too out of the ordinary about today...just one of those days that reminds you to laugh and thank God His strength is perfect. I can see the moms out there laughing with me (or at me, for those of you who have "paid your dues"...ahem...my mother.) and I hope for everyone else who actually takes the time to read this entry will find some kind of
reason to sit back and chuckle. Oh, the things our Heavenly Father must laugh at, too. I think He was smiling today :)

"Can we Trick or Treat? YES WE CAN!!"

"Can you fix it? Yes I can!"

"Hooray for Bob!"

Getting Ready...

Bob the Builder

The crew before heading out to make a profit.

Micah and the neighbor boys raked up the leaves into a huge pile and then all jumped in them at once. Too bad they weren't raking in our yard.

For those of you familiar with the little builder in the yellow hard hat, you'll understand the title of this post. Micah was Bob the Builder for Halloween this year and he loved every second of it. Greg took him around with the other neighbor boys and their daddies. I think it was quite a surprise to him that all he had to do was say "Trick or Treat" and he got all the candy he could ever want. It's not that easy around the house :) Anyway, hope you enjoy the pictures as much as Micah enjoyed Halloween.

(OH! I also want to add that we have some great shots of Micah in the pumpkin patch and at the apple orchard from earlier last month. I some how saved over them on our hard drive, but I did manage to get them on to Snapfish in time, so you can view them there if you haven't already seen them. Just let me know and I'll send you the link.)

The Cove

Not the best shot of me, but for those of you who have been asking for a prego shot...here's one for ya'. I have to say, though...that shirt is doing a great job of hiding a very out there belly. I guess I should wear it more often.

A blurry shot of us on our hike in the woods.

Greg standing on the deck of the training center

View off the balcony/deck of the training center.

In front of the HUGE fireplace in the lodge

Greg and I recently got the chance to get away together for the first time in over two years. My dad and Margo graciously offered to come watch Micah for four days as we flew to Asheville, North Carolina to Billy Graham's Training Center. Marketplace Ministries had their annual conference for business leaders and we were offered the opportunity to attend...and we're SO glad we were able to go. Greg asked me what my favorite part of the weekend was and I said, "that everything far exceeded my expectations." Seriously, from the moment we drove into The Cove until the moment we left it was a a time of renewal. Renewal of the mind, body, spirit and marriage. The food was outstanding and I didn't have to cook or clean anything :) Our room opened up to a forest full of changing leaves and the high hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Greg and I were able to take walks and spend time being quiet together in the wonder of creation. The speakers were outstanding as they taught God's truth from His Word. We soaked it in. I think just being in a place so drenched in prayer was rest for our souls. At the Cove, the peace of God runs deep. Truly, a taste of what awaits us in Heaven.

Micah's 2nd Birthday

Micah opening his "surprise" from Mommy and Daddy

(It was a ball and glove and a drum from Argentina. The drum was a "hit.")
Micah and Daddy goofing off in the boxcar of the cardboard train Greg made for Micah's birthday party.

Blowing out all two candles on his choo choo train cake.

Micah was SOOO excited about his party. He couldn't wait for cake and ice cream and balloons. Unfortunately he wasn't feeling the greatest and was battling a stomach bug that wouldn't go away. Still, he had a great time when all his little buddies showed up. The party was from 5:30 to 7:30 on Sunday evening, but it's dark in the picture because we didn't figure in the shorter days in the fall up here. It was also uncommonly warm for October. I think it was in the 80s that day...not what we expected, but was still a great time in the backyard with our friends and neighbors and their kids. Micah slept well that night :)

"Another Suitcase in Another Hall...or Hemisphere"

The national Argentinian Cemetary - much like Arlington in DC - however many famous political and war heroes are buried here. Including Eva Peron. You can get lost among the rows of moseleum/chapel type memorials. It was quite incredible.

Here's a view of Buenos Aires from our hotel room. It's one big city.

Jonathan, Shawna and Tommy in front of a government building in B.A. In the musical/movie "Evita" Madonna sang "Don't Cry for me Argentina" out of the top window.

SO...Argentina...ahhhh. Cafe con leche, steaks, wine, a luxurious hotel, Spring time, generous, beautiful people, and family memories to last a lifetime....oh, and did I mention the exchange rate is in our favor? It truly was a whirlwind weekend, well worth the effort to make it happen. Sept. 30th my (Shawna's) dad triumphantly retired from AA after 29 years of service. Our family flew down to Buenos Aires with him on his last trip to celebrate this lifetime acheivement. We stayed in the Intercontinental (the AA crew hotel) where we experienced the finest hospitality and generosity. On their own initiative they threw a cocktail party out on the veranda in honor of dad's retirement. It was beautifully decorated and well-supplied with yummy appetizers, wine and beverages. They even had a pianist and amazing vocalist for the evening. Unbelievable. We then went to a great steak place (Argentina is known for it's delectable tenderloin and such. Best piece of steak I've ever put in my mouth, honestly.) Dad had gotten to know the waitstaff at this restaurant over his time spent in B.A., so it was especially memorable with their warm, service and attention to every detail. More like dining with friends that we had never met. We spent the days meandering the streets, stopping frequently at little cafes, and doing some shopping. I found myself very thankful for taxis and the little Spanish we know. There's so much more to tell, but the story culminates when we all got first class on the way home on Dad's last flight into Miami. Upon arrival, the entire first class cabin serenaded him on kazoos and my brothers, Chrissy, Margo and I wore leis to celebrate. It was an amazing weekend. Where were Micah and Greg, you ask?? Unfortunately, they were unable to make it due to expired (and in Micah's case, nonexistent) passports :( We've got to fix that. Greg graciously watched the little guy at home for the weekend, while Mommy got away. A huge sacrifice I am most grateful for.
So...while this only skims the foam off the cafe con leche, it's hopefully a little more insight for those of you I haven't been able to fill in. My pictures from the weekend are lacking, so for better shots, you'll have to go to Jonathan and Chrissy's blog or ask my dad to send you what He and Margo have. Adios!

Here's a great shot of Greg, Pappa (Greg's Dad) and Micah. We had a fun visit with his dad and step-mom (Cynthia) in August. Micah loved getting lots of time to play with Pappa. A few more milestones for the little guy: He went #2 in the potty. Only once, but, hey...we're counting it a victory. The rest of potty training is more like a slow jog through the park than it is a race to the finish line. It largely depends on how attentive I am and if I can remember to take him to the potty more frequently than not. I also found out today that with a teeny bit of help he can count to eight. Not sure how he learned that one. It's amazing to me how much they know...or how much we don't know that they know ;)
Fall hit Grand Rapids today. We pulled out the sweatshirts and are currently enjoying an evening rain shower. There's a real sense of expectation for the change of seasons here...I love that.

Baby #2 is growing along and making sure that I am always aware he/she is very present. Lots of nausea and fatigue I'm praying will subside in the coming weeks. We got a thumbs up from the OB and everything looks good. Praise the Lord! We're pretty sure we're going to keep this one a surprise and find out if it's a boy or girl the old fashioned way. Greg says there are very few things the man gets input on in this whole pregnancy business, so he's decided to call the shots on this one :) We're looking forward to the anticipation and excitement.

All for now...the Duvalls

One Small Step for Micah, One Giant Step for Mom and Dad

HURRAY!!
Here in the Duvall household, we are celebrating Micah's first step towards diaper-free living. He has now gone peepee in the potty several times, both here at the house AND at the mall in the kiddie potty in the family restroom. He was especially proud of that one because he got to stand up and go potty like Daddy :) We are certainly no where near completion on "project potty", but we're on our way!! Any suggestions from those who have done this before us?? We're all ears!

More pics from this summer

The Walsh Family Reunion

I love sand

Janet and Shawna

Mommy and Micah at Gull Lake

With Daddy at the Beach

Daddy and Micah at Family Camp

Summertime Hits

So a list of highlights for the past few months...let's see...May: Jonathan's graduation from Med School. Shawna and Micah met her whole family clan in Richmond, VA for a wonderfully long weekend of grad festivities. Micah met "nani" for the first time and fell in love. June: What happened in June? Oh! The Cutlerville parade and carnival. Americana at its best. Small town parade, choo choo rides, fire engines, polka music and elephant ears and fireworks to top it all off. We'll definitely plan on being there again next year! Shawna's Mom came to visit and we drove to Rochester, NY to help Jonathan and Chrissy move into their new home. Micah was reunited with Kenai, his best doggie friend. We also took Micah to the zoo for the first time. The pygmy goats and monkeys were a hit. Summer time hits cont...July: We headed to Gull Lake Family Camp and enjoyed the best week in Michigan yet at a friend's cottage on Gull Lake. We enjoyed the Camp facilities and programming and made some lasting family memories. It was truly a time of refreshment, relaxation and renewal. Later that month Janet Purvis Miedema came to visit. We thoroghly enjoyed the MI lakeshore in all its grandeur and also Meijer Gardens where we spent time wondering what the "Thinker" is really thinking about. We also hosted two parties in July. One for the college and career group at our church and one for Greg's Grand Rapids chaplain team. The highlight of the month was finding out we are PREGNANT!! Praise the Lord!! Due date: March 23rd, '08. On to August: Greg's brother Steve, Nikki and their three kiddos came for a few days to see Michigan for the first time. We headed up to Great Wolf Lodge in Traverse City and had an awesome time splashing around in their over-the-top indoor waterpark. Micah rode the kiddie waterslide around 150 times, I think. We also took them to the beach and strolled the street of Saugatuck one afternoon. A day after they left, we packed up the trusty ole Honda and headed to Rochester, NY again, this time for the Walsh family reunion. We stopped in Niagara Falls overnight on the way there and saw all that water as well as all that built-up concrete materialistic tourism. What a place! Micah was more fascinated by a small garden fountain than by the falls (go figure.) We rode the quintessential Niagara Falls tourist attraction "Maid of the Mist" and were literally blown away by the force of the falls. Very cool. At the reunion, Shawna's relatives flew in from all over the States. It really was a wonderful time and one of the best reunions in years, they said. Lots of singing, laughing, joking, playing, eating and catching up with family we hadn't seen in years. I guess it's exactly what you hope a reunion to be. After the arduous drive home, we took a few days to recover when Greg's Dad and Step-mom flew in from San Antonio. We also took them to the lakeshore in Grand Haven, but it's so stinkin' cold out we didn't spend much time soaking in any rays...just raindrops. Today we went to the Gerald R. Ford Museum here in town. Very impressive. The weather is still cool but we are not complaining. Just shaking my head that it's acutally August 20th! What in the world?! I'm in a sweater and just made a cup of hot chai. You never know, huh? So that brings us up to date. Much more has happened and much more is planned (and unplanned, for sure), but now that I am an official blogger, we will do our best to keep you "posted" :) Until then...