To EVERYONE!

Merry Christmas!!!

I hope everyone had a relaxing, wonderful Christmas with family!

I am so blessed with loving friends and family that I can share this special time of year with!!

Love ya!

Thank you again

For those of you who don't know, my Granny passed away at the beginning of September. I miss her terribly.

I remember at this time of year usually because it was much colder than this we would be inside and help granny make homemade noodles, eating almost as much as we made while doing it (also while they were laying out to dry. )

I also remember putting up Granny's tree for her every year after Thanksgiving and we, my brother and I argued over who got to put the little bird in the nest in the tree (until you got another one), and putting up your little wooden nativity scene in your bookcase.

I remember the times coming home from being out late, and she would still be awake in her bed made from the fold up couch, and I would go in a talk with about what was going on in my life or what had happened while I was out, and she would just listen, or laugh, offer advice, or just give me a pat on my back or head as I knelt by her bed and talked.

Granny was a big part of my life because she lived with us. I dont' remember a time when we weren't all living together, and she was there. I really miss her.

So many wonderful memories, but one that I won't forget because it is such a comfort was at her graveside services. The pastor told of how my Aunt Sue had asked her about her relationship with God, and she everything would be ok said not to worry about her, that she was more concerned about her!

I miss trying to make you laugh, I miss talking with you, I miss digging in the flower beds, playing scrabble or chinese checkers, spending the night with Granny even though you just slept downstairs in the same house, I miss going shopping with you, I miss your flat noodles, the steak and jam sandwiches (well seeing you eat them, changing the hummingbird feeders for you, shooing the cows over the fence, taking walks in the woods, the crocheting of all the blankets in the winter, or the good books you always passed on to me.

I love you Granny!

Thank you everyone for your support and prayers!

Thank you!

Wow! So much has happened in the time since I have moved! It has been way to hectic.

First I do want to thank everyone for your thoughts, prayers, help lifting, advice on decorating, and more! It has been so wonderful to have such great friends and family in my life and know that I can count on them to help when I need it.

I love you all!

I FINALLY DID IT!!!!!

I finally did it! It is official, I am a new homeowner! I signed the papers (pretty easy signing all those papers!) I have a strange address....
(Here in Red Bud they couldn't quite decide where they were going with the street!)

I love my house! Amanda and Josh came over this evening and did some cleaning and putting together of things! Thank you so much! I really can't thank you enough!!

M - day is tomorrow! I am very excited, yet... well... it is moving and unpacking... not so excited about that except to know that it will be in my very first house!

Thank you all so much for your support along the way through this my first time buying a house!

Prayers please

I have two prayers if you would please pray for me!

Granny is not doing well. She didn't seem to have too bad of a summer, and I got to see her several times and talk with her. She has become even more frail in the past two weeks, and is barely eating and drinking if at all. Please pray that she isn't in pain and is at peace as she really isn't coherent anymore either. I love her dearly and it is so hard to be 3 hours away from her.


House closing is scheduled for this Friday! Please pray that things go smoothly for this and the big move on Saturday! I am very excited, but nervous too!

Thank you so much for all your thoughts and prayers.
Love you all!!!

Whew!

Time for the back to school routine.... sort of! Well, it's back to school time, and things are routinely hectic again! School started off well, but I was exhausted. On Friday, I got home grabbed dinner and sat down, around 5 or so. I later woke up at about midnight, what a nap that was. I didn't even intend to sleep, I wanted to watch a movie, or Friends (I am in the process of watching all the seasons again!) I got up and went to bed and woke up at about 8. Then I laid around (I guess I should have called this post lazy bones!) and then took another nap. I finally got around and started packing, well not started, I am about 90 percent done, just finished up what I could.
I am also liking the webmaster position at school, and I am extremely glad to not be responsible for student council this year!
On to week two.....

Today was the last day Mom is staying so we decided to live it up!

We had to navigate through St. Louis (the not so fun part for Mom) and we went to a movie. We went to see No Reservations with Catherine Zeta-Jones. It was really good. She is just beautiful! I thought Aaron Eckhardt was much better in this movie than the movie with Gweneth Paltrow. He's a cutie too! The movie is based on a German movie called Mostly Martha. I think I like this version better, but I loved the otehr one too!

Then we went to the Cheesecake Factory for a late lunch! Of course we saved room for cheesecake! All that sweet goodness! I had banana cream and mom had the snickers cheesecake! It was a good thing we had all the sweet before we hit the road because we hit lots of traffic on the way home! Mom did a terrific job on the way home with all the traffic, I might even say she is ready to drive herself around St. Louis.... I can see her out of the corner of my eye shaking her head - NO WAY!!

... and if that wasn't enough fun and relaxation, we had an appointment to get pedicures! It was mom's first and I do believe the aaaaa after we left was a good indication of liking it!

waiting to dry.... i snuck the camera out again!

Aren't they pretty!

I am so glad that you came down to visit Mom! I had a great week! It went way to fast! Thank you so much for a great week! Come again soon and often! HAPPY RETIREMENT!! I LOVE YOU!!!!!

Kidlet watching!

Today was kidlet watching day, and we didnt' even have to take a boat out to sea!!

Monica and Hannah had a date day, and Mom and I came over to watch Emily and Joseph! They we so good. We had the best chinese food this side of the Mississippi at the Red Bud Chinese place! I can't believe the kids like chinese like they do!

Then we read books, played on the floor, put puzzles together, sang songs, and played with blocks!! It was so much fun they are the cutest!

They also found my shoes and found them interesting! LOVE THOSE SMILES!!!

Emily in training on how to take photos on the camera! Hannah watch out... rr... maybe Monica watch out!

This little cutie was being so snugglie! I just wanted to hold him all day!

Emily and Joseph loved reading!! I think they liked the climbing on and over each other to read just as much as the reading! :)

Thank you so much for the dinner Monica! The salsa chicken was sooooooooo good! I will have to make it sometime soon! I am so glad you had a great day with Hannah!

Crazy Day

Wednesday was a bit crazy with meetings and a bit of work at school. I went into to school to get some more things ready, and mom had to fend for herself!
Then we met my friends Karen and Marilyn for lunch in town. We ate at Gallagaher's it was really good. I had chicken pot pie.... now when you think chicken pot pie you dont' realize that they can make it into a gourmet meal! Mom had the gourmet rueben sandwich.
Then we went back to school and got to see things, but the air isn't working right, and we came home.
I had another meeting, and mom had to fend for herself again! Then I did come home and make dinner. We had turkey burgers, baked beans, and peas! Did I mention they were gourmet turkey burgers!
I had choir tonight, and Mom came and listened, I couldn't talk her into coming up to sing with us, but she did clap for us a couple of times! Thanks for being our cheering section mom!!!
Afterward, we had to cash in the coupons that we had for a free blizzard for donating blood on Monday! I had a reese's pieces and mom had an M&M blizzard! Yummy!!!
What a great day!

Sleepy head

Mom really is enjoying her retirement! She even slept in today! The cat looking on was even surprised!!!

For those of you wondering.... I do have another bed, it's just full of packed stuff and I did offer her my bed!

Shopping with the Gals and little guy!

Today we had a great time shopping over in south county the Gals and the little guy! We went all over south county, found great deals, had lots of laughs, and ate the tastey chicken bakes at Costco! Oh so yummy!!

Later we ventured to Red Bud to pic up my camera which I left in Monica's van and of course stop by and see the house again! Someone mowed! what a difference a little mowing makes!

Ms Mary (like from the Bible Hannah says) Joseph and in back Emily and Hannah (with Clifford)

Mom made the comment later that Monica's three are the most well behaved kids of that age she has ever met! Monica, it's not just me saying it, she said that you can tell that you guys work with your kids and discipline them, yet are so loving!

Later at the Kish residence.... not surprisingly amidst the chaos of me trying to get all my stuff up the stairs of hell... won't be missing those... and back down with out fainting of a heat stroke (got hot today) and the cat meowing for food, I left the camera in the van, so we made a trip to Red Bud!!

Emily climbed right up on mom's lap and made herself comfy! Too cute!

We really did spend the day with Monica, Hannah got this candid shot, the only one of the day!

Monica I will have to get more pics next time! :)

Thanks so much for chauffeuring us around all day!! We had a great time!

Donate Blood Today

My plug for donating blood! Mom and I donated blood at the blood drive being held at my church. I haven't donated before, but Mom found her card and the last time she donated was in 1967!!!

the moony... oh THE MUNY

Mom wasn't sure what she was getting herself into when she agreed to go see a show with me at The Muny!!! I failed to mention right away that it was an outside theatre and Les Miserables was playing!

We had a fantasitic time! First we braved the traffic, something that is very literal for mom as she is definitely not used to the St. Louis traffic, and went to eat at my favorite restaurant, P.F. Chang's!! It was different for mom but she liked the sweet and sour chicken, wll that is until she put a red pepper in her mouth and soon spit it out. She asked me to try one, but her comment on it tasting like soap and me not liking them to begin with didn't motivate me to try one.

After dinner, we made our way over to the Muny. We did a little walking and asked a gaurd where the will call window was, but we finally made it.

We had pretty high seats, but surpisingly we able to see well, and the sound wasn't too bad! It was an awesome show. It is my favorite show!! Mom really like it too!

Beautiful sunset before the show!

Mom in disbelief that I AM taking a picture! (either that or still recovering from all the traffic that we just drove through!)

Mom could not believe that I asked the girl next to her to take our picture! I on the other hand didn't have any problem taking pics with my cell phone, including ones... ooops... that I shouldn't have taking inside the theatre... note to self, delete those pics!

SWEEEEEET..... POTATOES!!!

Dad sent these pics of a recent find at the farm! Aunt Ruth, Chris, and Dad were out sweating buckets to get buckets of potatoes and we are glad they didn't kick the bucket in this heat! Here are pics they sent of prize winning potatoes the one weighing in at 19 oz!

I LOOOOVE POTATOES!! (he he, just saw the pic)... thers sweet potatoe casserole, french fries, au gratin, hash browns, baked potatoes, mashed potatoes, tater tots, sour cream and chive potatoes, zesty potatoes, potatoes patties, fried potatoes, potatoe wedges, oh so many potatoes!!! Can you think of any more????

Pics of the house!

Here are more pics, of the inside of the house! I am looking forward to buying and making my own! Please ignore the furtniture (not mine!) :)

LIVING ROOM

KITCHEN

WHAT ELSE!

DOWNSTAIRS BEDROOM

STAIRS GOING UP UP UP!!

UPSTAIRS BEDROOM

There is also a full basement and a nice yard! I am very excited and would appreciate all your prayers as things are finalized and worked out. Pray that it all goes smoothly!

I am soooo excited, yet getting a little nervous too! Thank you to everyone who has been so helpful and patient with all my questions!

HOT, HOT, and more HOT

Mom is in town visiting, and today we decided after church we would go to St. Charles. The historical St. Charles has little shops down by the river. Mom was looking for a wreath, but unfortunately didn't find one. On the other hand we found lots of heat! Boy did it get hot today! By the time we got home I was getting a little grumpy. Especially after about being run off the road by another car! I think you can even tell by the end of the pics that Mom is hot and ready to get home, but we had a great time, and ate at a place called Lewis and Clarks! Good food! Wonder what we will do tomorrow!!!

Is this the face of a happy retiree or it just the sun! I tend to think it is the company! :)

and before we could hardly say cheese the poor innocent bystander that we got to take our picture, pushed the button and vwala (however you spell it.. just sound it out! :)

Happy Birthday!

We took mom out for her birthday recently for a dinner at Ted's Garage! What a great restaurant in Clinton. Mom and Dad always get the ribs... they are the kind that just fall of the bones. I tried the chicken cordon bleu (ok, but hard to top the ribs) This place is really neat. Surprisingly it was a real garage at one time! The menu has dishes that go with it like the appetizer assortment called Nuts and Bolts! Too funny!

Mom got her first MP3 player for her birthday, who knows maybe she will get a cell phone when she retires! It will be an exciting year at the Duvall house (the other Duvall house!)

Picture above: Aunt Ruth (the one who thought Mom needed the encouragement to improve her tech skills, Mom, and Dad's sleeve!)

You decide!

BRIGHT IDEA OR BALD SPOT?

I think the picture speaks for itself, but you can decide!

ROLLA!!

No that is not a new cheer that I learned, more like the intense training that we (all the science teachers in my building went to this summer! It was a two week experience with training from 8 to 5 and homework. The training was geared toward engineering (no pun intended). It was a lot of fun being around all the other teachers from the building, no shocker since science teachers who teach about everything, can joke about just about anything!

This one time at engineering camp.......

.....Lindsey, the newest addition to our science team, was caught doing origami... ok she was really trying to make the airflyer!

..... we raced our drasters in the Indy 5000.. centimeters that is! Hey our cars are wooden they would never last for the real thing! (no need for earplugs for this race!)

.... we found out what if felt like to be a surgeon. I love soldering and here I am making my own night light!

.... we learned that bread boarding just ain't about dough. The bread board as electrical engineers call this thing shows the curcuit that we made!

.... we put together this mess of wires and it really will doing something, well if you program it right!

....we found out the hard way that the propellers on these things are sharper than they look! my batmobile is the one in the middle! :)

... we found out that glue... no matter what form hot, elmers, or rubbercement.... can effect some people like Danilee here strangely. We had to keep a close eye on her! Mark the poor bystander unfortunately never saw it coming!

Well anyway, we had a lot of work, but a good time too!

Moving on

For those of you who don't know, I thought I would share that after six years of enjoying, struggling with being busy, learning from the kids, and unforgettable experiences being the Student Council Advisor, I have resigned.
I am taking over as our school webmaster, and there are many changes happening at our school. I also felt that it was holding me back from moving on in my teaching career, like going back to school, and applying for positions like the webmaster because student council takes up so much of my time!
So with much thought and prayer, I resigned, and it was one of the best decisions I have made! I feel the Lord directing me elsewhere and I am very excited to see what is in store for my future!
Thank you for all your prayers and support along the way and through the years of putting up with me saying I can't do something because I have student council!
Love you all!
Karen

The Great Apartment Makeover

My wonderfully amazing friend Monica came over earlier this summer with Jane's magnificent carpet cleaner sweeper. THANK YOU SO MUCH JANE FOR LETTING ME BORROW IT, ONCE AGAIN!!!!! I can't thank you enough!

Well we did lots of cleaning, and rearranging, and then got inspired to redecorate two specific parts of my apartment that we in dire need of change!

Before - Kitchen table area (ignore any mess, we were cleaning!)

After - I love it!!!! (It's almost like those pictures that ask you to find the 8 things different from one to the other! What do you see different???)

Before - Bedroom

After - Bedroom - I love it! It is amazing what a few candles, flowers, and pillows can do! Enchanting comes to my mind :) Women, you know what I mean!

Thank you again Monica for all your decorating coordinating, muscles moving furniture, tolerance for dusting, and inspiration for my apartment. It came at a perfect time!