Spectacular Day...

What an awesome, awesome day we had today. I had the absolute pleasure of watching both of my children be baptized in the Gulf behind our family's beach house today. It was a beautiful day, and the kids were so excited. They have such a mature understanding of their faith, and it made me so proud to watch them profess their faith publicly through their baptisms. We celebrated afterwards with a cookout with family and friends. They also both received bibles with their names engraved on the front.

When we got home from the beach, we decided to let the kids take their bikes out for awhile. Anna's training wheels came off today. She was not thrilled about it, but she did try. More practice is needed, and she got pretty frustrated, but I am just happy that she tried. She'll get the hang of it. My babies are growing up.

Excited to start a new week and see what is in store for us!

Teeth Week, Blessed by a Gift, and Gourmet Chicken Nuggets...

My oldest lost his last "baby" tooth this week. He decided he really wanted to get a few more bucks from the Tooth Fairy. So, he knocked his front tooth against the concrete at P.E. today, and you will see the result in the photo. He is okay, but it is painful, and he has to back to the dentist on Monday for bonding/rebuilding of the tooth.

One of my sweet friends lost her sister a few months ago. Her sister was a scrapbooker, and Anne said she thought of me when she went through her sister's things and found all of her scrap stuff. She brought it to me this week, and it was bittersweet. I found several family photos within the bags, and all I could think of was how this lovely lady didn't get to finish her albums for her children. I feel so touched that Anne gave me her sister's things. Here is a link to the the obituary.

http://www.nwfdailynews.com/articles/running-30266-laugh-bernadette.html

She passed away running her first triathlon. It was very unexpected. The school that she worked at is now raising money in her name to build a new P.E. track.

Thomas decided to try out his culinary skills this week and made a new version of chicken nuggets: topped with cheese, jalapenos, and a drizzle of ranch dressing. Move over Top Chef!!!

Here's to a peaceful weekend!

Day 30 - Ways I believe I have grown over the past thirty days...

Well, I am impressed with myself - 30 days of blogs. I didn't think I'd stick to it, but I did, and I'm glad. It was fun, and now I'm sort of sad that I don't have "pre-thought out" topics to write about every day anymore. Now, you'll just have to read about my boring everyday life, huh? :)

Anyway, I definitely have some ways that I believe I have grown in the last 30 days:

1.) I have progressed in Taekwondo. I started in August, and I am only a few weeks away from testing for my orange belt - go me!!! I love it!

2.) I actually like to write. I have always been pretty good at writing, and even won some awards in college, but I never found it to be much fun then. Now that I am older and don't have to write for a grade, I enjoy writing to capture thoughts, dreams, memories, etc. It is relaxing.

3.) People are really interesting. I feel like I have made many friends during the course of this 30 day challenge. I have found numerous bloggers and have sort of immersed myself in their blogs. I enjoy reading about other people, and I am inspired by what many of them say.

4.) I realize how recording my thoughts is therapeutic when I'm having a tough day, and I really want to focus on putting my words and stories into my scrapbook pages more. Journaling is such a huge part of recording the memories.

5.) The blogging world is huge, and there is a blog about almost anything you can think of.

I did want to share some of the really neat blogs that I have added to my blogroll over the course of the last 30 days:

http://17andbaking.com/

(She's only 17, and has made up lots of recipes from scratch, won awards, and is very creative in the kitchen.)

http://www.beckyhiggins.com/blog

Scrap & Design inspiration - I love the photo challenges.

http://eighteen25@blogspot.com/

More crafty stuff - this blog has some really cute ideas.

http://ohsheglows.com/

Yo-Yo dieter gone vegan and healthy. Her story is inspiring, and her attitude about beauty and having a healthy lifestyle are great too. The recipes are really yummy looking as well. (Thanks Alison for this one!)

http://jenjohnson.typepad.com/family/

Another photo/journal type blog. I love reading about how the everyday, mundane type things can be so exciting if you have the right perspective.

Anyway, I have thoroughly enjoyed this challenge, and I'm looking for more. I want to write regularly, and I'm afraid I won't be able to come up with cool topics on my own. Any other ideas for this?

Anyone else have some more neat blogs to add to my blogroll?

Happy Blogging!

-Michelle

Day 29 - What I live for...

I want to say that I live my life for God, but I know I have a long way to go before I can proclaim that. I am learning, and I am trying, but I am not perfect...

Besides living my life for the Lord, I also live for my family. They are so precious to me, and I love them all so... :)

Day 28 - A moment I remember being completely happy in and a description of why I believe I was. What is my definition of happiness?...

I will never forget how I felt after both of my children were born. I instantly fell in love and knew that those days would always be some of the happiest I will ever know.

I had a long, hard labor/birth with Grant, and I was tired and in pain after his birth. Of course, I was happy, but I was also sort of in a fog (so to speak).

With Anna, I had a scheduled c-section. So, I was well-rested, relaxed, and not in pain.

I remember an overwhelming feeling of completeness for our family after Anna was born. I had my boy. I had my girl. God was so good to us. Even though I felt great after Anna's birth, I was sick after the anesthesia got going through my body shortly after being in the recovery room. It didn't matter though - I was on top of the world.

Happiness is about feeling complete, being surrounded by love and joy. I know that the ultimate happiness lies in the hereafter, and I know at that time, it will be awesome.

I thank God for my babies every day. :)

Day 27 - My definition of the meaning of life...

Life is not measured by the number of breaths you take but by the moments that take your breath away. - Author Unknown

I used to think that in order to define the meaning of life for myself, I had to find out what my life's purpose was supposed to be. The older I get though, the more I realize that maybe my "purpose" isn't so profound. Maybe God's will for me is just to exist and to try to be the most loving person that I can be; to give to others, to provide, to love, and to care.

I think the "Bucket List" movie does a pretty good job of conveying people living life to the fullest. It touches on some of the things that I believe are important in life, but not all of them.

I thought this post would be a perfect time to share my "Bucket List".

1.) Read and actually understand the Bible.

2.) Travel both in the U.S. & Internationally: Italy - Leaning Tower of Pisa, Gondola ride; Australia - Great Barrier Reef (Scuba Diving); France - The Louvre, The Eiffel Tower; London; Africa - Safari (elephants in the wild); Amazon - Rainforest; China - Great Wall; Holy Land; NYC - Statue of Liberty (New Year's Eve), Play on Broadway; AZ - Grand Canyon; NV - Vegas; Canada - Niagara Falls; CA - Drive through sequoias; Yellowstone; Hawaii; D.C. (I did this one this year!)

3.) Visit every one of the states in the U.S. at least once (preferably on a road trip).

4.) Learn to dance.

5.) Play the guitar & piano.

6.) Do a Triathlon.

7.) Skydive

8.) Ride in a hot air balloon

9.) Obtain a Bachelor's Degree in something (what? I have no idea.)

10.) To have one of my scrapbook pages published

11.) Go Skiing.

12.) Build my own home (custom).

13.) Whale watching

14.) See Northern Lights

15.) White water rafting

16.) Ride in a helicopter.

17.) Horseback riding along the shore somewhere

18.) Sit on a jury.

19.) Get my black belt in martial arts.

And last, but not least:

20.) Make a difference in the world!!!

Day 26 - My definition of love...

Love is...

Giving yourself unconditionally to another, whether that be a parent, sibling, child, spouse, or friend. Knowing what someone needs and offering to provide it or finding the means to provide it even if it is difficult or goes against what is comfortable for us

Caring more about others than yourself

Offering a hug or a kiss

Praying for each other

Kindness

Patience

Honesty

Forgiving those who hurt us

Bandaging up the boo-boo's

Rocking a baby at 2 in the morning

Bringing a sick friend some soup

Hanging your kids' artwork on the fridge

Teaching your children the value of respect and morals

Wearing socks or shoes with holes in them so that you can give to others

My dogs jumping on me at the end of the day because I am their best friend and they missed me so

Knowing your right but not saying so

Deep, emotional, and sometimes complicated

Humble and gentle

The best summary I can think of lies in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Tell someone that you love them today! :)

-Michelle

Day 25 - Something I would do if no one stopped me or if I knew I wouldn’t fail...

I am not afraid of failure. I don't like it, but I have failed, and I went into whatever situation I was in without fear.

At this point in my life, I don't feel like anyone is going to stop me except maybe myself. Again, not because I'm afraid, but because I am too responsible.

I'd love to go out on a limb and find a career in something creative, but the realistic part of me knows that isn't going to pay the bills or help to support my family. It might be different when Thomas is finished with school, but for now, I am where I am.

I love to be inspired by things that other people make, and I love it even more if I inspire someone else.

Who knows, maybe I'll go back to school one day. Or maybe not. I am always eager to learn, but the traditional "sit in the classroom, listen to lectures, & take tests" side of education doesn't appeal much to me. I prefer hands-on learning for the thrill of discovering something new.

I also wonder if I made my "hobby" my "job", would I still love it? Would I want to create if I "had" to? I know, it sounds silly, but I have thought about it. Can anyone relate?

Still trying to figure out where my place is in the world. Maybe I'll figure it out one day; maybe not. I'll just have fun trying to feel my way through.

Isn't that the way it's supposed to be?...

-Michelle

Day 24 - Something I did as a child that other people remember me for...

1.) I used to hide under the coffee table whenever anyone I didn't know came over to the house. I was REALLY shy.

2.) I loved Snoopy when I was really young and even dressed up as him for Halloween. I had the full face paint and everything. My parents took me to the mall, and some kid accidentally kicked me in the face as his mom was holding him up high, and it hurt. So, of course I cried, and all of my Snoopy make-up ran down my face.

3.) I used to drop things as a toddler and instead of saying, "Oops - there it is!" I'd say, "Boops - dare it is!" :)

4.) I loved to play with my baby dolls and would often boss them around (who me, bossy?! - no way!!!). I would say, "Eat baby doll. Go to sleep baby doll. Sleep baby doll. Spank baby doll." See, I was such a disciplinarian - LOL! :)

5.) I used to love my Uncle's cat "Bager". His name was really Rutabaga, but he was often called Rudy or Bager for short.

How many of you knew those little factoids about me? :)

-Michelle

Day 23 - Most awkward first impression I feel I’ve ever given...

Had to think on this one for awhile, but I did come up with one.

I remember once when I was out of work when Grant was a baby, I was interviewing all over town. I was going to probably a dozen interviews a week. I was really, really needing a job.

Anyway, I went to one interview. I don't even remember where it was now, but the interview process was so awkward and uncomfortable that I probably left a weird first impression for the guy. He asked me things like how old I was, why I wasn't working in the field I had a degree in, why I even wanted to work there, what my husband did for a living, if I had kids, etc.

I know I'm not an HR person, but if even a small part of my knowledge in human resources is correct, I do believe almost every one of his questions were inappropriate for the interview process.

So, I guess I left an awkward first impression because 1.) I couldn't answer most of his questions. I had never been asked those kinds of things before; and 2.) I really didn't want the job after that, and the questions I did answer, I cut short, acted nervous, and definitely was not self-confident.

I am so glad that I don't work there. And, I don't really care what his impression of me was either. :)

Day 22 - Someone I would give my life up for without question...

This is an easy one... :)

Random Questions...

I have to say that these questions are not original. I got them from Becky Higgins blog: www.beckyhiggins.com/blog.

For some reason, I can't copy & paste into blogger.com, but I can post a link to my Facebook "Notes" page so you can read my thoughts... :)

http://www.facebook.com/notes/michelle-landry-duvall/random-questions/430573081357

-Michelle

Day 21 - My favorite medium of art...

I love crafts, creating, and being inspired by art/design. I have dabbled in lots of different mediums, but for me, paper is my absolute favorite. You can do so much, and of course, I combine paper with pictures for scrapbook pages that will help my family to remember those special times in their lives. Here are a couple of my projects that have involved paper:

First Taekwondo Tournament...

It was a little bit more chaotic than we imagined and quite intense, but it was a new experience. We are proud of Anna for going and hope to see many more tournaments in the future. Love you sweet girl! - Mom

Day 20 - A band that I immediately liked and the song that made me like them...

"Praise You In This Storm"
by: Casting Crowns

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WiRDpkoCKi8

-Michelle

Day 19 - A passage from a book that has touched me...

"I believe in the sun, even when it is not shining.

I believe in love, even when I do not feel it.

I believe in God, even when He is silent."

(Author unknown, but I read it it Beth Moore's "Esther-'It's Tough Being a Woman' study".)

Day 18 - A picture that makes me feel...

This really makes me sad. This poor bird was covered in oil from the Deepwater Horizon rig that exploded in the Gulf of Mexico; all due to human error and greed.

I wish I never had to use oil. Unfortunately, it is a necessity, but this really hurts my heart.

Sadly, the news just reported this:

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2010/09/02/oil-rig-reportedly-explodes-louisiana-coast/

Supposedly, it is a non-producing well, but hasn't been confirmed 100% yet. I am praying that is the case...

If you feel moved, you can donate funds for helping the animals through the National Wildlife Federation:

http://www.nwf.org

-Michelle

Day 17 - What I want to be remembered for...

re.mem.ber - A verb

To keep (someone) in mind as worthy of consideration or recognition.

After reading the definition of the word "remember", I had to stop and think: "What have 'I' really done that deserves consideration or recognition?" I usually don't think of myself in this respect, and I try to be humble. After all, I am human, and all humans (with the exception of one) are flawed.

I know I haven't done anything really miraculous or awe-inspiring, but what about the little things? Do they count? And if so, are they really "little"?

I think that I try to be the best daughter, sister, wife, mother, friend, and employee that I can be.

Here are a few things that I would hope people would remember me for:

1.) I try to be caring and loving to everyone I meet. Even if someone isn't nice to me, I try to see the good in them and have a compassionate heart.

2.) I am a hard-worker. This is something that my parents instilled in me, and I wear myself out at times working hard, but I do think it is important to get things accomplished and not be a slug.

3.) I think I am a good mom. I love my kids with all of my heart. I make mistakes, but it never changes my unconditional love for them. They complete me.

4.) I hope Thomas thinks I am a good wife. Again, I do foul up now and again (even though he says I think I am never wrong), but I do love him with all that I am. He is my best friend and my soul mate.

5.) I love animals. I hope that I inspire others to love them and to treat them with respect and decency. They may not be human, but they do have feelings, and I consider my furry kids to be part of my family.

6.) I also hope that someone will look back on some of the things I have created during my life and enjoy the art behind what I created. I love to make things (especially things that evoke strong emotion). Photography and scrapbooking are just a couple of my passions.

7.) Last, but certainly not least, I pray that others will remember me having a Christian heart. I love to serve others, and giving really brings me joy.

What would you want to be remembered for?

-Michelle