Dueck's Roost

I have seriously contemplated whether or not to post this entry, for fear that a letter might arrive in the mail someday nominating me for a "'worst mother of the year" award. However, I just can't resist, so I suppose I will take my chances. On a day when the kids were out of school--probably one of the last days of winter break, we had to run an errand or two and ended up at Target (which happens to have a nifty mall entrance). As soon as we enter the store, Joseph sees the mall play structure and of course wants to play. Being the great brothers that they are, Porter and James plead to take him to the structure while I grab the four or five items we came for. The mall is pretty quiet on weekdays and the play area looks relatively empty. Seeing as there are two of them to keep an eye on one child, I decide to let them go ahead. Brooks and Mae want to go as well, but I insist that this would be pushing it a little. So, fast forward ten minutes. I quickly buy my items...

This year we spent Valentines Day without the dad of the house. Kevin had to leave a couple of days before the celebration of LOVE for a ten-day work tour in India (India post to follow, I'm sure!). So, that said, knowing K would be gone on the actual day, Mae started off the holiday very early--as in February 1st--with a full-house heart attack (small paper hearts all over the walls and cupboards), and this little beauty at the neighborhood park ... Close ups:) ... The actual evening of V-day, we had our traditional heart-shaped pizza dinner, and then P and J took off for a 3-on-3 b-ball tournament, while Mae stayed home decorating cookies and playing with a friend she'd been wanting to have over for quite some time. Kevin and I are not huge Valentine's Day people. I really consider it to be more a day for the kids then anything else. However, Kevin does always have something thoughtfully delivered to me. I figured with him gone oversees this year, he would get a break fr...

Well, some wrestlers are still gearing up for state tournament, but we at the Dueck house are officially finished with stinky gyms and early-morning weigh ins (albeit, just for the season). So, I thought it was time to throw up a montage of pictures from the last few months. Warm up time ... Individual shots ... This one of Brooks has given us many moments of intense laughter. His look here kind of sums up the season for him. Love this kid! Wrestling bros. The kids all did a really good job! James took first in the intermediate category of every tournament/round robin he entered (next year ... time for advanced group). Never thought I'd have a daughter wrestling, but Mae did great for her first year! Took first in the beginner's category of one tournament as well (the only one she entered in this category). Now she's just wondering how much longer we're going to make her do this;). Sorry, Miss. The things one is subjected to in a family of boys!! And with a dad who love...

Just a couple of cute shots of cute brothers doing cute things. What a good big brother to get this little guy all dressed up! Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

One thing's for sure, we love our daddy! He's just plain fun ... and funny. The kids especially love their turn for a date/one-on-one with Dad whenever the opportunity arises. So far this year, Brooks opted for a trip to the Spaghetti Factory. Kev and I brought home Italian soda glasses for the older boys after our trip to San Diego, and ever since then, Brooks has wanted one pretty badly. He was even sweet enough to bring a glass home for his sister.  Not to mention the not-so-fun parking ticket he brought home this date too...oh well, it was worth it! And Mae went for lunch at Panera Bread ... And some time at Build-a-Bear workshop (to use a gift certificate from our lovely Isabelle). I hear she got some serious compliments on her rockin' red beret! Dads are the best!!:) - Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Speaking of ms. creative, I suppose I should have included this with the last post. Kevin and I headed out for a quick dinner date a few weeks ago, and arrived home to this little bit of sweetness ... Love it!! Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Mae is one creative chick. She is always drawing or making something, and definitely has the skill of her Auntie Heidi, G-ma D, etc. Last year she won second place in the primary division of our school district's PTA cultural arts competition (Reflections), and this year came out with first place. So proud of her! Here she is in front of several of the top pieces from our school, including her own (happy couple on the right). Out of all that she creates, though, my favorite pieces are her many sketches of our family! Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

We finished off 2012 with a family party and sleepover at Grandma & Grandpa's house. They returned from their trip just in time to celebrate the new year! We had a great time watching movies, eating lots of yummy food, and, of course, staying up late. Probably not as late as most, though. I think by 10:00 we were all (that is, the grown ups were all) pretty ready for bed, so 12:15 or so was definitely our limit. Here's to a great new year!! Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

After OMSI, we cruised back "home" and quickly dropped off the three youngest (Grandpa was busy at work, but Grandma was so nice to babysit!), so we could rush back into town to watch the Blazers play the Sacramento Kings. Blazers had a great game. Kings, not so much. But let's face it, we were really just there to see Jimmer anyhow, so who's keeping track??:) Other than the obnoxious (yet, slightly amusing) Jimmer-hater a few rows over, we had a great time!! Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Day two in Portland: we got up and ventured to OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry). Super fun place with sooo much to do. We knew we wouldn't have time for everything (big plans for that night), but we were able to spend a few hours exploring and having a great time--mostly in just a few areas of the "museum". Ball thingamajig section ... Tornado Alley IMAX show ... Grossology exhibit (super gross;-) ... And hands-on Discovery play zone. So much fun! Really a great place to visit. Gotta love the grandparent season pass!! - Posted using BlogPress from my iPad