tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-155461202024-02-19T03:03:32.361-06:00Duff StuffSam Duffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15533441670184026803noreply@blogger.comBlogger226125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15546120.post-34863925245484941482011-07-18T08:53:00.002-05:002011-07-18T09:14:23.347-05:00Lessons Learned in 32 years1a.) The persuit of the simple life is extremely valuable. The fast car, huge house, or high-brand suit are not the problem, but the persuit of them is.<br /><br />1b.) The appreciation of the simple life is extremely valuable. In compliment to (1a), you cannot put a dollar value on things like a good laugh, an embellished story, an army of songbirds in your backyard, or a crisp fall morning.<br /><br />2.) Perserveriance and dicipline are much more powerful than brains. Doing something then doing it again taking in to account what you learned will get you more success than relying on knowledge alone. It's just like taking a walk down the road, you'll take many small steps to get there.<br /><br />3.) God cursed work, but finding passion in your work surely makes it much easier!<br /><br />4.) Don't get caught up in judging your friends by their "things" or accolades. I have been blessed with many friends who come from all different walks of life and are going in many different places. I just like having friends.<br /><br />5.) When life gives you lemons, don't make lemonade. There are more fun things like strawberry lemonade or lemon icebox pie to consider.<br /><br />5b.) Forget the pie or drink, lemons are a great addition to a nice blend. Try watermellon, spninch, and lemon. Note to self, if you are reading this years in the future and your Blendtec blender broke down, get a replacement. There is no second.<br /><br />6.) Understanding the gospel is better than understanding high theology, but understanding high theology can be quite interesting.<br /><br />7.) My strengths are my weakness and my weakness my strenght.<br /><br />8.) Seeing a grandparent's love is cool. Sometimes annoying, but overall cool!<br /><br />9.) T-Tom is my blog stalker and I appreciate that. Mr. Tom, I promise this will not be only an annual blog and I'll throw in a few posts through out the year.<br /><br />10.) Writing down some thoughts from your past helps you feel really good about the future.Sam Duffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15533441670184026803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15546120.post-57989392477243455582011-05-15T19:31:00.003-05:002011-05-15T19:50:22.334-05:00May, 2011<div><br /><div><br /><div>I'm sure you got the idea in the last post that I simply don't have the time to blog as much lately with the <strike>new</strike> not so new job. Anyway, I do embrace the opportunity to update the blog and let you know what's been going on in the Duffey household.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>First and foremost, we have a superstar ballerina in Toddler O. She'd been practicing for months now at her school and as the recital approached, she ABSOLUTELY would not reveal her "moves". I also recall, that as the recital was getting near, that we were worried that she would clam up on stage and get stage fright. After all, being in front of a crowd is one of the most feared things possible to do.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>I guess I assumed that she'd be scared because I was when I was younger. I remember even in high school band as the lead trumpet doing solos, my heart would beat literally out of my chest before the solo. Yeah, I admitted it to the world, I was a band nerd.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>I digress... Back to the recital. Toddler O did great, and clearly was not fearful at all and worked the audience. Not only were her dance moves spot on, she hammed up the crowd with a few extras.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>Great job O.<br /><br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9mKAkGvbSXZM2CYNcaSAjDrJz_5qY7v0Yfla5rdjN5rOaXGZpEvdta7uJCv_gKBRDrSDCRsbjnOphS_8VY0aTP3u487svQ-wUqFHBeIoFx6dGDyIgLmXX_vCwuW2B0-lRyYZ/s1600/Ballet-44.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607109025602774354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9mKAkGvbSXZM2CYNcaSAjDrJz_5qY7v0Yfla5rdjN5rOaXGZpEvdta7uJCv_gKBRDrSDCRsbjnOphS_8VY0aTP3u487svQ-wUqFHBeIoFx6dGDyIgLmXX_vCwuW2B0-lRyYZ/s320/Ballet-44.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikDhlBf0PL3xALij404aRJ8GKq6VuO2Q_wcLERT6cjYeT0BzWNk-OysQP_UaNECxeGsGxzePD0ghhdp8UTeUdLEY9qZN86F0JFWZWi_TjCfp6ODaR_UI3-WUfkJ3vWOeV4ePlu/s1600/Ballet-62.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 213px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607109032766658018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikDhlBf0PL3xALij404aRJ8GKq6VuO2Q_wcLERT6cjYeT0BzWNk-OysQP_UaNECxeGsGxzePD0ghhdp8UTeUdLEY9qZN86F0JFWZWi_TjCfp6ODaR_UI3-WUfkJ3vWOeV4ePlu/s320/Ballet-62.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvGHSaXmrOL8zRGOcav0iEbJ3i6UF6n8OxxS_k7-gdCot80dfnGQOhs_sVtu-_TUu6vxNonXplZjwso2mGWgYxttmisTFazJtTPQmfBZW3-SzSxhVrIQkYfvckXyYGZ3zQy_0h/s1600/Ballet-60.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607109029594997954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvGHSaXmrOL8zRGOcav0iEbJ3i6UF6n8OxxS_k7-gdCot80dfnGQOhs_sVtu-_TUu6vxNonXplZjwso2mGWgYxttmisTFazJtTPQmfBZW3-SzSxhVrIQkYfvckXyYGZ3zQy_0h/s320/Ballet-60.jpg" /></a></div></div></div>Sam Duffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15533441670184026803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15546120.post-70054390197577304662011-03-12T13:21:00.004-06:002011-03-12T13:28:31.979-06:00Questions about God.Toddler O: Dad, do you like Auburn and Georgia?<br />Me: Yes.<br />O: Do you like Alabama?<br />Me: Well... The people who are Alabama fans are nice, but I don't pull for Alabama.<br />O: Okay.<br />Me: You know, you can pull for whoever you want... But, Mommy and Daddy are Auburn fans so that might be most convenient.<br />O: Is God an Auburn fan?<br />Me: What?<br />O: Is GOD and Auburn fan?<br />Me: Probably so.<br />O: Is He a Georgia fan?<br />Me: I'm sure he is.<br />O: Is He an Alabama fan?<br />Me: Well... You know, I bet he is probably a fan of theirs too.<br /><br />On the topic of God. Toddler O, asked Hot Wife about His communication with us;<br /><br />Toddler O: Mommy, does God have a cell phone?<br />Hot Wife: Hmm... That's a good question for Pastor Reeder.Sam Duffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15533441670184026803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15546120.post-30035783581445116192011-02-26T08:55:00.001-06:002011-02-26T09:14:01.395-06:00Happy Valentines DayAs I look back on the month of February, the moment that fills my mind was Valentines day. There are two pearls of the Duffey archives that I'd like to share. First, I must brag on Hot Wife as she gave me something truly special. A blender. Yeah, yeah, yeah, I hear you sigh. You see it's not just any blender. This is a <a href="http://www.blendtec.com/">Blendtec blender</a> - a blender with serious horsepower. Now I've been blending the basics, smoothies, whole food juices, and of course non-dairy ice cream, but if you are interested in all the things that can be blended in the Blendtec, check out <a href="http://www.youtube.com/blendtec">Will It Blend</a>. If you wish or are crazy enough, you can blend golf balls, an I-phone, lawn tools, etc. So the next time I want to have a strawberry-banana smoothie with a side of golf ball dust, I've got the right tool for the job.<br /><br />Second, I want to share with you about my diva daughter's dialog on Valentines Day. Let me give you the background. Hot Wife has been telling me about how her dad, brought her and Aunt 'Tacy a single rose each Valentines day. A pink one for Aunt 'Tacy and yellow for Hot Wife. Anyway, I thought that was a good idea and bought Toddler O a pink rose (and one for Hot Wife and Momma Deb to boot). I am so excited and give Toddler O her rose and she says, "I only get one?"<br /><br />I reply, "yes dear, one pretty rose".<br /><br />"I wanted more than one"<br /><br />"Well maybe next time", I followed.<br /><br />I didn't take that too personally coming from a three year-old and went on my business as she used her rose like a sword. And just a few moments later she jabbed me again.<br /><br />"I wanted a red one!"<br /><br />Argh, we've got a diva on our hands!Sam Duffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15533441670184026803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15546120.post-86131993611511597262010-12-21T20:19:00.005-06:002010-12-30T08:20:24.259-06:00Christmas RecapFirst you need to know that elves are HUGE this year. Our Elf on the Shelf, Barbie Love, has kept an eye on us all for over a month. For most of the nights when she went back to The North Pole, she was thankfully able to take a good report. Of course there were a few days that had their trials but I'm pretty sure the big guy overlooks the occasional minor slip of discretion.<br /><br />While we are on the topic of elves, Toddler O has established many types of elves. Her favorite is the "Action Elf" which she is when she's busy doing stuff with Amy or Dede. You know how a few days before Christmas things get quite crazy. So in the mix of purposed chaos, Toddler O was quick to say, "Dede... Today we're <em>Action Elves</em>!"<br /><br />Just in case you need to know... Aunt 'Tacy made Oreo Balls with Golden Oreos. Dang. They are so good they hurt your teeth a little. I'm not sure what the recipe is, but I taste Oreo, white chocolate, butter, and a little more butter.<br /><br />----------------------------------<br /><br />Issa's here!<br /><br />We've visited Duff and CC in Georgia last week. Traveling is tough with a three-year-old but the visit was quite nice. Of course Michael and Cole continue to mature well and have turned into quite nice young men. The big hit at CC and Duff's was the Bitty Baby Twins (American Girl) O received. Toddler O, has faithfully played with them and taught them like the good "mother" she is.<br /><br />Okay so that was one of my tangents... Back to Issa...<br /><br />Issa has arrived and is a nice fixture in our home. Living many miles away in Florida, Issa has to re-acclimate to life in Birmingham. And by the way, when I say "re-acclimate" I don't mean the weather. Living with a three-year-old is not for the weary and requires a little adjustment.<br /><br />So Issa is adapting to life in our home and of course Toddler O has targeted her to do everything. Issa MUST sit beside her at dinner, give her a bath, and of course put her to bed. Unfortunately Issa doesn't know all of the routine things that occur each night and just in case you don't know, a three-year-old will be quick to point out anything that is abnormal. Case in point, when Issa was putting Toddler O to bed, she made the mistake of putting all the books on the floor except the one that was being read.<br /><br />Toddler O says, "Issa you can't do that! I need them [the other books] to read"<br /><br />Issa, "I have the book we're reading right here."<br /><br />O, "No, no, no. I need those books in my bed to read."<br /><br />Issa, "Sorry, I just didn't understand."<br /><br />Toddler O, proceeds to tattle to Barbie Love (Elf on The Shelf), that Issa was being "bad" by putting the books on the floor.<br /><br />Issa responds, "like I said, I just didn't understand"<br /><br />Toddler O then pleads with the big man himself and I don't mean Santa, "Dear God, please help Issa understand".<br /><br />Of course that got a nice laugh from us all. We tell O to ask God to help her when she is sad, angry, hurt, maybe even confused, but never thought she would use God's power to help Issa understand our nighttime ritual.Sam Duffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15533441670184026803noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15546120.post-75305915576855568732010-12-15T21:36:00.000-06:002010-12-15T21:36:00.579-06:00I'm Back!!!So after seven months of a sabbatical from blogging, I have made it back to hone my writing/historian skills.<br /><br />For those few of you who have reminded me many times that I haven't been updating the blog, I truly have a good excuse. I have started a new career - career not job - and have been quite busy developing a new sales force. Is that an excuse, probably not, but I have been very tied up in tactical daily tasks.<br /><br />So Sam catch me up you ask... Well Toddler O keeps growing and at age three, Christmas is especially fun this year. Fun (and not so fun) traits from both her mother and father are developing each day. For example she loves to have a good time like me and is a great caregiver like Amy. As well, she also can be pitch-a-fit like me and tends to be a little OCD like her mom. Oh well... Sperm meet egg.<br /><br />I really don't have any great content today and I just wanted to warm up the blog from months of pause. And though I doubt I'll be able to post an update more than once a week, I'd like to have weekly increments of content to share with all you faithful readers.<br /><br />Thank you for coming back to visit!!!Sam Duffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15533441670184026803noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15546120.post-69578197072003953872010-05-18T20:52:00.002-05:002010-05-18T20:56:57.065-05:00Toga, toga, togaSo I was just thinking... Isn't that how most blog posts begin? Our family has shared many special moments with numerous people we consider our "family". Every one of those moments or memories are special to us and I hope them too. However, as Toddler O runs around the house in a homemade toga, I am so proud to have a few moments just to myself for my owns selfish enjoyment.<br /><br />Update... She just upgraded the attire with my brown dress shoes. Priceless.Sam Duffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15533441670184026803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15546120.post-70721995086506115672010-04-20T18:05:00.001-05:002010-04-20T18:05:51.477-05:00Oooooo!<p><font size="2">O just asked me to hold her hand like boyfriend-girlfriend. Yep. I am now mush. She could ask for the moon and I'd start tying ropes together. </font><br> <font size="2">SDD Mobile Email</font>Sam Duffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15533441670184026803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15546120.post-70506798735379542422010-03-09T19:04:00.001-06:002010-03-10T07:01:06.358-06:00We Have A House Guest<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh66rX4uitZQrEdSy8ThU1ulb9nbInAo_V2Hvg8muDpj041QrmmrtDJY616yhSg5ZNvsMwC__Mt0fAz7PU7ZpdetYM0B8b-Hxcr5yoNzunrQ5l-ETkWy0H6q90WlYWs-dIaUQfz/s1600-h/IMG00008-20100309-1855-700713.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446804940257596882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh66rX4uitZQrEdSy8ThU1ulb9nbInAo_V2Hvg8muDpj041QrmmrtDJY616yhSg5ZNvsMwC__Mt0fAz7PU7ZpdetYM0B8b-Hxcr5yoNzunrQ5l-ETkWy0H6q90WlYWs-dIaUQfz/s320/IMG00008-20100309-1855-700713.jpg" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">There is a mouse in our house and Hot Wife is ready to put up a For Sale sign. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Toddler O is helping with the mouse trap!</span> </p><p>UPDATE: The mouse had his final meal. Peanut butter... Creamy</p>Sam Duffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15533441670184026803noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15546120.post-45238193246510167402010-03-07T17:26:00.001-06:002010-03-07T17:26:54.879-06:00You can watch Dora now because...<p><font size="2">Usually Sundays don't entail Dora movies, but today I am going to church and Amy is cooking dinner, so Dora is a good option. </font><br> <br> <font size="2">Livy: Can I watch Dora?</font><br> <br> <font size="2">Hot Wife: Why yes. As a matter of fact I want to watch the Oscars tonight and Dora now is fine. </font><br> <br> <font size="2">Livy: Oscars? Will Elmo be there too?</font><br> <font size="2">SDD Mobile Email</font>Sam Duffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15533441670184026803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15546120.post-2971632141603670252010-02-12T19:07:00.002-06:002010-02-12T19:19:57.729-06:00Snow Day<p><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dww3n-_y2nxtLDj3nAam2oWueO5YIep0cJM7j0tB_vGU5rAUQTaPo4ZtrwSTX9OtX624FPs0l-82YI' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><p>Sled from CC and Duff three years ago; $100</p><p>Snow clothes rarely used; $40</p><p>4" of Snow in Alabama; Priceless.</p>Sam Duffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15533441670184026803noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15546120.post-1469081715917986192009-12-31T23:59:00.001-06:002009-12-31T23:59:53.373-06:00Nine min to go<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ3IYX7-Cd8UuiwTo0gYCnDH1LqvVImC839n5c8UxvyrIEBtNKu67al5vJnQRZgtLsmG2L5lT-f8oGQXEMEMoiJprf0ibsZIEaWGYo4cF1b26jMLWVksGSBswnAvODCIMXJgN_/s1600-h/IMG00079-793374.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ3IYX7-Cd8UuiwTo0gYCnDH1LqvVImC839n5c8UxvyrIEBtNKu67al5vJnQRZgtLsmG2L5lT-f8oGQXEMEMoiJprf0ibsZIEaWGYo4cF1b26jMLWVksGSBswnAvODCIMXJgN_/s320/IMG00079-793374.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421647141669567394" /></a></p>Sam Duffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15533441670184026803noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15546120.post-72464801987703996462009-12-31T22:21:00.001-06:002009-12-31T22:21:48.650-06:00Happy New Year<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmg9RTmS29zZsRADmSLyO5haoMkPvlsJG24kB_vGjDzFjfHS8m0tpoHMKqFZHge8ff9ZaWQqnJjH_S8e51ODvEgvwuVkCNr-DbfRyS4e_UI0FxT4Qc7pn0fnqpYgNT5uqmFSE_/s1600-h/IMG00078-708651.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmg9RTmS29zZsRADmSLyO5haoMkPvlsJG24kB_vGjDzFjfHS8m0tpoHMKqFZHge8ff9ZaWQqnJjH_S8e51ODvEgvwuVkCNr-DbfRyS4e_UI0FxT4Qc7pn0fnqpYgNT5uqmFSE_/s320/IMG00078-708651.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421621864121454626" /></a></p><p><font size="2">The Club </font>Sam Duffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15533441670184026803noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15546120.post-7856829906012911172009-12-29T19:58:00.002-06:002009-12-29T20:02:24.999-06:00Frosty the SnowmanWell we've been reliving Christmas in our house and singing Christmas carols. Toddler O can fully recite "Santa Clause is Coming to Town". She can sing it "A" loud and "B" louder. She's also moved on to "Frosty the Snowman" which brings me to the funny moment. Instead of "Frosty" the snowman, she says, "Poppy the Snowman". Funny stuff.<br /><br />Poppy the snowman<br />Was a holly jolly soul<br />With a corn-cob pipe and a button-nose<br />And two eyes made out of coalSam Duffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15533441670184026803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15546120.post-42667541606766328062009-12-07T14:12:00.006-06:002009-12-07T15:06:38.366-06:00The North Pole Express"All aboard!" the conductor yelled stretching out the "O" for full effect.<br /><br />All the kids boarded with parents in tow<br />The Trolard's last, but not late for the show<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizSynMKrbNeXN1UoB5Z4BNU8NdbwPDo0ywGDk_hcESxiF1-cQHB8Vx7HYrojv8YbIvuSWy36W444e1hpE7G460VatT9nC9ZjoXTH0HAOiWDcSGaQIxhQoTyaC3y7ETaYAFnchE/s1600-h/PolarExpress-16.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 213px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412602664265942706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizSynMKrbNeXN1UoB5Z4BNU8NdbwPDo0ywGDk_hcESxiF1-cQHB8Vx7HYrojv8YbIvuSWy36W444e1hpE7G460VatT9nC9ZjoXTH0HAOiWDcSGaQIxhQoTyaC3y7ETaYAFnchE/s320/PolarExpress-16.jpg" /></a><br /><br />The North Pole our destination<br />with conductor as the guide<br />The train our transportation<br />Elves on the ride<br /><br />We embark into the woods<br />as miles and miles go by<br />"were's Santa", kids scream<br />"I don't know", Mom's reply<br /><br />Our coach slows down<br />and there with an elf<br />stands Mrs. Clause<br />and the big man himself<br /><br />He came to our cabin<br />with elves close behind<br />"I want a race car", Oliver said<br />Santa speaks back, "I think that sounds fine".<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcU2e2VkPsfs86nC_bvZGeOD9E7N4S2IyqS1bIGo3CWG8A7WewUm63kgSWAgncR_QxwB1oPz1g31XTgQdh86_NWbCjIbX15OjBkgP3-G-l1mbQeqDJMvmXYF9byCL8BmfxjO9m/s1600-h/PolarExpress-47.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 213px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412602670238634642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcU2e2VkPsfs86nC_bvZGeOD9E7N4S2IyqS1bIGo3CWG8A7WewUm63kgSWAgncR_QxwB1oPz1g31XTgQdh86_NWbCjIbX15OjBkgP3-G-l1mbQeqDJMvmXYF9byCL8BmfxjO9m/s320/PolarExpress-47.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Our wishes were logged<br />Milk and cookies were downed<br />The North Pole was reached<br />And our train turned around<br /><br />The engine went, "chug a chug"<br />to take us back to the station<br />Kids and parents alike<br />Were filled with elation<br /><br />We arrive back home<br />and can't believe what we've seen<br />Santa and his elves<br />Was this all just a dream?<br /><br />I guess we'll know for sure<br />on Christmas day<br />Once St. Nick's made his rounds<br />and delivered toys from his sleighSam Duffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15533441670184026803noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15546120.post-29456056155611720512009-11-21T19:02:00.002-06:002009-11-21T19:05:34.997-06:00Three Times in Five MinutesToddler O has learned that Potty equals jellybeans. So now she takes every chance to go potty. Three times in the last five minutes. The last two times really didn't produce much more than a trickle. Hmm. Sounds like she understands math at an early age.Sam Duffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15533441670184026803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15546120.post-27266990421627453712009-11-04T20:48:00.002-06:002009-11-04T21:10:11.729-06:00Trouble at SchoolLet me set the scene. This evening, Toddler O starting singing a song she made up.<br /><br />It goes like this;<br /><br />I sing a song about David<br />I sing a song about David<br />David is mean<br />David is bad<br />I sing a song about David<br />David is mean<br />David took my bowl<br /><br />Not a song I like to hear, but I laughed inside.<br /><br />You see, David (name changed for protecting his idenity) has been a little troublemaker in Toddler O's school. According to her he takes her toys and hides her stuff. Today O didn't get a jellybean because there was and "altercation" during circle time between she and David. If he's a mean kid, I guess I can't blame her. Sometimes you can take just so much, right?<br /><br />That said, these are some of the days that I feared most as a dad. There is such a fine line between showing grace and forgivness, and not being a push-over. Though David has a history of trouble over the last few weeks, we aren't stupid enough to believe O is 100% innocent. After all she comes from two high-D (Dominance from the DISC test) parents. I'm sure she has her moments too. As the wise parents we are (tongue and cheek) we asked O to pray for David and forgive him and to let her be an example to him as a loving and kind person. And further instead of singing the "David is mean" song, we changed the words to "We prayed for David" la la la.<br /><br />Hopefully we won't have much more trouble out of David and we can all be friends. I guess though this is merely a part of growing up for Toddler O. I just didn't know it started happening at two. Argh.Sam Duffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15533441670184026803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15546120.post-47706049933219114222009-11-02T18:10:00.003-06:002009-11-02T18:22:04.971-06:00IncridebullsThey are the Incredibulls, but maybe we should call them the Incredi-Bills. In honor and memory of <a href="http://duffeyfamily.blogspot.com/2009/10/in-memory-of-cod.html">Bill Hammond</a>, a group from Grandma Issa's school and Merrill Lynch have joined together to set up a <a href="http://www.lightthenight.org/">Light the Night</a> walk team in Jacksonville, Florida. What a great way to honor such a fighter as well as the many others who fight the horrible disease of leukemia or lymphoma.<br /><br />If you are so inclined please visit the website for our team [<a href="http://pages.lightthenight.org/nfl/Jacksonv09/Incredibulls">link here</a>], and if you are moved by the challenge that Bill has faced or maybe someone you know, please help our cause by donating to our team. I think it's pretty easy on the team site.<br /><br />Thanks for all of your love and support.Sam Duffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15533441670184026803noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15546120.post-60290651558042391622009-11-02T12:02:00.002-06:002009-11-02T12:05:21.133-06:00Happy HalloweenWe had too much candy! Toddler O, Hot Wife, and I, are suffering from sugar comas. Maybe a couple of days and lots of water will solve that.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikG6ODRNaKFMziOj3sPc4MgitRDZWLyKXCf6hj_NF-RBNd06eXPAZQS8UQ929m5FQKqVcEknvBfzc9KWvPwagruKG9UwQrn-hPP0bm-_Q3UwYmFAjkn3_IOBimkTV_UDlzYF6F/s1600-h/Halloween-39.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikG6ODRNaKFMziOj3sPc4MgitRDZWLyKXCf6hj_NF-RBNd06eXPAZQS8UQ929m5FQKqVcEknvBfzc9KWvPwagruKG9UwQrn-hPP0bm-_Q3UwYmFAjkn3_IOBimkTV_UDlzYF6F/s400/Halloween-39.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399568749085982274" border="0" /></a>Sam Duffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15533441670184026803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15546120.post-80384586240451658562009-10-21T21:27:00.004-05:002009-10-21T21:50:27.544-05:00In Memory of Cod<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfpZEJ_o9MGCYk9uuQbjNmay120XAAYS2DBZjYZWxpbKtU1JDo7x82pT7hRjuNNDDV8IYSE8wNYjqmS2CshzgWCbbFKYdKCXnnInPNyqqB6y4GD3amTf8ueBlVZ3qFSL4UP_B7/s1600-h/phpIZEJDkPM.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfpZEJ_o9MGCYk9uuQbjNmay120XAAYS2DBZjYZWxpbKtU1JDo7x82pT7hRjuNNDDV8IYSE8wNYjqmS2CshzgWCbbFKYdKCXnnInPNyqqB6y4GD3amTf8ueBlVZ3qFSL4UP_B7/s400/phpIZEJDkPM.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395247634377138034" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Sometimes all we are left with are memories, but at least no one can take that away...<br /><br />Cod you inspired us with your fight and though things ended unlike we desired, we thank you for being with us until even your last of moments. Even when words wouldn't come out of your mouth no matter how hard you tried, thank you for speaking to Mom, Amy H, Hot Wife, me and all your friends. Thank you for the tear that fell from your eye. Thank you for sending Mr. Roy Clark and his book. You amazed us with God's surprises. Thank you for the bird at your memorial that hovered over the crowd to what seemed like forever as if to tell us all is well with you.<br /><br />These things and more tell us that you are with us and won't leave us. And the rare time when I don't have words to express my heart, I must simply tell you thanks.Sam Duffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15533441670184026803noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15546120.post-14247065298339879322009-10-04T18:04:00.002-05:002009-10-04T18:07:04.934-05:00T-Tom This One's For YouSince you are a such a long-time visitor of Duff Stuff, we thought we'd say "hey"!<br /><br />So from the whole gang; Hot Wife, Toddler O, and myself, "Hello from Duff Stuff".Sam Duffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15533441670184026803noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15546120.post-67876357650331894302009-09-27T19:18:00.003-05:002009-09-27T19:20:51.825-05:00No More Janky Christmas Cards: Call Today!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bit.ly/fcKu3"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 623px; height: 936px;" src="http://bit.ly/fcKu3" alt="" border="0" /></a>Sam Duffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15533441670184026803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15546120.post-13757060707489446912009-09-24T20:16:00.001-05:002009-09-24T20:18:20.595-05:00OoopsToddler O, pee'd on the potty. Yea right? Nope, she literally pee'd on the top of the potty -- she forgot to lift the seat. Argh!Sam Duffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15533441670184026803noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15546120.post-14224512608418160392009-09-09T19:28:00.004-05:002009-09-09T19:43:06.970-05:00Umbrellas, Potty, and Two-day School<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicjnMMIrd9H7RoNlOVPZxUkAog7BQffA8y6un70EXdcobG_mh0pzwPtFSET7Ogcenx2L_Z0op76YH_m5m9xQ5PAmw9xIDo4xqraCO3KihTQmZN2pTRE7hgGlxELAGlZYqjeeVI/s1600-h/Sept09-8.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 132px; height: 199px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicjnMMIrd9H7RoNlOVPZxUkAog7BQffA8y6un70EXdcobG_mh0pzwPtFSET7Ogcenx2L_Z0op76YH_m5m9xQ5PAmw9xIDo4xqraCO3KihTQmZN2pTRE7hgGlxELAGlZYqjeeVI/s320/Sept09-8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379632273174218914" border="0" /></a>It's been a while since I updated some pics. These aren't masterpieces but let you all know what we've been up to the last few weeks.<br /><br />Toddler O learned to use an umbrella. And since it's a Dora umbrella, she thinks it should be used anytime... Rain or shine.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQmN1A-uv5kyw4IS62HstTrEnoDMMSeYcK_azodYA75kYvvxSAUXKtKGVsVudqJCbyRui_PJZvq8jqhSXQ1x32RSkTmJ5WI7HxlajFJH6-X2oZ9UNY2tj26VJ4X8vV4S2sVxzx/s1600-h/Sept09-27.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 168px; height: 251px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQmN1A-uv5kyw4IS62HstTrEnoDMMSeYcK_azodYA75kYvvxSAUXKtKGVsVudqJCbyRui_PJZvq8jqhSXQ1x32RSkTmJ5WI7HxlajFJH6-X2oZ9UNY2tj26VJ4X8vV4S2sVxzx/s320/Sept09-27.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379631562039875794" border="0" /></a>She's also learned to use the potty. She'll hate me for this picture one day, but it seems like a parents right of passage to show a pic like this. She doesn't know how to "feel" potty time yet, but if we stay on her, she doesn't have any accidents. Today she didn't mess up any panties! Woo Hoo!<br /><br />Finally, Toddler O had her first day <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsYyOh3k2PPgOWXNa0Dz0Hbr1lGAo9q5vJwvrB7atr8CJOfi8iI4AUbdhV5VHi1PHPo3gQDn-Qu66h-zPp63SH6tH3L9sck2mMa9qtpIkfZLgaWsbaFzOVA6R1aTd6TUE32jYy/s1600-h/Sept09-39.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 148px; height: 223px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsYyOh3k2PPgOWXNa0Dz0Hbr1lGAo9q5vJwvrB7atr8CJOfi8iI4AUbdhV5VHi1PHPo3gQDn-Qu66h-zPp63SH6tH3L9sck2mMa9qtpIkfZLgaWsbaFzOVA6R1aTd6TUE32jYy/s320/Sept09-39.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379632289933136402" border="0" /></a>of two-day school at God's House. She loves it! While the other kidos were pining for their mommies, Toddler O just cruised on in to the room and started playing. The little rat has the confidence of a kid many times her age. She loved school so much that she cried when she had to leave. Argh! I guess it could be worse - she could have not liked it.Sam Duffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15533441670184026803noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15546120.post-28099293076443059912009-09-08T15:32:00.003-05:002009-09-08T15:39:42.689-05:00Night time prayers."Dear God take care of Mommy, not Daddy, 'Tacy, not Bert Bert, Dede, not Poppy, Issa, not Cod"<br /><br />Toddler O's been praying this prayer for weeks now and we can't figure out why the guys are getting the short end of the stick so to speak. Doggone, I want some prayers too!<br /><br />After weeks of the prayer, last night Hot Wife asked, "why do you not like praying for the men"?<br />Toddler O responded by wrinkling her nose, opening her mouth, and breathing in and out making an airy noise.<br /><br />"Because they snore?", asked Hot Wife.<br /><br />"Yes", confirmed Toddler O.<br /><br />Again I ask... Where does she get this stuff?Sam Duffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15533441670184026803noreply@blogger.com1