Pattye Duffner's Blog

Merry Christmas From The Duffner Family

 Merry Christmas

 And a Rockn' New Year

Thankful

 
 

Happy Thanksgiving From our Turkeys to yours!

Ella Sings For Autism

 

At the Autism walk in Orange County Ella sang the National Anthem again for the 3^rd year.  She did so well, looked great and had fun.  Any mother, father, grandparent, loved one out there with a little one with Autism please know there is HOPE.  Ella is proof of early intervention.  Proof of hard work (both her and us).  Proof of never giving up the fight.   

 

Halloween 2010

 
 
 
 
 

1st Birthday Happy Holden Robot Birthday Party

    

Happy Holden 11 Months Old

 

1st day of 4th,2nd and 1st grade

 

10 Months Old and still HAPPY!!!

If you ever get a chance to meet this little (well HUGE) guy, you will see why everyone calls him "Happy" not Holden.  Last week in the store a lady walked by and said "that baby is sure happy", Ella quickly responded "well that IS his name, Happy".   I would like to think all my children are happy but this one has a smile that will light up any room...

 

 

The Facts

 

The facts of having a large family (I really do not think it is large but most people do)… We buy 6 gallons of milk at a time (that is all we can fit in our fridge), they can eat 14 waffles at one sitting (the kids alone), I need to drink a ton of coffee to get thru the day (3 cups at a time),  I sometimes wake up the baby in the middle of the night just to get some alone time with him, you always have someone to play with, we now drive a 12 passenger van, having a girl to do nails with just makes my everyday, watching Quinn play football is the highlight of my week, every family has a clown (and by these photos you can clearly see who our family clown is), seeing curls on Davis makes me happy, out of all the library books we borrow we have only lost 1 (pretty good odds) and finally to share this life with Jerry has made every diaper change and vomit cleanup much much much more enjoyable. 

  

Baby Holden 9 months

Beach Party

 

Davis’s birthday party was a blast…and easy.   Having friends and family meet at the beach for a day of fun was on the plan.  And a day of fun was had.  Davis loved having his family and friends around him and I loved the celebration.  Happy birthday my big boy.  You have brought so much joy into our lives.  You are a special little boy that is smart, funny and charming.  In 2 years you have made this world a better place by just being in it,

Baby Holden 8 months old

Ella turns 8! One sweet party

With 4 brothers you are truly the princess not only on your birthday but everyday.  Happy 8^th birthday princess Ella. 

    
 

You plan your own parties, make all the decisions and run the show.  I love that about you.  You wanted an all sweets party this year.  Paper invites attached to large lollipops hand delivered to your friends was the beginning of a sweet day.

 

I made small pink cakes frosted in white for all the girls to decorate, aprons with candy fabric and a table full of your favorite sweets.  Happy Birthday, I love the person you are.   

 

The Great Park

If you are local or plan on coming to Orange County anytime with children we found a new treasure… The Great Park is a must see.  Tips: go early (if the wind picks up they close the balloon ride).  Bring snacks and maybe even a board game (we had 1 ½ hour wait).  And do not forget your camera!  Everything is free and let me tell you it is worth the wait!

 

 

Braeden took a while to warm up to being 400 feet up in the air.  But the other 4 kiddos loved it.  Davis held onto Jerry and would not let go for anything.  Ella's face had an endless smile.  Quinn wanted to go higher.  And Holden woke up from a nap high in the sky!   
 
  
 

Baby Holden 7 Months Old

Now you see why we call him "happy".  Boy you are such a blessing and a bright light in our everyday.  Thank you God for baby Holden! 

Happy 9th Birthday Quinn

Quinn wanted a football party... so you know when your kids are little and you rent a clown (or other party fav) at 9 I guess the thing to do is rent a coach!  Let me tell you Quinn's football coach took off work, ran the entire party, and even brought a gift!  What more could a 9 year old want?  After the party he even told me "this was the best party ever".  SCORE!  That is all I want to hear... Here are the details and the invite.

Made these on elements and printed 2 on 5x7 photo paper.  Cut down the center to get 2 invites out of 1 print.  Also made a flyer with "tailgate party info".  All additional info that would not fit on fun ticket! 

 
9 favs at 9! 

1. Riding bike 

2. Collecting football stuff 

3. Watching tv 

4. Playing video games 

5. Mom   

6. Dad

7.  Brothers and Sister

8.  Math

9.  Sleeping

Happy Birthday My Big Boy, Momma Loves You!
 

Baseball/Softball

Baseball and softball has come and gone... Here are some highlights!!!

Happy Easter 2010

Baby Holden is 5 months old

His nick name is Happy!  Everytime you see him he will be smiling... He is the most adorable 5 month old on earth!

Mario Party Birthday Party: Happy Birthday Braeden!

 

Kicking off the event with a postcard invite mailed out to his favorite friends. 

 

For Braeden’s 6^th birthday bash he wanted a Mario Party Party!  We had traditional birthday party games with a twist.  Ie: 

Hot potato with Mario music and using “bull dog”  pin the wii remote on braeden (painted an outline of him sitting with his hand out) kids made paper wii remotes and pined them on.

Gunny sack races with bags in the symbols of the Mario Bros characters hats… M  L  etc.   Simple cone hats and a bit of paper crafting turned them into themed hats. 

Braeden worked weeks ahead of time making all the decorations that we hung on the windows.  Hand made drawings off all happenings in the Mario Party world. 

Mustaches, Kettle Korn and Shave Ice topped off the party that would not be completed with out a fabulous cake!

4 Months Old and Just Adorable...

If I say so myself!

How to make a modern baby (or big kid) quilt

 

This modern baby quilt was made for Holden before his arrival.  I have finally finished a tutorial on it so here you go…

I started with 11 different fabrics in bright and fun colors and scales.  Cutting them into 2.5”, 3.5” and 5.5” wide strips.  Random is the key to this quilt.  No order, no direction, no wrong way! 

Sew together

Cut into 6” wide panels. Flip, sew, flip sew…

Cut 6” sashing from another fabric

 

Quilt as desired.  I had it quilted f a local quilt shop with using variegated thread and an adorable star pattern.

Bind your quilt with yet another fabric! 

 

18 Months

Davis is still a baby too, so I wanted to update with an 18 month old photo of our little tonka tuck tuff boy! 

Robot Valentine

Another Valentine idea!

Braeden loved making these.  He even came up with the words...  Happy Valentine's Day  
 

3 Months Old

So Blessed!  Smiles from ear to ear...happy Holden

Valentine Fun

Quinn’s valentines were fun to make… I saw them somewhere and remembered I had to do them when he was big enough.  We took a book of Mad libz and cut out each page rolled them up and tied them off with a note that reads, “You have mad skilz!  Happy Valentines Day Quinn"

 

How fun these would be with coloring pages or word searches too?

 

2 Months Old

Baby Holden is 2 months old and he is such a delight.  He is a blessing to this world and I can not wait to see how he can bless others.

She Did It Again!

 

Ella grew out her hair and donated it!  She has a head full of hair that grows so fast.  Last year she donated 10 inches to locks of love in the spring and now in the winter she has cut and sent off another 8 inches to Pantene Beautiful Lengths.  She loves her new haircut and so do I.  Jerry on the other hand is getting use to it and was very shocked when she came home from the salon.  It reminds me of when she was younger.  When ponytails and braids where difficult to keep in.  In hopes for someday it to be long enough to style etc.  But knowing what I know now, she has got enough hair for several people.  And she is willing to share it.  Thank you little Ella for being so kind and being so you.

 

Happy New Year!

Davis John

Ella Ann

Braeden Jack
 
 Quinton Robert Baby Holden

From our family to yours.  May God bless you... Love the Duffners
 

And I Think To Myself...

What A Wonderful World.

 

Merry Christmas Love The Duffners
 

Happy Birthday Jerry!

I love you...

Welcome God's Blessings

Momma and baby are doing well... Thank you for all the blessings and kind wishes.
 

Summer Fun

Here is a summer recap before the kids are off to school.  Balboa Fun Zone, Fishing at a local lake, backyard camping and lemonade stands were just a few things.  I am hopeful the kids will remember with fond and fun memories. 

 

Kids love all this old school local fun.  I love how the photos come out all bright and colorful!

We still do not use bait…Shhhhhhh do not tell them this is why we have never caught anything.

Our neighbors really came out for this one.  The kids had a blast!

Slowly each child, adult and animal came in one at a time except for Ella and Daddy… They wanted to rough it all night long!

 

 

 

Thank you guys for the best summer ever... proof of being truly blessed.

Back To School Basics

Believe me I am counting down for school to start around here…  I enjoy summer but LOVE school.  I need the order the structure the schedule… All this helps me run the house more smoothly.  This year I will have 3 students (now you can see why I am so excited).  I wanted to make a check list for them (and Jerry, don't tell him) to have in the morning and at night so that we all can be sure to be ready and out the door by 7:30 am.  I simply made these in word, please feel free to copy them or tell me how I can improve them.   

 

 

Things to do before leaving for school

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1. Eat breakfast

2. Brush teeth

3. Wash hands and face

4. Make bed

5. Get dressed

6. Shoes and socks on feet

7. Brush and style hair

8. Pack lunch (prepared the night before)

9. Go to the bathroom

 

 

 

 

 

Things to do before going to bed

yaqb

1. Take Bath

2. Make Lunch

3. Folder in backpack

4. Pack backpack with library books and notes to teacher

5. Brush teeth

6. Brush hair

7. Pick Out Tomorrow’s Outfit

8. Set table with what you want to eat for breakfast

9. Go to the bathroom

10.    Story time

 

Happy 11 Years Jerry

Being married to your best friend has its benefits.  I am so blessed to have a sole mate that is kind, smart, strong, loving, caring, honest, hardworking, faithful, and more.  When our anniversary comes up every year Jerry always asks me…11 more? Or 10 more? In question form and I always answer the same… we should have gotten married sooner!  I Love you Jerry and to many many many more…

Heather and Marc's Wedding

My niece Heather married her sole mate Marc on July 25^th in Huntington Beach.  It was a fabulous wedding.  She looked stunning, Marc looked like the happiest man alive, and her Mom (my sister) was just beaming with excitement.  All the details were just perfect.  Some of the photos are here on her photographer’s blog.  I did want to share this funny video of Heather and Marc braking loose from the traditional wedding dance into a one of a kind piece…  Congratulations Heather and Marc.  And welcome to the family!

 

 

Davis Is 1, Carnival Party!!!

 

 

Davis turned 1 and of course he had a party too!  We did a carnival theme.  Low key (well as far as the guest list went)but fun non-the less. Games, tickets, prizes, Kettle Korn, Shave Ice and cake, what more could a baby want.  Here are some photos of the event.   

Happy 7th Birthday Little Ella

Today Ella is turning 7… What an amazing little girl.  All of her hard work and dedication to a happy life shines in everyway.   You are a special gift from God, and I am so very thankful for you.  Here are 7 of your favorite things right now in your world…

1.    My pink Teddy Bear (and all my webkinz)

2.    Spaghetti

3.    Salmon

4.    Milk

5.    WII

6.    Singing

7.    Dancing

I love you....

A new addition...

Together Jerry and I are so excited to announce that we are expecting another baby in November.  We just found out that the new addition coming to live with us is a BOY!  We are all very excited; well Ella really wanted a girl.  Together as a family we are just so blessed to have another baby in our lives. 

Happy 8th Birthday Quinn!

I cannot believe it has been 8 years already.  I cannot believe 8 years ago God brought you into our lives after a ton of prayers, infertility and a birth.  Your daddy and I always say you were meant for us as we were meant for you.  In these past 8 years we have been blessed to share everything with you.  As of right now your 8 favorites are…

1.    playing video games

2.    hanging out with your brothers and sister

3.    not getting into trouble

4.    playing kickball at recess

5.    math

6.    cheeseburger plain

7.    holding Davis

8.    having great friends

Happy birthday Quinn, I love you.

Sacramental year for us.

With the baby being baptized earlier this year and Quinn making his first holy communion it was a very big sacramental year for us.   After 2 years of classes Quinn’s big day had come.  We were all so very proud of him… He understood a lot and asked tons of questions when he didn’t.  He was defiantly ready.  I am so proud of you Quinn.

 

2 Months....

Baby Davis is 2 months old and full of life…  Let me tell you the more kids you have the easer it is!  Don’t get me wrong 4 kiddos is hard but even 1 kiddo is hard.  Our nest is full of noise, kisses, tears (mine sometimes), joy and most of all love.  Weighing in at 15 pounds and 26 inches long this bruiser fits right in and is just adorable!!!

One Month Already????

Just to put a smile on your face...  Loving life here!!!

Back To School...

Putting the kids names on their backpacks is something I try to do every year in a different way.  This year I did an easy back stitch over a piece of paper.... when I was done I tore off the paper to see the name!!!

Happy Birthday Mom

Today is my mother’s birthday… I have not mentioned about the importance of journaling / scrapbooking lately and I am thinking today is the perfect day to reflect on that again. Adding your love notes, true feelings and heart filled journaling to your projects is something your children will cherish forever. Use a pen and your very own handwriting for a personal touch. Take it from me… if I had anything like this from my mother I would not only think she loved me, I would know it. Every child knows their parent loves them but having a written document telling them all of your feelings (good or bad) is something to cherish. Almost like the nightly prayers you say in your head for your children… write it down so they will know forever.

Dreams do come true

Thank you so much for the kind wishes about the baby.  Davis is just a dream baby.  He is sleeping, eating and being adorable… He is 2 weeks old now and I am trying to get the birth announcements out.  Here is an extra photo that we did not use but wanted to share.

Happy Birthday Ella!!!

Happy Birthday Little Ella!!!  Today you turned 6 and are so happy with life.  You do not want to “grow old like a Grandma”.  I do not know why that is even on your young mind but little one let me tell you… You are never going to grow old.  You will always be young at heart I just know it!

 

She Did It!!!

You did it with 1890 hours of preschool under your belt in your little life.  These hours include speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical education, speech-er-cise, IEPs, singing, art work and play time you are ready for Kindergarten Little Ella.  You have worked your very hardest and we are so very proud of you.  On this day you have graduated from pre-school and are headed into summer.  For the last few days you keep saying you are not ready to grow old.  You have your future on your mind.  You are telling us you want to be a Doctor (with a treasure box in the waiting room). I am so very proud of you!  Congratulations Ella, Love Mom and Dad.

Happy Birthday Quinn

Today is Quinn’s 7th birthday.  Happy birthday big boy.  You have grown into such a wonderful, smart, kind and loving little man.  You make my world better, thank you for that.  Happy Birthday Quinn, I love you.