Surgery was a success

Patrick had his surgery yesterday and the doc said it was actually the best case scenario. They were very concerned before he went in, because the MRI looked pretty daunting. They could tell he had tears in 2 spots - and thought it was just one long one. But it was really 2 - so they didn't need to remove his whole meniscus - just about 35% which is good news for Patrick's future of his knee. Plus, his articular cartilage looked great (no signs of rubbing and arthritis) which was an even bigger concern. So all in all - good news. The flap of meniscus that was damaged was penetrating into the joint - so the surgery was necessary to remove it. Patrick was thinking he might be able to "man up" and try to not get the surgery, but was glad he did once he saw what was inside. Another good thing was they left his underwear on - so the nurses didn't sneak a peek at him naked!

He handled the anesthesia very well - with minor issues - like itchiness and a headache. But no nausea or allergic reaction (which is everyone's worst fear when going under I guess). Except for some knee pain and a huge wrap on his leg - he's crutching around with no problems! He is still helping clean up and watch the kids (although he can't chase them if they start getting into trouble). He went for his first physical therapy appointment this morning and was intrigued as to what it is like being on the other end of the table (after giving therapy to so many as an athletic trainer in a PT clinic). They pushed him hard, but he knows he needs it.

He goes back next week for a follow up but until then he is not supposed to put any weight on it or use his right leg at all. We'll see how well he complies. Doctors make the WORST patients!

A cute story from Patrick's surgery morning....We were waiting in the family waiting room for him to get called back. When he finally got called, he followed a nurse out. Since he works there, he knows most of the people there so he got some extra nice treatment (although most of the people there got extra nice treatment too - especially from James the guy who runs the waiting area). Anyway, on his way out this woman yells for James and asks if she should follow Patrick back to the OR. He said no and asked why. She said "That's my doctor. I should go with him. He works with Dr. Fada and is really nice and I like him the best. I want to go with him - he's my doctor." James explained Patrick was getting his own surgery and would not be in on her operation. She was a bit upset but happy to hear that the very doctors that work there, get surgery there too. But it was nice for me to hear what a great impact my husband has on patients!!! :-)

And a HUGE thanks to Angie for waking up at 6:30am and coming over to watch my kids!!! You rock! And Patrick promises to detail your car for payback!!! The picture I am posting of Evelyn is from what Angie did to her hair! Cute pig tails!

Cute Gavin pics

Here are a few cute pics I caught of Gavin on my cell phone this week. This first is of him and his buddy Nathan. We were at our friend Cara's house, and they found her daughter Hailey's dress up stuff. They came down stairs donned in feather boas, purple sparkly butterfly wings and princess wands and informed us they were ready to go into battle!!! Too cute! Boys will be boys - even if they only have girly stuff to play with!

The second is of Gavin in Petland. We went to get some accessories for Gavin's new fish tank (his reward for being potty trained) and he LOVED looking at the bunnies. So the manager got one out and let Gavin hold it himself! The bunny was kissing on Gavin's neck and face - and he LOVED it! I was super close to buying one for him - then I remembered Binicula. Anyone who has read the book, or knew my sister's bunny will understand. Plus Patrick would have killed me.

Speaking of Patrick, please keep him in your prayers tomorrow as he has to get surgery on his knee. He hurt it (again) on Sunday night and got an MRI and really tore it up. Luckily he knows some good orthopedic surgeons that would squeeze him in! Now he's nervous that all the nurses are going to try to look at him naked!!! I told him I would personally kicked their butts if I found out they did :-)

soup recipe addition

Ooops! I forgot to add 1 TBSP of soy sauce to the soup recipe! Please advise!!!

Any Guesses?

Oops! I went to change the laundry and this is what I found in the dryer...Can you guess what it is? (hint...occupational hazard)

10 reasons the blizzard of 2008 ROCKS!!!

10. It happened on a Friday night so it did not affect too many people at work or driving.
9. It accumulated more than 16-20 inches in 24 hours (depending on your area)!
8. Neighbors with snow blowers helped other neighbors with their walks and driveways.
7. It was the kind of snow you could pile into forts and make tunnels through.
6. It made parents feel like kids again!!!
5. You could make a crock pot meal (like we did) and feel super warm and cozy inside, drinking hot chocolate and smelling yummy meals after a long day in the snow.
4. Kids could jump off of porches or car roofs and land safely into a soft pile of snow.
3. Mommy got to reorganize all of our family photos and work on reorganizing our storage.
2. Gavin and Evelyn LOVED being outside (until some wind picked up and pelted their faces).
1. Daddy didn't have to work at all or be on-call so he could stay and PLAY!!! (and shovel of course!)

Apparently this is a record for Columbus with the amount of snow fall in one day. The wind drifts make things deceiving - but overall the areas are blanketed with snow. I love it! The snow was higher than Gavin's waist - and up to Evelyn's chest! We couldn't get that many pictures because it was a blizzard and the snow was getting on the camera!!! But I hope I was able to get a few. I can't wait to go out today and build a snowman or a fort!!! The kids don't realize how lucky they are to have such a great dad! Patrick (partly in being a kid himself) is so excited to build a cool fort with tunnels for all the neighbors too. And he hand shoveled our whole driveway and sidewalks (TWICE) by himself. He loves the workout and I love that he is so helpful around the house!!! Check out our pics at http://picasaweb.google.com/kellybull.

In my time reorganizing our photos - I came across a bunch of negatives. Patrick was laughing - saying our kids won't even know what negatives are since digital is the way to take pictures now. I agree, but couldn't part with them. I did, however, part with some old photos....which I didn't think I would do. But, honestly, I am trying to simplify my life (and my storage area) so why should I hold on to pictures of ex boyfriends and vacations we had together. Or old roommates. I might keep one or two pictures to remember what they look like when I am 80, but I don't find the need in keeping those memories anymore. My life is being filled infinitely with many more amazing memories and I don't feel like I have the space anymore for things that I don't cherish. Harsh, maybe. Therapeutic, definitely.

Hamburger Soup

Since we were going to get snowed in this weekend, I asked Patrick what type of soup he wanted me to make in the crock pot (since it would make the house feel warm and cozy during the snow storm). He replied "Hamburger Soup". I thought he was joking as I had never heard of this. But, I called his mom and lo-and-behold, there is a real recipe named hamburger soup. It turned out quite yummy - so I thought I'd share it with you too! It looks sort of gross - but is really good!



1 1/2 lbs Ground Beef (or Turkey) - browned and drained
4 C chicken broth
2 C water
1 C chopped celery (you can leave some celery leaves in the soup for extra flavor)
1 C chopped carrots
1 8 oz can tomato sauce
1/4 tsp oregano
1/4 tsp basil
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 TBSP soy sauce
1 pkg dry onion soup mix
1 C Macaroni Elbow Pasta (put in the soup mix with 1 hour left to cook)

Cook on low for 8-10 hrs. ***I needed to add about 3 more cups of water after the noodles were added***

This soup melts in your mouth! You could probably add more flavoring if you want - but I liked it just the way it was!