Christmas 2009

Sisters


Evie's gifts from Santa - Disney Princess Barbies


Cousins - Kaleigh and Gavin


Mom's annual gift - each of us got an ornament that said "1st born, I'm mom's favorite" or "middle child" or "last born"...but we all know I AM the favorite!



Gavin's new golf clubs - I love his dramatic hand-on-the head


The kids learning about our trip to Disney World


Our Christmas morning pose


Eating Chinese food and playing touch screen


My little blue box from Tiffany's!!!

We were able to get a great, long break over the holidays to go back to PA and visit our families again. This was our 5th year we were off for Christmas- so we felt very blessed to be able to spend each year with our loved ones. Although it will be nice to wake up one day in our own house and celebrate, it is always better when surrounded by family.

Over the break, we got to visit with tons of friends and family. Patrick got an amazing gift/opportunity to go to a home Steelers game with 2 of his best buds. Denny was in the states (visiting from Italy) and Tony (and a friend) also drove out. They had great seats and watched an amazingly exciting game. I was so happy Patrick got to experience that. While he was in Pittsburgh, I drove the kids back to my moms house where we proceeded to get snowed in. Some areas got 2 feet of snow - so it was fun to be trapped inside with everyone. I also got to visit with Dad and spend a few hours with him...so that was awesome too!

Once Patrick left Pittsburgh, we stayed at his parents house for the next few days. During the day, I would travel and visit people. We saw my BFF Eileen and her 2 boys (and made super cool build-a-robot and also a build-a-bear), we visited my Poppop at his nursing home, saw my Godfather and his family, and I also got to meet up with my girlfriend, Emily, without kids. I must admit, the children were on their ultimate bast behavior - even when visiting the King Of Prussia Mall (aka - my heaven). We went into Tiffany's, Williams Sonoma and other 'grown up stores" and they were angels. They also got to have a blast sledding in Mommom and Poppop's yard - since they live on a huge hill. We spent hours in the snow - which led to some cranky evenings - but it was worth it.

Christmas Eve, we spent back at Tishymom's house. We ordered our usual Chinese food and Anna and her family came over and exchanged gifts. The kids had a blast, but were in bed by 9, after putting out cookies for Santa. Christmas morning was nice and relaxing. I love the joy on Gavin and Evelyn's faces. They were ecstatic. After the madness was over, we headed back to the Bull's for Christmas dinner. Ryan flew in for the day and Erin and her kids all were there - so it was hectic but fun.

After Christmas is when the sh*t started hitting the fan though. Let's just say everyone on the Bull side all got a nasty stomach bug that kept us in PA and extra few days. Evie and Patrick had it the worst. I was so grateful to have my mom and Kiki there to take care of us....and so glad they didn't get it from us.

All in all, it was another great holiday. It was not very relaxing (but it never is) but the experience will be a memory forever!

Fresh Start

OK OK...I am starting fresh in 2010. I hope to blog a lot more often now that my camera is working again, and now that it is too cold to go outside much - so I have nothing better to do. Plus, Mrs. Clements is holding my stockings and tree skirt hostage until I do...so, here it is. For now, here is a recap of Nov and Dec...



I hosted my first thanksgiving. This may not seem like a big deal, but I was so excited to make the turkey and get out my china (for the 1st time ever)!. Mommom and Poppop came out and spent the holiday with us. Patrick was super busy at work, but the kids and I took them to Wildlights at the zoo (which was a gorgeous night with hardly anyone there). For

Thanksgivingdinner, I brined the turkey (which turned out great), and Mommom helped with all the sides. We had way too much of course, but it was awesome.

We also ended up picking out and decorating our Christmas tree, which brought a tear to Poppop's eye as he watched in delight as we all decorated it. It did seem a bit out of an old tv show...the kids and us dancing around, laughing, singing...it was picturesque. It honestly was one of the best visits we could have asked for.










December flew by with preparations for the holidays. Patrick was still on chief call at the hospital, so he was busy as ever. Luckily, we were able to get a big break for Christmas (which I will save for my next post). I did host my last event as "the Grand Pooh-Bah" (as Patrick calls it) for my wives' club. Our annual holiday party was a smashing hit! It was held at the Graystone Wine Cellar and I think turned out great. We donated a ton of gifts again to the Buckeye Ranch, as well as had an amazing pasta station, open bar and yummy cake. I spent HOURS and HOURS creating a DVD for everyone (set to fun friend music) with pictures from the past year. I was really proud of it.

As sad as it is to pass on the ropes...I am ready to get prepared for our next life transition. We should be finding out soon where we will be stationed for the Air Force and where we will be moving. The 5 years we have spent in Columbus have seem to fly by - so I am trying to treasure these last 6 months. So it will be nice to enjoy the ride...instead of be planning and organizing everything. Good luck to Keren as she embarks on the leadership role! I know she will do great!!!

Fall

Fall is here, hear the yell
Back to school, ring the bell
Brand new shoes, walking blues
Climb the fence, books and pens
I can tell that we are gonna be friends
Yes I can tell that we are gonna be friends

Tons of posts to catch up on. I am a total slacker here -but with good reasons (I think). The golf tournament was s success but it took up every last minute of my life for the month prior. And then planning the kids b-day party....well that too was time consuming. So much so, that I didn't feel like recollecting it because I was sooooooo over them. But I promise, you will get soccer pictures, golf pictures, back to school pictures, etc., etc. to catch up on our lives.

Do you remember?

Where were you?
Will you teach your kids?
Will you always remember?

New toy

My mom got Gavin this cool new toy from Crayola. It is a dry erase activity center that has different games and learning tools for the kids...and they can choose whichever one they want and then erase it and start a new one! Gavin's favorite is practicing his letters. He traces the one they show and then writes it again himself after the example. He is getting so good - and misses school so much! He also loves to "play" on starfall.com. It is my favorite website and it teaches so many great lessons on reading, rhymes, colors, etc. The teachers at his school recommended it - and I am so glad they did because it gives him "special computer time privilege" (which is a reward for him and me because then I get free time) but it also is educational without stupid media ads popping up trying to sell something!!!!

Spa Day

Every year, a group of 6 of us go to the Nationwide Beauty Academy and Spa School to get a day package for ourselves. This year, Ashli, Jessica, Paige, Autumm, my sister Kaitlin and myself went and enjoyed 7 hours of pampering (for less than $100!). Here are some pics from the day...

Columbus Crew Game

So I am totally stealing this from Ashli...

Soccer Camp Registration with 1 Crew Ticket : $80

Two Extra Crew Tickets : $40
Popcorn, Soda, and Beer : $21
The Chance to Lead the Players on to the Field : PRICELESS
Gavin participated in the HOSA Soccer Camp this summer. As part of the camp, they were entitled to a ticket to the Columbus Crew Game where they could be part of the tunnel that the guys run through at the beginning of the game. We purchased extra tickets to be there with him and joined the Welshes for a nice night out. As we were standing in line, this lady came up to us and asked if Gavin and Nathan would be willing to walk some of the players onto the field! We were so excited (much more than I think they were - since they could not comprehend how cool of a thing that was). They were the first 2 onto the field (with the 2 captains for the other team) - but got to walk along side the Crews 2 captains also. Patrick was loosing his noodle over how cool it was! He was so proud that Gavin was hanging out with some of the guys who play on the US Soccer team! He made sure I included pics that showed just how close he was! And to top it off, our seats were perfect and the Crew won in extra minutes with an amazing header to secure first place position and to win the Trillium Cup. They also beat some MLS record for most unbeaten games at home. It was uber awesome! Click here and here to see more pictures.

I'll be back!

I have taken my annual summer hiatus from blogging but promise to be back soon :-)

Perfect example...

This is what I found this morning when I went downstairs. A handmade anniversary card from Patrick. Oh, how I love this man!

Happy Anniversary!

To my Love,

It is so hard for me to find human words to describe how much your love means to me. My love for you goes beyond the dictionary and it grows with the passing of each day, and each year.

You are still the first thing I think about in the morning (mainly because you have to get up at an un-Godly hour and STILL always kiss me goodbye) and the last thing I think about at night. When you are on-call, I lie in bed wishing so hard you were next to me. And when you are actually home, I love sensing you there; your scent, your shape, your sounds. I fall asleep praying for your well being and that you will feel the love that I do not express nearly enough.

From time to time we ask each other "Why do you love me?". I know I usually answer quickly and without a lot of thought. Loving you is so automatic now, so ingrained in who I am that I forget there was a time before you. These 4 years (actually 8) together have been more important than any other time in my life.

Why I love you comes to me in little reminders every day. The way you LOVE taking care of anything; from a broken bone, to the lawn, to making me breakfast every weekend you are home. It comes to me in your unquenchable thirst for knowledge and success in your career. It comes to me when I see you play with Gavin, and get teary eyed at his first lacrosse or soccer practice, or when I see you hug Evelyn, as if you feel her tiny hugs are getting bigger and you are afraid to let even one slip away. And our daily play together, quoting movies, tickling each other, and the occasional wrestling match reminds me of how important it is to frolic and how easy and natural it is for you to access that part of yourself.

Sometimes my love for your comes in the spectacular occasions where you always seem to shine. The bravery of saving people's lives, even childrens', at work. It's hearing your name announced (even a you carry 5 beers back from the bar) at the Med Ed graduation ceremony for a heroic act of saving a man from being suicidal - something that has nothing to do with broken bones, but has everything to do with the type of man you are. Generous, inventive, ridiculously silly and always at the perfect moments - larger than life pure fun.

Wherever our next adventures take us, I want you to know how deeply I love you, how happy I am just being with you and look forward to the lifetime of experiences we've yet to create. I could write another entire message about what a great dad you are - but that will have to wait until Sunday :-)

As we toasted when we got engaged..."Let's always be fun."

I Love you Babe!

Good Luck Guys!

Saturday, we had the opportunity to celebrate one last time with the graduating chiefs and their families. I helped plan an evening at the Greystone Wine Cellar (spectacular place btw) and we enjoyed the company of the chiefs, most of the residents and some attendings and their spouses as well. The party was a success and everyone had a great time! Good luck to Dan, Sam and Jeff as you continue your training in fellowships (Foot and ankle, sports medicine and hand, respectively). You will undoubtedly be great in your careers!!!!

Home Sweet Home

We are finally back after 3+ weeks at the beach! We had a wonderful time. Daddy got to stay with us for the 1st 10 days and we truly lived in the moment each day. We didn't even "count down" the days left with him, and all of a sudden, we were like "Oh - it's Sunday. Patrick is leaving today." The weather was great - not too hot, not too cold. Great pool temp, great wave temp. This year was so much better than last year since the kids were easier to manage. Gavin LOVED the waves and going in with Daddy for some wave jumping and Evie liked going just up to the edge without really going in. She also did not roam all over the beach like last year. This time, she stayed within a short radius and stayed right near us. Since it is still so early in the summer, we missed the vacation crowds and got the pool to ourselves most days, front row spots at the beach cabana, and prime time beach spots to sit.

We did all the typical things: beach, pool, mini golf (which was Gavin's favorite), ice cream, shopping, etc - but we also did some new things. We all went to the minor league baseball game, The Pelicans. It was Gavin's (and Evie's) first baseball game and Daddy was so excited to take us. We got great seats (too close to line drive foul balls for me though) and stayed until the 7th inning. It was kid's day - so there were other games for kids to play too. They also had a cool playground to play on.

We loved every minute Daddy could be there with us and we were sad to see him go :-( If you want to see some pictures from our vacation - go here.

Melissa Jones Photography

Last Sunday, we met up with Melissa for her Fresh Face Contest. It was a gorgeous day (although a bit chilly) and we were the 1st appointments so the kids were actually in pretty good moods. Evie gave Melissa a run for her money - but she was able to capture some good ones. Gavin, on the other hand, seriously could be a model! He just does as he is told, smiles, jumps...whatever. My favorite picture is the one of Evie pouting. It just really captures who she is at this stage of life. Thanks Melissa!

Angie's baby sprinkle

The hostess with the momma!

The YUMMY homemade cake

The delicious favors made by Mary

The presents and diapers

The disgusting game where you had to identify melted candy bars in diapers

Dana almost gagged!

The toilet paper game

looks painful

This is how Evie fell asleep tonight. Looks painful, huh? Too bad we were laughing so hard and grabbing our camera to get a pic! Don't worry - I moved her after we took some pictures.

Shhhhh....

This afternoon (after naps) Gavin, Evie and I were playing and reading books. Evie said to me, "Mommy, need poopy." I got so excited and checked her diaper first (no poops) and then put her on the potty. She sat on one of those padded seats (to help with potty training) to no avail. So I took the padded seat cover off, and plopped her right on the big potty. Immediately she said, "Shhhh...Mommy...the big rocks are coming!" Then she whispers, "Here come the big rocks." And sure enough, she went poop!!! I was trying so hard not to laugh too much - and I congratulated her with some hershey kisses for her and brother!!! What a good job!!!