At Tishy Moms house!

The kids and I loaded up the car on Friday and headed back to PA for Thanksgiving week. Patrick is on Q2 (every other night on call) so we decided to come out here to let family see the kids and then Patrick and I are going to Florida for 4 days (ALONE) so the grandparents will take turns watching them also.

The car ride back was fine - except for the speeding ticket I got. Too bad we weren't closer to Columbus where I could use the physician/husband card, but whatever. It was a bogus ticket - but I defintely speed so I am deserving of one (even if it wasn't this time). I was in the middle lane and a cop was in the right shoulder up ahead, so a big truck cut me off (he moved from the right lane to the middle lane in front of me). So I moved over to the left lane but a car was flying up my butt so I had to speed up to get around the truck - and that is when the cop caught me. Oh well. $130 down the drain. Other than that it was a perfect trip - kids were great, no construction, etc.

I got to go to a good friends' baby shower, spend time at the best mall in the world and see some long missed girlfriends for dinner and it has only been 3 days! I am glad I came! The kids are loving it too - because anyone who knows my mom, knows that she spoils the crap out of them (actually out of everyone). So they are having fun. I am really trying to keep a strict schedule for naps/sleep since TishyMom always seems to convince me to let them stay up late - but this time she is being good and following my requests.

I can't wait to see Patrick again and spend some time with him. I hope he is able to relax and have fun! This Q2 is killing him! I'll post some pics when I can...

Self Inflicted Frenulumectomy

Ok - I know that is a weird title for this blog but once you read it - you'll understand. Thins morning Evie was walking towards me in the bathroom when she started to teeter. She fell in a downward dog position (on hands and feet) but then continued to topple. Her arms got pinned underneath her and her head smashed right into our tile bathroom floor. It didn't look like a big deal so I was like "You're ok, You're ok". But then when she started to cry, large amounts of blood started flowing from her mouth. So now I am screaming, "Oh, Sh*t!". I grab her to try to figure out what is wrong but she is obviously not letting me - plus there is too much blood to see much. I take her downstairs, page Patrick and try to get her to suck some ice or a teething ring, etc to keep the swelling down. She settled down quickly but I could still not see much in there. Her teeth were not knocked out but there was a bloody clump of tissue/gum/yuck that was jammed between her teeth. I didn't know if it was serious or not so I called my friend's Pediatric Dentist and got an appointment right away!

Turns out Evelyn tore her frenulum - that stringy tissue thing that attaches at your gum lin and you lips. Hers was down further than most people and would have probably need a frenulumectomy anyway soon to avoid a gap in her teeth. So the dentist said she saved us money and just did it herself!!! The dentist (Dr. JoJo - who was great - thanks Leah for the recommendation) scraped away the gunk and made her tear a clean cut. She is still able to eat and drink - but is a little sore. Her pacifier was in - so that probably saved her teeth. Who would've thought that a pacifier would be good for their teeth one day?

On another bummer note - Gavin was at the doctors a bunch yesterday because he came down with bronchiolitis and needed breathing treatments as he was gasping for breaths. He is much better now - but we are ready to be injury and sick free!!!

Honoring a namesake

Today we are honoring Evelyn's namesake - my Grammy Eve. Today is her birthday and on this day I decided to celebrate her by making the foods that she loved to make. So this morning I made some pancakes (from scratch) although I could NEVER repeat her famous syrup recipe (brown sugar, sugar and water heated up). I try and try but it does not come out right. So we just used store bought syrup. I also plan on making her famous sugar cookies - which were always in abundant supply whenever we stayed at her house. There are certain things that will always remind me of her, and I plan on sharing them with my children as well. I am grateful that Gavin got to know her a little bit - and he looks at her pictures every night (because they are in a Disney album in his room) and remembers that's Grammy Eve. She thought the world of all of her children, grandchildren and especially great-grandchildren. So every year I vow to keep her memory alive by making her famous foods so my children will get a chance to remember her just like I do!

Frame Workshop

Yesterday I held a workshop to learn how to make cute holiday (or any) picture frames. I had about 10 participants and two other demonstrators helping. Thanks so much to Ashli Welsh (for helping, donating her time and resources, and most of all for watching my kids) and Ashli Coburn for helping teach as well as lending her condo clubhouse to host the workshop!

It was great to see everyone's uniqueness and creativity come out in doing these. But I was most excited about the results of everyone's frames. I didn't teach much - but everyone picked up the techniques pretty easily. There were some veterans as well as new comers but overall I think the frames came out great! We had a few bubbled up paper, a few sanding mishaps, but most were fixable and turned out some great looking frames! Here are some of the results!

Also - if anyone is looking to purchase some of the designer paper (used in the frames) they are on sale - buy three packs, get one free!! Let me know if you are interested in purchasing!!!

Sharing

Gavin is getting much better at sharing with Evelyn! Even without being prompted. Yesterday we stayed in because Mommy wasn't feeling so good - and we spent some time in the basement with the cool toys. Here are some pictures of Gavin and Evelyn playing and sharing nicely. That's what Mommy wants to see!

Also, Evelyn is pretty much walking all the time. She still falls and will crawl around - but given the choice - she is choosing walking. That also means lots of bruises and crying from falling - but it is still so cute!

Children

So as I read all my friends blogs and/or talk to them this week - I realize it is that time of year when everyone, especially children, get sick! So many people had that stomach thing and had to clean up after their kids for days on end. So many people had colds with kids that had to be held to sleep in an upright position because they couldn't breathe right otherwise.

Well my kids have been semi-sick. Not with the flu but the cold. And not bad enough to warrant any missed sleep (except for the occasional early wake up for Evie). But last night I started getting it so I couldn't sleep. Then Evie was waking up a bunch. And I could've gotten bummed or upset but I had this feeling come over me like "enjoy this". Even though I am tired and don't feel well - how much longer are my kids going to NEED me like this. Whenever you are sick you always want your mom (I still do now) but how much longer are they going to need their mom.

How long will it be until Gavin doesn't want to kiss me before bed and say "Good night Boog (a quote from one of his favorite movies)", or until Evelyn would rather read Teen Vogue instead of Good Night Moon? How long until they can bathe themselves or make their own food or wake up and go downstairs themselves and watch tv so mom can sleep in (ok some sound better than others for when they grow up).

But to all my friends reading this that have little ones - enjoy each day, each moment (good and bad) because one day they will not NEED you like they do now. So enjoy the fact that they sleep on you all night, or get you up at 4:45 because they are thirsty. One day they won't need that and you'll wonder where the good 'ole days have gone....

Halloween Night

This year was so fun for Halloween because Gavin was really into it and understood that people got dressed up and went door to door looking for "candy, candy, candy"! We were given the Garfield Halloween Movie as a Phantom Ghost - You've Got Booed present, and he has watched it every day to prepare. He told me if I helped get him candy he would let me have one piece (like Garfield says to Odie in the movie). How thoughtful of him!

This morning we went to COSI (the science institute) where they had a Bob the Builder Exhibit. We got dressed up (but were the only ones to do so) and I dressed like Daddy in scrubs and a surgical cap. Gavin thought that was so funny! We had a classic moment also while there when I had to take Gavin to the bathroom and after I changed him, I had to go. So as I was going he was like "Good job Mommy! I see those peepees. Gimme high five. You should be so proud of yourself". (You know, all the things I say to him). Then came the best line. The lady next to me was already giggling from his comments and then he says "Don't forget to wipe off your penis!" The lady cracked up trying to conceal her laugh. I laughed too! Childhood is just great!

Anyway, after COSI we came home and ALL took naps! When we woke up, we grabbed a quick bite to eat and then Ashli, Nathan and Carter came over for some trick-or-treating! We circled our block, then they left and we met up with our neighbors to circle the outer block. Gavin, Nathan and Carter were so good and said trick-or-treat and thank you at almost every house! And Evelyn was a treat herself sitting calmly in the stroller. She is so cute as Minnie Mouse! Gavin LOVED seeing all the fun costumes (especially other Thomas characters) and was brave when he came to spooky ones. He FILLED his bucket with candy - and most of the stuff is okay for him to eat. Mostly suckers and M&Ms. They are his two favorites! We had soooooooo much candy to give out and not that much left. Patrick said there were A LOT of kids! I love it!!! Next up - Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, Valentines Day and then SPRING!!!!

Catch up time

Sorry for the delay in blogging. We had a crazy busy weekend!!! The bad news is Gavin is off the wagon with potty training. He has had many peepee accidents after going 5 or 6 days straight with out one!!! Bummer!

Saturday, Patrick was post-call and also had interviews for the new class coming next year. he got out, slept for about 2 hours, then we were off to a friends' birthday/costume party. Sophia just turned three and has some of her closest friends come celebrate...check out the cool outfits Aunt Peggy and Uncle Hank got our kids!!! And the coolest part was Evelyn was Minnie Mouse and GiGi (Sophia's little sister) was the girl born on the same day as Evie right next door. Too cute they were!

Sunday, Patrick was on call again - but actually got to come home for a good bit of the day. We had breakfast, cleaned, shopped and did yard work. Our lawn mower finally bit the dust so we had to borrow a neighbors to finish. He finally did get called in during the afternoon. And now since Evelyn is only down to one nap (usually 3-4 hours) I have lots of free time to chill with Gavin. So we emptied out the pumpkins so we could carve them on Monday when Daddy got home!

Monday we went to the zoo with Ashli, Nathan and Carter; Cara and Hailey; and Becca, Sophia and GiGi. It was chilly (you'd think it was the next coming of the ice age by the way I dressed my kids), but there was no wind and the sun was out so it was great! We ended up staying for almost 4 hours!!! The animals were all out and having fun - especially the penguins who put on a great show for us. It was like a movie where they would swim by super fast and jump/dive out of the water and spin in the air and land back in the water. It was so cool! I have never seen them do that before! The kids got a kick out of it - and I think the moms did too!!! The tiger was out and trotting right next to the glass and the other animals were all very active as well. Very fun! When we came back, Evie slept and Patrick, Gavin and I carved pumpkins. Patrick and I made drawings first and Gavin picked which ones he liked best and wanted us to make. Then he decided to draw some himself. He made one happy face and one sad - it was so good! Overall a great extended weekend with as much time as possible with Dad!

more poop in the potty today

Big day - another poop on th potty - and in front of friends!!! More to write later!

Potty update and other things...

I apologize if all my blog seems to be about is poop or pee...but that is my life right now. With the occasional outings with friends - my life is revolving around this potty training. The good news... we have gone 4 straight days without a peepee accident. Bad news... Gavin has pooped at least once in his pants the past 2 days. I am still very excited about his achievements - and so is he. I am glad that he is proud of himself. I don't want to hurt his self esteem by pushing too hard, but so far he seems okay.

Patrick is still on call every other night. 5 more days to go. We have yet to receive the November schedule, but aren't too concerned as we are taking a mini-vacay together (sans the kids) to Florida so he can be in his friend, Johnny Pops', wedding. A nice 4 day break. And he knows he also got his birthday night off too - which was a nice added surprise. AND - I have a special date night planned for November 8 (I bought tickets a while ago to Pilobolus - google it). Our neighbors will watch the kids for the night so we can go and relax and enjoy a night out!

Last night the Advocates group (the wives club at the hospital) got a special treat from Edward Jones Financial group. One of our original members was a guy (the ONLY guy as far as I know to ever join) works for E.J.F. and asked me if we'd be interested in a seminar geared to "Smart Women Finish Rich". Of course we are interested!!!! So we went to a great restaurant in the German Village called Lindey's. It was totally paid for and sponsored by EJF and the Hartford Group. We did have to listen to a little spiel on investing - but a lot of the info was not investment related - just SMART IDEAS! Making sure you are taking advantage of your 401K (403B in our case for non-profit organizations), getting life insurance, disability insurance, paying off high interest debt. They had easy to use calculations and charts to see the differences. They talked about uncomfortable situations like how to take care of elderly parents, what happens if our husbands die or can't work or if we get sick. A lot of things we know in the back of our minds are a possibility but never want to think about. Well, they made us think- which was a good thing. So besides the lessons learned - we also got a delicious grown up meal (salad, main course and dessert - with some nice wine too), a great night out with friends (almost 20 of us), and more direction to a common goal which is to make sure we are prepared for the future - BUT ALSO ENJOYING WHAT WE HAVE NOW AND LOVING THE SITUATION WE ARE IN!!!! I wouldn't trade my days here for anything and I know that no matter how much money Patrick may make in the future, I will always remember the great friends and neighbors in Columbus, our struggles with finances and the frugal ways we had to make to survive, our never ending love for each other even though there was never ending hours put into work, and I will always remember our hopes and dreams for ourselves and our children.

Alright, enough sappy time, I am going to go snuggle up with my hubby - praying his pager doesn't go off anytime too soon!

One Giant Leap...

So for those of you following Potty Training 2007 here at the Bull house, we had a huge leap today! We had an intentional poop on the potty! Yes, that's right!!!

Yesterday we had one poopy pants - but no peepee pants! Today - again no peepee accidents but still one poopy...but it was different. He came up next to me (while I was on the phone) and did it. He got quiet, then I realized what was happening - threw down the phone - and sat him on the potty. It had already come out - but I expected more. But that didn't happen. Gavin went back to playing and about an hour later he came up to me again (while I was on the phone - ok, ok - I am on the phone too much) and said "Mommy, need poopies". So I immediately took him to the toilet and asked if he needed to poop. And he said YES!!!! So I sat him down, and he peed a little. So I asked if he was done, and he said "No - I need poopies". And then it happened! I never thought I would be as excited about someone else taking a dump - but it was the greatest feeling! One step closer to being diaper free for good! :-) He was so proud of himself - and he got 10 stickers so now he can buy a new movie or toy at the store tomorrow. He also told me he wants to poopy again tomorrow in the potty - so keep your fingers crossed!!!

Day 3 - I am serious this time

We are on day 3 of some hard core potty training. I know some people may disagree with trying too hard to make your kid trained - but Gavin is over 3, showed all the signs of being ready, and has gone before on the potty. Now I am staying in, keeping an eye on him as much as possible and making him sit on the potty every hour or two. Sometimes he pees there, sometimes I just wait another hour. The first day was awful. I am not putting ANY diapers on him during the day - just his Thomas Underwear. So we had 3 poopy pants and 5 peepees. Not a good start. He did, however, pee twice on the potty - but I was just bummed about how much he didn't care about going in his pants. The second day was a bit better. Patrick was post-call so he was home to help. We were very successful in the peepee category but not so much for poo. Only one peepee accident - in which he told us right away that he needed to go to the toilet - just AFTER he went. And only one poo that day - and it was in his pants. A big one!! YUCK!!! Today has been good. I am putting him on every 2 hours and he is going well. He still does not tell me he has to go - it is me putting him on a schedule. Maybe that is what he needs now? He did poop in his pants again today - but so far all peepee has been on the potty. And he even stayed dry at the gym (the only place we have ventured to during this time). So keep your fingers crossed that he will continue to get better!!!

Pumpkin Picking with Daddy!

So Patrick has been on call every other night for over a week - and still has almost 2 weeks at this same rate to go. His poor body is taking a toll and his emotional energy is at a low too. He really needs some time to sleep and just relax and have some good quality family time.

He was on call last night, came home and slept a bit, then we headed out for our annual pumpkin picking trip. We have made a tradition of going to this place down the road - which is not the greatest pumpkin patch - but super close and cheap!!! You ride a tractor out to the patch, then they drop you off in a corn maze. Gavin loved having Mommy chase him and also to have Daddy go a different way than us, and meet up and scare us! Poor Daddy had Evelyn on his back though - and she would get so excited when we would come near - so she would squeal with delight and give up his location!!! But Gavin still had fun with it!

Once you are through the maze you end up in the patch. And to our surprise this year they had AWESOME pumpkins to pick from! We would see a HUGE, PERFECTLY SHAPED, GREAT ORANGE pumpkin and want to grab it - then see another right next to it. So we had a lot of good choices!!! Gavin searched around for a bit and then stood next to one a declared it his. He tried to pick it up but no luck. So he drug it to Daddy who helped pick it up for him, then we went back and rode the ponies and went on the jumpy thing. Evelyn just loved being carried around by Daddy and enjoying the scene. It was a balmy 70 degrees with strong winds - but a gorgeous day all-in-all. I hope it was what the doctor ordered for daddy. Now all he has to do is carve all of our new pumpkins!!!

You know it's bad when...

you wake up in the middle of the night and scream because you think someone else is in your bedroom. Then you realize it's just your husband you never see (who never sleeps at home because he is on-call every other night) and you just woke him up 45 minutes before he needed to.

Beautiful Sunday

Yesterday was a great day. Patrick was post call but only slept for about an hour and a half - so he was around for most of the day. I mowed the lawn while he napped (the kids played in the yard) and then we spent almost the entire rest of the day outside. There was an incident where Patrick went to chase Gavin and bumped into something on the deck and gashed his head...that was a bummer. That was the only time I took Gavin in (and Evie was napping anyway). Then we went to the elementary school so Gavin could practice riding his cool bike. It was 68-70 degrees, sunny skies, light breeze. Just beautiful. And to spend it together felt so good. Patrick bathed and dressed the kids and they were down by 7:30-8:00 so he and I watched a movie too. It really was just a great day...

Halloween Party

Today was our annual Halloween Party hosted at Ashli's house. Halloween marks one of my favorite times of year because it kicks off the holiday season and makes me feel all warm inside (even if the weather is getting cold outside). It is so fun to watch the kids dress up (and adults too) and have a good time. And Ashli and Ian always do a great job of entertaining and making sure everyone is having a good time for this party.

Cara and I went to Sams Club and bought the bulk item food that was needed and also helped with making goody bags for the kids. And each family brought a dish - either a side, appetizer or dessert. So everyone chips in! Evelyn dressed up as a princess pirate (thanks to my girlfriend Laura who owns Oh Baby Maternity and Nursery - who told me Heidi Klum bought this for her daughter - then got me one too) and Gavin was a Thomas the Train conductor.

Earlier in the day I watched our friends' kids, Gigi and Sophia, so they could go to the OSU game, so I got cute pics from that too. Gigi and Evie were born on the same day and Gavin and Sophia are only 3 weeks apart so they play so well together. So we didn't get to the party until 4 (and Evie had no pm nap) but we made it in time for the balloon man!!! He made the craziest balloons - he could make anything!!! We also had a piniata, played a toss game and just chilled with friends. The best was thinking we could get a group shot of all the kids. 17 families trying to get their kid to sit and smile was hilarious!!! Let's just say there will be no good pics of that!

Since Evelyn didn't nap - she was ready to go to bed at 6:30 so we had to leave early - but it's ok. Patrick is on call so I have a whole evening to myself since the kids got bathed and dressed and were in bed by 7:00. What is a girl to do? I think a nice long bubble bath is in the mix!!!

Fuuny Tagging Quiz

So you know those stupid "get to know you quizes" everyone emails you. Well here is a funny one that brings back memories...

1. YOUR ROCKSTAR NAME (first pet, current car): Chevy (CJ) Freestyle

2. YOUR GANGSTA NAME (favorite ice cream, favorite cookie): Mint Chocolate Chip Sugar

3. YOUR FLY “GUY/GIRL” NAME (first initial first name, first 3 letters last name): K-Bul (although I like K Why better!

4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME (favorite color, favorite animal): Pink Puppy

5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME (middle name, city where you were born): Lynne Doylestown

6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME (first 3 letters last name, first 2 letters first name): Bulke

7. YOUR SUPERHERO NAME (2nd favorite color, favorite drink, & add “the”): The Green Cosmo

8. YOUR NASCAR NAME (first names of your Grandfathers): Edward Bo

9. YOUR STRIPPER NAME (favorite perfume, favorite candy): Happy Snickers

10. YOUR WITNESS PROTECTION NAME (Mother’s & Father’s middle names): Ann Edward

11. YOUR PORN STAR NAME (Middle name, street you grew up on or Favorite Pet's name and mother's maiden name): Lynne Bloomfield or CJ Hart (ok - CJ McClearn but my mom's mom's maiden name is Hart and it sounds better for a porn name) - or just call me summer haze..... (just kidding Monica - I know that is yours!)

That perfect moment...

I was driving in the car today with my kids in the back, windows down a bit to let the gorgeous 70 degree weather to come in, and the radio station playing quietly (to a song I like - not some kiddie music). I happen to look in my rear view mirror to check out my kids - who were being oddly quiet. The reflection back was one that put me in my perfect "mom"ent... the two of them looking at each other and smiling. No words exchanged, but smiles that lasted for minutes. Just happy to be there, with each other, with me. Perfect. Usually a moment like that ends in Gavin pushing Evie down or taking a toy away - but not this moment. This one goes in the mom memory file.

Annual Homestead Harvest

This weekend marked the Annual Homestead Harvest party at Homestead Park (one of our fav's - where we have the kids b-day party). Each year they have a little pumpkin patch, pony rides, tattoos, games, etc. This year we had record heat of 90-92 degrees - so it was not as crowded because people did not want to be out in that heat! But not us! Patrick was busy working on the deck again (putting the railing posts in) so the kids and I met up with Sarah and Josh and their family. This year they had a cool train ride thing for little ones that hooked up to a John Deere tractor and went around. It was perfect for the little guys!!! Gavin also rode the pony solo - but the nice man operating it walked right next to him just in case!!! The rest of the day we vegged out and wound down from the craziness.

PS - Patrick and I also got to go out to celebrate our friend Martina's 30th birthday party! We missed the surprise because of my Stampin' Up party but it was still a lot of fun to get out!!!

World Card Making Day!

This past Saturday was World Card making Day, and to celebrate, I threw a "Cocktails, Cuisine and Cards" Party! It turned out great. It was more of an open house, where we sipped wine (or water), ate some mini quiches, and ate baklava (which was soooooooo good)! It was a crazy day though because I went to Leah's open house in the morning, Patrick had a soccer game and worked on the deck all day long, I had to clean and watch the kids before the party...yadda yadda yadda.

Those joining me at my house were Ashli, Michal, Julie, Leah, Cara, Jessica, Angie, Christa and Beth. It was the perfect number of guests for my small house! I demonstrated how to use one stamp set in multiple ways, showed off cards I received from the card swap at Leah's house, and some other ideas (scrapbook layouts, candy wrappers, cute gift ideas). Some people were new to SU while others had never heard before, so it was a good mix. Leah helped prod me along by asking questions when I forgot to mention a topic, and helped get people excited about joining a monthly club or hosting a workshop themselves! It was very helpful to have her there.

I am posting some of the cards I did....hope you like them!