What a fun evening!

Tonight (after long naps) we had our friend/neighbor Stone's birthday party (check out the card with Gavin's writing - so good isn't it?). He turned 5 and loves firetrucks. So his parents had cake and ice cream for him and then asked the local fire station to send a truck out if possible. There were tons of kids between his relatives and all the neighborhood kids and surprising, everyone got along great! Cory brought the kite back with authority and got it in the air quickly and had no issues during flight...so the kids liked that too.

But the best part was when the fire truck came and all the kids got to go inside, try on gear and talk to the REAL firemen. The guys were great and all the kids loved it!!! The best part for Gavin was that they parked in front of our house - so Gavin was like "There is a firetruck at MY house". Too cute! They stayed for a pretty long time and all the kids got a turn going inside and pretending to drive it.

Go Fly A Kite!

Yesterday, Julie and her kids came over and Angie and her kids (plus some other neighborhood friends). So to occupy some time I got out Gavin's Thomas Kite. The $5 kite provided hours of entertainment and all the kids got to use it and were able to fly it. The wind was not too strong - but strong enough to keep the kite up. Once, I looked over and saw McKenna laying on the ground, holding the kite. Then the other kids joined her and we had all the kids laying on the ground, staring up into the sky at a flying kite. It was picture perfect.

So, today I decided to try this again in the morning. But the wind was much different today. It was very strong, and going every which way. I couldn't even get the kite in the air. So Angie's hubby (Cory) came over with the girls and tried (for almost a 1/2 hour or more) and FINALLY got the kite in the air. But, the wind was pretty fierce - so I wouldn't let Gavin hold it himself, but otherwise the kids played. Somehow, it got to close to a tree and the line whipped out of our friend's hands. The wind took it immediately but luckily the handle got snagged in a tree. This send most of the kids into a crying frenzy, so Superhero Cory (with the help of our other neighbor, Kevin) climbed an unclimbable tree (if you look closely - you can see him in the picture of the tree) to rescue this $5 kite. Seeing her Dad climb a tree sent an already crying McKenna into an uncontrollable sob. But eventually Cory rolled the string in enough so we could grab the kite and safely detach the string from it. The kite was saved, the kids all clapped - but I think we will reserve kite flying for a more open space - or a less windy day :-)

After that, my kids went in a watched a DVD while I planted some much needed floral decoration at our house. Look how pretty. Now the polls can begin on how quick I kill them.

Belated Mother's Day Thoughts...Part 2...Tear Jerker Alert

On the day of my last post (which I have been told has made people misty eyed)...I had to search for a baby picture of me (since I totally forgot to get one when I was in PA). Anyway, one of the first places I looked is this private "Kelly" folder I have, which contains special cards, my best friend's wedding invitation, nursery school pictures, etc. Well there was this folder in there with my name (in my mom's hand writing) on it. A big folder with lots of cards and letters inside. Turns out it was from a sorority retreat I had in college where they secretly had your loved ones write things to you (as a special treat/confidence booster about who you are and where you came from).

I am so glad a "re-found" these because reading them now has taken on a whole new meaning for me. They are very dear and private for me so I am not going to share all of it - but a few sentences make me truly believe in the circle of life - as my parents words seem to emulate my thoughts I have about my own children.

Here are a few:

MOM
"I remember moments that you will only know through pictures...you were so independent, so lovely, so very Kelly. I've always felt that it was you leading me through life. You showing me how to be a good mother."
"Do not live your life for me, or for anyone else. Just let them be lucky enough to share in it. And one day, you should pass along this wisdom you were born with to that lucky child(ren) who has a mother such as you."

DAD
"I hope you know that I love you very much!! But if you don't know it or don't hear it enough, I'll tell you again..."I LOVE YOU!!!"...What you might not know as well is how proud I am of you."
"I wanted to be part of your life in any way I could (and still do). I loved coaching your basketball team and being involved with your prom committee and Black and White night because I knew there were not going to be a lot of time for a father to bond like that with his daughter. I do cherish those times that I was involved in your life experiences, not only for what I got out of it, but to see how glad you were that I was doing it too".

ANNA
"Even though we used to fight a lot, I love you with all my heart" ***(she was 16 or 17) - too funny!!

KAITLIN
She just signed her name but printed out a beautiful picture of some Barbie she colored on the computer. :-)

I know I spend a lot of time bragging about my kids here - but it was time I shared some of the brag-time with other people who matter so much to me and let them know I love them too. I am so blessed to have a family who loved me (and told me they did), who believed in me and who was proud of me. I can only hope that I make me kids feel this loved one day.

The pic that I posted is one my sister Anna uploaded for me since I couldn't find one after all my searching!

Belated Mother's Day thoughts...

My mother's day went great. I got to sleep in a bit, Patrick made breakfast for my whole family and then took the kids so I could go to the race tracks/casino with my mom and sisters for an adult day. And, while we were there my mom gave us this speech about her present SHE got all of us. She got my sisters and I this gorgeous necklace with a dazzling jewel (topaz) in it. Her speech, however, made us all cry. She talked about how her mother is no longer with us, and one day she won't be either. It made me realize I am in that awkward zone of my life where I am being sandwiched...between worrying about my own children and my (and Patrick's) parents. Mind you - our parents are not considered old. They are in their early 60's, but we still manage to treat every arm pain as it could be a heart attack, or we hold their hands when there is a large step to go down. We realize that life is short and we need to appreciate every moment we get to spend with them. I would love another lifetime of time to spend together.

I also started thinking of how they (our parents) must feel about us. I wonder if my mom looks at me and remembers a time when she used to carry me on her hip - only to realize that my legs started dangling a little bit longer than they used to, and that I started to outgrow her WAY faster than she would ever outgrow me. This is how I feel now about Gavin and Evelyn. Gavin, my big boy, can do puzzles without my help. He can reach lights, go to the potty by himself, and knows what channels his favorite shows are on. He doesn't need me for those things any more. And I don't carry him as much as I used to because he loves walking by himself. Evelyn is in a major growth spurt. She has gotten so big and is our fearless one. She climbs ladders, throws tantrums, and picks herself up after her brother shoves her to the ground when playing. I love seeing them develop into their own beings - but sometimes I wish they were like goldfish (ok, not OUR goldfish that we killed). I wish that they would only grow big enough for the bowl they are in. I wish I could keep them little forever.

But I know (God willing) one day, I will be taking my kids to brunch with their kids. Watching them realize just how strong love can really be. I understand now how much my mom loves me. I only wish I could show her somehow that the feeling is mutual.

Jungle Wonder

I can't upload any pictures because my mom's computer isn't compatible with my camera. But I can take camera phone pics...so that's all I can post! Last night, Patrick and I had our FIRST night to chill together by ourselves (after we put the kids to bed). We watched a movie and had pizza! Our favorite things to do!

Today, we all went out to one of our fav breakfast spots. They have amazing food - and their pancakes are bigger than the plate!!! I couldn't even eat 1/4 of one (even with Evie's help). Then Patrick went golfing with some buddies and I was supposed to meet up with a friend for lunch - but she got sick. So instead, I took the kids to another indoor playground, Jungle Wonder. There were some parties going on - so it was a bit crowded at first - but then they went into private rooms and we had the WHOLE place to ourselves. Gavin had so much fun on the playground and rides and he even helped Evie (who was a bit scared at first) by putting his arm around her on rides and holding her hand through the jungle gym. We also got some coins for games and when we had one coin left - he put it in a random game we were passing and hit the jackpot for over 300 tickets! All the kids around thought it was so cool. He got some GI Joe stuff (an army truck and some guys - which Daddy will love because it was his fav growing up). All in all, very fun!

The cutest thing!

Yesterday (well - almost everyday of this trip) Gavin was saying how muched he missed Nathan. But this time he added "I miss my cousin, Nathan". I asked him why he thought Nathan was his cousin - and he said "Because I love him more than just a friend, I love him like a cousin". How stinkin' cute is that!?!?!

Climbing ladders

Guess who can climb ladders now???

Med school friend reunion!!!

This past weekend Patrick and I had the opportunity to meet up with our very best friends from med school. It all started because our friends Mark and Amy were coming into town for a recruiting event at PCOM. So all the other friends adjusted call schedules accordingly and got off for most of the weekend. It was sooo nice to see everyone together again - and it just went back to old times again.

Friday night we got our FAVORITE pizza (pica's) and went to Jay and Michelle's apartment. This night was crazy because all the kids were with us - and it made us realize how different things are now! But it was fun none-the-less to see everyone with the kids.

Saturday the boys went golfing and then we all met up for dinner at my favorite restaurant, Viggiano's. I booked a private room so it was perfect for us to all be able to talk and reminisce. Where else, except a room full of residents (and spouses), could you hear the phrases "the kid is fine - he was only hit by a car" and "she had a bi-fold fupa", and make it seem totally normal??? What a perfect reunion of friends. This night was child free - so we laughed, drank wine and told stories until we had to leave (which was 11pm - I told you things have changed!!!)

In the end, it was such a nice feeling to know we have great life long friends who understand each other and have been through a lot together. We are so blessed to have these people in our lives and we are looking forward to an entire week with them down the shore this summer!!!

Pictures by Mary

Today I asked Mary to come over and take some pictures of G&E for a mother's day project I am working on. She got some great shots - and we had a fun morning in the sun! Then Ashli took my kids so I got the lawn mowed, floors scrubbed, laundry put away, packed, and signed up a new demonstrator for Stampin' Up. Very productive! Thanks Ash! Then Cara took Ashli and I out to the Columbus Fish Market for our birthdays. Super Yummy - but too much food! I got the crab cakes and ate bread and artichoke dip so I was too stuffed for dessert. The desserts were HUGE - so I just nibbled at theirs. Thanks Cara - it was a great b-day gift! YUM! Nothing better than a nice note out with girlfriends!!!

First Name, Middle Name

You know when you yell at your kids when they are REALLY in trouble you use their full name? Well, I do it, and I know my friends do it too. So when Gavin sees someone doing something bad - he yells their first and middle names. I noticed it with Ashli's kids...Nathan Christopher - do not do that! Or Carter Benjamin - no no!!! It is pretty cute. He even knows when he is in trouble without me saying anything. He says, "Is Gavin Elliot in trouble?"

Another super cute thing he got from Angie's house. I don't know how it originated (maybe he did it or one of the other boys she watches) - but he started calling McKenna "the kenna" (almost like dakenna). So yesterday I heard him yelling at Evelyn saying "Evelyn the-kenna do not stand on the couch!" I did not even know he knew her full name. But now all day he has been calling her that. It is so sweet.

Japanese Hair Straightening

Today I got my chance I have been waiting for since Leigh (Heller) Boerner told me about this great new process called Japanese Hair Straightening. It is an ionic thermal hair condition procedure that will permanently restructure the hair's condition and make it silky, smooth and straight!!! Everything I have always wanted!!! It takes anywhere from 5-8 hours (mine took 6) of straight procedure. It takes so long because you have to take 1/4 inch sections of hair - and anyone who knows me and my hair knows that I have a LOT of it!

My girlfriend, Lindsey, is my new stylist out here in Columbus and she needed a "model" to learn this procedure on. There were people there observing and teaching her - and she totally knows my hair - so I fully trusted her. This would normally cost between $500-$1500 (mine is on the upper end because it is considered extra long). Luckily - I did not have to pay that - just the minor cost of the chemicals. The day flew by - and now I will be able to get out of a shower, or the beach or pool and let my hair air dry and it will be totally flat and straight and shiny! What a difference!!! A huge thanks to Martina for watching the kids - and a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Miss Ashli!!! Hope it was great! http://www.thermalreconditioning.com/qanda.html

PS - The pictures in order are:
1. Before with nothing done but air dry
2. A saran wrap after the first chemical application to straighten
3. Sections of 1/4 inch pieces to be flat ironed then sealed
4. The after shot (after the flat iron, sealant, rinse, and blow dry - NO FLAT IRON !!!) Look how shiny and healthy looking - and straight!!!

It's not fair...

that I cannot sleep when one of my kids is awake in the mornings. I even turned the monitor off so I couldn't hear Evelyn at 5am this morning...but I KNEW she was up and could hear her playing then crying in her crib from 2 rooms away. So guess which mom has been up since then???

Evie's first hair cut

We went to Cookie Cutters to get Gavin's hair cut before our trip back home and I decided to get Evelyn's trimmed as well. She did a great job in the chair - thank goodness they had Dora on video! Check out how big she looks!

GGOOOOOOOOOOAAAALLLLLL!!!

Today Gavin wanted to be a soccer player like daddy - so here he is in his authentic Italian soccer uniform!

What a cute/great idea!

I totally stole this idea from Ashli!!! She saw it in one of the parenting mags and when I saw how cute and logical it was - I had to do it too! All you need is an extra shower curtain rod and some hooks and these super cute baskets with holes/drainage all over ($1.50 at Garden Ridge). She puts 3 different sets of bath toys and rotates them so the kids don't get too bored with them - and it gives the toys a real chance to totally dry before getting wet again (prevents mold). I think I will also put some toiletries in one since Evelyn likes to grab anything in sight and eat it. This will keep it up and away from her tiny grasp! Thanks for the great idea Ash!

The pink room

Evelyn's room is definitely PINK! Patrick painted it last year and put up some white wainscoting. It looks great! But very PINK. So we added some white furnishings and picture frames to tone it down a bit. We got one of those "build your own" shelving units from Target and this weekend, our neighbor Angie was able to get another one (from someone moving) for less than 1/2 what they cost in the store! So I was trying to figure out how to put it in Evie's room and ended up bookcasing her crib between them. I think it looks cute! It is a small room so there are not many options. Of course, I added some pink baskets so now there is lots of storage for clothes or toys. Thanks Ange!

You gotta know when to walk away...

Last night, Ashli invited Gavin and I to join her and Nathan to go see a play at her old high school (I believe in make believe). I was a bit wary - since it started at 8, which is Gavin's bedtime, but Ashli assured me it was only an hour or so long, so we decided to go. It was a typical high school musical/play with a lot of fall down humor, so Gavin enjoyed most of it. Nathan had seen the play last week and loved it - so we expected the same this week.

Wrong.

Unfortunately, after many unanswered attempts by Ashli to get tickets in advance, we got there right as the play was beginning and got the last 4 tickets available together - which were in the highest row of the bleachers (still a great view though). The bad part was that as we all know, hot air rises, and with a sold-out small auditorium and the hot spotlights right next to us, it was getting mighty warm and quick. Our cheerful boys slowly deteriorated and started whining and crawling in our laps. In an attempt to cool them off, Ashli took off Nathan's sweatshirt, but he was going downhill fast. Gavin was also antsy to "go downstairs" - which was not an easy feat since high school kids were seated in the steps off the bleachers all the way down to the ground level from where we were. But as soon as I heard Nathan say "Mommy, I feel like I am going to throw up" and "I feel like poop has to come out" - I knew we had to get out quick!!!

I know we made a total commotion getting down (only about 1/2 way though the show might I add) but it was so hysterical to see us. Man, how old are we, carrying out our little boys who are too overheated and threatening to puke all over the people in the rows below us? What a funny sight - if it wasn't happening to us! But once we got outside (and got a little food in Nathan's belly), all was better. He crashed 2 seconds after we drove through a McDonalds - but Gavin toughed it out and stayed until we got home.

A big thanks for the night out to Ashli though - and a little special time with Mommy and the big boys and also for Mason - our neighborhood babysitter!!! (with a little help from mom, Christa!)

Down to uno

The title says it all...

And then there were 2...

Due to the unbearable sadness of cinco passing away on Tuesday, tres and cuatro passed away last night. Their little hearts just were too broken from the loss of their loved one. Uno and dos don't look very good either. The fishman originally gave them a 2 week span (enough to get the environment correct in our tank for "real fish"...) but we were pleased to have them as long as we have. Please keep uno and dos in your prayers.

fun again

We are trying to get in as much fun as we can before the rains are supposed to come! This morning we had gymnastics class for Gavin and Evie even joined in a bit. The kids all did lot better this week, because it was the same set up and they were getting used to the routine. Gavin absolutely loves the class and asks when he can go back! Check out the pics I posted or go to http://picasaweb.google.com/kellybull/FunInTheSun to see all of them.

We also went to the doctor to get Gavin's finger pricked again for a blood test (they did not get enough the first time). So afterwards, I promised him we would get a train, a movie or some paint for outside. We ended up with all three. So when we got home, Angie and the girls came over for some creative fun. The kids did great and actually painted for a while. We all went in for a while and then came back out for some play time. Evelyn was loving it too - and Christa came over with Ella and Silas. Angie watches 2 boys, so they were here too, and Leah was feeling under the weather so Angie had Brinley and Avery. All the kids had a blast! I truly love being able to stay at home and treasure moments like this. Nothing will replace the memories I have of hanging out with friends and watching Gavin and Evelyn develop into little people and make friends too. All the financial worries, stress about Patrick being gone (or home very little), being tired...nothing takes this away. I love being a mom - and am trying my hardest to cherish these days...