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!

Sometimes...

Sometimes, you can't find the words to say to a friend or loved one who is sick.
Sometimes you just want to hug them.
Sometimes you can't hug them because they are too far away - so words are all you have left.
Sometimes you just want to tell them how special they are and what a positive difference they have made in this world.
Sometimes you just want to cry.
Sometimes you get mad, angry and confused as the "why" is this happening.
Sometimes you feel blessed for ever even knowing them.

I read somewhere that if a friend is down with the flu or has a stay in the hospital, you stop by the card shop or the grocery and pick up a card that says “Thinking of you” or makes cute little jokes about doctors and hospital gowns that open in the back. But suppose your friend or your brother or sister or your mother or father receives the news: cancer. Mastectomy. Chemotherapy. Radiation. Bone Marrow transplant. “Get well soon” suddenly seems very inadequate. What do you say to someone who may, in fact, be dying? Many people, in their discomfort, simply avoid contact at all, depriving the patient of comfort when it is needed most. Some try to act "normal" - because maybe that is what this friend needs...some normalcy in a time when nothing is normal anymore. Other's try to give advice and as much support as possible. Which person am I? I think a combination...

Am I the selfish one to get sad to think of a sick friend? Am I wrong to take this happening to try to re-evaluate my life and truly "live"? Or is this all part of "the plan"? Are we meant to learn from one person's hardships? Was this person brought into my life because of this? Or because of the many other wonderful things they have taught me and we have shared?

I pray for the strength of my friend Mark, his wife Amy, and their daughter Abby. He has reached 6 months since learning about his CML (Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia) and is dealing with this better than I think anyone I know could. If you would like to read more about Mark and his journey - please check out www.caringbridge.org/visit/markgardner.

Knock on wood...

So we have been secretly potty training Evelyn for the past few weeks. It started around bath - when Gavin always goes on the potty before getting into the tub - and Evie always peed on the floor or in the tub when she got in. So I started putting her on the potty too. She wants to do everything he does anyway... It's been almost 2 weeks and she has gone every night before bath. We make a big deal and she gets so excited because brother cheers her on and says how proud he is of her. I also started doing it during the day - and she has successfully gone a few times. Some times she just sits and nothing happens so she tries to hop down - other times she pees and then gets off.

But tonight, Daddy was playing downstairs with Gavin so it was just the girls upstairs. We walked in the bathroom and she went right to the toilet. I stripped her down and she sat up there and peed - but didn't try to get off. When I thought she was done I started to take her off but she started fussing - so I put her back on. And then she went poop. ON THE POTTY! ARE YOU KIDDING ME!?!??!?!? I was so excited and almost regret that I am writing it (for fear it will not happen again for a long time). I know girls are supposed to be easier/faster - but come on! I am sure it was a fluke - and I will be super happy with peeing before bath - but we were all pretty amazed. The boys heard my commotion and came running up the steps to celebrate too. She was so happy and clapping herself on the toilet! YEAH EVELYN!!!

LOST

So Stinkin' good last night! Anyone else out there a fan? Call me to discuss!!!

That time of the month again...

to pay bills. Month end/begin, pay day, and the bills are flowing in. I don't understand how some bills work. They seem so inconsistent with their due dates. Maybe it's based off the last time I paid them. Maybe they just like screwing with me. But for some reason, I can never get them all to be due on the same date (either the 1st, 15th or 30th). Some of them are okay - like mortgage and car payments. But others like insurance, gas, water...all seem scattered and never consistent.

This infuriates me more since we are so poor and live pay check to pay check. On the phone today I told/asked Patrick which bills we were going to pay on time. Not that we won't pay the other bills, but if one is due on the 12th and we don't get paid again until the 14th...I have to take money out of savings to cover it (or pay it late). And I never wind up putting that money back into savings. So I have to finagle the checks and balances a bit. Patrick insists we pay off credit card bills right away (although there is over $1000 that was from a conference "to be reimbursed ASAP (code for 3 months)". So where am I supposed to pull that $1000 from? Savings account just isn't saving anymore! It's more like a surviving account. And if it weren't for a super nice/lucky/caring/successful tishy-mom (who shall be remained nameless), that surviving account would have been in the negative a LONG time ago!

I know I can't rely on the future money that Patrick and I may or may not have. But it makes me sad that I am 25 years old and still living off of other people's dime (okay - maybe I am not 25) but still - I always thought I'd be in a different place right now. I LOVE staying home with the kids and always knew I'd do that and those would be some struggling times...but it is frustrating when your husband works harder and two or three times more hours than most people and doesn't get the benefits of it. I hope everyone knows I am just ranting - I do appreciate that we have more than a lot of people and are very fortunate...but I can't wait for the day I can buy some jeans that fit, clothes that aren't on sale for the kids, brand name baby wipes and a telephone that will automatically scream at those damn people calling to remind me to vote for Barack. I get it. But your call isn't getting me.

That off my chest - I am going to go clip some more coupons and hope my husband gets home for dinner tonight. Sorry for the negative-ness...I need some sunlight!!!! Winter sucks!

What a good man!

Patrick got home yesterday and watched the kids so I could take a nap (see previous post of why I was tired). After my nap, we all went outside to experience today's "snow". It was much different than the other days'. This snow was capped off by at least an inch of ice!!! YUCK! It was so hard to even walk - as the ice would break underneath you every step. But, it was fun for sledding because Daddy could whip the sled around! Not Mommy's favorite thing to see - but I was glad he was able to be home and out playing with the kids.

Then this morning, Patrick worked out in the basement, and then proceeded to make one of his infamous breakfasts. Every weekend day he is home, he makes me the most delicious breakfast! Today was an egg, cheese, sausage, hash brown mix, topped with salsa and some toast!!! YUM! What a good man!

Post-Valentine's Day Dinner

Last night, our Advocates group (the wive's club) had our post-valentine's day dinner - to help those women who did not get taken out because of busy schedules, forgetful husbands, etc. Actually, it was just another excuse to get together and GRUB! We went to Figlio's in Grandview and it was great! Our good friend, Martina, had her 30th there so I already knew what I wanted to order! It was sooooo good that I ate ALL of it (which I normally cannot do) but ended up VERY sick that night. I hope it wasn't the food - but I also hope it wasn't a bug. Either way, I feel much better now (tired from a LONG night).

There were about 16 or 18 of us (I forgot to count) and we had a private room which was nice. Made it feel even more special! Of course, we talk about everything and anything and get a chance to bond even more! I am posting some pics - but a lot are from my angle in my seat so it did not get everyone's face...sorry girls!

Stalker

My neighbor, Christa, emailed me and said she stalked Gavin and I when we were out in the snow today. She wanted to try out her new camera zoom lens - I think it turned out great for how far away she was! This picture is of Gavin shoving his face in the snow (like I said before - not too cold) to eat some yummy snow. OK - so I am not getting mother of the year again...

Space rocks, home school, snow and stamping

The past few days have been filled with some fun and funny things. First off, Gavin anxiously grabbed me saying "Look Mom, Diego and I found some space rocks!" (Gavin has imaginary friends and Diego is one of them) So he pulled me into the bathroom and then proceeded to show me his poop which he said looked like space rocks (and to be honest - they did). So now every time he needs to go potty - he says "I need to drop some space rocks off in the toilet". Totally all him - no prompting by either Patrick or I to say those things!!!

The next thing is for all those who are asking about Gavin's home pre-school works. This week we learned about the ocean. I taught him about different sea creatures and some interesting facts about them. We learned about an octopus, a fish, a whale and a starfish. He made an octopus out of crepe paper (tentacles) and a paper bag (body) - and therw it up and down to see how the legs worked. I cut out some star shapes and he pasted some oatmeal onto it to see how they are bumpy. He also pasted some crepe paper on a paper plate and made a whale. And used a pencil eraser and paint to make scales on a fish. Before each activity he practices writing the letter of each project (F for fish, W for whale, etc). He loves his school days and is definitely getting ready for real pre-school next year! (the pics are of him painting the glue paste on for the whale, painting the scales on the fish and then also holding up his whale and octopus).

On tuesday, I also hosted my second monthly Stampin' Up Club. This month we focused on Easter and made a 6x6 layout, a card and a basket. I have more and more fun each month as I see the other girls get excited and learn more too. I really love that I became a demonstrator and that I have these group of girls in my club!!!

Wednesday we woke up to a perfect snow day. What I mean by perfect is that the snow was HUGE and FLUFFY and looked totally fake! The roads were not bad at all, so we still made playgroup (at the playground at Church of the Nazarene). That let the kids run off some steam. Then we were back for lunch, I put Evie down for a nap, and Gavin and I bundled up and went outside! The snow was so light and fluffy - it basically disintegrated as soon as it was touched. So our neighbor and friends, Kelly and McKenna, came over and helped sweep the snow off the driveway. Some may consider it child labor - but I thought it was FUN!!! They did such a good job - check out the pics! Then we made some snow angels, and Gavin and I would literally put our entire face into a heap of snow and eat it! The snow would get all over your face, for like a second, and then melt - so it wasn't cold. But it tasted so yummy (no yellow snow of course!).

Overall, a great few days! Looking forward to the rest of the week (dinner with ALL the girls tomorrow, maybe a date night with the hubby this weekend). Hope you all are having a great week too!

Game night and poopy bath

This weekend was pretty relaxed. As you can see in my last post, Gavin and I had fun bowling yesterday while Daddy and Evelyn had some bonding time at home. Later that night, we put the kids down and settled in for some game-time. Patrick and I whipped out the Boggle and Scrabble Express (a quick game for traveling). I almost always beat Patrick in Boggle (I think it is all the time I spend on Sodoku and word puzzles in the paper) but I REALLY beat him last night. He quit after I got the words "quart", "quarter" and "quartered" - worth a ton of points. That totally put me over the edge in points. We then moved on to Scrabble where it was neck and neck until the final game - when Patrick was going to win - but couldn't see it. He got sooooo mad at me because I was like, "Ok, game over - you win" - and he didn't see it. So we never really finished (basically since he tossed the game across the table)...but he was going to win. We went to bed late for us (around midnight) and got an unpleasant awakening around 5:45 when the kids BOTH got up. I took them downstairs until 7:30 then Patrick came down and I slept until 9. I am still dragging though!

Then tonight I was giving the kids a bath (Patrick got called in so I was alone) and I took Evie out to get her dressed and when I came back in, Gavin was in mid-poop - IN THE TUB!!! He looked scared like he didn't mean to do it - but he knew it was wrong. I guess I didn't help when I started screaming "Get out - Get out of the tub!" I just didn't want him getting poop on him. I threw him on the toilet and started disinfecting the toys and bath tub right away - I can still smell the bleach!!!! Guess I gotta really scrub it before their next bath... YUCK!

Happy Birthday Buddy!

Today is Gavin's best bud's, Nathan, 4th birthday. Since they celebrated with family last night, they were not doing too much today so we asked if we could take Nathan bowling. His mom (Ashli) and her MIL came too and we had so much fun. I did not know what to expect from the boys but they were on great behavior and very excited about the whole thing! Ashli was kind enough to take pics and video and sent them to me. This video is of Gavin in the very beginning of the day. His roll was so slow it did not even register the pins that got knocked down!!! (I posted a video Ashli took - excuse my butt crack - but listen to Gavin and Nathan cheering "Go, Ball, Go!" and you can see how long it takes the ball to get down the lane! About 30 seconds) So cute! They didn't care about score - the boys just liked seeing the pins get knocked down. Eventually, Ashli remembered that there was a "ramp" that kids could use to help speed up their ball. Once we started using that - the kids did so much better and the game went much faster! We had to leave in the 7th frame of the last game (Gavin had a hair appointment) but we still had soooooooooo much fun! Thanks guys for such a fun day!

Happy Valentine's Day!

This year Valentine's Day was very fun for us! Usually it is low key - but this year we went to the playgroup party on Wednesday and Patrick and I went to dinner and a movie on Thursday! The playgroup party was at Becca's house and I am going to post some pics. The kids had so much fun and were crazy from the sugar - but as we all know...when you have a sugar rush - you have a sugar plummet too! Check them ALL out on the couch in a sugar coma.

Patrick and I haven't really done much since med school (pre-kids). So it was nice to get a babysitter and go out. We saw Jumper - which was pretty good. More nice to go out together, hold hands, and pretend to be a "normal couple" who does this all the time. I don't mind that we don't do it too much because it makes the dates more special when we do go out! Plus, V-day was the day Patrick made the 1st move in taking our friendship further by leaving a rose on my car at the KOP shopping mall. We met for a "lunch work date" and he gave me a generic card (to trick me). I was kind of peeved that he didn't make a move but then when I left and went to my car, he left a rose and a heartfelt letter that made me knew he was going to be the one! Who would have thought that 7 years from that date we would have 2 kids and a mortgage!!! I love him, our kids and our life together so much! This year he surprised me with my favorite cupcakes (from cake creations) and another love letter. He is so great!

Tonight I was on the phone with Eileen when Patrick and I noticed Gavin was EXTREMELY still at the dinner table. We were pre-occupied (I was on the phone and Pat was getting ready for soccer) so it was really just the kids by themselves eating. We walked around and saw Gavin was totally asleep in the midst of eating. Patrick had to grab the video recorder to capture how funny!

PS - This is my first video posted on here so I hope it goes okay!

Our climber and our nudist

SO Evelyn is into climbing nowadays. Into and on everything. Here are some cute pictures - just from today - of her climbing! They include Patrick's sock drawer, her storage seat and our clothes hamper. She is too cute! Sorry the pics are grainy - they are from my phone.

We also have a nudist on our hands (no pics due to content :-). Gavin refuses to put anything on after his bath and asks for his "naked time". This ritual always begins with his naked dance and him screaming "I AH NAKED!" That is not a misspell - he says I a (sounds like aahhhh) naked. If anyone remembers my little sister Kaitlin, she too was a frequent nudist (although she gets mad at me now for saying it) - but was so cool about it. Just chillin' on the couch under some blankets, eating ice cream and watching tv - nude. Honestly - she is my idol!!! And apparently - Gavin's too!

Computer Down! Computer Down!!

Man - Life sucks without a computer. I didn't realize how much until mine went down. I guess it happened tuesday night and I have been without for almost 4 days. Whew. I had to borrow neighbors (or call my friends/sisters to help), couldn't get phone numbers stored in my computer and had to find a reliable source to fix it. Thanks, Christa, for recommending Ward from Award Technologies. He and his wife were great! Unlike many other places, they only charged for the actual time in front of your computer - so if a program took hours to boot up or scan - they only charged minutes that they actually stood in front of your computer. They were also sooooooo nice and I will definitely use them if I need to again!

This week Gavin caught the sick bug so we didn't do too much. We did attend playgroup (At COSI (http://www.cosi.org/)) and he got the fever right after. So nothing on Thursday or friday...except of course my wive's club meeting on Thursday night. We played Pictionary and had so much fun. I will post some pics compliments of Mary (ignore my chin(s)). As a family we went to Lowe's this morning because G is feeling better - but not much else planned. We have a 1st birthday party to go to soon and then that's it!!! And my computer is back - so I have lots to catch up on (bills, emails, myspace... you know the important stuff!)

I need more of weekends like this

This weekend was great! Lots of sleep, family outings, and good food. Saturday was such a relaxing day that we felt bad for keeping the kids inside (after a few days of being forced inside due to Evie's illness) so we gathered up our stuff and headed to Graeter's Ice Cream for some good eats. Bad idea - since everyone else had the same one. It was more crowded than I have ever seen it! A madhouse!!! We basically just grabbed some ice cream and left. The kids went down around 8pm and Patrick and I hung out, watched tv and played cards. He came from way behind to beat me in rummy....but that's another story!

Sunday we took a trip to the Franklin Park Conservatory for their Enchanted Express exhibit as well as their orchid displays. Both were totally awesome!!!!Here are some of our pics from the day...

We rounded out the weekend by having our good friends, the Welshes, over for Superbowl. The kids had fun until half time when they left. Then we put our kids down and watched the rest of the game. We didn't really care - but were kinda hoping for the Pats. But either way was good!

February - already???

WOW! I can't believe it is February already! Trust me, I am not complaining...I just can't believe it! This means we are that much closer to spring!!! I am really happy because usually winter seems to drag on forever but I feel like time is flying right now.

Since we got back from Chicago we have been pretty busy. Just getting back into the groove of things. Patrick's work continues to be fun and a much better schedule...so that makes life good too.

The bad part of this week was that Evie got pretty sick. Basically just real high temps but she was MISERABLE!!!! Poor thing. It started wednesday morning with playgroup. She felt a bit warm, so we left early and I took her home and her temp got to close to 103! So we started our regimen of tylenol every 4 hours to avoid her febrile seizures. But after about 2 hours she would spike up again. I didn't have motrin on hand to supplement but she did ok without. That night I was able to sneak away for a "downline meeting" for Stampin' Up. Evie fell asleep right as I left and woke up when I got home. 2 hours. Then it was off an d on sleep every hour or two through the night. Poor thing. And poor mom! But I remember I wrote in an earlier blog that I don't mind those nights because it is when I feel most important. You know the feeling of wanting your mom when you are sick. Well, now I am the mom, and all she wanted/needed was me. So I'll sacrifice some sleep to make her feel more comforted.

Thursday was really rough as she was tired (up again all night) and still spiking fevers. So we didn't even get out of our pjs until close to dinner time! But her fevers started to wear off around then and she was starting to perk up. So Patrick watched her and Gavin AGAIN (thanks Babe) and I met up with some friends for our Spouses meeting...which happened to be movie night.

We went to the Movie Tavern where you can eat and drink in the theater - and it was so fun! We saw 27 dresses and loved it! There were 16 of us there - so it was a great turnout! I hope everyone enjoyed the night out as much as I did!

Patrick got home around 3pm on friday so I ran errands (without the kids!) and then we just watched a movie and went to sleep! I was tired!!!! But luckily Evie slept through the night and I caught up on some sleep. This morning I worked out, came home to a home made breakfast, and we have NOTHING planned for the rest of the weekend! I love it!

Chicago visit

Patrick had a course he had to attend right outside of Chicago for his work. It was an arthroscopy course where he was in lectures and labs all day for 3.5 days. He learned how to used the arthroscope on cadavers (a process he has seen in real OR rooms - but was not allowed to do until he took this course...you know, can't mess up a dead guys knee) and had one-on-one time with the instructor because his lab partner was too hung over some days to come in :-)

Anyway, the kids and I joined him since I have relatives in Chi-town. The first night we stayed with my cousin Nicole and her hubby Joe in the city. Joe is an architect and designed this HUGE house in the city - but since the market to sell sucks right now, they moved into the house instead of trying to sell it. It is just the 2 of them - and a 5 level house - so way too big for their needs. But really cool. It just was NOT kid friendly. Lots of stairs and no doors to the rooms = trouble for little kids! So we only stayed one night there and then spent the other 3 nights at the hotel. It actually wasn't bad except Evie got up at 5am Chicago time almost every day.

We went to the best aquarium I have ever been too (The Shedd) and saw a dolphin show. I had never seen one and I was pretty impressed. And the kids were great for it too. Gavin loved it and oohed and aahed the whole time. Evelyn sat and just stared the whole time. Patrick took some pics of us watching and admitted he got a little emotional watching us. It was one of those picturesque moments when things are just right. One of those times you imagine yourself having "when you grow up", with your wife and kids watching a cool show, having fun together. That in and of itself made the trip worth it.

The kids and I also met up with my Uncle Rod to go to the Children's Museum on Navy Pier. Again, one of the coolest I have been too. Gavin loved every inch of it and Evelyn was able to get down and have fun too! It had soooo many sections that we didn't even do them all. There was a dinosaur excursion, a treehouse, a river with fishing and canoing, drive a bus, dress up like a fireman, a build your own airplane, bowling, shopping...you name it and it was there. Plus when you left there was a cool train to ride and great shopping and food for mom!!! Super fun - thanks for joining us Uncle Rod! PS - Gavin was totally in love with Uncle Rod - and a really good boy for him!!!

The next day the kids and I went to Uncle Rod and Aunt Linda's house. We went to their gym for some pool time and some moon bouncing! Then we went back to the hotel and met up with good friends from PA (who live there now) for some deep dish pizza! YUM! We were ALL in bed by 8 o'clock that night and slept until almost 7!!! YEAH!

Sunday morning the kids and I went back to Linda and Rod's for some brunch. They have a cute dog, Boo, that the kids loved so they played with her and we ate and hung out. Joe and Nicole were there too so it was a nice relaxing time to catch up! Then back to the hotel, pick up Patrick, and back home. I had a great time - but I am ready to stay put for a while! NO MORE TRIPS FOR US FOR A LONG TIME!!!!