Rock Band

This week, we started letting our kids watch us play rock band so they could learn how to play eventually. Well eventually turned out to be the next day in their minds - so every night before bed, we play rock band as a family. Although we only have 3 controllers, the 4th person pretends to be part of the band. We rotate positions so each of us play on instrument. Gavin is actually pretty good on drums (God help me) and Evie loves to sing in the mic. Here is a picture (from my camera phone - sorry) of Patrick and the kids jamming out!!!

Smart Organizing Technique for kids

I know things are much easier to do when they are organized and well labeled. I was never (and am still not) an organized person, much to my husband's dismay. But, having a type A hubby has made me want to teach our children some of his techniques to help make their lives more orderly. So this morning, Evelyn and I went through and organized her room. She has these 6 cute pink buckets that fit in storage cubes, as well as a toy chest. So we grouped her things into categories and found pictures on the internet that represented each category.

We have:
1. My Little Pony
2. Disney Princesses
3. Dress Up clothes
4. Dress Up clothes (she has a lot of dress up things)
5. Hair accessories
6. Stuffed animals
7. All the rest (to go into the toy chest)

This way, she can pull out ONE bucket and play with it. When she is done, she is allowed to get another bucket, etc. But she has to clean up the first one before moving on. If she has friends over and things get wild, it also helps when it is time to clean up. We also found some sneaky extra storage for some of Gavin's toy also in his room (an empty drawer where we used to keep diapers). Now, he can keep his batman accessories in one place! Here are some pictures!

A big week of changes

Gavin in his big boy seat

Gavin waiting while Evie got her hair cut


Before


During


After

My kids are growing up. I know it is inevitable - but it is so easy to try to hold on. This week, we did a LOT of milestone reaching.

First, we converted Gavin's car seat from a 5-point harness to a high-back booster. He was perfectly content in the 5-point, until we bought a spare booster to keep in Patrick's car and he realized how much "cooler" it was, so he wanted the one in mine to have the seat belt "that goes down like a hill". Luckily, my girlfriend Jessica is a car seat nut (aka technician) and came over to help properly convert it and install it. She also made Gavin listen to ground rules and promise to abide by them (since we all know that kids won't listen to their own mom - so it was best this way).

Second, I have been doing my quarterly cleaning of the closets. On of my friends, Keren, is going on another mission trip to Honduras and is taking as many clothes as possible for the families there. In the past, I have passed down the kids' clothes to other friends - in hopes that one day we may need them again (although we have no intentions on it, it was nice to know they would be around if we wanted them) - but this time, the clothes will be in a different country!!!! It's a bit sad to see some of my favorite outfits go - but I know they will be going to a good cause.

And most recently, today we took Evelyn to get her first hair cut. She has the MOST beautiful hair, so I have been very hesitant to do anything to it for fear of changing it's texture, fullness, etc. But the ends were starting to get straggly and she was starting to chew on it (yuck, I know) so I decided it was time. We go to Cookie Cutters, a national chain, that is great for little kids. Gavin has been going for years, so Evie is used to the environment. We always go to the same person (Wendy) so Evie was really excited that she would be able to sit in the cool car and watch a DVD while Miss Wendy cut her hair. Well, she must have been REALLY excited...because as soon as she sat in the chair and Miss Wendy spritzed her hair with water...she peed herself. I didn't even know until we were getting in the car and I realized she was wet. I asked her what happened and she said "I peeped when she sprayed me". Oops!!! But, hey, her hair looks great!

I am also taking the door knob cover off of her door. She is finally good enough to be trusted (a little bit) to go in and out of her room as she needs. This is huge - since containing her was about my only option in discipline. Please send good thoughts our way that she will not tear our house to shreds while we sleep!

Buckeye Land

As a tried and true Penn State fan, it was a little weird coming to a place like Columbus. I have never lived in a place where EVERYONE was so crazy about their college teams. OSU is literally 10 minutes from us - with no major pro teams around (except ice hockey) so the entire area is filled with Buckeye fans. It is actually really cool to experience. Places shut down for business when football is on, kids learn the "We all hate the whole state of Michigan" song in preschool, and every single person owns something grey and scarlet.

Last night we went to our 2nd men's basketball game. The 1st one, we were given first row seats (thanks Ashli) and this one I won from a financial presentation at the hospital. They were in the Huntington club box...and although the excitement wasn't as cool as on the floor, it was much easier to view the game and they were playing another Big Ten team, so it was exciting. Families with newborn children were there, super old men who have been Buckeye fans for decades were there, and of course a ton of OSU students were there. Although the college kids looked eleventeen to us, it made us proud that WE ARE allowed to be part of that (get it...a little Penn State mantra thrown in there :-). Seriously, it has been fun being a part of this crazy Buckeye community - and I know that they will always be a close second in our hearts. The kids have jerseys and cheerleading outfits that I promise we will continue to wear (as long as it is not against Penn State)!


A bad camera phone shot from the box level.

quiet time

I am typing this on a friday night...my husband just got paged in (again) but I am strangely comfortable with it. Sometimes it is nice to have an unexpected evening of quiet time for myself. Tonight, my head is spinning though. We finally sat down with a financial planner/advisor to start thinking about our future. IRAs? 529s? When did we become those people that need this?

It also starts making me think about how our time here in Columbus is rapidly coming to an end. We have been here for over 4 1/2 years and have less than 6 months remaining. Should we sell our house, even though we will take a hit due to the economy? Or should we rent it to people we know for a few years in hopes the market will pick up? If we sell now, we may lose some money - but we get back most of the 20% deposit. If we rent, we get the tax breaks. Sell, be over it and move on altogether. Rent, have a reason to come back once and a while to visit.

As frustrating as it is to not know where we will be stationed, it is also kind of cool. I mean, we HAVE to look at it as an adventure. It FORCES us to be flexible and open to seeing new places and meeting new people. It would be so easy to grow roots in Ohio. I love our little house (although I wish there was one more closet and one more bathroom sink in the master), I love our neighbors and neighborhood, and I love the school system we are in. I had a doctor appointment today (my annual lady doctor visit) and my OB and I cried as I left the office. I love my OB so much I cried because she won't be my doctor anymore and she is so personable and close to patients that she cried too. The kids pediatricians - who are amazing - won't be there for us after June. Hair dressers, babysitters, doctors, dentists, house cleaners...all these people who I have developed relationships with will be left in Ohio when we move. And don't even get me started about my friends, or God forbid, my kids' friends.

I don't say it much, but anyone who knows me knows how important the Advocates (wives' club) and our playgroup have meant to us. And the thought of leaving here, even though I will keep in touch with most, is truly devastating to me. These women and kids are like my own personal "war buddies". If you watch "Scrubs" you will know what I am talking about... "When you spend the hardest time in your life with a group of people, you're bonded forever." I will always remember each and every person that touched our lives during this time.

picture by jreshenroder

Ok Ok...enough sappy for now. I am going to go take a bubble bath and enjoy the rest of my quiet time.

Karate

Since the weather has been so cold, I have been looking for some more indoor activities for the kids to get their energy out. We already do swimming and gymnastics...but my girlfriend, Sarah (who I have known since elementary school), told me about a great little karate class for 4&5 year olds. You can go up to 3 times a week (35 minute classes) but we just have the boys going twice a week. So far they love it, and I think it will be good for listening, respect and discipline. The kids have to say "Yes ma'am" after all instructions and they have to stay in line and wait for their turn. They even get a cute little outfit (a gi?) with the cost of the class. I am attaching Gavin in his uniform :-) Too cute!

snow days

Snow angels with friends


Daddy's new car - MazdaSpeed 3


Sliding into a pile of snow


All bundled up!

We have been getting bits and pieces of snowfall, but last week we actually got some that accumulated into 6 inches or so. Tons of fun for the whole family! Patrick has an easy schedule right now - so he is home to help shovel and enjoy playing with the kids.

I attached a picture of Patrick's new car. He was not very happy with his last car (basically he just got the cheapest car available to get through residency) but we were able to finance the car through my mom's 'bank' at 0%...which meant we were able to get a whole lot more of a car for the same monthly payments. Patrick has been eying this car for a few years now and even went to get one last year - but they were screwing him on his trade in and for the new car. We ended up finding this great deal on this car...basically it was left over inventory from a dealership that closed but it was acquired by a different dealer - so it had to be sold as used. It only had 200 miles on it, and we got it for about $4000-$5000 LESS than a new one. He adores it - and I am happy that he finally has a car he loves. He deserves it!

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.