Aah, Christmas Eve. I always love Christmas Eve. The family, the anticipation. The kids and I will bake cookies for Santa and for Jesus' birthday today. This afternoon, we'll celebrate at mass and then we'll spend the evening with Andi's family celebrating. Tomorrow's a quiet morning at home and then to G&G Wolski's for family. Jess and Tom are here! Friday we go to Grand Rapids-Saturday is Ply Christmas, Sunday is BBMM Christmas followed by "the Hall" Christmas, which is Matt's Mom's family. Santa will be there in person!
Merry Christmas to all and Happy Birthday to Jesus!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Patrick Christmas 2009
We are back from Christmas with my Mom's family and we had a fantastic time. The kids and I drove Thursday night to Carmel, IN where we spent the night with my Uncle Tim and family. On Friday my cousin Tara drove with us from Carmel to Boaz, AL. The kids were really good, having their "moments" of course, but overall very well behaved in the car. I wasn't sure what to expect since they hadn't been on that long a roadtrip before.
My Aunt Bobbi lives in the country raising horses and goats and AJ practically wet himself when we got to see them up close and personal. Saturday the kids and their second cousin, Emily, got to play with and feed the horses and goats and put hay out for them. AJ and Emily were right to work, but Erin kept saying,"They're going to get me."
It was cool to see that much of our family together this year. I wish it could last a little longer.
We made it home around 1 a.m. Monday. Everybody was exhausted, but happy.
My Aunt Bobbi lives in the country raising horses and goats and AJ practically wet himself when we got to see them up close and personal. Saturday the kids and their second cousin, Emily, got to play with and feed the horses and goats and put hay out for them. AJ and Emily were right to work, but Erin kept saying,"They're going to get me."
It was cool to see that much of our family together this year. I wish it could last a little longer.
We made it home around 1 a.m. Monday. Everybody was exhausted, but happy.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Super Thursday
Tomorrow (which actually starts 7 minutes from now) is the first leg of our southbound trip! I'm up packing. The kids and I head to Indy in t-minus 15 hours. I borrowed dad's portable dvd player and stocked the car with movies.
A.J. keeps hearing the song "Here Comes Santa Claus" which has the lyric "Cause Santa Claus comes tonight.." So, he gets SO happy when he thinks that tonight's the night-each time we hear the song. I feel so bad to keep letting him down. What do you do when you're 5 and the radio keeps telling you it's "tonight?" Poor kid...
Erin asks, "Bobbi" each time we get our coats on. She knows we're going somewhere, but I know the kids have no idea how long we'll be in the car. Pray that I brought enough movies, books, and toys!
Boaz, here we come!
A.J. keeps hearing the song "Here Comes Santa Claus" which has the lyric "Cause Santa Claus comes tonight.." So, he gets SO happy when he thinks that tonight's the night-each time we hear the song. I feel so bad to keep letting him down. What do you do when you're 5 and the radio keeps telling you it's "tonight?" Poor kid...
Erin asks, "Bobbi" each time we get our coats on. She knows we're going somewhere, but I know the kids have no idea how long we'll be in the car. Pray that I brought enough movies, books, and toys!
Boaz, here we come!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Roadtrip!
This weekend is the annual Patrick Family Christmas. This year it's at Aunt Bobbi's house in Boaz, AL. She's got a horse and some goats, so AJ cannot wait to get there. We will leave home Thursday afternoon, drive to Uncle Tim's in Carmel, IN, then continue on to Boaz on Friday morning , arriving there in the evening. I'm really excited because all the family is coming, including Jess!
The next couple of days I will spend packing and such.
Matt's still in Mexico and he'll be coming home on the 19th. We're missing him.
The next couple of days I will spend packing and such.
Matt's still in Mexico and he'll be coming home on the 19th. We're missing him.
Monday, December 1, 2008
What a week!
The past ten days or so have been a whirlwind. Let's go chronologically.
On Friday Nov. 21 the kids and I picked up Matt at the airport from his two week trip to Mexico. Then we continued on to Grand Rapids. Matt traveled for over 12 hours and the kids and I spent 4 1/2 hours in the car. It was a relief to be out of there by time we got to Grandma & Grandpa's house.
Sunday, our nephew Will was baptized. So the day was church, baptism, party, drive home. The kids slept for part of the drive and then weren't exactly ready for bed when we got home.
Monday was business as usual, sort of. We still only had one car due to the window problem in the truck and my phone had issues and wasn't working. Thankfully Katie helped me out and drove us home from school since Matt had to go to work for a while.
Tuesday Matt and AJ went to AJ's Thanksgiving feast at school. Then Matt spent a portion of the day driving to Willow Run airport area to get the window part for the truck. He was able to fix the window faster than the time it took to track down and pick up the part. In the evening, AJ attended a birthday party for a school friend at Bounce House and I got in a quick workout while that happened.
Wednesday, we packed for the upcoming weekend and I had a doctor appointment. So we all piled into the car and Matt took the kids for White Castles while I had my appointment and then we were off to Grand Rapids again.
Thursday-tons of food, fun with family. I am thankful to have not only my family, but the Plys who love me like their own.
Friday Matt and I shopped for Christmas gifts for the kids. Luckily they're not old enough to demand certain things and we got it all done at Target in about an hour. A relatively relaxing day.
Saturday was a decent day with sun and the temperature was in the upper 30s, so we hauled the kids to the zoo. Great time. I loved it. The kids did too.
Yesterday was our nephew Brady's baptism. Again, church, baptism, celebrating at Andy & Nancy's house. The snow started during the baptism and made for a long drive. We went slowly and got home safely late in the evening.
I hope your holidays were spent with loved ones!
Matt left for Mexico again today-this time for a 3-week stretch. We'll get to see my family more for a few weeks since we don't have any more events until Christmastime.
On Friday Nov. 21 the kids and I picked up Matt at the airport from his two week trip to Mexico. Then we continued on to Grand Rapids. Matt traveled for over 12 hours and the kids and I spent 4 1/2 hours in the car. It was a relief to be out of there by time we got to Grandma & Grandpa's house.
Sunday, our nephew Will was baptized. So the day was church, baptism, party, drive home. The kids slept for part of the drive and then weren't exactly ready for bed when we got home.
Monday was business as usual, sort of. We still only had one car due to the window problem in the truck and my phone had issues and wasn't working. Thankfully Katie helped me out and drove us home from school since Matt had to go to work for a while.
Tuesday Matt and AJ went to AJ's Thanksgiving feast at school. Then Matt spent a portion of the day driving to Willow Run airport area to get the window part for the truck. He was able to fix the window faster than the time it took to track down and pick up the part. In the evening, AJ attended a birthday party for a school friend at Bounce House and I got in a quick workout while that happened.
Wednesday, we packed for the upcoming weekend and I had a doctor appointment. So we all piled into the car and Matt took the kids for White Castles while I had my appointment and then we were off to Grand Rapids again.
Thursday-tons of food, fun with family. I am thankful to have not only my family, but the Plys who love me like their own.
Friday Matt and I shopped for Christmas gifts for the kids. Luckily they're not old enough to demand certain things and we got it all done at Target in about an hour. A relatively relaxing day.
Saturday was a decent day with sun and the temperature was in the upper 30s, so we hauled the kids to the zoo. Great time. I loved it. The kids did too.
Yesterday was our nephew Brady's baptism. Again, church, baptism, celebrating at Andy & Nancy's house. The snow started during the baptism and made for a long drive. We went slowly and got home safely late in the evening.
I hope your holidays were spent with loved ones!
Matt left for Mexico again today-this time for a 3-week stretch. We'll get to see my family more for a few weeks since we don't have any more events until Christmastime.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Don't forget!
Check out info at the link-it's a biking event (not a race) and you can even rent a bike. I know people who have done this and say is a GREAT, FUN event.
http://www.zoo-de-mack.com
http://www.zoo-de-mack.com
The holidays begin
A whirlwind weekend is past. Whew! The kids and I picked up Matt at the airport on Friday evening (coming from two weeks in Mexico) and then continued on to Grand Rapids where our nephew Will was baptized. We had a nice day at the baptism and with the family at Matt and Kristy's home afterward. AJ and Erin joined forces with Matt's C's nephew and niece and had a fun time. I got to snuggle Will for a little bit! We'll be home until Wednesday and then to Grand Rapids for Thanksgiving and then our nephew Brady's baptism next Sunday. Then Matt's back to Mexico on that Monday. He'll be home before Christmas, though, don't worry!
So, to let the kids get a good look at some goats, I rolled down the rear passenger window in the truck. And it got stuck halfway back up. Tomorrow Matt gets to have fun fixing that so we can drive it again. Of course it stopped working 12 hours after Matt left for his trip. Luckily he didn't drive to the airport and I drove his car the past couple weeks.
I'm toying with the idea of doing an Ironman race in the summer 2010. Opinions welcome.
Happy Turkey day everybody!
So, to let the kids get a good look at some goats, I rolled down the rear passenger window in the truck. And it got stuck halfway back up. Tomorrow Matt gets to have fun fixing that so we can drive it again. Of course it stopped working 12 hours after Matt left for his trip. Luckily he didn't drive to the airport and I drove his car the past couple weeks.
I'm toying with the idea of doing an Ironman race in the summer 2010. Opinions welcome.
Happy Turkey day everybody!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Halloween
The kids had a fantastic Halloween. AJ had a class party on Thursday and he and Erin went trick-or-treating on Friday night. AJ collected his candy in his kangaroo pouch. Once it started to fill, the joey got ousted. Erin just had dad carry her basket. It was just a beautiful evening to be outside with all the happy kids and parents.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Slacker
Please email/call/facebook,etc. me if I'm not keeping up on posts. I don't always remember that I'm aiming at blogging at least once a week. Obviously, I'm not meeting that quota... the reminder would help :)
AJ has his Halloween party at Little Turtle tomorrow with his class and he's totally excited for it. Erin won't understand until tomorrow that she doesn't go to the party, but she does get to hang out with Katie and cruise the mall. Fingers crossed that she's well-behaved for Katie.
Matt's in Mexico again, returning on Thursday though.
If you live here, you saw the snow flurries today, if not- we had flurries today! It's a little early for my taste, but it's supposed to be in the 50's for Halloween night, so that's tolerable.
I thought I'd include the dogs in this post. They're still around and kickin' it. Sparky thinks his rightful sleeping spot is in the bed with me each time Matt's gone. He warms me up at first, but totally hogs the bed later. Definitely not a lap dog. Frankie's almost to hibernation state since it's cooler out. I have to force her out in the mornings before we leave for school. I swear she can hold it for 37 hours.
We haven't been to Grand Rapids in a while and we're missing everyone there. I may take the kids for a visit during Matt's next Mexico trip. I hope it works out that way. I also miss my new nephews! Hugs and kisses to Brady and Will!
I'll post some recent pics!
AJ has his Halloween party at Little Turtle tomorrow with his class and he's totally excited for it. Erin won't understand until tomorrow that she doesn't go to the party, but she does get to hang out with Katie and cruise the mall. Fingers crossed that she's well-behaved for Katie.
Matt's in Mexico again, returning on Thursday though.
If you live here, you saw the snow flurries today, if not- we had flurries today! It's a little early for my taste, but it's supposed to be in the 50's for Halloween night, so that's tolerable.
I thought I'd include the dogs in this post. They're still around and kickin' it. Sparky thinks his rightful sleeping spot is in the bed with me each time Matt's gone. He warms me up at first, but totally hogs the bed later. Definitely not a lap dog. Frankie's almost to hibernation state since it's cooler out. I have to force her out in the mornings before we leave for school. I swear she can hold it for 37 hours.
We haven't been to Grand Rapids in a while and we're missing everyone there. I may take the kids for a visit during Matt's next Mexico trip. I hope it works out that way. I also miss my new nephews! Hugs and kisses to Brady and Will!
I'll post some recent pics!
Monday, October 13, 2008
A Big Week
Matt was in Mexico all week. We missed him being home, but it's better that he's gone only a week or two here and there instead of six months or more.
AJ had his birthday at school, firefighters' visit at school, apple orchard field trip and his birthday party this week. It may have been the best week ever ;)
Matt took the kids to Lowe's to build a project on Saturday, there are pics from that as well.
It was fun to have everybody over for the party to hang out. We have great families. No lie.
AJ had his birthday at school, firefighters' visit at school, apple orchard field trip and his birthday party this week. It may have been the best week ever ;)
Matt took the kids to Lowe's to build a project on Saturday, there are pics from that as well.
It was fun to have everybody over for the party to hang out. We have great families. No lie.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Aaah, the weekend.
Our house was overrun with toys. "Overrun" is probably even an understatement. So, this past Saturday we cleaned out the toys. Some went to storage, some went to Goodwill, some went to the trash. It's much better now.
Saturday night G&G Wolski had a sleepover with the kids, so Matt and I went out with Colleen and Adam and had dinner and spent some time at a local pub. It was fun to get out!
AJ is ready to make birthday cake for his party. But, he's going to bring Rice Krispie treats to school Tuesday, so we've got to make those tomorrow as well.
Erin is doing really well potty training. The kids were wiped out from their sleepover and had a bath and were in bed a little early toight.
Matt goes to Mexico Monday through Friday this week and we'll miss him. When I say, "Dad's at work" Erin says,"Mexico?"
We're looking forward to having the family over for AJ's party on Saturday.
"
Saturday night G&G Wolski had a sleepover with the kids, so Matt and I went out with Colleen and Adam and had dinner and spent some time at a local pub. It was fun to get out!
AJ is ready to make birthday cake for his party. But, he's going to bring Rice Krispie treats to school Tuesday, so we've got to make those tomorrow as well.
Erin is doing really well potty training. The kids were wiped out from their sleepover and had a bath and were in bed a little early toight.
Matt goes to Mexico Monday through Friday this week and we'll miss him. When I say, "Dad's at work" Erin says,"Mexico?"
We're looking forward to having the family over for AJ's party on Saturday.
"
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
The big O-6.
It's six years for Matt and I. We weren't able to get out by ourselves, but we took the kids and went to dinner on Saturday night. Their behavior was spectacular. Not even an instance of arguing or wet pants. Then on Sunday, Gram asked us to go to dinner for our anniversary, so Dad, Andi, Gram and the four of us went out. It was really nice to just be with family (Jess come home).
Mom's making AJ's costume and will bring it home with her in October. She's relocated to Florida and is loving it. I do miss her, but I know she is there with her mom, so that's okay with me.
Matt began a project to have the downspouts drain further from the house. Matt says,"Can you come help me for a minute?" That really meant,"Can you shimmy under the deck on your belly, attach the drains, screw them together and then find your way out?" Anyway, I did that and then Matt did the muddy work of burying the drains. It turned out good and I'm not at all bitter about the shimmying. Not at all.
Erin's finally wearing underpants instead of diapers. She told me a while back that she'd wear underpants when she turned four. So, I just stopped buying diapers and there we go. Erin's doing a great job.
AJ is completely ready and excited for fall because it means his birthday and Halloween are coming up.
Mom's making AJ's costume and will bring it home with her in October. She's relocated to Florida and is loving it. I do miss her, but I know she is there with her mom, so that's okay with me.
Matt began a project to have the downspouts drain further from the house. Matt says,"Can you come help me for a minute?" That really meant,"Can you shimmy under the deck on your belly, attach the drains, screw them together and then find your way out?" Anyway, I did that and then Matt did the muddy work of burying the drains. It turned out good and I'm not at all bitter about the shimmying. Not at all.
Erin's finally wearing underpants instead of diapers. She told me a while back that she'd wear underpants when she turned four. So, I just stopped buying diapers and there we go. Erin's doing a great job.
AJ is completely ready and excited for fall because it means his birthday and Halloween are coming up.
Friday, September 19, 2008
School Time!
AJ is in Young 5's kindergarten this year and LOVES it. He asks every day if it's Field Trip day yet. He's counting until the apple orchard trip.
Erin and I go to storytime each Wednesday at the library. The first time she looked at everybody like they were nuts, but she got into it eventually.
AJ and Erin got two new cousins in the past two weeks, Brady Patrick (Nancy & Andy) and William Matthew (Kristy & Matt). We got to see Brady for a few minutes when he was born, but we haven't seen Will yet. Tomorrow we go to Grand Rapids for a visit.
Matt's been in Mexico again this week and I'll be happy when he's back home :)
I will figure out the Picasa albums site again and post recent pics. Mom Ply took a cool one of Matt and I tubing with the kids, so we've got to get that out there.
I'm a little sad the past couple days because Jess and Tom's move to Michigan is postponed again until April. I miss my sister dearly. It's just not the same talking on the phone. It just isn't.
Love to everybody.
Erin and I go to storytime each Wednesday at the library. The first time she looked at everybody like they were nuts, but she got into it eventually.
AJ and Erin got two new cousins in the past two weeks, Brady Patrick (Nancy & Andy) and William Matthew (Kristy & Matt). We got to see Brady for a few minutes when he was born, but we haven't seen Will yet. Tomorrow we go to Grand Rapids for a visit.
Matt's been in Mexico again this week and I'll be happy when he's back home :)
I will figure out the Picasa albums site again and post recent pics. Mom Ply took a cool one of Matt and I tubing with the kids, so we've got to get that out there.
I'm a little sad the past couple days because Jess and Tom's move to Michigan is postponed again until April. I miss my sister dearly. It's just not the same talking on the phone. It just isn't.
Love to everybody.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
As Summer Goes...
Labor Day weekend was spectacular. The weather was perfect for our last boating weekend. AJ was out there like a crazy man. And, suprisingly, Erin got on a tube with me and liked it a lot! I wasn't sure what her reaction would be. She was a trooper as AJ and Matt bumped us and the spray was in her face and we crossed the wake. AJ and Matt dumped me off my tube more than a few times and AJ laughed hysterically the whole ride.
I'm sad that this part of summer is over.
AJ started Young 5's Kindergarten today. His teacher is nice and he had a great day there. Also, a friend of AJ's from the gym is in his class, so she was excited to see AJ in class.
I'm sad that this part of summer is over.
AJ started Young 5's Kindergarten today. His teacher is nice and he had a great day there. Also, a friend of AJ's from the gym is in his class, so she was excited to see AJ in class.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
It was a perfect day today-sun, low humidity, 80 degrees. We went to the park. We also took along a picnic snack of banana bread that AJ and I baked (still warm). Aaaah, this is summer.
In other news, Erin got a big bed. AJ was not as pleased as Erin, though, because that bed was his top bunk until now.
AJ is swimming like a madman. It's amazing how he's become fish-like.
I'm going to go see Maroon 5 with Counting Crows on the 29th. The last concert I went to was Matchbox 20 when I was pregnant with AJ, so I am pretty excited!
In other news, Erin got a big bed. AJ was not as pleased as Erin, though, because that bed was his top bunk until now.
AJ is swimming like a madman. It's amazing how he's become fish-like.
I'm going to go see Maroon 5 with Counting Crows on the 29th. The last concert I went to was Matchbox 20 when I was pregnant with AJ, so I am pretty excited!
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Millennium Triathlon
Katie, Kristen and I completed the triathlon and it was FUN! I loved it and I'm looking for the next event I want to enter already. I placed 70th of 198 women with a time of 1:28:44. That's the time I estimated it would take me based on my workout paces so I'm happy with my perfomance. Now I can challenge myself to get faster. I'll add some pics of us (still figuring this blog page out).
Friday, August 8, 2008
EEEEEEEEEEEE!
Tomorrow morning is the Millennium Triathlon. I'm stoked! I'll give my take on the events tomorrow. Wish me luck!
Monday, August 4, 2008
Matt returned from Mexico wanting fruit salad. If you've seen Matt's eating habits, this tells you how absent fresh produce was for him. I'm glad he's home :) When I tell Erin that dad's at work she asks,"Mexico?"
AJ and Erin had a good week. Friday was especially good because Katie took them to the zoo. Give AJ a call, he'll tell you about it. Erin was intrigued by rhino poop. This week AJ starts swim class again and he should be fully independent in a few weeks (fingers crossed).
I went to Kristy and Nancy's combo baby shower and it was fun. Then Jess and Tom came into town for a few days, so we've enjoyed their company.
I forgot the camera in Grand Rapids on Saturday, so I have some pictures I'll share, but look for those next week.
AJ and Erin had a good week. Friday was especially good because Katie took them to the zoo. Give AJ a call, he'll tell you about it. Erin was intrigued by rhino poop. This week AJ starts swim class again and he should be fully independent in a few weeks (fingers crossed).
I went to Kristy and Nancy's combo baby shower and it was fun. Then Jess and Tom came into town for a few days, so we've enjoyed their company.
I forgot the camera in Grand Rapids on Saturday, so I have some pictures I'll share, but look for those next week.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Zoo de Mack
I've already heard from some of you...
I've heard from friends that this event is tons of fun, so I'd like to get a group together for 2009. Following is the site which has all the info including bike rental info.
http://www.zoo-de-mack.com
I've heard from friends that this event is tons of fun, so I'd like to get a group together for 2009. Following is the site which has all the info including bike rental info.
http://www.zoo-de-mack.com
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Mexico
Matt's gone to Mexico this week-Santillo. The three of us are on our own. Today the kids were at G&G Wolski's while I went to Nancy's baby shower. I had a nice time and the kids (and G&G) had a good time as well. The weather's beautiful and tomorrow we'll swim at the gym. I'll be teaching swim lessons this week and I'll continue my triathlon training counting down to August 9th.
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