A Hurried, Busy Sunday

Today was a hurried, busy Sunday! Today, we had a different plan and pretty much stuck to it. Daddy made breakfast for all, coffee and juice, toast with butter and blueberry jelly, fried eggs (for Buddha and Daddy) and hard-boiled eggs (for Bodhi) and bacon. After breakfast, Daddy cleaned up and then hurried away to go mow our yard at the South Leeds Street.

Mommy stayed behind to get dressed and the two of you ready for an afternoon with Grandpa Kurt who planned to take the two of you to the Grant family picnic-reunion with Great Grandma Penny (Grandpa Kurt’s side of the family reunion). The two of you were off with Grandpa right on schedule at noon, and Mommy and Daddy were off immediately as well to accomplish their missions.

First, we went to Menard’s to get some “supplies” and purchase an additional swing and recreational equipment “steering wheel” (which you love at the park, Buddha!) and some gymnast recreational equipment (for you Ms. Bodhi) to add to our backyard “slide, sandbox, swing-set apparatus.” Then we were off to Target to get some “supplies” (reminding us how much we look forward to you being potty-trained, BuddhaJ), and where Daddy treated himself to a fountain Dr. Pepper. Then, we were off to Sam’s Club to get some “supplies” (grapes and a rotisserie chicken for dinner) and so Daddy could show Mommy an outdoor fireplace Daddy found as a possible addition to our backyard Alice and Wonderland rest and recreation area (Mommy loved it!!!: J)—but that addition will have to wait several paychecks down the roadJ. Then, we were off to borrow Grandma’s pick-up truck to use to pick up (J) our outdoor farm table from our favorite antique store and John, our favorite antique dealer.

Daddy drove home, hurriedly, to put away our “supplies,” and Mommy went to the antique store to purchase the table and have it loaded on the truck. When Mommy returned home, Daddy had managed to put away the “supplies,” do some laundry and clean the dishes and kitchen. We put the table in place over our slate patio, and Mommy began working on it to re-finish and protect it with a coat of polyurethane. Grandpa Kurt then arrived with the two of you, and reports of both of you enjoying your adventure and being worn outJ. We put you both to bed, and Mommy resumed work on the table and Daddy made a trip to the grocery store for some “supplies”J.

Later Great Grandma Penny stopped by to return your sweater you had left behind at the reunion, Bodhi, and almost simultaneously Grandma paid us a visit bearing fresh baked blueberry muffinsJ. Penny didn’t stay long, and Grandma observed Daddy smash his finger with a hammer, and she assisted Daddy in getting our swings and play equipment in place. The two of you awakened from your naps (and you went outside to join Mommy and Grandma without any underpants on, Ms. Bodhi, you conveniently left them in the bathroom after you went pottyJ. Buddha, you awakened and it was evident to everyone you weren’t feeling wellL. Grandma stayed and played with the two of you, and took you both for a short walk.  Aunt Dianna and her family stopped by to check out one of Mommy's projects.

Later in the evening, we all were exhausted, as we ate chicken and noodles dinner and watched “Tinkerbelle” and then off to bed for the whole lot of us, to end a hurried, busy Sunday!!!  Mommy took Ms. Allie for her nightly walked, chatted with Aunt Ti for a long while J and is now busy working on work and loading these blogs that Daddy wrote J

PS Daddy, you were a rock star today… helping Mommy get things done!!!  Great Papaw Grills is coming Wednesday :) YAY!  Lots more to get done!

Buddha, you loved your new wheel as expected :)

Checking out the new play equiptment :)

"I did it Momma!"

Precious Baby Girl!

Buddha's turn!

"High Five!"

Doing some light cleaning :)

New Outdoor dining table 

Still have some projects to finish up our outdoor dining area

Farmer’s Market Alone

Farmer’s market aloneL. Mommy and Daddy had a plan, and stinker-butt and stinker-belle decided on your own plan. Mommy volunteered to work out of town today so Grandma came over very early to get the two of you and take you home with her in the carriage, so Daddy could go to work for his usual Saturday morning job. The original plan was that Daddy would get off work just after 10 a.m. and would come home and get Grandma’s truck, drive it to her house and pick the two of you up with the carriage and proceed with our usual Saturday morning walk and visit to Farmer’s Market.

The plan went smoothly until Daddy got to Grandma’s and the two of you declared you wanted to stay with her instead of going with DaddyL, and Grandma affirmed it was fine to leave the two of you, so Daddy drove Grandma’s pick-up truck back home. Once home, Daddy contemplated mowing our yard and taking advantage of the spare time, but instead fed Arlo and Allie and made some soap and turned on the tv to discover the IU football game against Northwestern was on. So, Daddy pooped out, ate lunch and watched the football game and gave a very sore back a rest.

At 1:30 p.m. Daddy returned to Grandma’s to pick the two of you up and “carriage” you home, you were both asleep as Daddy walked up our drive and so Daddy put both of you in your beds for your afternoon nap. As Daddy returned outside to put the carriage in the garage, Mommy arrived home. Daddy hadn’t looked at his cell phone all morning or a message from Mommy would have indicated she wanted to stay at her volunteer work into the afternoon since Daddy wasn’t doing work. Sorry, MommyL.

Daddy related the story of the changed plan, and told Mommy about going to Farmer’s Market alone to purchase some honey for her (a business from Kempton called Dragonwood has the best honey!!!), and several people at Farmer’s Market inquired where Daddy’s usual accomplices wereJ. After Mommy settled in, Daddy decided to motivate himself and went out to mow our yard.

For family time in the evening, we all watched some Disney movies Mister Wilson gave us, and Mommy made a run to McDonald’s for dinner---we all felt yuck after dinnerL. So, a “Farmer’s Market Alone” Saturday came to an end, and we all drifted into a beautiful full moon “night, night.”  Well, Mommy captured a picture of the full moon on her late night walk with Ms. Allie but it was accidently deleted :(  Mommy didn't get any pictures of the two of you today, so here are some project pictures...

Mommy meant to post pictures of the trellis project sooner, but it's still not done... here it is so far :)

The benches I finished...

Add caption

Mommy is imagining flowers growing over it with lights framing the fence and trellis :)

Painting Continued...

First, I just want to say up front... another day WITHOUT a mess!  YAY babes!  This morning Mommy got right back at it, painting your walls grey Buddha.  You two were excited to watch Mommy ha/ha which I think is hilarious.  You both love to watch Mommy paint, while you both try to climb my ladder and ask a thousand questions.  You two wanted grapes for breakfast hee/hee so that worked out well for a busy painting Momma :)  After you two ate "breakfast,"  you two got busy playing, just like yesterday.  Mommy had to constantly yell, "be nice, don't hit, share," which is nothing new, but for the most part you two played well together.  Mommy didn't stop until you, Bodhi, asked Mommy to make you lunch :)-  Lunch was a little later than usual, 1pm, so Mommy stopped and made grilled cheese, as you ordered, Bo :)  Mommy made Ms. Allie's and Mr. Arlo's lunch too.  After you two had full bellies, Mommy got back to painting. You two then reported that you were ready for your naps, Mommy still painting, tucked you both into bed, rocking you, Buddha.  Mommy continued painting while you napped, which didn't work to well.  You kept waking up and you would say, "I ant ou Momma."  So, Mommy would rock you back to sleep.  However, Grandmoo called and woke you for the third time, Mr. Buddha.  Mommy then tried to get you back to sleep by laying down with you in Mommy's and Daddy's bed.  Bodhi, you woke up a few minutes later and then all bets were off, nap time was officially over.  

Back to painting, and back to playing for you two.  Daddy came home and took a nap, his neck continues to bother him, he re-scheduled another appointment with his surgeon.  Mommy warmed up left overs from last night's yummy dinner and then threw you both in the bath tub.  Daddy announced that you all were going to have a movie night with new movies :) so that Mommy could finish up your room. Mommy got you each a bowl of vanilla ice cream with chocolate syrup and then you two watched Cinderella and Snow White with Daddy.  Buddha, you aren't into movies or tv, so Mommy had to intervene to help keep Daddy's sanity.  I set you up with play-doh and tools, and you were satisfied.  Buddha, you kept crying for your Momma, but Daddy managed to keep you entertained.  Mommy painted until 11pm...so, that another 12 hours of painting!  It's done though, and it looks great.  It's amazing what you can get done in 24 hours ha/ha  Mommy is a slow painter, but I think I made pretty good time considering I had you two hanging off me for most of it.  Mommy didn't get pictures of the finished product... you were already in bed when I realized  didn't get pictures.  Bodhi, you were not willing to go to bed, so Mommy took you on a walk with Ms. Allie.  You then reported you were hungry (we ate dinner so early) so Mommy made you a piece of toast with honey.  We laid in Mommy's bed and enjoyed our toast and honey... you "cheers" our pieces of toast and commented what great work the bee's did when they made our honey ha/ha  You are too smart!!  

Sweet dreams my sweet sweet babes!  Another room finished!  Tomorrow Grandmoo will be here when you two wake up :)  Mommy is volunteering with the animal shelter, a pet adoption even in Logansport, and Daddy is working his normal 8am-10am Saturday morning Batterer's program, so you two will be with Grandmoo for a few hours.  Daddy is going to pick you two up and take you to the Farmer's Market.  Mommy will be home around 1pm, hopefully Daddy will be able to get you both down for a nap.  Mommy needs to make a doctor's appointment for Monday, I have these horrible bruises popping up on my tummy, so weird.  Big purple bruises, and I have no idea why or how. I know I haven't bumped into anything, but they keep popping up.  Mommy also has a huge bump on my gum that is terribly painful.  Looks like I'll be making a dentist appointment too.  :(  Mommy can't fall apart, Daddy's already falling apart :(

Sean Franky Jr.
 I don't believe that Sean Franky was three when he scaled door frames, so you should be a professional by age  4!  

"Mommy come here, come look at me!"

"I'm not touching the walls!"

Buddha, you tried to copy your sister, but your arms wouldn't reach ha/ha

Painting With Tots

This morning Mommy awakened ready to get busy with some home improvement projects, specifically your room little Buddha :)  Yes, Mommy knew this was going to be a challenge with you two attached to my hip, however, I had decided today we were going to paint and I wasn't going to be deterred :)   So, we got busy painting some sunshine on Sunshine Buddha's ceiling.  Mommy had expected at least one terrible mess... you two dipping your hands in the paint, stepping in a paint pan and tracking it all over our hardwood floors and carpet, a paint spill... all these plausible disasters ran through my mind.  However, Mommy is happy to report, NO ACCIDENTS!  You two were great.  You both of course had to be reminded not to throw balls in Buddha's room, not to touch the walls, not to bounce off of Buddha's toddler bed...only a few hundred times, but you two were great.  Buddha, you were Momma's official paint stirrer, and Bodhi, you were Mommy's little manager, reporting when Buddha would touch a wall or was about to get into some paint trouble :)   You two ran around upstairs, room to room, screaming, giggling, chasing each other, you two had a blast.  This made Momma extremely happy because I felt bad for not playing with you two.  Mommy managed to get the ceiling painted before nap time, and you both LOVED it.  You both said over and over, "Oooooh Momma, perdy!"  

Luckily the paint mixer at Lowes picked out low odor paint, otherwise you would have been high as a kite after your afternoon nap Buddha :)  Mommy had the windows open, fans going, vents open, so you were good to go.   Mommy stuffed some green beans, sausage, bacon, onions, and brown sugar in the crock pot in preparation for dinner when I decided to take on yet another paint project while you two were napping.  Mommy has wanted to paint some sunshine of our living room ceiling, that's actually where Mommy got the idea to paint your ceiling yellow, Buddha.  So, Mommy geared up and mentally prepared to paint our living room ceiling, and to actually get it done during nap time.  Mommy is happy to report, not only did I get it done, touch-ups and all, but I had the living room cleaned and put back together too :) YAY Momma!  Great Aunt Chris would say Mommy is on her manic home improvement high ha/ha  Us Grills have highs and lows when it comes to projects, and look out when we are on our high ha/ha we get it done!  

When you two awakened from your nap, Mommy fed you both dinner and Sister Kelly stopped by to visit.  Daddy came home and we all visited with Sister Kelly and had dinner together.  Mommy then got busy once again painting the walls in your room Buddha.  Mommy by this time was extremely tired and extremely tired of painting... despite what everyone says, Mommy HATES to paint.  I do however, LOVE transforming a room by adding color to the walls! Mommy painted 12 hours today!  Daddy entertained you two until Mommy finished the first coat, and then Momma got you two tucked in for nighty night time.  Tomorrow we'll be wrapping up Buddha's room!  It will get done, touch-ups and all!  

Sorry Ms. Allie, not energy for a walk tonight :(

Mommy is horrible at picking yellows and golds... Daddy picked our sunshine, which is actually called "Butter." It looks really neutral in this picture, but it's a bit brighter in person.

Still really can't tell from the picture, I'll try to get better ones later.  :)

Mommy's Moonbeam and Sunshine

Today Daddy was home with us all day.  We spent the morning running errands and we purchased some paint for your room Mr. Buddha.  When Mommy told you I was painting your ceiling with sunshine, just like you, you said, "Oooooooh Momma!" You were so excited ha/ha   Mommy bought a light yellow for your ceiling, or sunshine, and grey for your walls.  Grey is definitely not a typical color for Momma, well, I've actually never painted a room grey!  I've painted rooms every other color, but never grey, so hopefully it will turn out how I am imagining it :)

After a busy morning and super busy afternoon, you two went down for a nap, so did Daddy.  Mommy then headed to the animal shelter to volunteer.  It was pouring out, and had been raining off and on all morning, so I anticipated cleaning cages, feeding and watering.  It's so sad though, all the dogs go bonkers excited that they are going to get a walk, but they only get their cage cleaned :(  I did take these two particular dogs out, they were non-stop barking, a horrible "let me out" bark, so after I finished cleaning I took them out to run.  One of the fuzzy butts, "Jim" went pee for like 10 minutes straight and then poo'd another 10 minutes.  The poor guy obviously holds it and refuses to go in his cage, how sad!!!  I made sure to report it to the staff, hoping that they'll take him out frequently.  Mommy can't wait, well I can wait, but I'm excited for when you two get older so you can join me at the shelter.  Bodhi, you want to go so bad, it breaks Mommy's heart to tell you your still too little.  You always say, "Mommy, I'm a big girl," and I explain that you have to be older, but that you'll one day be able to volunteer with me.

When I returned home, Daddy and Buddha were asleep, and you Ms. Bodhi, were up watching tv.  You were so excited to see Momma, I'm guessing that you didn't nap at all.  Mommy got a bowl of beads out and you made a necklace and gave it to Momma.  Mommy woke Daddy up at about 5:30 p.m., Both he and Buddha were still sleeping and he had planned to go to GiGi's and Gi-Pa's to hook up their new tv. Bodhi, you asked if you could go, so you and Daddy headed over to GiGi's and Gi-Pa's.  Buddha, you of course woke up a few minutes later.  You spent the evening with your Momma :) and we had a blast.  You first cuddled with Momma, then we played legos and gave Mr. Arlo and Ms. Allie some attention. You asked where Daddy and Bo were, but you didn't mind being home with your Momma, you are a big ol' Momma's boy after all!  Mommy even got to watch the news without any complaints.  You could care less what is on tv, well, if your sister's not there to point it out or complain :)  

Daddy and Bodhi were at GiGi's and Gi-Pa's for three whole hours, until 8:30 p.m.  They ran into problem after problem  and Daddy had to call At&t to get them set up.  Daddy told them that they weren't to be charged or they would cancel, and everyone he knew would cancel their At&t service ha/ha Daddy can say whatever he wants, and no one ever takes offense or becomes angry, he always makes things happen.  I truly don't know how he does it, but he always gets it done, and makes friends along the way.  Such a sucker!  

After Daddy and Bodhi came home, we went upstairs to fill holes in your walls Buddha.  You and Bo decided you wanted some "make-out" cuddle time with Momma, so we all curled up on Buddha's toddler bed (that Mommy still won't let him use ha/ha) and watched Chicken Run. After all, you both are Mommy's babes, despite Daddy's attempts to make you a Daddy's little moonbeam and sunshine! hee/hee   You both went to bed at 10:30 p.m. Bodhi you had no problem going to bed, but Buddha you didn't want to go to sleep.  You kept saying, "I ont ou Momma," meaning you wanted me to keep rocking you :)  After Mommy finally got you to sleep, Mommy then took Ms. Allie on a late night walk.  We went a different route tonight, and we discovered some absolutely beautiful houses, houses we pass everyday but never notice.  :)  Mommy loves late night walks, creeping on people's houses :)  Mommy is a super creeper when it comes to checking out houses ha/ha

PS Your Birthday pictures are now loaded Buddha.  I will get to the captions another night :)  Sweet dreams my sweet babes!

Clean House and Some Make-out Time!

Oh Tuesday Tuesday!  Today is Daddy’s long day at work, and usually Mommy’s long day at home with you both.  However, Mommy had previously arranged with GiGi to watch you two so that Mommy could drive Grandmoo to her doctor’s appointment this evening.  We played our morning away, Mommy intended to wear you two out early so that your naps would be timed perfectly with waking and going straight to GiGi’s, however when I called Grandmoo to confirm our plans (once you two were fast asleep) she informed me that she had the date wrong and that her appointment was actually yesterday.  Since Mommy doesn’t have work this week, GiGi insisted on having you two anyway.  You two would have been sadly disappointed! Going to GiGi’s is what got you both to sleep so early and quickly. 

You both took a nice long nap, a welcome change from the nap schedules you both have been keeping lately.  Bodhi, you were the first to awaken, soaking wet L  You were so out of it, I’m certain you weren’t really awake.  Mommy got you changed, you obviously slept through having to go potty, but you were hilarious.  Mommy was picking out new clothes for you to wear when I told you to go pick out some underwear.  You walked over to your underwear box, stopped, turned around and asked, “Mommy what am I getting?”  You had several incidents in about a 20 minute period where you were highly disoriented and in a confused state.  Mommy teased you and said, “Bodhi, are you still asleep?”  You laughed and said “I think so Mommy.”  Buddha, you woke up soon after and you were immediately reminding Mommy, “Mommy go to GiGi’s!”  You two were the happiest little post-nap babes, Mommy can’t remember the last time you both woke up happy from your naps. 

Mommy took you to GiGi’s and you both started searching for Gi-Pa.  He was nowhere to be found.  GiGi explained that he had Cole’s senior night-soccer game to attend, and that you two would be spending the evening with her.  Jude, you wanted to go to the soccer game, Bodhi, you were happy to be with GiGi indoors since it was raining and you don’t actually get to play in the soccer game ha/ha   Mommy left and got busy cleaning.  Mommy was beside herself, it was so nice to have the time without chasing you two and just get down and dirty cleaning.  Yes, sad I know, but it was GREAT!  Mommy cleaned the entire house, well, minus the bathrooms :)-  and I even managed to give Ms. Allie and Mr. Arlo a much needed bath!  Afterwards, Mommy took a quick shower and rushed over to pick you both up.  Buddha, you are in this stage where you scream and throw a tantrum over anything and everything.  It’s time to go to bed, “NOOOOOO!”  It’s time to go home, “Noooooo Nooooo.”  It’s time to eat, “Nooooo, ok.”  You are talking so much, and your little words come out so cute.  You don’t say anything clearly, except “Momma, Mommy,”  I can’t describe it, but you only get the ending of words correct ha/ha It’s hilarious, and absolutely adorable.  Your varying pitch and facial expressions is the icing on the cake too.  You have Mr. Serious, Mr. Sweet, Mr. Hot Temper etc… you are so expressive!  After bringing you two home, Daddy was waiting on the front porch to help unload you two.  Daddy sat and played with you both while Mommy took Ms. Allie for a walk and locked up Dora Kitty and Baby Ella.  When I returned it was nighty night time, Buddha, you were yelling “Momma, I ont (want) ou (you).”  You and Mommy have “make-out” time every night ha/hahahahahah!  Mommy says, “You want to make out,” and you always say, “uhhh hu.”  Then I kiss and tickle you and rock you to sleep J  Bodhi, you and I also have our “make-out” time, you usually request that Mommy sings you a lullaby after our make-out session hee/hee

Nighty night my sweet babes J  Mommy and Daddy are actually going to watch a movie!  I can’t remember the last time we rented a movie, and actually watched it J

Happy Bodhi girl :)

An exhausted GiGi and little-big Buddha!

Bodhi and Buddha Dancing with the Stars :) ha/ha

Grandpa's Milkshakes Brings All the Kids to the Yard

This morning we had a grocery list of items to get from the store in preparation for Grandpa's Monday's milkshakes :) Yumm!  Mommy got you to dressed and fed, and then we headed out late afternoon (big mistake).  You two started off well, but an hour into our errand running, you two were grumpy little bears.  We first stopped by Lowes so that Mommy could pick up some glaze (in anticipation of painting and glazing your bookcase dresser, Buddha), as well as pick up some more paint samples for your room.  After Lowes we headed straight for Krogers.  Mommy was relieved to find that a "car cart" was available.  I thought this would please you two and get us through our grocery mission, wrong!  Bodhi, you cried the entire time.  Fussing about your brother touching you, and you Jude, were not pleased with your sister's disposition, and you too got in on the fussing action, adding an occasional smack to your sister's head.  It was most certainly not your guy's finest hour.  Mommy hurriedly got you two home, groceries in the trunk, I tucked you both into bed for a much needed afternoon nap.

Once Mommy got the groceries carried in and you two settled in, Mommy laid down to relax for a moment.  You, Ms. Bodhi, decided to poop in your potty and then attempt to carry it to the big girl potty in the bathroom, uggggh!  Daddy stopped in briefly, only to discover your mess.  Daddy came into Mommy's room only to report, "Come see what your daughter did!"  Oooooh Mommy was hot, so hot, I didn't even spank you... for fear I would REALLY spank you!  Mommy told you to get in your bed, that you were to spend the rest of the evening by yourself.  Mommy cleaned up the mess.  You Buddha, had awakened in the middle of the chaos.  You were watching Mommy clean the pee and poop mess from your crib, ha/ha you said over and over, "What Bo Bo do Momma?"  I told you Bodhi made a potty mess and then you'd yell, "No No Bodhi!"  After Mommy got the mess cleaned up, we all took a time-out.  Mommy is partly to blame for your need Ms. Bodhi, to clean.  You love to clean and so you can't resist trying to clean your potty.  However, Mommy has tried everything to stress to you... DO NOT touch the potty bowl, leave it and come tell Momma!  Uggggh!  

After our time-outs, Mommy took you both downstairs and cooked you both dinner.  Mommy told you, Bodhi, that you wouldn't be getting one of Grandpa's milkshakes, you agreed, which made Mommy feel incredibly guilty.  You said, "I'm sorry Mommy, I won't do it again, I promise."  About this time Grandpa showed up to make his infamous yummy milkshakes, chocolate peanut butter banana, Mommy's favorite.  You two loved the chocolate peanut butter banana flavor, but agreed you both prefer strawberry, so next week Grandpa said he'd make you two strawberry shakes.  While enjoying our shakes, Grandpa decided to talk politics, and our peaceful family night turned ugly real quick ha/ha Mommy is too tired to go into detail, but lets just say Grandpa and Mommy don't see eye to eye, however Grandpa admits to no longer following like he once did because he's disgusted by politicians. So, Mommy made some points.  Sweet dreams my sweet sweet babes!  

PS I can't remember if I mentioned, last week Ms. Bodhi, you decided to cut your "boing" off.  You snuck into the bathroom, found your Daddy's beard scissors and cut your "boing" clear off :(  No more devils curl in the middle of your forehead!

Jude, you have been playing with your musical birthday cards (from GiGi  & Gi-Pa and Great Great Uncle Dan) non-stop.  Curiosity got the best of you and you took the card a part.  Sissy and Mommy got it to work again but we had to hold the wires in place.

Smart Girl!

Mommy loves our mornings together :)

How did you make this work Bodhi?

Pretty girl!

Love my morning babes!

Dancing Dancing Dannnnncing!

A Long Sunday

Today was a long Sunday, beginning early with Princess Bodhi joining Mommy and Daddy in bed and wanting to watch Nick, Jr. So, Daddy and Princess Bodhi decided to just get up and start a pot of coffee and prepare our plan for breakfast, soon of course Prince Buddha was wanting up as well so while he joined Mommy Daddy finished making breakfast of eggs and toast and blueberry jelly, chocolate milk for the two of you and coffee for Mommy and DaddyJ.

After breakfast Daddy cleaned the dishes, started the dishwasher, did a load of laundry and left to mow our yard and the yard at South Leeds Street (where Grandma came over and helped Daddy trim some roses in the back yard and helped Daddy tidy up the yard before leaving) while Mommy got the two of you cleaned up and dressed. After a shower and change of clothes for Daddy, we were all off for a trip to one of the antique stores, where Mommy found her “harvest table” she has been hoping for so we can complete our backyard patio layout designJ and Ms. Bodhi found a “Dora” cloth Halloween bagJ.

From the antique store we made our way to Fazoli’s for lunch, where you Mister Buddha decided you wanted to complement your lunch of pizza and breadstick with Daddy’s fettuccini---you love pasta, boy, and Mommy and Daddy definitely know what your favorite is nowJ! We knew we were pushing the limit of your naptimes, but we made a trip to Markland Mall where young Mister Buddha threw a fit and screamed for his Mommy and Daddy ended up waiting in the car for Mommy and you, Bodhi, to do some quick shopping and where your brother—you, Buddha!!!—threw a temper tantrum for twenty-five straight minutes until you fell asleep!  

When the two of you rejoined us in the car, we of course headed straight home to put the two of you (now both asleep) down for your naps. Mommy and Daddy then proceeded to immediately go to work in the backyard trimming trees, cutting down tomato plants, Daddy finished mowing the back yard, and Mommy designed her patio area in anticipation of getting our harvest table. Mommy will have to show pictures for everyone to get a better idea of how creative she is, and how cool our back yard patio is going to look!  Mommy built a trellis from two old wood screen doors and some recycled lattice and pickets.  Mommy says she not satisfied until she has her Wisteria growing over the top of it with some decorative lights!  She’s still putting the final touches on it. 

About the time we were finishing our back yard projects, the two of you were awaking from your naps and Grandpa Kurt came by to visit, and the two of you entertained him (with the help of Mommy winding you both up with yoga and tickle monster gamesJ. Mommy warmed up some spaghetti for dinner, then whisked the two of you away for a bath before we all settled down for a much needed night’s rest. Mommy started shampooing our carpets, given some recent pee messes.  It was the end of a long Sunday, filled with family time and some projects completed and preparations for more to come. “Night, night” sweet angels, young Gypsy Princess and Viking Prince!

Saturday Shopping

We initially had a great start to our Saturday morning.  Daddy was at work, and we all awakened with sunshine in our hearts.  However, that quickly turned to major storm when while Mommy was getting little Buddha up and dressed, you Ms. Bodhi, decided after you went potty on your big girl potty, you would dump your potty all over your rug.  Mommy has been preaching and preaching and preaching to both of you, "DO NOT take the potty bowl out of the potty,"  "that's a Momma job!"  You two in the past month have dumped this potty bowl a dozen times, and each time Momma has given time-outs, talked (until blue in the face), but obviously nothing has worked.  You, Jude, have even played in Bo's potty soaking stuffed animals, putting toys in it, and dumping it everywhere, I can't even tell you how many times.  Well, this morning you both got a BIG wake-up!  You both were first frightened by Mommy's yelling, but then you Bodhi got a spanking.  Yes, a spanking!  Oh my goodness you about died right there... you NEVER get spanked, and you just melted :(.  Buddha, you too were in shock.  Mommy then told you Bodhi to get in your bed for a time-out, Buddha, you went back into your crib, and Mommy went in the other room to cool down.  You both cried hysterically (Jude, I felt kind of bad that you got a time-out and you hadn't actually done anything wrong--at that moment ha/ha), but you have made more messes than anyone, so Mommy took the opportunity to make my point clear to both of you.  After a five minute time-out, Mommy gathered you both up for a "restart" and spoke to you both about how we were never going to take the potty bowl out of the potty chair ever again.  You both agreed, said sorry, and we had a group hug.  Mommy felt so horrible, you both grabbed each other and Mommy and squeezed your little hearts out.  

After our "restart" Mommy got you both cleaned up and dressed.  Mommy had wanted to be cleaned up  myself by the time Daddy arrived home so that I could join you all with your Saturday trip to the Farmer's market, but that didn't happen.  Mommy had enough time to get you two dressed and fed, Mommy made waffles by the time Daddy arrived home.   Mommy told Daddy of our "morning storm," and then you both loaded into the stroller aka carriage, and off to the Farmer's Market you went.  Mommy managed to pick the house up, feed the dogs, clean the cat house, scoop the morning poop out of the yard, and take a shower.  Daddy arrived home about an hour and half later, Bodhi, you were asleep, but you Mr. Buddha, were yelling, "NO NO NO!"  You didn't want your walk to end and you certainly weren't ready to take a nap.  Mommy carried you, Bodhi, into the house and tucked you into bed.  Buddha, you and Daddy headed to Grandmoo's house for a quick visit.  Bodhi, you awakened minutes after Daddy and Buddha had left for Grandmoo's.  You asked, "where is Daddy and Buddha?"  Mommy told you that they went to Grandmoo's but would be right back, you were not a happy camper!  You couldn't get to sleep so Mommy let you stay up and play while Mommy finished getting cleaned up.  Daddy returned without Mr. Buddha.  Grandmoo had told Daddy to leave little Buddha with her and she'd bring him home in a little bit for his nap.  Mommy then left for an appointment.  When I returned home an hour later, you Bodhi were sleeping on top of your Daddy on the couch, and Buddha Grandmoo was rocking you to sleep.  Mommy decided to take a nap too :)

After naps, Daddy had work he needed to get done as soon as possible, so Mommy took you both shopping.  Our first stop was at a new antique store that just recently opened.  Buddha, you found a really neat airplane you loved a couple of weeks ago, and Mommy and Daddy had planned on purchasing it for you for your birthday, but we never got around to it.  So Great Papaw Grills ended up buying you your airplane for you room.  It's super cool!  

Mommy's only pair of jeans are about to give out ha/ha so Mommy decided to take my birthday gift certificate and purchase some new ones.  Oh my word, you two were loving playing in all the clothes racks.  You two were being a typical two and three year-old (a handful) but even so, you both were much better behaved than several other children in the store, a group of which just about got kicked out :)  Mommy's friend, Tara, works at Carson's and bragged on you two.  Mommy has known Tara since elementary school, and we both joked about how old we are getting!  Mommy can't believe she has a 14 year old!  Mommy managed to get a pair of jeans, a new pair of Yoga pants, and two "Mommy shirts"  aka sweatshirt hoodies/jacket ha/ha with my gift card (it went a lot further than I ever imagined-thanks to Tara :)!   we then headed down to Target, your favorite store Bodhi! You say it's the "Hello Kitty Store" "that Target."   Mommy promised you both a dollar item from the dollar days at Target if you behaved,  but we first had to make a stop at Bath and Body Works... CANDLE SALE!! YAY!  Mommy's lucky day, plus I had coupons which really made Mommy happy:) Buddha, you did not handle the candle stop well at all.  Mommy had to carry you and all 10 of our candles!  Every time I went to put you down you would cry and start in "Mommy, Momma, Mommy, Momma!"  The ladies were trying to cheer you up, but you would just look at everyone and say, "NO!"   We then finished our journey to Target and then immediately headed home, you were done Mr. Buddha!  

Daddy had got most of his work done and was making spaghetti for us. We ate dinner and tucked Buddha into bed.  Bodhi, you weren't tired so you stayed awake with Daddy.  Mommy ran back to Target to pick up some clearance pillows I didn't get to, since Buddha was done shopping...he doesn't have our shopping endurance Bo :)-  We'll get him there though.  When Mommy returned home, you Ms. Bodhi gave Mommy a beautiful picture you colored me.  Mommy then said, "let go."  You said, "really Mommy?"  "Where we going?"  Mommy told you we were going to visit Grandmoo since you didn't get to see her earlier.  Oh boy, you were so excited.  You ran and gave Mommy a big hug and said, "thank you Momma, I love you Momma."  Ha/ha!  You love late night adventures, especially to Grandmoo's house :)  We took Grandmoo some cookies and you, Bodhi, baked them in your oven while Mommy took Ms. Allie for a walk.  Ms. Allie loved walking around our old neighborhood for a change :)  After our late night visit and walk, we headed home and headed to bed.  

Nighty night my sweet moonbeam and sunshine :)  Mommy loved every minute we spent together today, you two can be such a hoot!  

In front of the new antique shop, corner of Vaile and Ohio (I think ha/ha)

Mommy adventures... should have taken the camera!  

My Friend’s Friday

Daddy is composing today’s blog, and while the two of you are the centerpiece of Mommy and Daddy’s world, today Daddy was possessed with a profound sadness—it was a Friday when I received sad news from my friend.

Daddy was off to work very early, typical for a Friday, and Mommy occupied time with the two of you trimming rose bushes all around the front and side of our beautiful home. She reported, as expected, the two of you thoroughly enjoyed working outside and you are both terrific Mommy’s helpers.

Later in the evening, Mommy and Daddy decided we both needed to be out of the house, so we all treated ourselves to dinner at Ruby Tuesdays—we rarely go there (or out to dinner, for that matter) but we always enjoy our meal, and you were a near perfect little lady, Bodhi. Buddha, you were a stinker, you seemed intent on making it hard on Mommy to enjoy her dinner, and about the only thing either of us could do to keep you relatively calm was Daddy feeding you apples off of his salad bar plateJ. You are a character!

After dinner, we briefly stopped by Meijer just to look around and pass some remaining time, so that by the time we got home the two of you would be ready for “night, night.”

Daddy, and Mommy too, didn’t have a peaceful night’s sleep.

Earlier in the day, late in the afternoon, Daddy received a phone call from his friend Terry Wilson, with some very sad personal health news. Daddy won’t go into details, as Terry is a private person, and not one to indiscriminately share personal information of any kind. Still, Daddy wants to express some part of his feelings in this composition so that someday the two of you will consider the value of true friendship. Terry Wilson (and his entire family for that matter) is as unique a human being as anyone will ever know. He defines the meaning of friendship, he has never (EVER) failed to be available to Daddy when Daddy was in need. His genuine warmth and kindness is sincere and authentic in a world where those words are so often abstractions or over-worn generalizations. Daddy truly and literally loves Terry Wilson, and truly and literally has always thought of him as the brother I never had. Daddy has always wanted to be more like Terry Wilson, and has always desired my children to grow into persons like him. He means what he says, he stands by his beliefs, he places family and friends as important as any purpose in life, and he has always honored that purpose without reservation. If Daddy in any fashion measures up to being a man of honor, and purpose, it is in good measure because of the influence of and presence in my life of a special, special, special friend—Terry Wilson.

The two of you will know that remarkable, special love with one another—and Mommy and Daddy pray you each will be blessed through the course of your lives with the friendship and kinship of a Terry Wilson. The Chinese have an expression, “a flower on an iron tree,” as a reference to something so incredibly rare, precious, and beautiful as to occur only once perhaps in the lifetime of a person—Terry Wilson is “a flower on an iron tree.”

Bodhi and Buddha helping Mommy tend to the roses :)

Busy babes :)

Is that the Clampetts?  Nope, that's the Rudd's :)  Aunt Dianna brought down your birthday pictures Buddha :)

Buddha just after waking from his nap... Mommy LOVES to squish your wittle face :)

Squishy Squishy :)

Sweet Buddha Boy!f

Bodhi after her nap ha/ha this picture cracks Mommy up... you were spacing out and I finally caught it on camera :)  Mommy use to do that all the time when I was little!

Tired baby girl!

Sweet Baby Girl :)