Here Comes Peter Cottontail

Happy Easter! Today concluded a fun-filled family weekend, the morning beginning with the two of you searching the house bright and early for evidence the Easter Bunny stopped by West Walnut StreetJ. You immediately made your discovery, Bodhi, then you joined Mommy and Daddy in assisting your brother as he continued to look for his basket. Sure enough, you made your discovery in the study closet, Jude Liam.

As the two of you settled in to examine your Easter goodies, Daddy made off to the local McDonald’s and returned with our Easter morning breakfastJ. Both of you were still entranced with examining your Easter gifts of a new movie, a stuffed animal, and way too much candy (which was hardly any candy at all). Buddha, you are so incredibly precious, as you always demonstrate a willingness to share treats with your loved ones, so you made sure Mommy and Daddy shared in your candy treasureJ. Ms. Bodhi, you too were generous with your willingness to share your candy goodiesJ. We all settled in the living room, wrapped in our blankets and watched “Hop.”

By early afternoon, it was evident the two of you were too highly supercharged with sugar to make much of a nap, so we sustained our family time with only slight efforts to get back to sleep (though Mommy and Daddy both would have welcomed some extra restJ). GiGi came by to bring Daddy their Sunday paper (GiGi and GiPa always give Daddy their Sunday paper after they have read itJ), and of course the two of you were jazzed to enjoy a brief visit from your GiGi! When GiGi had to get back out to the car, the two of you insisted on going to the door to wave to GiPa and yell “love you!” You both adore your GiGi and GiPa!

Mid-afternoon, brother Sean Franky stopped by to watch one of the NCAA basketball games with Daddy, and the two of you enjoyed the opportunity to play with your brother. Brother Sean Franky brought some potato skins to enjoy with our basketball game, so of course you both wanted to share in that loot (especially you, Mister Buddha---you love food!!!). You both adore your brother Sean Franky, so that made our Easter Sunday special as well. Mommy tried to rest on one couch, while Sean Franky tried to rest on the other couch and that left Daddy to fend for himself with two super sugar-charged maniac babies on the looseJ!

Brother Sean Franky left after the first game (Daddy thinks he needed to get home to get some rest and distance from two super sugar-charged maniac babiesJ), and a few hours later sister Kelly and brother Aaron stopped by with some home-made coconut pie and some deviled eggs (for DaddyJ), and so the two of you were able to continue your sugar rampage with fresh victimsJ (the two of you incessantly ask for sister Kelly and brother Aaron, wanting to know where they are, what they are doing, and whether you can have a sleep-overJ).

By the time sister Kelly and brother Aaron were ready (boy were they readyJ) to head home, night time was soon upon us, and two special baby angels were due to be tucked in for the night to replenish your batteries after a super long bath.  Mommy and Daddy both were certain that their batteries were beyond being replenished but we agreed it was a successful, happy family Easter weekend and two worn out parents were deserving of a good night’s “night, night.” Happy Easter to all, and to all a good “night, night!”

PS With all of our family activities Mommy completely forgot to get your guy’s pictures taken with the Easter bunny.  I know it sounds a little ridiculous, but it broke Mommy’s heart!  Mommy cannot get over that I will never know your two and three year old reaction to the Easter bunny L  Boo!

Bodhi, you found yours right off :)

Jude, you were so upset and worried when Bodhi found her basket so quick!

Buddha, you latched onto the Easter eggs that you and your sister dyed last night ha/ha, you decided that it was better than nothing ha/ha!!!

"Come on Buddha, I'll help you!"  "That's not your Easter basket :)-

"Oh boy, Oh boy, Oh boy!"

"YAY! I got an Easter basket too!"  "Bodhi come look!"

Good Saturday

Our “holiday weekend,” as you told Daddy it was Jude, finally arrived after a difficult week, one which saw Mommy slowly, but finally emerge from feeling sick for nearly a week. Both Mommy’s and Daddy’s work week “ended,” only in a technical sense of the weekend arriving, but so much work for each of us to yet get done.

And so, Daddy’s Saturday began as usual with an early rising and off to work, though admittedly it proved to be one of the most reluctant starts Daddy has had in many years—just didn’t want to get out of bed and get going. Daddy worked this morning with Aunt Susan (Maxson) and frankly without her, Daddy would have had much more of a struggle getting through our two hour session. Aunt Susan could tell Daddy was off his game, and she carried the group todayJ.

After Daddy’s morning session, Daddy had to hurry to the bank and the pharmacy, and then rush to get home in time for our lunch date with Grandma, GiGi and GiPa. OMG—the two of you were decked out like a little prince and princess, Mommy outdid herself and had you both dressed as though you stepped right out of a children’s fashion magazine. Ms. Bodhi you were decked out in a dress and looked like a ballerina, and Mr. Buddha you had your fashion-fit white dress shirt and striped pants and deck shoes—wow, it is truly indescribable how incredible beautiful a pair of children you are!!! Mommy finished dressing and Daddy instantly wanted to run-off with her and fulfill amorous intentions (but Mommy wouldn’t have itJ).

We met at Pastariffic where GiGi and GiPa treated us to an Easter weekend lunch (which was delicious) and where Grandma doted after you, Emilia Bodhi, and GiGi and GiPa doted after you, Jude Liam. It was a double treat, as Mommy and Daddy actually had an opportunity to enjoy a lunchJ free of our responsibility to “dote after” little ones.

After lunch, we all went to Grandma’s where the Easter Bunny had been spotted earlier in the day, and sure enough there were Easter eggs everywhere marked with “J’s” and “B’s” filled with candy and money and assorted treatsJ. The two of you had an absolute blast, and for the remainder of the night Mommy and Daddy had to contend with candy monsters (especially you, Jude Liam, though you are so damn precious because you are the most generous child—with a willingness to share---Daddy has ever seen [you remind Daddy much of Brother Sean Franky’s personality, Jude Liam]).

The two of you, of course, couldn’t conclude the day without making your own Easter Eggs with the caring touch of Mommy to guide you—and that was after Mommy enlisted your assistance in walking Jasper (Aunt Diana’s dog) and bringing him home for Bodhi to “babysit” again tonight.

Daddy was able to sneak some watching of the NCAA college basketball games while Mommy entertained the two of you coloring eggs and planting a spring indoor plant starter. A busy, fun, loving day—and when the two of you wore down to “night, night” time, Mommy and Daddy (especially Daddy) sneaked a kiss from each other, and then went on to do some more work to try to catch up with last week invading the weekend. And of course, Mommy also enlisted Daddy’s help in inspecting if there were signs yet that the Easter Bunny found her way to West Walnut StreetJ. “Night, night!”

PS  Daddy forgot, we ended our night by putting tattoos on one another :)

Bodhi and Buddha, the two most precious babes in the entire world!!!

Funny Faces!!!

"Look Momma, Hello Kitty!"

Foul Mouthed Friday

So this morning we got busy painting and painting some more.  You two were super excited to get yet another day of painting...crafts make for fun days for the both of you.  We spent the morning playing and then it was off to bed for an afternoon nap.  Once Mommy got you two settled, Mommy ran out to complete some errands...Daddy came home from work and got a nice nap in with the two of you :)  Mommy went and saw Aunt Nettie and Aunt Kathy at Lucas Home Furnishings.  Mommy missed seeing Ken and Kandi, they had just left for vacation, but Mr. Stinky Mark was there :)  Mommy always teases Mark, one of the owners of Lucas, and soon to be the new Ashley Home Store.  

Aunt Kathy and Aunt Nettie were disappointed I didn't bring you, however, Mommy got some fabric swatches (Mommy is ordering new cushions for our year old couches because they have started to unravel from washings)  Bodhi, you have had accidents during your front room slumber parties with Daddy :(  Mommy promised to bring the two of you back Monday to visit :)

Mommy then went to take care of Mr. Jasper, Aunt Dianna's dog.  After seeing to Jasper, Mommy went home and picked you and Daddy up.  Jude, you had asked Mommy this morning, "Mommy, can I ask you something?"  "Mommy, will you take me and Bo to the McDonald house, where we take our shoes and socks off and go down the slide?"  "Please Mommy, that would be really nice." So, Mommy promised you and your sister a trip to McDonalds to play in the play land :)  However, Mommy and Daddy said we could go so long as we first went out to eat at the Crabby Shack ha/ha....Red Lobster.  You both agreed and so we were off to Red Lobster.  Unfortunately we could have saved about $80 dollars had we just went to McDonalds.  Our bill came to a whopping $104.00 with tip.  It doesn't help that you eat an adult meal Mr. Buddha!  After dinner Mommy ran into to Target to get some last minute items for the Easter Bunny, and some Easter egg dye :)  By the time Mommy returned to the car, you, Bodhi reported that Daddy "was being a dick."  O-M-GOSH!  Now Mommy and Daddy always call Mr. Arlo a "dick," so what did we expect.  Mommy's mouth dropped, to which you added, Buddha, "Daddy being an asshole!" O-M-GOSH, seriously?  You quickly changed it to, "bunghole," when you saw Mommy's look on her face ha!  Daddy said that you two were fighting like cats and dogs and didn't deserve to go to McDonalds.  Mommy told you both to apologize to Daddy, and to apologize for saying naughty words...you both did.  Mommy then had you two ask Daddy if we could drop him off at home and still go to McDonalds, ha/ha Mommy knew Daddy couldn't refuse that offer :)

After dropping Daddy off at home, Mommy took you two to McDonalds at 8:30, and we played for an hour.  There was about 20 other older kids, it was a mad house!  We then went to Aunt Dianna's and took Jasper for a late night walk.  Bodhi, you worked on Mommy the whole walk..."Mommy, we can't leave Jasper by himself, I will babysit him Mommy."  "Momma, can I please babysit Jasper?"  So after a nice long walk, we drove Jasper home with us.  He slept all night with you Bodhi :)

Sweet dreams my sweet sweet foul mouthed babes!  Mommy loves you to the moon and back.

Bodhi, you painted a beautiful rainbow and told Mommy, "Momma, you need to hang this pretty rainbow on your tree because those stupid pages look ugly." ha/ha!  Ok, you've never told me that you didn't like my book pages hee/hee

Troubled Thursday

Today Daddy continued his troubled struggle with demands at work, and his sense of loss in maintaining the priority of family, and nurturance of his precious babies.

Daddy survived his initiation of a faculty professional development project, the first session of which Daddy facilitated last evening. Daddy is always a harsh self-critic, so it will require some time for reflection to assess perhaps more accurately how it went. There was no time for reflection today, however, as Thursdays this semester are busy class days and faculty advising. Daddy was literally up and running first thing this morning around 7a and didn’t have an opportunity to see the two of you until almost 9p when Daddy picked the two of you up from GiGi’s and of course took you directly home and to bed.

Mommy also had to work, but being superwoman she still managed to spend some quality time with Ms. Bodhi and Mr. Buddha, indeed including you in a trip to the police station to complete some background investigation requirements for her work. Mommy said it was of course an adventureJ.

GiGi reported the two of you were energetic and enjoyed a fun-filled stay with her and GiPa as usual. Both of you seemed fully alert when Daddy picked you up, and each of you clenched in your tiny hands bags of popcorn GiGi had made you. By the time we made it back to West Walnut, both of you were sound asleep in your car seatsJ. Daddy carried each of you in, and settled each of you in your beds, and gave you hugs and kisses and whispered that Mommy and Daddy both loved you each to the moon and backJ.

Daddy attempted to stay awake for Mommy to get home from work, but it was a struggle, Daddy was as exhausted as the two of our little babies, and when Mommy got home it was instantly “night, night.” Mommy has been tired and fighting the flu for over a week, and Daddy finds it a genuine marvel that Mommy can run on empty as she does. Daddy has discovered that when he is empty, his engine shuts down.

So, an exhausted family settles for some much needed night’s rest, and all beginning to really look forward to the approaching weekend, for some family celebration and hopefully time to catch up on restJ.

“Night, night.” 

Brother and Sister having a blast with GiGi, Gi-Pa, and Ms. Mattie :)

"Come on Nattie!"

You two were excited that GiGi and Gi-Pa were grand-dog sitting :)

Nattie probably wasn't so excited

Working Wednesday

As best as possible, Mommy and Daddy attempt to assure Wednesdays as quality family time day, especially for Daddy with the two precious angel babies! Daddy’s employment at Ivy Tech Community College makes this exceptionally difficult, as the college is unrelenting in demands on its personnel, no less its faculty. Today was one of those days where Ivy Tech again took precedence over family.

Daddy has been working for over a year on a special professional development project for Ivy Tech faculty, staff and administrators, a project called “Ivy Te@ch” (Daddy came up with the nameJ). The overall design of the project was developed in a subcommittee Daddy chaired, and the principal idea involves the construction of two-hour “teaching circle” round-table discussions of volunteer participants over the course of three meeting sessions on specific topics relating to the encouragement and development of educational, instructional excellence. Daddy’s role of facilitator for the very first session of six total modules (this one titled “Syllabus Construction and First Day Preparedness,”designed entirely by Daddy) was scheduled for this evening from 6p to 8p and Daddy was simply immersed in anxious final preparations. Yikes, Daddy gets so absorbed in his drive for perfectionism in his work it is pathetic!

Since this day was consumed by work for Daddy, Mommy of course stepped up to entertain and spend quality time with each of you. Creative as usual, Mommy led a fun-filled day’s activities relating to preparation for our Easter weekend celebration ahead. Each of you (and of course Mommy) painted Easter themed window “clings” and free-hand Easter pictures with “kid paints.” Each of you express your own artistic genius and personality with your artistic designs! It is incredible to witness the creative, artistic talent of Mommy express itself in a next generation through our beautiful, special, adorable children—it represents to Daddy, who is always absorbed in criminological thought, that life is indeed explicable as both nature and nurtureJ.

By evening time, Daddy was off to conduct his “teaching circle” facilitation, and of course by the time Daddy returned home both of you were settled in bed for the night. Bodhi and Buddha, and Mommy, Daddy loves each of you with all his heart! Daddy is sincerely struggling with conflict over competing demands of professional responsibility and family commitment, and Daddy feels he is losing in that struggle---that we are losing, as a family.

Goodnight, precious sweet babies, goodnight precious, sweet Mommy.

Ella’s and Dora’s 1st Trip to the Spa

Mommy awakened, just as I do most days…you, Mr. Buddha, stretched across the back of me, Ms. Allie jammed into my knees, and you, Ms. Bodhi, crying, “Daddy, where are you, I want you Daddy, where are you?”  Mommy always says, “Bodhi, Daddy went to work, come crawl in bed with Bubby and Mommy,” but you always go back to sleep in your bed.  Mommy could still feel that horribly queasy feeling, the same feeling I’ve been dealing with for at least the past five days!!!  Today, however, I had to get up and deal with it.  Mommy had made an appointment for Ms. Baby Ella and Dora Kitty to be groomed (at our local neighborhood groomers).  Dora has major matting in her underneath coat, and well Ella could just use a good scrubbing.  Mommy managed to take a shower and get us all dressed, with minimal bathroom interruptions. 

We were then off to the groomers.  Afterwards, Mommy stopped to get you both something to eat.  Mommy hasn’t ate really anything since Saturday, and well the thought of cooking food makes Mommy want to puke. Mommy got you two situated in the car, listening to music, eating your lunches and then Mommy grudgingly got busy cleaning the cat house out.  It smells as though the wild stray male found his way inside and sprayed again, uggggh!  Mommy couldn’t have Dora and Ella coming home all clean only to get all smelly from a dirty house.  Now, this probably wasn’t the best idea while I have the flu, or since I’m allergic Ella & Dora, however, it had to be done and Mommy got it done (with a few mandatory bathroom breaks).  I managed to get all the bedding washed, floors & walls wiped down, and rugs cleaned.  You two did some damage to the inside of the car though….should have known since you guys weren’t screaming, though you, Mr. Buddha, were primarily responsible.  Mommy opened the car door to find that you, Buddha, decided to have a food fight with yourself, uggggh!  You threw your food up against the windows, on the back of the seats, in between you and your sister’s car seats, and all over the floor L  Mommy scolded you big time, and then you said, “Ohhh Mommy I did it because I wanted you.”  SUCKER!

Our house is a disaster, but our cat house aka Kitty Mansion, is clean.  Mommy got you two packed up…thankfully, Daddy dropped by for lunch and entertained the two of you while Mommy packed for work, and packed the two of you for Grandmoo’s house.  Mommy dropped you off, and you two were beside yourselves, happy to be with Grandmoo J  Mommy gave you both a kiss and gave you each instructions to be good for Grandmoo, Mommy then headed off to work.  GiGi agreed to pick Dora Kitty and Baby Ella up from the groomers at 6:30 p.m. when they were due to be finished.  The groomer said that Ella was quick and sweet, but Dora has to be given breaks in between her shavings as to not stress her out J  I can’t wait to see that Dora Kitty and her new haircut, neither can you, Bodhi.  Daddy will pick you up after he gets off from work, so sweet sweet dreams my sweet sweet babes.  Love you both to the moon and back.  

BTW, I wouldn't normally expose families I work with, with the flu bug, however, the family I’m currently  working with is who I caught this bug from, so I’m pretty sure they are immune now.  

Buddha playing at Grandmoo's :)

Bodhi girl :)

"Peek-a-Boo!"

Dora's lion cut :)- So stinkin' precious!!!!

"I'd hate you Momma if you didn't feed us tuna every night!"

"Tuna or no tuna, I hate you!"  "It's a good thing you didn't cut my fur to look like Dora!"

Monday, Nope, Not Happening…

Oh Lord, Mommy is still sick and not feeling any better what-so-ever!  It’s a combination of aches, tiredness, diarrhea, and nausea.  I didn’t have much of choice today though, I had to be somewhat functioning.  Daddy stuck around as long as possible, but Mommy had to get out of bed for the two of you.  Mommy poured you both a bowl of cereal and sat and stared as you both ate ha!  You both were so concerned, “Momma, you want some of my cereal,” you both asked.  Mommy would say, “no, thank you, Mommy’s tummy hurts.”  Bodhi, you told Mommy to drink lots of water (just like I always tell you, and I will never tell you again ha/ha-what the heck is water supposed to do), and Buddha, you would say, “come here Momma,” and then you would kiss Mommy’s belly :)  Such sweet babes Mommy has! 

Mommy managed to somehow make it through the day.  I even took a shower, but that was the extent of my motivation.  I did manage to play “balloon” and make you guys a tent.  Our house is a mess, but you two are cared for, the critters are cared for, and Mommy is off to bed to try and get over this never-ending bug! 

Thanks Daddy for feeding the kitties, and making dinner for the babes after working today! Xoxoxox

Sweet sweet dreams my sweet sweet babes!

Sunday Sickies!

Mommy had a great time with Aunt Dianna, Aunt Laura, and Aunt Samara, at Aunt Sam’s house last night, for our monthly “Girls Night.”  Unfortunately, what Mommy thought was menstrual cramps, turned out to be most definitely the flu L  So sorry everyone for exposing you to the flu bug!  Though I’m pretty sure Aunt Dianna’s family and the Stiner’s have both recently had the flu, so they may be ok.   

Mommy spent all of today in bed and/or in the bathroom.  Daddy stepped up once again and took care of Mommy and the two of you.  Mommy was surprised to see Daddy handling it all so well, and thankfully so!  Mommy felt like death! 

Mommy doesn’t recall much from today, but you two did obviously have some “unsupervised” fun time.  Mommy made it downstairs to feed the dogs, and you two made one large pillow/blanket bed in the middle of the living room floor, including the drawer full of gloves, hats, and scarves.  You two were jumping into the pile, and covering Ms. Allie up with blankets.  You two also had Mommy make you a tent.  Mommy had to put the gate up so Mr. Arlo wouldn’t potty on the pillows and blankets, since that’s what he does. Mommy then headed back to bed. 

Buddha, you ended up napping with Momma, and Bodhi, you napped with Daddy downstairs. We’ve had basketball going on the tv non-stop this weekend, and for some strange reason, it’s been comforting to nap too all day and night J  

“I Got My Running Shoes On and My Juices are Flowing!”

Mommy is feeling less than festive, a bit crampy, and well overall icky, but today is going to be a busy day.  We started our day out by showering, dressing, and eating.  When noon rolled around, here came GiGi and Grandmoo!  It was Easter Egg hunt time J  You both were super excited.  Sean Franky had stopped by while Mommy was in the shower, and he helped Daddy get your guy’s shoes on.  Bodhi, you came running down the hallway, right toward Mommy sitting on the floor in the bathroom blow drying my hair…”Mommy, Mommy, I got my running shoes on, and my juices are flowing!”   Mommy started busting out laughing.  When Mommy picked your shoes, I told you, “now you’ll be the best little runner and egg-getter in these shoes,” and well, I know Sean Franky said something about juices flowing ha/ha! 

Buddha, you came running up next.  Mommy told you both to “get your stretch on.”  J  We ALL then piled into our Highlander, and we were off to Northwest Park for the public Easter Egg Hunt!  We were greeted, just as we are every year, by Mr. Torrey Roe J  Mommy grew up with Torrey and he runs the Park’s Department, so it’s always a reunion.  We then lined up and you two anxiously awaited your chance to get some eggs.  Buddha, you acted shy and people watched the entire time.  Bodhi, you were loving all the people and having a blast with Grandmoo, GiGi, and Daddy.  The Easter Bunny came walking by greeting everyone, but both of you chickened out and wouldn’t shake his hand.  Well, GiGi made you, Buddha, touch Mr. Easter Bunny’s hand ha/ha.

It wasn’t long, and Mommy had a plan of action for you, Bodhi, and Buddha, you, GiGi, and Grandmoo had your own plan.  Mommy and Bodhi ran a ways before picking up any eggs, just as we had planned.  Buddha, you, with the help of GiGi and Grandmoo, followed and got the eggs left behind.  We were there for about about an hour and a half, and the actual race took all of like 15 minutes ha/ha!  Bodhi, you managed to get two golden “numbered” tickets, one for yourself, and of course, on for your brother J  You are such a great Sister.  You both cashed your tickets in for a prize.  You both were super excited and appreciative, though the prizes were more on the “baby’ish” side, and not so much age appropriate for the two of you, however, that didn’t damper your spirits. 

We then took you both home and down for a nap.  Mommy was not feeling hot, however, you Buddha, decided to curl up with Momma for a nap J  We all ended up taking a four hour nap.  You both asked, upon awakening, “Momma, will you see if Grandmoo and GiGi will come over and play with us.”  Well, GiGi had a play to attend, but Grandmoo was all about coming over and playing with you two.  Mommy and Daddy couldn’t be more grateful.  Daddy watched basketball and Mommy just chilled.  Grandmoo played dress-up with you both, among several other games.  I think when Grandmoo allowed you two to play dress-up with Mommy’s clothes, it was the highlight of your evening ha/ha!  Grandmoo stayed clear up until bedtime.  Mommy gave you both kisses and headed out to Aunt Sam’s for a “Girl’s Night” get-together.  Daddy told Mommy to be safe and I was on my way.  Thanks Grandmoo!!! J

Sweet dreams my sweet sweet babes!  Mommy will be seeing you in the morning!  

Two disturbing things about this picture ha/ha... 1. Jude, that's you being dragged by GiGi and Grandmoo ha/ha 2.  It appears Mommy took some kids out ha/ha  (I didn't but it would appear that way) :)

That's my girl!!! Ticket Number One!

Buddha holding up the other ticket, the ticket his sweet sweet sister gave him! :)

Evening dress-up session with Grandmoo (in Mommy's clothes)