A Tough Sunday

Today was a tough Sunday, another very cool fall day—and both Mommy and Daddy continue to fight some kind of bug, and Daddy continues to fight an incredibly aching back! Still, there was family time, and that always takes off the rough edge of an otherwise rough dayJ.

Daddy made the two of you hard-boiled eggs and toast and sliced apple-pear for breakfast, complemented with apple juice, and Mommy and Daddy had toast and coffee. After breakfast Daddy cleaned our dishes, and even cleaned the refrigerator, while Mommy cleaned the rest of the house (Daddy always gets the better dealJ) and Mommy was assisted in the vacuum cleaning by both Ms. Bodhi and Mister BuddhaJ.

In the afternoon, the two of you took your nap, while Daddy tried to get some work done, and while Mommy mowed both of our yards! Mommy also managed to clean out the cat house and equip it with a new heater.  After our afternoon nap, we all made a trip to Sam’s club to get some “supplies” and then we went for a family ride in the country along “Sleepy Hollow Road” (West Sycamore Road to about 700 West). We noticed several cars and trucks parked out in the country, and Daddy assumed it might be some kind of hunting season, and we saw several small deer standing along the road in a near-by field and we warned them to run and hide!

On the way home, Mommy spotted a roadside sign in a yard advertising the sale of “huge” lego toys (Mommy was on top of her game), so we stopped and purchase a HUGE plastic tote container of huge lego toys (which you both love to play withJ). We went home and Mommy made us chicken and rice for dinner, and then managed to give both of you a bath and then the three of you washed your new lego toys in the bathtub.  The tub of legos filled the bathtub.  Mommy says we are going to have to divide them up and send some to Grandmoo's and GiGi's...there are that many!  

Daddy lay on the couch, moaning in pain, and finally was coaxed by our little Viking Prince (at Mommy’s urging) to get up and compose today’s Mellow Brick Road entry. We loved our day together, we love one another, and we are blessed to have a beautiful home, with two very special, beautiful babies to nurture and love and share our lives together. “Night, night,” precious angels, and beautiful Mommy!!!

Buddha expressing his disappointment with Mommy announcing it's time for bed :0

This is just one giant tub, there's a whole other large trash bag filled!  We scored big time... $3 dollars YEAH!

Nighty night moonbeam!  

You decided to sleep with your doll babies tonight :)

Buddha, you passed on this dolly, you decided you wanted to sleep with zebra and horse :)

A Saturday Switch

Today was a switch from normal Saturday routine, frankly it was a tough day. It started as usual with Daddy’s Saturday morning work commitment, but it was tough to get it and going. Both Mommy and Daddy have been fighting a cold, or flu, for what seems like several weeks, and it was tempting to stay in bed this morning. On top of that, Daddy was fitted yesterday with an electronic bone-growth stimulation device he is to wear 24 hours-a-day, ideally, to assist recovery from his back surgery and it has created a sensation of weakening in his left arm and shoulder—ugh!!! And on top of that, Daddy’s back has been hurting consistently for weeks with sharp pain in his right shoulder blade and it is purely debilitating in terms of trying to focus and get anything accomplished—UGH!!!

Daddy hurried home, as Mommy had plans to participate as a volunteer for the Humane Society at “Barktoberfest” at Highland Park. Neither of you wanted to go out in the carriage, it was a very cool morning—fall weather seems to have definitely descended upon us. So, Daddy suggested we would drive to Farmer’s Market, then go to Highland Park to visit Mommy at her volunteer work.

When we arrived at Farmer’s Market, the stand where we purchase honey for Mommy was not there (next week is the last weekend for the outdoor Farmer’s Market—a Winter version moves inside the YMCA building), and that was the purpose of our stopping there. It proved to be a struggle to manage the two of you in and out of the car, especially trying to maneuver the both of you in the back seat of a Mustang! While there, you both asked for some biscuits and gravy from the Amish vendor, so we purchased two orders of that and took it with us to Highland Park. Daddy fed each of you in the car, it was too cool to go outside and be comfortable, and Daddy didn’t plan our event very well as there was nothing for either of you to drink. But you both enjoyed your breakfastJ, and then we got out of the car (ouch!!!) and visited with Mommy for a little while.

From Highland Park, we went to Foster Park where an incredible band was playing (for what appeared to be an Urban Outreach event), but only a mere handful of people were there to admire and enjoy the performance (the lead guitarist—a man introduced as being from Russiaville was very talented). We played for a short time in the park children’s recreation area but it was damp and the two of you got cold (especially you Buddha, your little lower lip was quivering—which characteristically happens when you get cold) so we returned home and Daddy made you lunch and then off to naptime for all of us (Mommy joined us)—literally, we all slept through the entire afternoon (brother Sean Franky stopped by and Daddy was so tired he could barely get up, and when Sean said he was tired too, Daddy invited him to lay on the couch and take a nap with everyone else---which he did, and then got up and left before any of the rest of us even awakened.

Sister Kelly came over to watch after Princess Bodhi and Prince Buddha, while Mommy and Daddy attended an outdoor cookout put on by Jerry and Marcia Miller for the Ivy Tech School of Education and Public and Social Services at their home in the country (on Strawtown Pike). Sister Kelly brought some homemade chili to feed the two of you dinner.

Mommy and Daddy had a great time at their dinner dateJ, the home of Jerry and Marcia was incredible, beautiful!!! Others at the outdoor dinner was Aunt Jane Horner, Chancellor Steve Daily, Michelle Martin, and Ken and Linda Ferries. It was a fun time, especially seasonal being outside by the outdoor fire ring, a beautiful (though cloudy) October evening. Uncle Gary Horner had gone to the Purdue-Michigan football game (Daddy got to break the news to Aunt Jane that the Boilers lost, and she questioned whether we had attired you today, Jude, in the Purdue shirt she and Uncle Gary got you for your birthdayJ, accusing us of jinxing her teamJ!!!). We were hoping to see others Daddy works with, but several folks had alternative commitments. It was a beautiful evening, great food and fellowship, and both Mommy and Daddy regretted our early departure (we left at 9:00 p.m.), but of course we looked forward to making it home to get the two of you off to bed and to thank Sister Kelly for coming through for us!

All-in-all, it was an eventful Saturday, though certainly a switch from our customary routine. A beautiful day (if rather on the cool side) ended with hugs and kisses for two beautiful little blessings, “night, night” Gypsy Princess and Viking Prince---you are both so incredibly special, and immeasurably adored!!!!

PS Daddy conveniently forgot to mention that while he was at work, Mommy had got you both dressed and we were getting ready to leave to go feed Ms. Susan's cats when you fell, Ms. Bodhi.  You were so angry!  You slapped your hands on the floor and let out a "Gosh Damn it!"  Oh boy!  Bubby then started running around saying "Gosh Damn it" all day long, despite Mommy and Daddy trying to get you two to say something else ha/ha  Then, while we were walking to Ms. Susan's house, there were construction guys doing work at our neighbor's home (they moved and the owner is doing some renovations).  Mommy said hello and asked how it was going, and one of the workers reported, "not too well, the ceiling fell in."  Bodhi, you then said in a concerned voice, "Is the family dead, did they die?  Oh MY GOSH!  What in the world!  Mommy quickly told you, "No Bodhi, remember the family moved."  You sighed and said "Ohhhh good!" Bahahahahahahahahah!!!!!!!

Friday Night Fright

Mommy awakened with yet another sore throat, Uggggh!  I just finished my antibiotics and was feeling better, what on earth is going on?  Hopefully it's just allergies!  Anyway, Mommy secretly hoped that Great Papaw would oversleep and stop by on his way back home to Tennessee, but he got on the road and didn't make it by.  We'll miss you Great Papaw, the kiddos are still talking about "Great Papaw this and Great Papaw that!" :)  

Today was a cold rainy day, so we snuggled up indoors.  Mommy attempted to get some work done, but that was not happening, it rarely does with you two little munchkins!  So, instead of work, we played.  You two fussed back and forth, but had several adorable loving brother and sister moments as well, which typically happens throughout each day.  Come lunch time, you both were ready for a nap.  Bodhi, Mommy scolded you when you started playing and throwing your food...sometimes your brother rubs off on you (funny story later in the day).  So immediately following lunch, Mommy put you both to bed.  You two enjoyed a nice long rainy afternoon nap, snuggled in your nice warm beds :)  Mommy managed to get some work done and then also laid down for a nap. 

Bodhi, you were the first to awaken from your nap.  You snuggled in bed with Mommy, and Mommy said to you, "Bodhi, Mommy is sorry for getting mad at you earlier for playing with your food, you were just being a three year old, hu?"  Bodhi, you responded, "It's ok Mommy, I'm sorry.  I was being a turd!"  Mommy giggled and you giggled.  You say the funniest things!  You are in the wonderful stage of "Oh Lord, what is she going to say?"  Mommy has never outgrown that stage, and honestly, Mommy doesn't think Daddy has either ha/ha

Daddy arrived home from work, Buddha, you were still in bed.  Bodhi, you begged to go with Daddy to the store and to run some errands.   So, off you went... shorts, sweatshirt, and cowboy boots, at least I managed to get some clothes on you!  Buddha, you of course woke up right after Bodhi and Daddy left.  Mommy got you changed, and you helped Mommy work on her craft room.  You stirred the wallpaper glue and played with your cars in the cramped room.  Of course Ms. Allie had to be in the craft room with us, so maneuvering around was a challenge.  After we got some work done, we went downstairs to make dinner.  Mommy made hamburgers, baked french fries, shrimp, and green beans.  You were eating when Bodhi and Daddy arrived home.  They were happy to smell dinner made, and we all ate dinner together.  

After dinner, we snuggled down for the night.  Daddy put Sleepy Hollow in to watch (Mommy later commented that you two would probably never sleep in your own beds ever again) but you two really enjoyed the movie...despite it not being a cartoon.  So your first non-cartoon movie was a scary movie, nice!  Now Mommy is concerned that you guys think chopping people's heads off is a normal occurrence ugggh!  Nice movie Daddy ha/ha  Mommy then got you both tucked in for the night (thank goodness) and Mommy got busy working on my craft room once again.  Sweet dream, no nightmares, my sweet angels!  xoxoxoxoxo

Sorry, Mommy was lazy with the camera and didn't get any pictures :(  I'm sorry babes!

Bodhi-Buddha-Papaw-Grandmoo Thursday

Today was a scheduled day with Papaw and Grandma, while both Mommy and Daddy worked. Papaw came by the house briefly this morning to drop off a flashdrive for Daddy to later download some pictures and videos on our computer.

Mommy later took the two of you to Grandma’s to spend the day with her and Papaw, and the summary report later was that both of you thoroughly enjoyed your day and wore out both Grandma and Papaw. You all went for a walk together down by the seashore swimming center, and later Grandma made a big dinner for all of you.  Buddha, Great Papaw attempted to take a stick away from you, it was way too big for you and you about took your sister’s eye out, but you threw a fit.  You started hitting Papaw with it, and he had to get firm with you.  Once he made the stick smaller and handed it back to you, you were in shock.  You didn’t think you were going to get your stick back…probably shouldn’t have hit Great Papaw you stinker butt!

Mommy was on her way to pick the two of you up when her friend Gabby called her and told her she wanted Mommy to show our Leeds house to a friend who was looking for a house to purchase. Daddy knew Papaw was leaving tomorrow, so Daddy went over to Grandma’s and returned Papaw’s flashdrive. A short time later Mommy finished showing the house and came across the street to join us.

Both of you, Ms. Bodhi and Mr. Jude Liam were still wound up and full of energy, and Papaw was especially impressed by your high energy reserves, JudeJ. We stayed for a short while and visited, then bid Papaw a loving farewell, telling him we would be in touch with plans for a visit to Tennessee and Dale Hollow. We all wish Papaw could stay longer!

By the time we got home, it was well after 9:30 p.m., and you even told us, Bodhi, that you wanted to go home and go to bedJ. So bed it was for everyone, and it wasn’t much of a struggle to get both of you down for your night’s sleep. Mommy and Daddy weren’t far behind, though Mommy first walked Allie and made a quick visit to see Ms. Susan, to assure her we would feed her cats as Daddy earlier assured her we would, while her and Marv were gone for the weekend.

When Mommy got home, Mommy and Daddy snuggled and hugged, and assured each other of what a wonderful life we have together, what precious gifts the two of you are, and how blessed we are to have such a beautiful home, beautiful family, and special dreams for a beautiful future.

Travel safely, Papaw, “night, night” everyone!

Mommy just went to upload the pictures from your Thursday with Grandmoo and Great Papaw, but there aren't any???  Grandmoo is in super big trouble!  Great Papaw better send some videos he took, so Mommy can later add them :(

Happy Birthday Papaw

Today was a special day with the arrival in town of Papaw from Tennessee. He was especially looking forward to seeing the two of you, and we were especially looking forward to seeing him!

Grandma took all of us out to dinner at Grindstone Charlie’s, then we returned home to have Papaw’s birthday party. Jude, you kept telling Papaw to open his present (the hand-imprint garden stones you two made for himJ) and Bodhi you insisted on helping, especially when Papaw asked both of you to helpJ. We sang happy birthday to Papaw and then we settled in for coffee (for grown-ups) and talked (Daddy loves talking with Papaw, he is so dog-gone smart). Earlier, Mommy and Daddy talked with Papaw about all of us coordinating a visit to Tennessee and staying in a cabin at Dale Hollow—the two of you would absolutely love it! We would all love it, so it is going to happen!

After an evening of talking and the two of you wearing us out, especially poor Grandma, the two of you give her all the attention she can handleJ, Grandma and Papaw decided it was time to head home and get some rest and watch Supernatural. The two of you are spending all day tomorrow with Grandma and Papaw, as Mommy has to work out of town and Daddy has to work late as well.

We were all worn out from our birthday dinner and party, and finally we all settled down for “night, night” and Mommy got the two of you off to bed. You, of course, got back up Ms. Bodhi so you and Mommy watched the Presidential debate between President Barack Obama and Mitt Romney, while Daddy had to stay downstairs and watch the debate by himselfL.

After the debate, Daddy helped get you back to bed, Bodhi, and Mommy and Daddy had Mommy and Daddy time together. It was a remarkable, beautiful day and a beautiful, remarkable end to a special day as well.

This household is hoping for some rest, so we can enjoy an adventure of a day tomorrow—Papaw is in for a treat with the Gypsy Princess and Viking PrinceJ.

Earlier today, prior to Great Papaw arriving

Happy 70th Birthday Great Papaw

The Babes made Great Papaw a birthday card and signs :)

"Hi Great Papaw!"

"I've heard a lot about you, Great Papaw!"

Teasing Momma...you're still a Momma's boy!

All dressed and ready to go :)  "Happy Birthday Great Papaw!"

"Grandma!"

"Lets go guys!"

Bodhi showing off her new sweatshirt Great Papaw got her... Dale Hollow Lake :)

After dinner party :)

Great Papaw loved his stepping stones.

"Let me get at those cupcakes!"

"mmmmmmm!"

Emilia Bodhi Grills Holsapple, 53rd President.  Precious baby girl watching the Presidential debate with Momma :)

Super Secret Projects Indoors

Last night, you Mr. Buddha, decided you were going to wake up at your usual 12am time, but that instead of going back to sleep, you were going to scream, "Mommy, Daddy, up, Mommy, Daddy, up, up!"  So after several attempts, you were carried into Mommy's and Daddy's bed.  You flipped, you turned, you kicked, you rolled, but you snuggled in between Mommy and Daddy where you fell asleep almost instantly.  You didn't however, stop kicking and flipping all through the night.  Daddy awakened in the morning and discovered you laid out across Mommy ha/ha  Daddy reports being kicked, but he didn't know you were in bed with us :)-  Daddy left extra early, and he didn't wake Mommy as he usually does, so after he left, at some point, Mr. Buddha quietly escaped from our bed, and roamed around the house for some unknown amount of time.  Mommy is usually awakened by you crying, so when you just got out of bed, Mommy didn't have a clue.  Luckily, Daddy had locked the screen door so you didn't end up outside!  I'm certain I would have been awakened by a knock at the door had he not locked it!  

After Mommy made the discovery that you were roaming around, we all got up and had breakfast.  It was a rainy day and Mommy didn't think it was a good idea to take you two out since you are just getting over being sick and Great Papaw Grills is coming up from Tennessee!  Bodhi, you picked out movies to watch, and Mommy attempted to work on report.  I did manage to get a report done, I don't know how, and I had some other super secret tasks to complete as well.  When lunch time rolled around, Mommy warmed you both up some chicken noodles and mashed potatoes, one of your guy's favorite meals.  After lunch, Mommy took you two upstairs for a nap.  Mommy paid some bills, what bills could be paid after two expensive birthday months (Bodhi, Jude, Aunt Ti, Mommy...) :0  and then went to work on "work stuff."  After which, Mommy joined the two of you in sleepy town for a good hour and a half.  Thank goodness because you two are now non-stop... "Mommee, Momma, Mommee, Momma, up, down, here, there, this, that, help me, Mommeee, Mommmma"... my head is spinning!

After a long afternoon nap (thank you oh so much!) Mommy awakened to two fussy babes, uggggh.  Mommy cuddled you both when Daddy stopped by.  Cuddling was then over, and Mommy made you two dinner.  You both ran around the house, and you, Mr. Buddha, wanted Mommy to hold you while I cook, ummmm no, you can watch from your high chair. After dinner we got busy working on some more super secret projects in anticipation of Great Papaw Grills' visit tomorrow.  

Mommy then put you both in the tub, got you both scrubbed down, washed your hair, and let you two play.  Daddy arrived home so Mommy ran downstairs to feed and lock up the kitties, look for dog poop in the yard with a flash light, and then made it back inside to get you both dried off and dressed.  Daddy had you two bundled in towels waiting on Mommy to finish your bath time routine.  

It was then time for nighty night time... well, the start of several attempts for you, Mr. Buddha.  You were rocked by Momma for a good 45 minutes with no luck, and then rocked by Daddy for another hour.  It's now 11:30 p.m. and you are in bed with Daddy, yelling for Momma.  Momma has to get the house cleaned up tonight.  Tomorrow we have to sign with a new Realtor, pick up some goodies, Daddy is going to work for a couple of hours, wait for Great Papaw to arrive, and then go to dinner and make it back in time to watch the Presidential debate :)  Busy day a head of us, and it looks as though none of us are going to get much sleep :(  

Hopefully, sweet dreams my sweet babes!

No pictures for today... Mommy couldn't find the camera, Daddy had it put up.

Stepping Stones

This Monday was a special one from the start, both Mommy and Daddy had busy schedules ahead of us, and each of you, Jude Liam and Emilia Bodhi, insisted on a special project you seriously insisted on completing for Grandma.

Daddy had to go off to work earlier than normal, because he had agreed to be interviewed by a student for the student’s research paper in a criminology course. After that appointment, Daddy had to hurry off to an appointment with Judy Dennis of the Family Services Association and Judge William Menges and the members of our Domestic Violence Intervention Project. And after that meeting, Daddy had to hurry back to work and finish his work day at school.

In the meantime, Mommy was busy at home working on your special project—creating special stepping stones that Grandma has been begging for---but that is a top secret project and we have already disclosed too much information J.

GiGi agreed to come to all of our rescue once again, so she came over to “house-sit” while the two of you completed your naps so Mommy could rush off to work in Lafayette. After the two of you awakened from your naps, GiGi took the two of you to her house to have dinner with her and GiPa and to play until Mommy and Daddy could finish work and come pick you up.

In the meantime, Mommy was busy working out of town and Daddy was busy completing his Monday evening job at the Domestic Violence Project. Daddy finished work at 7:00 p.m. and immediately went to GiGi’s to fetch our babies. GiGi and GiPa laughingly related to Daddy that as soon as GiGi got you to the house, you Bodhi, removed all your clothes except your underwear (and GiGi insisted you put your shirt back on so as not to catch coldJ) and preferred to run and play with little clothes (a recent habit you have developed (sort of like Daddy stripping down to his boxers and working on the computer at nightJ). They also laughingly related that since you were last there a week ago, Jude, GiGI has searched everywhere in the house for some small Hello Kitty toys of your sister’s that you were playing with, and she had no success finding them, but as soon as she got you over to the house she asked you what you had done with the toys you were playing with a week ago, and you immediately went to another toy in the living room and disclosed you had hidden the missing toys inside the other toyJ--GiGi and GiPa were amazed by both your clever hiding spot and that you remembered!!!

Daddy learned that Mommy, too, had gotten off work and had gone home to hang your huge airplane Mommy and you found at an antique shop, in which Great Papaw bought for you—she suspended it from your bedroom ceiling. GiGi called Mommy and informed her that Daddy was picking the two of you up, and we loaded up in our Mustang (our race car with two baby seats in the back seatJ) and headed home.

When we got home we watched a family-time Disney movie (Peter Pan), and Mommy rushed off to Aunt Ti’s to view her kitchen counter samples she is wanting to select from to complete her kitchen re-model project. By the time Mommy returned, a long day had come to an end and we were all ready to head off to “night, night.” “Night, night”—precious angels! “Night, night”—precious Mommy!

Mommy's little artist :)

Always in your undies, just like your Daddy!

Buddha, you were a mess, you also had to be stripped down!