Daddy's Surprise Birthday Party

Mommy decided since both Mommy and Daddy work on Daddy's birthday, we better celebrate Sunday, and Grandmoo and GiGi called to make plans because they wanted to give Daddy his presents as well.  So, what initially was planned as a present exchange, developed into a little suprise birthday party for Daddy.  Bodhi, you were the one with the bright idea.  Mommy had told you when we were painting and coloring cards, that we had to keep it a secret, because they were for Daddy's birthday.  Mommy told you we were going to surprise Daddy, and well you got all excited and said, "ooooh so we hide and yell surprise?"  Mommy then decided that we'd tell GiGi and Grandmoo not to tell Daddy they were coming over for cupcakes and pizza, but we'd surprise him :)  

Just as Mommy anticipated, by the time evening rolled around, Daddy after grading papers all morning, was more than ready to get out of the house.  The timing couldn't have been more perfect, an hour before GiGi and Grandmoo and Gi-Pa were to arrive. Mommy made Daddy go to the car, and you two hung up your signs, pictures, and cards, so everything would be decorated by the time everyone arrived, including us.    So we took an early evening country ride, stopping to talk to the cows and horses a long side the road :) and then we headed back five minutes after 5pm :)  

Bodhi, you didn't nap today, and you actually fell asleep in the car.  So when we finally made it home, you were as cranky as all get out.  You cried and screamed, despite it being time to go in the house and yell "surprise" as Daddy walked through the door :(  You instead ran crying to Daddy and came in the house with Daddy.  So, this party completely planned around you wanting to surprise Daddy, didn't pan out as planned.  Buddha, you happily jumped out and yelled "surprise,"  but you were a bit confused as to why your sister was crying ha/ha  Dang sissy!  Bodhi, you went upstairs to take a nap, but when GiGi went to check on you a few minutes later, you were naked, sitting on your potty, watching tv ha/ha  You came downstairs, a new and happy Bodhi.  Anyway, we all ate cupcakes, pizza, and Daddy opened his presents and read your guy's cards.  Daddy seemed to enjoy himself, as did you two!  Happy (early) Birthday Daddy! We love you! 

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you...

Happy Birthday Dear Daddy...

Happy Birthday to YOU!!!! :) Make a wish!

Yum!!!

Precious Artwork!  

Time to play!

And chat :)

And play some more :)

Saturday Traditions And A Surprise Package

Bodhi, you were up and down all night long.  Mommy was up until 3am working on the walls in my craft room once again, ugggh!  When 6am rolled around, Daddy got up and abandoned Mommy for the couch, he was flustered by your non-stop up and down Bodhi ha/ha  Whatever Daddy!  Bodhi, you fell back asleep with Momma, and then Mommy was awakened by you Buddha at 9am, whew I needed that sleep!  Mommy got you two dressed and ready for Daddy.  He arrived home from work shortly after 10am like he does every Saturday.  We then bundled you two up, and you were all off to the Farmer's market in your magical carriage.  It's the last weekend for the outdoor Farmer's Market, I thought Daddy had said last Saturday was the last, but this Saturday actually was the last.  So, unless the weather is warm, Daddy will probably be driving you from here on out.  

While you two were away with Daddy, Mommy got a shower and Sister Kelly stopped by to hang out before her hair appointment.  She walked a 5k and was not feeling well afterwards.  You both stopped home to drop off your Farmer's Market goods, visited with Sister Kelly briefly, and then headed back out to visit Grandmoo and go to the park.  Mommy had an appointment and wasn't home when you all arrived back home.  Daddy fed you both lunch (I hope ha/ha) and then put you down for a nap.  Neither of you were asleep, you both were stirring when Mommy arrived home.  Mommy got you both down and you two took a brief nap.  Sean Franky dropped by, but he didn't get to see you two because you two had just went down for your naps.  When you awakened, Daddy brought in the mail.  You both received a surprise treat from Aunt Debbie.  You both went bonkers!  She made you both the cutest hats, Hello Kitty for you, Bodhi, and a blue dog hat for you, Buddha.  You both had tons of other goodies including giant coloring books, stickers, and a little pocket purse and wallet with some money inside.  Aunt Debbie sure spoiled you both.  She also sent Mommy a cool peace sign necklace :)   Bodhi, you called Aunt Debbie, and without prompting you said... "Aunt Debbie, no, this isn't brother Michael silly (hee/hee) this is Bodhi!  Thank you for all my stuff you bought me, I like it!  It was so nice of you, ok, love you, goodbye."  You had an entire phone conversation all on your own.  You are such a sweet girl.  Mommy tried giving you the phone Buddha, but you just "No!"  Sucker!  You get that from your Daddy.  

After opening all the gifts, Mommy got busy making dinner.  We all ate dinner together and then Daddy went back to bed.  He said his arm was hurting.  Daddy is still asleep, he will have slept for like 24 hours straight if he doesn't get up tonight.  Mommy spent the remainder of the night playing baseball with you two.  Bodhi, you in your Mets shirt, have mastered the batting stance.  Mommy no longer has to prompt you, you just stand up there with your bat, and you are hitting great (left-handed) :)  That's my girl.  Buddha, well, you have an arm, but you have yet to pay attention long enough to develop a batting stance hee/hee  Mommy just put you both down, you two were actually tired from all our ball playing :)  Now Mommy is going to finish up the blogs and get working on my craft room.  

Oh yeah, Mommy opened the mail today and I'm so glad I waited until this evening... I received the depressing news about having to pay back school loans :( UGGGH!   We were so not ready for that wonderful news....everyone keep your fingers crossed that we sell our old house!!!  

Look at you in your adorable doggy hat!  Aunt Debbie got you your first wallet :)

"Stickers Momma!"

"Look Momma, it's Pippen from next door!"

"Look Daddy!"

You LOVED your Hello Kitty hat :)

"Check this out Buddha!"

"Oh yeah, my first wallet!"

Thank you Aunt Debbie, you spoil us!  We love you! :)

Finger Paints!

Mommy occupied you both this morning while I took a quick shower, first thing.  We then headed outside for some fresh air.  You both were super excited and your new favorite toy toy to play with is the toy lawn mower that Aunt Ti gave you two!  You two took turns, and not so much took turns, playing with the mower, swinging, and going down the slide in the backyard.  Bodhi, you also helped Mommy plant an "Aunt Dee Wisteria" plant on the side of the trellis Mommy built.  You got so frustrated when you couldn't lift the shovel with dirt on it, but you kept at it :)  After playing outside, Mommy took you inside and fed you grilled cheese sandwiches, both of your favorites.  You both went down for a nap and Mommy got busy hanging lights on the trellis.  It looks amazing!  Mommy didn't realize just how amazing until it got dark outside.  

When you two awakened, we went about playing and chasing each other around the house.  Mommy had dinner waiting on the two of you, you two slept forever :)  After dinner we got busy on a super secret project finger painting some pictures and coloring some signs and cards "shhhhhh!"  Good thing Mommy had the bath tub filled, because you two were a mess and went straight into the tub.  Neither of you wanted to get out of the tub first, so Mommy had to bribe you, Bodhi, to get out by giving you your nightly vitamins.  You two LOVE vitamins (Mommy does too ha/ha).  

After baths, we colored some more pictures, this time with markers and crayons.  After which you two went to sleepy town.  Well, you got back up, Bo, and ended up staying up with Mommy for a while.  Mommy allowed you to play with your little people in your room for a while, but then you joined Mommy in my craft room and you pointed out all of the pretty papers that were your favorite :)  

Nighty night my sweet doll babies!  

Let the painting begin!

"Look at mine Momma!"

Oh Brother!

Yep, you just threw water on your sis!  The bath tub was very colorful when you two got out!

Work Day

You two were up and running from the start today. Mommy was motivated to make our morning productive.  Since you two were running from room to room, Mommy started cleaning and cleaned around you two, successfully I might add.  Mommy got all the laundry, all the dishes, all the floors, etc... done before nap time :)  And, you two had fun running from Mommy and playing independently :)  Usually when Mommy tries to have you two play by yourselves, you, Buddha wreck havoc... however not today, YAY!    Mommy got you two fed, and then it was nap time (early).  You two were scheduled to go to GiGi's while Mommy worked this evening, however, GiGi has been sick so Grandmoo stepped up and volunteered to care for you both.  Bodhi, this never works out for you.  You take too long to go to sleep, despite stating you are tired and want to take a nap, and by the time you fall asleep, it's time for Mommy to wake you up, and you are like your Momma, you don't like your sleep interrupted, AT ALL!  You were a crying, drooling mess!  Boy you were fun.  Mommy has found that simply hugging you through it is the best plan of action.  I've tried being stern, I've tried being overly sympathetic, neither of which work, you just have to have a big tight hug, and often!

When we arrived at Grandmoo's, Jude informed Grandmoo that you wanted to go to bed because you were still tired.  So, all of tucked you into bed and Mommy kissed you both goodbye and went to work.  Oh boy did work turn ugly... Mommy had to make a 911 call for an ambulance but that's about the extent I can get into that.  Mommy held off writing this blog to find out if there was any interesting stories Grandmoo needed to report, but I haven't heard any yet.  Daddy picked you both up at 9pm, he had got off work early for the holiday but had work/grading to do at home.  So he gained a few uninterrupted hours to get work done.  Mommy arrived home soon after, Mommy got you both tucked into bed and watched the Vice President debate... Go Joe!  Ha/ha, it turned out to be very entertaining :)

Sweet dreams my sweet sweet babes!

Chillin' at Grandmoo's, making some art :)

There has got to be a story behind this picture???

"I'm a big boy... I have a Dora pull-up on ha/ha!"

"Yay!"

"Oh yeah, I've got Dora on my undies!"

Daddy Day Substitute

Usually Wednesday is a Daddy day, today however, Daddy had to go to Indy for work.  So Mommy didn't get her "Mommy Volunteer time"  at the shelter.  Mommy of course felt badly about not helping my shelter friends, but you two precious babes make it a whole lot more tolerable.  Mommy let you guys decide today's agenda.  You two are loving your Lego's, so we spent a ton of time building :)  Mommy also worked on my craft room while you played with your little people, but you two couldn't stay away, you two joined me and offered your assistance :)  Buddha, you ran downstairs and fetched Mommy a hammer and some other tools :)  You were so proud, and you literally ran, breathing heavily, you took your tool fetching responsibility seriously hee/hee  Which, speaking about you, Buddha, Mommy was reminded tonight by a text from a mutual friend of Sister Kelly and I, when Sister Kelly was watching you, she went to change your diaper and you demanded over and over, "Sister Kelly powder my balls!"  HA/HA!  You tell Mommy to not forget your testicles when Mommy changes you... your testicles are located below your "balls."  hee/hee 

Anyway, after we played and worked our morning away, as we do daily, you two settled in for a nap. Well, Bodhi, you did, but Buddha, you fought your nap tooth and nail.  You wanted to continue to help Mommy, so instead of laying down, you carried on a conversation with yourself, and when you were talking to yourself, you were bouncing in your crib like it was a trampoline.  Oh BOY!  You two eventually fell asleep.  You two took a long nap.  Mommy started dinner and was waiting on Aunt Beth to arrive to discuss possibly renting our house while we are trying to sell it, when you two decided to wake up :)  You both decided you wanted to make necklaces, so Mommy got the beads out.  Aunt Bethie sat and visited with us all, helping you, Bodhi make a necklace.  Bodhi, you decided that you were making Aunt Bethie a necklace, and it turned out super cute.  Mommy mentioned to Daddy to bring down the camera, but then Mommy forgot to take pictures :(  You and Aunt Bethie were so cute.  You two love your Aunt Bethie.  Mommy invited Aunt Bethie to stay for dinner, but Mommy's dinner didn't turn out to great, so when Aunt Bethie stated she had already eaten, it was an embarrassing relief hee/hee Mommy didn't want Aunt Bethie to have to eat a gross dinner.  It turns out it wasn't all that bad, not great though.  

While Aunt Bethie was visiting, Mommy received a call that our realtor, Lindsay Reed Lewis, was going to show our house tonight.  Mommy recently switched realtors, to one of Mommy's friends from HS, as to give us new life since we are entering the dead season.  Aunt Bethie was not happy, but happy for Mommy and Daddy.  We are still waiting on an offer?  The showing went well.

Buddha in his high pitch concerned voice, "Momma where Bo Bo?"

Oh yeah, you both spent a great deal of time jumping on Mr. Arlo's bed... and that licorice in your mouth, you went downstairs grabbed three pieces, ran back upstairs and gave one to your sister and your Momma :)  Sweet boy!  

You two suckers know Daddy hates when you do this, ha/ha but Mommy always lets you two :)  You're building those motor skills!  

"I'm ok Momma, don't make us stop!"

Welcomed Company

Mommy had just got out of bed, was drinking a cup of coffee, playing Lego's with the two of you when Aunt Dianna down the street called.  She was in a panic, and needed Mommy to watch over her four little ones while she went to the dentist.  Mommy told Aunt Dianna to drop them by, we would all be looking forward to some new company :)  

You two decided to strip off all your clothes while Mommy prepared the crock pot with tonight's dinner prior to Aunt Dianna and her little ones arriving.  Once they did arrive, you two ran around naked excited as can be :)  Dakota, Nate, Norah, and Rowan were all watching you two, not quite sure what to think ha/ha  Mommy brought out some beads so we could all make necklaces, that excitement didn't last long, well long enough for Buddha to spill the huge container all over the floor.  We all frantically picked up all the beads so that baby Row wouldn't get a hold of any of them.  Mommy loved holding baby Row for the couple of hours she was here with us... she wouldn't let Mommy put her down, and she wouldn't let her brother or sisters hold her.  You two loved Baby Row, you both would pat her on her head and talk baby talk to her, however, you both got jealous after a while.  Aunt Dianna didn't expect to be as long as she was, but we were having fun and getting along just fine.  Well, Nate complained of being bored, he wanted to go outside.  Mommy didn't feel comfortable taking six kids, four of which were under 3 years old, outside ha/ha  Mommy didn't know Nate and Kota were permitted to play outside by themselves.  We made it through anyway.  Aunt Ti and little Lizzie stopped by, you both were happy to see your buddy Lizzie :)  Mommy couldn't talk Aunt Ti into leaving Lizzie behind, she claimed that they were enjoying some solo mother/daughter time :)  Mommy received cheers when I asked if everyone wanted mac and cheese.  Mommy was taking drink orders when Aunt Dianna arrived...good thing, Kota and Nate are allergic to milk and they had ordered milk for lunch :0  Yikes!  

After everyone ate, Mommy and Aunt Dianna allowed you all to play outside together for a while. After they left, you two were ready for a nap. We played a little longer and then Mommy got you both down for a nap around 1:30-2pm.  You both took a decent nap, and Mommy got a shower in, as well as some laundry and I also picked up the house. Daddy arrived home between jobs, just as you, Buddha were waking up.  Mommy took off for the "Minute Clinic" at CVS.  My eye has been watering and oozing gooky puss.  Plus, I just finished my antibiotics only to have all my sinus symptoms return.  Sure enough, I needed more antibiotics to get me over this last little hump of sinus infection, not taken care of with the first round of medications, ugggh.  My eye, thankfully, is not pink eye or any other contagious concern, it's my sinus infection creeping out... how creepy is that?!   

Mommy arrived home from the "Minute Clinic" in time for Daddy to go to work.  Mommy dished out some crock pot goodies for dinner and we all sat and ate.  We then went to pick up Mommy's prescriptions, but that was a major ordeal... Daddy failed to give Mommy the updated medication card, so Mommy's insurance card was rejected, after sitting in the drive-up for 25 minutes with you two asking a 1,001 questions! We returned home and played the remainder of the evening.  Mommy had you both tucked into bed by the time Daddy arrived home from work and picking up Mommy's medicines.  Jude, you yelled for Daddy and he went and rocked you, only to have Mommy rock you again.  You are finally asleep.  Bodhi, you have got up a half dozen times and you are now laying next to me.  Whenever the UNICEF commercial comes on, you say, "Ohhhh Mommy, help the sick little girl, ooh Mommy look at the sick little boy and baby, can't we help them."  You are so my daughter!  I have always wanted to sponsor a child since I was a very young child myself.  Those commercials always got to me too.  Daddy says he going to find away for us all to sponsor a babe :)

Mr. Serious, 7 year old Nate :)

Precious 5 year old Dakota :)

Jude and Norah sitting in the time-out chair ha/ha... so fitting!  You have met your match Jude, actually Norah is no match hee/hee

Saying goodbye to princess Lizzie :(

Boy time :)

Mommy had a constant eye on Ms. Norah (2 1/2 years old)!  :)  She is an explorer!  

Beautiful Baby Rowan!!  I love this girl!  Row looks like her Momma's mini-me!

Buddha, you were so gentle and sweet, even putting on gloves to pat her ha/ha  You and your sister said you wanted a baby brother or sister hee/hee

Look at these precious stinkers!

Baby Row was not happy... I promise it was only for a second Aunt Dianna :)

Monkey Madness

Happy Birthday Great Papaw! :)

We all awakened knowing that this morning was going to be a busy busy morning.  You two were entertained by Daddy while Mommy got cleaned up, and then Mommy got you two dressed and ready to go while Daddy got himself ready.  We were all off to the doctor's office for Jude's re-check on his tubes.  You two were angels and Jude, you sat up in the examination chair by yourself for the first time 

:(  You sat there like a little man and quietly answered the doctor's questions with "uhhh hu, and no."  The good news is your tubes appear to be excellent shape, with likely another six months of use.  They were bone dry and you have completely recovered from your recent sinus infection, unlike Mommy and Daddy :(  After the appointment, Daddy rushed to work, and Mommy took you two by GiGi's and Gi-Pa's to pass along the good news.  GiGi is always concerned about your ears because you are always picking at them, you little picker.  Better not start picking your nose like your Daddy sucker!

Mommy got you both home, fed, and into bed for what was going to be a quick nap before Mommy had to go to work, and prior to you two going to Grandmoo's. Bodhi, you of course didn't go to sleep right away, instead falling asleep a half hour before Mommy had to get you up to go to Grandmoo's, but Jude man, you got a little two hour nap in and you were roaring to go... all smiles!  Mommy got dropped you two off with Grandmoo, Bodhi, you cried and cried and cried for your Momma :(  It always breaks my heart when you do that!  You were a sleepy girl.  Mommy hugged you both goodbye and headed to Lafayette for work.  

You two played your little hearts out, nothing new, and Daddy picked you both up at 8pm, after he got off work and had some time to work on a presentation he has to give Wednesday.  When Mommy arrived home at 9:30 p.m., you, Ms. Bodhi were in bed.  You had asked Daddy to go to sleep.  Daddy promised you Mommy would come tuck you in once I arrived home :)  Buddha, you were wide awake, and yelling, "Momma, Mommee, Mom, Momma!"  You waited up for Mommy to rock you to sleep :)  Such a Mommy's boy.  

Sweet dreams my sweet sweet babes!  Mommy and Daddy love you to the moon and back!

Mommy can't believe Grandmoo gave you two a bath with her bad back :(  By the looks of your bum Bodhi, the water was warm ha/ha

Silly bath time Bodhi... Grandmoo doesn't know how to use the zoom ha/ha so Mommy had to trim these photos... your monkey was talking to the camera :)-

"Sissy, cover that thing up!"

Grandmoo's camera skills crack Momma up ha/ha

Instead of "Where's Waldo," it's "Where's Jude?"

jammies and a snack :)  Bodhi, you apparently wanted to wear some of Grandmoo's clothes and makeup ha/ha