Presents

Good Morning babes!  Good Morning Daddy!  Daddy brought Mommy a cup of coffee and brought you babes a bagel to eat in bed with Mommy.  You two always come and jump in bed with Mommy before venturing downstairs to locate Daddy.  This morning, you Jude, stood at the top of the stairs and yelled, "Mike-all!"  "Mike-all!"  "Mike-all come hea!"  Ha/ha you got that from your Momma and Sister.  Once you seek out Daddy, you both put your breakfast orders in and return to Mommy :)  Such Suckers.  Daddy helped you find Wally the elf, and you both thought Wally shouldn't drink caffeine because it will give him a belly ache ha/ha  That is what Mommy always tells you two when you want a drink of coke :)  

Mommy colored a picture with you, Bodhi, and then we all went upstairs... a shower for Momma and then Mommy dressed the two of you.  We picked up the toys that you two had been playing with while Mommy showered, as well as some light cleaning throughout the rest of the house.  You two were scheduled to go to Grandmoo's at 1pm, while Mommy waited for the cable company (At&t) to arrive. Yes, we just switched from At&t to Comcast like last week, and now we are switching back...long story short, we are paying less for more ha/ha  So, after we played, cleaned, and packed up, Mommy dropped you both off to Grandmoo.  You both were excited all morning long, but Bodhi, given that it was your nap time, you said you wanted to go home with Mommy.  Mommy reminded you of all the fun you have with Grandmoo, and your excitement was restored :)

Mommy hurried home to let the dogs out and then locked them up in the utility room so that Ms. Allie wouldn't have an opportunity to "herd" the cable guy.  He arrived at 1:30 p.m., and Mommy got busy wrapping all the Christmas presents stored in the basement.  Mommy literally wrapped gifts, and prepared dinner for the whole duration the cable guy was working (until 6pm'ish).  Mommy finished wrapping all of the gifts, I'm still waiting on a few to arrive, but the chore of Christmas gifts is thankfully about to come to a conclusion.  Grandmoo and you, Bodhi, came walking through the door.  Mommy was freaked out... Grandmoo only has one car seat and Jude was not with you two. You, Jude, were at Grandmoo's with Grandpa whewwww!   Grandmoo reported that you, Bodhi, asked to go to the bathroom and Grandpa who was visiting said he'd help you to assist Grandmoo.  However, you are very self-conscious lately, and Grandmoo said she knew she should have taken you, but didn't want to make a big deal out of the situation.  You wanted to come home after going potty.  No nap, away from home all day, and then someone knew taking you to the potty was just too much.  You said you wanted your Mommy.  

Once home you insisted that Mommy curl up on the couch with Mommy to cuddle.  Mommy called Grandmoo to see if she wanted Mommy to come pick you up, Jude, but she said there was no hurry.  Bodhi, you told Daddy, "Go get Buddha Daddy, Mommy is staying right here with me."  Ha/Ha!  So, Daddy followed his instructions and went to fetch you, Jude.  However, he just missed you and Grandmoo.  You all met up in our driveway.  Bodhi, you had fallen asleep on the couch with Mommy, so Mommy took you to bed.  However, you got back up about 45 minutes later, after Buddha returned.  You two then played and played and played... well, danced and danced and danced!  Mommy picked up the wrap mess, vacuumed, and then steam mopped the floors.  It was a rainy day and all the traffic in and out of the house had our floors muddy :(  When 10:30 p.m. rolled around, Mommy insisted that you both go to bed.  Daddy fell asleep on the couch.  So off to dreamland you two went.  I don't know how you guys managed to last so late not having a nap.  You two must have picked up a third wind hee/hee  Nighty night sweet babes!

Hi Wally!  You are going to get fat like Momma and Daddy drinking those! :)-

Yep, you wanted milk and Mommy had all the dishes done up... there was only a tiny bit of milk left and you wanted it.  So, despite not approving of anyone drinking out of the containers (except for myself when no one is home bahahahahah) Mommy gave you your first drink of milk out of the milk container :)-

I think more ended up on your shirt and pants than in your mouth, but you had fun!  You did intially say, "Momma, put it in a glass for me." Hee/hee

"You're the coolest Mommy!"
You sat and your sister sat on the bench while Mommy steamed mopped... you two were mesmermized by the "powder" aka steam that was radiating from the machine hee/hee Mommy hasn't used the steam mop in well, about 3 years lol!

"Don't Say Damn it, damn it!"

Ooopsy Poopsy... Wally decided to fly back to the same location in the tree :0  He liked sitting among the tree branches.  Mommy awakened with a major migraine, two Excedrines later, it was still lingering, but tolerable.  Mommy was up until 2am working on Aunt Dianna's dining room walls with her...scrapping wallpaper.  Mommy took it easy this morning, hanging out in your guy's rooms while you played.  We were all very tired from no-nap Wednesday :(  You both played with Mommy's hair (which can be nice at times but extremely uncomfortable at other times) hee/hee  Both of you were extremely needy too.  Mommy did manage to keep up on daily chores and taking care of everyone, all the while entertaining the two of you, but thankfully I didn't have to do it for long because today is a work day for Momma.  You two were also on your best behavior because Mommy always says, "ok, if you don't, or...behave, or... don't do that, or," you won't get to go to GiGi's and Gi-Pa's ha/ha  You two were so happy to hear that you would be spending the evening to GiGi's and Gi-Pa's while Momma works. This made nap time easy, you both went down for a nap without a fuss :)  Daddy called to inform Mommy that Comcast had quoted us the wrong price, a $30 dollar difference, and that Mommy needed to call At&t to get us a better plan, uggggh!  I also had to shower, and repackage Daddy's shirt that was too small so that he could send it back for an exchange, all in about two hours...prior to when I needed to leave for work.  Which, these added tasks were just what my migraine needed!  A quick shower later, a long telephone call to At&t, and after I packed up and completed the return steps for Daddy's shirt, Mommy headed to work.

Daddy laid down for a quick nap while the both of you napped. but that didn't last long, you Mr. Jude Liam decided you had slept long enough.  You say, "I done sleeping Mommy, I'm a happy boy."  So you and Daddy hung out, waiting for Ms. Emilia Bodhi to awaken from her nap.  Daddy picked up an extra two jobs tonight with Family Service Association for some much needed extra money for after the holidays.  Mommy is trying to get extra hours as well, it would be helpful if I would receive a local referral, ugggh!  

Emilia, after you were through with your nap, Daddy was prepared to take you and your brother to GiGi's and Gi-Pa's, but GiGi insisted on picking you two up herself.  So, you both had a super fun evening with GiGi and Gi-Pa.  GiGi commented on all of the grown-up sentences and expressions you are making (in context) Bodhi ha/ha  You are a character girl.  And Jude, Gi-Pa was in the bathroom and he dropped something and said "damn it!"  You started banging on the door saying, "No No Gi-Pa, you don't say damn it."  This is hilarious because a couple of days ago, Daddy said damn it and you now tell Daddy all of the time, "Daddy don't say damn it, it's bad word."  Mommy didn't let Gi-Pa think he taught you the words, though I was very tempted too hee/hee  You just randomly walk up to your Daddy and say, "Daddy, you don't say damn it."  Daddy didn't say damn it to cause you to tell him this, you just feel the need to make sure Daddy knows not to say it.  OH BOY!  Mommy said, "damn" today when talking to Daddy and you went into your mode, "Mommy don't say damn it."  Mommy played it off and said, "honey, a "damn" is what beavers build, I didn't say "damn it," it's not a bad word, and quit telling people not to say it ha/ha.  You being a Momma's boy immediately said, "Ooooh, no damn is not a bad word, beavers build them."  Mommy and Daddy were rolling!

Sweet dreams suckers!

PS Mommy's camera battery died today, and then I forgot to take pictures!

Hello again! ha/ha!

No Nap Wednesday.... Well, for Mommy and Babes Anyway!

Mommy was up until 3am designing our Christmas/Kwanza/Bodhi Day/Hanukah/Diwali/Eid-al-Adha cards, YAY!  What a huge relief!  Anyway, Wednesdays are supposed to be "Daddy Day," but Mommy decided to sleep late, well, as late as I can sleep... Daddy doesn't keep you two from coming in and jumping on Momma while yelling, "Mommy Mommy time to get up."  Mommy finally rolled out of bed around 10am.  Daddy then laid down for a nap.  We played hide-and-go-seek, colored pictures, danced, and read stories.  Mommy decided since our Christmas cards and Christmas shopping was complete, it was time to get our house cleaned up.  You two played together so nicely while Mommy went from room to room cleaning :)  Tonight, Aunt Dianna wanted Mommy to come down and help her tear off wallpaper, so Mommy's goal was (of course for you two to have a good day) but to have our house sparkling, and the critters taken care of :)

Mommy agreed to let you guys skip your nap today... you both were having so much fun, you both asked to stay awake :)  Bodhi, you changed your mind once, but then got back up to play a short time later.  

Mommy threw you both in the bath... Buddha, when I was drying Bodhi off you stood up and said, "Mommy I gotta pee," and then you went, laughing hysterically.  Yep, probably time to try potty training again :)  When 7:30 p.m. rolled around, you both were past tired, as was Mommy.  Mommy tucked you both in bed, read you both three stories, and then finished up some chores.  About that time Daddy got off the couch.  Yep, Daddy slept 8.5 hours, only to return to bed.  Wow!  First, must be nice to wake up to a sparkling clean wonderland, second, when's Mommy's turn? Ha!  Mommy jumped in the shower and then headed to Aunt Dianna's.  Mommy worked with Dianna and her husband, Andy until about 2am.  When Mommy returned home, you both had got up (wanting your Momma of course) and were all fast asleep with Daddy.  Add Ms. Allie and your sprawled out position, Jude, and Mommy didn't have anywhere but the couch to sleep.  Nighty night my sweet sweet babes :)

"Sit right here and read us a story Momma!"

No attention span what-so-ever!

"One more story Momma!"

YAY!

Where's Wally?

Mommy awakened with several missions on the brain.  First, I had to go check where Wally, our elf, flew off too...he decided to move from the dining room to the living room chandelier (upside down) that crazy elf!  You two played, ate breakfast, played some more, ate lunch, and then down for a little nap.  Mommy headed for the shower after completing some work, YAY!  Mommy showered, then it was off to the Bodhi and Buddha Beauty Salon...after lots of brushing and fixing up, we were off to exchange Daddy's book, take back a gift Mommy bought, and then to print our family pictures.  Mommy had a difficult time at Meijers trying to print our pictures... first the disc wouldn't open, and then you two kept running off and checking out other shoppers photos on their screens ha/ha  Sister Kelly sent us a text asking when we would be home, so Mommy ended our failed picture mission early and we stopped off to get a cheese pizza and headed home.

Wally, that crazy elf, got bored hanging from the chandelier by himself, so he flew over to your guy's easel while we were out.  Jude, you broke the golden rule "never touch Wally," and then played it off like it was an accident... he then flew up high, tucked into the blind :)  You two ate your dinner and played with Sister Kelly and Brother Aaron.  After some additional playtime, it was bedtime.  I know I'm forgetting something about today... two days later, so if I remember any of your two adorable moments, I'll be sure to include them in a later blog :(  Mommy is super tired.  Sweet dreams my sweet sweet babes.

Wally!

Sister Kelly gave you both treats :)

"You're so funny Brother Aaron!"

Horror Film!

Wrestling

Baby Ella... waiting for her nightly walk :)

Dora Kitty ha/ha

A New Family Tradition

Time has been flying by and this is the first year the holidays have Mommy stressed to the max, but I must say... I am handling the stress very well, if I do say so myself.  This year, some weeks back, Mommy decided that I wanted to start a new family tradition, "Elf On The Shelf."  Usually, the elf comes out on the first of December, but Mommy only remembered today, December 3rd.  So, before Daddy was off to work, Mommy sent him on a mission to find an Elf.  The "Elf On The Shelf," is an elf that appears on the 1st of December, he/she, in our case "he," who we named, "Wally," locates himself somewhere in the house each morning.  He sits, listens, and watches the two of you all day long, and after bedtime, he flies back to the North Pole to report to Santa if you two were nice or naughty.  You can't touch Wally because he'll lose his magic Christmas powers, and Wally doesn't speak, but he you can talk to him, tell him your wishes...he's a great listener!  Sometimes Wally makes messes or does silly things, but one thing is for sure, he's keeping an eye on the two of you :)  

Well, Daddy came through for Mommy.  Daddy rushed back home to drop off our elf, a book telling a story about our elf, and a DVD movie.  GiGi came by to have Mommy help her order Christmas gifts online, and then Mommy read the book to GiGi and the two of you.  We then watched the movie.  By this time it was lunch time.  Mommy went to warm up leftover spaghetti, but Daddy ate it ha/ha  We need to go to the grocery store (Mommy's least favorite errand), we have no food!  Mommy made due and made you both waffles for lunch.  Daddy had made you both eggs and bagels for breakfast.  After lunch you two went down for a nap.  Mommy got busy on compiling a work report, and I watched as Wally roasted marshmallows on Mommy's candelabra on our dining room table.  Bodhi, you were so excited to try and find Wally, you just couldn't take a nap.  So, it was a no-nap day for you.  Buddha, you took about an hour and a half nap, and when you came popping out of your room, you had a big smile on your little face and were shouting, "Mommy, my nap is over... I'm happy!"  

Bodhi had already located Wally :)  You thought Wally was soooo funny.  You didn't know what to think, you kept smiling and saying, "that's really Santa's elf?"  Mommy knows you believe in Wally, every time Mommy reminded you that "Wally is watching," you straightened up and made certain to do something "good," like offer your brother a toy ha/ha!!!!  Jude, Wally curbed some of your orneriness, but boy oh boy, you were still a hand full!!!  

Dinner time rolled around, and our cabinets still empty.  Mommy had planned to drop off some toys that you, Ms. Bodhi, said you wanted to donate so "two little babies would have toys to play with," take the recyclables to the bins, exchange a book for Daddy, order our photos, and grocery shop... ha!  Mommy managed the two of you, helped GiGi, cleaned (a little) completed my work report, and straightened up some paperwork.  Luckily, Mommy had purchased ingredients for a Pinterest recipe for chicken enchiladas, and that was our ONLY option.  Cooking dinner took some time uggggh!  We all sang and danced while I cooked, and then Mommy lit the candles on the dining room table and we had a special candlelight Mommy and Babies dinner.  

Grandpa showed up at dinner time, so after dinner, you two had a new playmate (YES!).  Mommy told Grandpa to have at you two, and I quickly fell asleep on the couch.  Staying up until 3am the past several nights has taken a toll on Momma.  Mommy got a good half hour nap in and felt energized :)  Thank you Grandpa!  Mommy then threw you two in the bath and off to bed you went.  Bodhi, you fell asleep as soon as your head hit the pillow... I was still drying and dressing Jude, you went to your room and to sleepy town you went.  Jude man, you went down without a fight, but you came strolling down to Daddy's office a few minutes later.  Mommy and Daddy were talking in Daddy's office.  Daddy laid on the floor and you laid next to him, falling right to sleep :)  Mommy took a shower and then took Ms. Allie for a walk.  Baby Ella and Dora Kitty have been accompanying Ms. Allie and Mommy on our walks.  We are such a funny sight... Mommy walking Ms. Allie on a leash and two cats following in a line behind us.  Dora, however, will not cross the street (she's our smart cookie).  Mommy has to carry her across the street :)  Nighty night sweet babes.  Daddy finally wrote the Thanksgiving blog entry, but Mommy has to add pictures... which will have to wait until tomorrow, Mommy has to get our Christmas cards done and it's 12:30 a.m., ugggh!  Nighty night my sweet sweet babes!  Mommy and Daddy love you both to the moon and back!

Wally, our elf.  He had a hankering for roasted marshmallows.  :) He is a bit creepy ha/ha

"Where's my chow Momma?"

"I could go for another meal!"

Mr. Arlo has his place secured... who says Mr. Arlo is "slow," he knows enough to know you, Jude, are the messy one!  

Special dinner with Momma and Wally :)

Chicken Enchiladas :)

Grandpa :)

A Slow Sunday

Today was a slow, but certainly not lazy, Sunday. Everyone but Daddy slept in, including you Ms. Bodhi. You commonly are up and at it early, joining your Daddy as he works on the computer or drinks coffee and watches the news. Today, you slept in with Mommy and your brother, though you still got up before them and joined Daddy and asked for a banana for breakfastJ.  Buddha you awakened at some point through the night and crawled in bed with Momma. 

After we all were moving, Daddy made fried eggs and bagels for Buddha and himself, and made bagels and cream cheese for Ms. Bodhi and Mommy. We all got dressed, though we never left the house today. We just seemed slow moving and unmotivated to venture away from home. Mommy was busy all day working on paying bills, organizing information for the home, and finalizing Christmas gift preparation. Daddy was busy all day trying to catch up with work, with regular breaks to rest his foot on something and hope the pain would subside (which it didn’tJ). Daddy’s back seems to be on the mend, and over a week ago began having sharp pain in his outer side of his right foot, it seems broken though Daddy has no memory of any injury or noticeable mishap---it just started hurting. Damn. (Bodhi and Buddha instantly remind Daddy to not say “dammit” on occasions when he slips such an expression from his stupid lipsL).

Mommy made time to make the two of you a toasted cheese sandwich and deli pickle for lunch, before nap time. Neither of you lasted long in the nap position J, and you were the first to free yourself, Jude Liam. After spending some time working on your coloring books and watching a program on tv, the two of you then entertained yourselves around Mommy and Daddy as we continued to try to get work done. After our spaghetti dinner served by Mommy, we all settled in for the night.

Aunt Debbie called to have a secret conversation with Mommy and you got on the phone with her, Ms. Bodhi, and inquired about a missing hair brush—Aunt Debbie had difficulty understanding you and you became frustrated with her, young lady, so you finally said to her “please just answer the question, yes or no”---Aunt Debbie almost lost itJ!!! A little later, Aunt Terrie called (having spoken with Aunt Debbie, she realized the seriousness of the missing hair brush) and she reported she had your mirror and coloring book you had left at the house on Thanksgiving Day---and she reported she would continue to search for the missing hair brush and report back to usJ.

You two spent the evening playing with Mommy.  Bodhi, you were Mommy’s hair dresser, a new favorite activity J  Then you and Buddha insisted that Mommy paint your faces like princesses ha/ha, yes, princess(es). 

Though a slow Sunday, it certainly was not a lazy one, and “night, night” time was welcomed by Mommy and Daddy, we both needed some rest---as for the two of you, well, it was “night, night” ready or notJ. Goodnight precious angels, our Gypsy Princess and Viking Prince, though the two of you typically do not look forward to “night, night” Mommy and Daddy always look forward to our “night, night” hugs and kisses!!! 

Checking out his makeup ha/ha... should be checking out those dirty feet :)-

"Yep, I'm a gypsy princess!"

Pretty Blue Eyes!

Gypsy Babe!

Saturday On The GO, GO, GO!

This morning Mommy rolled out of bed with the two of you as Daddy left for work.  Daddy had bought cinnamon rolls yesterday, so guess what we had to eat this Saturday morning!  Mmmm, we all were super excited to be eating something so tasty... thank you Daddy!  After two cups of coffee, Mommy got you two dressed and Bodhi, you and I played some ball.  You are still batting left-handed YAY!  

When Daddy arrived home, he took a shower and insisted that we all go out and run some family errands (Mommy didn't have time to take a shower, ugggh).  So we ran around picking up Christmas gifts etc... and then we all headed home, everyone exhausted!  Mommy, however, had no time for an afternoon nap.  Instead, Mommy went and volunteered with the animal shelter while you guys and Daddy napped.  When Mommy arrived back home, shortly after 4pm, you both were still asleep.  Mommy got busy scooping poo out of the yard, spray painting picture frames and a candlabra.  Jude, Mommy had just came inside, talking to Daddy, and you came down the stairs with your big ol' happy mug!  You are so sweet!  You came down the stairs saying, "I want ouuu Mommy."  So we cuddled and cuddled, until Daddy got jealous hee/hee and so he took you with him to pick some things up from the store, and to purchase Brother Aaron's present.  You had a great time, though you were extremely upset you didn't drive the reindeer.  Yep, Mommy's car is a reindeer hee/hee  You two went nuts when you saw that Mommy's car grew antlers and a big red nose.  I mean you guys had a cow over Momma's car being Santa's reindeer  helper :) While the boys were away, you, Ms. Bodhi were still sleeping.  Mommy went in and woke you up and you played in your room, listening in on Mommy's and GiGi's and Mommy's and Grandmoo's telephone conversations ha/ha  Mommy was ordering presents online for Grandmoo and GiGi.  

After Daddy and Buddha arrived home, with dinner :), we all sat and ate dinner together.  Mommy was left to clean up and stash presents away while you two colored with Daddy in the living room.  Mommy then tended to the cats, dogs, and then ran to TJMaxx in search a lamp replacement.  Jude, you broke another of Mommy's lamps a couple of months back, so Mommy keeps checking TJMaxx's, hoping to come across another.  They retail for like $280 and Mommy scored them for $45.  However, I've yet to have any luck locating another one :(  

When Mommy and Ms. Allie arrived home, Mommy danced with the two of you and then tucked you both in bed, you, Ms. Bodhi times 27 ha/ha "Mommy, rock me."  "Mommy, tuck me in again."  "Mommy turn my channel."  "Mommy, I want to watch you..." on and on and on.  Today, was tiring for Momma.  However, you two were very good babes, you, Mr. Jude had very few tantrums today :)  Sweet dreams my sweet babes!

Grandmoo says Mommy is a dork ha/ha :)  

GO TO BED! ha/ha!  I love you!