Saturday On the Road

Friday’s hectic day was followed by another hectic day, a long hectic day!

Daddy was up early and off to work, concerned again Mister Buddha that you would find yourself to some form of mischief, like going out the back door or getting into the refrigerator, so Daddy kissed Mommy and awakened her to be on Jude alertJ.

When Daddy got home from work, Mommy was hurriedly finishing getting everyone ready for our road trip to Westfield to get our Mazda serviced and to look over prospective new vehicles. We first made our routine stopover at the Farmer’s Market, and again Daddy was disappointed Mary and her husband were not there yet another week. We were additionally disappointed that there was no honey available from our favorite vendor Dragonwood, still we purchased goodies from our other favorite vendor, the Amish bakersJ. We, of course, had to additionally visit with Bonkers the clown and receive from him a gift of a balloon animal for each of youJ.

Once in Westfield, we waited patiently while we had the oil changed in the Mazda and the tires rotated (Mommy and Daddy follow Papaw’s advice and take care of our vehiclesJ) and spoke with a sales representative the possibility of trading our Mazda 3 in for a new Mazda 3; that prospect remains under consideration though Mommy and Daddy would prefer to purchase a vehicle from our friends, the Stiner’s.

After our visit at the car dealer, we hurriedly rushed to The Cheesecake Factory for dinner, anxious to ultimately return home to visit with Brother Ryan and Sister Holly who were making a special trip to see Sister Kelly and Brother Aaron and to wish Daddy a Happy Father’s DayJ! After our dinner, we stopped by the Mini-Cooper dealership and had the Mazda appraised for trade-in and spoke with some sales representatives about the purchase of a Mini-Cooper. Daddy became very stressed at falling behind our time-table and frustrated further by traffic problems due to construction all around Indianapolis and Carmel.

It was nearly 4:30 p.m. when we finally arrived back home to find Brother Ryan and Sister Holly and Sister Kelly and Brother Aaron waiting for us, and Daddy cherished the opportunity to visit with Brother Ryan whom we so seldom see---it really, really, really made for a special Father’s Day weekend that he and Sister Holly took the time to come from South Bend for the visit. After our visit, which always seems so very short, Brother Ryan and Sister Holly and Brother Aaron and Sister Kelly were on their way, and the toll of the day began quickly to show on all of us.

We settled in for the night, blessed by the love we have for each other and enchanted by the happiness of our very, very, very special family. Daddy truly was thoughtful of a magnificent Father’s Day weekend underway…and it wasn’t even over yetJ.

A Hard Day in Jericho or A Hard Day at Flat Rock

Daddy worked with a friend who used to use these expressions when it was a difficult day at work, Daddy never quite understood what made “Jericho” or “Flat Rock” likely references for difficult days, assuming some connection with a biblical battle or classic Western (or both), but today would have fit the description—it was a difficult dayL.

Daddy was up and away quite early, being certain to lock both the regular doors and screen doors behind him, as you have become a bit of an escape artist young BuddhaJ. You have also become something of a household “menace” in a recent habit of raiding the refrigerator and leaving the refrigerator door standing openL. Daddy and Mommy expect you to become a refrigerator raider sometime in your teen years, it just appears you are at least a decade ahead of your timeJ.

After Daddy’s early morning class, Daddy hurried home to watch the Prince and Princess of Indiana, while Mommy did one of her jobs, then when Mommy returned home, Daddy rushed back to work, and did not have an opportunity to come back home until late afternoon---we were all looking forward to a special Father’s Day weekend, but work has both Mommy and Daddy stretched and stressed to the limitL.

By the time we all settled in from work for an afternoon together, Mommy and Daddy alternated mowing the yard, Mommy worked in the yard and did some planting in our perennial garden in our back yard, and Daddy and Bodhi and Buddha took a nap togetherJ. After our nap, Mommy took the two of you off on a secret mission, which in part included a visit to an antique store and purchase of some adornments for our beautiful back yard, a discovery of a birthday present for our friend Aunt Diana, and a secret Daddy wouldn’t discover for two more daysJ.

By the time early evening rolled around, we were off to Greentown to celebrate Brother Aaron’s birthday, where we found Sister Kelly had really decked their house out for a great birthday celebration! We all enjoyed our dinner and birthday dessert, and gave Brother Aaron his birthday hugs and kisses, and then we were off again to head home and settle in for the night. At least celebrating Brother Aaron’s birthday gave a happy respite from a difficult dayJ!

By the time evening settled we all were ready for a good night’s rest, a hard day in Jericho or a hard day at Flat Rock done and over. Thank goodness. And thank heaven for two precious angel babies!

 Today is Grandmoo's actual birthday!  Happy Birthday Grandmoo!  GiGi's surgery went well, she is now on a long road to recovery :)

Comfort Critters

Our critters have been keeping us busy busy busy.  Mommy doesn't know what she was thinking when she decided to get Dora two roommates ha/ha, but boy are they super adorable!  Since Mommy has been working more, everything else has been slipping...except with the two of you.  We've been managing as Mommy's work schedule has been increasing; you two haven't complained about the extra Sister Kelly, Grandmoo, and GiGi time.  Mommy has some financial goals to accomplish this summer (usually we are using Daddy's summer pay to renovate, but not this summer...we have got to get back to ZERO debt)! It's truly driving Mommy bonkers!  Anyway, Mommy got you two fed, packed, dressed, and out the door by noon.  We first had to run some errands; post office, gas, etc... Then it was off to Grandmoo's house.  Usually GiGi and Gi-Pa watch you on Thursdays but GiGi had to get a shot in her knee and wanted to clean her house before her surgery scheduled for tomorrow. 

Yes, GiGi is having plastic surgery ha/ha!  Grandmoo and Mommy finally talked her into doing something for herself for once, something she's always wanted to do, but GiGi is the biggest chicken EVER!  After years of encouraging her, we finally got her talked into removing her extra neck!  Now, GiGi is an incredibly beautiful GiGi, and she's perfect the way she is, however, she's felt uncomfortable and self conscious about her neck for YEARS.  Now Daddy totally disagrees with GiGi's decision, and he hates that Grandmoo and Mommy talked her into having the procedure :/  BUT Daddy, GiGi has worked hard her entire life, has never done anything for herself, and is always doing for others...so Daddy, you are wrong ha/ha!  However, Mommy and Grandmoo are now nervous that she is finally going through with it.  Here GiGi LOVES life and LOVES the two of you more than anything; she's healthy, happy, and perfect, so what if something goes wrong???....yep, Mommy and Grandmoo would just die!  We'd most definitely be responsible :/  So, we'll all be nervous, but sending positive vibes and prayers until GiGi is through with her surgery!

Anyway, you two enjoyed a super LONG evening with Grandmoo.  She made you guys your requested dinner; spaghetti and meatballs, yum!  Mommy took Grandmoo the stroller as she requested,  and you all went to the park :)  Grandmoo brought the two of you home late night.  Totally exhausted.  By the time Mommy made it home, sometime after 10pm, you two were already in bed.  Mommy took care of the kittens and then the dogs, and then took GiGi a bag with one of your favorite Hello Kitty's, Bodhi, and one of your favorite doggies, Jude man.  Mommy wrote GiGi a note (explaining that the cat and dog were to be used to help comfort), put the two stuffed animals into a bag, and then left  the package hanging on her back door to find in the morning before her surgery.  

Sweet dreams my sweet sweet exhausted babes!  Fingers crossed for GiGi!!!

Dennis The Menace

Mommy had to cover for a co-worker today, so Mommy arranged for Sister Kelly and Brother Aaron to come sit with you two while Daddy went to work from 11am-1pm.  Mommy had to leave early, 9:30 a.m. to drive to Lafayette for an 11am-3pm visit.  Mommy was worried about the two of you all day, but I kept it in check and didn't text Daddy with a 1,000 questions (well Mommy's intuition is never off)!

You two apparently had a great time with Sister Kelly because you had all your toys strung out all over your rooms :/  Sister Kelly is gonna have to get firm with the two of you!  However, the scare came when Daddy arrived home from work and put you both to bed for a nap.  Well, Daddy of course decided he was going to nap before returning to work 5pm-7pm.  Daddy reports that you, Buddha, snuck back up and cleared out the refrigerator; placing all the food on the floor with the door wide open, uggggh!  AND you didn't stop there.  Daddy finally awakened when he heard you, Buddha, yelling and screaming-banging on the door (just like Momma's sleep walking episode in Tennessee when I was just a tot myself).  Who knows how long you were outside, or what you were doing, or where you went!  Mommy freaked when I heard about it.  

Just the other day when Mommy was in the other room folding laundry, your sister apparently talked you into going out to the kitty house with her, and Mommy would have never known had I not seen you two making a mad dash out the window!  Mommy had a stern scary talk with the two of you.  Mommy explained that someone could have took you without anyone knowing and hurt you, and Mommy explained that in Mommy's line of work, parents have their children removed for neglect (such as young kids playing outside with no supervision).  Bodhi, you started crying...you understood and apologized, promising to never do it again.  Buddha, well, what can I say????  You obviously didn't get the message.  We are going to have to figure out a way to attach a lock high enough so that you can't pull a chair up to it and open the door. Oh boy!  

Hey Dennis, did I mention how many rolls of toilet paper you have wasted already this week?  How about five rolls.  Yep, that's right.  You fill the entire potty with a roll of toilet paper, go poo, then cover the poo with another roll of toilet paper.  It's quite unpleasant and disgusting digging out all that toilet paper, so how about you quit it!  Lord I hope you get easier with age!!!!

Tuesday All Mixed Up

Today is supposed to be a Grandmoo day, however GiGi needed to switch Grandmoo so that she could get a shot in her knee Thursday.  Mommy had a very long work day lined up, so you guys went to GiGi's and Gi-Pa's at noon.  You two reportedly went down for a nap.  Jude, you went potty before laying down, so GiGi decided not to put you in a pull-up...big mistake ha/ha!  GiGi reports that you came out and said, "GiGi I went potty just a wittle bit in the bed."  Well, you soaked clear through down to the mattress pad :/  Yikes!  

Bodhi, you too took a nap without a pull-up and Mommy is excited to report, you didn't have an accident :)  GiGi and Gi-Pa promised you guys a trip to the park when you two awakened, however it was raining so you guys weren't able to go :(  Bodhi, Daddy had you and your brother tucked in by the time I arrived home at 9:45 p.m.  I went in to give you a kiss and tell you I love you, and you whispered, "Mommy I had so much fun at GiGi's and Gi-Pa's!"  You were so cute, rambling on and on about everything you and your brother did :)  

Sweet dreams my sweet sweet babes!  

Here We Go Again!

Momma has been working on you since last Monday, Jude Liam Grills Holsapple!  Last Monday you refused to participate in gymnastics, you go into baby mode; baby talking, clinging to Mommy's leg, and saying, "NO!"  So, everyday Mommy has been preparing you for today.  We talked about being a "BIG BOY,"  earning a treat for listening, and trusting Ms. Chanti your instructor....well, it totally figures, Ms. Chanti was not there today.  Aunt Dianna and her clan wasn't there either :(  

You, Bodhi, and Mommy ended up sitting on the sidelines :(  Bodhi, you cried because you wanted to participate and couldn't, and Buddha, you fussed because you wanted to go home, ugggh!  Daddy always asks, "why are we spending money for him to do something he's not doing?"  Well, Daddy, because Jude man needs to socialize, and more importantly, try new things without his Momma and Sista :)-  I have faith you'll eventually get there Jude man.  I think if they let you play on the bars, you'd hang there the entire class! You love hanging and flipping!  You are so incredibly strong!  Anyway, no sticker today :(  Tough lesson I know, but you should have participated.

This evening, Sister Kelly and Brother Aaron came and picked the two of you up to give Mommy some time to write parenting assessments for work.  Well, you two went to the park, had a picnic, stopped by Menards, and then returned about two hours later.  Mommy managed to finalize one, but didn't get started on the 2nd like I had hoped.  However, every little bit helps, plus you two got some quality Brother Aaron and Sister Kelly time :)  Thank you Sister Kelly and Brother Aaron!

After baths it was nighty night time.  Sweet dreams my sweet sweet babes.

Happy Birthday Grandmoo and Gi-Pa- And Our New Family Members Arrive

So today was a much anticipated day of celebration.  Today was the day we all decided we would have a little get-together for Grandmoo and Gi-Pa's June birthdays.  Mommy frantically cleaned and completed tasks throughout the morning, all while chasing you two around.  Daddy isn't feeling well so he was out of commission most of the afternoon.  Once everyone was up, we all got ready and headed to Highland park.  

We were responsible for bringing utensils and drinks, while GiGi brought cake, and Grandmoo picked up pizza.  We ate, Grandmoo and Gi-Pa opened their birthday gifts, and then we played.  We had a great time and Gi-Pa and Grandmoo loved their gifts, but loved being with the two of you :)  Once it started sprinkling, we all headed back to our house for coffee and tea.  The rain had stopped, so we all sat outside drinking our drinks and watching the two of you play.  It was a great evening!  

We topped our evening off by picking up Sundae and Garfield from Amy, who lives behind Grandmoo.  We took our precious little Garfield and Sundae home to their new home.  Dora arrived home just in time.  Mommy got Dora situated and then we took Sundae and Garfield inside.  Dora was not pleases, as I had hoped.  She hissed and went to her cat tent to hide out ha/ha.  The babies were oddly comfortable and sniffed around.  All three of us spent about an hour in the cat house with them before you, Buddha went inside to go to sleep with Daddy. Mommy and Bodhi went back outside and spent another hour with all our furry family members.  After you, Bodhi, went to sleep, Mommy went back out to check on everyone :)  Garfield and Sundae climbed all the way to the top of the new cat climbing condo and cuddled each other inside their kitty tent.  They were so precious.  Dora continued to sleep in her cat tent, not thrilled about her new family members :(  

Sweet dreams my sweet sweet babes!  

We bought Grandmoo gardening tools, she was being silly with one of them (she didn't know what it was for ha/ha)

Gi-Pa opening his gifts :)

Ha/ha, Bodhi, you definitely have your Grandmoo's and Mommy's ornery side :)

Daddy decided to have some good ol' boy time...usually Mommy is the one that rough houses  and shares boy time ha/ha

You are so strong!

Welcome Sundae :)  Wittle Baby girl :)

Welcome baby boy, Garfield.  Both you and your sister mirror Bodhi and Buddha's personalities.  

One happy Baby girl!!!!

Little beauties!

One pissed off Dora Kitty :(