Monday Madness-Boston Bombing, Tax Day, & Grandpa’s Birthday

Today was supposed to be a work day for Momma, but of course, it was cancelled (Mommy was filling in for a co-worker).  Aunt Dianna felt she couldn’t break your heart, Jude man.  She instructed Mommy to bring you two down anyway, but Mommy suggested I drop you off later than originally planned, and pick you up after I went grocery shopping.  Aunt Dianna then decided she was going to cook us all dinner, YESSS!  Aunt Dianna is an excellent cook, and Mommy REALLY HATES to cook. 

Well earlier today, Mommy sent Grandpa Kurt a text message wishing him a happy birthday…Mommy didn’t get a response so I’m guessing he was asleep since he primarily works midnights.  Mommy had felt bad about not having Grandpa over, but I had expected to have to work, and then everything kept snowballing into something else.

Mommy took you two down to Aunt Dianna, and soon after Mommy returned back home (to clear out and organize my craft room instead of grocery shopping).  Mommy had Daddy put on a pot of coffee when he came home, and Mommy turned on the news.  OH NO!  Mommy discovered there were two bombs set off at the Boston Marathon.  Mommy immediately sent Aunt Dianna a text, and Dianna responded back after looking it up.  Mommy, for some reason, couldn’t respond to Aunt Dianna…Mommy joked that the drones were keeping Mommy’s phone from working, but it was really a sad situation.  Two fatalities, 20+ casualties, and they’re still trying to figure out who was behind it. Mommy later found out from a co-worker who lives in Boston, Boston shut all the cell phone signals down so cell phones couldn’t be used to detonate a bomb…probably why Mommy’s phone messed up, huh! 

Mommy got busy drinking coffee and organizing, all while listening to the news L  It wasn’t long after when Sean Franky arrived to update Mommy about his furniture purchase. Sean went a head and ordered his mattress set and the sofa we had designed together J  Franky was super excited, and well Mommy was excited for him.  Mommy has agreed to make Franky a coffee table, so you two will have to help Momma and make it extra special.

Mommy made it down to Aunt Dianna’s, a little late for dinner-sorry Dianna, and everyone was chowing down…and for good reason.  Dianna made chicken enchiladas and this other side dish, all of which was DELISH!  After filling up and cleaning up, we all headed outside to play.   There was tree climbing, playhouse climbing, ball playing, running, and a few bumps and bruises.  Dianna then asked if Mommy would allow the two of you to get in their new hot tub.  OH BOY! Ha/ha!  Mommy is not a hot tub girl, and I’m really not a hot tub girl when the tub is made for three adults, but instead six rowdy kids, and two Momma’s are “swimming” in it bahahahahah!  You two had a blast, as did Dianna’s crew, and that’s all that matters :)  We had a hot tub party!  

We then made our way home where you two put on fresh warm pj’s, ate a huge bowl of fruit, and curled up in bed.  Sweet dreams my sweet sweet babes!  Mommy is sad for the families that lost loved ones and who had loved ones injured in today’s bombing.  Mommy loves you two to the moon and back!!

PS Aunt Dianna had some pictures burned to a cd for Momma today...however, Mommy's computer isn't reading them for some reason.  I'll have to post later.

Furniture Shopping For Franky

This morning we welcomed Uncle T Wilson into our home.  Daddy had arranged, but didn't tell Mommy, Uncle T had made Mommy some CD's and had planned a visit to see us all, YAY!  Uncle T looked great and you two clung to him like I've never seen with someone you aren't around regularly.  You two immediately hit it off with Uncle T :)  He got a big kick out of the two of you too!  

When Uncle T was leaving, Sean Franky was arriving.  Franky had asked Mommy to assist him with furniture shopping for his new apartment (you know Mommy was excited).  You two accompanied us as well.  Both of you had been asking about Aunt Nettie and Aunt Kathy "at that store with the furniture," hee/hee.  Bodhi, you were in heaven, Aunt Nettie was working.  Buddha, you even managed to peel yourself away from Mommy and spent some time with Aunt Nettie.  She of course spoiled you with cookies and lots of attention.  Mommy and Franky picked out a sofa after much deliberation, and a sweet mattress set (which Mommy is planning to save for the exact same set for  Mommy and Daddy).  We were picking out fabrics (after nearly 2 hours in the furniture store) when you, Buddha, dumped in your diaper and oh boy did it stink!!!  Mommy packed you and Bodhi into the car and left Franky behind to continue looking at fabric for his sofa.  On our way home, Mommy called Grandmoo to see if she was available to play with you both for an hour while Mommy and Franky finalized his selections.  Grandmoo said to bring you two on over.  You both were excited, however you, Bodhi, cried about your dolly being left behind at the store and not getting to say goodbye to Aunt Nettie.  Mommy assurred you that Franky was babysitting your dolly and that you would see Aunt Nettie again very soon.  Oh and Buddha, you kept asking where Aunt Kathy was while at the store, then you started teasing Aunt Nettie by calling her Aunt Kathy ha/ha!  You are such a hoot!

After Mommy and Sean Franky finished up at Lucas Home Furnishings (Ken Lucas, Mommy dear friend and former boss LOVED you two and told Mommy that I did good :)  we stopped by and saw Brother Aaron, at Cone Palace.  We picked up some dogs and headed to pick the two of you up.  You both were in heaven and didn't want to leave.  To make it even more difficult to pull you away from Grandmoo, GiGi showed up to see you two.  You both talked Grandmoo and GiGi into coming over to our house.  You both chowed down on your hot dogs, when GiGi and Grandmoo arrived.  We then all went outside to play.  Grandmoo and GiGi played for about an hour before leaving.  Mommy then got busy cleaning out the Highlander, and then the cat house, and then Mr. Arlo a bath, and then a good brushing for Ms. Dora Kitty, and then a bath for the two of you... on and on!  You two crashed after your bath.  Mommy then got busy and cleaned the downstairs.  Daddy worked all day long on his work, and met up after Mommy cleaned the house, Mommy working on blogs and Daddy grading and we watched a movie together.  

It's 2am, and you, Buddha, just curled up next to Momma in bed (Daddy's still working on work) and you told me "Mommy,  put your computer down on the floor."  Ok, baby butt!  

Super Rock Saturday

A normal start for a Saturday for Daddy, up early and off to work, Daddy reallyyyyyyyyyyyy didn’t want to get up this morning-ugh!

Once home, Mommy and the two of you were playful and ready to take on the dayJ. We decided to do some antiquing first, and we had the opportunity to see our antique connection friend, John, and purchased a Snow White figurine for your room, Ms. Bodhi. Afterwards, we made our way to the McDonald’s play land where we had lunch and the two of you played in “the pipes” as you affectionately refer to their play area, Buddha. Sister Kelly called and shortly after, she and Brother Aaron joined us at McDonald’s and then followed us home. Sister Kelly and Brother Aaron were contemplating taking you guys home for an overnight, but Sister Kelly has to help her mother at church, a friend of their family suddenly died from cancer sadly.

We all settled in for an afternoon nap and Daddy could have slept the rest of the night, Daddy confesses to being absolutely worn out from work and down because of being so far behind on so many projectsL. After our naps, we decided to try a new place for a late dinner, so we went downtown to “Drakes” and discovered they had a rock and roll band preparing to play (we were in fact warned it would soon be loud). The service was excellentJ, the food was below-averageL, and the band was superJ!!!

By the time we got home, it was time to settle little babies in for the night, Mommy literally laughed ‘til she cried when you told her how much fun you had listening to and dancing with the rock bandJ--per usual, you truly did rock out with the band, Ms. Bodhi, loving every minute of our stay (we didn’t want to stay too long, as we hadn’t planned on a band being at the restaurant or we would have brought your ear phones) and Jude Liam you were a hoot, you’re style of “rockin’” is gyrating straight up and down, with one hand extended and your index finger sticking out (while of course you hold on to your Mommy-whom you now routinely call “Mom”- with the other handJ). Both of you garnered plenty of attention and encouragement from the band’s faithful followingJ, indeed someone with the band came over and photographed the two of you in actionJ.

Daddy was ready to join the two of you and go to bed, but Brother Sean stopped in for a quick visit so Daddy wrapped up our journal entry for the day, hoping for a late night, good night smooch from MommyJ. “Night, night” you Prince and Princess of Indiana, you special baby angels and angel Mommy!

Busy Home

We started our day bright and early.  Bodhi, you wanted to make a cake, and Mommy dedicated this day for being creative, so you got to make a double strawberry Hello Kitty cake :)  Buddha, you were content with "washing" dishes or playing in the water!  Mommy received a text message from Aunt Dianna asking if Mommy could look after her kiddos while she ran some errands, and of course Mommy welcomed you Buddha's friends :)  You all ran around the house playing from room to room.  Bodhi, you started to get a little jealous when Mommy was holding Rowan, but you snapped out of it and quickly started playing with all your friends.  Jude man, you are so sweet!  You went and fetched Ro some toys, and when you handed the toys to her you would say, "here you go baby."  Ms. Susuan two doors down stopped by, as did Sean Franky.  We had one busy house :)  Bodhi, you were dying to ice your cake, Mommy held you off until it was about time for Aunt Dianna to arrive back.  You got busy icing and you did a marvelous job.  Aunt Dianna, the baker, even praised you for how well you were doing.

You two then wanted to play with play-doh.  After you made Mommy make you a Hello Kitty sculpture from out of the play-doh, you two were ready for nap time.  Mommy tucked you both in, you, Mr. Jude, had to sleep with Mommy of course.  Jude, when you awakened, you watched, "Say Yes to the Dress," and "Something New, Something Borrowed," a show on TLC about brides trying on dresses.  You kept saying, "Ohhhh pretty dress, that's Cinderella Mom."  You really got into the shows and Mommy explained that you had to vote for either the new dress the bride picked out, or the bride's mother dress that they altered to meet the brides needs.  You of course, like your sister, believe that new is better than old.  You voted "new" over and over until Mommy explained that sometimes new isn't always better ha/ha  Buddha, you said, "ohhh ok Mom."  You are something else.  

Daddy called to let Mommy know that he had completely forgot about the Honor's Banquet he had to attend for work, so he wouldn't be home until late.  We played outside for a while, Mommy started some chicken for our dinner.  You two LOVED Mommy's baked chicken, which was a first.  Usually you two turn your noses up at Mommy's cooking ha/ha.    You both gobbled your dinner down and then it was time for a bath.  You two were surprisingly tired, but not too tired for some tattooing after bath time.  Bodhi, you had asked to get "inked" and Mommy told you that we would "ink" you after your bath, since they wash off so easily.  You both took turns getting Hello Kitty tattoos.  Bodhi, you were reluctant to share your tattoos, however, Mommy put twice as many on you and you were pleased hee/hee  Mommy tattooed three Hello Kitty bracelets on you and one anklet.  Buddha, you got a baby chick tattooed on your neck, gangsta style ha/ha!  Bodhi then had the idea to put little Hello Kitty flowers on your boobies.  Bodhi, we laughed and laughed and laughed as we tattooed pasties on your brother HA!  Mommy then tattooed a "tramp stamp" of sunglasses on your back, Buddha.  Daddy has a tattoo of an angel with sunglasses on his back, so Mommy tattooed Hello Kitty sunglasses on your lower back hee/hee  You then of course got your Hello Kitty on your upper arm as well.  

You two were past ready for bed so Mommy tucked you into bed.  However, neither of you stayed down long.  You both didn't want to go to sleep without Daddy being home.  Mommy finally got you down, and then it was lights out for Momma too.  You two wore Momma out big time!  

Watching the neighbors play basketball :)

Bad Boys-Daddy Buddha and Baby Buddha

Mommy awakened to one stressed out Daddy, and that's after standing storm watch until after 2am.  Daddy was on edge and basically blew a gasket telling Mommy that I needed to keep you two occupied and out of his office, wow!  Ok! So, we went about our morning like Daddy wasn't home and Daddy was able to get his reports, tests, and what not made before his class at 11am.  Daddy later thanked Mommy, why I don't know, we carried on about our day like we always do...Daddy would have fared better apologizing ha/ha!

Bodhi, you had yet another accident, of course on Mommy's work day.  Mommy got busy doing laundry, feeding you two breakfast and preparing us for our day away from home.  Mommy had to jam everything in quicker than usual...Mommy had a meeting at 1:30 p.m. which meant you two had to be at GiGi's and Gi-Pa's an hour earlier.  We all made it safely to our destinations, it was another rainy day with flooding everywhere.  

GiGi reported, when Mommy picked you two up (Mommy now gets off earlier on Thursdays, 7:30  p.m. rather than 10:00 p.m.) that you two were made to take a nap today.  You two cannot make it to 7pm without a nap, and you two are always a hot mess of fussiness.  Gi-Pa took a nap next to you, Bo, and GiGi,  hates to cuddle while sleeping, cuddled with you while you slept Jude man.  GiGi of course didn't sleep, but she enjoyed being with you while you napped.  GiGi says you two were angels after your naps.  You two of course hated to see Mommy, however, GiGi reports you two act so much better when Mommy picks you up, and that Daddy really spoils you two ha!  Tell me something I don't know.  

Mommy picked up dinner for Mommy and Daddy and drove you two home.  Since I picked you up early, I had to make you both hot chocolate because that is what GiGi was getting ready to do when I arrived early.  Jude, you were a terror today for Mommy.  You are big into temper tantrums, "I don't like you," "you're mean," and "NO!" Mommy spent the morning and evening putting you in time-out, and even spanking your bum a few times, ugggh!  When I tucked you in I said, "Ummm where's my sweet boy, you were so naughty for Momma today," and you reached out your precious little hands and grabbed Mommy's neck, "I'm sorry Mommy, I love you."  Oh how special you and your sister are is beyond my comprehension.  Mommy loves you both so much, as does Daddy, Grandmoo, Grandpa, GiGi, Gi-Pa, Grandma Betty, Sister Kelly, Brother Aaron, Brother Sean Franky, Aunt Debbie, Aunt Terrie, Aunt Diane, on and on!  You both are so loved!

Apparently you shave at GiGi's and Gi-Pa's :)

Building castles in the basement :)

Happy Birthday Great Uncle Dan and Great Aunt Chris!

Today, April 10^th, is the day that your Great Great Grandma Grills gave birth to two of her three children, and no Great Uncle Dan Grills and Great Aunt Chris Stormer are not twins!  You two have yet to meet your amazingly interesting, creative, animal-loving, talented builder, and highly intelligent Great Uncle, Uncle Dan.  Uncle Dan lives in Tucson, Arizona, and after the passing of Great Great Grandma Grills (Great Uncle Dan’s and Aunt Chris’ Momma) Uncle Dan vowed never to return to Indiana.  However, after you two were born he promised to return to Indiana to meet the two of you.  (We are still waiting for Uncle Dan to announce that he is coming ha/ha J)  Happy Birthday Great Uncle Dan!  We hope you’ll commit to a return trip to Indiana!  xoxoxox

Now, you two have met your fashionably sassy, incredibly intelligent, highly hip, and super creative (family trait ha/ha) Great Aunt Chris (though you, Jude, preferred Great Uncle Barry’s company to Great Aunt Chris’ ha/ha), but you Ms. Bodhi, loved your Aunt Chris (you both are girly girls hee/hee).   We don’t see Aunt Chris and Uncle Barry nearly enough either!  Aunt Chris and Uncle Barry live in Hanover, in southern Indiana, and well, like Daddy, Aunt Chris is busy with teaching, grading, plus Uncle Barry is always busy with a business or two. Happy Birthday Great Aunt Chris!!! We can’t wait for your annual visit!  Xoxoxoxoxox

We had a busy start to our Wednesday. Aunt Dianna and Mommy were texting back and forth, trying to arrange a time for our walk.  It has been storming off and on, so our plan was to sneak a walk in with the two of you and her four as early as possible, while avoiding the rain.  We managed to get our walk in and you all had a fun wet time playing in the muddy park J  Mommy dried off the slides the best I could, but the towel accidently dropped into a puddle and then we couldn’t use it anymore.  Bodhi, you and Norah held hands most of your walk, you two were a precious sight, and a perfect personality match.  You both get each other going and have a blast together, giggling, yelling, telling on everyone.  After our park time, we parted from Aunt Dianna, as she had volunteer obligations and play-dates to uphold, we however, had yard work calling our names J  You two played in your toy box happily while Mommy trimmed plants and cleaned out the backyard flower beds.  Jude, you had to go inside with Daddy because you weren’t listening and you said you wanted to go in…so Mommy threw you inside and Daddy changed your diaper.  Daddy, after changing your diaper, asked Mommy if you could come back outside because you said, “I’ll be good for Mom,” and that you wanted to go back outside ha/ha!  We ate a popsicle and drank some water.  It was warm like a summer day.  You both ran around pant-less and sockless J  Jude, you said, “Ohhhh Mom the grass feels funny on my feet.”  You two were so precious.

Daddy made us lunch, ham sandwiches, stale cheese puffs, and pickles.  After eating lunch, Mommy gave you both a bath and declared nap time.  You both would have not survived the rest of the day had you not taken a nap!!!  Mommy got you both to sleep, took a shower (why I don’t know) and headed to the animal shelter.  Mommy managed to walk all the dogs J  It was rainy but they all were very appreciative to get out of their jailed quarters and relieve themselves somewhere other than where they eat!  Mommy always feels so much better after walking the hounds!  Mommy had to rush home so that Daddy could go to his lecture thingy for work. 

Daddy was stressed of course, but he made it to his presentation and I’m certain he did great.  Mommy was dying from a migraine by this time.  I just wanted to curl up in a dark, quiet room, with an ice pack and some type of contraption to squeeze my head (I need to create one)!  What I got was… A bright kitchen to make you two dinner in, a loud vacuum to clean up our mess we dragged in from earlier, and I got to chase you two around the house as my head throbbed.   Mommy sent Daddy a text to bring home a coffee, and some spray-n-wash for laundry…which he did!  Thank you Daddy!  You two were in bed with Mommy when Daddy arrived home late.  The storm (the thunder) had scared you both and you both fought over which of you got to lay your head on Mommy’s chest.  Once Daddy came home, you two visited with him, but that didn’t last long as he was tired.  Jude, you went to bed with Mommy, and Bodhi, you stayed awake watching tv while Daddy slept, and then eventually crawled into your own bed. 

Mommy was awakened by the weather alert radio.  There was a tornado warning issued for us.  If that wasn’t scary enough, the Haynes siren sounded.  Mommy sent Aunt Dianna a text, no response.  Mommy sent Daddy a text downstairs, no response.  So, Mommy went outside, checked out the cats, let the dogs out, and then just watched until the “watch” was over.  I debated if I should wake the two of you and take you downstairs, but I decided to just watch and wait myself…luckily, I had went to be early because of migraine.  Sweet dreams my sweet sweet babes, Mommy will protect you J

You two singing Happy Birthday to you Great Uncle Dan and Great Aunt Chris :)  We sent it in a text to Aunt Chris and an email to Uncle Dan.  

PS Mommy has a picture of you, Ms. Bodhi and your friend Norah, but I can't find my cell phone at the moment :(

Tuesday Not In The Toilet

The mornings before work are always crazy busy.  Mommy is checking email for last minute changes, organizing documents, packing for Mommy's work, packing for the two of you, mapping out routes and finalizing plans.  You are probably thinking, hmmm, probably best to do that the night before.  Truth is, Mommy spends most evenings cleaning, taking care of critters, finalizing work, catching up on blogs, bills etc... so Mommy always pushes the preparation for work to the morning of, some how it just works.  On top of the usual preparation, Mommy discovered (by way of confession, Bodhi) your pull-up had leaked and all of your pillows, kitties, and blankets were soaked and needing a hot wash.  So Mommy assured you that it would be okay, that I would simply wash your bedding so it would be fresh when you returned back from Grandmoo's house.  Mommy then went into your room, Jude man.  Mommy opens shades and makes your bed every morning... however, I discovered that Mr. Arlo had apparently crawled into your after you had crawled into Mommy's bed, and well that's BAD NEWS.  Mr. Arlo pottied all over your bed, his potty is the worst kind of potty...thick, smelly, and a ton!  Mr. Arlo doesn't potty in the house generally, except when there is a blanket or a pillow on the floor, or when your gate isn't in front of your room to block access from your bed uggggh!  Mommy thinks he tries to hump the bedding items and ends up peeing everywhere, double ugggggh!  So, Mommy had yet another load of laundry to get done prior to work.  Daddy gets off late and picks you two up from Grandmoo's.  You both are usually ready for bed, so expecting Daddy to finish drying and making the beds prior to putting you two to bed, well, it's just unrealistic.  Mommy managed to get it all done though :)  You two also managed to have some fun despite Mommy running around with her head cut off ha/ha!

We were then off to Grandmoo's house, YAY!  Grandmoo's bladder continues to hurt her, she could hardly stand to stand.  Mommy offered to take you two elsewhere or call off work, but Grandmoo insisted that you two stay that she would manage :(  Well, Grandmoo managed and you two reportedly and expressly had a good time :)

Bodhi in Mommy's coat :)

Ma Baby Girl!

Ma Baby Buddha :)... Making an Uncle Tony face I must add!

Acting like Mr. Arlo on Mr. Arlo's bed, silly boy!

I think Bodhi and Grandmoo were poking fun at you Mr. Slick, after your bath :)

Silly Babes!  What the heck happened to your hair Bodhi?