Sweet Monday

Bella often perks up when I mention that I have a "project" for her. Usually, it is art related. Sometimes, it is baking related. Both rank high in her book.

This was a happy morning for Bella. Cooking decorating! A combination of art and baking. (She also had a friend over at the time, which made it twice as sweet).Edible art!
A delicious combination!

Dream on, dream away. . .

Graydon has (pretty much) mastered the art of one long afternoon nap.

And it's a beautiful thing.

He's been averaging about 2.5-3 hours of sleep. Sometimes longer.

He's happy. I'm happy.

What a perfect arrangement.

Snapshots. . .

. . . from a 30th birthday.Opening a present from Bella over a McDonalds breakfast. . . . . . a drawing of our family. (She also painted the frame and wrapped the gift in construction paper). This little girl was super eager to give Daddy her present.A few decorationsDo the photos look familiar? :)

Bella was pretty adament that her portrait of Mickey Mouse be added to the banner. How could I argue with that?

Here's a a bit of Andy. . . being Andy.

He couldn't have done it without her.

The two greatest presents.

Before opening up his big present, Andy had to locate the Birthday Bear. He was hiding in a plant. I thought I'd be nice and help Andy out. . . "He's somewhere in the living room." After searching for a long and hard 30 seconds, Andy found the bear.

No help next year.

Bella decorated the wrapping. Rainbows are very popular with her right now.We also got him a birthday plant. Since bamboo is pretty much the easiest plant to take care of (we have another in the house that is thriving - and I can't remember that last time it was watered. . . maybe a month?), I thought this would be the perfect plant to grow with Andy. I wonder how big it will be on his 40th birthday?I'd say that in the two full days that Andy's lived as a thirty-year-old, that the age really agrees with him.Welcome to your thirties Andy!

I'll be joining you soon.

I still remember when thirty was old. . .

. . . though it certainly isn't anymore - especially when I'm married to someone who turns thirty today! (And my turn is just around the corner).

Here's a look at Andy throughout the years. I'm sure he'll love that I'm doing this.
Happy Birthday Andy!

Let the celebration begin!!!

My four year old. . .

. . . got her first pedicure! What a treat for her!

Mommy didn't get her first (and only. . . so far) pedicure until she was twenty-eight!

Bella giggled as the water and bubbles "tickled" her feet. And look! Magazines to read (or, in their case - look at). Just like the mommies do it.Graydon displayed oodles of enthusiasm that morning.Was I surprised that Bella picked out two shades of pink?Not at all. I have a girly girl on my hands.Graydon is clearly impressed.This experience was shared with friends, Ava and Katelyn.And the three little siblings who were more than patient.

Sometimes I get a little sentimental about Bella growing up.

But sometimes it's fun to look ahead to all of the fun mother/daughter activities in our future.

Planting seeds. . .

This Christmas gift has been sitting up against the dining room wall.

Neglected.

For almost three months.

Until today.Laying the foundation. . . . . . for her very own garden.And now the waiting begins.

Here comes the sun. . .

The sun came out to play today.
Two kids (and their Mama) greatly missed him.

(Bella inspects Graydon's mouthful of nature. There was a tree branch in there just moments before).The rain and clouds had overstayed their welcome. But these two visitors left subtle reminders. . . . . . that our long-awaited spring is drawing near.