WAFFLE

Each morning this week when I asked London if she wanted a waffle for breakfast - this is the image that I assumed she had pictured in her mind . . .

not this . . . .

This is our neighbor's dog, Waffle. London had spent quite of bit of time with them and now associates the word "waffle" with the dog - not food. Each time I asked her "do you want a waffle?" She would look at me and go "woof woof". Too cute.

Whew. . .

. . . the weekend is finally over and everyone survived. On Sunday morning we had several family members over for brunch, got the older kids back home, and my parents left early this morning.

Here are some birthday party pictures. We had 65 show up and everyone seemed to have a good time.

The birthday boy and London

My sister-in-law make the cakes - she did a great job. Russ' favorite is strawberry.

I decided that I looked a little tired in this picture.

When my mother was out to visit in January, Russ kept complaining that his head was cold and was wearing a stocking cap in the house. He couldn't believe how cold his head got since he now keeps his hair so short. Mom and dad found this hat with hair for him and thought this might help keep his head warm.

Happy 40th Birthday

Happy Birthday to my favorite man!

Can you BELIEVE that this gorgeous man is 40 years old today! No way! most of you are saying especially since he has a 17 month old daughter and a 15 almost 16 year old daughter.

One of my favorite things about being married to you is watching time deepen those qualities I fell in love with right from the start. Our life together has grown stronger and deeper over each day. There is so much in you I respect and love and I so proud (most days - there has been a few moments I think -why didn't I listen to your brother and sister that warm summer night - they tried to warn me) to be your wife.

I am looking forward to the plans we have for our life and family. Life is good and will continue to only get better. I am thankful for having you by my side - you are my best friend and more.

You are a good father who keeps getting better each year. We can all see that from this picture. What father would sit and watch Hannah Montana in 3-D - wearing silly glasses. You make the children laugh with all you silly no nonsense actions and no matter how stupid they think you are - they laugh and it only shows how much they love you.

I hope you have a wonderful 40th birthday - you are the best and I know family and friends would all agree.

Love - Your Favorite Wife

Raise your hand

. . if you are ready for this on your table! I am so ready for winter to be completely gone and have spring here. I can't wait to fill my house with blooming peonies again. I have already asked and warned "my photographer" that I would like pictures of London and myself in her beautiful peonies.

This is London last spring in the peonies

Sorry, I haven't had time to post any pictures,but we have a very busy weekend and I have been trying to prepare. My parents are here from out of town, we have the big kids, and Russ has his 40th Birthday tomorrow. He wanted a party and at last count we have about 70 people coming. So. . . I best get busy.

Let it Sleet, Let it shoot Ice Balls, Let it Snow

When I woke up this morning I could still hear the wind blowing and something hard hitting the windows. Good day to stay in your pj's all day and not have to get ready since I probably won't be going anywhere. Russ got home at about 11:00 PM last night from Springdale, Arkansas. He said the roads weren't bad until they hit the Kansas line.

So . . . . it finally started snowing this morning and while the weather was doing this. . .

I was doing this . . . trying to finish up London's Easter dress. It is almost done, just need to get some ribbon for a sash.

Russ was doing this . . . . he had a very long week remodeling one of their stores.

. . . . and London was busy doing this. She had emptied everything out of Russ' suitcase and climbed inside and played for at least 30 minutes. She also chased the cats and watched a little of 101 Dalmatians. She is slowly starting to discover TV. She will watch something if it has animals or music. She loves "Dancing with the Stars".

It finally stopped snowing and I told London after her nap we would got outside and play. Well, the nap NEVER happened. She was up in her bed for 1 hr and NEVER went to sleep. So I bundled her up and we went outside. Russ had cleaned off the sidewalks, the sun was starting to come out. We only got about 4 inches of snow after it was all done.

Inside of going somewhere to sled, we decided to just take London around the block. She enjoyed the ride after having problems walking in it.

Anticipation

We are supposed to be receiving today anywhere from 5 – 16 inches of SNOW! Right now it is snowing in Wichita and in Hesston – Newton is right in the middle – I don't see any white flurries yet. Was it one week ago that we were having a picnic in 80 degree weather ? Our spring weather is so bizarre ! Tulips, daffodils, and the trees are all blooming. I did go out and protect all my baby plants that are coming up snow will be fine – but not if it freezes. Positive note: IF (our weather men are known to be wrong) we get as much snow as they say - we will go sledding tomorrow – it will be London's first time and drink hot chocolate – since the snow will probably be gone by Monday.