Birthday Boy

Today James turns 32. It is amazing to me the man he has become in 32 short years. He is kind, thoughtful, talented, hard-working, funny, pensive, insightful, intelligent, service oriented, and diligent just to name a few qualities off the top of my head. I don't know how I got so blessed but I am forever grateful. I couldn't have picked a more wonderful husband or father, or companion.

Sariah has been as excited about this birthday as anyone. She has been talking balloons, banners, and birthday cakes for days now. Last night she hid his present in the dryer. In her words, "he never looks in there." (If she only knew how often he does the folding of the clothes after she goes to sleep at night.) Today, she helped me bake the cake, and take a birthday lunch to Dad at the seminary building. As he examined his wrapped present, James rhetorically asked, "What could it be?" Sariah exclaimed, "Shoes!" What's not to love about that little girl?

This evening, a friend invited us over for dinner. She cooks the most delicious Cafe Rio, our favorite Utah restaurant. It was perfect timing for a perfect birthday treat. We probably wouldn't have been able to go out on a school night, but this little "party" made it feel like we celebrated.

Yesterday, Talmage was elected a class representative to serve on the student council. About 1/2 hour before we were to leave for school, he announced he needed a speech. Somehow, we put something together. His closing line went like this: "Cock-a-doodle-dee, vote for me. Cock-a-doodle-doo, I'll serve you." He was pretty excited.

Last Saturday we spent the day out at Grandpa's farm. He is putting in his Field of Dreams north of the house. James was able to help him get the solid set in and running by the end of the day. It was good for everyone to be out in the open air and dirt. Even Hyrum had dirty toes.