Mom turns 43!

Lizza's super fancy cake!

Sariah was home sick on Wednesday and although I wasn't glad she was sick, it was nice to have some company for my birthday.  While I was out walking, she made me this super cute page to count a blessing for each year of my life.  Being Sariah though, it had to be an even number so I got to list one extra.  I thought about listing all my kids together, but I just couldn't.  Each one is so unique, and each one brings different kinds of joy into my life.

I really do have so much to be grateful for.  It was a good day, the reflection of a very blessed life.

We didn't get a picture, but last night we had everyone over for a March birthday dinner.  Cole, Laryn and Brielle weren't here, but Hyrum, Dave and I were.  The day was gorgeous and so the kids played outside and then some of them came in to watch Mary Poppins Returns.  It is a great blessing to have family close and have chances to get together and enjoy each other's company.

James worked all day outside.  He pruned the grapes and then worked on the lawn.  He raked it, and cut it, and it looks so much better.  When the snow melted it wasn't looking very good with the snow mold.  He got a bit of a sunburn and a little dehydrated on his first full day of outside work.

This week Talmage and Bryant had their first track meets.

Talmage at the high jump.

Talmage at the pole vault, he's clearing his last year's PR of 9'6" easily.  At 10' his facial expression changed.  He's got to get over the mental 10' bar first.  

Bryant running the mile.  

Bryant PRed on the pole vault at 8'6"

Sariah and Hyrum enjoying a late night treat (leftovers from Vard's gift last week).

Pinewood Derby

One of the things we thought about early on when we found out we were having twin boys was that someday James would be helping with three pinewood derby cars at the same time!  The day finally came.  Even though Rex and Lyle aren't official cub scouts yet, the stake invited all boys who would be cubs scouts this year since it will be the last stake hosted District Pinewood Derby.  James has been working any spare minute he has had the last few weeks to get them ready.

Lyle (blue), Hyrum (black), Rex (red)

It was inevitable.  When your twin places and you don't, it's hard to find a smile.

Lyle got 4th place.

I hope they all remember a great day with their Dad.

(I was at Riley Salisbury's Memorial with Mom.)

Spring...Finally!!

Spring means Laryn's birthday.  When she didn't answer the facetime call we decided to take a picture and text her.  We love Laryn!

I think every day this week these boys came straight in the house after school and put on their baseball uniforms to go out and play in the sunshine. They were all giggles when they found some baseball cups and had three pair of underwear on to keep everything in place.

On one of the early release days this week, Lizza came and got Hyrum and spoiled him.  Thanks to Lizza for making our special boy feel special.  

Nothing says Spring like baby chicks.  I took Rex and Lyle over on Friday afternoon to Freeman's to see their new chicks.  They aren't little puff balls anymore.

Rex

Lyle

Good News

It's nice to get good news from the school.

Just a few days ago down below our house on Columbia River Road.

  We still have snow but it is melting slowly but surely.

St. Patrick's Sunday

Thankfully, we have a Dad who has a lot of ties and we were able to find enough with green on them to wear to church on St. Patrick's Day.  (Sariah thought green fingernail polish was sufficient.)  As I look at this photo I had the thought, "I hope Christ is always in our family pictures."

Haircut

It's been awhile since Sariah had anything more than a trim.  This one can be considered a haircut.  

James wishes he could have some of it.  Maybe not quite like this though.

What a funny Dad!

Miss Connell...Makaley Specht!

(Wish I knew how to rotate these.)

Sariah and I have been going to Junior Miss since 2010 when Laryn took the crown.  With Makaley participating, we took the boys with us this time.  Now there is another crown in the family!  She was outstanding for sure!

Sariah says she's feeling the pressure now.  So far 2 winners for 2 participants in the family.

Rose among thorns.  Handsome thorns anyway.