Spring Is Here

We've been waiting for a while, but I think it is finally here.  Spring!  I don't have too much evidence of it yet since it froze after some of the plants started coming back.  Here is a particularly fragrant sign of Spring that Benjamin and I saw on one of our tours of the neighborhood.

Like most boys, at least the one's I've had, Sawyer is thrilled to help water the plants.  Gee, if only that watering can wasn't so darn heavy!

Spring means the chance to stay outside longer and to enjoy some time in the yard after dinner.  Here is some evidence that Benjamin and Evan had a good time together for most of spring break.

Well we aren't always happy around here...anyway!  Although only Spring, the dog days of Sawyer have been around for some time.  He hates being put in his car seat, despite the fact that he recently made the change to forward facing.

One thing about Spring is our (almost) annual trip to the rodeo.  Benjamin just happened to think about the rodeo and I saw that it was going on during his spring break.  We brought along granmom and grandad and left Sawyer with Amma and Papa.  Poor guy, it seems that he gets left out but I know he will be with us next year.

Evan was so good with the animals.  He really seemed to have a gentleness around them, and really enjoyed getting to pet each one.  How sweet!

We were able to go on a few rides at the carnival.  I have to say the Evan is much more brave than I am.  I was quite nervous at the outset of this kiddie ride, but Evan had me reassured that it would all be just fine.  And it was.

This is a sneak peak at the garden, which is taking off pretty quickly.  I have been obsessed with standing over the beds, examining all of the minute changes that take place on a daily, and sometimes hourly basis.  I had no idea how quickly radishes grow, and although they are not my favorite vegetable they have worked their way into my top list due to the ease and speed at which they grow.  Yay Radishes!

While we do not eat the Marigolds they serve an important function in the garden by repelling several types of insects and varmints (although I'm not sure which).  They are also quite beautiful and seemed to have taken on an incredibly saturated hue in the raised beds.  Yay Marigolds!

With the Spring has also come a change in Benjamin's dental status.  I don't think he'll be willing to wait 'till Christmas to get these guys!

Here is a parting shot of Sawyer to remind me why I put up with his many moods.  He's DANGEROUSLY cute!!

Things are good around here; they have been for a really long time.  Sure it is always hard, and definitely a lot of work.  I feel that I am always doing laundry and always making or cleaning up meals.  I feel that way because its pretty close to the truth.  But the real truth is that I can't imagine being any more blessed in this life.  God has entrusted these precious souls to me.  I get to raise them, I get to hold them every day, I get to be their mother.  On top of it all, I get to know God, to love him, and to praise him daily.  With things this good I almost don't mind that I'm turning 40 in the next couple of months.  But that will be the topic of another post!

Marching In

The first week of March marched in with some gardening, hair cuts, and a big party.  This year I tried square foot gardening after talking to John Dromgoole at the local gardening center.  I started some seedlings out inside, and apparently I'm probably too late with some of them.  I'm just beginning to understand that timing is critical with gardening.  We'll see how it all progresses this Spring.  The boys seem to love helping, which definitely makes it a good project for me.

These are my precious seedlings that I treat like pets.  I stare at them daily (well almost hourly) to see their progress, move them to sunny spots and away from cold, and water them with love in my heart.

This was so cute.  While planting potatoes, Benjamin came up with a system of digging a hole and then having Sawyer plop the potato in the hole.  He rarely got it in the hole, but Benjamin was very patient and used the sweetest voice.

Sawyer seems to have taken to gardening right away!  He wants to help me water, but that can is just too heavy.  I guess I'll have to get a small one for him :)

The boys were way overdue for their haircuts.  I keep thinking I am going to learn how to do it, but it never seems to happen. I try to study Colleen's technique but then I get distracted.  I really am determined though.  So I bet I will be cutting their hair in about 3 years!  Anyway, Sawyer was great.  It turns out that if he is usually fine as long as there is something in his mouth (whether pacifier or lolli pop).  Without my being aware, Lance told the older boys that they could have toys after their cuts.  Doh!  The end result was smiles all around.

Lance threw a big party for his employees and others related to his business.  It was a little intimidating to ready the house for 30 people even without the boys around to divert our attention (thanks grandparents!).  But with five hours to dedicate, Lance and I got things looking pretty spiffy.  The heavy rains did not deter us from creating a cozy outdoor space for partygoers.  Next party will have to be a pool party in July!

Yay, we had lots of leftover wine and cheese after the party!

Thanks neighbors for lending your heat lamp!

Benjamin was thrilled to stay up until almost midnight!  Yikes!

On a final note, we have had a crazy up and down winter as far as weather is concerned.  Just as we think it is time to say goodbye, we get cold again.  Here is a parting shot of Evan dressed up for the cold in March.  Such a cutie!