Grandpa Sherm

My Grandpa Sherm turned 80 last week and we put together a book with letters from all of his family members. Based on his reaction, I would have to say he LOVED the book. This is my letter to him.




Dear Grandpa-

It’s hard to believe it’s your 80th birthday because to me, you never seem to age. You carry yourself with so much confidence and class; always 100% put together and ready to take on whatever comes your way. Your kindness to everyone you meet is so sincere and genuine that I don’t know anyone who has a bad word to say about you. I love our golf dates, (although they don’t happen nearly enough), and it is quite clear that the bag boys at Alpine Country Club fight over who gets to help Mr. Wankier with his clubs. You always introduce me to everyone with so much pride which makes me feel like the most special girl in the world. One golfing excursion found you in the bunker on nearly every hole, which we both got a chuckle out of. Knowing you, it was probably done on purpose to make me feel better about my game! You made me feel like I could join the LPGA tour after our round. I love the stories you tell me about you and Grandpa Karl’s numerous golf adventures.


I know that no matter what you will do ANYTHING for me. I know you will protect and defend the ones you love at all costs. A minor example of this was when my family moved to the house in Highland my parents currently live. You were working for the district at the time and I just mentioned in passing that the bus wouldn’t stop at the top of the dip to pick me and 3 other kids up for school and how annoying it was that we had to walk all the way to the bottom of the dip to catch the bus. Not one hour later, you had contacted the bus driver and from that day on I could catch the bus at the end of our street. As a nerdy Jr. High student, I greatly appreciated feeling like the cool girl with connections.


One of the best qualities you possess is your ability to listen and comfort. After Grandpa Karl passed away, Sarah and I left his house completely heart broken and the first thing we thought of, was coming to see you. Our conversation that night was the absolute perfect thing I needed to feel better. We laughed, we cried, we reminisced and I feel like my Grandpa Karl isn’t so far away when I’m with you. I am the luckiest girl in the world to have two of the most supportive, loving, and wise grandfathers…who just happened to be best friends. It’s still really hard for me to see you without him but your friendship was the definition of what it should be. I can only pray to have a “pal” like you at my bedside when the end draws near.


The way you treat Grandma is quite possibly the most tender thing I’ve ever seen. It is such an amazing display of love and respect. You never want any recognition for your good deeds; it’s just how you are. You are so unique and my life is so much richer with you in it. You’ve taught me so many valuable life lessons over the years and I know I can always count on you to be my #1 fan. For that I am eternally grateful. I love you so much Gramps! Happy Birthday!

Love Always
Annie

Max Update

Max has made a full recovery and after much struggle with the antibiotics the doctor opted to give him 3 shots of antibiotic instead. Too bad Max doesn't understand if he just took his medicine we would've had to go through all the shot drama. His appetite is back and he is once again my happy, out of control little boy.

I was suffering from some cabin fever and so excited to enjoy the nice weather so once Max showed signs of improvement we spontaneously headed up to the zoo. They have a baby elephant that is so adorable. I'm not sure if Max was quite well enough to be at the zoo but Hank had a blast looking at the map and finding his favorite animals.


My mom totally rules! I called her and told her the boys and I were headed up to the zoo and in about 5 seconds she totally changed her plans for the day and met us at the park and ride. It's always more fun when she is around.


The carousel and the train were highlights for Max. Hank didn't let go of that pole the entire ride! Safety first!

In Hank news, he has Little Bear from preschool this weekend. He is OBSESSED with Lego Star Wars. It's like pulling teeth trying to get this kid to play outside. Colby is his partner in crime these days. They play practically every day for hours. He is so lucky to live so close to his cousins. This weather is definitely putting a smile on my face today!

"That's Gross Mom!"

There is nothing more sad than watching a 2 year old throw up/dry heave into the toilet. Poor Max is a bit under the weather and wanted nothing but the Wiggles, a popsicle, and his mom yesterday. Let me tell you what he doesn't want... the antibiotic he is suppose to be taking for his ear infection. I've tried bribing him with everything I can think of and finally resorted to having Randy hold him down while I squirted it down his throat. He proceeded to gag and scream and spit pink amoxicillin everywhere. I can't possibly keep doing that twice a day for the next 10 days. What do I do?

Dara 2010

I'm feeling a little like I just woke up from a dream. I had no clue Dara was coming and now after a week of non-stop quality time with her, she's gone. We had the best time together, we always do! It never seems like any time has passed since we've seen each other. There is nothing like a best friend. Someone you can talk to about ANYTHING and EVERYTHING, someone who truly knows you, and someone who is completely content just chilling on the couch, doing nothing but being together.

My kids finally started warming up to her the day she left. They are a tad protective of their mama and I think they were starting to get sick of me being M.I.A. the second Randy got home from work! Dara and I enjoyed many long and relaxing dinners on this trip and it felt amazing.


Sarah hung out with us during the day at the aquarium, park, and various lunch dates. I don't really want to remember the aquarium...holy crap! I've never seen so many people in one small space in my life. Good thing I was with my two best friends!

I think the temperature got to a balmy 45 degrees one day so we headed to the park and had a picnic with Sarah, Jack, and my mom. My family loves Dara like she's one of their own and it really means the world to me.

I planned a little impromptu trip up to Wolf Creek for the last day and night Dara was here. Randy again, stayed home with the kids. He's the man! We had a delicious dinner followed by a dance/karaoke party back at our room.

I think I could pull out about 50 pictures like this from the past decade!

Check out those hops! Take that 30! ( I may have peed my pants during that stunt.)

It's hard to believe our friendship began almost 12 years ago. Randy has had an active role in bringing us together many times over the past few years. Thank you dear for making sure I have a friend! I couldn't think of a better way to bring on my 30's. I love you Dara! Miss you already.

Mom's Birthday and Easter Surprises!

My amazing mama had a birthday last week and we enjoyed a delicious dinner at Communal sans kids. I couldn't adore my mother more. She does anything and everything for me and my family and our daily conversations are something I always look forward to. I love you so much mom! Sarah gave a beautiful tribute on her blog. Hank picked out a beautiful plant to give my mom for her birthday so we took her to lunch the next day.

He was very excited to give this to her. He loves his grandma so very much.

Max stopped throwing his hot wheels long enough to pose for a picture. He totally chucked it at a poor guy standing in line.

Our Easter festivities started at Chris and Missie's house for our annual Easter egg hunt. The weather wasn't cooperating so we kept it indoors this year.

They walked away with overflowing baskets filled with candy and toys.

We had lunch and the kids played for hours. It was such a fun afternoon. When we got home, I got the mail and my new swimming suit was waiting for me. After trying it on, we decided to take the kids swimming.

Randy still isn't able to swim but I had a blast with the boys. Hank and I totally bonded on the slide. It was totally worth looking like a drowned rat. He held my hand and everything!

Easter morning, Hank arose with more excitement than he could handle. The Easter Bunny left about 8 clues to find their baskets. Hank sprinted to each location and Max wasn't far behind. They ended up with quite the pile of gifts and treats.

Too bad is snowed all day, they both got kites and bubble guns they were dying to try out. We got ready and headed up to my mom and dad's house for brunch.


This was the best picture I could get of the family. Max refused to cooperate...big surprise!


The food was the definition of perfection. The berries were perfectly ripe, the ham was perfectly cooked, the flowers were perfectly in bloom and the highlight of the meal...the stuffed french toast was to die for! My mom really outdid herself.

The kids snuggled up on grandma's bed to watch their new DVD's.


My dad took the kids on several 4-wheeler rides.


Jenni had us over for dinner later that night.

This amazing man, was behind quite possibly the biggest surprise I've ever had. He told me that morning Rick was coming to town to surprise the family for Easter. Dan agreed to drive Randy up to the airport to pick Rick up and I stayed at my mom's with the kids. When we heard Randy and Dan come back I got up from the couch to greet Rick, only to find it wasn't Rick at all! It was my best friend DARA!!!! I was so shocked the next few minutes were a blur but I'm pretty sure I fell to the ground, jumped into her arms and screamed with joy. I can't believe he pulled it off without me having the slightest idea. He has been planning this since Thanksgiving! It's my early birthday gift and it came on the perfect week that I don't have work and Hank doesn't have school. We are having a blast together so a recap of our week together will be coming soon. She leaves on Friday and I'm already dreading it.
BEST BIRTHDAY PRESENT EVER! It kind of makes me forget I'm turning 30 in 24 days.

Too Cool....Already?

It's official, Hank is 5 years old and too cool to hold his mom's hand at a class field trip. In fact, he pretty much stayed 10 feet in front of me the entire time. It could be due to the fact he had two cute girls riding in our car. I know deep down he was happy I was there...right guys? He was acting pretty calm and cool next to Savannah and Erin.

This is his buddy Logan. It's too bad they won't go to the same school next year. I love watching Hank come out of his shell and interact with his friends. He was so shy last year and now he has so much confidence and independence.

He might have a little crush on Erin. My favorite part of the day was listening in on their conversations. My little boy is growing up. It's a good thing right?