Gratitude

My previous 3 posts have lead up to the grand finale, Thanksgiving 2012.  Obviously, I am most grateful for my 3 children and Randy, as well as all my extended family and friends.  I hope I make that quite apparent not only around Thanksgiving but every day of my life.  I have so much to be grateful for.  If I had to pick one thing other than my family and friends, this year I have to say it is my health.  I have to be in tip top shape to take care of my family.  Over the past 5 months I have been committed to exercising every single day.  I came out of retirement from running and I am in better shape than I was 10 years ago.  I'm averaging under 8 minute miles for 6 miles!!  It's so exciting for me and a huge release of stress and anxiety.  I am grateful everyday for my body and the incredible things it can do.  I will do everything I can to keep it healthy and strong.

We had a great Thanksgiving break that kicked off with some fresh haircuts for the boys.

These are some handsome devils!  Sam loves getting his hair cut.  Those hairy suckers get him every time.

When I finished my 6 mile run on Thanksgiving morning, I found these excited boys ready to play in the annual Turkey bowl.  I had high hopes Max would really get into it this year.  He had fun for about 10 minutes which is longer than last year.  Thanksgiving dinner was held at my mom's house.  She did a beautiful job as usual.  The table looked amazing.

My dad treated us to some delicious grilled duck and pheasant for an appetizer.

He was mighty pleased with himself.  My contribution to the meal was the mashed potatoes.  It was a labor of love.  I didn't want to screw up the 2nd most important dish of Thanksgiving.  After making potatoes the entire day before, the finished product turned out pretty well.  No one needed to know I used a pound of butter and a pound of cream cheese.

The dinner was delicious, in fact I don't think I've ever eaten more in one sitting.  Everything just tasted that good.  Our meal was shared with Grandpa Sherm, Grandma Yvonna, Chris, and Missie.  

Only my mom can look this adorable after making Thanksgiving dinner!

We were enjoying some great conversation when I noticed something was a little off with Sam.  He seemed very uneasy and uncomfortable. 

Not 5 minutes after I snapped this picture, Sam threw up everything he ate that day, all over my mom and dad's couch.  Sour milk anyone?  He acted better almost immediately.

After a nice bath I thought he was over his sickness so we headed over to Jeri and Scott's.  I was there 5 minutes before he threw up again.  Poor little guy was so pale so I took him home and put him to bed while the other boys stayed to play games.  Sam went to bed around 7:30 which left me all alone for 4 hours!  It was a really relaxing end to a great day.  I was worried I was in for a long night of throwing up from Sam but he slept the entire night.  

I was leery of feeding him anything but he headed straight to the pantry and grabbed the Cheetos's.  I couldn't pry them from his death grip.  Apparently he felt much better.  Fast forward to Sunday night...he must have shared his sickness with Hank and I.  We were sicker than dogs!  Thanks Sam.

Rick came to town for Thanksgiving which always make things more fun around here.

The boys are a bit obsessed with Uncle Rick.  They wanted to hang out with him 24/7 the entire week and pretty much did. 

Hank and Rick had a pretty intense poker game at buffalo wild wings.

Randy and I had some great nights out with Rick on this trip.  

Only a few short weeks until he's back for Christmas.  Hank and Max are counting the days!

Last But Not Least...Hank-man

Now it's time for a little update on Hanksta.  We've become shopping buddies lately.  The kid loves him some retail therapy but he is not into it unless he ends up with something new.  He has a way of getting me to   give in to his constant requests.  

I mean look at that face.  Our first experience at Scheel's revolved around him finding something under 20 dollars to purchase.  It's quite a challenge in that store.  The following weekend I took him to the running store with me so I could buy new shoes.  He just couldn't stand not getting any running shoes.  Somehow, after a car ride worth of convincing, he ended up with new freaking shoes.

Hank is so motivated by money.  He turned in all his Halloween candy to the dentist (7 lbs worth), and collected money from grandma, grandpa, and Randy and I, earning $60.00.  A pretty fair trade for not eating the delicious candy he trick or treated.

After two weeks of letting his stitches heal, he finally got them out.  The surgery left a pretty nasty battle wound but once his hair grows back, you'll never see it.  He is so happy to have that spot gone.

He didn't even flinch as Dr. Goodsell removed his stitches.  My boys have this stitches thing down!

There is nothing better than when Hank and Max get along and have a great time together.  This snowy day was one of those times.  Max will do anything Hank asks so I need to keep a close eye on them!

Hank has an Instagram account and he is obsessed with taking pictures and posting them.  He coordinated his outfit perfectly so he could quickly Instagram it before school.  Don't let his Utes shorts fool you, Hank is a closet BYU fan.

He braved the frigid temperatures with Randy and Grandpa Griff to watch a late BYU football game.  They, along with a handful of other crazy fans, stayed the entire game.  He was in heaven when they moved to the front row.

Diabetes management is still a struggle at times.  On this particular night, I had to give Hank 2 shots and change his pump site to get his blood sugar down.  I can tell you one thing, this kid has more strength and toughness than any kid I've seen.  He hates diabetes just as much as I do but he is commited to being healthy and he honors my every request.  It's my job to keep him in tip top shape so he can do all the amazing things he wants to do in his life.  It might kill me, but I'm doing everything I can to make that happen.

I am so grateful for Hank.  Our personalities are pretty similar so I have an easy time understanding his emotions.  For example, his nervousness before the turkey trot at school, I totally get it.  Man, I was nervous just watching.  He demands excellence in everything he does.  He is intensely competitive and hates to lose.  Even though he had a top ten finish out of all the 2nd grade in the turkey trot, he wasn't satisfied. There is nothing Hank loves more than spending time with his family, and for that I am grateful. I love you bud!

I can't finish my grateful posts without mentioning the other man in our family.  The man responsible for this crazy group, Randy.  I am grateful every day for the man his is.  I am grateful for his dedication to our family, his incredible work ethic, and his care free personality.  He is the yin to my yang and my best friend in the world.  He makes this busy, challenging life of ours fun and exciting.  Thank you for making me want to be a better person every day.  I love you baby!  Happy Thanksgiving!  

Max's Update

In continuing with the 3 things I'm most grateful for, here is my update on Max.  Don't worry Hank, you're next.  I'm going youngest to oldest!  My little Mino-head is becoming more grown up and independent every day.  He is the best helper ever with Sam.  I don't think I would ever shower, make the bed, do the laundry, or make dinner if I didn't have Max around to entertain Sam.  They go upstairs in their little man-cave and play for hours.  Max is so patient and kind to Sam.  That's not to say he never pushes him down or wrestles too rough.  That's Max's way of showing his love, at least that's what I keep telling myself!

His brothers are his best friends.  Max will do anything for them.

Max idolizes Hank and is quickly becoming friends with all of Hank's friends.  They played for hours after the first snow storm of the year.  Max stayed out for an hour longer than Hank.  He loves to fight imaginary guys. I don't get it but he can play that game for hours.  I'm pretty sure that's what he was doing.

He just knew Hank would win the turkey trot.  He said Hank was the best at everything.  When Hank didn't win, Max wouldn't hear of it.  He just knew Hank won.

Max has really started making some great friends at preschool and around our neighborhood.  A year ago, he never would've wanted to go to a birthday party for a friend.  He got his face painted at Haylee's birthday party last week.  He wasn't nervous to go, and he had a blast.  I love his recap's.  Max pays attention to the smallest details most people miss.  A year ago, he never would've gone to the neighbors house, knock on the door and see if they wanted to play.  He does that almost every day now. I love to see him developing some cute little friendships.

I love watching his friendship with Jack grow as well.  These two could not be cuter on this particular day.

They certainly know how to push each others buttons though!  That's pretty funny to watch as well.

A Max update just wouldn't be complete without the latest bloody pictures.  This poor kid just seems to be a magnet for head injuries.  He was playing at his buddy's house when the top part of a desk came crashing down on top of him.  The second I heard that blood curdling scream, I knew there was a trip to the Instacare in our future.  We're becoming regulars there, hopefully they won't send child protective services out to question me.  The doc determined a few staples would close the wound up nicely.  Max handled it like the seasoned pro he is.  The doctor said he'd never seen a tougher 5 year old in all his years practicing medicine.  I totally believe it!  I was squeezing his hands way tighter than he was squeezing mine.  Something tells me this won't be our last round of stitches with this kid.

    

Max has the amazing ability to be the most adorable, sweet, tender kid and then flip a switch and become a little punk.  This picture illustrates that perfectly because shortly after it was taken, he was shoving chicken nuggets into his straw and then spitting it towards Hank across the table.  He thought it was hilarious, and it kinda was!

I am so grateful for Max.  It's tough being stuck in the middle of this crazy family and he handles it remarkably well. He teaches me how to be a better mom every single day.  His sensitive nature requires a different approach to parenting.  When he is surrounded by positive energy, nothing can stop him.  I have learned to be a more patient and understanding person because of Max and I am so blessed to have his sweet presence in my life.  Our family could not function like it does without Max!  That smile of his melts my heart every single time.  I love looking in the back seat and seeing him jam out to our favorite R&B tunes.  Max definitely has soul, just like his mama and for that I am grateful!  Love you buddy!

All things Sammy-Boy

Since Thanksgiving is fast approaching, I think it's time to spotlight the 3 things I'm most grateful for.  I'll start with Sammy since he's the youngest.  He's approaching the 15 month mark!! He is absolutely amazing in every way.  His hilarious personality is coming through and giving our entire family endless entertainment.  The life of a one year old is a life of constant exploration.  Sam is into everything, and giving me a run for my money most of the time.  This kid can wear a mom down in a hurry.  It's a good thing he's so damn adorable.

His facial expressions absolutely kill me.  I couldn't stop taking pictures of him at the store one day.  He loves to mimic any face I pull or any sound I make.  It certainly makes a boring trip to the store more exciting.

He prefers being outside to everything else.  When I put him in Max's truck for a ride, it was pure bliss for Sam.  The trouble is getting him out once he's in.  He loves the trampoline too, mostly because he knows it gives me a heart attack.  Like his big brother Max, he loves to get as close to the edge as he can without falling off.  

Good luck trying to get this kid dressed.  He absolutely hates it, and so do I.  It makes me break a sweat every single time.  If I wasn't afraid of him going to the bathroom on the carpet, I may just let him be naked all the time.  With a body like that...who needs clothes?  His favorite thing to play with these days is any book he can find.  He especially loves the ones with animals on every page.

He loves to swifer...again, try taking that pole out of his death grip.

Randy took Max to a basketball game a few weeks ago so Hank and I took Sam to Scheel's.  The fish tank mesmerized him, and there were animals at every turn.  He was in heaven, especially after I introduced him to gelato.  The night was perfectly capped off by his first exposure to snow falling.  He kept opening his mouth to catch the snowflakes.  It was so adorable.

Sam is no stranger to a shopping cart!  He is my errand running buddy and as long as he is securely buckled,  he doesn't make a peep.  Even when he's stuck in Target for 2 hours with the most indecisive mother alive.  

Being the baby of this crazy family means he has to catch some z's whenever he can.  He has no problem taking a little snooze in the car on our way to preschool or practice.  I am grateful every day for Sam.  He came into our family when we needed him the most.  His carefree, funny personality is just the distraction we need around here.  I look into those beautiful brow eyes and I know he was sent to me for a reason.  He just makes everything seem new and exciting.  Oh, and he loves me.  I mean totally loves me, mama's boy!  My heart is so full of love for this little one.  I am so blessed to be his mom.

Halloween Recap 2012

If you know the Griffin clan, you know we spread our holiday celebrations over multiple days.  Hank decided he'd had enough of his "special spot"/birthmark earlier in the month and it was only fitting to have it removed in time for some Halloween appropriate stitches.  Hank was awake for the entire procedure.  They gave him 5 shots to numb the area.  He handled it like the champion he is.  It was a bit more invasive than we had anticipated.  I feel a little sad having his sebaceous nevi gone.  Hank loved grossing out all his friends at school the next day.  He won't let me clean off any of the dried blood.  It's disgusting.  I can't wait to get the stitches out this week.

 It wouldn't be Halloween without the Evil Ball.  Randy and I took home the funniest costume award for our representation of Michael Phelps and an Olympic Gymnast.  I think everyone just gave us a prize for dancing around 1/2 naked all night.  I still can't believe I went pants-less.  If you haven't busted a move without pants on recently, you should try it.  It's kinda fun.

 My mom was the girl from the movie "The Birds" and my dad was a bird.  Sarah and Brett spent countless hours crafting their pumpkin heads.  All their hard work paid off and they took home the most creative costume award.  Chris and Missie reclaimed their title of best overall costume.  It was a sweep for the Wankier Posse.

Here's a better shot of Mr. and Mrs. Pumpkin head,.

I got a kick out of watching them break it down on the dance floor.

I'm a lucky lady.

 The Evil Ball Dictator never disappoints with his costume.  He was Teen Wolf this year and it was nothing short of perfection.  This year, the party moved upstairs at the Red Lion and they had a legit DJ.  The Evil Ball is becoming the real deal, a far cry from the early days in Phil and Jil's house. 

Randy and I had a blast.  I look forward to that party all year.

The kids had a party of their own thanks to their awesome Grandma Jeri.  Max couldn't stop talking about how fun it was when he got home.  She simply amazes me.  I love her black widow costume.

The kids have been dying to carve their pumpkins all month.  They couldn't wait to get started.  Hank and Max really helped out this year.  Carving pumpkins is such a mess but they were quite proud of the result.  Hank's pumpkin was the creepy hands, Max's was the bat, and mine was the witch.  Randy ran out of steam and didn't carve his.  I don't think my kids will get over it!

Now...Halloween!  Since the kids can't wear masks to school, I had to do my best with make-up at 6:45 a.m.  Hank was pretty pleased with his punk zombie attire.  He told me he was tired of being a ninja and wanted to be something scary.  Mission accomplished.

Good thing Max decided to be a desert ninja.  I don't know what I would do without at least one of my boys in ninja garb.  I helped out with Max's preschool Halloween party.  Nothing like sixteen kids high on sugar in a confined space.  It was nuts.

After a little rest, we were ready to gear up for one of the warmest trick or treating nights I can remember.  I couldn't wait to try on Sam's vampire costume.  I think the blood in the corners of his mouth combined with the slicked back hair made the perfect costume.  He loved wearing it too which was the funniest part.

Everyone came over to have soup and trick-or-treat in our neighborhood.  I love this tradition.  It's kind of nice to have everyone come to me.

Colby was a zombie, Lennon a butterfly, and Dyson...too cool to come hang out at Auntie Annie's house.

Lucy was an adorable nerd, Isabel was Gothic little red riding hood, and Jack was bones.  Considering what a hectic day it was, the evening turned out to be quite low key.  It was anything but low key for Hank, however.  He had his goal set high for the quantity of candy he would collect.  You know Hank doesn't do anything half way.  He ran around our neighborhood and Jeri's all night long, pushing through low blood sugar and fatigue to obtain over 6 pounds of candy!  He hasn't eaten one piece of it and is turning it into the dentist for a dollar a pound.  On top of that, he stands to make money from Grandpa Curt, Grandma Jackie and Randy and me.  I'm sure he'll turn a nice profit on the deal and he deserves every penny.  Halloween isn't the easiest holiday to be a kid with diabetes but he handles it amazingly well.  It's a little ironic the next day is National Type 1 Diabetes Awareness Day.

I know I say this all the time but Hank truly amazes me.  What an incredible little boy I have.  He takes all this stupid disease throws at him in stride and doesn't let it stop him for a minute.  I for one am relieved to have Halloween behind me this year. I'm not that excited to be entering Christmas season though...ugh.  I need a nap.