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!