January Happenings

I'll post this beautiful picture first since it was literally the only day in January this year that I could run outside.   We have had the worst inversion I can recall this month.  In fact the air quality is so bad, the kids haven't had a single outside recess day since Christmas break.  Along with the disgusting pollution has come below freezing temperatures every day.  The news reported our air quality to be the worst in the nation.  I'm grateful for treadmills even though I really hate running on them.  I've been able to retain my lightning fast running speeds.  I'm averaging 7:40 per mile for 6 miles!  I seriously contemplated driving to St. George the other day so I could run outside.  It's time for me to find a race in an ocean front location.

Here are some random photos of what's been going on so far this month.

Max has been playing WAY too much Wii these days.  I have to say he's pretty amazing at it though.  I guess that's what happens during the coldest month on record.  He is obsessed with collecting all the Skylanders figures. They are 10 dollars each so it's becoming an expensive habit.  He really wanted to make money so I had him do some jobs around the house for me.  Apparently I wasn't paying him enough because he started looking for employment elsewhere.  Sarah paid him to clean up her playroom and then he asked Grandpa Curt and Grandma Jackie if they had any work for him.  Last Saturday he spent the morning with Grandpa Curt doing odd jobs around the town homes.  After working hard he was rewarded with McDonald's for lunch and 20 bucks!  They had such a great time together and he finally earned 27.00.  Just enough to buy the pack he had been wanting.

He sprinted into the store and luckily found the guys he wanted.  There was only one package left!  He learned the value of hard work and I'm so proud of him.

Hank's been playing in two basketball leagues and is doing awesome.  His ball handling skills are impressive!  He always gives it 100% and is a crowd favorite for sure!

This particular Saturday drew quite a cheering section.  Hank loves his fans.  He has made 2 buzzer beaters from half court in Jr. Jazz this season.  This kid is unbelievable.  

Sammy Boy is teething and has been pretty irritable lately.  Those baby molars have been so rough on him.  He has a nasty rash around his mouth and on his legs to go with it.  His binky's seem to be the only thing to calm him down.  Thankfully he is sleeping really well at nap time and bed time but during the day he wears me out.  It would be awesome to go outside and let him run wild.  How in the world am I ever going to break this binky habit?  It's not going to be pretty and frankly I'm too tired to even entertain the idea.

Newborn binky's forever!!

As much as I'm going to miss him when we go to Disneyland, I know he will be much happier with Grandma Jeri and Scott.  Sorry Sam, next time you'll be old enough!  

Randy is keeping busy helping James coach the sophomore basketball team at Westlake High School.  These two are giddy with excitement on game day.  There is definitely some reliving the glory days going on here.   Hank and Max have a blast watching the games and getting to know the players.  If my boys ever play at this level, I may need to be medicated to get through a game!