The Family That Gets Vaccinated Together, Stays Together!

You know I'm hard up for blogging material when I'm writing about getting the H1N1 shot. However, it was quite an interesting process. My mom and I waited in line at 7 in the morning yesterday to get a ticket for the vaccine and then today, pretty much my entire family showed up for shots.

I have to admit I'm a bit overwhelmed at the whole ordeal. First of all, waiting in line at the Utah County Health Department with hundreds of other suckers seemed a bit 3rd world country-ish. I would love to say I'm 100% confident that the vaccine is both safe and effective for my kids. I've been driving myself crazy reading all the material I can find about the vaccine. Then I had to decide whether or not to do the mist or the shot. Luckily the decision was made for me because of my kids runny noses. The nurse said the shot may be a better way to go. I get really anxious every time my kids get vaccinated. I want to trust the health care providers, yet I don't want to be an ignorant sheep and just put whatever they tell me in my body. Ugh, never the less we are officially vaccinated. I had to make light of the situation with a quick photo of most everyone there.

My dad, Brett, and Max escaped my camera. Dan was the only one missing out on the fun.

I was a good little girl and didn't cry, even though the nurse told me I was a bleeder.

Wish I could say the same for my boys. Max held it together pretty well. He gets over things really quick. His brother on the other hand...

was freaked out to say the least. The setting wasn't the most comforting. Seeing other kids screaming all around him certainly didn't put his mind at ease. I don't have the heart to tell him he has to do it all over again in 3 weeks. Hopefully by then, my pediatrician will have the vaccine at his office.

Grandpa made a valiant attempt to calm him down, but I feel Hank may have been milking it a bit at this point. I know many people who have reallly suffered with the swine flu and I do find some comfort in knowing the chances of my kids and I getting it are far less now. We shall see!

Halloween '09

We began our Halloween festivities on Friday with our first annual pumpkin carving contest. Sarah, Brett, Jack, and Grandma came over to get their carve on. To be honest, carving is a huge mess and really not that fun but our end result was quite impressive. Hank was the self declared winner, helping Randy with the scarecrow pumpkin.

We even got mom to join in, she carved the 'Trick or Treat' pumpkin, and entertained Jack.

Randy really wanted to stab something after carving 3 pumpkins!

Sarah thought she was so artistic and creative, opting out of using a pattern! She must be and art teacher or something. Her pumpkin...well, I'll let you guess.

Earlier in the day, Hank got to dress up for his preschool party. Jack Sparrow totally goes to Bear Hollow Preschool!

Easily the highlight of Halloween was paying my Grandma Joanne and Grandpa Karl a visit. My grandma dressed up as a movie star with long blond hair and a fur coat and totally freaked the kids out when she opened the door. We walked into the kitchen to find my grandpa wearing a wig and sunglasses! Total Keith Richards look a like! He was in excellent spirits, and his VOICE is back! To hear him talk truly made my day. He was chowing down on mac n' cheese and stealing the kids candy just like the old days.

I never want to forget this image. Hank couldn't believe grandpa's hair and his "monster truck" voice.

Lucy and Isabel looked adorable. My little monkey ate approx. 50 suckers today, thanks to Auntie Sarah.

I love my kids! They crack me up on a daily basis, especially on Halloween. I'm hoping Hank doesn't get too used to wearing eye liner.

Colby and Dyson came over and got some serious candy in our neighborhood. Max lasted two houses and he wanted his costume off. He had more fun answering the door and seeing all the kids dressed up. Everyone came over for chili, cornbread, and dessert. I was a slacker with the camera but Grandma Jackie, Grandpa Curt, the Jones family, the Ross Family, the Royster's, Grandma Jeri, Grandpa Griff and Karen, Grandma Yvonna, and Grandpa Sherm all came over.

Oh, Jack the lion...it seems like just yesterday I found the 'stork' pumpkin and realized a sweet little nephew was coming our way. Now look at you...thinking "mom what the hell are you making me wear?".

"Baby Stein"

This little fella is turning into a "baby stein"! He is OBSESSED with the Baby Einstein video's, which he calls "baby stein" repeatedly until we comply with his request. Ever since he began his love of these videos he has an appreciation for classical music, practices sign language, and I've noticed his hair starting to stick up more than usual....He's actually turning into a young Einstein! This kid makes me giggle on a daily basis. He has provided some much needed comic relief during a pretty difficult time dealing with the declining health of my grandpa. No matter how crappy my grandpa feels, he manages to muster a smile when Mino comes around the corner to give him a high five. It's impossible to stay in a bad mood with this hilarious little boy asking me "Mom, what doin", or "Mom, how's you oatmeal, good?". I never get tired of hearing him sing "I Got a Feeling" by the Black Eyed Peas, which is a good thing because we listen to it about 20 times a day! Love you Mino-head!

Gotta Get That Paper!

This afternoon after Max went down for his nap, I went on an organizing rampage. Hank was keeping himself occupied with his Nintendo DS, and obviously got hot, hence the shirtless look. Man, I must have been cleaning longer than I thought, because this is how I just found him. Not sure where he found that dollar but I'm not about to take it away from him! I wonder what he's dreaming about...

So Long Training Wheels!

The boys and I took a walk in this beautiful fall weather we are enjoying and I noticed how well Hank was riding his bike and how easily he touches the ground now. I suggested we take his training wheels off and he was a little hesitant at first. We've tried this a couple times before but he was too nervous and afraid of falling. I reassured him that I would be right next to him and wouldn't let him crash, so he agreed. After approximately 30 seconds he was cruising around the neighborhood so fast you never would have guessed we just took his training wheels off. Max was clapping and saying "Good job Hank". Hank can't wait to surprise Randy with his new skills when he gets home from work today.

Focus and Concentration!

Look at that confidence!

KIOP!

"Kiop" is the sound Hank makes during his Tae Kwon Do routine and is the sound he made as he smashed this board in half with his foot during his latest belt test. Hank didn't hesitate once during his test and completed every task Master Augustine asked of him. He is now a Blue Dragon. Nice work Hank-man!

Nothing much going on around here. Hank is looking forward to a field trip to the pumpkin patch this week and a play date with his buddy Crew. Max is talking like crazy all of the sudden. My favorite phrase of his is "Hey....what you doin'?" If you're lucky he's called you and personally asked that question. Randy's been busy selling policies, playing with the kiddies and helping a elderly widow change the oil in her tractor. I've been easing my anxiety over my nephew Jack's spinal surgery by baking like a mad woman. I think I've made approximately 20 dozen cookies this week. I'm so grateful the surgery went so well and he's on the mend. This morning the boys and I had some fun with the camera while we waited for Randy to wake up. Here are the highlights...

Bob the builder, I love how he wears his hard hat backwards.

He's trying to be cross eyed...his eyes aren't like that normally, I promise!

Perfect shot of the snotty nose and chipped teeth!

He totally looks like me when I run...future cross country star?

Max had to join in of course.


and my favorite action shot...

It makes me giggle every time I see it!


Again...we've been really busy, as you can see! This photo shoot went on for an hour. My kids love the camera, what can I say.

So It Begins...

I knew this day would come, however I wasn't prepared for it to come so quick. Hank is officially too cool for his mom, or worse yet, EMBARRASSED of me. The above picture was taken at Rusty and Collette's wedding this summer and I have it displayed in our living room. Today Hank opened the cabinet where the picture is, and asked me...

"Mom, can we delete this picture?"
"I love that picture Hank, why would you want to delete it?" (Notice how he chooses to use the word delete instead of take down, or move...he really wants it destroyed!)

"It's not cool mom, I don't want Nicole to see it."

My heart broke a little, not going to lie. The only thing giving me comfort is looking at the joy on his face in the picture. He wasn't too cool 3 months ago!