"Who Dat Daddy!"

Randy's team did it...they won the Superbowl and our family was divided! Hank stayed true to his Colts and didn't switch sides even when it became apparent they were going to lose. How did he cope...


Max had no problem rubbing it in his face and continues to run around the house screaming "Who Dat Daddy".

Hank had one ally during the game....

My Grandma Joanne also cheered on the Colts.

My mom and dad hosted the party and we consumed insane amounts of delicious food.

Jack loves a good Superbowl party.

Not to worry, Hank and Max have settled their differences.

Hank-Man is FIVE!

(love the crutches in the background, perfect)

Just typing the words Hank's fifth birthday makes me get a lump in my throat. My baby is growing up so quickly. Hank is such a sweet, sensitive, smart, hilarious, athletic, number crunching boy. My heart has more love for this boy than I ever thought possible, and the coolest part is he's MY BOY! He continues to amaze me every day. He has grown so much this year both physically and emotionally. A few facts about Hank as he enters his fifth year...

• He loves Ham and Cheese sandwiches
• Michael Jackson continues to be his artist of choice. Favorite tracks include Earth Song, Smooth Criminal, and They Don't Really Care About Us.
  
• He's becoming a 311 fan.
• He is a Red Dragon in Taekwondo --total teachers pet!
  
• His best friends at preschool are Logan Tucker and Crew McChesney
• He prefers hanging out with his cousins above anyone else.
• He has mad skills on his motocross ps2 game--five and six stunt combos every time
• He drinks about 2 gallons of milk a week, doesn't enjoy food too much.
• His achilles has suddenly started hurting ever since Randy's injury.
• He has everyone in our extended families ages memorized.
• He loves tattoos.
• He cheers for the opposite team Randy and I like
• He love jerseys.
• 4-wheelers are his vehicle of choice
• He still loves Nicole (the babysitter) although he doesn't talk about their wedding as much as he used to.
• He loves to watch Scooby Doo, Phineas and Ferb, and Tom and Jerry.
  

Here is a recap of the birthday happenings

He had a birthday party at preschool the day before his birthday and totally rocked a sweet birthday hat. We made cupcakes for the class and a cool poster of Hank's favorite things.

He got his red belt the same day.

Hank got a cool bike and an even cooler John Stockton jersey for his birthday. Max gave him some monster trucks, books, and GI Joe. We lunched at Carl's Jr. and got ready for the party.

Hank decided to have a cousin's only party at the Lehi pool. Colby, Dyson, Lucy, Isabel, and Jack were all there. We also enjoyed the company of Grandma Joanne, Grandma Jackie, Grandpa Curt, Kunz, and Sarah. Randy hated sitting on the sidelines. Poor little gimp.

Jack loved the pool...Sarah didn't mind it either!

Cannon Ball!

Where was Max you ask? Just lounging in the fountain.

He was cool as a cucumber until he heard the bell sounding the "big water" was going to splash. Then he would frantically shake and move as far away from it as he could.


Next stop...Griffin's for pizza and birthday cake. Hank requested Colt's and Saint's balloons.

Grandpa Sherm and Grandma Yvonna dropped by to celebrate.

Scott (minus the mullet) and Grandma Jeri

I think I took this exact same picture of Isabel, Grandma Jackie and Hank last year on his birthday!

Dan and Lynn dropped by to send their birthday wishes.

Lucy and Dyson are such great cousins to Hank. Kate and Jenni were also at the party, sorry guys you escaped my camera!

Grandma Jeri gave him 'This Is It".

Grandma Jackie gave him a new helmet of which I'm never letting him take off.

Grandpa Griff was in town and able to stop by to see Hank. Hopefully all his wishes come true this year.

I love you Hank! I hope you had the best birthday ever buddy!

Who Dat!

The Saints are going to the super bowl and the Griffin's are pumped!

I should say the Griffin's minus Hank are excited. Hank chooses to root against any team Randy and I like. Consequently, he is now a Colts fan!

Obviously the most pumped is Randy who was a Saints fan WAY before Hurricane Katrina! It didn't make the pain of surgery go away, but definitely helped.

I couldn't resist putting this picture up! This is prior to surgery on Friday. The doc said everything went really well and he expects Randy to make a full recovery. I have to thank everyone for their concern and support for Randy. It really means a lot to Randy and I. We have the best family and friends in the world and we love you all so much. I'm thinking Super Bowl party at our house...everyone is invited! Go SAINTS!

What do Randy and Brad Pitt have in common?

Oh City League basketball, why must you come into our lives every year? Each game that passes I'm grateful Randy escaped uninjured....until Monday night. It was a typical night of city league madness, lots of hard fouls, technicals, people getting thrown out, bad refs etc. Randy kept his cool through it all and the game ended up going into overtime. As Randy took the ball down the court, he took one step forward and dropped to the ground holding his ankle. No one was around him so I was confused as to what happened but he was obviously in agony. He hopped to the bench and luckily his dad was there to catch him as he passed out (I'm guessing from the intense pain he was in). He knew right away his achilles tendon was snapped. He heard a popping sound and said it felt like someone shot him in the back of the leg. We rushed him to the hospital and the doctor confirmed what Randy already knew. After an appointment with the orthopedic surgeon today and an MRI, it is clear he completely severed his achilles tendon.

Surgery will be Friday morning and the doctor is very optomistic he will be able to resume athletic activity soon. In fact, he said he would be able to make it stronger than before. He's looking at about 10 weeks of different casts and walking boots before he can walk normally. I think it's safe to say Randy is retiring his city league jersey for good now. The kids aren't sure what to do when dad is unable to wrestle and do all the things he normally does with them. Hank has been extremely helpful, where Max is taking out his frustrations in the form of tantrums and other mischievious behavior. They still want to be around him constantly as you can see.

If you're still unclear what Brad Pitt and Randy have in common watch the movie Troy...you'll thank me later!

My Saddest Day...for real this time

I thought the day my grandpa died was my saddest day. Then after the viewing and funeral were over yesterday, I realized my saddest day came today. Reality is setting in and it is rough, no lie. The craziness of the past few days has calmed down. No more distraction, no more denial. I have this aching in my heart and it won't ease up. I know time heals all wounds but right now I can only focus on getting through today. Life will never be the same without gramps, but I realize it has to be this way. I'm really trying to take his advise and focus on the positive and wonderful things in my life and stay present for them. I can just hear my grandpa telling me to stop crying about him and enjoy my amazing boys and make the most out of everyday with them. After the funeral yesterday, I am truly inspired by his life and committed to making a difference in the world around me. I just want to thank my friends and family for their amazing support and love through this difficult time. The extra hugs, phone calls, e-mail, flowers and food mean more to me than words can express. I am deeply touched by your concern for me and my family. I couldn't get through this without all of you. I love you so much!

What would I do without these boys and their daddy? They give my life purpose and I am so grateful for them.

My Saddest Day

My dear grandpa passed away today and I am devastated. Not that his death was a surprise, as he has been battling heart trouble for quite some time, but I don't think you are ever truly ready for that day. I can't believe he's actually gone. Last Sunday was such a gift. I caught my grandpa on a day where his mental clarity was very high. We were able to talk, laugh and cry for almost 2 hours. He offered his trusted advise, we reminisced, and we were able to tell each other how much the other meant to us. It was such a gift. Knowing that was the last time I spoke to him makes it all the more special. I will miss his step clap dance routine (see above picture). I will miss his soft, strong hands and his always complimentary and positive attitude. Grandpa, I will never forget the things you've told me and the incredible times we have shared. I am so honored and proud to be called your granddaughter. It is something I will take pride in the rest of my life. There won't be a day that goes by where something doesn't remind me of you. I will strive to live everyday to it's fullest potential in your honor, grandpa. I love you and will miss you dearly.

Happy Birthday Randy and Happy New Year!

Randy's birthday celebration turned into a week long event! It began on his birthday eve with a little family style rock band session. My kids are destined to be rock stars, I just know it!

I'm pretty sure I was singing "Beat It" in the next photo...Hank was a little shy to belt out the tunes. Max wouldn't let go of his guitar. My favorite was Max singing "So What" by Pink.

Randy woke up on his birthday and decided he wanted to take the kids to Kangaroo Zoo. What an awesome dad! The kids had a blast, Max was fearless and Hank got such a kick out of watching his little brother.

Max couldn't walk to each slide, he either galloped, hopped, or ran. Last time we went there, I had to help him up every slide...not this time. They were little maniacs. It is so nice to have a place where they can just run wild and get some energy out. My mom and dad even dropped by to give Randy his birthday present.

After a nap we dropped the kids off at Kate's house and Randy and I headed up to Salt Lake. Even though Lynn's concert was canceled, we decided to still go on with our original plan of spending the night in the big city. I'm really glad we did. My kids had a blast with Kate, Dan, Lucy and Isabel. Thanks guys, can't wait to repay the favor!

After getting settled in our hotel, we walked across the street to Christopher's for dinner. We had reservations so we didn't wait to be seated and the atmosphere was very quiet and romantic. Randy and I have become lovers of ahi so we both ordered that for dinner. However, I opted for the "Angry Ahi" while Randy chose a more mild version. Let's just say, this ahi wasn't angry, it was PISSED! Seriously, the hottest dish ever! The chef even came out to see if I as o.k. after my first bite. I love spice, but this was full on fire coming out of my ears! Our server kept my water glass full all night.

What beautiful presentation! I was disappointed that the dessert we wanted, a "Chocolate Bomb" was sold out! Randy didn't even get dessert on his birthday...LAME-O. There was an outdoor concert going on next to the restaurant but it was freezing and didn't look that fun so we wandered around the block and found a place to dance and ring in the new year. Anytime I can watch Randy dance is awesome. He has moves you've never seen, so do I for that matter! I love that I can completely be myself around Randy and he loves me no matter what. We always have such a great time together.

This as the view from our hotel room on the 17th floor.

It took me most of the next day to recover from our late night. Just long enough to plan the next birthday party with our loved ones. We kept it really low key, but had a great turn out.

Mother and son

Sarah, Kate, and Jack

Mama and Isabel

Randy and Rick

Lovin' the BYU sweatshirt, courtesy of Jeri and Scott...also a package of hanky's since "every dad needs one", right Scott?

Max helped his dad blow out the candles, and yes I am rocking a pony!

Max and Hank-perfect representation of their personalities, might I add!

Jenni doesn't think she looks anything like Randy, I beg to differ. Look at that picture? Hey Jenni, why are you so mad? Most people left early but we had some stragglers, (you know who you are), that stayed until almost 2 in the morning! We are just that fun, what can I say. Randy, Happy Birthday my love. I don't know many people who can get away with so much celebration for a birthday, but you deserve every bit of it. I'm so excited to see what joy this year will bring. We've had such a fun holiday season, yet I'm looking forward to regaining some sort of routine to my life. My kids need to get back on track with early bed times, school, karate, and eating things other than chocolate! Happy New Year to all! I have yet to write my resolutions but I have a few in mind. Maybe I'll post them later, so I actually follow through with them!