The First Week of December

I have some random pictures from the past week or so.  Before our holiday activities get too out of control I thought I'd clear my camera of a few gems.  Sam's facial expressions lately are killing me!  I'm going to get in a wreck one of these days.  I can't help but look at his crazy faces, not a good idea while driving.

His favorite thing to do is sneak into the pantry and grab a bag of chips.  He loves to roam the kitchen with his arm submerged in the bag.  Just try to pry that bag away from him.  This kid loves chips!

Sam has been my only baby to keep a beanie on.  Oooo, he looks freaking adorable in a hat!

This finger point can't be taught, it's a genetic trait if your dad happens to be Randy Griffin.

Sam loves his cousins.  He can't wait to corrupt sweet little Tuck-man.  This was an epic day of babysitting.  I don't really want to talk about it.  Sarah may not trust me to babysit ever again after the shenanigans that afternoon!

After 3 years of growing my hair out, I decided to chop it on a whim.  I love being able to pull my hair up in a pony tail but that isn't possible with my new Christmas bob.  It's o.k. though, I needed a little update to my look.

If you haven't played the game Hedbanz with Max, you need to.  He is so good at it and always gives the best clues.  Hank on the other hand, positions himself strategically in front of a window so he can see his card and cheat.  Sam really wanted to get in on the action.

We couldn't begin our holiday celebrations without decorating a gingerbread house.  The biggest difference this year was I didn't help them at all.  I couldn't believe how well they did.

They even managed to get along during the entire process, a Christmas miracle!

I've been having a serious chocolate craving lately and the only thing that satisfies it is fudge.  Since I've never attempted fudge making, it became a trial and error experience.  Note to fudge makers...don't microwave your fudge.  The picture on the left demonstrates what happens when you do.   My second attempt was much better and made for a serious sugar coma later.  Fudge Fest 2 is definitely happening soon.

Hank started playing basketball last week.  They've been practicing for over a month.  This league is in Draper and they play against older kids on a full court with 10 ft. rims.  They even have legit officials.  I can't believe how these kids can play.  Hank is doing awesome.  This league is going to make all of them so much better.  It's so much fun to watch.

Hank brought home his grades and was so annoyed by his 99.4% in math.  He is definitely my child!  I'm so proud of him.  

Lucy and Isabel gave incredible performances in their Christmas recital last weekend.  They look so grown up, I can't believe it.

Sitting through a nearly 2 hour performance was a little crazy with these 3 boys.  They got so excited when they saw their cousins tear it up.  Jack kept screaming "Lewis!!!"  Max loved when Isabel played the role of the mouse in the Nutcracker portion of the show.  He kept saying "Izzy is hilarious!"  Nothing warms my heart quite like cousin love.

Santa made an appearance at the end of the program and Max couldn't wait to have a little chat with him.  It was a definite highlight of the night for him.  Amazing how a candy cane could make him forget about watching dance for 2 hours!  There is much more to come this month.  I'm trying my hardest to keep up on things.  Next up...Max's final Christmas at Bear Hollow, sniff sniff.

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.