Happy Birthday VEETCH!

I don't typically do birthday tributes for people other than Randy, Hank and Max but today I'm making an exception for Sarah. Don't be mad if I haven't given you a birthday post...she has totally earned hers. Over the past 20 months of my blogging life she has left a comment on EVERY single post (over 132) and is usually the first one. So my dear sister...this is for you! We have come up with many names for each other over the years. They make no sense to anyone else but Sadonoveech, Francis, Veetch, Modon, Thuthe, Mug, Weech, Pal , Joseph, Man, Moletoe, and Sis all come to mind as terms of endearment I use for her. I don't know what I did to deserve a sister like Sarah but I can tell you right now, no one (except Kate of course) has a sister like me! Her faithful blog comments are just one indicator of the kind of friend she is. She has been my #1 fan my entire life and given me unwavering support through every single phase I've entered. She truthfully makes me want to be a better person everyday.

Unfortunately (or fortunately) I don't have a scanner because I could post some hilarious pictures from the past. I don't remember a time Sarah and I haven't been the best of friends. I'm pretty sure we played house and school well passed an acceptable age! As the years go by we still manage to act like small children. Case in point...the slip n' slide this summer.

We had no problem kicking the kids off the slide so we could go balls to the wall!

Or, act a fool on this miniature motorcycle.

We've played similar roles in life such as teachers pet at Highland Elementary, Clogger of the Month, Student Council Vice Pres. at Mr. Ridge Jr. High, supportive girlfriend to a missionary, and blushing bride. However, our latest role as mothers has to be my favorite yet. I love watching Sarah be a mom to Jack. She was born to be a mother. She has handled it with grace and ease like I knew she would. Not to mention the role she plays as aunt to my kids. They absolutely adore her! Through the ups and downs of motherhood, there are some days when our meaningless conversation is the only thing that gets me past the tantrums and sleepless nights. Sarah has a way of making me feel like everything is going to be alright. Just simply meeting at Target or Costco, going to lunch at JCW's, or hanging out while Hank is at preschool soothes my soul. I know the second we head our separate ways it will be approximately 5 seconds before we pick up our phones and call each other. We have the hardest time separating!

We are fortunate enough to be married to men who understand our relationship and aren't intimidated or threatened by it. They see that they have happier, more emotionally stable wives if they just walk in the other room as we discuss the latest drama on Days of Our Lives at length!

So to my dear sister/best friend/therapist/comedian/teacher/child psychiatrist/spiritual councilor and professional blog commenter...my heart is full of unwavering love for you! Happy Birthday Pal! Have the most incredible 26th year ever!
And, I am officially the first person to wish you Happy Birthday...notice the time this was posted.

Mother of Six?

Oh man...yesterday afternoon was quite action packed as I took care of all my nieces and nephews (minus Jack). They managed to get a long great and there were no major mishaps. Although about 30 minutes after this picture was taken, Hank got one of the nastiest bloody noses I've ever seen. It's never a good sign when you can see the blood dripping from the trampoline!

I even made them all dinner! I got out my largest pan and made a huge pot of mac and cheese. I included some apples to the side for some extra nutrition. I don't know how people have families this size? The kids were incredibly well behaved and there were no babies but I was totally exhausted. This confirms my plan of never having 6 children. I sure do love these kids though! They are hilarious and so much like their parents. I had fun making Valentines with them and jamming out to Michael Jackson. I think Lucy might have a thing for Dyson. Isabel was also pretty infatuated. Good times kiddies!

Now back to being a mother of two. These kids are amazing! They crack me up every day. Just put a Michael Jackson costume on Max, and you have an instant mood boost. I can't get enough. What two year old wants to sit and watch "This is It" for hours? That would be my Mino-man.


His baby, Jack, must accompany him on the couch as he watches Michael. He takes such good care of him. He makes sure he has a blanket and a bottle. What a random child I have!

Then there is my sweetest Hank who would die of embarrassment if he knew I was posting this picture. He insisted on making a Valentine for Nicole and hand picked the conversation hearts he placed in the envelope. "First kiss", "XOXO", "true love", and "be mine" were all included. We delivered it this afternoon in her mailbox. She is babysitting while Randy and I go out this weekend for Valentines Day, but he is too shy to give it to her in person.

He asked me "Do you think Nicole will make me a Valentine?" Oh, buddy I sure hope she does, how could she not with that face!

"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.