Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Happy 60Th Birthday Dad!


I guess the Randall Jr. have a little birthday blogging tradition around here. This little post is dedicated to Mr. Randall Sr. 
Happy 60th Birthday Dad! 

From Joe:


Dad,
  Happy 60th birthday!  I hope it was memorable.  I just wanted to let you know how much you mean to me.  You are the man I truly look up to and admire.  I admire you for your work ethic, your knowledge and your sacrifices you have made for your family.  You are truly a great man.  You have raised successful and happy children who admire and love you very much.  Your wife has stuck by your side for over half of your life, you have individually become a very successful businessman doing something you love.  And the best part about you is, that everyone who knows you or has dealt with you in any form, always has the same words to describe you.  "Mike is a loyal and honest man who they respect."  People have to earn respect and you have earned it throughout your life, everywhere you go.  I am so proud to call you my dad.  I love you very much and look forward to spending time with you in a short few months.

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From Stephanie:

Happy Birthday Mike! 
I always had a dad growing up. I was never one of those girls who would seek the attention of a father figure. I never expected to gain another dad when I married Joe. But that’s what happened. Not only did I get to marry a wonderful man but I gained a second set of parents. I don't think I could have been any luckier.


You're the kind of man that leads by example. You’re not a huge talker. You'd never tell us what to do or how to act unless we wanted your advice. And even then you would be sure to make it clear that it is simply your opinion, your views on a situation.

You’re open about your feelings. On more than one occasion you’ve told me you were proud of me. Out of the blue, for no reason but to tell me I’ve made you proud. Just for being me. It’s one of the best feelings, knowing your dad loves you and appreciates you and your hard work. It means more knowing you said it because you wanted to. Not at an event, not to get attention for yourself, just because you felt it. 


In the few years that we have known each other you have completely opened your home, friends and heart to me. I never expected that. You have shared your passions with me. Not pushing them on me but you answer questions when I ask. Your willing to open up and share. I never have to pry a conversation out of you. 

You’re passionate and devoted. Your strong willed and hard working. You pass on your passions and share your hobbies with your family. You're a true father, not just a weekend dad. A few summers ago you took Joe and I on a tour of the mill and then for a mini tour of some of the land you were working on and processing. Watching you and seeing the pride  you have in your work is inspiring. I want to have career like you. A job I want to show off and am proud of.


You’ve invited Joe and I on vacations. You’ve let us learn how to be adults and grow into our roles in the family. Helping us when we need it, nudging us along. Helping Joe to become the man of our little family. Leading him in the right direction but never pushing him. 


I wish I could do more to show you how much I appreciate you and how much you truly mean to me.
Happy Birthday! Enjoy your special day and sleep well knowing you have a family that truly, unconditionally loves you and thinks you are the greatest dad! 
xoxo Stephanie

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Happy Birthday Stephanie!!!

Hello everyone,
I wanted tot take some time and blog about the best wife a man could ask for. As you may know, it is Stephanie's 28th birthday May 9th.  Stephanie has been "politely" hinting at the fact that we have been here for two years and I have yet to blog about anything so I figured a perfect time to blog would to be about Stephanie.
We have been here almost 2 years now, with a couple geat very memorable vacations thrown in there but for the most part, working 5 days a week 10-7.  It has started to feel like groundhogs day...as they say here, "same same, but different."
 Through all of it, Stephanie has been the rock that has kept us positive and upbeat.  On the days where I want to tell my boss off or kick a side of a car that almost hits me in a cross walk or elbow people who have no idea how to wait in line, walk on a sidewalk or wait for an elevator (because there have been A LOT of those days) she is great at reminding me why we are here and points out all of the positive things that have came from this experience.  With out her, I would not have been able to experience so much in my life, the places we have been, the people we have met, the memories we have made all in a short few years of being married.  I am so excited to spend the rest of my life with her and continue making countless memories together.
I am so proud of my wife, it is unreal.  She is the best teacher I have ever met, everyday I see her with the children, I am in awe.  She has this talent of being able to connect with every kid in a special way which makes me strive to be better.  She is also the most determined person I know.  If she wants something, there is nothing that is going to hold her back, she has the belief in herself and work ethic to achieve anything.  Stephanie is also one of the most humble people I know.  For all her talents and beauty, she still acts as if none of that matters.  I love the way she can be proud of herself and be confident, but in a way where no one would ever feel threatened or underappreciated.
I just wanted to wish Stephanie a happy birthday and tell her that I love her with all my heart. As well as share a few of my favorite pictures from this past year.

The beautiful queen and her princesses


Best. Trip. EVER!!!

Steph and her favorite....4 legged creature
                                                    

New Year's in Korea (a really fun hike with some good friends)
Christmas in Hawaii
                                                   

After completing our half marathon
                                              

A fun filled Friday night in Korea (We are so lucky to have met such great people)
I hope you have had a great year Steph.  Love you and happy 28!

J