The Reiks

YayYay and Baby Grey

2012-02-05T07:09:00.000-08:00

Sayer's 1st Fishing Pole

2012-02-05T06:29:00.000-08:00

I am positive that every grandparent looks forward to sharing special activities with their grandchildren. For my dad, one of the things that he has looked forward to experiencing with Sayer since the day he was born, was to take him fishing. Although we aren't quite there yet, we are one step closer to being prepared to fish this spring when the weather gets nicer and the fish start biting!

I'm not sure who was more excited about the fishing pole... Sayer or Pepa!

Look Whoos 2...

2012-02-05T05:31:00.000-08:00

It amazes me how fast time flies! Really... the years go by so quickly. Now with little ones of my own I realize this for the first time ever in my life. This birthday is the kick-off to the year of two year old birthday celebrations! And this was a celebration hard to top...

Happy 2nd Birthday Janika! We had a whoo-tingly good time.

RIP Diddle Dubbies

2012-01-19T19:10:00.000-08:00

He joined me shortly after my birthday in 2002. He was the present that I gave myself. We were a family of two and he was my everything. My best friend, my companion, my baby.

I met Mike about five months after and he soon learned that Gussie and I were a package deal! So, we became a family of three. For 6 years he was our baby... long before we had the boys. My mom would say that Gussie lived a life that was better than some kids ever get to experience - and she was right. We loved him with everything we had and we treated him like he was a human. As a dog, he couldn't have wanted for more.

Saying Goodbye to Gussie on January 9th was one of the hardest things that I have ever done, but I know it was for the best. He was suffering from congestive heart failure, which came on quickly and unexpectedly. I know that he is in a better place now - free of suffering and being smothered with kisses by Grandpa Freddie and his best buddie Jake.

I got his ashes back last night, so we will bury him on my grandparents farm.

Thank you Diddle Dubbies for being the best dog one could ever ask for. I love you and miss you so much already. This house just isn't the same without your voice!

Family and Friends...

2012-01-19T18:58:00.000-08:00

two of the most important things in this world...

LOVE all of these smiles!

Christmas Day 2011

2012-01-19T17:53:00.001-08:00

Santa paid a visit to the Reik boys this Christmas and boy was he good to them! He left them LOTS of goodies and even a personal letter. Now that's a good Santa Claus!

And this is the smile that I live to see... the smile of pure joy and excitement because of what he sees awaiting him at the bottom of the stairs!

And to the basement they go with their Mimi... what awaits them below?

more gifts from Santa... the BIG gifts...

I think it's fair to say that they were happy with what they saw!

Christmas Night... Mike, Jason and Dad preparing the meal this year. What a welcomed change. Now this is something that I could get used to.

And one of the best things about Christmas... spending it with family (all of my family), including those friends that are just like family. Especially when we don't get to see them but every other Christmas. Two of my favorite guys in the world... two of my three brothers!

And Great Uncles who give and help assemble work benches for their great nephews and LOVE doing it for them! So sweet.

As I mentioned in a previous post... Christmas is a time for family. I am so blessed to get to celebrate Christmas with my entire family. Most of us are in the same place and are blessed to be able to get to be together for this special holiday! I recognize that is rare and I am very thankful... especially for my boys! How lucky they are.

Christmas Eve at Aunt Karen's

2012-01-16T18:53:00.000-08:00

Christmas is absolutely my favorite time of the year - hands down. It is a time to focus on family and celebrate the season with those you love most. It is a time for reflection and remembrance of times past and to recognize traditions old and create traditions new.

This year's Christmas had a different focus than on year's past... it was about the kids. And so, for requesting that we just purchase gifts for the little kids, I was lovingly called "The Grinch" by my dear brother. So, the Grinch made an appearance that night at Aunt Karen's... not just under the tree, but in places unexpected.

Aunt Karen's beautiful display of family photos and my boys pointing to their Great Grandma Helen and Great Grandpa Freddie... whom they recognize and know by heart even though they never met. They are the reason that we are all here today. Although they aren't here to celebrate with us any longer, they are always present in our hearts and among our Christmas Eve traditions.

And, as I mentioned before... family. My beautiful family. All of those people that I love with all of my heart and soul.

(notice the shirt?? i said the Grinch appeared in unexpected places)

Thanks to Aunt Karen for hosting Christmas Eve and for always making us feel welcome, comfortable and at home. If we can't be at my grandma and grandpa's house for Christmas Eve any longer, her house is where I would want to be. I am thankful that my boys will grow up making memories at their Aunt Karen's house. Even if those memories include running around buck naked, getting chased by their cousin Janika as they all three scream at the top of their lungs like girls!

Christmas Eve Brunch

2012-01-15T12:40:00.000-08:00

Grammy's Christmas Eve Brunch... one of my favorite traditions!

She spoils us rotten throughout the year with lots and lots of really good food, but on this morning she goes all out! When we leave this brunch we all have happy tummies!

Sayer sat at the bar this year with his older cousins to enjoy the brunch. I think he smiled the entire time he ate... he was so happy to be a part of their crew!

My attempt to get a good picture of all the kids...

this is the best that I could do.

Greyson loves his Emma Grace. Any opportunity he has to sit on her lap, he does. And, any opportunity she has to pick him up and carry him, she does. They have such a cute relationship... I hope it always continues!

Long time Friends...

2012-01-15T11:57:00.000-08:00

We've known each other for over 20 years. WOW! I can hardly believe that it's been that long.

Many years ago we started getting together for dinner just before Christmas to celebrate. Fast forward a bit and now with little ones of my own we decided that dinner at a restaurant was too stressful and didn't allow for much conversation, so we celebrated here this year with pizza and cookies.

And what a great evening that was!. We got to talk, catch up, laugh and just enjoy each other's company.

Special Cuddle Time...

2012-01-15T11:51:00.000-08:00

This cuddle time doesn't get to happen everyday...

so when it does, it's extra special.

Happy 3rd Birthday Sayer from Scooby and The Gang!

2012-01-15T09:34:00.000-08:00

He's been obsessed with them for months... 7 months to be exact!

And the whole time he's been talking about his Scooby Dooby Doo birthday party. I thought for sure in those 7 months that he might become interested in something else or change his mind about his birthday party, theme, but he didn't.

So, a Scooby Party we had and the whole gang was here to help celebrate... Fred, Velma (or as Sayer refers to her "Grandma"), Daphne, Shaggy and Scooby Dooby Doo!

Presents from Mommy, Daddy and Greyson started the day...

Followed by a party with all of his closest friends... Slayton, Stone, Ava Grace, Luke, Adrienne, Jackson, Hudson, Jackson and Janika. They played, opened gifts and ate Scooby cake!

I was a proud Momma that day as I watched my son open his gifts and give hugs and thank you's after each and every one.

We said good-bye to our friends and welcomed the next group of party goers... our family. More presents were opened and more fun was had by all!

What a lucky little 3 year old boy... to have so many people that love him so much. A special day was shared by all.

It's gonna be a GRRRRReat Christmas!

2012-01-15T09:16:00.000-08:00

It arrived one day while we were gone... the boys first Christmas present of the season. They were excited to see what waited for them inside the box. Pepaw was too. So, the three of them opened the gift together...

And boy were they excited with what was inside... Truman the Tiger Pillow Pets. One for each.

Oh boy... what a great Christmas this is going to be!

Holiday Light Tour

2012-01-12T18:37:00.000-08:00

It was an impulse buy... a Groupon for a Holiday Light Tour in a stretch limo for 10 people. I thought it would be a great excuse for the adults in my family to get out for an evening sans kiddos. So, we did. We traveled to the Plaza for an evening of laughs, holiday lights and dinner... just the adults. A well deserved night that was for all!

We saw a lot of beautiful holiday light displays around Ward Parkway, but one of the stops we made was more of a spectacle than anything. We were allowed to get out of the limo at this stop to observe and admire... so admire I did. There are no words to describe what I saw, so I will let you come up with your own...

Sayer's Holiday Program 2011

2012-01-12T18:12:00.000-08:00

I am ALWAYS amazed at the things that my children know, remember and can recite and the preparation for this year's holiday program was no exception.

He brought the sheet home from school two weeks prior to the big night and almost immediately he had memorized two poems and a song... absolutely amazing for a 2 year old if you ask me!

And so we went to the auditorium to watch him perform... Grammy, Mimi, Ms. JoDe, Greyson and I. And the performance did not disappoint...

Greyson and his friend Addi Jo - sharing goldfish snacks as they wait for big brother and big sister to take the stage.

Greyson watching the dancers take the stage... he was mesmerized...

And finally Sayer... Ring Those Bells, 5 Little Reindeer and the Candy Cane Poem. He rang those bells, belted out the songs and recited the poems very loud and very clear. Standing between two of his best friends... Stella Rose and Jakey.

This momma couldn't have been more proud!

And after the show sharing some special time with Ms. JoDe.

Breakfast with Santa

2011-12-04T09:38:00.000-08:00

Wintery wonderland, snow princesses, candy canes, balsam forests, reindeer and Santa Claus! This first ever experience of breakfast with Santa did not disappoint.

Greyson was not very fond of the snow princess, but Sayer didn't let that bother him.

So many things for little eyes of little boys to stare at in amazement.

Balloon animals and reindeer hats. What could be better to a little boy of almost three?

A forest with lighted reindeer?

Or dancing with Dollar Bill?

Even if you are the only kid in the whole place dancing... and dancing to "Last Christmas" by George Michael.

Sharing in the day with friends from school?

Waiting in line to sit on Santa's lap...

to tell him that what you want for Christmas is a football!

And as the momma... capturing that first moment on film where your kids meet Santa for the first time. Even if they are scared and crying... it's priceless!

Best part of the whole day - the kids getting to share it all with Ms. JoDe! What could be better?

Traditions...

2011-12-04T09:18:00.000-08:00

I love them!

I think that family traditions are one of the most important things about family. Traditions are the things that you remember, always. They are the things that no matter how old you are, you continue them for the sake of passing them along from generation to generation.

Every Christmas Eve my mom, dad, brother and I would make the drive from Dearborn to Platte City on the lookout for Rudolph's red nose. Almost every year we would find a light in the sky that shined bright red and we knew that Santa was already making his rounds. When we'd arrive home we would snuggle in with Twas the Night Before Christmas and then we'd set out cookies and milk for Santa. As I reflect back on this family Christmas tradition, it brings a smile to my face. It is something that I will always hold dear.

When my parents presented Sayer and Greyson with the recordable Twas the Night Before Christmas book last week with them reading that story to my kids, once again I couldn't help but smile and shed a few tears. See, with this gift, my kids and I will forever get to listen to my parents, their grandparents read us this special story.

This tradition will forever live on in this house! And for that, I am grateful!

And so he arrived...

2011-12-04T09:11:00.000-08:00

one day in November. Santa's little helper. Sayer named him Bentley.

He watches the boys during the day, then flies back to the North Pole at night to report to Santa on whether the boys have been naughty or nice.

You never know where he might land when he flies back to our house, so every morning when the boys wake, they have to search until they find Bentley!

As we tell the boys daily, you have to be nice because Bentley is watching!

Two peas in a pod!

2011-12-04T08:54:00.000-08:00

When Greyson was a newborn I really thought that he and Sayer had distinctly different personalities...

Sayer was my bold, head strong, leader and Greyson was my quiet, sweet, laid back kid! As they have both grown over the past 18 months I have come to realize that their personalities are more and more alike.

They are both head strong, bold, leaders! They love to be the center of attention and they are both constantly on the move. Neither are laid back kids, so you can imagine that most days at our house things are a bit rambunctious, loud and crazy!

But, if you catch us at just the right time, you will find that these are two of the most caring, sweet, cuddly, loving boys that you will ever meet! They are truly two peas in a pod and as Sayer frequently likes to say "Greyson is my best friend."

That is what this momma lives to hear!

We have a pre-schooler...

2011-11-15T03:46:00.000-08:00

Now that we have tackled potty training, it is official Sayer is a Pre-schooler!

He started full time in the pre-school room last Monday and boy was he ready! He was ready to get back to class with all of his old friends and ready to make some new friends. His class has 24 kiddos - 4 girls and 2o boys! What a handful.

I cannot believe that I have a pre-schooler. It is amazing how fast time flies and how much Sayer is changing and growing and developing new skills every single day. Words and sentences come fast and furious in this house. I cannot believe the things that he remembers, understands, catches on to, repeats and uses in the right context. It is absolutely unbelievable to me. My son never ceases to amaze on a daily basis. It is the coolest thing that I have ever experienced.

Best of luck with pre-school buddy! Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you. We can't wait to watch you continue to grow! We love you sweetheart!

Greyson's 1st Haircut

2011-11-11T19:51:00.000-08:00

Finally, after months and months of begging from Mike I gave in and took Greyson for his very first haircut. This mama was not quite ready to get rid of her baby's curls, so this excursion was very bittersweet. It was all I could do to hold back the tears as I watched my little baby boy turn from a baby into a big boy! Oh what a haircut can do!

Greyson loved the mini hummer...

His Jack Nicholson "The Shining" look... WOW!

Cutting those curls! Give this little boy a dum dum and he is happy. He was so good during this experience!

And the final product... curls and waves! I knew he had his Papa and mama's hair, but this haircut just proved it! Goodbye Bieber hair (as the ladies at school called it) and hello Pepa hair!

You look so handsome buddy!

Sayer, the Stylist!

2011-11-11T19:42:00.001-08:00

Look close... do you see it? Yes, the big hunk of hair right in the middle of his forehead that is missing? Last week at work I got the text message that most parents might dread...

Ms. Ashley - "Um, Sayer cut his hair today."

Me - "Really? Is it noticeable?"

Ms. Ashley - "It's right in the front."

Me - "Send me a picture."

Picture sent...

Me - "Ha... laughing out loud."

Isn't every child supposed to cut their hair at some point in time? I guess it's just something that I expected would happen at some point in time and it's just hair, right. And... thank God he's not a girl or I might be freaking out a little more.

Our stylist wasn't available until Sunday, so I let Sayer go almost a full week with his personal style. Way to go Buddy!

Super Heros and Bats... Oh My!

2011-11-05T14:44:00.000-07:00

What could be better than going trick-or-treating with your best buddies? Being the mommy's and daddy's of the boys.

Watching them smile from ear to ear when they see each other in their costumes for the first time. Amazed that they are amongst batman and spiderman and bats!

Loading the two youngest in the wagon to go from house to house for their very first trick-or-treating experience. They're not really sure what to expect, but they are ready and anxious to follow their big brother's lead!

Laughing out loud as they march into every house they visit as if they own the place!

Proud that they say thank you and even give hugs after they grab their handfuls of treats!

Excited that PePa wants to come along to pull the wagon and share in the excitement of the boys and their Halloween experience. Not quite sure what his costume is (Panama Jack??), but so, so special that he threw something together to join in the fun.

Watching how quickly they catch on. Two years down and Slayton and Sayer are "old pros"! They run up to each and every door Sayer knocking and Slayton ringing the bell. "Trick or Treat" they yell as each door opens. So cute!

And I have no doubt that next year Stone and Greyson will be in the lead... beating their older brothers as they travel from door to door to gather treats!

Best of all, as the mama, I am so happy and thankful that my boys (and Mike and I) have two of our best friends living just a couple of blocks away to share in the joy and fun and excitement of things like trick-or-treating... TOGETHER!

Fall school parties

2011-11-05T14:25:00.000-07:00

As a mama, these are the days that I live for...

music, dancing, stories, smiles and lots of special holiday treats for some special little kids...

A day of firsts for this little one and his friends...

this school knows how to make holiday parties extra special for this bunch of kids!

Happy Hallows Eve!

2011-11-05T14:07:00.000-07:00

Hallows Eve... ghosts, goblins, gouls and...

Mummys

What fun! Thanks to Ms. JoDe for the goulish surprise!

Trunk or Treat!

2011-10-29T18:04:00.000-07:00

Every year the YMCA sponsors a Trunk or Treat event for the community. We have taken Sayer for the past three years. This year was bigger and better than ever before and the turn out was amazing! There were so many trunks and treats for the kids, a disc jockey with lots of great dance music (which the boys loved), free food, face painting and games. Who could ask for more?

Check out my little super hero's... Spiderman and Batman!

This little skeleton didn't know what to think about Batman. He kept walking around Sayer with this look on his face. In fact, at one point he walked right up to Sayer (nose to nose) just staring at him with this look. I thought it was funny... Sayer thought it was a little creepy.

Look who we ran into while we were there... Spencer and MaCallen.

The boys getting their groove on before we left. They are just like their momma... they LOVE to dance.

Week 1 of Potty Training = SUCCESS

2011-10-29T17:59:00.000-07:00

I am very PROUD to report that Sayer's first week of Potty Training was a HUGE success! He made it through an entire week of school with only two accidents. I owe a large amount of that success to his teachers that are absolutely amazing. I could not have started this endeavor without their assistance this week. They ROCK!

Sayer's Potty Chart from this week at school. Great job buddy! Mommy and Daddy are SO proud of you.

Time to tackle the potty!

2011-10-24T20:00:00.000-07:00

I decided a long time ago that I was not going to let potty training stress me out. I wasn't going to force it and I would tackle the issue when the time was right. After several days of being asked to "change me - I wet" I decided the time was right.

So, we sent Greyson away for the day and spent Saturday tackling the potty.

Big boy underwear, stickers for the potty sheet and special treats... we were ready!

Saturday started off pretty rough. There was more pee pee on the floor and in the big boy pants than in the actual potty that day. But, Sayer still earned seven stickers for going pee pee on the potty and one BIG sticker for going poo on the potty. All in all a pretty successful first day of training.

Sunday was a whole different story! Sayer did GREAT! He went to the bathroom in the potty all day long and only had one accident when we were outside playing. I was amazed and so, so proud of the little guy. By Sunday night he even took the initiative to go all by himself. WOW!

Sayer's potty sheet on Sunday night was covered with stickers! He was so proud of himself.

Today was the first day of big boy pants at daycare, so I packed up several pairs of big boy underwear, some extra pants and shoes and sent him on his way. Of course as a mama, I thought about him all morning long. So, just before naptime I touched base with one of his teachers and she confirmed that he had been dry all morning - no accidents. WOW! I was amazed. When I picked him up from school I was shocked to find that he was in the same pants and underwear that I had sent him to school in. He made it ALL DAY at school on his third day of potty training with ZERO ACCIDENTS.

He was so proud of his sticker sheet. It was covered with stickers from going pee pee in the potty all day. Even more proud than the sheet was the fact that he had spent time in the pre-school room and the pre-k room. He LOVES those rooms! And he was so happy to get to spend time with his buddies.

Way to go Sayer! Mommy and Daddy are so proud! Keep up the good work buddy! We love you.

Monkey Toes!

2011-10-24T19:49:00.000-07:00

For about four months now, Greyson has had a "thing" about resting his foot on the kitchen table as he eats. No matter how many times I tell him "No, No" the second I walk away that little foot creeps its way back up to the top of the table. This weekend I caught him trying to hold his fork with his toes! I think he thinks that he is part monkey. Silly little boy!

Notice the boo-boo on his nose? He face planted into the sidewalk at school last week and that, in combination with bronchitis and a non-stop runny nose, makes for a very nasty looking boo-boo. Poor little buddy!

Red Barn Farm

2011-10-20T13:29:00.000-07:00

We have had some unseasonably warm weather this month, so a couple of weeks ago we took the kids to Red Barn Farm to celebrate the coming of fall.

Sayer with the warty pumpkins! For some reason of all the pumpkins to choose from the boys were most drawn to these! Funny!

Live animals... including turkeys -which the boys loved! They both thought that the turkey was so funny! Can you blame them?

And miniature horses that were to be looked at...

...not fed. Leave it to Mimi's to break the rules. Isn't that what grandparents are for?

And horses to ride...

Lucky for Sayer, his Greyson Jon was not at all interested in going for a mini-horse ride. So he got to go twice. He loved it!

And the ride to the pumpkin patch... this year was much more exciting than last. The boys walked from one end of the patch to the other. Sayer LOVED it. He examined most every pumpkin and Greyson followed behind him checking out everything.

And that night we sat the pumpkins on the porch...

and tried to get a good picture of the two boys together...

but didn't have much luck...

thought this was too cute not to share... the boys peaking through the deck to yell "Bobu"!

Bar-b-que at the newlyweds house!

2011-10-19T19:28:00.000-07:00

And so we gathered - for the final time on this short, but wonderful weekend. We relaxed, we ate, we drank, we visited, we watched football and we celebrated... the merging of two families. Jason and Heidi graciously hosted all of us at their home, the day after their wedding. Thank you for being such amazing hosts.

We played some football...

And dress up...

And fetch with Remi...

We took a phone call from Bob Ritchie and blushed like a school girl...

And we just gathered and enjoyed the last of our time in Nashville...

And when Sunday came, we gathered our things together, said good-bye to friends new and friends old and we all headed in different directions back to our lives waiting for us at home.

A little sad, a lot happy and very thankful that we were all a part of Jason and Heidi's wedding weekend!

From this day forward...

2011-10-17T18:54:00.000-07:00

After months of planning and preparation the day had arrived... September 23, 2011. Jason and Heidi's wedding day. YEAH!!

Cedarwood located in Nashville, Tennessee is the most amazing wedding location anyone could ever dream of. They put together celebrity style weddings, and that was exactly what Jason and Heidi's wedding day was!

From the moment we arrived at the location I was in awe with what they put together...

Everything was perfect... down to the smallest detail. From the homemade apple butter that Heidi's mom made for every guest to the quilts that were displayed throughout the venue that were quilted by members of Heidi's family... to the family photos that were displayed in the barn and at the reception. Everything was absolutely amazing! I have to say out of all of the weddings that I have ever attended (including my own) this was above and beyond! The people at Cedarwood know how to plan an amazing wedding / reception.

Being a part of my brother's big day and watching him get ready was so much fun. He was excited, yet really nervous at the same time. Although he tried to act cool and collected... I knew better! And my parents... OVER THE MOON!

And my beautiful sister-in-law to be. Just as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside.

The happy parents of the bride...

One thing about Cedarwood that I love is the amazing props that they have located throughout the property. This old Chevrolet truck is just one of them.

And the guests arrive... little Greyson Jon in his bow tie and suspenders... SO CUTE!

Sayer and his PePaw! No matter how hard I tried I could not get him to look at the camera.

And JoDe... she held a place of honor at Jason's wedding. She has been a part of our lives as long and I can remember and this wedding was so special to her. It was just as special to her as she is to our family.

And the little ring bearer... we practiced and practiced and practiced. He joked and played around every time that we practiced. At rehearsal he wouldn't even walk down the aisle, but when the actual wedding came, he did it! And he did it well!

He may have looked like a dog... being beckoned to the end of the aisle by my brother with a bag full of M&Ms in hand, but that did the trick! (Even if he did drop the cigar box and grab the bag of M&Ms when he got to the end of the aisle). We do what works!

From the cocktail hour to the reception... everything was AMAZING!

Congratulations and Best Wishes Jason and Heidi. We love you both more than you will ever know!

Puckett's Grocery & Restaurant

2011-10-17T18:22:00.000-07:00

And so we arrived... at Puckett's Grocery & Restaurant for the first celebration of the weekend. A dinner given by my mom and dad for all of the out of town guests. An opportunity to meet new friends, catch up with those we had met during bachelor and bachelorette parties, sample some down home cooking, listen to a little blue grass music and experience southern hospitality at its finest.

This was a night full of laughter, great conversation, lots of hugs and most importantly LOVE. Love for Jason and for Heidi and for our two families and friends becoming one!

To look back at these pictures takes me back to that weekend and oh how I wish we could relive it over and over again.

Nashville Bound

2011-10-17T17:59:00.001-07:00

We all gathered at the airport... 23 of us total!

We traveled to Nashville, TN to join Jason - a friend, a nephew, a cousin, an uncle and a brother. And boy were we excited!

This was a trip that we had been planning for a long time and an occasion that we had been waiting for our whole lives.

3rd Birthday Party with "The Boys"

2011-10-16T15:56:00.000-07:00

Sayer, Aiden, Hudson and Jake... these are "the boys" and Sayer's best buds at school. They're all several months older than Sayer, but they've been together for months at a time since they were in the infant room.

At the beginning of September all of "the boys" moved up to preschool, except Sayer. He misses these boys so much and he loves the days where he has the opportunity to visit the preschool room and play with his buddies.

When he opened the birthday invitation to Aiden's birthday party, he was over the moon. That is all he talked about for days before. He went to Toys R Us and picked out the birthday gift and then we went to the party where he laughed and played and laughed some more with two out of three of "the boys"!

So FUN to watch at this age.

Now I'm a Really Big Boy!

2011-10-16T12:55:00.000-07:00

At the beginning of September we moved Sayer to his big boy bed. When he moved from his crib to his toddler bed that was a "big boy bed" move, so this time I suppose it was a "really big boy bed"! He was so excited to help his Daddy put the bed together and make the move. It was pretty darn cute. He "helped" assemble the bed, carry the mattress upstairs and put the sheets, pillows and all of his animals on the bed when it was finished.

I don't think that I will ever forget that look on his face when he first laid on that bed. He had such a look of pride and joy. He couldn't wait for Mommy and Daddy to lay on HIS bed with him.

Now, if we could just get back to those nights of sleeping all night alone on that really big boy bed. Since we've had it up, I think I've slept in there almost every night. He does really good for the first 3-4 hours, then he shows up downstairs by my side asking me to come and lay with him. Needless to say, this Mommy has had lots of not so good sleep lately. I just keep reminding myself that there will come a day when he won't want his Mommy as much as he does now, so I should appreciate even those sleepless nights while they last. Love you Bubba.

Greyson and Uncle J.D.

2011-10-16T12:47:00.000-07:00

It's rare that I get my brother and my almost brother home at the same time, but for one weekend in September we were lucky enough to have them both!

This picture warms my heart and makes me smile. Greyson is so comfortable with Uncle J.D. after only being around him a handful of times. I think he can just sense that J.D. is part of his extended family.

Greyson's 1 Year Photos

2011-10-16T12:18:00.001-07:00

Technically these were 15 month photos. I tried to take his 12 month photos myself, but they didn't end up turning out very good, so I decided to schedule a session early in the fall to get family photos in addition to his 12 month ones.

I think they turned out really good. What a handsome boy I have. I swear it's the long eyelashes and those deep brown eyes that makes him such a pretty boy.

The following photo is going to be hanging above my fireplace mantle, replacing the family photo we have from when Greyson was born. This truly captures Sayer's personality and his larger than life smile! In fact, every time I see this photo it makes me smile from ear to ear.

I am so blessed to have such an amazing little family and two very healthy, happy children.

I love my boys!

Happy Birthday Mimi... and my birfbay too!

2011-10-16T11:31:00.000-07:00

These days whenever anyone has a birthday, Sayer seems to think that it's his birfbay too!

So, he was very excited to make Mimi a birfbay cake, because he thought that he was making it for his Scooby Doo birfbay party too.

When it came time for Mimi to blow out the candles, of course Sayer had to help because he just knew that we were celebrating his special day too.

And what a proud boy Sayer was for blowing out the candles on Mimi's birthday cake and his birfbay cake too.

Bachelorette Weekend in Chicago!

2011-10-15T13:06:00.000-07:00

Seven women... shopping... eating... laughing... making new friends... creating memories in Chicago - what great fun!

To top it all off celebrating my soon to be sister-in-laws last days as a single women - what could be better. I think for my mom and I this was a celebration that we had been waiting for for a long, long time!

Heidi said that we absolutely, positively had to make a stop at Garrett's popcorn and get the Chicago mix - caramel and plain. She was right - YUMMY!

And what would a visit to Chicago be without a stop at Gino's East? My husbands favorite pizzeria in Chicago - hands down!

Shopping at the eight story mall with this awesome Lego display...

and of course for my little boys - a picture of Mommy with Woody!

Dinner and Sangria at a Tapas bar...

Martini flights after dinner...

Stops at a few key Chicago sites...

And The Bean where Jason asked Heidi to marry him...

And a Chicago dog... I learned about the dog when I met Mike (he grew up about an hour outside of Chicago). My mom couldn't wait to have one! I think it met her expectations!

A personal shower for Heidi with lots of great gifts and a couple of FUNNY ones too (those pictures were not so appropriate for the blog :-))

An finally a dinner at Bin 38 - specializing in wine flights, cheese flights and meat flights. How cool was that?

And the amazing ladies that I got to spend the weekend with. I think that this needs to be an annual weekend where the ladies from Michigan, the ladies from Missouri and the lady from Tennessee can meet to have fun!

Race for the Cure... August 2011

2011-10-15T12:38:00.000-07:00

In April 2009 my life was forever changed when my Aunt Karen was diagnosed with breast cancer. Seeing her immediately undergo a double mastectomy followed by rounds of chemotherapy was really difficult. It brought a whole new awareness and appreciation of cancer to my life.

This year to honor her as a survivor and to help raise money for breast cancer research and support for those battling the disease, Mom, Aunt Karen and I walked in the Kansas City Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.

What an amazing experience. Emotional, Uplifting, Inspirational are just a few words that come to mind when I think of the event and the hundreds of thousands of people that were there to show support. This is something that will undoubtedly become an annual event for the three of us!

SURPRISE!

2011-10-13T19:21:00.000-07:00

A totally last minute decision led to a quick trip to Sedalia to the Missouri State Fair to visit with Uncle Jason for a couple of hours. When he lives in Nashville, TN and we don't get the opportunity to see each other that often - who could pass that up? Not this sister or mother of two little boys that absolutely ADORE their uncle.

To see the smile on all three of their faces was so worth the busy day and drive!

The boys loved the sound check! They danced and danced and danced. In fact, Sayer was so in awe of the drummer that he got his very own set of used drum sticks. He played with them the entire way home!

Happy 9th Birthday Emma!

2011-10-13T18:36:00.000-07:00

For Emma's 9th birthday party, she invited a group of her friends to go to the bounce zone. She included her little cousins, which was very sweet!

Sayer having a great time bouncing... he was the only kid in this great big bounce house for quite a while. The smile on his face was priceless!

Greyson was a little too small to bounce in the big bounce houses and slide down the slides, but Sayer was all about it. Thanks to Jared for being a really good friend and for helping Sayer climb to the top of the slide and making sure that he made it down in one piece!

Do you think he liked it?

Future Golfer?

2011-10-12T20:17:00.000-07:00

Papa and his boys

2011-10-12T19:51:00.000-07:00

Dirty Sundays... in this family it used to happen weekly... that was before Mike and I had kids of our own and back when our nieces and nephew were really, really little. Now a days it has become much more infrequent, but so welcomed when it does come along. It is the one day of the week that we splurge and we all eat "Dirty" food. These pictures are just a few I captured from a Dirty Sunday back in July... the boys with their Papa and Sayer with his frozen chocolate banana!

My boys love each other... they really do!

Water Babies

2011-10-12T19:21:00.000-07:00

When Mike and I sat in the subdivision office 6.5 years ago and picked the Phase II lot that we wanted we never could have dreamed what our cul-de-sac and neighbors would be like. We knew that we liked the lot and that we were ready to build our first house, but beyond that was unknown to us.

We are so blessed to be surrounded by great people in our cul-de-sac and have the best neighbors and what has grown to be the best of friends living right next door. We'd be lost without them and ALL that they do for us. They are such amazing people! A bonus for the boys is that they have a pool that they graciously share with not only us, but many other neighbors and friends in the neighborhood.

Sayer and Greyson have become accustomed to going for a dip in the pool and Sayer had gotten over any fear of the water that he might have had prior to this summer. He puts on Jared's life jacket (from when he was a little fella) and paddles his way around the pool as if he were an old pro. He has even gotten brave enough to jump off the diving board all by himself more than once this summer.

I look forward to making many more years of memories with Bobby, Sarah, Josh and Jared and my little family! Thanks guys!

RANCH!

2011-10-12T19:12:00.000-07:00

Their Uncle Jason has been known to eat Ranch on most everything. In fact, he has received large jugs of Ranch dressing as Christmas presents. I think that's why I find the fact that my boys shovel Ranch dressing into their mouths by spoon and fistful so humorous. These pictures I capture for my brother... I think his nephews are just like him!

Cancun 2011

2011-10-12T18:05:00.000-07:00

It all started with a random e-mail from Marriott Hotels which led to a quick search to see what a week in Cancun might cost. A short text to Mike (totally out of the blue) with the info led to a quick and totally spontaneous decision to book a weeks long vacation for just us adults. Our decision led to some conversation and persuasion for two of our best friends to join us and several months later we were laying poolside enjoying peace and quiet, several good books and great conversation. After all - don't we deserve it?

One of my favorite nights in Cancun was dinner at Harry's. We took the tip from a couple that we met at the pool and we were so happy that we did. We wined and dined and had the most amazing dinner, view and service ever! Certainly a treat for the four of us and a bill that we aren't used to seeing and a dinner that we aren't used to splurging on, but while on an adults only vacation - totally worth it.

Another favorite day was the trip to downtown Cancun on the bus to visit Market 28. Walking from the bus stop to the market, then to the restaurant for lunch and back to the bus stop was nothing I had imagined it might be. We saw so many sights and unfortunately so much poverty for such an amazing vacation destination (resort area).

Mike even found a trash can that "REAK" graffiti adorning it. (Our last name is commonly mis-pronounced REAK)!

The one excursion that we did this trip was a zip line / ATV tour. We traveled for miles outside of Cancun to the jungle of Mexico to our destination. Once we arrived it was beautiful and the zip lines were a lot of fun... for three out of four of us anyway.

The later part of that excursion on the ATVs was certainly something that I will never forget. I won't get into the details, but Jonalee earned the name Full Throttle - and it was well deserved!

The Ritz Carlton was hosting a Sony Movie Summer and the week that we were there they built this very extravagant production on the beach for the Smurfs movie. We got lots of pictures for the kids before we were booted off of the hotel beach front property.

And finally, on the very last day, Mike participated in game after game of volleyball! He did great, but paid for it the next few days.

On the flight home Mike and I promised to treat ourselves to a get-a-way every year. It was so great to focus on us for a week and spend some good quality time with friends without having parental responsibilities. However, being greeted at the airport by the boys was better than the entire week away from them!

The three B's

2011-10-11T19:31:00.000-07:00

Boys, Brothers, Best Friends! Slayton, Stone, Sayer and Greyson. I hope that it will always be that way!

Greyson's 1st Mower Ride with Bobu!

2011-10-11T19:24:00.001-07:00

Though he couldn't wait to get on the mower and take a ride with Bobu, this little guy's ride was short and ended with tears. Maybe next time!

Showering the Bride and Groom to be

2011-10-11T18:37:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things is putting on a good party and being the hostess with the mostest! This summer I had the opportunity to co-host a His and Her Shower for my brother and Heidi.

What fun it was to plan the party and watch them celebrate their upcoming wedding with those closest to them. It took me back to our His and Her shower that the Reinerts gave before our wedding. Such excitement and joy to celebrate such a special life event with those you love.

For those of us in Kansas City it was extra special to share this evening with Jason and Heidi since we don't get to see them often enough.

So, shower them we did... we love, laughter, tears and lots of gifts!

Sayer had lots and lots of fun helping them open every single gift. They were so gracious to let him share in their excitement!

And Sharon made the bouquet out of ribbons, just like she did for me all those years ago!

Love and Best Wishes to my best friend and brother Jason and my soon be be sister in law Heidi.

Fun in the Sun with Uncle Jason and Aunt Heidi

2011-10-11T18:24:00.000-07:00

Slugger Club...

2011-10-11T17:54:00.000-07:00

The KC Royals Slugger Club just might be the best deal around for the little kids that want to be Big Sluggers! For $25.00 they get a KC Royals hat, jersey, lots of coupons and discounts at the ballpark and four free tickets to a game. Can't beat that deal!

My Little Slugger practicing baseball with his Grammy!

Pure Joy!

2011-10-01T15:07:00.000-07:00

These pictures just make me smile!

There is nothing like seeing a smile light up your child's face. It's the small things in life that make these kiddos happy.

Like sitting on your Mimi's lap and playing peek-a-boo with your Daddy!

Or swinging in a hammock for the first time...

Or splashing around in the baby pool all by yourself (even if the water is FREEZING cold)...

Or enjoying the fact that your older cousins have finally decided to join you...

For me, seeing my kids faces light up with a smile and seeing my parents faces light up in the same exact way as they watch them makes me smile - and big!

Today you are You... That is Truer than True! There is No One Alive That is You-er Than You!

2011-10-01T13:39:00.000-07:00

My beautiful baby boy is one! And we celebrated big for this special day.

Only once in your life will you ever have your first birthday celebration and I wanted to make sure that it was one that would never be forgotten. For this mama of two, it never will be.

From birthday invitations...

To birthday decorations...

To party favors...

And memories...

Dr. Seuss was EVERYWHERE!

Lots of friends and family and a special smash cake made this birthday extra special for this special little boy.

Greyson Jon - You are the light of my life. You have made this past year so memorable and special for your daddy and I. You have brought so much joy and laughter to our lives. You adore your brother and he absolutely adores you. I am so happy that you have each other. Over this past year you have grown so quickly! You pass milestones every other day and I do my best to capture every moment on film for you to relive one day. You are such a happy little boy. You smile and laugh all of the time. You really are a joyful baby... so laid back and easy going. You have the most beautiful eyes, long eye lashes and gorgeous smile. You are my beautiful baby boy! Sweetheart I had so much fun planning this first birthday party for you. Dr. Seuss was the theme and it was everywhere! You were surrounded by your family and lots and lots of friends to help you celebrate. You are loved more than you will ever know! I cant wait to watch you grow bigger and stronger every day of the rest of your life. I love you to the moon and back. Forever and Always - Mama