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Sunday, May 29, 2011

Early Celebration!

Last week we received an invitation from my Gramma to join them for dinner over Memorial Day weekend- an invitation no one in their right mind would pass up if you have ever eaten a meal my Gramma has prepared or had the chance to sit and talk with her.  I'm not quite sure if I've ever expressed on this blog how amazing my Gramma is.  Really, she's AMAZING!  We hopped in the car this afternoon and were off to Hammond to see some of the fam.  After yet another amazing meal and conversation my Gramma surprised Michael with an early birthday celebration (they will be out of town celebrating the graduation of my cousin for his actual birthday)- a cupcake just his size with two perfect candles just waiting for wishes to be made.  We sang Happy Birthday, Michael opened an awesome new swimming pool (pics coming soon) and dug into his special dessert.  My Gramma is always doing things like this.  Her thoughtfulness in one of her brightest characteristics, just one of many.  We love you Grams, thank you for thinking of our Michael!
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And... just because he's so darn cute...

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Saturday, May 21, 2011

The Deck is Officially Open...

About a week back Den and I made a few much needed purchases which were pertinent in opening our deck for the summer months.  Our list looked something like this...

1.  Patio furniture that we Kim loves.  Must be black with a neutral cushion.  Cannot fall apart in two years.  Would prefer not to have to assemble it.  Must be able to seat SIX!
2.  Grill.  Dennis prefers gas.  Kim prefers charcoal.  We're getting charcoal.

That's it.  Short list, right?  You would think it would be easy.  Not so much.  After countless hours debating over our choices we finally bit the bullet and hit that little button marked "CONFIRM PURCHASE" online.  We bought our patio furniture on Amazon and let me tell you I couldn't be more thrilled with it.  I was very particular when it came to the patio furniture.  We had looked at every store within ten miles of us, and I just couldn't pull the trigger on anything.  I wanted clean lines, with a neutral cushion and the set had to have a black frame.  Had to.  That was not an option.  I don't know about any of you who read this blog, but if I'm going to spend a small fortune on something I AM GOING TO HAVE TO LOVE IT- FOR A LONG TIME.  That's exactly how I felt about this set when I opened the three boxes it came it.  Did I mention the chairs are welded together which means (enter drumroll here) NO ASSEMBLY.  The table came in three pieces, so twenty minutes later Den had it together and we finally had our outdoor dining space.  The grill was a bit more challenging to say the least.  I had to convince Den that we should do charcoal.  I grew up with a dad who never had a gas grill.  I would spend my summer days watching my dad stand over a hot grill, drinking a beer, enjoying his hot summer day while I ran through the yard inhaling the yummy tasting air the grill let off.  Not to mention, I don't think I ever disliked anything that my Dad grilled.  The food just simply tastes better.  Let me tell you, I was not going to lose this argument.  So, we bought a charcoal grill.  The grill arrived, and I can honestly tell you that Dennis probably wanted to kill me after the four hour assembly.  But, after his first grilling experience I believe he hugged me tight and thanked me for making him buy a charcoal grill.  We've grilled every day since.  That reminds me... I have to get some meat out of the freezer...


The Deck is Open!!
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**Pics of new patio furniture coming soon**

Friday, May 20, 2011

Ideal.

A few weeks back I did a little garaging sale shopping and just had to 
share with you my fantastic find of the day...

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VINTAGE 1908 BALL CANNING JARS (WITH THEIR LIDS) IN PERFECT CONDITION FOR... $3.00!!  
CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?  I'M IN LOVE WITH THEM.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Lions and Tigers and BEARS...

We were off to Brookfield Zoo today with my friend Tiffany and Michael's best friend, Kody.  It was a relatively nice day out, which meant the zoo was hectic.  Nonetheless, we had a great time.  The boys loved the Bear exhibits.  William was a fan of the polar bear and Michael loved the grizzlies.  But, the hot spot for the afternoon... THE PLAYGROUND.  You would think that the animals would get all of the attention.  Nope... the playground is where we spent a lot of our time.  Whatever keeps the kids happy, right?

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Michael loved the goslings!
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William was a fan of the walks and GIGANTIC polar bears.
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While Michael spent some quality time on the playground and with a grizzly bear who was going potty :)

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Is That a Toddler...

behind the wheel of our Versa?!  Sure is.  Why go to the park when you can spend 90 minutes in a parked car and love every second of it?

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Monday, May 16, 2011

For the Love of the Game.

My brother loves baseball.  In fact, I don't know anyone else who loves playing as much as he does.  He lives to play baseball and I'm so proud of his work ethic.  My baby brother also happens to wear my number... 2.  I love that kid.

Today we traveled to Prophetstown to watch the Riverdale Rams take on the E/P  (blah blah blah) in a regional game.  You lose, you go home kind of a deal.  The game happened to take place at a high school I competed against my entire life- in fact, the ball field was built on a track I used to run on.  Michael enjoyed the long jump strip during the game almost as much as I did while I was in high school.  Anywho... unfortunately the Rams were defeated in the bottom of the 7th and did not advance to the championship game.  Luckily for us he is only a junior and we will do our best to get to as many of his games his senior year as we possibly can.  Congrats, Uncle Mike, on a great season.  We love you!
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Thursday, May 12, 2011

Good Report.

Michael visited his dentist for his two year appointment today.  I am happy to report that all teeth are in perfect condition (even the ones that are so stubbornly coming in a little slow).  Zero cavities and Michael even sat still long enough to get a cleaning.  Maybe there was a little screaming and a few tears involved, but hey, he got the cleaning.  His favorite part of the whole experience... the toys in the waiting room.  Oh, and his goody bag at the end of the experience which included a new toothbrush and bubbles!

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Best Brothers.

I think they are really starting to like each other...

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Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Master of Controls.

William is obsessed with our remote controls these days.  Literally OBSESSED.  If he sees one he is begging to get his paws on it.  Of course, I give in to the chance that he will ruin one of the devices with the massive amounts of drool leaving his mouth and find its way in between each and every single button.  But, come on, look at how darn cute he is...
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Hello... Summer?!?!

Whoooaaa!!  It's about time!!  Hello... SUMMER, is that you?  Sure seemed like it yesterday.  86* and BEAUTIFUL!!  We were outside the entire day.  I worked on weeding my flower beds while William worked on his crawling and Michael... well, Michael enjoyed his new beach ball sprinkler and sort of practiced being an exhibitionist.  Kind of.  See, I'm contemplating potty training Michael in the next couple of weeks.  I'm going to call this STEP 1 of this excrutiating endeavor.  Yesterday while Michael was running around naked he had to pee.  So, there he went right in the middle of our backyard... he thought it was the coolest thing ever.  For him to see exactly what was happening and to associate that to what it felt like must have left an impression. The rest of the day he ran around, stopping every once in a while to tighten his booty muscles and squeeze a stream of that cool stuff out.  It didn't happen again on command, but I'm sure it will sooner rather than later.  Not to mention, look at that cutie patootie!!  He LOVES being outside.  In fact, he is bEgGiNg me to take him our right now as I write this.  Off we go.  Do you think he'll mind pulling a few weeds first before I turn on the sprinkler?






Sunday, May 8, 2011

My Favorite Job.

I am an incredibly lucky woman.  I married the man of my dreams.  He has given me two beautiful, healthy boys.  I am fortunate enough to be able to stay home with them and in doing so find that I have the "job" I have always dreamed of.  My days are spent watching two little people discover who they are.  Fireworks is what I call it.  Our daily routine is filled with fireworks.  Moments where each of them discovers something for the first time and you can see the pride they take in their newest accomplishment.  Sure, there are days that are much harder than others.  There are days where I honestly believe I can't pick up one more toy or fold one more piece of laundry.  And, then there are days that I wish would never end.  Days where I read six books at bedtime instead of the standard three because I just want to catch a few more moments with them.  So let me just say I am so lucky that I have the chance to watch each moment of each day, whether it was a fantastic day or a long one.  I get to be home with my kids, right where I believe I'm supposed to be.

Today I was given the gift of sleep.  I slept until 10:00 AM which is unheard of in these parts.  I woke up in a panic- MICHAEL NEEDS MILK... WILLIAM NEEDS A DIAPER and then my racing mind was put at ease when I heard Michael's infectious laugh dancing through the windows that had been open all night.  I came downstairs to find breakfast and a plethora of flowers decorating our outdoor space.  My kids were rolling around in the grass with their dad.  It was wonderful.  I have never been happier in my whole life.  How lucky am I?

Michael Lincoln,
You are a perfect child.  As perfect as any almost two year-old can be.  You push me every day to find patience and understanding.  You make me laugh until I cry.  I'm always anxious to see what your next move will be.  You move faster each and every single day, and I am well aware that the day will soon come when I will not be able to catch you.  You smile when you know you are in trouble, it makes my heart melt.  You are amazing and wonderful.  I love you, Monkey.

A brand new Michael Lincoln.

William Reagan,
Each day you blow my mind.  You are always smiling.  Really, always.  Between each bite of food, during diaper changes, even after your brother clobbers you with a toy... SMILING.  You came into this world not wanting to eat, and now that's all you do.  You love life and take such pleasure in the smallest of things.  You have a permanent spot on my hip- your happiest place.  Often, your cheek finds my shoulder and we spend minutes together enjoying the silence while your brother naps.  You have taught me how to manage my time and my temper.  You are so genuinely sweet, Nugget, and I love you.

A brand new William Reagan.

So... to my "favorite job"... I love you both more each day than the one before it.  Thank you for being you.

Mommy.

Happy Mother's Day to the wonderful women in our lives.  
I couldn't do this without you.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

The Breier Boys

Every day I am amazed as to how quickly these two boys are growing up.  I looked at the calendar today and faced the realization that my Michael will be two in just over a month, and soon after we will be planning a first birthday party for William.  I catch myself trying to capture every moment I have with them, hoping that it doesn't pass too quickly.  I'm not doing a very good job, the time speeds by.  I had my camera out today for some candid shooting (we were stuck inside today, AGAIN, because Mother Nature forgot that it's May in the Midwest).  I love the shots I got.  I did take over a hundred- I was trying to catch William with a big smile so I could snap his new teeth, and wait until you see where Michael has ended his day.  I love them so much.  Ugh, so much!


Nugget.


If you're happy and you know it...


See those two teeth taking up residence in Will's lower gums? 
May we introduce you to LeRoy Brown and Schnickerdoodle.




Cheese Ball.


Sweet.


Night one in his toddler bed is a success.  
No tears, or complaining.  Just snoring.

Week Thirty-Seven (William Reagan)!!


I'm 37 weeks old!!