tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-195837862012-02-12T23:11:45.389-06:00Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.comBlogger3261100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-92131013102692544392012-02-12T20:49:00.014-06:002012-02-12T23:11:45.399-06:00

As a Mom I tend to focus on the Firsts, writing them all down in the baby books with the date and every detail of every first smile, laugh, crawl, steps, tooth, haircut, words...I'm so worried about forgetting the Firsts that I often forget to remember the Lasts. The problem with remembering the lasts is that I often don't (thankfully) realize that what we're experiencing is the last of this

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-72860476823306596882012-02-10T10:38:00.003-06:002012-02-10T11:01:39.019-06:00

I am a person who can function in a mess, an organized mess that is. Not like an episode of Hoarders type mess, just a normal sized mess. But occasionally this drives my husband crazy and he goes on cleaning sprees that wipe out my organization completely. Although I've been enjoying my newly cleaned car that my husband worked on for 2 hours because he could no longer stand the Trunk or Treat

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-40523782770927525422012-02-09T13:33:00.007-06:002012-02-09T15:08:22.081-06:00

My last semester at Webster University I had to choose whether I'd like to apply for an internship in my field or write a 200 page Senior Overview of a Media Research Project that I would spend the next 4 months of my life engrossed in with researching/reading/meeting with an assigned professor for discussions and writing about a particular topic. I opted for the Research Project and I chose to

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-15415316404572192902012-02-03T20:32:00.039-06:002012-02-06T22:47:00.411-06:00

In an instant you changed my life forever. February 7, 2004, the day I became a Mommy. 8 years ago, you showed me a love I didn't even know existed. Even now, just looking at this picture, I remember exactly the way that moment felt. I was exhausted, I was in pain, I was overwhelmed and none of that mattered because you were in my arms and I wanted to hold you there, just like this, forever.

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-29020342536088595132012-02-02T20:12:00.002-06:002012-02-02T21:11:30.951-06:00

When I was pregnant with my first child, Spencer, Karl and I used to attend a small group at church with other young families and couples. During this time we were studying a book about "Growing Kids God's Way". I immersed myself in this book, I was determined to be the best Mom and grow my kid(s) right. I listened intently as the young parents of the group discussed the issues in the book,

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-40334860942817986662012-01-31T11:51:00.008-06:002012-01-31T13:20:28.481-06:00

A technological wizard I am not. My husband, the techie a.k.a. computer nerd, does not understand my inability to comprehend technological advanced gadgets-they make me crazy with all the buttons, options and manuals. My husband bought me an iphone with the hopes I would learn how to use the calendar, address book and notepad so I would no longer overflow the desk with my unnecessary books,

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-43475154210361059382012-01-30T08:22:00.008-06:002012-01-30T15:03:45.727-06:00

From the time I was little I believed I was destined for greatness. I used to belt Annie showtunes out the open car window with the hopes that some broadway producer (in St. Louis, MO, of all places) would hunt me down and offer me the lead role. I performed on cue for whoever, whenever and wherever-my dad even stood in line with me (and a thousand other little girls) for hours to audition for

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-34645957903236330012012-01-28T20:28:00.007-06:002012-01-28T21:59:46.333-06:00

Last night we were out to dinner with some good friends of ours who also happen to have 3 kids. As parents of 3 kids we're not typically rattled by loud shrieking, boys wrestling under the table, crying children who don't want to eat and the throwing of plates and/or silverware-it's an every night affair. But last night, for the first time ever, the manager of a restaurant approached our table

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-78128711961021493592012-01-27T12:48:00.010-06:002012-01-27T21:05:39.473-06:00

You've heard the expression-It doesn't matter if you win or lose, it's how you play the game, right? If this is true then my 4 year old, Coen, deserves an Academy Award for his performance on the soccer field (and the T-ball field for that matter). When my oldest, Spencer, was 10 months old we had him enrolled in gymnastics class at the Little Gym, from that point on he has always been

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-85162899895848169172012-01-25T21:10:00.010-06:002012-01-25T22:58:49.925-06:00

Today my husband and I (and his extended family) spent the day mourning, remembering and consoling one another over the loss of a member of my husband's family, a person "taken too soon" as many have said. He was only 29, no one knows the cause yet or the reason and even if we did, that wouldn't ease the pain or make the fact that he was gone any different. I wasn't even going to blog on the

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-12843601507038769902012-01-24T22:03:00.005-06:002012-01-24T22:53:58.824-06:00

My thoughts are scattered all over the place. I don't even know where to begin. Tonight Karl and I were asked by our dear friends to attend a screening for a movie not yet available to the public, the movie was "October Baby" and the entire time I was watching it I wanted to jump out of my seat and scream FINALLY!!! Finally someone had the guts to make a movie, a positive movie, about what it

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-57396168264610872352012-01-22T21:43:00.016-06:002012-01-23T14:55:47.383-06:00

I have tremendous Mommy Guilt and this year has been the worst case of Mommy Guilt I've ever experienced. As a non-working Mom (at least outside the home) many would think that the balancing of time would be simple. Clean, play with kids, do laundry, dishes, run errands, make dinner...how hard is that right? That's what I used to think, shamefully, about Stay at Home Moms, before I became one.

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-65915440711235603152012-01-20T13:33:00.017-06:002012-01-20T16:47:41.471-06:00

I took my two youngest on a playdate today, a well deserved playdate, to the Magic House after living in our cave of illness for many, many weeks. Finally time to have some fun! A morning out to one of the most popular indoor, kid-friendly hotspots on a freezing cold day. I should have expected the crowd of Moms and toddler to preschool-aged kids, but I didn't. Yet, I was immediately reminded

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-61267767868711388122012-01-18T21:07:00.012-06:002012-01-20T00:20:01.058-06:00

We have spent the past month trapped at home with our little sickies, yes, I feel trapped. Having a few minutes alone to even drive to the grocery store 2 minutes away is a small joy right now. Freedom! I've had to find amusement in the little things around the house and my husband is providing much entertainment and writing material (unbeknownst to him). We are as different as two people can

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-60876917872045524842012-01-17T20:43:00.012-06:002012-01-17T22:17:07.105-06:00

As a Mommy Blogger I blog about my life and my thoughts. Please excuse the repetitiousness of my latest blogs, but when illness is what is going on with our lives, then illness is what I'm writing about. Since Christmas day we have had at least one child sick every day from that day forward (the price you pay for having 3 kids, how does that woman with 19 kids do it?). We have racked up 2 ER

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-16548807769988905512012-01-15T14:43:00.014-06:002012-01-15T23:32:57.586-06:00

While this is a post I intended only to follow the last post I wrote, I have more going on in my mind right now than just what I intended to write on so instead I'm going to blurt it all out on this post and make some attempt at intertwining my thoughts. Please bear with my ramblings.A Church. A Religion. What does that mean to you? To some it means everything, their religion is a key to

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-62548806811475639142012-01-14T10:16:00.012-06:002012-01-14T15:05:32.910-06:00

If you knew the truth about an innocent man on death row, would you keep your mouth shut and allow him to wrongly be put to death based on others opinions or fight to save his life?...If you don't know the answer to this question then I suggest you don't continue reading until you figure it out. Is it judgmental to want to save an innocent life, to go against the majority? Is it intrusive to

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-6690871001934755422012-01-12T21:16:00.011-06:002012-01-12T22:10:51.112-06:00

Tonight as I was tucking Coen into bed he asked me, "What is Spencer wearing to bed tonight, is he wearing footies?" When I told him that Spencer was just wearing regular pjs he jumped out of bed to change out of his footies so he could be like Spencer. I finally got him tucked back into bed and asked him what song he would like for me to sing to him. Coen's favorite song is "Baby Mine" and

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-74920242005906088852012-01-11T14:25:00.004-06:002012-01-11T15:05:19.070-06:00

As a Mom this story tugged at my heart, especially because some of our closest friends have an adoptive child who is the same age as my Hadley and the same age as Veronica. The thought that a child could be ripped away from a family who loves her, who wants her and who is doing everything possible to get her back is heart wrenching. If you have not heard of Veronica's Story, and it's possible

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-51843313784360637462012-01-10T11:34:00.012-06:002012-01-10T14:27:37.965-06:00

Although I've tried to distance myself from the political circus that's been sneaking its way into our lives, I've recently decided it was time to educate myself on the candidates running for president. I didn't even really know who all was running up until a few days ago and, I regret to inform you, it's just more of the same. I used to actually believe that those leading our country would do

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-7771987844181451922012-01-07T21:16:00.009-06:002012-01-07T22:43:35.038-06:00

Today I needed a break, my house has become coughfest 2012 (continued from coughfest 2011), any day now this will end. It must end! My husband agreed to watch the kids while I escaped and ran off to run errands. Fortunately one of those errands consisted of working on my picture wall (latest home project) so I called my Grandma to see about hunting down some pictures. I didn't realize it at

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-50022396922130332142012-01-05T13:51:00.012-06:002012-01-05T16:02:06.179-06:00

As you know, I've been trying to avoid the news. However, this story keeps popping up every time I turn on my laptop about a human "Barbie". Eventually curiosity got the best of me and I read the article. Apparently this woman has had so many plastic surgeries she is now dubbed, by the media, the Human Barbie. Fine, whatever, she's a big girl and she can make her own decisions, but the story

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-314587324630002092012-01-04T13:43:00.005-06:002012-01-04T14:23:00.872-06:00

New LoveHold me close, but not to smotherSpeak the truth, but elude all seriousnessCaptivate me, but only from a distanceThe essence of love Withholding the lack of boundariesexcites and frightens me;Knowing of no scapegoats,but looking for none as well.My life being lived as an actorwith all of the emotions,but unsure of the exact one to portray.Fear overwhelms my true beingfor the lack of

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-90659617908126520042012-01-02T21:14:00.004-06:002012-01-02T22:37:16.733-06:00

New Years Resolutions to begin January 9th. My Resolutions, My Rules...Winter has reared it's ugly head once again and I need a do-over on those no worry resolutions. Yet another test of Mommyhood, as every Winter tends to be. After the drama and trauma of a sick Hadley being tested for CF I thought we'd have a small break, but Spencer's allergies and asthma took a nasty turn. The past week

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-16606104942178226362011-12-30T14:21:00.008-06:002011-12-30T15:40:43.232-06:00

I don't ever remember making a New Years resolution, it seems like a lot of added pressure of something to live up to. BUT, my mid-thirties have made me see things differently, if I don't put pressure on myself now, when will I ever? I'm pretty much the only person who would even care about this post, but I figure if I put it all out there in the blogosphere then I at least have to attempt to

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-79005344026074165632011-12-28T15:19:00.006-06:002011-12-28T19:03:08.498-06:00

After my post yesterday I started to receive texts, messages and phone calls from concerned friends and family so I wanted to post a follow-up of Hadley's appointment today. Hadley is small for her age, very, very small for her age- so much so that I'm often asked (usually by complete strangers) what's wrong with my daughter? I didn't have a defense, she was just small. But then she began

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-27199385301842780352011-12-27T12:51:00.003-06:002011-12-27T14:44:59.108-06:00

As soon as you become a Mom, you are put to the test. It's almost as if life is throwing everything at you to see how much you can handle or how far you can go. For some of us the early tests with a baby are simple-learn to live without sleeping, figure out how to calm a screaming baby, remember to shower & eat and, by the way, your laundry has just increased by about 20 more loads a day (which

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-446319856363306562011-12-25T21:25:00.007-06:002011-12-25T21:49:13.260-06:00

As I began to ponder my Christmas gifts from my sweet husband, I started to see a theme. Intentional or not? I'm not sure. Let's look at the evidence, shall we? Gift #1Gift #2- Need music to work out toGift #3- the gift of caffeine and energyAnd after I've worked off all of those pesky fudge balls that I've (slightly) overeaten this holiday season. Gift #4- The Reward (when I finally get the

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-43134355989634107722011-12-23T08:18:00.008-06:002011-12-23T12:57:49.580-06:00

Skepticism and impatience- just two (of my many) negative qualities. I have been a Christian all of my life, yet I am a skeptic of those who admit to stories surrounding their miraculous experiences with God. This is a struggle I have within myself. I have faith that God exists, but at times I want to see some proof and when I'm given proof I don't know if I should believe it-I don't want to

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-48618871152610314312011-12-21T08:36:00.008-06:002011-12-21T13:41:53.093-06:00

My Grandma has always been one of those people who watch the news and take everything they say to heart. She has been advising and warning me of all the things in my life to do more of (drink more orange juice, always eat breakfast, take more vitamins, walk on the treadmill at least 30 minutes a day and eat dark Chocolate-not Milk Chocolate), these are just a few things that have been drilled

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-50576978739384690692011-12-19T21:33:00.021-06:002011-12-19T22:23:13.650-06:00

Tonight our family attended our first Toys for Tots Christmas Party at the St. Louis Science Center. We went into it not really knowing what to expect and left with the plans of making this a yearly Christmas tradition. Restaurants from all over the St. Louis area, Disney characters, Santa (the Real Santa, not some Mall Santa), a Budweiser Clydesdale, The Marines, Radio Disney was there with a

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-41347365303187678842011-12-18T20:17:00.004-06:002011-12-18T20:24:24.000-06:00

This is my little sister and she is amazing! She has a voice like an angel, writes and sings from her heart and will someday, very soon, become a huge superstar! BUT, she won't forget the "little people" in her life (ahem, Big sister) when she brings someone with her to walk the red carpet. Nudge, nudge. Wink, wink. I've heard her CD and you won't be disappointed, it's fantastic. Love You

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-7737768368357401452011-12-16T09:14:00.014-06:002011-12-16T15:53:30.708-06:00

Yesterday I attended Coen's Christmas program at his preschool. He was a precious Shepherd in the Christmas play and was elated about the "stick" a.k.a. staff he got to carry. The preschoolers sang "Away In a Manger" as we, the parents and grandparents in the audience, cheerfully and tearfully watched our sweet kids perform in what is possibly their last Christmas program ever. Next year Coen

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-38131533948735386062011-12-15T13:35:00.005-06:002011-12-15T14:46:02.333-06:00

A few years ago when we bought, I mean, when Snowflake the Elf magically appeared into our lives it made this magical holiday even more so for our kids and created a lot less need for disciplinary action on our part. All we would have to say is, "Snowflake is watching you" and they would become the little angels that they sometimes know how to be. Karl and I thought we were onto something

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-1109831523594954642011-12-13T20:55:00.005-06:002011-12-13T22:31:05.991-06:00

I don't know why so many of us, including myself, start to think about donating our time and money to organizations who need our support around Christmastime. There is a real need all year long. Sometimes it can be overwhelming and sometimes you don't know which organization is going to take your money and not use it for the purpose you intended it to be used for. Below I've included my

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-74429465097764828612011-12-13T11:13:00.006-06:002011-12-13T11:58:17.795-06:00

So Spencer came home from school yesterday with a new word he had learned and a joke to go with it..."A Nerd says what?". To which Coen and I respond "What?" (the joke is he says it so fast that you can't understand so you automatically ask "what?"). Hysterical laughter from Spencer ensues and Coen looks at me with a blank stare. This joke went on ALL night and Coen eventually caught on and

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-55275685373414507982011-12-11T20:48:00.006-06:002011-12-11T21:44:05.473-06:00

I just looked at my calendar for this upcoming week and I'm booked! I pretty much have every minute of every moment of my days filled with some child's activity (with the exception of a 2 hour time period I've allotted to have my hair done & if you saw my roots you would understand why). I think I misunderstood the meaning of stay at home Mom when I signed up for this gig-within months of

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-54367514539326638652011-12-09T20:42:00.008-06:002011-12-09T23:18:18.822-06:00

Did I get your attention with the title? If this made you uncomfortable, turn away now and please discontinue reading. After watching a clip of the new show "Virgin Diaries" I made the huge mistake of actually watching the entire premiere. As I was watching (sometimes through my fingers-it was an extremely uncomfortable show to watch), I became more agitated really at how virginity in this

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-56317835768065358322011-12-07T14:16:00.006-06:002011-12-07T15:40:18.632-06:00

I'm not going to pretend like I know a lot about sports, because a sports blogger I most definitely am not. I do know a little bit about baseball though. I know that my boys LOVE this sport and I know that it all started with this guy...Albert Pujols.Although I don't know much about sports I would have to live under a rock without electricity to not know about the possible trade of Albert

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-58019757710478671602011-12-05T08:18:00.006-06:002011-12-05T09:20:03.656-06:00

Last year around Christmastime our lives were chaotic. In any other circumstance I would not allow my little man to be pulled in so many directions with so much attention on him, it actually made me a little nervous. At 6 years old Spencer was interviewed for 2 different news stories, interviewed by a newspaper columnist, had his picture & story in the newspaper, was signing autographs and

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-80369054399352119842011-12-03T22:46:00.014-06:002011-12-03T23:38:37.320-06:00

Every year parents dress their kids up in cutesy holiday outfits, wait in line for what seems like an eternity with not-so-patient kids wrapped around our legs while trying to amp them up for THE ultimate special Christmas picture, the picture with Santa. I had visions of this being my Christmas card every year (my kids with Santa) in that Norman Rockwell-esqe type photograph. After my first

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-34701142954794621492011-11-30T21:31:00.006-06:002011-11-30T23:13:40.206-06:00

About 13 years ago, this was my life!Although it wasn't about Sex or the Manolo Blahniks and Christian Louboutins and it wasn't New York City. It was Columbia, Missouri where I fell into an amazing relationship, or relationships with some of my best friends. We laughed, we cried, we laughed until we cried, we knew things about each other that no one else did, we lived through the most horrific

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-70070434378339670082011-11-27T22:58:00.015-06:002011-11-27T23:54:10.602-06:00

It has been a great long weekend spending time with family and especially having lots of extra time for our family to just be together, BUT I think Karl is more than ready to go back to work tomorrow. Too much of a good thing I guess, ha! I love Thanksgiving because it's such a relaxing holiday (if I'm not the one preparing the meal) to just reflect on the blessings in my life and all that I'm

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-91015539470664595302011-11-22T09:20:00.012-06:002011-11-22T15:22:32.562-06:00

A rough week. My sick kids tend to send me into a tailspin of worry- It has been a week and a half of coughing, breathing issues, up and down fevers, rashes, headaches, sleepless nights, refusing to eat and tears-things that are completely out of my control (and I hate when things are out of my control). Hadley has been consistently sick for an entire week and Coen has been on a rollercoaster

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-82294083823041063582011-11-17T20:42:00.011-06:002011-11-18T13:05:02.310-06:00

About 7 years ago (right after I gave birth to Spencer) a friend and fellow SAHM sent me the following quote. I printed it up and have had it on my refrigerator for the past 7 years."Young children have intense feelings and needs and are naturally loud, curious, messy, willful, impatient, demanding, creative, forgetful, fearful, self-centered and full of energy. Try to accept them as they are."

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-3426865501956345522011-11-13T15:21:00.012-06:002011-11-13T16:31:08.694-06:00

Just Yesterday I received a phone call from a nurse telling me I may need to prepare myself for another miscarriage, my hormone levels were too low for a baby's survival. But God had other plans. Just Yesterday I hesitantly walked into the Ultrasound room for my 5th Ultrasound, instead of joy there was immense fear and I could hardly breathe. But the Ultrasound technician rubbed my hand,

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-20671246420148310072011-11-08T13:53:00.006-06:002011-11-08T22:38:57.943-06:00

This was the last Christmas Eve that we were just a family of 3. Spencer was 3 years old (soon to be 4) and Christmas was the most amazing, magical, exciting, enchanting time of the year. There were no doubts or hesitations if Santa was coming that night while he was sleeping, he knew Santa would be there with his reindeer, climb down the chimney, eat the cookies, leave more toys than he could

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-48832582638888971302011-11-02T19:07:00.006-05:002011-11-03T14:35:39.861-05:00

This is a post for those who want to see an insane amount of pictures of some pretty adorable kids (grandparents-this is for you). In case you were at all curious about what we spent our October doing, here it is in pictures. I've decided if I'm going to spend $ on costumes, we are going to get some pretty good use out of them so here are Abby Cadabby, Boba Fett & Darth Maul enjoying lots of

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-81514747423791685292011-10-25T13:48:00.013-05:002011-10-25T21:17:56.004-05:00

When we're younger we are repeatedly asked the question, "What do you want to be when you grow up?". It's such a fantastic thought believing you can do or be anything your heart desires. The commitment to "BE" something was huge and I changed my mind weekly. I always knew I wanted to be a Mommy from the time I started wishing on stars that my doll would come to life, but we're taught that we

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-29601295983340667122011-09-27T13:45:00.009-05:002011-09-27T15:56:21.399-05:00

Yesterday during my kids rest time I excitedly turned to my DVR for the new TLC show "Long Island Medium" and by the end of the show I was sobbing and shocked at the "gift" of Theresa Caputo. Apparently TLC has been trying to convince her to do this show for years after learning of her popularity (she's on a 1 year waiting list for readings) and ability to turn skeptics into full believers of

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-86168781370966440272011-09-12T13:07:00.002-05:002011-09-12T14:31:33.610-05:00

I remember the first time I dared to have my hair highlighted. I was in college and, for me, this was the boldest thing I had ever done for my appearance. What started as a fun little experiment blossomed into a small obsession- a simple way to constantly change my appearance. I'm in no way one of those girls who denies coloring my hair and claims the 5 different colors weaved through my

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-29047574076482365512011-09-05T04:47:00.006-05:002011-09-05T06:41:10.173-05:00

Our wedding day feels like such a long time ago, yet I remember everything about it as if it were yesterday. Every tiny, beautiful detail (that I spent 10 months of my life focused on) was of the utmost importance back then. Now those important details are just a memory and, out of the 350 people who attended, I'm most likely the only one who remembers them. Fortunately, our wedding meant

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-21188400847666993482011-08-28T15:23:00.006-05:002011-08-28T15:49:30.021-05:00

So about 6 months ago I discovered this fantastic site. Whenever I need to laugh, I mean tears rolling down my face, snottiness, laugh out loud laughing, I go this site damnyouautocorrect.com and read their latest entries or their best of the best. It never fails to cheer me up and get me in a great mood. In case you've never heard of this site it's simply texts that people sent but their

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-12171475112830799342011-08-25T08:51:00.009-05:002011-08-25T14:10:17.573-05:00

From the time your child is born you become a bragger. Not intentionally, but as a parent you are proud of every accomplishment, big or small. Of course I'm guilty of this as well and have done my fair share of bragging about my kids. However, it appears that we (unwillingly) have recently entered a new level of this bragging that can only be classified as Competition. At this I fail,

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-60526687068067716612011-08-21T22:03:00.004-05:002011-08-21T22:50:52.943-05:00

Spencer made it through his first week of 2nd Grade and so far things are going well for him. I was a little concerned when we found out that he and his 2 best friends were all being separated into different classes, but Spencer is quickly making friends and falling back into his school routine. Those of us left at home, however, are having a little more trouble adjusting to Spencer being gone

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-56481493812708792342011-08-12T21:21:00.003-05:002011-08-12T22:34:27.588-05:00

When I first left home for college I learned a lot about myself and, unfortunately, one of the things I quickly learned was that I wasn't a cook, nor did I have any interest in learning to cook. Growing up my sweet Mom did the cooking without much help (because of my lack of interest and the fact that I avoided the kitchen while dinner was being prepared) and would call us in when dinner was

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-65065858322165811562011-08-09T23:09:00.002-05:002011-08-09T23:12:33.026-05:00

I must have blinked because I feel as though I completely missed Summer. I know that it happened because I have the proof in pictures, but I keep thinking of all of the fun things I had planned for the Summer that never happened. I must admit that the thought of getting 3 kids dressed, sunscreened, bug sprayed and packed for a simple 1 to 2 hour outing is somewhat exhausting and the option of

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-40995659975789705832011-08-07T23:25:00.003-05:002011-08-08T00:03:44.178-05:00

Well I took a yearlong hiatus from Blogging (I blame Facebook), in fact, I haven't even read a blog in a year and I'm not sure if people still blog or not, mostly because everyone has these private settings that I lost or forgot all the passwords to so I eventually gave up. I may be a lone blogger now, but I missed it a little. Perhaps I'm just writing for myself now as a sort of public diary,

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-37176137238627789632010-06-24T23:14:00.008-05:002010-06-25T10:21:57.392-05:00

Branson Trip - create a slideshowWe just came back from our first family of 5 vacation in Branson. We had lots of fun, despite the heat. Every day we were there the temps reached 100 to 102 degrees, it was brutal! The day we went to Silver Dollar City the heat index was 102, we weren't able to walk more than a few steps without drinking water, jumping in sprinklers or resting in an air

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-54092521473499913872010-06-11T14:57:00.056-05:002010-06-11T16:32:53.779-05:00

This is what happens when you try to get a picture of 3 kids for a Fathers Day presentand the winner..We started off Summer Vacation celebrating Karl's 36th Birthday. We couldn't do much because Coen was running a 103 degree temp. so Karl took Spencer to his baseball gameand played with Hadleyand then we had BBQ and Karl's favorite, white cake with chocolate frosting. Hadley will be turning 7

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-10652649538991892502010-05-15T21:30:00.032-05:002010-05-15T22:42:01.278-05:00

Watching Spencer's 1st Baseball Game on a ridiculously cold & windy May morningHe's a natural- they didn't even have to get the tee out for him.and he made it home (but in Kindergarten baseball there are no outs & everyone makes it home- hopefully this doesn't make the game more confusing later).did I mention it was COLD- Hadley and I sat the rest of the game out in the warm car.aren't they so

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-12677678515141659562010-04-08T14:00:00.048-05:002010-04-10T15:24:35.876-05:00

Grandparents Day at Spencer's school (but Hadley, Coen & I tagged along)singing in their Spring showand showing us his workoh wait, we found the cookiesand she was D-O-N-E at this pointSpencer was teaching Coen how to use the Kindergarten computers.Easter Egg Hunt at Tilles Park and it was freezing cold, the entire time we were there Coen asked, "We go home now?"- Spencer had fun thoughOpening

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-57522777267536634742010-03-24T21:41:00.028-05:002010-03-24T22:33:27.662-05:00

We start with.. Spring Break for the boys Painting pottery at Baked Goods, they loved this (which really surprised me).Magic House- fishing is their favoritelook, I caught one!blowin bubbles in the Bubble Roomand the newest exhibit is a huge model train setand Incredible PizzaCoen won.....150 tickets andSpencer won....250 tickets- we had some happy boys.Then St. Patricks Day we woke to find a

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-60502023326853048502010-03-01T14:12:00.042-06:002010-03-01T15:15:02.856-06:00

Coen's Friend Party at the Whittle Train DepotBirthday BoyPlaying TrainsThe Party RoomPinata GameSinging Happy Birthday to CoenBack to playing trainsEvery Birthday kid gets their handprint on the wallHere is Spencer's from 3 years ago on his 3rd Birthdayand now Coen'sBirthday Morning- look how much he grewReady for churchand now ready for the partyWe went from 3 to 4 pretty quick huh? Gracie

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-90868793941685988172010-02-08T10:22:00.042-06:002010-02-08T13:49:30.727-06:00

Party with the Family- Gracie & CoenHadley & NanaThe GGsPopo & SpencerGracie & SpencerThey love their cousinNate & KarlPresentsPopo trying to keep Coen & Gracie from the presentsKid Party at Monkey JoesSpencer & DavidCoenJillian & SpencerJonahPeter helping his sister, MegEvie, Lauren & SpencerCoenGracieSpencerAly & MeganThe Party RoomSpencer's actual bithdayEvery year we measure on their birthday

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-67126684933601283412010-01-16T13:28:00.012-06:002010-01-17T14:32:06.903-06:00

the boys on movie nightHadley at 7 weeksSnow Day and below zero temps.- the boys lasted about 15 minutes outsideCoen entertaining HadleyHadley at 8 weeksBig brother & baby sisterSweet Hadley going to churchThe past few weeks we have been adjusting to changes in our lives. The most obvious adjustment is having 3 kids with different schedules, personalities & needs. Hadley is growing out of that

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-12672516170050892482010-01-01T16:44:00.003-06:002010-01-01T16:55:50.049-06:00

A glimpse at our past month & a half in pictures.

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-76596351863883888742009-11-22T09:51:00.020-06:002009-11-22T11:04:03.609-06:00

Just BornFirst picture with Mommy & DaddyShe screamed for the first few hours after she was born, working those little lungs.First Family PhotoQuiet time with DaddyGetting ready to go home from the hospital- Hadley at almost 2 days oldHere we go...really excited about leaving the hospital- yay!Coen's not too sure about the screaming.Nana & HadleyBig Brother Spencer couldn't wait to hold

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-14971090616356461052009-11-02T20:38:00.023-06:002009-11-02T21:24:52.115-06:00

Our visit to the Circus (Nana & Popo take all of us to the Circus every year)Now for the Halloween Fun & costumes- Buzz Lightyear & Optimus PrimeBoo At The Zoo- they're trying to look scary hereWe found a turtle wandering aroundthe Zoo CarouselGrants Farm HalloweenWe took Nana & Popo along with us too.Please ignore the monstrous preggers lady in the pictureof course we had to ride this Carousel

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-12420125146393313412009-10-05T20:59:00.017-05:002009-10-05T21:31:34.630-05:00

Every year since Spencer was 8 months old we've been going to Rombach Pumpkin Patch (the same Pumpkin Patch my parents always took me to) to pick our pumpkins. It's our little tradition and if you look back through the years on my blog you will see Spencer (& a couple years of Coen) in nearly the exact same type of photos. It has become one of our favorite photo op. spots and I always love to

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-52076716541011005942009-10-03T09:25:00.015-05:002009-10-03T10:48:23.642-05:00

Coen started Preschool (a.k.a. Mother's Day Out) in mid-September, these were supposed to look much better than they did but Coen didn't notice.Big Boy on his first day of school, can you tell he's in a Thomas & Toy Story phase?Spencer's first Soccer practice and Karl's first time as Soccer coach, they both did great!and the First Soccer Game, Coen is trying to whistle like the guy behind

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-72579571975569337412009-09-05T11:33:00.016-05:002009-09-10T21:35:47.533-05:00

Of course we had to stop at the Disney souvenirs before we even found our seats.The Favorites of the Day: AladdinWoodyPinocchioNemoThe IncrediblesMickey Mouseand Jessie & Buzz (Coen was standing on my legs trying to get their attention waving his arms in the air and Jessie waved back at him, he was so excited).Celebrating our 9 year AnniversaryUs & our baby girl (at 30 weeks)At Ruths Chris

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-59454890084286971312009-08-23T14:14:00.019-05:002009-08-23T23:08:25.238-05:00

Happy Birthday StevieFirst day of Kindergarten for SpencerAlthough I have to walk him to school (since it's basically across the street) the bus will drop him off in front of the house. It takes 2 seconds, but he loves this 2 second bus ride.Every year I make him a cake for his 1st day of school, this year was a challenge but he deserved it.So much to blog, so little time. I didn't want to

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-89427261076892071992009-08-03T13:07:00.011-05:002009-08-03T14:48:38.127-05:00

A Glimpse at our July:Weekly trips to Suson Park and Farmsthe lake was bubbling & the boys were convinced it was an octopus, they stared at the lake for a while.The Farms, lots of new babies have been born at Suson this Summerbaby Duck was their favorite, they both wanted to take him home. baby pigsand a baby CowPlaying outside in the backyard is something we've done a LOT of this

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-19151592601031204382009-07-15T08:38:00.008-05:002009-07-15T09:00:56.563-05:00

The very delicious Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake from Cheesecake Factory. Over the next few days I polished off 5 slices of this monster by myself, Yum!Unbelievable, they're both looking at the cameraStevie & AydenBecky tickling JacksonGracie & Mom trying to figure out WubbzyGrandma & Dadand another picture where everyone is looking at the camera. I told them all day they had to do what Mommy

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-64834166051811297902009-07-05T21:26:00.007-05:002009-07-05T21:59:25.084-05:00

Coen getting ready for his first night out of the crib and moving into his big boy bed.Notice the bruise on the head and scraped up lip, last Sunday was rough for our wild man.Celebrating the 4th of JulySpencer braving the pool (this is a HUGE step for Spencer who is terrified of swimming, even though he hung onto the steps the entire time).Connor & CoenAly & SpencerGetting ready for the

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-14133115765479224092009-06-29T21:11:00.002-05:002009-06-29T21:43:25.993-05:00

IT'S A GIRL!We had our 20 week Ultrasound today, I told the technician I already knew I was having a boy- I was THAT sure of it. But she checked, double checked, then triple checked, shook her head and told me I was wrong. Karl and I sat there in total shock, then I started crying. Truth is I didn't care whether I had a boy or girl, I just wanted a healthy baby but finding out we were having a

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-52427046137054679232009-06-22T08:14:00.003-05:002009-06-22T08:23:40.301-05:00

We celebrated Father's Day multiple times this year with a trip to Incredible Pizza Saturday night with all of our family (except Becky, Nate & Gracie who are in Florida), Sunday we went out to lunch with Mom & Dad to Fletchers and Sunday night Mom & Dad came over for some BBQ and pool time, well they watched the boys have pool time at least. Happy Father's Day to my favorite Dads, Karl & Dad!

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-25233929996513418982009-06-08T20:56:00.018-05:002009-06-08T21:46:53.157-05:00

On Friday, June 5th was my Dad's 60th Birthday. We had a nice, quiet (sort of) family party at my parents house.GG Haupt and Coen walking around & around the planter.My sweet boy playing ball with the little kids.Coen & Gracie "sharing" the chalk a.k.a. Coen taking chalk away from Gracie.Ayden playing shyKarl, Dad & NateGracieJacksonKarl's Mom & our nephew, Seth, came in town for a few days from

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-56405303760489932762009-06-01T13:45:00.008-05:002009-06-01T14:21:17.645-05:00

the boys getting ready for the race, really early in the morningJen & her mom, our team speed racersDad showed up to help with blocking off the streets for the raceJennifer & Macy, my walking buddiesSpencer running across the finish line at almost exactly 1 hour. Karl said he walked at least 2 of the 3 milesKarl & Tony crossing the finish line, they get bonus points for hauling a wagon 3 miles (

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-89579160260215392202009-05-29T16:04:00.021-05:002009-05-29T21:36:10.723-05:00

First of all, Happy Belated 83rd Birthday to Karl's grandpa, Grandpa Neal a.k.a. PeepawAlso, Happy Belated Birthdays to Becky & Karl. We celebrated with a combined party for the birthday people and of course it was madness with 5 small kids, but lots of fun.Coen was mad I wasn't letting him play with the camera.Karl on his actual birthday, the BIG 35, a quiet night at home with BBQ and

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-10376436368369044812009-05-14T21:34:00.017-05:002009-05-14T22:33:44.357-05:00

Getting ready for the Processionaland here he goes walking to the stagethe Graduating Preschoolers going to Kindergarten in the FallSinging a Graduation song about going to Kindergarten (by this point I was a total mess).Receiving his Preschool Diploma- he looks so studious here.My Little GraduateSpencer with his teachers, Miss Cindy & Miss MelanieWith Nana & PopoSo proud of my baby With GG

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-47761218699593219512009-05-11T14:32:00.002-05:002009-05-11T14:41:09.307-05:00

(you can speed up the slideshow by hitting the fast forward arrows)Make a Smilebox slideshow

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-77016774604100414732009-05-09T12:33:00.011-05:002009-05-09T12:52:58.726-05:00

Our First Stop at the Zoo(and Coen's favorite) The Trainis this not a mini Brody Jenner?Caribbean Cove Grand OpeningYesterday Zoo members were invited to a members only grand opening of the Stingray Caribbean Cove, it was so neat! It's a huge pool full of Stingrays, you put your hands in and they swim right up to you. Spencer was the most excited to see the Stingrays and loved watching them

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-25540510005167269812009-05-02T10:12:00.002-05:002009-05-02T10:16:36.432-05:00

This is a great song, but you may need to watch with a box of kleenx.Darius RuckerMore CMT MusicMore CMT Music Videos

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-37104947091147719792009-04-25T18:49:00.019-05:002009-04-25T19:42:13.200-05:00

Thursday- Spencer's (end of year) Preschool Picnic at Suson Park & Farms, he graduates from Pre-K in 2 weeks.With one of his best buddies, Peter, who will not be going to the same Kindergarten and both are having a very difficult time with this. o.k. now i'm sad just typing that... moving onMeg (Peter's sister) and Coen who will be preschool buddies for the next 3 years.The teachers wouldn't let

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-49713800085686602182009-04-14T09:35:00.002-05:002009-04-14T09:57:14.038-05:00

There have been recent comments on my weight gain, questions about why i was wearing a poofy dress on Sunday (was i trying to conceal something), obvious glances to my tummy area and many people asking me in the past few weeks if i've been wanting another baby. I thought I should probably address the issue before it turns into rumors and let you know that...YOU WERE RIGHT!!Yes, we are pregnant

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-62547647257420798642009-04-04T14:53:00.023-05:002009-04-04T15:48:25.023-05:00

The Oakland House (my little photographer, Spencer, took this picture)Dancing to the Hokey PokeyCoen, um, dancing?Petting the bunny (Spencer said the bunny smelled so he wouldn't come near it)CraftsMy 2 attempts at a group picture, it's just not possibleGracie being shyThe Easter Egg Hunt at Tilles ParkGracie made sure she didn't look at Aunt JennySpencer & JillianSpencer & LucyCoen hunting eggs

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-26782228549606447582009-03-21T08:15:00.004-05:002009-03-21T08:49:48.048-05:00

Last year 1,200 babies in St. Louis, Missouri were saved from abortion because Thrive provided their mothers with emotional and financial options other than abortion. Over 1,000 babies have been saved from abortion every year in Missouri for the past 26 years with the help of this organization. On May 30th my family, along with a team, will walk in support of Thrive and we are raising money for

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-44234218446336212572009-03-18T20:09:00.027-05:002009-03-18T22:00:22.797-05:00

A wonderful, warm day at the Zoo the day before a very rough week. Notice Coen's shirt, I bought this for Spencer when I first started blogging, which means i've been blogging a long time.the cave, Coen's trying to escape and Spencer's holding him down.Not a real spider, he won't touch real animals (except Oscar)Coen will touch anything, he yelled at the kid next to him for trying to pet the

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-91929560601053070832009-02-28T23:23:00.004-06:002009-03-01T14:32:16.582-06:00

My baby turned 2 and, except for freezing cold temperatures, we had a great day! We gave Coen some choices of what he'd like to do that morning and he chose the Whittle Train Depot, the boys just love that place and the only way we were able to leave without a scene is the promise of McDonalds. That night we had family over to celebrate Coen's birthday with a Backyardigans Party. The 2

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-7992204530054725772009-02-27T20:24:00.017-06:002009-02-27T21:31:56.376-06:00

February 28, 20078 days oldwearing a shirt that says "Spencer Loves Me" that Spencer & Aunt Becky made for him.Love, Love, Love this pictureno teeth yetCoen with big brother Spencer and cousin Gracie1st Birthday- February 28, 2008Holland, MichiganStill with Curls2nd Birthday party with friends at the CarouselTomorrow (February 28th) is Coen's 2nd birthday, although he insists he's going to be 3,

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-45727584146891037602009-02-26T17:03:00.003-06:002009-02-26T22:31:36.544-06:00

Please forgive me, but I need to brag about my brilliant babies. Today Spencer had his Kindergarten screening, he was tested on behavior, social development, self-help, Language, Concepts and Motor skills. The screening gives a range of scores that the average child scores between and compares Spencer's scores to those. He was at the top of the range for Self-Help, Social Dev., Behavior and

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-44577456415728654912009-02-21T14:18:00.024-06:002009-02-21T15:19:39.447-06:00

My almost 2 year oldthe Party RoomDaddy & CoenGracie, Me and BeckySophie, Amy, Becky & GracieAyden & StevieJacksonAlaynaSpencer seems so big next to all of the little kids.Kate (Coen calls her Cake) and BrentMaddieMegan & JamieSpencer, Peter & CoenCoen & WellsCoen & KateNext Saturday (Feb. 28th) Coen will be 2 years old so today we had his friend party at the Carousel at Faust Park. Coen wasn't

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-9052782732379271622009-02-12T15:37:00.008-06:002009-02-12T16:00:57.186-06:00

Playing Hot Potatoand a boxer shorts game running an obstacle course (I didn't come up with this game)Making Sugar CookiesCoen practicing being a preschoolerSpencer's Preschool Class (except Coen), the KangaroosOne of the many things I love about being a stay at home mommy is I can participate in all of Spencer's school activities and being the room mom for all of his preschool parties is

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-33923233010532513292009-02-07T23:22:00.002-06:002009-02-07T23:33:55.103-06:00

So I'm a picture nut and had to post them slideshow style to fit them all on here (the sad thing is I left out about 40 more), I realize i'm probably the only one interested in seeing billions of pictures of my little boys but hey, it's my blog. I think Spencer had a great 5th Birthday celebrating with his friends & family and to top things off the weather was fantastic!! Thank you for all the

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-54156984552149646312009-02-06T19:57:00.011-06:002009-02-06T20:40:41.132-06:00

February 7, 2004Spencer's 1st Birthday2nd Birthday3rd Birthday4th BirthdayMy almost 5 baby boyI plan to overload this blog with pictures from Spencer's 5th Birthday (parties 1 & 2) sometime this weekend (assuming my computer doesn't quit on me). But for now, I needed to reminisce from Spencer's past birthdays. Tonight I was going through his school folder and pulled out a reminder for the

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-4702577800901743472009-02-02T21:48:00.018-06:002009-02-02T22:29:24.717-06:00

Grandma Haupt's 82nd BirthdayJessie & Ayden at Jessie's BirthdayGrandma reading a card Spencer made herEverybody gets a babyNana with a poutie GracieTaking after PopoJackson and StevieUncle Karl with AydenSeriously impossible to get a good picture with these little clownsthey look like they're up to somethingreally they do love each otherbig blue eyes ready for bed.A few days ago we celebrated my

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-24204663500152064692009-01-29T08:31:00.011-06:002009-01-29T12:11:05.295-06:00

Day 1- about 3 inches and really coldIn case you were wondering, the pink gloves are mine. (Karl would want me to explain)Day 2- we woke up to about 7 inches of snow. Karl stayed home from work to play with the boys on their snow day and they were really excited about it.Coen is standing in this picture and the snow is up to his thighs, poor Coen kept getting stuck in the snow and he would

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19583786.post-2344049300322495392009-01-23T21:06:00.003-06:002009-01-23T22:06:04.194-06:00

From the time the boys started walking they were enrolled at the Little Gym. Our main reason for starting the Little Gym (with Spencer) was to help him socially, he was painfully shy and extremely introverted so we hoped this would help. Within the first 6 months of starting Little Gym Spencer became more independent and actually started playing with other kids. He's learned music, gymnastics

Jenny Reijgershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11364787995872384160noreply@blogger.com3