The Reiffs

Just brushed his teeth, it took him 5 seconds to brush!!

2010-04-07T10:35:00.000-07:00

Mike all greened out for St. Patricks day!

2010-04-07T10:31:00.000-07:00

2010-04-07T10:16:00.000-07:00

Michael and Finlei have been very busy the last couple of months. Michael just learned to ride a bike without training wheels and he is very proud of himself!!! Funny because James and I are also very proud of ourselves for teaching him to ride a bike, it took a lot of thought and energy. Mike wasn't really wanting to learn to ride a bike so I had to force him...I new that once he learned to ride he would thoroughly enjoy it. He seems to be unwilling to try new things you kind of have to force him into it. I am not sure if this is the best way to go about parenting but he learned to ride the bike and now loves doing it.

Finlei started walking a couple of months ago and has really taken off. She has developed so much these last few months, she says momma, dadda, brother, Lola (our dog) puppa, (our other dog) and Stinkie and kittie. She loves to be outside and spends a good portion of the day staring out the screen door crying and pointing at things she would love to touch. Finlei loves the trampoline and ours is enclosed so its basically a big play pin so I too love the trampoline.

James and I are basically loving life, we have each other, two healthy wonderful kids, supportive parents and siblings and life couldn't be better!!!

Crazy Trampoline Hair!!!

2010-04-07T10:11:00.000-07:00

Michaels 5 Favorite things!!

2010-03-17T15:54:00.000-07:00

1. Dinosaurs-why? Because they eat meat....

2. Snakes- Why? umm I like that they slither...

3.Dad- Why?Very disgruntled his said because he's my dad, like hello mom he's my dad not yours!!

4. Mom and Finlei- Why? Finlei uhh... well because she is part of my family and Finlei is always happy. Mom? uuhhh.. well.. umm ..that your part of my family, I love you a lot, stop getting crazy about this!!!

5. My house- Why? Umm because we have a huge field that I can play and we have a good view of Osprey...thats a great answer right mom...

Fins first birthday!!

2010-01-12T09:03:00.000-08:00

Things I want to never forget about Finlei!!

2010-01-12T08:34:00.000-08:00

Finlei's Favorite person is Michael, although the feeling doesn't go both ways...
Finlei is delightful and always happy
Finlei's laugh is deep and throaty
Finlei does things in her own time, she has been standing unassisted for about 2 months and has yet to take a step!!!
Finlei can say momma, dadda, bro,bro(michael), baby, and waves good bye.
Finlei is a big girl always in the 95th% for height and weight, 25% for head.
Finlei has blondish red hair that is just now long enough to start to curl.(natural curl, that is, I hope it stays that way)
Finlei looks just like her grandpa Nelson, which he loves and takes alot of pride in, although when she was born I asked James what she looked like and he said with a frown your dad, I smiled thinking it was neat and Jamie said so she looks like a balding 50 year old man!!
Finlei has super stinky feet I wash them daily but they are just always stinky, poor girl.
Finlei is quite possibly the most beautiful girl in the world......I know, I know, not as cute as your little girls...
When we got pregnant we always thought that we were most excited to give Michael a sibling, you see we weren't sure we needed a second child our lives already seemed so full we thought Michael was enough. Now I know how wrong we were. Finlei is a gift from god, she has come into our lives and givin us perspective, joy, and the color PINK which was sorely missing from our house!!! Plus now the kids will always have eachother, which makes me feel warm inside...I have a bond with my little brother that is amazing and I am thankful for everyday!! I hope my children have the same.....Thanks for all that you have givin your Dadda, Bro..Bro, and Momma, Finlei we love you, Happy First Birthday!!!!

FInlei moments

2010-01-05T07:45:00.000-08:00

Michael

2009-12-09T08:42:00.000-08:00

Kindergarten has been absolutely wonderful for Michael. He loves to go everyday and never complains. He doesn't seem to ever get in trouble at school and loves to follow the rules. In fact, his teacher says he is a bit of a policeman in the classroom (Really hope he isn't 'that kid') At home it's a different issue, he talks back, is agressive to his sister, and whines when he doesn't get his way. Almost as if he uses up all of his good behavior at school. Part of the problem is that it is hard hard to have him come home from school and need to punish him. Having to split attention with Finlei is also a problem for Michael. He loves her and likes to play with her, but doesn't like it so much when we give exclusive attention to her. Very tough balancing act.
Michael's first Christmas program is next tuesday, and we are very excited to see him perform. He has been practicing his songs for us, and is very good at memorizing his lines. We are so proud of him. He is growing up to be such a handsome smart boy. He really loves to learn. Especially about dinosaurs and other more contemporary animals. He remembers a lot, and likes to demonstrate his knowledge. He is getting better at asking questions about things he doesn't know. (He used to just say, "I know", even though he didn't.) Kindergarten has been amazing for his learning progress. Lessons that we used to work on for hours, he gets in minutes, and he is much more receptive to our teaching. More to come.

2009-11-17T10:09:00.000-08:00

2 awesome ladies and a sweet little girl!!!

2009-11-17T10:08:00.000-08:00

Finlei at the Beach!!!

Michael at the DC Zoo

2009-11-17T07:15:00.000-08:00

I think this is a Sloth bear, Michael loved the Sloth Bear!!

Finlei

2009-10-07T08:17:00.000-07:00

Finlei is now 9 months old. How the time does fly. She now has 7 teeth 4 on bottom and 3 on top. She is the worlds happiest baby. She is an absolute delight, her smile is contageous and beautiful. I never thought it would really matter wether I had a boy or a girl, and in the scheme of things I know it doesn't. But, my mom is my best friend (other than Jamie) and I can't help but hope that I am raising my best friend. Finlei is my sweet little girl and I cherish every hug and every kiss I get.......

Finlei

2009-10-07T08:13:00.000-07:00

Finlei is watching her brother play outside with Lola our dog!!

2009-09-29T08:47:00.000-07:00

Michael Reiff my wild man!!!!

So Happy!!!

2009-09-29T08:23:00.000-07:00

I am feeling very happy today, Michael is off to school and doing awesome!!! He is the only kid in his class who hasn't had his name on the board, YAY!!!!!!!!! He has started spelling his full name Michael instead of Mike. He now has a few more best friends Aaron and Gabe he comes home describing his adventures to me. Most of them involve him killing bugs and making underground dirt tunnels, you know the usual. I often ask him what he had for lunch and he tells me to look at the calander, really you can't remember? Nope he never remembers, if you know Michael you no food is a very low priority to him. (I wish I had a little of that in me) But, my favorite part of the day is when I go and pick him up from school, he doesn't know I am there and I just get to watch him interact with the other kids for a bit. When he finally looks up and sees me his face lights up and you can tell he can hardly stay in his chair, he wants to run out to me. I feel very loved and needed at that moment.
Jamie and I have to be the proudest parents in the world two fun great kids who could ask for more!!!!

2009-09-10T10:37:00.000-07:00

2009-09-01T08:31:00.000-07:00

James and Michael before school

2009-09-01T08:30:00.000-07:00

Michaels first day of school

Finlei milestones!!!!!!!!!!

2009-08-31T12:40:00.000-07:00

I just thought I would update everyone on Finlei's new tricks. Fin is now crawling forward not just backward, she crawled backward for a few days. She loves to crawl and gets into everything, she has probably eatin some seriously nasty stuff. Her favorite things to get at are cords and outlets yikes!!!!!! Finlei has also learned to clap, any time you say patty cake she stops in her tracks, sits on her bum, gets a huge grin on her face, and begins clapping. So, so very cute. Finlei is a truly delightful little girl she is always happy and gives her smiles away freely. Well that is unless she thinks you might take her away from her parents, then you may get tears instead. She really likes to stick with Jamie and I, stranger anxiety is tough on the grandparents. Michael is even enjoying her he says frequently that he can't believe he is lucky he is to have a little sister and of course she adores him and all of his energy. They are both such a blessing to me!!!! I am a lucky mamma

Gas!!!!

2009-08-17T10:45:00.000-07:00

This morning the kids and I were getting ready to leave Spokane for Missoula, and I informed Michael we needed to stop and get gas before we left and he said, "I gotta tell you mom I like the smell of gas, well not poopie gas, just the gas you put in the car." I thought the way he clarified what kind of gas was hilarious. Gotta love a 5 year old boy!!!!!

10 things I have learned this summer!!!

2009-08-11T15:10:00.000-07:00

1. If your daughter wears a size 3 diaper, size 2 "won't do" someone is gettin messy.
2. If you put M&M's in a camp fire they don't melt. Seriously try it.
3." Deet free" means useless mosquito repelent.
4. 5 year olds think wiping is optional.
5. You can't convince a 5 year old that the howling coyotes are just angry dogs.
6. Spit up smells even worse in the heat.
7. Baby teeth come in no order. (Finlei has 6 teeth on the bottom none on top.)
8. Push lawn mowers are evil.
9. Putting a spinkler under a tramp is always fun no matter what the age.
10. The most important thing I have learned is that kids grow up to quickly, so I am cherishing every moment.

2009-08-11T09:06:00.000-07:00

Great Pictures of Michael slip and sliding this summer

2009-08-06T11:10:00.000-07:00

Finlei 4th of July

Mikes favorite things summer 09

2009-08-05T08:14:00.000-07:00

Michaels 5 favorite things:
1: Going to places where he might find a snake!!!
2: Collecting bugs with Jamie and I
3: Finding spiders outside and having me spray them with Raid
4: Sleeping in bed with me while dad is gone.
5: Mini Snickers
I have to wonder if Finlei's list will look anything like this when she is 5?
O and he wanted me to add a 6th Shark Week on discovery channel. He loves Shark week.

My kids

2009-08-03T20:50:00.001-07:00

Wow, what was I put on this earth for but to raise these two kids. Michael who looks and acts so much like his dad, and Finlei who is my little girl, she looks like me and acts like my dad. Michael is so smart like his dad he remebers amazing and crazy little facts and looks at me like he is thinking "really mom," but listens anyway, because I am his mom.
Finlei is easy to make smile and cry, she only likes her mom and dad. Grandparents have a chance if they try real hard and both sets do, still she prefers to snuggle into Jamie and I. Which we truly wouldn't change for anything in the world. Its crazy, Jamie is gone all week Monday through Friday and no matter what she still knows him. Finlei adores her dad, she truley adores him she is absolutely tickled to see him no hesitation what so ever, she does this full body smile when she sees him. Michael does the same thing, he really loves his dad. Jamie is so fun and adoring to both the kids. He really delights in all they do, they are beautiful and wonderful and he loves them. I now realize after living life, that being a kind, loving, and supportative dad is so important. I am truly thankful for my husband. My Cup runneth over....

I cried today

2009-07-24T11:09:00.000-07:00

I came home today from working in Coeur d'Alene Idaho for the week. Michael said on the phone that he had a surprise for me. When I got home he gave me a huge hug and promptly told me he was running to get me my "special surprise!" About a minute later he ran back in to the house and, while giggling, proceeded to spray me with water from a new squirty fish he got at the store. Man I love my son!!!!

Finlei was sleeping when I got home so Michael and I were able to play in the yard for about an hour before she woke up. When I heard her cry out in her room I walked in to say hello and get her up. Her immediate response was a huge smile. I cannot believe what it does to me when she smiles. I feel like my soul fills to overflowing with joy.

She sings!!! As I walked around and held her she opened her mouth and sang aaahhhhh, over and over. As she did, she looked at me with her eyebrows held up as if to say, "what do you think?" It may be one of the cutest things I have ever seen. Logan told me that she does it more when she is being sung to or while dancing with one of us. Logan turned on some music and I danced with Finlei. She began to sing and smile. As I spun around in slow circles with my beautiful blue eyed daughter I saw in my mind a vision of dancing with her at her wedding. No man will ever be worthy of what she is to me. Tears flooding my eyes I spun circles with my daughter and she sang and we both smiled.

2009-07-23T21:13:00.000-07:00

My two favorite Boys!!!!

2009-07-23T21:09:00.000-07:00

Michael and Crew, Crew is holding the only fish they caught after 4 hours of fishing.
You gotta love the fake 5 year old smile. It looks so genuine!!!

2009-07-23T21:07:00.000-07:00

2009-07-23T21:06:00.000-07:00

Mike and Jamie went fishing together for probably the first time. It was mainly just Jamie throwing the line out and Mike crying when he reeled the line in and there wasn't a fish. They did this for about 4 hours. Needless to say their first fishing trip will probably be their last.

2009-07-23T21:01:00.000-07:00

Michael and Crew playing on the beach, Michael was able to swim a ton in McCall and had a blast

2009-07-23T20:59:00.000-07:00

The adults organized a big scavenger hunt for the kids. Michael loved looking for clues, and at the end the dug up a big treasure filled with 4th of July activities.

2009-07-23T20:54:00.000-07:00

These are all the Nelson cousin's with the exception of Ty and I.

2009-07-23T20:52:00.000-07:00

2009-07-23T20:51:00.001-07:00

2009-07-23T20:51:00.000-07:00

Finlei 4th of July weekend I think she just looks so pretty in this picture.
She was in a pack n play and all of her older cousins were looking down on her making her smile and giggle. She absolutely loved all of the attention!!!

2009-07-16T10:24:00.000-07:00

Finlei and Daddy by the camp fire
Finlei loved to watch the flames

I love CA

2009-07-15T15:40:00.000-07:00

Top 10 reasons I love Carolann:
10-She is always kind

9-She listens, I mean really listens

8-She gives great hugs

7- She is wise

6- She is humble

5- She completely delights in Spencer, Kate, Michael, Rachel, Anna, Abbigail, Finlei, and Maci (grandkids)

4-She loves big, just ask anyone who knows her.

3- She gives Jamie someone to argue with, and really seems to enjoy their little "discussions" ( I really appreciate the break CA)

2- She is beautiful inside and out

1- She is Michaels joy!! ( that one really makes me tear up out of happiness, but it is so true, he really does adore every minute he gets with you Oma.

CA,
thankyou for all that you do for my family and I. I truly believe God blessed us all with you. I am honored to call you one of my best friends.
Love You

2009-07-09T17:26:00.000-07:00

My Sweet Kids

2009-07-09T17:24:00.000-07:00

Goofy Boy!!!!

2009-07-09T17:19:00.000-07:00

Mike and Fin swinging

2009-07-09T17:18:00.000-07:00

Finlei swinging in the back yard

2009-07-09T15:22:00.000-07:00

Today the kids and I spent most the day with Amy, Maddie, and Avery Sacry. Amy is truly one of my favorite people to spend time with, she is honest, sincere, and kind. Finlei and Avery are almost the exact same age and its so fun to watch them meet mile stones together. Maddie and Michael are exactly a year apart so we frequently have them share family birthday party's and they really get along well. Amy is easy to discuss the frustrating parts of parenting, without judgement which is so nice. I admire for lots of things she is passionate about her kids, her husband, and her job. I am so thankful for her friendship.
This weekend we are all going camping Scott, Amy, their kids and her parents, and James and I our kids and Carolann and Terry and Kate. It should be lots of fun.

2009-07-07T11:56:00.000-07:00

MMMMMMMM............... I love this little girl so much!!!
Finlei Josephine Reiff 6 months old

2009-07-02T15:32:00.000-07:00

2009-07-02T15:30:00.000-07:00

Kids

2009-07-02T15:03:00.000-07:00

I just got back from Spokane today. When I am over in Spokane working I have a lot of time on my hands. A lot of time to miss my family, and a lot of time think. Most of what I think about (when not trying to persuade businesses to advertise) is how lucky I am to have such a wonderful family. My job gives me the opportunity to meet many many people. Most are curteous and friendly, but many are not. I get to see how a wide variety of people interact with their friends, coworkers and families. I have come to realize that my family, both immediate and extended, is quite unique. My children, neices and nephews, cousins and second cousins, etc... are well raised, and taught the important things in life. We all find ways to screw up and most of us have gone through stages of our lives that we are not proud of. (well... not me but the rest of you have. I've seen it. :) Despite our screw ups, we all have a deep and abiding foundation of a love. I have seen, more often than I can state, unfailing compassion and generosity from everyone from the youngest to the oldest. I guess what inspired me to right this is that I am surrounded by so many wonderful people, that I didn't even realize how wonderful until having to deal with so many of those that are not. Thank you all for being wonderful!!!!

2009-06-29T13:48:00.000-07:00

Michael at Oma and Papa's house this weekend.
We had the nicest time with Terry and Carolann, thanks so much for your love and support.

Man on the corner

2009-06-29T13:33:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we took a family trip to Costco, and as we were coming off the down ramp as usual there was a man standing there. They usually have a sign and I read it to Michael he finds these people fascinating. He calls them "Dirty Old Bums" ( he gets this name from his father) Anyway, this guy wasn't holding a sign he was just trying to thumb a ride. Mike asked me what he was doing and I said I don't know absent mindedly( jamie and I were in the middle of a conversation) He said I know what he was doing, he was giving us two thumbs up for being good drivers and not crashing into the cars in front of us. I thought this was very funny, and once again Michael made me laugh.

Angels?

2009-06-22T20:30:00.000-07:00

I just took this picture of Michael and Finlei this morning. I absolutely loved it. I look at this picture and wonder how just 2 hours ago I put a crying Michael in his room for time out and a screaming Finlei in her crib, so I could have a moment to regroup.
They look like little angels in this picture.
Us throw a fit? No mommy thats just silly.

2009-06-19T13:03:00.000-07:00

Finlei loves to giggle and squirm. I love they way she looks at me when I first pick her up from a nap. She is over joyed to have me walk in the room. She smile's sooo hard, I thinks that a good explanation for her smile. Her whole body smiles, I just truly adore this little girl. I think every mom needs a daughter. To me she is perfect.

Michael frequently says Finlei is the best thing that ever happened to him. He also says that about chocolate milk, but if Fin rates as high as chocolate milk to a five year old I think thats pretty good.

Sorry about this video, its not great,but I waited so long for it to upload I am still posting it.

Michael

2009-06-10T17:18:00.001-07:00

Michael just finished pre-school last week. He was so excited to be done but I really struggled with it. I did fine until his fellow students sang him "The Good-Bye Song" I just started to cry and cry and cry. Michael looked at me like I was crazy, then he informed he had to finish preschool so he could go to big boy school, AKA grade school. He was right of course, but in that moment I just wanted to have my little baby boy back, the little boy who toddled around my house and ate dirt like chocolate. This feeling only lasted until I looked in the back seat to see him soothing his sister while looking for her binki. In that moment I felt truly blessed for my big boy. I think I am ready for him to go to kindergarden, although I can't gurantee there won't be tears.

2009-06-01T13:13:00.000-07:00

Today James left for Spokane, he is only gone 4 nights but its seems
much longer. He will leave for Spokane every week for 8 weeks. I really dread this time of year. We all miss him when he is gone. Michael finds comfort in the fact that it could be 10 nights so four isn't that bad. We had a great week last week, J basically had the whole week off so we were able to do lots of projects and just spend time together as a family. It was so nice to have him around all the time. I am truly blessed to have my children and my husband.
This morning I opened my freezer and found four zip lock bags filled with ice, on closer inspection I found the bags contained frozen bugs. I asked Michael about this and he informed me he was just really into freezing bugs now, and walked out he door to collect more bugs.
Finlei just started to have a little bit of rice cereal, she really enjoys the cereal but since having it she hasn't gone #2 and her toots are really frequent and stinky. J does not appreciate this and thinks we should discontinue the cereal, but since she is now sleeping better at night I think that is worth a few stinky toots no matter the frequency or the smell.
I am off to play Dinosaurs.

2009-05-12T09:37:00.000-07:00

Finlei is now four months old.

2009-04-27T15:34:00.000-07:00

Finlei's Blessing

We are so Blessed to have these 2 wonderful children.

2009-04-21T12:56:00.000-07:00

2009-04-21T12:42:00.000-07:00

Michael Reiff almost 5 years old!!
Where did the time go.

2009-04-21T12:03:00.000-07:00

Finlei is enjoying the nice warm weather.

2009-04-21T12:00:00.000-07:00

Finlei Josephine Reiff is now 15 weeks old!!
She is a delightful little girl!!

2008-10-17T19:59:00.000-07:00

Hi family and friends,
Well we finally got on board the blog train, I am new at this so bear with me. All is well with us Michael started preschool this fall and is loving it. He is now 4 and looking and acting more like his dad every day. They both have a wonderful spirit. We are so excited to be expecting a little girl in January.

Oma taking a picture of mike

2008-10-17T19:55:00.000-07:00

2008-10-17T19:50:00.000-07:00

Logan and Ty her little brother

2008-10-17T19:47:00.000-07:00

Grandma Nonie and James

2008-10-17T19:41:00.000-07:00