Griswolds Do Fredericksburg

On the 26th, we left to go with my side of the family to Fredericksburg for a vacation.  The Cromarties, Blandas, and Olivers packed their bags and headed that way.  The drive was not bad (despite a small aruguement on which route we should take) and the kids were good.  The place we stayed was awesome!!!  We had what they called the large house and then we had to get a small cabin too due to the number of people.  The cabin was pretty neat, as it was a pre-Civil War cabin and had a lot of history to it.  They had horseshoes, swings, a firepit and smores.  Granny Griswold starting feeling ill the first night and had a fever.  Little Miss Bentley was her bunk mate and she cried all night long, so that didn't help matters.  Bentley also would not even make eye contact with ANYONE but me and her daddy.  This became EXTREMELY annoying to me.  Everyone in our family just loves she and Riley and she wants nothing to do with anyone.  Mom ended up coming down with the flu.  She had 102.6 fever at one point.  We got her some medicine and quarantined her in the cabin.  On Monday Shawnda started throwing up and she threw up for what seemed like days and ended up going to the hospital for some IV fluids and medicine.  Despite all of the illness floating around, we all had a good time.  We enjoyed the shopping and a lot of good food, movies, playing wii and just visiting.  It also snowed on Tuesday but wasn't cold enough to stick, but it was still pretty coming down. It was a great time and I am blessed with a good family and I love them so much. 

I only got pics of the snow and they can be seen in the previous post. 

Christmas 2009

The last 2 weeks have not been that great for me.  I have this strange thing going on with an infection in my actual chest muscle (weird).  Then, I developed a sinus infection and a severe case of bronchitis.  I went to the Dr. and got all loaded up on medicine and on Christmas Eve as I was getting ready for church, I noticed I was broken out in a skin rash from head to toe.  I had an allergic reaction to the antibiotic I was on (go figure), so the Dr. put me on a steroid and a new antibiotic.  I basically felt pretty bad for Christmas which is no fun.  Riley and Bentley were sick before Christmas too, but they were well in time for the goodies!

We went to church on Christmas Eve, then dinner and then came home to open gifts.  Riley did really good, he tore into them and was really excited about the Bumblebee costume he got.  Bentley wasn't so much into opening the gifts, but enjoyed the toys once they were out.   Once they were fast asleep, Santa paid them a visit.  Riley got a big boy full size bed with all the trimmings, a scooter, some transformers and a GI Joe gun.  Bentley got a doll, a chair that makes a sleeping bag, an outfit, a Dora backpack and more.....they both raked in the goods. 

We went to Nana Margie's house on Christmas morning and had a nice time there too.  Margie ALWAYS outdoes herself and we come home with our own individual toy stores.  Bentley had about 25 gifts I swear.  She is so much better dressed than me!!!  She got like 3 pair of shoes and Lord knows how many outfits.  Needless to say, we had a wonderful Christmas despite me being on what felt like my deathbed.

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School Christmas Program

Last Thursday night was Riley and Bentley's school Christmas program.  It is really a nice program that involves each age group singing a few Christmas songs and then you go back to your childs class room.  They have refreshments and a show of all of the Christmas artwork the kiddos have been working on and you get to visit with the teachers.  It is really nice.  Miss Bentley did not do too much singing.....she just sat up on stage and looked around at everyone like "what are you people doing??"  But she looked adorable if that counts for anything :)  Riley on the other hand sang his heart out.  He really enjoyed the show this year.  Upon talking with their teachers, Bentley is really getting a bit more comfortable with her class each time she goes.  She also loves to clean up and bring things to the teacher (we call her the "gatherer" as she is always gathering stuff and bringing it to me).  Riley is doing great as well.  His teacher said that he has really come out of his shell, but that he is still a very good boy and a pleasure to have in the classroom.  It really makes you feel good to hear stuff like that.

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Her Last Supper

Little Miss Bentley had tubes put in her ears and her adenoids removed on Friday.  We had to be at Texas Childrens Hospital at 6:30 and surgery was at 8:00.  We arrived and checked in and waited while she cruised the lobby in the Cozy Coupe (nicer model than we had at home, so she was lovin that).  We got called back for them to get her weight, her pulse ox level and her temperature.  At this point, the staff is starting to get the feel that she is a "particular" patient and does not really like any of them.  The nurse told us that we can speak to the anestesiologist regarding giving her something to relax her in order to get her to the back so they can put her to sleep.  She played well in the waiting room, but was not very friendly when the drs or nurses came to speak to us regarding her procedure.  She would look away or just flat out cry when they approached us.  The time finally came and she was wisked away to the OR.  About 20 minutes later, Dr. Albright came out and said she did great and that he power washed her sinuses and inserted the tubes and we would be able to see her soon.  When we made it to recovery to see our precious little angel boy were we surprised.  You see, we have been down this road with Riley and it was a little rough coming out of surgery, but before long we were dressed and in the car.  So I was not shocked when our little bundle of joy was screaming her head off and trying to leap out of my arms.  Casey finally looked at me and said he would hold her because I was obviously not doing a good job when she would thrust out of my arms with every ounce of strength she had.  This went on for 20 solid minutes.  She was screaming and taking on so that the nurse finally told us we could give her an additional dose of morphine, but that we might have to spend the night to monitor her oxygen level....that did not really sound like my idea of fun, so we passed.  After 10 more minutes and the workout of a lifetime for Casey and I, the nurse told us we would just give her half of a dose of morphine.  It still took a good 10 minutes for her to calm down and quit acting possessed, but it worked.  Then Dr. Albright decidced to check on us.....not the best idea doc.  Bentley did not even see him, but the sound of his voice was enough to get her screaming again.  The nurses soon dismissed us without the routine check of the blood pressure or pulse/ox as they had had enough of Miss Bentley's charm for the day.  I am sure we were the subject of some dinner conversations......

Here are some pics of the little angel eating her favorite (one of 3 things she actually eats) meal......chicken and mac and cheese followed by an oreo.

Happy Thanksgiving

Well, another year has passed and we have so much to be thankful for.  I am so proud of my family.  My children have grown so much over the last year and they are the light of my life.  Riley is so smart and handsome.  He has such a loving personality and loves life so much.  I am so thankful for him.  Bentley is my little diva.  She is 17 months now and is "talking" and running around.  She is all girl...she loves bracelets and shoes and tutus and purses.  She is adjusting to school so well and loves to play with Riley.  She idolizes him and wants to do EVERYTHING he does.  They are both so sweet and such good kiddos.  I have all faith that they will be good faithful christian kids.  I am also thankful to have such a loving husband.  Casey is a great father and a great provider for our family.  I am so fortunate that I get to stay home and raise my babies. 

I have also been blessed with all of the creativity that God has recentley given me with Bentley's Bows.  Everyday it is something new....I have more ideas than I have time and money to invest in.  He just keeps blessing me with ideas and with the confidence and patience that it takes to start a new venture on your own.  I know with him being my focus, the sky is the limit and I will succeed.

We are blessed with awesome family too.  We had a great Thanksgiving on both sides.  While my thoughts were with my dad, I was able to enjoy the family that I do have here with me this holiday.  I hope that the rest of the holiday season will be a good one. 

I just know that I am thankful and blessed and I want to give God the glory for that. 

Happy Thanksgiving to all!!!

Casey cannot focus a camera to save his life...

Bentley and Uncle Rick had too much turkey

Nana & Ric

Rock-a-bye Baby

Pardon the singing.......

Sadie, Dozer or Bentley's Bowl?

Bentley has a fun new hiding place.  She loves to crawl up onto the dog bowls and just sit there like she is sitting on her throne.  And, no it makes no difference if there is actually water or food in their bowls ;)

Bentley has also been getting a little too dependent on her pacifier lately.  She would hide it beside her in her high chair and suck and bit, then eat a bit, then suck a bit and then tuck it away as I was going to take it from her.  She also would go the counter and reach as far as she could and scream "pat pat" for it as soon as she was through eating.  I made the executive decision last Friday to take this from her except for nap time and bed time.  Let me say, Friday was NOT fun.  She fussed quite a bit and was very needy, but I must say after that, we have been fortunate.  She is coming to grips with the fact that she and "pat pat's" relationship is strictly to exist in her bed.  It was not as bad as I thought, but let me remind myself we still have a ways to go.  We are working toward breaking it altogether, but we are taking baby steps. 

We are also getting tubes put in and adenoids removed on December 4th.  I fondly remember how much fun the adenoid piece was with Riley.  I hope this is one of those situations where girls handle it differently. 

The Pirate & the Princess

Riley really got into Halloween this year and it was so fun.  He started out wanting to be a transformer and I just couldn't get into that, so I used my persuasion skills and dangled a pirate sword in front of him and tada, I got myself a little pirate.  He looked SOOOO cute.  Bentley was a little princess and although she wasn't as into it as Riley, she had a good time having her first OREO cookie.  We went to the Fall Festival at our church on Friday night and then Riley stayed with Memaw on Saturday night.  Anna, his girlfriend, (yes, it is official....he calls her that now) and Cole stayed with Memaw so Melissa could celebrate her 30th.  So he and Anna rang in Halloween together.

Pumpkin Carving

Last Sunday we went to Clay's to celebrate Nana's birthday and then we came home and carved a pumpkin with Memaw.  Riley was really into the pumpkin carving this year.  At preschool they had showed the kids pumpkin guts and their seeds and then let them taste pumpkin filling.  I am sure this aided his curiosity.  We ended up with a cute little pumpkin and Riley and Bentley like him a lot.

Dewberry Farm 2009

WOW, another year has passed and we made our annual trip to Dewberry Farm.  I just love that place.  Melissa, Nathan and Anna and Cole joined us this year and we had fun.  Riley was so glad to see Anna and Cole (he loves his Anna).  Bentley enjoyed herself this year too.  She is really starting to interact more and play with kids more.  I am gonna do a comparison between last year and this year.  Then click on the link to see all of the pics.  There are some great ones of Riley and Anna together (boyfriend and girlfriend) and Cole and Bentley. 

2008

2009

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Busy Bee

As many of you know, I have started my own little business over the last few weeks called Bentley's Bows.  I am doing hair bows, hats, headbands, tutus, and other stuff.  It started with the bows that I have made for Bentley.  I got so many compliments on them and I really do love to accessorize and such, so I thought and prayed about it and decided to give it a whirl.  It is very difficult to keep up with 2 kids, 2 dogs, a house and start a new gig, but I am superwoman, so I am surviving, LOL.  (My house is what is getting neglected).   Other than that, we have all been sick on and off the last month, but we are on the mend.  We are going to Dewberry Farms this weekend, so I will have some pics from that and then of course we have Halloween.  I have put some pics on here of Riley and Bentley being silly in the kitchen.  Notice, Bentley has her paci in her mouth.  SHE IS A FIEND for her paci....I dread the next 6 months when I have to attempt to take that thing away.  Riley was super easy.....Bentley, not so much.  I also have some pics of my model in my croched hats.  She is a bit moody, but she is beautiful and FREE which fits my budget.

I Pledge Allegiance to the Flag

Today, on the way home from school, Riley just started saying the Pledge.  I was shocked.  He said the whole thing and actually said about 95% of the words correct.  School is so good for him.  Sometimes it just blows my mind what he knows.

Bentley's First Pigtails

I have been so excited to get Bentley's hair in pigtails once it got long enough.  Today, we decided to play "beauty shop" and see if it would work.  Riley and I got her some goldfish and put her in her high chair (she HATES to have her hair fixed, hence the high chair) and started the make over.  The end result was PIGTAILS!  Momma put two of her prettiest bows she made inm her hair and tried to snap a few pictures.  Riley must be outgrowing his I-hate-to-have-my-picture-made phase as he wanted some snapshots with the pumpkins too.  Ah, the pumpkins.....Riley and Memaw decorated them in case you were wondering.

Feeding the Ducks

Today the weather was so nice, we all went for a walk down to the lake and fed the ducks. Riley rode his bike the whole way and Bentley was escourted in her wagon. Riley loved feeding the ducks and the ducks enjoyed their brunch. I wish the weather was always like this!!!

Bentley is now 15 months old and we had her check up yesterday. She weighs 23 lbs 4 oz and is 32 inches long. She is getting so big. She got 3 shots and has an ear infection and a yeast infection. Other than that, she is in good shape. She doesn't talk as much as Riley did, but she definitely has the "MOM" word down. She is slowly but surely getting used to school. We now make it most of the way down the hall before she starts screaming....baby steps :)

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May The Force Be With You

Riley has really gotten into his "light savers" and guns and shooting the bad guys as I have already mentioned. He has now recruited his little sister to join him in his daily battle with the dark side. He took the liberty of hooking his "light saver" onto Bentley's diaper last night so they could defeat evil once again. He had his nerf gun tucked into his drawers as well. Good to know that we are all safe from the bad guys!!

Also, Bentley is so glad that fall is here. She begged me to put her in her cool new Halloween overalls that her Memaw got her. She looked so cute I just had to get a picture of her.

Marker Fun

Earlier in the week, I had to make some important phone calls regarding my surgery on Thursday, so I made sure that both 2 foot and 3 foot were happily occupied. Riley was coloring with markers and crayons at his table in the kitchen and Bentley was playing with a slew of toys in the living room. I thought I was safe to make a 5 minute phone call. As I was drawing near to end of my lovely call regarding insurance (whole other post), here comes my precious angel looking like a goth queen. She had obviously helped herself to some of Bubba's markers. Riley saw me taking picture of Bentley and thought he would get in the laughs too.

Also, the surgery on my knee went great. I had it Thursday at 7 am. Mom and Casey are rather worn out and have a new found respect for my job, but both have been a great help. Mom has made us dinner, gone to the grocery for us and kept the babies. I don't know what I would do without her. I am feeling much better today and have been up and around a little bit. I still have to ice my knee every other hour for an hour, but I definitely see a light at the end of the tunnel. Thanks for everyone's thoughts and prayers. I am fortunate.

New Floors

We got new floors put in on Friday. It is hand-scraped laminate and in a darker wood with some golden tones to it. It is really really pretty. I took a few pictures today so you can get an idea.

View from upstairs looking down on the office

View from upstairs looking down on the living room...new rug....Dozer loves it
Riley likes the floors but did not like the workers too much....Bentley loved them, they spoke Spanish!

Also, here is a preview of Bentley's Halloween costume. Her Nana got her this little fairy/princess outfit for her birthday and she is just now able to wear it. I am gonna get her some little accessories to go with it. I tried it on her today to see how it fit and I could not resist taking her picture. She is too cute in it. Pardon the "nap hair." As for Mr. Riley, I had this really cute little golfer outfit picked out, but he is now dead set on being a darn Bumblebee Transformer thanks to his friend Carter (he got this at his bday party and Riley LOVED it). I knew he was going to get an opinion soon, but I did not know it would be this soon. I have tried everything to change his mind, but nothing has worked yet....

Gettin' a Little Sideways

Last night we went to see Dierks Bentley and Brad Paisley. The show was awesome, not only because I got to see DB, but Brad Paisley was great too. He really is a good entertainer. He was all over the place....he had some animation on the screen that he put together himself, he did a 9/11 tribute (and to the stars that had passed), and he had great effects and videos on the screen. Dierks has a song about his last name and he always talks about how important his last name is to him....funny, I like it too :-)
I have some video footage of the show. I taped about 6 of DB's songs, but I will only play one. You can't really see much, but we did have good seats, my camera just wouldn't zoom while videoing. Also, I hope you cannot hear me singing, although you can hear me scream. I also will post one of BP so he doesn't get jealous. I have him singing "Then" and it was great.

Going Under the Knife AGAIN

I met with the Dr. yesterday regarding the MRI that was done on my knee. I have a anterior meniscal tear in my left knee and I will have to have surgery to repair it. I am waiting to hear back from the Dr.'s office on my insurance and then I will schedule it.
Don't worry, I will make the Dierks concert....I may be in pain, but I will be there :)

Funnies

Riley is the funniest kid and lately, he just keeps getting funnier. I have finally caught some of his moments on camera.

He made "listening ears" at school last week and he wore them to Memaw's and all over the house for a couple of days. It would be nice if they worked.

He is obsessed with wearing the goggles that he got for his birthday. They are a bit big, so they encompass his whole lip as you can see. He wears these all the time. He rides his bike in them, he wears them to shoot the bad guys and he wears them in the car. Hmmmmmm....

He is very into guns and swords and shooting the bad guys right now. This is his arsenal that he created to store his guns. The oven mitt acts as a holster in case you were wondering. There is a nerf gun, a golf club (or glolf club as he puts it), a water gun and OF COURSE, the goggles.

And Miss Bentley has her own obsessions. She loves to sit in chairs, any chairs. She will just find a chair and climb in it and sit. I got this extra car seat out for mom and she thought it was a little chair made for her!!