Bryant Family

Gig'em Aggies!! WHOOP!

2011-09-08T21:53:00.000-05:00

As many of you know, I committed the cardinal sin and married a boy from the other side of the tracks. Over the past 10 years, we have learned to live in harmony, but boy it has been tough. Especially since 9 of those years, the longhorns have been very good at football. There is also that wonderful holiday where we are supposed to be giving thanks for all of the blessings the good Lord has bestowed upon us and, well, that is hard to do come about 7 pm that evening. We have learned that both Casey and I really need to watch that game alone in our home, NOT with family. (For the record, Casey does not like to participate in the Oliver Family yell practice that we do. NOR does he really dig the Fightin' Texas Aggie Band CD - I know folks, I don't get it either). But we overcame all of these hurdles. We both learned when to quit running our mouths, and we really try to follow the rules (for the most part) that we have set regarding fan pariphernalia purchases and what we teach our children.

Speaking of our children....Riley is going to make a great politician. He is an avid longhorn fan when Dad is around, but he changes quickly to a "Gig'em" when mom or Memaw is around. But Casey's brainwashing is slowly working more and more. He clothed his new Build A Bear purchase in a tu football uniform this past weekend. Bentley is still a little young, but I am working on her. She loves to be a "Gig'em" with her Mommy, but she also looks up to Bubba, so when he is leaning to the "hook'em" she tends to sway a bit too. These things really used to get to me, but now, I just don't have the energy to toil about it. I just have to turn this over to the Good Lord and pray that my kiddos will make a good choice.

Really, the whole reason for my post is just to boast about the awesome school I went to. I really do bleed maroon and I miss all that spirit that used to just flow from me. I believe that burnt orange cow has just worn me down these last 10 years. I love my school and I am proud of them, win or lose. (Although, I know this year (just like last year), A&M will kick tu's rear end, and he will just make excuses about why they lost). I love my husband and I love my school and we can co-exist, I just have to expel a lot of love for my Aggies on my blog.

As for their move to the SEC.....wouldn't you want to get away from ol' orange if you could?

Gig'em and God Bless!!!

P.S. I wanted to call this post "House Divided", but my Daddy always worried about Casey and I using that term. He felt that if we keep referring to ourselves as divided, it very well could drive a wedge between us. I believe our relationship is too strong for that, but I also believe that a lot of what happens in our day to day lives has a lot to do with the things you confess. So Gig'em Aggies it is!!!

Preschool - Monkeys and Doggies

2011-08-23T19:22:00.000-05:00

Today was the first day of preschool at CCP. Bentley and I were both excited. I couldn't wait to meet my students and Bentley couldn't wait to be in the monkey class. At school, each classroom has an animal associated with it. My class is the dogs and Bentley's class is the monkeys. She is going three days a week this year and I am also excited to see how that is going to unfold. She walked in the place like she owned it this morning (she is there so much, she practically does). She picked her favorite of her new school outfits and had her flower in her hair and so she was all set. I dropped her off at child care while I was at my meeting and her old teacher from last year was handling child care, so that was a breeze too. I checked on her mid-day (I love this about teaching at the preschool) and she was doing fine. Her teacher told me that this was like old hat to her. That makes momma feel sooo good. She was really tired when she got home and she did finally lay down before ballet tonight. She still takes 1.5 to 2 hour naps MOST days, so we will see how this all plays out. Here are some pics!

And He Made it Home

2011-08-22T16:22:00.000-05:00

Riley made it home safe and sound. He is so excited and told me school is AWESOME! He showed me his folder and he got a sticker for listening today. His teacher also called to check and make sure he made it home ok and to tell me that he was a good helper and listener. I am so proud of him!

First Day of Kindergarden

2011-08-22T15:43:00.001-05:00

Well, today was the day that has been heavy on my heart for a couple of weeks. I knew it was going to be hard, and it was. First, we had his kindergarden picnic on last Thursday evening. It was a nice thought, but it was soooo hot. Riley did meet a friend or two, but we mainly just lost our body weight in fluid. Then Friday morning, we met his teacher, Mrs. Melker. She was very nice and I had a peace about her after having met her. Her room was really decorated cute and was well organized (you know that is important to me and Casey's anal selves). Riley was a natural. He found his desk and just loved being in that atmosphere. He was so excited. I did good at this event.....choked up a couple of times, but didn't lose it. (Of course, I was chasing Bentley around and keeping her from knocking stuff over or getting on the classroom computer and this helped take my mind off things.)

Then this morning came.....I felt sad the whole time I was getting ready. It is really hard to be excited and act like you are sooo happy when really you are just sad. I didn't even put on eye makeup because I could feel the water works getting ready to come. Riley was dressed and ready to take on the world, or at least kindergarden for today. The whole family went out to the bus stop to see himoff. The bus was ontime and as it pulled up, the largest lump came up in my throat. It stopped and he TOOK off running. Riley was so happy and ready to ride this bus. He was not nervous or shy or apprehensive. I could not have felt more opposite. Casey and I watched him get on the bus and he sat in the very first seat like a champ. I have not been more proud and scared at the same time. I am so proud of who he is and how awesome he handles situations, but I am so scared of what this world can introduce to him. Needless to say, I cried my eyes out.

I am now sitting here typing waiting on the bus to get home so I can hear all of the wonderful things he said about this new journey we are on. I love you Riley and cannot wait to see your face this afternoon!!!!

Waiting for the bus

Excited about new backpack and lunch kit

Bentley was meeting the teacher today at CCP

Sibling love

Riley and Daddy

Waiting for the bus

Running to the bus

Bye Bye Bubba

San Antonio

2011-08-22T15:22:00.000-05:00

After having so much fun hanging out with April and Greg at the family reunion, we all decided we needed a little vacay in San Antonio. We got it on the schedule and actually made it there this year (we have talked a lot about this)! We left early on a Friday morning and drove straight to the River Walk to have lunch and catch some of the San Antonio must sees. We started with lunch and walking around. Riley and Bentley loved to see the ducks and the big fish in the water on the River Walk. After that, we hit the Alamo. Riley was pumped to see some actual battlegrounds. It was SOOOOO hot that we would just go into every other store to just cool off. We also had some fun playing with the touristy JUNK they had. Riley and Bentley also had a dance off in one of the stores that was rockin out.

I know this pictue is not good of Bentely, but I just thought it was hysterical!

Funny sunglasses

Daddy and the kids (I am never in pics!)

Yep kids, that is the Alamo

The wax museum just happened to have some wrestlers in it!

Daddy gettin jiggy with predator

He looks so small compared to that!

We went to April and Greg's house after the RW and had some phenomenal food (actually we had awesome food all weekend!). The kiddos had a great time playing with Julianna, James and Jake. Saturday we got up and headed to Sea World, but momma did not bring her camera :( So I have no pics from Sea World. But the kids had a blast and April and Greg were the best tour guides EVER. We hit all the hot spots and got to see the shows and Shamu. Thanks so much guys for hosting us, it was a great time.\

And now for the king and queen of dancing.....

Fun in Box, Part 2 and The Dentist

2011-08-10T21:21:00.000-05:00

I don't know why, but Bentley loves to get into boxes. She does it all the time and it is just funny to me to see her wathcing TV or playing dolls in a box. This was taken about 3 or 4 weeks ago and I had forgotten about it until I downloaded the pics. She put all of her toys in the box and set it in the chair and climbed right on in!

This is not a big box.....there was stuff under her bottom

And she chilled like that

On July 26th, Bentley had her first appt with the dentist and Riley had his 3rd. Riley, of course, did great. He had to get his x-rays done again and then he got his teeth cleaned and he got a great report. He will not be losing any teeth for a while, but the dentist said that was a good thing....the longer you keep your baby teeth, the longer you keep your adult teeth. Good to know that Riley will not be running around red-neck and toothless at 50, lol. (I thought that was a weird comment, hence the joke).

I was really worried about Bentley. Most of you know that she is FAR from laid back and doesn't just cooperate for people in scrubs or white coats. But I must give credit where credit is due, she did GREAT. She had her first x-rays and then they cleaned them and flossed her. She was patient and listened the whole time. I was so proud of her. Maybe having Riley there to go first helped, but whatever it was, I will take it!!!

Riley getting his x-rays

Bentley...she looks like a mental patient here

Checking out the equipment

She liked the sucky straw

5 Year Birthday Pics

2011-08-03T19:48:00.000-05:00

We celebrated Riley's birthday this past weekend in Beaumont, but I forgot my camera. We came home and opened presents and had the Canizaro's come over. Riley had an AWESOME weekend!!!

Ready to tear into his gifts from Mom and Dad

Bentley was dying to help

WWE ROCKS

Riley and Carter singing Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday My Man!

2011-08-03T19:31:00.001-05:00

Riley,

I cannot believe that 5 years ago you graced us with your presence. You are such a joy to have around. You really are the most laid back, well-mannered child that parent could ask for. There has not been a Sunday school teacher, Preschool teacher, babysitter, family member, VBS teacher or camp counselor that doesn't say the best things about you after being around you. From the Camper of the Week award to your teachers this year going on and on about how you need to go to kindergarten, you truly do exceed our expectations all the time.

I love the way we can sing to each other....you learn the lyrics of every song just like me. You can hear a song only a handful of times and you know every word. You also memorize the lines to your movies (I did the same thing :) You amaze me and anyone who is around you with this talent. Your smile is amazing to me too. I can look at you and when you smile at me, it melts my heart.

You also have such love for God and a sound biblical foundation laid for you. You love to read the Bible at night. And when you pray, I am awe struck. I cannot believe you are as young as you are, praying the way you do. You are so mature.

You love wrestling, beyblades, pokemon, swimming and playing your DS. This birthday is so bittersweet to me....I am so excited to see what you will become and to see how good you are in school, but I cannot believe you are going to school. You will always be my baby!!!!

Gig'em and Hook'em!!!

I love you,
Mommy!!!

Tubes, Set Number 2

2011-07-18T11:03:00.001-05:00

Riley has had 4 major ear infections since March 30th, so after visiting with the ENT, we all decided it was best to have tubes put back in. He had his first set done when he was about 10 1/2 months old, along with adenoid removal. This surgery helped him sooooo much. He wasn't sick for about a year and half. I am hoping for the same this time around. Since we have his allergies under control and now we have tubes, I hope we stay really really healthy for a while.

Riley has always been an AWESOME patient and today was no different. He woke up like a big boy (we had to be there at 6am), he waited patiently like a big boy, he took his "margarita" to relax him and went back to the OR like a big boy. It is nice that he is so good because his sister is not, but it is still so hard to send your little ones back to the OR. The surgery seriously took less than 10 minutes and he was in recovery for about 15-20 minutes. We were home by 8:30. The patient is doing great and thanks to Memaw for holding the fort down while we had Riley's surgery.

Thank you God for blessing me with Riley.....and keeping him safe for me today. :D

Summer Fun Birthday Party

2011-07-18T10:55:00.000-05:00

For Riley's 3rd birthday, we reserved our community pool for his party and it was a big hit. Since the kids love to swim, I thought it would be cool to just do 1 party and have it at the pool again. (While I can - I realize a combined party won't work forever!) The only time we could really do it is Sunday mornings from 10-12. So yesterday, Casey and I and two VERY excited kiddos head to the pool at 9:45 so we can set up and be ready for our guests. We get there and wait and wait and wait. Nana shows up, Papaw, Rick and Tricia and the kids.....well, the whole party shows up and we are still WAITING outside the pool gates. No lifeguards to let us in. I had checked this week with the woman that I coordinated the party with and we were all a go. Hmmm, someone didn't get that memo! I had her number and made some calls and apparently, the "office" had it down on the correct day, but the "field" (lifeguard coordinator) had us down for Monday from 10-12 (which is not even a possible time so that makes no sense). The guards finally showed up about 10:35, and it all worked out, but I was FUMING. My cake was melting, my guest were hot, and most of my guests are little guys and had no idea what was going on. They just kept looking at the pool wanting to swim. The manager called me and told me that we would get some kind of a refund (I am about to call on that now) and so I calmed down and we had a good time.

Riley and Bentley got a new swim suit for the occasion and Aunt Tricia made them shirts to wear. We had pizza, cake (an eggless one too) and swam and played!!! Thanks to everyone who came and I am sorry again for the sweaty "preparty!"

The birthday guy and gal

MOMMY

DADDY

Bentley and Nana

Anna is a little fish and so is Cole, but I didn't get his picture. The boys were not near as willing as the girls to take pics

Bentley

MEMAW - she is my life saver! I love that Memaw!!!

RT with his water gun

The eggless Tangled cake

The full of eggs Transformer cake

Uncle Ricky and Pierce

My babies, my pride and joy

Blowing out the candles

Riley and Anna

Bentley got her some eggless cake and LOVED it!

Riley and Papaw

Memaw, Baby Cayden, and Anna

Give me a Shot

2011-07-18T10:12:00.000-05:00

I saw Dr. Rubin last Tuesday. She explained that the tissue in my foot is scar tissue. Apparently, scar tissue usually lays in flat plains that flow in one direction (kinda like the grain in wood), but mine does not. It is all jumbled up and flowing in more than one direction, which is what makes it painful. The scar tissue I have is thick, dense and deep. She said that it would not make sense to surgically remove it because I would just develop more. She suggested that we use steroid therapy to help reduce the scar tissue. We had tried that before, but after 2 injections, we checked to see if the problem was bigger or different than what we thought. With that said, she injected me with cortizone and anesthesia and told me to come back in two weeks. We will continue this every 2 weeks until it is better along with shaving the area down. So far, it has helped but it is not gone. I believe and have faith that this will work. I will have my foot back!

Foot Update

2011-07-11T18:05:00.000-05:00

Dr. Rubin's office called this afternoon and the biopsy came back benign!!!! The biopsy shows that it is scar tissue. I am so greatful and my heart is so full of joy. I know God answers prayers, I believe it. I have been faces with possible dealings with cancer and I have been blessed twice now.

I do, however, want continued prayer for this pain to end. I go to see the dr. tomorrow and I am really wanting answers, now that she knows what we are dealing with. I want to eliminate this pain for the long haul and put this behind me. I have had problems with scar tissue in the past and we will address that tomorrow.

Thanks for all of your prayers, they have worked. God is good!

Foot Update

2011-07-01T08:21:00.000-05:00

Well, I had a cruddy, yet eventful day yesterday. I have been having continued pain that just keeps getting worse in my foot. I called Dr. Rubin and she felt like the tumor may have grown back. I had an MRI last Thursday and Monday evening, the nurse called with my results. She said the MRI showed a collection of fluid and not to worry, but to call and schedule an appointment to review the MRI. Casey and I were both relieved and praising God for answered prayers because the tumor had not come back. I went to my appoinment yesterday with the expectation that she would possibly drain the fluid and send me on my way. I figured I would have a small bobo of some sort, but that it would all be downhill from here. Well, it didn't unfold like that and that fact alone was very frustrating to me. I have been battling foot pain, all kinds of shot therapy, surgery, wraps, orthodics, etc for over 18 months now and I have pretty much had it. She explained that the fluid is 2 mm which is a very small amount of fluid and it would not have my foot in the shape that it is in. She asked me if we had biopsied the tissue we had removed before (over past appointments, she would shave my callus down) and I said no. She told me then she was going to bioposy the hard "lesion" as she calls it to see what we are dealing with. After a painful biopsy, she said that I would have my results in a week. She wants to rule cancer out and then we will go from there. Whatever this extremely hard, thick lesion is, it is attached to/or pressing against my nerve which is why this is so painful. I went to my mom's after the appointment until Casey came home and then I took some pain meds and went to bed.
I am to stay off my feet for a couple of days (yeah right) and rest up. Please continue to pray for me. For the obvious, that this is not cancer, and that it can be resolved. But also for my attitude and my faith. I am very upset and frustrated and I just really want closure. I am trying to understand that this is part of a plan and rest assured everything will work out as God has intended. It is just hard at times. Thanks for all of your prayers and support.

Bentley's Birthday Pics

2011-06-28T22:08:00.000-05:00

We are doing a combined party for Riley and Bentley this year, but we had a small celebration on Sunday for Bentley. First, I took her for her first pedicure with Elyse and Aunt Tricia. She LOVED it! The salon had chairs that were made for little kids and it was so cute. She picked out her polish (HOT pink) and then went to her chair. I thought that she would not like the filing, clipping, and such, but she didn't even flinch. She was even holding her hands out before and during them painting them - it was soooo cute. She told the lady doing her nails she wanted them zebra....I kid you not! So that is what she got!

Then we went home for grilled hamburgers, hot dogs and boudain. Memaw and Elyse, Nana and PawPaw Ric, and Ryan and Terie helped Miss B celebrate. She got tons of princess gifts and loot. I made her an eggless cake and it was actually pretty good. All in all, it was a great day.

Bentley and her best friend Elyse

BB and her Aunt Tricia

Look at me in my Princess Chair

Filing her toes

I know I am biased, but that is my gorgeous angel

Tada!!!! Zebra toes

Riley got a "bag of tricks" from Nana and that was the hit of the night...here he is with a nail in his finger

BB opening gifts

Uncle Ryan and his nail in his finger

She just blew out all the candles

I got the Tangled tower.....

AND I AM PUMPED!

The next morning, dressed in my usual attire with my new lip gloss on....thanks Aunt T

3 Years Old Already????

2011-06-28T21:50:00.000-05:00

It has been such a crazy weekend, I am just now sitting down to blog about my baby girl's 3rd birthday....

Oh Bentley......how you make my world complete. I probably always go back to this, but this is just one of the many ties that bind us....
Three years ago, so much happened. My world changed in so many ways, I really could have come unraveled at the seams. But between God's grace and your smiling face, I persevered. First, I knew my company was going down and in flames. That was so sad to me....I really enjoyed working there and I also met tons of great friends. Many of which I am still close to today, in fact, even closer to today than I was then. I had been with Royce for 6 years and I was pregnant and emotional and it was really hard to let that chapter of my life close. I knew I was going to stay home once you arrived (due date 7/27/08), but I was going to work until you graced our presence.

Then, on March 30th, the most traumatic event that has happened in my 33 years (at that time) took place. I lost my father on a Sunday morning and it was the toughest time in my life. I so wanted to crawl in a hole and die really. I had Riley, but Casey took great care of him knowing I was hurting so bad. But you were a part of me....you were 100% dependent on my actions. On one hand, that was so tough on me, but on the other hand, I HAD to go on, for your sake and mine. One day when you are pregnant with your child, you will understand how your emotions are just slightly out of control and you will appreciate this situation. Between you and the good Lord, I made it...every day. I ate, I rested and I cried a lot. Time passed and some complications arose. My body could not really carry you any longer. So on June 26th, I woke up having contractions about 3 1/2 minutes apart and called the dr. He told me to come in and we would just deliver you. You were 5 weeks early, and the nurse was talking to me about how you would spend time in the NICU since you were early and that would be normal. But God didn't think that was really what you needed. He knew you needed to get me through the hurt that came along with you being the only grandchild that Tom Oliver never met. So that is just what happened...you went to the NICU for about 4 hours and then you were sent to me. You were fine...lungs, blood sugar, heart rate -everything!!! Steven sent my placenta off to the lab to be tested and the results showed that my placenta was failing so that you probably would not have made it through the weekend (you were born on a Thursday).

You were a miracle to me in so many ways and you still are. I love you more and more every day and I believe that I am the lucky one. I thank God for you everyday because I lost one of the most important people to me and less than 3 months later I gained a different one.

Happy birthday baby girl....Pawpaw Tom would be so proud of you!

Last T-Ball Game

2011-06-22T17:06:00.000-05:00

This last Saturday was Riley's last t-ball game and boy I am glad - only because of the heat of course. Riley did great with t-ball. He loved it and was very good at hitting and throwing. He still needs to sharpen up on the catching and fielding, but overall he was awesome. He really enjoys playing sports and his daddy and I hope that he keeps up that passion. They had a little end of the season party with pizza and cupcakes and trophies and Riley really enjoyed that too!

Riley and his buddies eating some pizza

He was pretty stoked about the trophy

Riley and Bruno who was moving that day to Connecticut :(

And the Saga Continues

2011-06-22T16:31:00.000-05:00

Riley went to see the allergy/asthma specialist today. We have really been close to Dr. Zambrano for the past few months seeing as though all four of us have been under his care. After hearing about the episode that we had about 3 weeks ago, Dr. Z felt like he should be allergy tested again (it's been 2 years). I had already warned Riley that they would probably "poke" his back, and at first he was a bit upset, but once I mentioned that they had a treasure box for good patients, his worries were cast aside. He was a champ...they told him to lay down and they began to poke him. He just laid there and watched Scooby Doo and every once in a while winced. It was harder on mommy I think! Immediately, he started to react and was ithcing. He also started that dry, non-productive cough that he gets with his asthmatic symptoms. The test was finally done and turns out, he is allergic to mold and dust/dustmites. They gave him a couple of puffs of a rescue inhaler and he was fine. They also had him blow into a peak flow meter to check his output and it was a little low. The bad thing about his allergies are that in Houston, you cannot get rid of mold (too humid here) and therefore, he feels like he needs a preventative to keep him from asthma attacks. So we got a bag full of goodies (medicine) and an emergency plan.

I will say, I really really like our Dr. I am not familiar with asthma and it makes me really nervous. Casey has asthma and knows how all of this feels and understands it. Dr Z really walks you through everything. His "emergency" plan is very well maped out and so is his plan of treatment. I really felt comfortable with all of his advice and instruction when I left his office. If you need a good allergy/asthma dr, Dr. Zambrano comes highly recommended from our family.

Here is my little guy all poked up!

Pepto Pink

2011-06-17T10:33:00.000-05:00

I have been a diagnosed diabetic for 18 years (WOW, cannot believe it has been that long!) and I have been on a pump for about 16 and a half years. I just got my 4th new insulin pump last night and it is pink!! I call it pepto pink because that is what my rep with Medtronic called it. The pumps have changed tremendously over the past 15+ years. I am really excited to get this one up and working. It is like getting a new pancreas :D

Pepto pink!

Funnies

2011-06-17T10:10:00.000-05:00

Did you know that Bumblebee loves to have topless tea parties with Princess Snow White??

Sims Family Reunion 2011

2011-06-17T10:07:00.000-05:00

Every two years, my side of the family has a reunion. It began in 1976 and has continued all these years. It is my mom's side of the family and we always have a good time. This year it was in Burleson TX, outside of Fort Worth. We went up one day early and went to a water park (I didn't have my camera) and the kids loved it. The park was in the Jellystone family of parks and was super nice. We had a cabin that we shared with Memaw and Elyse. Riley and Bentley got to sleep on bunk beds which was their favorite part!!! We got to do a meet and greet of Yogi Bear (Bentley hated him), ride a firetruck around the park and do crafts. Riley became a pretty good air hockey player and he and Bentley both enjoyed playing with all of their cousins and second cousins. (We have 15 kids under the age of 8). Casey and I had a great time catching up with everyone too. Casey and his team won the friendly golf challenge and get the Sims Cup for a couple of years. Thanks to Lindsey and Renee for hosting this one. It was a great time and I look forward to the next one!!!

J Lo and RT getting ready to swim

Firetruck

Waiting for the Yogi Meet and Greet

Riley and Robbie his second cousin and new BFF

Firetruck Ride

Bentley painting Cindy Bear

Riley coloring a pillowcase

The golf champs (Riley is an honarary member)

Bentley and her Best Friend Esse

New Car

2011-06-17T09:54:00.000-05:00

I got a new car last week!!!! I love love love it! I have driven an SUV for 16 years and lately, I have just had the itch to get a new car for multiple reasons. First, I HATE the gas mileage my Yukon was getting. I averaged around 13.8 miles per gallon. Secondly, although the Yukon looks big, it really has little cargo space. If you have the 3rd row in, you get little space in the back. I began looking at what my trade would be and I got some good numbers, so I kept looking. There were some smaller SUV's that I liked but they were either really expensive and/or they didn't get much better gas mileage. I decided to broaden my horizons and open my mind to a sedan. The only sedan I really really liked was the VW CC. I thought they were too expensive but when I started looking, they weren't. And they also got great gas mileage. So me and mom went to the dealership to see what they would give me for my trade. After talking with them and looking at the new car and putting numbers together, the deal they were giving me looked great. Casey talked with his cousin and confirmed that the deal was good. Casey, however, did not really like the size of the car. He felt like I was going from huge to tiny and that I would not like it. He also felt like we were cramped in the car. I, on the other hand, looked at the situation differently. I wanted to drive something smaller with better gas mileage while I can. We are out of the stroller, pack n' play, phase but we are not quite in the phase where I haul all kinds of kids around to football practice and to the movies and the mall. I want to take advantage of that while I can. I know that one day I will get another SUV, but I am enjoying scooting around in this little ride while I can :)

Isn't she pretty?!?

Healthy and Not so Healthy

2011-06-17T09:39:00.000-05:00

Well, I can honestly say that 2011 has not been our year healthwise!! I keep praying about all of this, and I know in my heart that all of this is happening for a reason, but sometimes you just get overwhelmed with frustration!!!!!

Riley - between battling a bad case of the flu this year and having recurrent ear infections (3 since end of March), we decided to visit with Dr. Tuong, the ENT. He does have constant fluid on his ears and he has recommended a second set of tubes. In the meantime, he had a bad case of tonisilitis and a pretty bad asthma attack. After his asthma attack at 3 am 2 weeks ago, we took him to the pedi and he was diagnosed with asthma and was referred to the allergist to see if he has allergies. (Yep, now I carry rescue inhalers and an epipen!) We are praying that we find his allergies and control them and hopefully never have to really worry about asthma issues too much. Also, we are hoping once he gets the tubes back in, we will have our healthy boy back.

Bentley - well, our little ball of allergies is getting better. Now that we have identified her allergies, we are getting a handle on things. She played with Sadie's collar one night and ended up broken out in hives (pics below). We are also very lucky...she pretty much won't eat anything with eggs. Last night we made her a lean pocket and didn't realize that it had eggs. She kept saying it was hot and would not eat it. I finally looked on the package and it had eggs. I made her some chicken instead and she ate it. Dr. Zambrano said that egg products probably burn her mouth!! Isn't that amazing how she just wouldn't eat it!

These were taken with my phone and are not that good, but you can see the hives and her eye was almost swollen shut before bathtime...all from playing with Sadie's collar

Casey and Carrie - Casey has had some acid reflux issues for a while and the dr has him on Nexium and it is slowly getting better. Now he thinks he has gout, LOL. I am still having foot issues. I have been to the dr and we have tried several things and now she feels like the tumor may have grown back. I go next Thursday night for an MRI and we will see from there. I just want my foot back to normal. You take your feet for granted.

All in all this is nothing compared to the struggles that some people face, but it is annoying to constantly have a sick one and a multitude of dr appts and lots of money spent on health issues. But I am thankful that we have what we have and that we are on the mend.

Our Little "Egglet"

2011-05-24T13:04:00.000-05:00

We had Miss Bentley tested for allergies last week for several reasons. After her asthma episode, the pedi referred us to the allergy/asthma dr. Fortunately, her mom and dad are some frequent shoppers at the allergist, so we know she was in good hands. She also had a bunch of weird symptoms like she complains of her stomach hurting all the time, she itches all the time, she doesn't eat, and her eyes swell and have dark circles under them. Dr. Zambrano said she definitely needs to be tested. Mom was nice enough to go with me since Bentley is not the best of patients. They pricked her back about 20 times and she started to immediately react to a few of them. Long story short, she is severely allergic to eggs. So allergic, we have to carry an epipen. She is also highly allergic to dogs, cats, and mold. He said she will probably outgrow the egg allergy with age, but she could grow into other allergies. She cannot have anything with eggs whatsoever. She is also on some medicine and we are to go back in a month. This really explains a lot about her. Hopefully after learning of all of this, we will get her straightened out and we will have a happy less itchy kid!

My How Time Flies

2011-05-24T12:42:00.001-05:00

I cannot believe last week was the last week of school for us. I have grown so attached to my little 4/5 year old buddies over the school year, it was kinda hard to say goodbye. It is truly amazing how much a child can grow and change and learn and mature over the course of a school year. I will also miss seeing my partner Lori. We have also grown close and her friendship and support and mentorship means a ton to me. Needless to say, I don't make a lot of money, but I have found my ministry and I love it.

Riley also graduated from preschool this year. We had only decided not too long ago that we would send him to kindergarten, so I was not really prepared for how emotional I was going to be knowing it was his last time to go to CCP. I am really glad we had rehearsal during school on Thursday because I just cried and cried. He has grown too into such a sweet young man. I love my first born to pieces and it is such a bittersweet feeling knowing that my baby will be headed to kindergarten next year. I don't think momma is ready for all that, lol.

Bentley also had her "show" last Thursday. The school does graduation and then has the End of the Year program for all of the classes. She kept talking about her show and how she was ready to be in her show. It was hysterical. I was so proud of her because she actually sang and did the motions to the songs. Most of the 1/2 year olds just stare at the audience. She was great!!!

Riley at the 4 year old picnic

Riley's class cake

Riley getting his diploma from Miss Glynis and Miss Christie

Bentley singing Twinke Twinkle

Riley and Bentley before the show

Bentley and Miss Sharry and Miss Alba

Bentley's Trip to ER

2011-05-02T14:43:00.001-05:00

This past weekend has been quite eventful. Casey took a company trip to Vegas Friday through Monday, so it was just me and the kids. Bentley had been allergy ridden (like everyone else in Houston) for a couple of weeks. Friday night her cough was really bad, so I gave her a breathing treatment so she/I could sleep. Saturday morning, she was just laying around and coughing still. Riley had his first t-ball game and he REALLY wanted to go. I didnt have anyone to watch B, so I figured she could make it for an hour and then I would take her into the dr. About halfway into the game, she just kept fussing and tossing and turning. I finally took her to the car and she was wheezing really bad and her chest was retracting really bad. She was starting to look a little pale and she was acting weird. I sent Riley home with a teammate and took B to our pedi. Once the receptionist saw her, they put us back into a room immediately and checked her o2 levels and started a breathing treatment. Then they gave an oral steroid and checked o2 levels again and they hadn't come up. So they gave her another breathing treatment and same thing...she was still laboring and o2 levels had not improved so she sent us over to ER for a chest X-ray, oxygen, and more breathing treatments. I was a nervous wreck, especially since Casey was gone, so I called my sister-in-law Tricia ans asked her to come with me. Bentley is a very strong willed child and a horrible patient and I knew it was going to take 2 people to handle her. After 4 hours, xrays, oxygen, doubles doses of albuterol and having more steroids we were realeased. She was diagnosed with RAD - reactive airway disease (like toddler asthma) and bronchiolitis. She is doing better today and yesterday, but this morning, she was running around and her chest started to retract and she was wheezing. I immediately gave her a breathing treatment and had her sit down and she got better. I spoke to the pedi today and he referred us to Dr. Zambrano, our allergist. It was very scary and I hope and pray we don't have to go through that again.

I want to say thanks to Jenn and Melissa for getting Riley home and keeping him all day! I appreciate it. I also want to say mucho thanks to Tricia for coming to the hospital and dealing with all of this like a trooper. It wasn't fun, nor was it a short time. It is so nice to have such good friends and family. I am so thankful!!!!

In the ER, exhausted and getting some oxygen

At home, being a good patient and taking breathing treatment

Ballet and T-Ball

2011-05-02T14:26:00.000-05:00

Bentley has been wanting to do/take ballet for as long as I can remember. Most places you have to be 3 years old and most offer summer classes. Since she will be 3 by the time summer classes roll around, I figured I would try some places out to see what we both liked. I want her to have a very strong background in ballet, as it is the basis for all other dance. We went to the Ballet Center of Houston and tried a free class this past week and she loved it. I was worried it would be a disaster since she decided not to nap that day, but it wasn't. I had to warm up with her (I wasn't really prepared for that), but after warm up, I scooted to side and eased out of the door. The teacher and I talked afterwards and she thought she did very well especially for her age and said we would be ready for summer class. Here is the future lead in Swan Lake:

Riley has also been very excited about playing t-ball. He has had 2 practices and was really starting to wonder if they would even have games on Saturdays. I tried to explain to him that it was Easter weekend, so we didn't play and he was somewhat satisfied with that answer. He and Casey went to Academy last week and got him all geared up for the game. His first game was Saturday and I must say, I was impressed with everyone overall. T-ball is much better to watch than soccer for this age in my opinion. Riley did GREAT. He played first base (pics below) and then he played short stop/third base. He batted twice and scored 2 runs. He can really hit the ball. Now, his outfield skills need some work, but for his first time, I thought he did good. Here is your next Lance Berkman:

Playing first

RT and his teammate Bruno

Swing batta, batta swing!

Easter

2011-05-02T14:10:00.000-05:00

I cannot believe it was already Easter time again! My how fast time flies. This year, we went to Aunt Debbie's house again like we did the last time I saw my dad. I was worried that it was going to be hard and parts of the day were hard. Luckily, there were 9 kids under the age of 8, so that can make anyone forget anything, lol! It was nice to see everyone and get together. I was a ding dong and forgot my camera, but I did use my phone and got a couple of shots of the kids collecting eggs. I also have a couple from Bentley;s egg hunt at school. I was tied up when Riley's class went out, so I did not get a chance to get some of him :(

RT was taking this seriously!

Bentley just got out of the pool

Bentley at her school hunt

Kinder or No Kinder

2011-04-27T13:36:00.000-05:00

Ever since Casey and I were told we were going to have a boy in August, we just knew without a shadow of a doubt that our baby boy would not be the youngest in his class and start kindergarten when he had just turned 5. We have stood by this....until Sunday. First, let me preface that we both knew he was academically ready. Riley is extremely smart and has the most awesome memory and he LOVES to learn/read/spell/write. We were also told at our parent/teacher conference that he was also very mature and socially ready for school. So we knew that, we just didn't want him to be the last in his class to get his liscence and to graduate at 17, etc. Well, the Easter bunny brought him some sight word reading books. I got these to work with him over the summer so we could be ready for the fall. Sunday, he started with one and by the middle of the book, he was remembering blends and was sounding out each word faster and faster. Casey and I were both VERY impressed.

This led me to start praying hot and heavy. I didn't want to cheat Riley out of something based on what his Dad and I were wanting. Yesterday at school, a handful of events unfolded and I just knew God was telling me something. Casey and I talked last night and then we talked to him and HE IS GOING TO KINDER next year!!!! He is really excited and now I am nervous nelly. I don't know if I am prepared for this! LOL

Vacation

2011-04-21T16:53:00.000-05:00

Casey and I celebrated our 6th anniversary this year in Mexico. We went to Excellence at Playa Mujeres. It is a WONDERFUL resort located about 35 miles north of Cancun. We have never been north of Cancun, so we thought we would try it. The resort was wonderful...the food was great and the room was phenominal. It was by far the nicest room we have ever stayed it. It had a rooftop terrace with a little "pool" and shower up top. We didn't do any excursions, we just sat around and read and ate! I did have a wardrobe malfunction though. My top broke and popped off. I was very lucky that I caught most of my goods and no one saw anything. There was a man that had one too many tequila sunrises and he asked for a do over....Casey politley but sternly refused. We also go burned pretty bad. The last day, I had to sit in the shade. (silly gringos we are!)

Here are some pics:

The rooftop terrace...beautiful

Her Tonsils are Huge!

2011-03-23T16:55:00.001-05:00

Bentley has been told basically by every doctor at every appointment she has been to that her tonsils are huge. In fact, it is like a running joke or a SNL skit..."say ahhhh, Oh my, her tonsils are HUGE!" When she had her tubes and adenoids done, I asked the ENT if he could remove her tonsils at the same time and he acted like I was crazy for asking and told me it was a much more involved procedure. From that time until now, Bentley has been known as Darth Vader and she also suffered from sleep apnea, snoring and sinus trouble. Since her first doctor kinda irritated me, I asked Melissa who did Anna's last year and decided to visit with him. He is a very good doctor and upon examining Bentley (which took 3 people to hold her down by the way), guess what he said...."Her tonsils are huge!" She had kissing tonsils (meaning they touch all the time) and were a 4 plus on a scale of 1 to4, he recommended that they be removed. Since she is 2 and has such large tonsils, that landed us a night in the "hotel" (aka hospital). I built up this surgical vacation and got her as excited as I could. Upon our arrival at hotel, she was immediately very leary of everyone and only wanted me. We made it back to our preop bed and she chose to lay on the floor in a corner and snarled at all of the staff who we spoke too. They told us we could give her some verset, if we could get her to take it. Verset is a drug that helps to make you not care and not remember anything. It took Casey and myself and a nurse to hold her down and she still did not take most of it, but she got some. The anesthesiologist told us it will still work....and boy did it??? She actually laid in the bed by herself and was happy and slurring her words. Casey and I were cracking up!!! She did well during surgery and the dr said once again "her tonsils were huge!!" We went over to our hotel room (and we got to ride in an ambulance from Professional Bldg 2 to the hospital - our tax dollars hard at work) and she was great! She ate a popsicle and ice cream and was smiling and thought this was fun. Then the drugs wore off.....and it all went downhill. She refused to take pain medicine or her antibiotic. It took 3 of us to hold her down and it was still not working. Her pain increased and so did her will. Long story short, we got a veteran nurse who really helped us out. She also noticed signs of dehydration and put Bentley on a different iv drip and a steroid. The combination really helped us out and she finally started drinking mid-morning the next morning. Melissa saved the day and brought her favorite juice!! She is resting at home, still fighting her medicine, but each day we are getting better.

Thanks to everyone for the prayers! Thanks to Miss Lori and Nana and Melissa who came to see her. Thanks also to Miss Sharry (her preschool teacher) for the wonderful care package she put together for Bentley. During all of this chaos, Riley was with Memaw and was very sick. She took him to the dr while we were in surgery and he had a nasty double ear infection and strep. I don't have any clue what I would do without Memaw.....she saves the day all the time. She took the best care of Riley and nursed him back to health. I am very blessed with all of the friends and family that I have. God is good!!!

Her sheep from her gift from Miss Sharry

I LOVE VERSET

Look mom, I am a big girl in the hospital bed

The verset ROCKS!

The drugs are wearing off....not so fun

Miss Lori brought gifts!!!

Lil' Putt Putt Fun

2011-03-22T19:23:00.000-05:00

We didn't do too much over spring break, but we did take the kiddos to Mountasia. I think Bentley is still a wee bit young, but she managed to have fun. Her source of entertainment was some $3 popcorn, but nonetheless, she had fun. Riley had fun too, but a round of 18 holes took us abut an hour and 45 min (YIKES!). We also bought some tokens to use on the games inside, but we didn't even make it to that! We will have to do that another day.

This is Bentley's putting skills hard at work

Riley is doing some kung fu with his club. Notice Casey waiting in the background. That is what he gets for being a little Tiger Woods. Casey actually got a hole in one on this hole. Riley and I also left the course with a hole in one!!!

Rodeo Dances

2011-03-22T19:15:00.000-05:00

Riley got well just in time for rodeo dances at school. Every year, they have the 3 and 4 year old kiddos dance and sing for the parents during their music time at school. Riley had a hard time this year just because he just had gotten over the flu. He had to sit out and get some water, but he still did good. He is such a handsome little buckaroo. Here are some pics!

Allergies, Flu and Fun in a Box

2011-03-03T20:26:00.000-06:00

I went to the allergist on Monday for round 2 of testing....after 34 needles pokes under my skin, I am allergic to humidity! Ha! Really I am really allergic to dust, dust mites, and mold. I am also allergic to weeds, grass and cedar, so I will be starting allergy shots. They will be for once a week, then once every other week and so on until I build up to once a month. I will be on this therapy for a few years, but the goal is to eventually not need any medicine. I am really pumped about not having the same allergy troubles that result in many, many sinus infections. :)

Riley just suddenly started running a high fever and coughing and his fever just kept climbing on Wednesday. I took him to the dr on Wed afternoon and she diagnosed him with the flu. It has been a rough 24 hours....vomitting, reaction to tamiflu, and no sleep. This is the sickest he has been. He has been running between 102 and 103 and has just been lifeless. Needless to say, I hope and pray this ends really soon.

Bentley has had a hard time entertaining herself as I have been really wrapped up with Riley. I got some new patio furniture (YAY!) and I assembled it this morning. She took one of my boxes and went and got her pillow pet and her blanket and her owl and her baby (yes, we sleep with all of that!) and made her a little "bed." Every time I looked at her in that thing, I just kept thinking she was a pet in a pet bed. She watched both Snow White and Alice in Wonderland in that box today. It clearly is the little things in life!!!

Pajama Day at School

2011-03-03T19:52:00.000-06:00

I have been the worst blogger lately. I swear, it feels like we have not stopped since Christmas and the times we have stopped, one of us (or all of us) was sick. I am gonna try to play catch up!!

This was the first year that Copperfield Church Preschool had pajama day (at least since we have been going) and Riley and Bentley were sooooo excited. I got them new pjs for Valentine's Day so they would be all outfitted for this occasion. Bentley wore her new nightgown with no questions asked (thank goodness) and looked adorable. Riley, on the other hand, picked out the smallest, most faded, not cute pajamas that he owns to wear to school. You pick and choose your battles these days, so I just rolled with it. They had a blast and loved sporting their pjs to school. Here are some pics:

So Far, So Good

2011-02-22T21:16:00.001-06:00

Riley has done great with his transition into glasses. He got them first thing Saturday morning and he was very excited. Casey and I both took him and it was a bittersweet moment. First of all, it changes his whole look. He looks so much more grown up and that makes me so sad. I just kept picturing my baby, not a grown boy. Then, we just are a little apprehensive of other kids. I will just have my heart broken if anyone makes fun of my baby. You just don't ever WANT your child to be in a situation that makes them more prone to getting made fun of. We all know how mean kids can be. I also worry about him losing something so expensive and let's face it, he is only 4 and a half years old. With all of that being said, I have kind of been a basket case about this whole transition.

After getting his glasses, we went to our soccer game later that morning and we saw Anna and he put them on for Anna and was fine with it then. He wore them all day, taking a break every now and again for his eyes and head to rest. He cleaned them constantly and kept up with his case very well. Sunday, he wore them to church and at home. Well, when it came time to get out of the car today at school, he didn't want to :( He kept asking me if he looked "cool." I totally assured him that he did and he went into school. It was touch and go while I set up our room, one minute he would be ok and then next, he was taking them off. I talked to him and to his teachers and they did a GREAT job of helping the whole class transition into Riley's new look. I must say, I was so worried....really makes you think about others who have true disabilities and other challenges they face. This is nothing compared to some things and it all boils down to you hurting or worrying when your child is hurting and worrying. At the end of the day, I am happy to report that he had a great day and was very confident when he left school. I prayed for him all day and just as God always does, he answered my prayer :)

New Looks

2011-02-16T21:30:00.000-06:00

We went to the opthamologist on Monday to see about Riley's vision. He had a screening at the pedi office and he failed it. After having him examined again, it has been determined that he needs glasses. He has a stigmatism (has to do with the curvature of the eye) and he is also farsighted. So off to the glasses store we went. Riley knew what he liked and didn't like. He chose some blue wire rimmed glasses. I know nothing about glasses, so I talked to the optomostrist and she was telling me about our insurance and 20% off for the dr referring us to her, etc and I was doing the calculation based on the sticker attached to the glasses that Riley was trying on. WOW, boy was I off....you actually pay for the lenses separately. After the grand total was given to me, I must admit I almost wet my pants. But, small price to pay for seeing good. He should have them tomorrow or Friday, so as soon as I have them, I will post pics.

Riley

2011-02-10T17:09:00.000-06:00

I just had to brag on my little man! We had parent/teacher conferences this morning and Casey and I were so proud. As a parent, you know your child and you of course think they are the greatest thing since sliced bread (well most of the time ;), but it feels so good to hear other people tell you great things. This was his review on where he is at this time and what their recommendations are for kindergarden.

First, he knows and aced all of the academics. There were 2 lower case letters he mixed up (b and d/p and q). He also didn't know what sounds x, y, and q make. Other than that, he knew everything else. His teachers went on to say that he also participates and knows the answers to almost any question they ask. He is always willing to clean up and always helps others (still wondering why this doesn't happen at home). His teachers said he is very repsectful of them and of others. This is the one thing that really hit home with me. Casey and I really stress the importance of respect.

We are just so proud of him!!!! We love you Riley and thanks for being such a good, smart, sweet kiddo!

My Prince.....and my Princess

2011-02-08T18:01:00.000-06:00

I have not been the best blogger lately....too much going on. I have not felt well so by the time I do everything I have to do, the things I enjoy doing, just haven't gotten done. But here is a quick little update as to what is going on with R and B.

Riley is doing so good in school. We are up for renewal for registration for preschool and Casey and I both agreed to keep him in another year. It has nothing to do with his academic ability or even socially. His teachers were really shocked that he is not going on to kinder. We just do not want him to be the youngest in his class. He will be going to school 4 days in the bridge class at Copperfield. He is playing soccer this spring and his daddy is coaching. He is also SUCH an avid sports fan. He was watching the SuperBowl with my mom and she was just shocked at how much a four year old actually comprehended the game. It is pretty amazing. And yes, he still knows more lyrics than any child his age I guarantee it! I got the newer Taylor Swift CD (thanks Ricky), and he already has the whole CD memorized. In about 3 weeks!!! He is an amazing little man and although, he is not perfect, he is perfect to me.

Bentley, well, she is just Bentley! She is really a sweet little girl who has really grown up lately in so many ways. She is also a singer (but OH MY, it is pretty horrid). She adores Riley....absolutely. He makes her giggle when nothing else can. If I get on to her, she goes to him for comfort. She wants to do everything he does (good and bad). It is so cute, she is just now really getting into the whole princess phase. She wants to be the princess and go to the ball and such. She just told me after watching Beauty and the Beast that she wants to marry Riley and dance with him like Belle does with the Beast. Riley, of course, looked at me like WHAT? She is such a beautiful little girl and while she is EXTREMELY strong willed, she is a blessing as well. She is also very smart (she and Riley must get this from me ;) J/K. Everyday, she tells me something new. Yesterday it was about starfish. Today it was about an octagon. CRAZY!

I am seeing an allergist and we are still working on my sinuses. I go back in 3 weeks (hopefully well) and they are going to run more allergy test and do a scan of my sinuses. Prayers are appreciated.

2011-02-01T21:01:00.000-06:00

Look at Bentley!!! Doing great with her breathing treatments.

January is gone....onto February

2011-02-01T16:54:00.000-06:00

I cannot believe today is the first day of February??? Where did January go? WOW!

We are still on the mend at the Bryant household. I am getting allergy tested next Monday to see if I can get some resolve to my allergy/sinus issues. If not, I will need to visit with the ENT. Bentley has entered the wonderful world of breathing treatments. She has another sinus infection (2nd one this year) and bronchitis. We are doing breathing treatments, antibiotics, cough meds and allergy medicine. We also got Riley's hearing and vision screened at the pediatrician yesterday. The school is now requiring it. He can hear like a champ, but he failed the vision screening. We have an appointment with the pediatric opthamologist on 2/14, so we will know more then.

Maybe one day we can all be well and get out and do some funner stuff to blog about......one can only hope.

Happy New Year!

2011-01-13T22:38:00.000-06:00

I know it is a little late, but hey, at least I am posting. So far this year, I alone have had 4 Dr visits, Bentley has had 1 and so has Casey. Poor Casey took off the week after Christmas and we basically just stayed in bed sick most of the time. One day he would feel better and the next day I would feel better and he would feel worse. We had some nasty pharyngitis (throat infection) and we kept giving back and forth since we share mouth wash. I also had ear infections and a sinus infection. Casey had the same and so did Bentley. We are all finally feeling better, praise God. I am also back at the podiatrist. Seems like the tumor she removed was what was making up all of the padding under my 2nd metatarsal, so now we are making me some orthodics. You know I am really a 35 year old trapped in a 60 year old body, HA!!

I just wanted to take some time and tell my friends and family who follow what a great year 2010 was and wish everyone a great 2011. Casey ended up having a very good sales year this year. He also helped coach Riley's soccer team this last fall and he enjoyed it so much, he is going to be the head coach for Riley's spring team. He also got some golf clubs, so I am sure that made his year! I had an awesome year. First, I have really enjoyed teaching at CCP. I never thought I would love it as much as I do, but it is one of the most fulfilling jobs I have ever had. I work with some of the greatest women in the world. One of those is my partner Lori. She is truly a good mentor for me, not only in the classroom, but also in my walk with Christ. The kids in my class also make it very worthwhile. They are such sweet kiddos and have touched me this year. Bentley's Bows has also really taken off. This fall was really busy!! I cannot believe how much God has blessed me with creativity. I amaze myself at times, but I know it is him working through me. I have learned so much about small business, and my products just continue to get better. I have really placed myself with some great vendors and of course, my sister in law, Tricia. She is very talented as well and together, we have a great little team. I am also extremely thankful for her.

Riley finished out his 3day 3 year old class with flying colors last spring and has done awesome in the 4 year old class as well. He is such a smart little guy. He never ceases to amaze me - whether it is writing his first and last name, singing every single word (correctly mind you) to Dierks, bible school music, or Bruno Mars, spelling small words, or writing music. He enjoyed playing soccer last fall and is going to play again in the spring. And I cannot forget to mention his winning Camper of the Week award at his summer camp this summer. I thank God for him daily and I am so proud of him.

Bentley has grown and done so much this year!!!!! Her vocabulary exploded over the last 6 months. She finished out her 2 day 1 year old class and absolutely loves her 2 year old class. Her teachers this year are so amazing have done such a good job with her. Every day, she literally says or does something new....counts to 10 in Spanish, recognizes several letters, puts full sentences together, and says she and Riley's first and middle names (thank goodness....ready to get rid of the name "Bubba"). She has been fully potty trained (except at night) since the end of August and has many mornings where she wakes up with a dry pull up. She took some classes at the Little Gym this summer and really wants to take ballet, so we are going to try that this summer. She is also a very girly girl. She loves her tutus, bows, sunglasses and nail polish (I have no idea where she gets this!).

I am one blessed young woman (emphasis on the young ;) and this is just a small glimpse of the things I am thankful for. I hope you and your family have a wonderful 2011.

Christmas Pics 2010

2011-01-04T20:57:00.000-06:00

Oliver Christmas - Bentley loved her tea pot. It is so cute, she is into tea parties these days :)

Riley was ripping through his gifts pretty fast this year

He got a cool Columbia Aggie shirt

Bentley on the runway at the Santa and S'mores party

Riley sitting Santa's lap again this year - I told him he was very lucky to have seen Santa twice this year

Lovin' s'mores my the fire

Another s'more lover

Reading the story of Jesus' birth before opening gifts

Bentley scored some Stella and Dot jewelry

Riley (and Doze) having fun

RT sitting in the middle of his goodies from Santa

Princess BB

This was her pose on Christmas night.....figures!

Some of My Favorite Christmas Memories 2010

2010-12-26T10:37:00.000-06:00

I am going to post pics and such, but I wanted to record some of my favorite memories from this Christmas.

Riley was so fun this year. He is really into opening gifts and his face lights up when he sees something he asked for.
Riley got to see Santa two times this year at house parties in intimate settings and he loved him. It was so cute the way he interacted with him and asked him questions about why he arrived at the parties in a Ford truck as opposed to a sleigh.
I LOVE the fact that Riley knows scripture and Bible stories. He knows more than some adults I gurantee and that touches my heart. He actually listened at the Christmas Eve service and was asking some intriguing questions about King Herrod and the birth of Christ.
Riley and Bentley both rocked out at the Christmas Eve service. They both love music so much and it was awesome to see them dancing and singing the music at church.
Bentley went crazy when she opened Beauty and The Beast and her pillow pet. We could have just given her those 2 things and she would have been content.
Anytime Bentley hears the words Santa Clause mentioned, she says Ho Ho Ho. So cute! She didn't want to sit on his lap or touch him, but she did enjoy him from the back of the room.
Bentley is such a DIVA. She loved wearing her Christmas tutu this year and getting dressed up. She opened her first gift at Nana's and it was a dress that had some tulle ruffles and she thought it was a ballet dress, so right there, she starts taking her clothes off to put it on. (as we speak, she is having me this dress on her)
Bentley does "ballet" all the time. She twirls around and makes the cutest faces while doing it.
Memaw gave her a dog that she really wanted that walks itself and I kept pushing to name him Max and she told me no Mommy, his name is "BOSS."

They were both a joy this year! I am so blessed to have such sweet and good kiddos!!!

CCPS Christmas Program

2010-12-17T16:31:00.000-06:00

Last night was our Christmas Program at the school. This was my first year to attend as a teacher. It is kind of hard to have 2 children in the program as well as the 13 children that I have in my class, but it worked out. Daddy, Memaw and Elyse went to Bentley and Riley's classrooms after the program was over and had cookies and lemonade with their classes. I enjoyed visiting with all of the kids and their parents in my classroom. As for the performance, Riley was AWESOME. He sang his little heart out and he is so animated. Miss Nikki, his music teacher, told me yesterday that he blows her mind with all of the words and how quickly he picks everything up. He has been rehearsing for days for this program. You would think he had the lead in a broadway musical. All of his hard work paid off and Casey and I are so proud of him!!! He is such a good kid. Now, there is Bentley.....well, she looked like a million bucks, but she did not want to be on that stage at all. She clung to her teacher, Ms. Sharry the whole time. She would alternate her finger from her mouth to her nose (just a habit, not picking it). Oh well, there is always next year Sweet BB girl. By the way, I have to give kuddos to both of the kids teacher.....they are all four wonderful, but Ms. Sharry and Ms. Alba go above and beyond to Bentley. Casey was telling me last night that he could really just see the love they have for her. I know she can be a bit particular and it warms my heart to know that she is so loved when she is in their care. It also shows....she ADORES them both. Thanks CCPS for loving my kiddos!!!

Here are some pics. I will post video later.

This is Ms. Lori (AKA Lois) my lead teacher

Ms. Sharry carry your Highness on the stage

And here is all she did!!

Riley's group sang "We Three Kings" and he knew EVERY word

In Bentley's class having lemonade and cookies

Daddy and Bentley

My little Showstopper Riley!

Waiting for his cookie!

Happy Birthday Jesus

2010-12-14T16:25:00.000-06:00

Today at preschool, Riley and Bentley had their Happy Birthday to Jesus parties. They have been looking forward to these parties all weekend. Bentley told me this morning she wanted to look pretty for the party (so cute). Riley was also very pumped because he was bringing the goldfish. Here are some pics and video of them at the party.

Bentley singing Happy birthday to Jesus (I think she thought she had to bow her head?)

Riley singing Happy birthday to Jesus

Riley cheesing it up!

Icing his cookie

Bentley getting ready to eat her icing

Mom and Bentley

Santa Clause and his Early Appearance

2010-12-14T16:16:00.000-06:00

Last Friday night, we were invited to a party and Mr. Santa made an early appearance. He was getting out of a white Ford pickup when we pulled up (he was 20 minutes early), and Riley spied him. He started asking me where his sleigh was and his reindeer. Already so darn inquistive about that situation at 4 years old. I had been talking a big game about Santa all week long in hopes that Miss Bentley would enjoy St. Nick. She was excited at first, but ONLY if he was at least 15 feet from her. She stood in the back of the crowd saying "Hi Santa." Riley ran right up with his friends Anna and Cole. Santa read Twas the Night Before Christmas for the kids and they all really enjoyed it. It was a great experience, much better than the mall scene. There was tons of good food and great company. We all had our picture made with Santa, well, as close as Bentley would let me get her :)

Me and Melissa

Guess what I want for Christmas...

Bentley loved following Anna around that night!

Love this pic!!!

Don't leave me here mom

Riley and Santa

Family pic....Bentley was not about to take her eyes off Santa

Riley and his girlfriend Anna :)

Attempt at Christmas Pics

2010-12-06T13:14:00.000-06:00

I really wanted some nice family pictures this year for Christmas. I am still not really ready to pay someone to take our pictures because Bentley is so difficult to photograph. First of all, her patience is only good for about 15 minutes and secondly, she really doesn't like to take pictures with Riley. She did ok this summer for she and Riley's pictures, but I just didn't want to spend money on the four of us taking pics and none of them come out. So I had Elyse just snap some pictures of us. Don't worry, you all will get a formal Christmas card with some pics on it (still not great, but not too horrible), but these 2 photos really sum up our photo shoot.

Such a nice family photo....but wait, we have 2 children...where is ???

BENTLEY

Hello Mind, Where Have You Gone??

2010-11-24T08:52:00.000-06:00

I really believe that I am losing my mind and yesterday just confirms it! Yesterday, the kids and I were out and about and I noticed my drivers liscense was not in my wallet. I remembered that on Sunday, the cashier at Kohl's had me take it out and apparently, she forgot to return it. I was frustrated because it is such a pain to load and unload the kids with my foot in the shape that it is and I really did not feel like going back to Kohl's. After naptime, I loaded the kids up and we headed to Kohl's. We go to Customer Service and I ask the woman to check for my ID. Meanwhile, the kids are playing in the water fountains like they were the fountains in Kemah - Riley was soaking wet. Upon searching one drawer, the woman says that she cannot find my ID and so I ask to see the manager. He comes out and takes a gander around (in 2 drawers this time) and says he is sorry, but it is not here. I VERY RARELY am "bitchy," but I was so irritated. I start to tell him (in a not nice way) that I recently waited over 4 hours for that ID and that his associate had me take it out of my wallet and she failed to return it, so what was he going to do for me! He could tell he had a live one on his hands so he offers to go look in all of the drawers at the registers. While we are going from register to register, Riley is playing football with the stuffed Grinches at the register and Bentley is going through the breakable candles. As we get to the last register and I am getting ready to tell him what I really think, I look down and guess what is in my purse. Yep, my ID! I tell him in a tad nicer tone that I will have to go online and replace it and I gather all of the grinches off the ground and we leave. I was so embarrassed that I never even checked the other side of my wallet and then the one time I am bitchy, I am wrong!! Not sure if God was telling me not to act that way or what, but it was a fun 30 minute exercise for me and the kids!

Foot

2010-11-22T09:00:00.000-06:00

I went into the Dr. last Thursday and I got another good report. The incision is healing very well. The bottom part is doing great, but the top is healing a bit slower, so I have to keep in wrapped and slowly start to transition into a running shoe around the house. She discharged me (YAY!) and pretty much just told me to take it easy and add more and more pressure a little at a time. If it hurts, then get off of it. I was pleased. And there are no gross pictures (Elyse has not been over to take them!)

Preschool Thanksgiving Feast 2010

2010-11-22T08:56:00.000-06:00

Riley had his Thanksgiving Feast at his school last Wednesday. Copperfield really has a nice Thanksgiving feast and program. It is only for the 3 and 4 year old classes and the kids come in and sing 2 Thanksgiving Day songs and then they say their prayer. A yummy turkey, ham, dressing and the whole nine yards dinner is served. Memaw and Elyse joined us this year (Daddy had to work). Riley is turning into such a ham!!! He was in "Rock Star Riley" (his Indian name) mode. He was making funny faces and singing as loud as he could. It was awesome.

The kids coming into the room getting ready to sing

There are pilgrims and Indians

He takes his prayer seriously

Update on Foot

2010-11-12T10:49:00.000-06:00

It has been 2 weeks ago today since I had surgery. It has been a very LONG two weeks of recovery, but I am getting better and better. Last week, I went in for a re-bandage and they told me that if I were to keep being a good patient, then they would take my stitches out this week. Thanks to many folks, including Casey, Mom, Elyse, and Tricia, I was able to accomplish this task. It takes a lot to take care of 2 small ones and run a household but with the help of these folks and many others who have brought dinner and helped get the kids to and from school, we did it!!

When I saw the Dr. yesterday, she removed the stitches (there were 10 of them). She also went over with me how big the tumor was (bigger than she initially thought) and admitted that upon her researching soft cell sarcoma, that it is "bad news." Praise God I am only having to face healing from foot surgery and not battling cancer. I am so thankful for His intervention and healing in this matter. She said everything is looking good. I cannot put weight on it for another week, so I am still sporting the hottest Franken Foot shoe. She has a pad on it and she has it wrapped. The bandages were so kind to me and left me with fungus between my toes (athletes foot) and my little toe is basically morphing into the toe next to it. But like I said, much better than facing cancer.

When I got home last night, it felt a little odd down there, so I took a gander and whoa.....it was bleeding. Thank goodness Miss Wanna-Be-A-Surgeon was there to help. Elyse took the bandage off and we cleaned it all up and put new steri strips on and re-wrapped it. She did a great job. I still have a ways to go, but I am on my way. Here are pics from my foot surgery journey.

Week one (hard to see I know)

Last night's debacle

GOD IS GREAT!

2010-11-01T11:19:00.002-05:00

God answers prayers and I am living proof!!!

The tumor is benign. Thank you Jesus for looking after me :) I love you!!!

Mommie's Hulk and Little Bug

2010-11-01T10:05:00.000-05:00

Riley and Bentley had a great, action packed Halloween. Saturday, Daddy braved Dewberry Farms and brought the kids by himself. They had a blast. Sunday, Memaw and Elyse took them to the Fall Festival at our church and they trick or treated there and played in the infatables and such. Once they got home, we went to Rick and Tricia's neighborhood for some more trick or treating. I went, but I stayed in a wheel chair with my foot elevated and Tricia took them around with her kids and her neighbors. They loved it and had a great time. Here are some pics of them. With Mommy being out of commission, we don't have a lot of pics.

Riley looks like Mr. Universe

This is Riley doing karate and Bentley copying him

Ready, set, Trick or Treat!

Foot Surgery

2010-10-31T11:21:00.000-05:00

I have had some foot pain for a long time now. I have been to several podiatrists have had quite a few diagnoses and tried many treatments. After many failed attempts at getting a resolution, my dr finally did an MRI a week and a half ago. She immediately called with the results. I had a tumor in the ball of my foot. (No wonder none of the treatments worked!) She scheduled surgery for removal of the tumor last Friday. The surgery went well and I am at home resting. It is very difficult to stay off your feet and keep your foot elevated and such with kiddos running around and well, life going on. Casey has done a great job of helping and so has mom and Tricia and friends and family. I am very fortunate to have so many loved ones around me. Thanks to all of you who prayed for the surgery, I appreciate it so much. God is good!!!

WOW

2010-10-24T10:24:00.000-05:00

It has almost been a month since I have posted. Needless to say October has been CRAZY. Soccer has been occupying our Wednesdays and Saturdays. Riley has been doing very good. He loves to play and is always asking to go kick the ball around with Casey in the backyard. He has had several spectators come support him at this games and we really appreciate it. He is also doing GREAT at school. He is learning to write his numbers and letters and his teacher brags on him all the time. He is a very smart little guy.

Bentley is doing great too. She has been in panties since the middle-end of September and has done good. She is practically ready for panties at nap time. She keeps her pull up dry and wakes up to go potty even at school. I am really proud of her too. She is also doing very good in school. She loves her teachers and she is learning so much!!! It is crazy how quickly they grow and learn and such. She is very busy these days too. She and Riley argue a lot and if one gets something, you better believe the other one is gonna have to get something too!!!

I have been super busy this month too. I have joined MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) this year and we meet about twice a month. It is a really nice time to fellowship with other moms and talking with them about the challenges we all face. We have guest speakers and good food and crafts. I am also really enjoying working at the preschool. My students are great - it really touches your heart to know you are making a difference in a childs life. Bentley's Bows is also booming!!!!! Football season and school starting has really increased sales. I have also done 1 show and I have one this weekend. I love making all of the stuff....I hope and pray my business continues to grow.

Here are Riley's soccer pictures and both of their school pictures. Riley's turned out AWESOME. Bentley's turned out good seeing as though she was throwing a fit 2 minutes before the picture was taken!

GREAT DAY!

2010-09-26T13:11:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was Riley's first soccer game and he did GREAT. Casey and I were so proud of him. He was aggressive with the ball and wasn't scared. He played very well and listened to the coaches and he scored 2 goals (Casey told me 3, but I only saw 2, so I will go with that). He was so exited and on cloud 9 after the game. He told me that he wanted to score 16 goals, but that he was happy with 2. The whole team did great. Anna and Bruno, his friends and teammates also did very well. Memaw and Elyse came out to support his efforts and kuddos to them because it was smokin' hot!!! Here are some pics (it was very hard to take pics, video, and watch Bentley):

The Yellow Team (we are still voting on a team name)

Riley, Anna and Sydney

He is doing the dog sounds from "who let the dogs out"

My handsome little man!!!

This pic is far away, but he had just scored a goal!

Ready to go!!

Saturday was also Bentley's 3rd day in big girl panties. She wore them all day and had NO ACCIDENTS!!! YAY! Now, it is still a work in progress as we went to the bathroom 4 times at Riley's 1 hour game, but we are at least getting somewhere. She also went at church today and held her teetee all the way home from the restaurant at lunch. She is doing so great and I am so proud of her!!!!

God has really blessed me with 2 great kiddos and I love it :)

Gig'em

2010-09-24T18:09:00.000-05:00

This what the true Spirit of Aggies is all about. If you notice, my last post said that Riley did not have any Aggie gear for this football season. Well, as soon as Memaw read that post, she went to the store and bought my little man an Aggie outfit. She brought it over this morning (along with donuts) and he looks so cute. Here are some pics of this morning.

This is what Nonna thinks is an acceptable "prize" from the grocery store.....Thanks Nonna :)

Gig'em, Hook'em and God Bless

2010-09-20T17:56:00.000-05:00

Well, as many of you know, football time is a really really tough time around this household. The war of the maroon and burnt orange has gone on for almost nine years now. I thought it would just "go away" after a few years, but no such hope. Having children has only made it worse. Our children are going to be so darn confused on where to attend college. Casey has Riley pretty much brainwashed, but he might be a politician, because if I ask he says "Gig'em" and any other time he says "Hook'em." We have rules that he nor I can buy any Aggie or Longhorn attire or decor, but gifts are welcome. I have wanted my baby girl to be decked out in A&M gear, but no such luck. Well, being the creative soul that I am, I have finally devised a Saturday gameday outfit for my Bentley.

Ok Ags, Riley only has a Texas shirt at this point, so if you need a good Christmas idea, there you go!!

New Victoria's Secret Model

2010-09-20T09:04:00.000-05:00

Introducing Miss Bentley Addison, Victoria's Secrets youngest model!!!

Bentley is fascinated with my bras and panties. She loves to play with them and wear them. She usually wears the bras correctly, but the panties is a different story. I finally caught some pictures of her on film with my bra on. She says "mommy's boobies, BB's boobies" when she puts my bra on!!!

Go Riley Go

2010-09-18T11:08:00.000-05:00

Well, our first soccer practice went well. Riley did great!! He was very aggressive with the ball and he loved it. He is playing with Anna and a couple of her close friends that he knows through Anna. He paired up a lot with her during warm up. Here are some pics.

Cole really wanted to play (so did Bentley)

Pretty Anna

Riley and Soccer

2010-09-13T16:52:00.000-05:00

Riley has been signed up for soccer for a while and we are about to start the season and he is SO excited. I don't have any pictures yet, but he has been practicing and "dressing out" since we got his gear on Saturday. He wears his shin guards, socks and cleats and runs around the house and the yard kicking the ball with Casey. We start practice on Wednesday and our first game is on 9/25. He has a couple of friends on his soccer team, one being Anna, so he is really really excited about that. I will post pics as soon as I can get some of him. Probably at practice on Wed.

Shingles, Dierks BB & Light up Shoes

2010-09-09T21:24:00.000-05:00

Wow, we have had an eventful week. Casey noticed on Saturday evening that he had a spot on his neck and he thought it might be poison ivy. We both thought that was weird because he hadn't been outdoors really, so he decided to go to the Dr. on Tuesday to have it checked out. He was diagnosed with shingles :( It is a mild case of it, but he is still in quite a bit of pain and he is on 4000 mg of meds a day (that is enough right there to make me feel bad). When it rains it pours, as we all know, so it has just been crazy. Riley has allergies, Bentley is cutting 2 year molars and I had some sugar issues and some foot issues....I believe it was like the Med Center for a couple of days this week!!! We also closed on a refi on our home (which is great news, just made timing crazier). But as always, God will take care of us and we will all be okay.

Riley has been wanting some light up shoes ever since his cousins and his sister got some. I thought that a 4 year old would be too old for light up shoes, so when I got Bentley's, it didn't cross my mind to get Riley some. But he has been BEGGING for some. So, as Momma does, I searched the internet high and low and got a smokin deal on some cool Sketcher light up shoes. They came in today and you will see them in the video.

About the video.....I have a very muscially inclined entertainer of a boy and he (and me) are rubbing off on Bentley. She now says "I like that song Momma!" when she hears something she likes. I was trying to get her to say that tonight for her Daddy and instead, I asked her what she likes and she said "Dierks BB!" Casey and I got hysterical! For those of you who don't know, she (and we) call her BB, so naturally, since Dierks Bentley's name is like hers, she just calls him Dierks BB. It was cute needless to say.

Enjoy the cool new shoes and Dierks BB!

Pedicure

2010-09-04T09:51:00.000-05:00

Bentley was wanting me to paint her toes last Saturday morning and to be honest, it is not that fun. She is not still for me and then she runs and rolls around with wet toes and it makes me a nervous wreck. So, I told her to ask Daddy to paint them thinking he would politely decline. To my surprise, he did not and here are some photos of Daddy painting her toes. I think these are priceless!!! Please pardon the fact that Casey is in his underwear.

Look at the precision work!

Meet the Teacher

2010-08-23T14:58:00.000-05:00

Today Riley and Bentley met their teachers for this year. Bentley is in the 2 Day 2's with Ms. Sharry and Ms. Alba. This is who Riley had and I love love love them!!! They are awesome. She was a bit shy with them today, but I know she will warm up to them. Riley has Ms. Glynis and Ms. Christie and is in the 3 Day 4's. He was really excited to meet them. He will be really getting prepared for kindergarden this year!

I got to meet my class today was well. I have 13 kiddos....9 boys and 4 girls. They all seem so sweet and I enjoyed meeting the parents as well. I believe this year is going to be awesome.

Here are some pictures I took today. Bentley looked precious and did not really feel like having her picture made. Riley looked handsome and he is such a good poser, he did great. He is VERY excited about his Batman backpack and lunch kit as you can tell!

These are from 2009

They look really excited huh????

The Difference a Year Makes

2010-08-18T20:58:00.002-05:00

I have wanted to do this, but I am just now getting into some pictures that I can really do this with. I had a computer crash and I have some saved to discs, but it was just too hard. I now have some of both kiddos that I can do this with!

2010

2009

Summer Pictures

2010-08-18T14:56:00.002-05:00

I had Riley and Bentley's pictures made a couple of weeks ago for their 2 and 4 year birthday pictures. The photographer we used was so awesome (Deanna Addison Photography). She was very creative in her location suggestion and in her props and she was wonderful with the kiddos. Deanna is a friend of Melissa's and she has done lots of work with Anna and Cole and I love her style. Riley is a natural. He just sits and poses and cheeses away. Bentley is a little more work and she is also two, so sitting still is not her strong point at this stage in the game. If you need a good affordable phootographer, I highly suggest her.

CLICK HERE TO ENJOY PICS

Bentley's Blood Test Results

2010-08-12T12:43:00.000-05:00

I finally heard from the nurse today on Bentley's blood test results. Prayers have been answered - she tested negative for the antibodies associated with Type 1 diabetes. This means that she has the same chance of getting type 1 as the rest of the children her age (1 in 500 chance). The Dr wants to see her back in 4 months to monitor her urine and her A1c. We still have to discuss the possibility of her being a MODY. After doing all of the studying that I have done regarding MODY, I really do believe that I am a MODY. I am going to discuss getting tested at my next endocrinology appointment. It will not affect my treatment whatsoever, but it will explain a lot. If I am a MODY, then my children have a 50% chance of getting the genetic mutation that I have. They now have genetic testing available to help determine if one is a MODY, but it is relatively new and they have only identified 6 genes that could carry the mutation, but they believe there are more. It is also very expensive and possibly not covered by insurance. Point being, it is expensive and you can get a negative even though you are a MODY because of the other genes they have not discovered. The Dr. wants to talk about testing Bentley, but we will see at that time where they are with testing and how much it is. It will eventually become covered by insurance companies and we may have to wait to test at that time. As for now, she is to be seen periodically to keep an eye on her urine and her A1c as well as to make sure she is gaining weight and growing normally.

Whew! With all that being said, I give all the glory to God not only for positive results, but also for the knowledge he has bestowed upon me with all of this. I realize it is very confusing, but it makes perfect sense to me. I also know what to look for (which is what got us here), so I have come to be grateful for that knowledge instead of scared of it. No matter what path we end up on, God will continue to take care of us just as he always has. Thanks to each and everyone of you for your thoughts and prayers.

Announcements

2010-08-12T09:35:00.000-05:00

I finally figured out what I will be doing this year at Copperfield Church Preschool. It has been up in the air due to some unknown circumstances and I just heard from them last week. I will be the assistant teacher in the 2 Day 4 year old class. I am really excited about this opportunity. My lead teacher is Lori Armstrong and she is awesome. I believe that I will learn tons from her not only from a teaching/educational standpoint, but she is also a mature Christian who loves the Lord and I do believe that I will learn a lot from her regarding my spiritual walk as well. It is so nice to work in a Christian atmosphere....so different than any other job I have ever had. I have training all next week and then we start school on August 23rd.
Riley is going to go 3 days a week this year. I wanted him to go 4 days, but it is just too expensive. Bentley will go 2 days. I am looking forward to this school year and all of the changes and excitement that it will hold!

Bentley's Big Girl Bed

2010-08-12T09:19:00.000-05:00

Bentley has been in a big girl bed for the past 3 nights and she has done wonderfully!!!! She was so excited to get a big girl bed and she has not gotten out and played or anything like that. She actually tells us when she wants to go bed or nap. It is great. When I converted it, I discovered I needed a pillowcase for her pillow and asked Aunt Tricia is she could whip something up for us. Boy, did she??? How precious is this personalized pillowcase??? Thanks Aunt Tricia.
Bentley is also doing GREAT with her potty training. She is about halfway potty trained and I am so proud of her. Kids grow up so fast. I cannot believe she is two years old and so grown up!

Some of Bentley's Tests

2010-08-02T14:57:00.000-05:00

We got the urinalysis results in for Bentley and her urine was normal. There were no traces of sugar in her urine and she is in fact concentrating her urine, so that ruled out diabetes insipidus (not related to diabetes mellitus at all).

The blood test results will probably take another week to come in as they are "specialized" tests. I will post as soon as I get them in.

Praise God and thanks Daddy for watching over the only grandchild you never met :)

Chuck E Cheese

2010-08-02T14:54:00.000-05:00

This past Saturday, we celebrated Riley's 4th birthday at Chuck E Cheese. He had 13 guests (all boys) plus his sister (only girl). The party was really nice and the kids had a blast. It was just hard to visit with everyone becuase all the of kiddos and parents were all over the place. Bentley got in the little rat maze thing on the ceiling and we seriously did not see her for about 20 or so minutes. When she did finally get down, she hung out with her big girl cousins Elyse and Bekah. Riley spent time playing games with Daddy and Memaw and his buddies and cousins. Memaw had just as much fun as the birthday boy I swear!!! We had pizza and cake and then the party hostess did some little cheers and danced and threw out some tickets. After that, Riley got to get into the "Ticket Blaster" which is this machine that blows tickets all around you and the goal is to grab as many as you can. He had to wear goggles and tuck his shirt in his shorts. His Uncle Ricky pulled his pants up so he looked like Urkel :( Riley ended up getting pretty intimidated and did not want to get in the machine, so Uncle Ricky got in with him and he ended up enjoying it. It was really funny to see him in there. All in all, it was a great party!!!!

CLICK HERE FOR PARTY PICTURES

Happy 4th Birthday Riley!!

2010-07-31T08:35:00.000-05:00

Four years ago today, I was VERY swollen and ready to meet my little man. At 11:59, Riley Thomas arrived in this world and we have been so blessed to have such a sweet angel. He is so full of life and such a sweet and loving little guy. He is very smart and does great at school. His imagination is beyond words. He is always playing in a "soccer league" or riding a Tony Hawk skateboard. He loves his friends and he loves his sister. He has a hard time showing it sometimes, but when it comes down to it, he takes good care of her. He is also a phenominal entertainer...he knows every word to every song, commercial, and his favorite movies. He wants to marry his lifelong girlfriend Anna and grow up to be a rockstar at night and a yardman by day :) He lights up my life and I am so blessed to have such a good boy. Riley Thomas, I love you with all of my heart and I wish you a Happy 4th Birthday!!!!!!

Bentley

2010-07-27T12:33:00.000-05:00

As many of you know, there has been concern about Bentley and her blood sugar spiking up. We saw the pediatric endocrinologist today. Please read below - I know it is kinda scientific, but you know medicine these days!

We saw 2 dr's....a resident first, and she talked with us and got the details of what has been happening. She was not too concerned at all about what is going on. She gave us the guidelines for truly diagnosing type 1 diabetes - Fasting blood sugar of <129 and a 2 hour post meal blood sugar of <200. Bentley had 2 readings on her journal that met the second category and she said that my blood sugar meter has a margin of error of 15% either way (higher or lower) and that based on the fact, that she is healthy and has continued to gain weight, that she is not concerned right now at all. She did say that does not mean she would not develop it, it just basically meant if things continue the way they are right now, then we don't have any concern for diabetes. There is also a test for the antibodies that a type 1 diabetic has (this would be what I passed to her). A child's chance of getting diabetes type 1 is 1 in 500. A child that test positive for these antibodies chances increase to 1 in 50. So with that said, just because she has the antibodies does NOT mean that she will have type 1 diabetes. There is also "Maturity Onset of Diabetes of the Young" aka MODY - this is like a mild version of diabetes type 1 (that is the short version and best describes the condition. They asked me if I was a MODY bc I would not have that antibody if so (and therefore, I would not pass it to her). I told them I do not know if I was or not. They asked me if I was checked for the antibody and once again, I didn't know. I will get it done next time at the dr. Anyway, she suggested that we DON'T do the antibody test on BB because if she does have the antibody, it doesn't mean she will have diabetes, so that would only make me worry. She then went to talk to her superior and we met with him. He on the other hand was more concerned than she was. He wants to probe into why Bentley drinks so much - so we are checking her urine for sugar. If there is no sugar, he is also going to check and see if she is making the hormone to make her urine concentrate. That is a seperate disease and we will go down that road if we have to. He is running the test for the antibody (which I am glad he is). If there is no antibody and no sugar in her urine, then we can dismiss this and just assume my meter was off. She still could develop into a MODY especially if I am a MODY, but she is not there at this time and we can just spot check her sugar over time and see. So first thing is first and that is to run the antibody test and the urine test.

I am just going to believe that she will show no signs of the antibody or sugar in her urine. I will keep everyone posted.

Robbed.....

2010-07-24T14:08:00.000-05:00

Well, yesterday was officially one of the crappiest days I have had in very long time. We went to our Little Gym class yesterday at 10:00. Since this is a mommy and me class for Bentley, I do not bring my purse in. I put it between the two captains seats in the back. As we were leaving (around 10:50), I noticed there was tons of glass on the ground. Then I looked up to find that Bentley's window (driver side) was shattered and my purse was gone. They also tried to jimmy the front door handle as well. We went back inside and I immediately started to call Casey and finally reached him. I was so shaken up, I didn't know what to do next. He called BofA and USAA to put a hold on our accounts. I hung up and called the police. They came out and got a report and surveyed the damage. One of the employees there said she saw a suspicious man lurking around, but I am sure he is long gone by now. He got a beautiful new Vera Bradley purse (my mothers day gift), a Coach wallet (full of pictures of the kids, gift cards, reward cards, my checkbook, etc), a BRAND NEW iphone (a month old), and some make up. By the time Casey had called, the jackass had filled up his car at the Shell station and tried to use the debit portion of the card at Walmart, but was rejected for not knowing the pin (really smart theif). He finally figured out how to use the credit portion and got away with a $15.34 purchase. The damages to the car alone have come in at roughly $1200. The iphone will cost $500 to replace. But part of the hardest part is feeling so violated and angry over the whole thing. I am sure it will get better, but I am still pretty pissed off. I am thankful that we were not hurt and that he didn't steal the whole car or something, but he has left me with some pretty hefty bills to pay and lots to do. Please be careful out there and watch your belongings very closely!!!

Riley's First Trip to the Dentist

2010-07-21T15:18:00.000-05:00

Today was Riley's first dentist visit. He went to see Dr. Joe here in Cypress and he LOVED it. He was sooooo good. They took X-rays of him, cleaned his teeth and then got checked out by the Dr. His office is really nice and his staff is excellent with kiddos. Riley got a great report and was super pumped about his new toothbrush and floss that he got. I am so glad that he is so good for other people and cooperates so well.

Waiting in the lobby

Xrays

Teeth Cleaning

All Done!!!

Weekend at the Lake

2010-07-19T15:17:00.000-05:00

This past weekend, we were invited to go to the lake by the Sorensen's. Melissa's best friend, Deidra, has a house on Lake Livingston and they invited us up for the weekend. Deidra and Brian were very gracious hosts. Their lake house is really nice and it is right on the water. We went up Friday night and that is when the good food started coming and didn't stop until we left. Both Deidra and Melissa outdid themselves with the food. The kiddos had a great time as well. Riley and Anna are still in love and getting married. They were even playing Dr in the room alone :o Cole also admitted that Bentley was his girlfriend. Needless to say, they all had fun playing together and going out in the boat. I didn't even get my camera out, but Melissa took some pictures thankfully. Thanks for such a fun filled weekend!!!

All the kiddos enjoying popsicles

Anna is striking a pose - I don't have all of them, but she struck 7 more poses!!

I totally love this picture of them! They do make a handsome couple!

Bentley's new wrinkle nose face she makes

Poor Cole is trying to get in the photos and Anna was having a hard time not striking a pose

Swimming in the lake

It took her forever, but Bentley finally passed out on the boat

The sweethearts watching a movie

All the kiddos watching a movie

Bentley's 2 Year Appt

2010-07-15T10:53:00.000-05:00

We went to Bentley's 2 year checkup today and to say the least, it was interesting. First, they wanted to weigh her and she REFUSED to stand on the scale. This means she also REFUSED to let them get her height. She had to be weighed in the baby scale and this was against her will. I had to take her in the room, calm her down and then just be and Bentley went and I attempted to get her height. After several trys and a couple of fits, I finally got it. We then go into the room and try our hardest to talk to the nurse over Bentley and Riley bickering over who gets what stool. Then, once Dr. P came in, the fun really began. Let me just say that my blood sugar was low trying to wrestle her and hold her down so she could be examined. Needless to say, when the needles came, I made Daddy hold her down. Both he and the nurse agreed she is very strong and very strong willed. She is not a good patient at all. Which brings me to my next point.....

We have had some concern over the amount of fluid Bentley consumes and how much she urinates. These concerns prompted me to test her blood sugar with my monitor. I got a normal reading the first time, but on the high side of normal. I waited the next morning and checked it fasting and I got 140 - that is high for fasting. We made an appointment with the pedi and got in right away. He did a fasting blood test and a hemoglobin A1C (average blood sugar reading over the past 90 days). I checked her sugar before we went to the Dr. and it was 85, which is great. We didn't get the blood work done until around 10:45 and it came back at 77 which makes sense. It took a few days to get her A1C, but it came back at a 5.4 and the high end of "normal" is a 5.6, so it was within the normal range, but on the high end of normal. I have also been periodically checking her sugar and recording it along with what she eats etc, and unfortunately, she has consisitentley had high spikes. Dr. P referred us to a pedi endocrinologist and we have an appointment 7/27 at 8:30. After meeting with him today and sitting down and talking face to face about the blood work and the readings that I have been getting, I am a little discouraged. He agrees that things do not seem right with all of that.

Please pray for Bentley and for us as we go down a road that I really am not wanting to go down. I know God can do miracles, but I am having a hard time with faith right now since I have this disease and it has been engrained in my head that these readings can only mean one thing. I am going to believe that she will be delivered from this and I would appreciate it if you all would join me.

By the way, other than that, she is in great shape. She is 27 lbs 8 oz, 60th percentile, 34 inches. 60th percentile, and her head is 48.5 cm.

Bentley & Her Baby

2010-07-09T14:01:00.000-05:00

Bentley got a baby doll and a stroller to push the baby in for her birthday from Uncle Ryan & T. She loves it!! Today, it was so cute....she was pushing the baby around the house and at the end of each lap, she would stop for me to make over her and her baby. I would just go on and on and give the baby kisses. We did this for about 15 or 20 minutes. Just as I got the camera ready, she came back around, but didn't have the stroller this time, only the baby. She wanted me to put her and the baby night night together. I got some footage of that conversation.

Speaking of conversation, it took her a while, but over the last couple of months, she has really been talking good. Over the last few weeks, it seems as though she literally adds a new word to her vocabulary. Just today, she said Daddy was at work and then she asked for dessert after lunch!!! I am so very thankful I get to see these moments with her. I worked for Riley's first 2 years and missed those first time things and I am so glad I don't miss them anymore! Bentley also knows about half of her colors as you will hear her mention "mink" and "puple" (pink and purple) on here. I am just glad that I have the opportunity to capture and savor these moments :)

Camper of the Week!!!

2010-07-05T16:28:00.000-05:00

Last week, Riley went to Kidventures camp over at Coles Crossing with his cousins. Needless to say, he came home every day super excited to tell me what he had been doing each day. He had so much fun. They had a safari theme and did all kinds of cool things, like go on nature hikes, make crafts associated with safari stuff, swam, and had some cool visitors come in. On Friday, they had a talent/awards show and Riley sang his little heart out. He also got the best listener award. Then, out of all of the campers there, they were divided into two groups, blue (younger ones 3-5) and then red (older ones 6-10). Of those 2 groups, there was one Camper of the Week award and Riley won it for his group!!!!!!!!!! I was so proud of him I wanted to cry. The camp counselor just bragged and bragged on how well he listened and minded them. She said he was just a pleasure to have. It made my heart smile! WAY TO GO RILEY!!!!

Busy Birthday Weekend

2010-06-28T20:17:00.002-05:00

Boy, I feel like I have not stopped since last Thursday!!!! Thursday, Memaw delivered Bentley's first tricycle to her. Bentley loves her "mink & puple" tricycle. On Friday, we had Ryan and Terie over for some dinner and they started the birthday weekend off with gifts for both Riley and Bentley. Bentley got a baby doll that has clothes and a stroller and she loved it. Riley got a DS game and he loves it. Once the kiddos were in bed, we all 4 assembled Bentley's birthday gift from mom and dad - a Surfer Girl Jeep!!!! Thanks for your help Ryan and T. Saturday morning, we had plans to head to Crystal Beach to see Nonna and Uncle Kenny and the girls. Bentley awoke to her jeep and, well, she really was not that impressed with it. It kinda scares her right now, but I am sure she will warm up to it. Here are some videos of Bentley and Riley sportin the Jeep.

Click to Watch Bentley get Jeep

Click Here to Watch Riley and Bentley Driving Jeep

As we were heading to the beach, we thought we were making good time, but what should have taken a couple of hours took over 4 hours :( We waited over an hour for the ferry and it was SMOKIN' hot. Needless to say the kids and Casey were pretty gripey!! We finally get to the beach around 1 and decided to just spend the night since it took such an effort to get there. Me, Casey and Shawnda took the kiddos to the beach and they had a ball!!!! Riley and Bentley both played in the water and sand and had the best time. Bentley decided halfway through that she needed to sunbathe in her actual birthday suit and I obliged. After playing and splashing around, we went back to the cabin and made some fried shrimp! It was a good time.

We got up and headed home and got right on the ferry. We made it home in just enough time to eat lunch and get ready for Bentley's party. Her party was at The Little Gym where she has been going to gymnastics. Everyone had a really good time and she participated...somewhat. When we went to have cake, she got very serious as everyone was singing Happy Birthday, but when it came down to blowing out the candles and everyone staring at her, she lost it and started crying. Once she ate some cake though, she realized it was ok. She went home and crashed after her party. Ryan and Lindi and Presley came over to deliver gifts and did Nana. Nana brought over tons of fun stuff for her Diva grandchild and she brought pizza too :) We had a really good visit with them and Bentley opened all of her gifts. She had to put on her Dora nightgown and wear her high heels for everyone. All in all, it was a great but busy birthday weekend! Mommie sure is glad that these only come once a year!!!!

Bentley ready for her party

Riley ready to party too

Princess

Riley and Anna and Cole

Not so sure about the attention

Nope....don't like it

Nana's goodies!

My new tricycle from Memaw!

Happy Birthday Bentley

2010-06-28T16:31:00.000-05:00

Bentley, you are such a precious little angel. You have blessed my life so much in the last 2 years. Since your last birthday, you have been to Mexico, you learned to walk, you have had a surgery and gotten tubes, you have grown like a weed and so has your hair, you have added about 50 plus words to your vocabulary, you have really gotten more social, you love cartoons, especially Dora and Boots and Yo Gabba and your heart has grown so much. You are the sweetest baby girl and you love and idolize your big brother. He is a bit rough on you, but that will change. We are so blessed to have you in our lives. You think your Mommy hung the moon and stars. Your Daddy calls you his little Diva. I love you more than words can express and I cannot wait to see what this year brings! Happy 2nd birthday Princess!

Father's Day & Current Happenings

2010-06-23T12:09:00.000-05:00

Casey had a great Fathers Day this year (I am of course saying this because I planned it ;). He has breakfast on Saturday morning with me and the kiddos and then he ate with his dad on Sunday afternoon. I unfortunately got a stomach bug, so I won't be dining at the Outback for quite a while. I tried my hardest to get a good picture of Bentley and Daddy since it was his day, but between me (I got a new lens and haven't played with it enough) and Bentley, the pics are marginal. Bentley now makes the growling or snarling face when she says "cheese." I have attached some. They were great of Riley - he is now getting back into taking picutres and now Bentley is not enjoying having her picture made. Maybe in 2020 we will all be on the same page.

I have also attached 2 videos. First is Bentley walking around in her Diva shoes. She loves her dress up shoes and is just mastering walking in them. When I uploaded that video, I found one of she and Riley from March. It is so cute....Riley is singing his heart out and Bentley is just copying everything he does. Very sweet.

Bentley in her "Daddy's Diva" shirt

How handsome is that kid????

Dozer is ALWAYS a willing participant

There is that growling cheese

Again....grrrr cheese

Very Sweet

Click here to see Diva in her Heels

Click here to see Riley & Bentley Perform

DSi

2010-06-16T14:08:00.001-05:00

Riley got an early birthday present before vaction. We got him a DSi hoping it would help to keep him occupied on the car ride. Boy does it!!! It's not as if he listened good before, but now, I am just talking to the wind as long as that darn game is open. He LOVES it. I LOATHE it. The good thing is, it is what I use now for discipline. I just ground him from it and it does the trick these days!!!!!

Bentley likes to watch him play!

Horseshoe Bay

2010-06-16T14:03:00.001-05:00

We have really had a crappy time trying to plan a vacation this year. At the beginning of the year, we said we were going to skip a vacation altogether this year to try and save some money and also, it is kinda hard with Riley and Bentley being so young (taking naps and going to bed early, etc). Then my good friend Casey Canizaro talks us into going to Florida and sharing a condo with them. I knew Riley would have a blast with her boys, so we agreed to go. Well, with the mess in the Gulf, it was just best that the Canizaro's not go, so that plan was nipped in the bud about 3 weeks before we were set to leave. We were already in vaction mode (especially Riley), so we decided to make other plans. I researched Orange Beach Alabama and booked us a condo there. The oil was not there yet and I bumped up the date to the beginning of June hoping we could beat the oil. Well, the Saturday before we left, the oil beat us there, so we cancelled that trip. We were all really bummed, so Casey came up with the idea of Horseshoe Bay in Marble Falls. We checked it out and booked our trip on Sunday and left the next day. We were there from Monday through Friday. It was a really nice resort and we all had a good time. Casey said that is the nicest golf courses that he has ever played. Me and the kiddos spent some time at the pool while he played. The weather was overcast all week, but we still managed to get some sun.
Being the Griswalds that we are, we ran into a couple of small issues. First, as me and the kiddos are coming in from the pool, I noticed Bentley was lagging behind. Since I had 2 screaming kiddos and a bag full of pool toys and such, I didn't see why she was lagging behind and was politely yelling at her to come on. I then notice that her hand is lodged in the doorway and she cannot get it loose.....sorry B. Then, I get the same darn sinus infection that constantly haunts me and didn't feel good for the last 3 days. Riley almost gave me a heart attack and got into the pool without his floaties on. Casey started hollering at me from across the pool and I had to jump in and save him. When I looked up, he was bobbing up and down, but by the time I got in the pool, he was starting to sink. It took him a few seconds of not breathing and then he started to cough and breathe. It was horrible and I never want to go through that again. Finally, at 3:00 am, the fire alarm starts to sound and the hotel starts to evacuate. Casey reached the front desk and they said to disregard the alarm, but it still kept going off for a few minutes. Amazingly, the kiddos never woke up!!!
All in all, it was a nice getaway and the kiddos loved swimming.

Click here for Pictures

Look Alike?

2010-05-28T10:49:00.002-05:00

I got some of my pictures out from when I was Riley and Bentley's age. I know it drives Casey crazy and this is not intended to rub in his face, by my oh my it is uncanny how much they look like me. Especially Riley....Bentley has a lot of similarities as well. Enjoy!

I am 3 years old here. This is my cousin Jessica.

3 years old

I am 2 1/2 here

I am 19 months old here

I am 3 1/2 here - looks just like Riley

This is where he gets his Rock Star ability from :)

2 1/2 years

2 years old - look at the hair

Looks just like Bentley

20 months

Feb 2010

March 2010

Feb 2010

My Little Model

2010-05-24T18:36:00.000-05:00

I got some new pettiskirts in this afternoon and I was trying to capture Miss Bentley modeling them for me, but she was really more interested in snack time and juice than taking pictures. Some of them turned out so cute, so I thought I would post them.

We booked our vacation to Orange Beach Alabama and I got her this sun hat.

Water Day, More Marker Fun and a New Bathroom

2010-05-08T14:08:00.000-05:00

We have had a busy past couple of weeks. First, I redid the kids bathroom upstairs and it turned out great. I want something unisex, but not too juvenile, so I went with some bold colored stripes and underwater creature accents. I painted the bathroom "wave" and it is very colorful, yet serene. I actually got all of the painting done on a Friday afternoon with 2 kids before Casey got home from work....WHEW! The kids were very good needless to say. Here are some pics:

Last Saturday, Bentley decided to eat a banana which she has not ever done except from a jar! I was so excited.

Riley has really gotten in touch with his artistic side lately and has been coloring a lot. Of course, this means that Bentley has been coloring too. She still gets a tad carried away......

More cute pics of Riley and Bentley.

New dress her Aunt Tricia made her

Last Thursday was Water Day at school and the kiddos had a blast. First of all, Riley got up and immediately put his bathing suit on and was ready to go. The usual struggles of begging him to get dressed and brush his teeth were absent that day. He was raring and ready to go. Miss High Maintenance, on the other hand, did not like her swim suit because it fits tight (she doesn't like anything tight) and then she did not like her cover up because it had a hood.....sigh. She finally complied though and was ready to go. She went out first and I did not get pics of her because if I went outside, she would not want me to leave, but I was able to watch her through the window. She did participate and had lots of fun. I did get to go out with Riley's class and he has so much fun!!!! He and all of his classmate just ran around and got soaking wet. After the wet fun, they ate popsicles.

Before school

This is them dancing

Riley playing go fish

Popsicle time!

This Crazy Life

2010-04-28T21:01:00.000-05:00

Things have been so crazy this month! I have been busier at work which is nice. I have also been super busy at home. We had a garage sale on April 10th and it was a great success. Then we were scheduled to go to Pearland for a show, but unfortunately we were not able to go. It actually worked out well because I was still getting ready for our first festival in Brenham. We went to Brenham this past weekend and it was great. It was a smaller festival, but we still had tons of lookers and had quite a few sales. It was a good confidence booster because our stuff was some of the nicest quality yet moderately priced stuff. All in all, it was great.
Riley and Bentley have really seemed to be changing to me lately. Riley is like a little man, I mean really. He talks so maturely and he CAN be a real sweetheart. He has been helping Bentley with her adjustment at school (going more) and it is SOOO sweet. I want them to be close and really all I see at home is him agitating her, but there is obviously so much more to their relationship. He also knows EVERY word to EVERY song...even songs that I don't know! It is crazy. He is signed up for camp with his cousins and is getting excited about his trip to Florida in June.
Bentley has really done good with getting off my hip since she started school two days a week. Her teachers have been telling me how they really see her personality and she is so happy and almost goofy with them. I am so glad she is coming out in front of others. She is so fun, especially when it is just her and I. I want the world to see that personality. We have started calling her "DVIA" and she loves that. She is all girl. She loves bows and clothes and especially shoes! She really is my kid!!!!

The Wedding Party of 2031

2010-04-19T17:57:00.001-05:00

Riley and his first love Anna are planning to wed after college when they are 4 years old. Or at least that is his version of the story. Anna came over to the house to get her birthday gifts from Memaw and she also opened Riley's gift too. She just has to dress up in her new duds and that prompted Elvis, I mean Riley to dress up as well. So here you have it....Princess Anna, Elvis, Bentley (note, that is a PLAY shirt) as the Maid of Honor, and Firetruck (that is what Cole insists his name is) as the best man!!!!

Mr and Mrs Bryant

Riley also told me that he and Anna are going to have 5 children (he started with 8) and their names are going to be Oscar, John, Bailey, Freddie, and Cedric. Hmmmmm very interesting.

Easter 2010

2010-04-05T08:43:00.000-05:00

Our Pastor, Larry preached a great sermon on walls that you encounter in life. These walls range from losing a job, to fighting an addiction, to getting along with your spouse. Basically there are many walls that keep us from getting closer to God. We must overcome these walls and focus on him. Easter this year to me was a wall. Easter is tough because it is a constant reminder of my Dad. We also had several issues that kept arising (weather, news reports) and kept coming in between our making plans. Easter Sunday, after a very busy morning with Easter baskets with the kiddos and then working in the church nursery and plans still not being hammered down, became a wall persay. But after a while, I realized that it was just Satan trying to spoil a family event and draw us even further from God. I changed my attitude and then everything started falling into place. The weather turned out to me beautiful - we could not have asked for more. We ended up going to a beautiful shaded park and the kiddos had an absolute blast running around and hunting eggs. Nana brought cupcakes and bubble guns and WEIRD jellybeans. It was a great afternoon. I am so thankful for what Christ did for us. Sometimes, we just need to stop getting caught up in the worldy things going on around us and focus on him and he will do the rest.

Tricia has strep throat and could not join us and we missed her very much. That was the only problem with yesterday afternoon. Click the link below to see the pictures!

Easter 2010

I Miss You Daddy

2010-03-30T07:19:00.000-05:00

Two years ago today, I lost something, someone so very important to me. My Dad was one of the most admirable men that ever lived. He was so kind and caring. He really did care about everyone genuinely. He instilled that sense of love and understanding in me. His Christian example was so obvious to everyone, not just me. He treated everyone, his family, his friends, his employees with love and respect. This was how he witnessed to people. He did not judge or shove religion down any one's throat. He just lived life by example. He did not believe in lying or cheating or stealing. His business was run on honest Christian principles. Everyone who took their cars to his shop saw this example, day in and day out. Now that I am grown and out in the real world, I realize, his type is rare. There is a lot of dishonesty out there. Everyone who knew him loved him. Even if they didn't know him personally, they loved him. Some of the people who live in mom's neighborhood had never spoken to him, but every day when they would drive to and from work and pass mom and dad's house, and he would wave to them. That was just him.

It is still very hard for me to remember the good times without getting very sad because I miss him, but it is starting to get easier. I was just remembering his nightly routine last night...just the things he did, the robe he wore, the way he smelled and I cannot walk down that road yet without shedding tears. I know that I would not be the person that I am today without the example that both he and mom set for me. I think when you make that much of an impact on someones life, it just takes lots and lots and lots of time for those wounds to heal. I miss him so much. I miss his smile. I wish my kids could have really known him. But instead of dwelling on that, I just rejoice that I got to know him. I focus on the fact that he made such an impact on me and shaped me and the things I believe in. And I will pass that on to my children in hopes that one day, I can shape and mold their life the way he did mine.

I cannot wait to be reunited with him one day and I am so thankful that I will be with him again beause of the blood that Jesus Christ shed for us. Easter will always be special to me, not only because of the reminder of what my heavenly Father means to me, but also what my worldly Father means to me too.

This is me and dad in Colorado with Missy and Hans our weiner dogs

I love this picture!

This was on fathers day 2007 at Mary Joe Peckham park in Katy

This was Dad's bday celebration in 2006. Riley is less than 2 weeks old.

This was Christmas 2006

Pawpaw holding his "Partner" when he came home from the hospital

This was taken Easter 2008 one week before he died

I miss you Daddy and love you so much.

Riley's First Sleep Over

2010-03-29T10:34:00.000-05:00

Friday night, Riley had his first sleep over (other than at Memaw's house). Nathan and Melissa had us and mom over for dinner and we left Riley there. We had a really good time (and some REALLY good food!) and the kids played and entertained us too. Riley proposed to Anna and she accepted with the condition that she finishes college first. It was really a good time. We left about 8:30 and Riley did great. Melissa said they had a great time. Riley wants Anna to come spend the night with him next time so he can show her his big boy sports bed. Melissa and Nathan took the kids to their community Easter egg hunt the next morning and Riley had so much fun. Below are some of the pics that Melissa took of them. Riley was sooooo tired from all of the fun he had at his sleep over with Anna, he fell asleep in the car on the way home from the mall!!!

Anna, Cole and Riley

The happy couple and their Bunny

Riley

So sweet

All the loot they gathered at the egg hunt

I Love You Easter Bunny, NOT

2010-03-29T09:38:00.000-05:00

We took Riley and Bentley to see the Easter Bunny this past weekend. Riley has been really into Easter this year and was very excited to see the Easter Bunny. He had gotten an eraser at an Easter egg hunt Saturday morning and he was very excited to share it with the Easter bunny. Bentley appeared to be equally excited. She was running around laughing and having a grand ol time. As we approached the gazebo where the mysterious life size furry thing was sitting, Miss B started to get a little more apprehensive. When she peaked around the curtain and saw the bunny, she had an absolute melt down and screamed as loud as she could. Riley was so good and posed for the picture....and shared his eraser with the Easter Bunny. Oh a picture is worth a thousand words!

Like Father Like Daughter

2010-03-19T17:26:00.002-05:00

I thought this was cute......

Happy Birthday to Me

2010-03-19T17:24:00.001-05:00

I celebrated my birthday almost a week ago, but I have been so sick, I haven't had the chance to blog about it. We had a family crawfish boil over at Rick and Tricia's house and it was really nice. It would have been nicer had I not had fever the whole day, but still it was a good time. The kids had an absolute blast....10 little boys and 1 little girl. They played outside all day and tortured the mudbugs before they were executed. I didn't bring my camera but Casey Canizaro snapped a few pics.

Some of the ladies

Tricia added to the mix

Mom and Barbara and David and me chowing down

Carter and the wagon of bugs

I love this pic of Riley and Carter

Hey Now Here We Go

2010-03-04T13:29:00.002-06:00

Last night was Riley's first rodeo experience and he loved it. We started our fun evening off dining at Papasitos. After we feasted on chips, cheese and fajitas, we headed over to Reliant where "the cowboys play" (I think there was some mixing up of rodeoing and football). Riley was escourted via Dad's shoulders and liked that part too. We got to our seats in time for him to see the bull riding, chuckwagon races, and the kids calf wrestle. He really liked watching the kiddos try to catch the calves. Then the lights went down and DIERKS came out. He started the concert out with Riley's favorite song "Sideways" or as Riley calls it "Hey Now Here We Go." I have some video of him jamming out. He did great and really enjoyed the show.

Yee Haw Church Style

2010-03-02T15:23:00.000-06:00

This last Sunday, our church hosted a Rodeo Day. They had a petting zoo, pony rides, hay rides, jumperoo things, and rodeo food. It was a really nice day for such a fun outing. Rick and Tricia and the boys came and joined us. Although, Griffin told Rick he wanted to go the "REAL rodeo" I believe he ended up having fun. Here are some pics that Tricia got with her camera.

Pierce, Merrick and Riley

Riley and Pierce hugging....so sweet

Miss B

Momma and Bentley

Daddy and kiddos on the hayride

Bentley's First Ice Cream Sundae

2010-03-02T11:44:00.002-06:00

I was getting my flip ready to take to the rodeo tomorrow and I forgot that I had this. We made ice cream sundaes on Valentine's Day after our nap time. Riley loved his and ate it quickly as he usually does. Bentley was a bit apprehensive at first, but she ended up eating some of it.

Happy Birthday Casey!

2010-02-22T16:01:00.000-06:00

Last Friday Casey turned 31 and poor thing he had a sinus infection. I think Riley was more excited about the birthday than anyone else. He picked out an ice cream cake and some balloons for his Daddy. We celebrated with Memaw and Nona Friday night with hamburgers. Then Saturday we ate at PF Chang's (thanks Dick and Linda) and Sunday we ate some great food at Rick and Tricia's. Bentley really enjoyed the cake that Nana made. All in all Casey had a great birthday despite his feeling sick.

2 Weeks Until We Meet Again

2010-02-17T11:54:00.001-06:00

Two weeks from today, Dierks and I will be reunited. This time, I am brining his 2nd biggest fan - Riley. Riley knows almost every word to every song (I don't know where he gets that from) and loves Dierks. This will be Riley's first concert and first rodeo, so I am sure he is going to have a blast. I cannot wait to see his face when he sees and hears Dierks rip into his first song. In honor, I have posted a couple of my fav pics. I love the one of Dierks and his daughter....that shows his soft side.

Dierks and Evie