2 OLYMPICS GOLD MEDALIST

Tonight at track practice there was a little surprise.. really a big one.. Jeremy Wariner. Jeremy Wariner was in the Olympics and won 4 Olympic medals... 3 gold and 1 silver. He is the third fastest competitor in the history of the 400 m. He is a Texan and from Arlington, I believe. He trains here in our town. I do not go to track practices because it is usually so hot. However, if I would have known he was going to be there.. I would have totally made an exception. But we had no idea, so here are the 4 pictures Ryan took with his phone. It's all I have. Ok, so I really didn't know of him before now.. but now that I do know of him and his accomplishments, I am amazed. And Bryson is in awe that he was able to meet him, therefore mommy is in awe and wants an overload of pictures. And he totally had a $120,000 in the parking lot. I would have also liked to get a picture of that. I know I know, I'm crazy. But it's not every day that you see a $120,000 car where we live. From what Ryan told me, he is very nice and talked to all the boys that will be running in the State track meet. He even let the boys ask questions... one of the boys asked when he started running.. and his answer was "16"! That was a shock considering he won his first Olympic medal at age 20. WOW!!!

above: Jeremy Wariner talking to the boys

above: Bryson on the far left in the bleachers, Reggie Witherspoon in the red shirt, and Jeremy Wariner in the white shirt. Now just a little info on Reggie Witherspoon (in the red shirt), he also ran and won a gold medal in the Olympics. He is actually one of Bryson's coaches. He has told Bryson time and time again that he is awesome and has lots of potential to run in college. Of course Bryson is giddy over that.

above: Bryson in the stands on the left, the 8-14 year olds that will be running in the state track meet, Reggie Witherspoon, and a few other coaches that run track in a big college in our town.

And here is everyone again. So they are not the best of pictures.. I would liked to have gotten one of Jeremy Wariner facing the camera (ha!) but this will have to do. Maybe he will be at the state track meet? Not sure, but I will sure have my camera ready and hopefully I can get a shot of Bryson with him. Needless to say, Bryson was thrilled. Since he is so into sports he is so into these men that are so big and so known in each and every sport.

As far as us girls.. we have been mellow lately. The heat is horrible so we stay cooped up inside all day. Bentley has been pretty fussy the past couple of days, I am hoping it gets better. It's so hard to see her not happy.

LOLLI - LOLLI - LOLLI

Not much new going on, but Bentley has been so cute today. Brenna walks around saying "lolli - lolli-lolli-pop" Bentley now says.. "lolli-lolli-lolli" okay okay.. not perfectly but it is CLEAR she is trying to say that. It is the cutest thing ever. She has been in a great mood today, all smiles which isn't anything new, but she has just been silly. She does the funniest little things. Shortly before her bath and bed, the kids and I took her for a walk. She loves it, she just smiles. And for those of you that do not know Bentley in person.. this IS Bentley's smile. This is not a laugh or a scream, it is her SMILE.. and what a big one it is.

I tried forever to scan a picture of the person that will be singing at Bentley's benefit tomorrow (Saturday) but I could not get it to work. Her name is Kayla Raborn and her grandmother lives a few houses down. Their family is putting on an outside concert, bake sale, and more tomorrow night. I will be sure to post pictures of everything tomorrow or Sunday!

STATE... HERE WE COME (video)!!!

That's right! We will be headed to the state track meet soon! Bryson did absolutely amazing. He broke all his records and ran faster than he has ever before. We had such a beautiful time!

Bryson with his 1st place medal!!! And 4th and 6th place ribbon!!! He is so happy!!!

Above, he is getting ready to run the 50M run. Just look at him so perfectly ready.. he makes me smile so big, he is so filled with determination.

(oh and if you are not familiar with track and wondering why he is leaning over.. this is what runners do when they are near the finish line to get a quicker time. They do this in college and Olympics.. so funny how the young kids are catching on.)

Finishing the 50M run.. he got 1st place in his heat, but there were two other heats that ran and bumped him to 4th place beacause of time. And let me just tell you.. 3rd place had a time of 8.75 and Bryson had a time of 8.81. Bless his heart, it couldn't have been much closer than that. Remember top 3 go to state. He was heart broken when he found this out he broke out in tears. My heart hurt for him. But I could help to be so thrilled because he did so amazing. Our whole family was there cheering him on. My sister and I both cried when we saw the above. As he crossed over the finish line we were so happy and proud he did so well the tears started coming. I told Bryson about my tearful moment and he just looked at me like I was crazy! ha! I said "Bryson, they are happy tears! Have you ever cried because you were so happy?" and he just looked and me and told me "No, I don't think I will either." That's a boy for ya!

Next up was the 400M relay. They got 1st place and will be going to state to run.. YEAH!! How exciting. He is thrilled!! Here is a video clip I have of him running it. He is the third person to run.. so he runs the second curve. What you see in the video is the second boy passing him the baton.. then Bryson runs the curve. Bryson is wearing the red/white/black.

Please ignore the cheering! Bryson is going to kill me, he told me to mute the sounds because it was embarrasing. ha.. again.. typical boy!!

And finally Bryson ran the 200M run. He got 2nd place in his heat, and 6th place over all. We could not be more proud. He did so great!! Again, the times were super close. The difference in time between 3rd and 6th place was again LESS than .10 of a second. WOW!

He had a great time and we had a great time. I am so proud of my baby boy!! He amazes me more and more every day. It is defintely hard to keep up with him and all his goals, he defintely keeps us on our toes. But if it puts a smile on his face, we are right there supporting his every move. He loves sports and to see him put so much heart into this, it just shows me how much he is going to strive to reach other goals of his in life.. and THAT is what makes me smile more than anything. It is not about winning and moving on to state. It's about trying and giving all you have. That is the reason I cried when he got first place in his heat but fourth place overall in the 50M run. No he did not make the top 3 and no he will not be running that in state.. but he gave it all he had.. he pushed.. he tried.. and he broke his own record. He is driven... I know he can and will accomplish anything he wants in life. I love this boy!!!

And here is Brenna watching her big brother from the shade. She does like sports, but she is not into track (I think because it's in the hot summer). We asked her if she wants to run next year.. and she told us "I don't think so, I will melt!" ha!! Gotta love her!!

WATER FUN - UPDATED

UPDATED!!! Video of Bentley is up... Brenna says "what" right when it starts and Bryson is talking to me at the beginning. He had no idea I was recording. The house I grew up in is just on the other side of a pasture by our house. He saw people on tractors there when there is usually not.. so he started asking questions. ha. Then you hear my country self talking... please ignore our accents... (wink) You also will hear some beautiful nature if you listen closely. And I just love Bentley's smiles!!! YES, that is Bentley screaming during the video.

So Bentley LOVED her baby pool!!! But it wasn't all smiles at first. She fussed for a minute, I knew it was just new to her. So Bryson got in the pool with her. Do you see how small it is.. you can sort of tell in the pictures. Bryson squeezed in there to comfort her. Within minutes she started splashing non stop and smiling from ear to ear!! It was adorable... then Brenna wanted a turn..

The pool had a small spot water would shoot up from, but as you can see in the picture.. we are taking baby steps with it. ha! Her splashing is enough for now. For those of you that have asked. Her swim suit is from The Children's Place.. we love it. My best friend Brittany bought it for her. You can't see it too well.. but it is polka dots of course.. then has roses going across the chest.. then poofs out. It's too cute!!!

BUSY SLOW WEEKEND

WHEW! We have had one busy weekend.. good one.. but busy. Ryan was off yesterday so today is Monday for me. For the 4th we spent our time celebrating at home.. Bentley got in her baby pool for the first time. She is not allowed to be in the sun, but we have complete shade all around our house. So her little dip in the pool was great. I have the cutestest pictures to show but don't want to post too much right now. She was only outside for about 30 minutes. Ryan and I took turns staying inside playing with her and the other would stay outside with Bryson and Brenna while they were swimming and playing. Wow, doesn't sound like we did much of anything.. but I am worn out..





Bentley and Daddy...

I will be posting about Bentley's pool experience tomorrow.. I think that is the only thing I am behind on. If I am forgetting something, please let me know! ha! I feel like I haven't posted a normal post in forever.. I am excited to get back in the swing of things. As for this week.. Bentley has her cardiologist appointment on Friday and Bryson has his regional track meet on Friday. Between now and then.. probably lots more swimming.

Oh and I have changed my header. It is now random.. and will show each of my children when refreshed. If you see the same one in a row, just click refresh again..

4th OF JULY

Yes! You are on the right blog.. just a new look, that's all!

Not sure what we are doing tomorrow, we have no definite plans. Normally we would be at the lake or doing something that involves fun in the sun, but that will not happen this year. We will still have fun, just not in the sun. We are planning on keeping Bentley out of the sun all summer, like her cardiologist said.. it's just not her year. So.. what is there to do in Texas.. for the 4th.. inside? Not a whole lot. Good thing fireworks are at night!

What are your plans for the 4th of July? Hope you have a fun and safe weekend!

DRUM ROLL PLEASE...

Here she is! Here is Miss Brenna with all her hair cut off. This was the first time she has ever had her hair cut this short. It was very hard to do.. we turned around I can't tell you how many times on our way in to get it cut. I know it's really not that big of a deal, but she's my baby and it hasn't been this short since she was about 2. We of course always got it trimmed on a regular basis just never cut like this. She was scared to get it cut, she has always loved her long hair. Anytime I would put it up to get it out of her way so she could play, she would always pull it back down when I turned around. Something about this girl and long hair... now, there is something about this girl and her short hair. She loves it.. she likes to skip a feel it bounce on the back of her neck. ha, it's so cute! She keeps telling me to call all her teammates on tball and soccer team to tell them she got her hair cut off. ha. She is too funny! Brenna is a very dramatic person.. full of personality.. that's for sure! I just love her to pieces!!!

Front and back view...

I love her hair short, but at the same time it does have a little natural curl, so it does take longer to fix.. In case you forgot, here is Brenna with long hair.

Either way the girl is a beauty!!!

Bentley's incision looks amazing, the creme has worked wonderfully! It looks better than it has ever in that one spot.

TOOTH FAIRY TONIGHT

She will be making a visit to our house tonight! Brenna lost her 3rd tooth today. Ryan and Bryson were at track practice and Bentley was napping. Brenna is really good when it comes to losing teeth. She is one that really helps me because she is so ready for the tooth fairy to come. ha! I have a funny story to share about this but I will wait another day. I also still need to show Brenna's new hair style, but I am slacking with uploading pictures. So one day I will post about this too!!

Update on Bentley... with the help of the antibiotic, the spot on Bentley's incision is getting better. Praise God!!! It is still there, but showing signs of getting better and not worse, that puts one big smile on my face!! She is so sweet. She is getting chunky and showing more personality everyday!!!

LITTLE UPDATES

Not much time to post pictures right now.. just wanted to post a quick update since I have been slacking... these are all things I will post more about later tonight or tomorrow... I just don't have much time right now...

- Bentley will be making an unexpected trip to the pediatrician's office today.. part of her incision seems to be getting infected so she needs to be seen. Because her cardiologist and surgeon are too far, we will be going to her pediatrician and have her take a look. She will then determine if she can help us, or if we need to go to Houston to be seen by her surgeon.

- Bentley is gaining weight super fast (I think). She was last weighed at her pediatricians office a few days after we returned from Houston.. but I can really tell a difference holding her and the rolls are finally coming. I have some really cute pictures I want to share as soon hopefully tonight when I have time to upload them.

- Brenna has always had long hair.. ALWAYS!! Not anymore... it is now shoulder length. Hard to do, but very cute.. pictures coming soon.

- Bryson did wonderfully at his track meet this weekend.. pictures also coming soon.

I think that should do it for now.. just to catch you up a little. I will post more as soon as I get a minute.. but for now, we have to hurry and get ready for Dr. visit.

MORE TEETH

You ladies are too much fun! I can defintely tell you that we are not expecting. I think it is safe to say that we are a happy family of five and we are going to stay that way. ha! Here is another picture of Bentley from this weekend being her busy self!

I don't think I posted yet, but Bentley's 3rd tooth has come in, and yesterday the 4th! WOW!!! Baby girl has two bottom and two top now!!! She is also gaining weight. She hasn't been weighed since her last appointment at the pediatrician's office a week after surgery, but I can really tell a difference now when I hold her. Maybe her body will catch up with those sweet cheeks soon!! ha!! In case you are wondering.. Bryson and Brenna DID also have those chunky cheeks. I will have to post pictures of them when they were babies.

Now about what I wanted to share.. I will probably know by this afternoon and will fill you in. It's not anything you are thinking.. it is just something special that I wanted to share with you. Just near and dear to my "heart" that is all!

Trying to adjust to "summer break" and slowly starting to work (at home) again.. I haven't had much time to blog.. I'm running behind. So if you haven't seen me around leaving comments or answering emails that is why. I plan on catching up today. =)

SILLY GIRL

I just love the silly faces! This girl is full of personality!!! She has been so busy lately.. she is starting to walk while she is holding on to things.. like the couch or her stand up toys. I just can't believe how fast time flies... in just 2 months Bentley will be 1 year old. (tear!)


We are almost 4 weeks post surgery.. and you would never even be able to tell she has gone through such a critical and invasive surgery. She is doing absolutely wonderful!

Okay, a little more serious now and she is wearing one of her beautiful Bentley Bows.

There is some news I am hoping to share with you soon. I am so thrilled about this.. it is going to be very hard for me to not say anything.. but I have to wait just a little longer!!! YAY!!!

CATCH UP POST 3

We have had a blessed weekend full of swimming, baseball, and spending family time with Bentley at home since she is not allowed to go anywhere. Bryson's team did wonderful but did not win their last game, in this tournament you have to "not win" twice before you are out.. so his next game is tonight.

Remember that beautiful park I mentioned while we were in Houston for Bentley's surgery. Here are a few photos. I am not sure of the name, but I am sure some of my Houston bloggin' friends could help me out with it...


First up.. Miss Bentley and I absolutley LOVE it.

Going for a stroll in the park... she loved it. She has always loved being outside.

The one and only time I could get her to look at me for a picture.

Here is the front of the park, it's on a corner.. very close to Texas Children's Hospital. Have I mentioned how wonderful they are? So thankful God led us here.. we were very close to going to another location, but for the first 5 months of Bentley's life I have thought about this place. At 5 months we took a huge jump.. and setup an appointment. We fell in love immediately! Texas Children's Hospital is such an amazing place!!!

Ahhh, so peaceful..

Can't see them great here, but waterfalls on each of these...

Further into the park were these fountains.. many of them..

Beside the fountains.. this seating area..

Notice the roof of the seating area..

The seating area above was on both sides of the fountains..

We love being outside.. it's such a beautiful thing to see all that God has created.

Here is a photo of Bryson and Brenna at the same park. My parents and the kids stopped by there one night after leaving the hospital. You can see the waterfalls behind them.

A quick update on Bentley.. nothing has changed. She still has the cough and runny nose, still no fever. I don't think that it has gotten better, but it has not gotten worse so we are grateful for that. Bentley's recovery is still going well.

Also, one of my dad's best friends passed away this past weekend. Please keep the family and friends of him in your prayers. The loss of his friend was unexpected. My dad is one of the strongest people I know, but he is very hurt and I can see it. He tries to hide the pain, but we can all see the pain in his eyes, it breaks my heart.

I think this post concludes all the updates from Houston.. I have so many more pictures to update since Houston. Lots of summer fun coming!!

CATCH UP POST 2

Bentley woke up this morning not only coughing but now runny nose. We made it to our Dr. appointment today and it went well, really well actually. I will post about it next post so I do not ramble too much in this one. We are hoping this cough and runny nose clears on it's own.. we do not want to give her medicine that will work her too hard yet.. details coming!

A very dear blog friend Kristin and her family were so thoughtful and generous to give our family tickets to the Houston Astros baseball game while we were in town for Bentley's surgery, so the kids would have something to do other than hang out around the hospital the whole time. My parents took Bryson and Brenna while Ryan and I stayed by Bentley's side. The kids had a blast! So much fun.. I heard about it for days!!! Here are a few pictures my parents took while at the game.

Not sure exactly where this was taken...

Bryson, Nana, and Brenna at the game.

The wonderful view from their seats..

Brenna eatting her popcorn up...

Brenna upset because she had to share her popcorn with Bryson.

Brenna and Nana...

Bryson being silly...

Their ride to the game..

Bryson, Papa, and Brenna

Thank you so much Kristin. I cannot even tell you how much we appreciate you and your family doing this for us. In school Bryson has to keep a daily journal... so I had him continue it while we were in Houston.. and he managed to mention the Astros game every day... like I said before he LOVES his sports!

CATCH UP POST 1

First, I need to ask for tiny prayers.. Bentley woke up this morning with a horrible nasty cough. It's so sad.. I have never heard her sound this way. This is a huge shocker and came out of no where. Since Bentley has been born she has yet to be sick.. nothing at all. Praise God! This is the last thing that needs to happen while she recovers.. she is recovering well.. I really don't think it could go any better. But, she is still recovering from a huge surgery. She cannot get sick yet, her body must heal from all it has been through before it can take this. So please pray that this cough goes away. We have an appointment with her pediatrician today for a check up and now to look more into this cough.

Catch up time... here are several pictures from the day before Bentley's surgery. This is the day that we arrived to the hospital for lots of testing and then being admitted.

A little break in between test.. and so tired of test.

Mommy.. Daddy.. & Bentley.. loving!

Checking things out...

Little bitty legs.. and our favorite zebra from Grandma Armer in Kansas. (Thank you Grandma Armer!)

Yes, we can stand up even with an IV in our foot and an overload of tape, card board, and lots of plastic stuff.

Sticking her tounge out at Brittany. So glad they made it to visit.

Poor baby.. had no clue what all she was about to go through.

Will catch up on more later!!!

If you haven't read about the give-a-way, be sure to click here to do so now.. it is so cute!