D&C Challenge

Mr. and Mrs. Blake Bentley have completed reading the Doctrine and Covenants.

Happy Birthday, Michelle !

Happy Birthday to a great pizza chef...

...a great daughter...

...a great sister...

...a great wife...

...a great hostess...

...and a great Mom !

We Love You Michelle

Halloween Update!

We hope everyone had a spooktacular Halloween this year!!!

I Tri-ed It!!

Thanks for calls, posts, and cookies, for the Casa Grande triathlon. It was a great event - I only wish that all of you could have been there doing it with me!!! We have to do one of these together - we'll get "team t-shirts!" It really was a lot of fun, growth, sweat, tears, joy, and yes even a little pain. (I've since lost 1/2 a toe nail)


The morning started so early!! 4:30 am!! We packed up the kids and headed to Casa Grande. There was instant nerves and excitement. I got signed up, found my spot to put all my gear, took a few pictures and headed to the pool for the first event.
There were so many swimmers that I had to wait about an hour to get in the pool. It was freezing outside that the water actually felt great. Just keep swimming - just keep swimming kept going through my mind, you can do this!

Out of the pool and there was Blake -"run Michelle - you can do this!!" It was so great to see him, the kids, and mom cheering me on. I ran to the tennis courts to find my gear. I had practiced this part over and over in my mind so many times. Towel-dry off, shoes on, shirt on, helmet on, ipod, quick drink, GO!!! again "come on Michelle-GO-GO-GO!" coming from Blake.

On the bike course, 10.3 ahead of me. This was the long stretch, but the wind felt crisp and good. My legs felt strong and I set in for the bike part. We biked through farm land...it got a little boring at times, but there were so many bikers to keep it interesting and keep pushing me to keep going. Every time someone passed me, they would cheer me on - I think it must be triathlon manners, it was awesome! On mile 8 I lost my water bottle to the wind! Mile 9 was a surprise of hills and dips. It felt so good to ride in for the last transition.



This was the funny part. So going from the bike to the run - my legs felt like JELL-O! They each feel like they weigh 200 pounds, but it only lasts about 1/2 mile. The run felt good - mostly because I knew this was the last stretch. Coming around the last turn, I saw the kids. They ran with me for a little bit - that was the BEST part of the race. Again "Sprint Michelle - Run!!!" from Blake my cheerleader!
It was such a fun day and race...I can't wait for the Double Crotched team to compete together!

Go Michelle!!

GOOD LUCK MICHELLE on your triathlon tomorrow! Wish we could all be there to cheer you on. We will be from across the country. Good luck! Have Blake takes lots of pictures. Love you!!!

Happy Birthday Vea!

Dear Vea -
This is Morgan. Happy Birthday Vea! I hope I'll see you soon. I miss you. I love you Vea. I miss you. I hope I'll see you soon! What are you going to get from your birthday? Have fun! Are you going to have cake? How old are you?
Love - Morgan

Gingerbread Houses Invite

You are all invited to 2201 S. Banning St. for the 2009 Gingerbread Party Showcase and Competition. Families from all over the USA will be coming to compete in this annual festivity. The tentative date is Dec. 21st...subject to change, just thought we'd start there. The night will include dinner, family, and fun!

Hello Family,

It's been forever since I've posted. It was SO fun to be in Florida and than in Utah for visits. I'm so proud of all of you for the things you're doing. I'm trying to do Lara and Tyler's 100% challenge, I've messed up a few times, but I'm doing my best. I hope you all enjoyed conference as mush as I did. One of my favorite talks is Elder Hollonds on the Book Of Mormon, what a sweet testimony. I had a really neat experience while I was in Utah. My good friend Pam's mother (Jackie Lawrende) passed away and I was able to attend her funeral and President Monson was there to conduct and speak. What wonderful words and testimony he shared that day. I love you all so much and want you to know that I have a testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and I know that we can be a forever family. We are so fortunate to be blessed with that knowledge. As Morgan has said "Hold on Tight" (the iron rod). If we will always listen to our Prophet and follow his council, we'll be ok.

"Hi five "to Seth on his tests this week!!!!! Wish I was there to treat you to an ice-cream cone at IKEA, there're pretty good. Way to go Savea for getting "greens" at school. I had so much fun reading books to you and playing at the beach. I loved eating lunch with you at school. Andrea, I don't know how you manage to keep up with all the sisters in your ward.....I do love your ward though. I think of you every time I pass a Barns and Noble. Have you made anymore fondue cakes latley? I'm sure Seth is not ready for another one. It took us all day....but I sure had fun. It's also good excerise for the arms, we did get a good workout (Ha Ha).

Blake is getting ready for the deer hunt this weekend, be careful.....have fun!!! It's been fun to here about the new gun and scope. Blake's dad was just made Bishop of the new Temple View single adult ward, He along with Bev will do a great job. Michelle is teaching a parenting class in "Relief Society" meeting tomorrow night. I'm sure they'll ask her to do a follow up class, what an awesome teacher she is. Michelle has been busy docorating her house for fall and Halloween. Morgan is starting to write sentences and has a loose tooth. I think she's going to be an artist. She and Grandpa love to eat shrimp together...... Clayton ALMOST has the potty thing down. It's been fun to see him wear Savea's chonoes. I seem to always be wiping up little messes at the table, that's a boy! I love that little guy, he makes me smile.

Way to go Tyler on a good interview at Creighton !! How fun to have your Dad along to show you all the sights. I'm sure it was a little chilly there. We're still bragging to people about your "hole in one". Lara, just a few more months left of school. We're excited that you are enjoying this experience. Please be safe and don't get the swine flu....from your patients. Maybe the vacanation would be a good idea. Thanks for all your help at Grandma's house, what a long day, your a good worker. Mikel's piggy bank amout came to $119.00, almost all pennies. Dad and I rolled pennies to take to the bank for two nights. I'm proud of you for all the new recipes you are trying. How are your Chocolate Chip Cookies? You said that you have been in a slump. I'm sure there're yummy....

It's time again to start thinking about our Gingerbread House ideas, Dad and I need to step it up and be more creative. Can't wait for the holidays.

Love you all

x0x0x0x0

100% for 100 days!

So I have in invitation for everyone. Our stake is doing something called 100% for 100 days. We strive to do everything we are supposed to be doing for 100 days. Here is the list:

Daily: individual and family scripture study, individual and family prayer, and acts of love and compassion to spouse

Weekly: FHE, date night, sabbath day observance, and magnifying your calling

Monthly: Fast and Pay Tithes and Offering, temple attendance, and visiting and home teaching

Our stake presidency said they aren't trying to do this to show "numbers" or get us in the Ensign :) but they said if we do this, we will receive many blessings and have so much joy in our lives. If you are interested, I invite you to join Tyler and I. It actually started today (Thursday) so if you want to start tomorrow, I think a freebee day is ok since I just told you about it. (Sorry I really wanted to post this earlier but time got away from me)

The cool thing is that this ends on Christmas... what a neat gift to give to our Savior! We could all share our experiences when we're together for Christmas. Let me know what you think and let me know if you'll do it so Tyler and I know who our teammates are :)

I love you guys so much and miss you even more!!! Hugs and kisses to everyone!

First Stitches!

Here are a few pictures of Clayton's "adventure's" yesterday! After a great day at the zoo...we left with the following souvenir. We couldn't believe what a brave boy her was! At the Dr's, he told all the nurses when he walked in..."It doesn't hurt-I'm all better!" He didn't move a MUSCLE as Dr. Lee stitched him up (with only topical numbing I might add). As he was stitching him, Clayton just quietly said, "Owie, that hurts" as tears streamed down his face. When he was done, he jumped down and hopped-skipped-jumped-ran down the hallway giving the nurses and Dr. high fives! Off to Sonics we a-wented for a fruit slushy and dinner.


On the "operating table"...honestly-he practically smiled through the whole thing!




after a long day...ahhh!

Happy Birthday Rudy !!!

Andrea!...Happy Birthday to you! Happy birthday to such an amazing sister, person, and friend. You are such a blessing to so many and your sincere kindness is only the icing on your cake. Your classic beauty and style are so fun to see, but not even near the inner beauty that is felt in every one of your hugs. So here's to you - on your day, a hearfelt wish sent a north america away that your birthday may be half as lovely as you are. I love you sister!
Sign-night-love-you

Tough Morning

Today was the first day parents couldn't walk their kids to their classes. We now drop them off at the drop-off curb then the "Safety Patrol" escorts the kids to their classes. I cried today. Mother hen (Michelle's words :) ) wanted to walk her son to class to make sure he got there ok. It was hard to let him leave today. As we were pulling up, I told Vea that mommy (me) couldn't walk him to his class today. He said, "Why Mom? I want you to walk with me. I want to give you hugs and kisses and more hugs and kisses." My heart melted. I gave him lots of hugs and kisses, watched him as long as I could, drove off and started crying. Tough morning!!



I was looking at past posts and I came across this picture Michelle, Blake and the kids sent Vea wishing him a happy birthday last year. I couldn't resist re-posting this picture. These are our little kindergartners!! They are so grown up now. It seems like they should still be this little. Where has time gone? It's true when people tell you to hold on to these precious years because before we know it they will be graduating from high school. My heart is so full right now. I think I'm having an emotional morning. :) I just love these kiddos so much and can't believe how big they are. I thank my Heavenly Father for these emotions and for the love I have for my family. And for the love I feel from my family. You are all so special to me. I love you all!!!!!!

Savea's first day of Kindergarten

Well, it's official. Savea just started his first day of his next 13 years. WOW! He was so cute this morning. He was so excited to wear his backpack. At his school, parents are allowed to visit and eat lunch with their kids. I asked Savea if he wanted me to come and eat lunch with him today. His reply, "Nooooo MOOOOM (with a smirk on his face)." He is now a big boy who wants to eat with his friends. He doesn't need me to help him with his lunch (tear falling down face). Although, he still wanted to hold my hand as we were walking him to his class. It's hard giving them their independence. Like Michelle said in her post, the mother hen comes out and you don't want to let them go. You want to protect them always. I actually didn't cry today. I was surprised! I thought I would. My emotions came out when we met his teacher last week. I came home and broke down for pretty much the rest of the day. I was a mess. That was my rough day. I'll post what he thought of his first day after we pick him up.

I love Savea so much and I am so proud of him. He is truly our little miracle.

We let Savea pick out his outfit for his first day. Typical boy... he picked the shirt with a snake on it. I love it!! I would have picked out his handsome button down shirt, but the decision wasn't mine. :)
Backpack on and ready to go!
This is the hallway on his way to his classroom. We had to line up outside of his classroom and wait for his teacher to let us in. His teacher is Mrs. Hinsz.
Proud Momma!!

Savea sitting at his table (desk). He seems to have a good class. You can see Jenny and Savannah in the top right of this photo.
So grown up!
He looks a little worried in this picture. I think it finally hit him. :)
View from his building.