Meet Our Family
BrodieBrodie is a very busy 3 year old! He is all boy and has no fear. Since he was old enough to crawl, he has been fiercely independent and will not stop until he figures out how to do it all by himself. Curiosity rules his world and he loves to learn how things work and how to put things together. He has a beautiful smile and loves to laugh. We call him our little monkey because he is always jumping onto our backs or climbing into some really small nook or up into a crazy high spot.
Brodie was born with a genetic condition that changed the way some of his bones and limbs were formed. It affected both of his legs and his right hand. As a result, Brodie had both of his legs amputated when he was just one year old. It didn't slow him down any, as he is now walking on his third set of prosthetic legs already! Brodie also has some hearing loss and wears hearing aids. He loves to sign and he is learning to say more words every day. |
BentleyBentley is an incredibly smart and thoughtful 9 year old! He has a genius level IQ and considers himself to be a junior scientist. He is passionate about learning and is very proud about being on the honor roll at school. His wide range of interests and knowledge span everything from astronomy, weather, physics, dinosaurs, politics, history, to foreign relations. We call him our little professor. More than that though, Bentley has a very big heart and is a very compassionate kid. He amazes us with his deep concern and empathy for other people and animals.
Bentley is also what is considered twice- exceptional. He was diagnosed with Asperger's (high functioning autism) in the first grade. He has difficulty in dealing with frustration or sudden changes in plans and is prone to having sudden outbursts and meltdowns. He also has a hard time reading social cues and understanding unspoken social rules. He tends to be a literal person and views the world in very black and white way. With help, he is slowly learning how to navigate through life and I have no doubt he will end up doing amazing things. |
Brian and MeBrian grew up in Nebraska and I grew up in Texas. We met in Arizona and it was love at first sight. We both share a dark sarcastic humor and can make each other laugh in any kind of situation. Where Brian is a very type-A, detailed, and organized person, I am of the very laid back, go with the flow, creative kind. I like to think we balance each other out nicely. I joke if it wasn't for Brian, I wouldn't know the electricity bill was due until the lights got shut off. Brian loves anything related to cars and trucks and works in the auto body business. He is a very hard worker and is also very active in the local Shriners chapter, giving back to the organization that has helped our youngest son so much. |