know your limits

Ok, it's been a couple days...

First off, let me just say that I will take an NG tube over a "button" any day for Brody.... We got his results from his stomach surgery and all is good with everything that was tested. The weird thing is we still don't know why he isn't gaining weight and his stomach gets distended. Ricky and I talked with the doctor about a couple of options and the NG tube and button came up. All of the kids have had an NG tube. It's a tube that goes in at the nose and goes down to the stomach. A button is a surgically placed tube in the stomach that is basically a hole... and it disgusting! The other thing with buttons is kids never get rid of them. The doctors place them in kids saying, "only 6 months- maybe a year" and years later, the kids still have them in, the other thing is the hole can close up, and over all its not very fun to deal with. We know our limits and we won't do it. So, I will happily drop an NG tube every single night, feed him throughout the night, and take it out every morning. But, before we do all that jazz, we will be pushing as many calories as we can through his little body with hopes some weight will stick. We will also be doing a test on his stool to see the fat levels, etc.
In other news.... Mandi is walking around 5 to 6 steps at a time!!! She is in LOVE with her four wheeler and pretty much anything she can get on and ride. And the best thing.... she finally (thank goodness) learned to give kisses with a closed mouth!!! Now with the bad.... the terrible two's have hit this house full force! Oh my! Maybe Brody and Gracie will skip that behavior? Fingers crossed!!!
Brody is doing so well in Speech therapy. He is loving the Christmas tree lights but really loves the choo choo train that goes around it.
Gracie dances all the time. We tell her to work those abs! She is such a hoot!
And what is with them not wanting to take naps??? I'll find Gracie sitting up in her crib laughing with Madi as she stands there laughing back at Gracie... and Brody loves to kick his crib which sounds like someone is knocking our house down. Oh the joys!
2 more weeks of school and I can't wait until it's over! Oh my goodness what a semester it has been!
I'll check back soon.

Krista

and just like that, there was a Christmas tree, a choo choo train, and stockings!!!

Picking out the PERFECT tree :)

Christmas tree with the choo choo train and presents!!! 

Our stockings that I love so much!!! And our names turned out so good!!
(still need to decorate the mantle) 

Movie night (last night)

It's officially CHRISTMAS time at our house!!!

Such a wonderful day!

We had such a great day with our family.

For starters......

I'm 1 million % sure there is no cuter 16 month old babies than these little dolls! 

And my favorite moments of the day.....

I can't explain how much Kelsey and Brooke (my brother's daughters) love my babies. Those are Kelsey's triplets and seriously, any time we see them they are giving the kids stuff... anything. They always want to hold them and give kisses, etc. They really love my kiddos and it is a blessing! I love that my kids will have best friends with Brooke and Kelsey and no matter what, those girls will defend my kids to no end! That is family and I love it! We are now proud owners of two pink four wheelers :) Another plus to having cousins that are just a few years older :) 

We saw Meme and Papa for a brief little while. The kids didn't have a nap all day because of all the excitement so that was really fun towards the end...

Anyway, all in all it was a good day! 

Now it's officially CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!! I'm so excited for Christmas for the kids.

AND... for the big news......

......

......

........... MADI IS WALKING NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

It kind of breaks mine and Ricky's hearts because she and they are growing up so fast but we are so proud of her and what a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving gift! 

GO MADI!!!! We are so PROUD of you!!! And to think, Thanksgiving last year she was on oxygen and had an apnea monitor. You go girl! 

And no Thanksgiving day is complete without watching Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Day show! (the picture is way blurry but you get the point) 

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

24 days of things I'm thankful for! 

Day 24: Today Ricky and I have so much to be thankful for. The major thing is that we are all here together as our little big family. Last year, Ricky was out of state working in PA and Brody was still in the NICU. I think I was numb that day. The girls and I ended up celebrating with our friends/ neighbors because Meme wound up sick. That day Ricky and I promised to never be away from each other and our kids on a holiday again. We also promised we would celebrate holidays how we wanted to. After all, that is what the holidays are about. It's not rushing through visits because you have a million people to see. It's about letting our children be kids and creating memories that will last forever. It might not work for everyone but it works for us. We are not "average" by any means. So, today I am thankful for a complete heart. May you enjoy your friends and family and remember what this day is really about. THANKSgiving. I also can't help but think about my dad on this day. How I wish he were here. 

Happy Thanksgiving! 

Love,

Ricky & Krista

Brody, Gracie & Madi  

have a thankful heart

24 days of things I'm thankful for! 

Day 23: I am thankful for this blog. It really will be a priceless "baby book" for my kiddos. I'm also thankful for each and every person that visits us here with good intentions. Thank you all so much for the support! 

"Even though we can't have all we want, we ought to be thankful we don't get what we deserve."

24 days of things I'm thankful for! 

Day 22: Today I am thankful for the wrapped Christmas presents waiting to be under our Christmas tree, that I found a embroidery place for the kids other gifts, that all of our healthy meals are cooked for the week, and that Ricky is only working 2 more days this week!! I love the holidays and all the PTO that comes with it!! 

a quick update

A couple of days ago, Madi got her first car. She was so excited but her daddy was even more excited for her.

Since receiving her new car, she has taken Gracie for a ride, right beside her, and Brody rode in the trunk. Lets just say it is a big hit around here.

Ricky said Gracie pulled up on one of their toys and stood up on both feet. I'm not sure if I believe that yet... I'll have to see it for myself. 

Brody man hasen't been feeling well the past week or so. His tummy is really bothering him. I look forward to meeting with the doctor next week to see what the biopsies show. 

I only have a couple weeks left of school... well until the class of Christmas break starts. I'm looking forward to having this semester behind me. It's been really hard to stay focused with all the things we've had going on with the kids' health. 

hard day of playing :) 

Brody is the only one that knows whats about to happen " I don't know why yall are smiling and laughin' cause we are in trouble!!"  :) 

Everything to know about me, Is written on this page, The number you can reach me, My social and my age, Yes I served in the army, It's where I learned to shoot, Eighteen months in the desert, Pourin' sand out of my boots, No I've never been convicted of a crime, I could start this job at any time. I got a strong back, Steel toes, I rarely call in sick, A good truck, What I don't know I catch on real quick, I work weekends, If I have to, Nights and holidays, Give you 40, And then some, Whatever it takes, Three dollars and change at the pump, Cost of livin's high and goin' up, I put Robert down as a reference, He's known me all my life, We attend the same church, He introduced me to my wife, Gave my last job everything, Before it headed south, Took the shoes off my children's feet, The food out of their mouths, Yesterday my folks offered to help, But they're barely getting by themselves, I'm sure a hundred others have applied, Rumor has it you're only takin' five, I got a strong back, Steel toes, I'm handy with a wrench, There's nothing I can't drive, Nothing I can't fix, I work sun-up to sun- down, Ain't too proud to sweep the floors, Bank has started calling, And the wolves are at my door, Three dollars and change at the pump, Cost of livin's high and goin' up

24 days of things I'm thankful for! 

Day 21: I am thankful for Ricky's job that has amazing benefits and has remained stable through this horrible economy.  *This post title is the song "Cost of Livin' by Ronnie Dunn. I encourage you all to listen to it. It will really change your outlook on things. As the holidays approach, please keep families that are without jobs and struggling financially in your prayers. Let me make it clear: there is a difference from struggling and choosing that lifestyle so they can get hand me outs. We have men and women that serve our country, sacrificing their lives, only to come home and not be able to find a job. It is extremely sad. I love this song so much because it shows the real American family and the Dad really wanting to work... no hand outs. So, keep these people in your thoughts as you sit down to a feast on Thanksgiving day. They most likely will be eating soup out of a cup. I could not imagine the thought of not being able to provide for our children. It is so sad. 

"Take also unto thee Wheat, and Barley, and beans, and lentils, and millet, and Spelt, and put them in one vessel, and make bread of it" Ezekiel 4:9

24 days of things I'm thankful for! 

Day 20: I am thankful for Kim Fuller. She is a Personal Trainer and has taken me and Ricky under her wing with nutrition. This is huge motivation! I'm so excited! By the way, this Bible verse, Ezekiel 4:9 is also the bread we now eat! How cool is that?!?!

Day 19: I am thankful that Ricky and I are celebrating our 6th wedding anniversary today. Marriage is the second hardest thing I've ever done, (The first being a mom) but I couldn't see it any other way! 

But you just smile and take my hand, You've been there you understand, It's all part of a grander plan that is coming true, Every long lost dream led me to where you are, Others who broke my heart they were like Northern stars, Pointing me on my way into your loving arms, This much I know is true, That God blessed the broken road, That led me straight to you

24 days of things I'm thankful for! 

Day 19: I am thankful that Ricky and I are celebrating our 6th wedding anniversary today. Marriage is the second hardest thing I've ever done, (The first being a mom) but I couldn't see it any other way! 

Day 18: Today I am thankful for the monster n laws. The only thing they've ever done right in their entire lives was to have Ricky!  Thank you for being ugly, mean, hurtful thorns because I got my rose! 

Day 17: I am thankful I had the dad that I did. I'm thankful that my parents were married until the day my dad passed away, and I'm thankful that I learned from mistakes and success from my dad. Although he passed away way too young, at least I knew him and knew how much he loved me. He would work from sun up until sun down. I don't know how he did it. His work ethic was like no other. Thanksgiving was his favorite holiday. I miss him more than anyone could imagine! 

Day 16: I am thankful for mine and my family's health. Thank you Lord! 

Day 15: I am thankful for my Meme. I've talked to her almost every single day of my life since I could pick up a phone. She was the first one to let me drive (at age 3), then drive by myself when Papa wasn't suppose to know :) and then there were and still are our laughs... when we couldn't stop laughing and it would drive Papa crazy! She for sure has the Meme job down great and even the Mom job! I've learned so much from her, most importantly how to be a strong women in this world. And I am so thankful my kids have her. You are one in a million Meme, we love you so much! 

Day 14: I am thankful for the simple moments in life. Staying home in our pj's and creating memories with our children are my favorite things to do these days. Heck, I go days without ever leaving the house. Prior to kids it never happened, we were always going somewhere.  

Day 13: I am thankful that my babies are growing. I stare at them at night while they sleep and am amazed out how much they've grown in 16 months. It is a true gift. 

Day 12: I am thankful for the little things like: Brody saying momma 100x throughout the day, Gracie's smile, Madi's laughing/ squealing, our puppy dog, and how Ricky and I annoy each other on purpose :) 

Day 11: I am thankful Ricky and I make up our own rules for what family is suppose to be and that it works for us and our babies. 

Day 10: I am so very thankful that I was forced to be a stay at home mom because the kids can't be in daycare. It is the hardest thing/ job I will ever do but oh my gosh at how rewarding too! 

Day 9: I am thankful that I am able to attend school. 

Day 8: I am so thankful I know God. 

Day 7: I'm thankful I live in America.

Day 6: I'm thankful that we have a house with water and electricity. I realize how lucky we are that we have food to eat everyday and also realize so many don't have basic necessities 

Day 5: I'm thankful for the family and friends that support us day in and day out without restrictions! 

Day 4: I am thankful for a man I met 8 years ago who became my husband 6 years ago this month! We've been through a lot in 8 years but I really believe through the good and bad we are meant to be. 
Day 3: I am thankful for a feisty little firecracker named Madilynn Faith Patton that entered my life on Thursday, July 1, 2010 at 9:11pm and acts the same way as she did in my tummy.... wild!

Day 2: I am thankful for a little miracle named Gracie Ann Patton that entered my life on Thursday, July 1, 2010 at 9:11pm and proved to everyone in her life including the doctors that God is real.
Day 1: I am thankful for a little boy named Brody Gerald Patton that entered my life on Thursday, July 1, 2010 at 9:11pm and gave me and his daddy a little cry at birth!

I have so much to be thankful for that I could list one new thing every day for the rest of my life.

What are you thankful for?

Here is something to think about..
What if you woke up tomorrow with only the things you thanked God for the day before???

Krista

"Some people are always grumbling because roses have thorns; I am thankful that thorns have roses."

24 days of things I'm thankful for! 

Day 18: Today I am thankful for the monster n laws. The only thing they've ever done right in their entire lives was to have Ricky!  Thank you for being ugly, mean, hurtful thorns because I got my rose! 

Day 17: I am thankful I had the dad that I did. I'm thankful that my parents were married until the day my dad passed away, and I'm thankful that I learned from mistakes and success from my dad. Although he passed away way too young, at least I knew him and knew how much he loved me. He would work from sun up until sun down. I don't know how he did it. His work ethic was like no other. Thanksgiving was his favorite holiday. I miss him more than anyone could imagine! 

Day 16: I am thankful for mine and my family's health. Thank you Lord! 

Day 15: I am thankful for my Meme. I've talked to her almost every single day of my life since I could pick up a phone. She was the first one to let me drive (at age 3), then drive by myself when Papa wasn't suppose to know :) and then there were and still are our laughs... when we couldn't stop laughing and it would drive Papa crazy! She for sure has the Meme job down great and even the Mom job! I've learned so much from her, most importantly how to be a strong women in this world. And I am so thankful my kids have her. You are one in a million Meme, we love you so much! 

Day 14: I am thankful for the simple moments in life. Staying home in our pj's and creating memories with our children are my favorite things to do these days. Heck, I go days without ever leaving the house. Prior to kids it never happened, we were always going somewhere.  

Day 13: I am thankful that my babies are growing. I stare at them at night while they sleep and am amazed out how much they've grown in 16 months. It is a true gift. 

Day 12: I am thankful for the little things like: Brody saying momma 100x throughout the day, Gracie's smile, Madi's laughing/ squealing, our puppy dog, and how Ricky and I annoy each other on purpose :) 

Day 11: I am thankful Ricky and I make up our own rules for what family is suppose to be and that it works for us and our babies. 

Day 10: I am so very thankful that I was forced to be a stay at home mom because the kids can't be in daycare. It is the hardest thing/ job I will ever do but oh my gosh at how rewarding too! 

Day 9: I am thankful that I am able to attend school. 

Day 8: I am so thankful I know God. 

Day 7: I'm thankful I live in America.

Day 6: I'm thankful that we have a house with water and electricity. I realize how lucky we are that we have food to eat everyday and also realize so many don't have basic necessities 

Day 5: I'm thankful for the family and friends that support us day in and day out without restrictions! 

Day 4: I am thankful for a man I met 8 years ago who became my husband 6 years ago this month! We've been through a lot in 8 years but I really believe through the good and bad we are meant to be. 
Day 3: I am thankful for a feisty little firecracker named Madilynn Faith Patton that entered my life on Thursday, July 1, 2010 at 9:11pm and acts the same way as she did in my tummy.... wild!

Day 2: I am thankful for a little miracle named Gracie Ann Patton that entered my life on Thursday, July 1, 2010 at 9:11pm and proved to everyone in her life including the doctors that God is real.
Day 1: I am thankful for a little boy named Brody Gerald Patton that entered my life on Thursday, July 1, 2010 at 9:11pm and gave me and his daddy a little cry at birth!

I have so much to be thankful for that I could list one new thing every day for the rest of my life.

What are you thankful for?

Here is something to think about..
What if you woke up tomorrow with only the things you thanked God for the day before???

Krista

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" I Thessalonians 5: 16-18

24 days of things I'm thankful for! 

Day 17: I am thankful I had the dad that I did. I'm thankful that my parents were married until the day my dad passed away, and I'm thankful that I learned from mistakes and success from my dad. Although he passed away way too young, at least I knew him and knew how much he loved me. He would work from sun up until sun down. I don't know how he did it. His work ethic was like no other. Thanksgiving was his favorite holiday. I miss him more than anyone could imagine! 

Day 16: I am thankful for mine and my family's health. Thank you Lord! 

"As we express gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter the words, but to live by them." John F. Kennedy

24 days of things I'm thankful for! 

Day 16: I am thankful for mine and my family's health. Thank you Lord! 

Day 15: I am thankful for my Meme. I've talked to her almost every single day of my life since I could pick up a phone. She was the first one to let me drive (at age 3), then drive by myself when Papa wasn't suppose to know :) and then there were and still are our laughs... when we couldn't stop laughing and it would drive Papa crazy! She for sure has the Meme job down great and even the Mom job! I've learned so much from her, most importantly how to be a strong women in this world. And I am so thankful my kids have her. You are one in a million Meme, we love you so much! 

"I would thank you from the bottom of my heart, but for you my heart has no bottom"

24 days of things I'm thankful for! 

Day 15: I am thankful for my Meme. I've talked to her almost every single day of my life since I could pick up a phone. She was the first one to let me drive (at age 3), then drive by myself when Papa wasn't suppose to know :) and then there were and still are our laughs... when we couldn't stop laughing and it would drive Papa crazy! She for sure has the Meme job down great and even the Mom job! I've learned so much from her, most importantly how to be a strong women in this world. And I am so thankful my kids have her. You are one in a million Meme, we love you so much! 

Day 14: I am thankful for the simple moments in life. Staying home in our pj's and creating memories with our children are my favorite things to do these days. Heck, I go days without ever leaving the house. Prior to kids it never happened, we were always going somewhere.  

Day 13: I am thankful that my babies are growing. I stare at them at night while they sleep and am amazed out how much they've grown in 16 months. It is a true gift. 

Day 12: I am thankful for the little things like: Brody saying momma 100x throughout the day, Gracie's smile, Madi's laughing/ squealing, our puppy dog, and how Ricky and I annoy each other on purpose :) 

Start your child's day with love and encouragement and end the day the same way. Zig Ziglar

Let the games therapy begin!
Our OT came out today and tomorrow Speech will start back. It has been such a wonderful break and I only hope we all don't get burn out again. We will be taking Thanksgiving week and Christmas week off so that will be nice.
Brody and I made a trip to the Pediatrician's office. He had a 101.3 fever on Sunday and today. The doctor examined him and couldn't find a thing wrong with him. They even swabbed his throat and that came back negative. Dr. Leach said if he was still running a fever in 2 days to go back. Brody's OMR teacher will start working with him every other week. The OMR works with his VI teacher but focuses on his mobility related with vision. Eventually, she will teach him to use a cain.

It isn't what you have in your pocket that makes you thankful, but what you have in your heart.

24 days of things I'm thankful for! 

Day 14: I am thankful for the simple moments in life. Staying home in our pj's and creating memories with our children are my favorite things to do these days. Heck, I go days without ever leaving the house. Prior to kids it never happened, we were always going somewhere.  

Day 13: I am thankful that my babies are growing. I stare at them at night while they sleep and am amazed out how much they've grown in 16 months. It is a true gift. 

Day 12: I am thankful for the little things like: Brody saying momma 100x throughout the day, Gracie's smile, Madi's laughing/ squealing, our puppy dog, and how Ricky and I annoy each other on purpose :) 

A date with our kids...

Tonight we had a date with the kiddos. It was snacks and a movie in bed. Not just any movie but Winnie the Pooh. Oh how I just love that bear dearly! They loved the movie! Ricky lined up their Boppy pillows and I handed out snacks. Cheetos may have been a little too messy but who cares, that is what washers are for! Gracie did the best and was even dancing during the movie! Tonight is one of my top ten moments with the kids yet. It was so awesome watching them really enjoy the moment. Towards the end Brody and Madi got a little fussy and restless but Gracie never did. And we are convinced our kids are the perfect characters... oh and Ricky's always been Pooh Bear from a long time ago.

Gracie

Madilynn 

Brody

Ricky

Hem your blessings with thankfulness so they don't unravel.

24 days of things I'm thankful for! 

Day 13: I am thankful that my babies are growing. I stare at them at night while they sleep and am amazed out how much they've grown in 16 months. It is a true gift. 

Day 12: I am thankful for the little things like: Brody saying momma 100x throughout the day, Gracie's smile, Madi's laughing/ squealing, our puppy dog, and how Ricky and I annoy each other on purpose :) 

Day 11: I am thankful Ricky and I make up our own rules for what family is suppose to be and that it works for us and our babies. 

Day 10: I am so very thankful that I was forced to be a stay at home mom because the kids can't be in daycare. It is the hardest thing/ job I will ever do but oh my gosh at how rewarding too! 

Day 9: I am thankful that I am able to attend school. 

Day 8: I am so thankful I know God. 

Day 7: I'm thankful I live in America.

Day 6: I'm thankful that we have a house with water and electricity. I realize how lucky we are that we have food to eat everyday and also realize so many don't have basic necessities 

Day 5: I'm thankful for the family and friends that support us day in and day out without restrictions! 

Day 4: I am thankful for a man I met 8 years ago who became my husband 6 years ago this month! We've been through a lot in 8 years but I really believe through the good and bad we are meant to be. 
Day 3: I am thankful for a feisty little firecracker named Madilynn Faith Patton that entered my life on Thursday, July 1, 2010 at 9:11pm and acts the same way as she did in my tummy.... wild!

Day 2: I am thankful for a little miracle named Gracie Ann Patton that entered my life on Thursday, July 1, 2010 at 9:11pm and proved to everyone in her life including the doctors that God is real.
Day 1: I am thankful for a little boy named Brody Gerald Patton that entered my life on Thursday, July 1, 2010 at 9:11pm and gave me and his daddy a little cry at birth!

I have so much to be thankful for that I could list one new thing every day for the rest of my life.

What are you thankful for?

Here is something to think about..
What if you woke up tomorrow with only the things you thanked God for the day before???

Krista

"The hardest arithmetic to master is that which enables us to count our blessings." Eric Hoffer

24 days of things I'm thankful for! 

Day 12: I am thankful for the little things like: Brody saying momma 100x throughout the day, Gracie's smile, Madi's laughing/ squealing, our puppy dog, and how Ricky and I annoy each other on purpose :) 

Day 11: I am thankful Ricky and I make up our own rules for what family is suppose to be and that it works for us and our babies. 

Day 10: I am so very thankful that I was forced to be a stay at home mom because the kids can't be in daycare. It is the hardest thing/ job I will ever do but oh my gosh at how rewarding too! 

Day 9: I am thankful that I am able to attend school. 

"All that we behold is full of blessings" William Wordsworth

24 days of things I'm thankful for! 

Day 11: I am thankful Ricky and I make up our own rules for what family is suppose to be and that it works for us and our babies. 

Day 10: I am so very thankful that I was forced to be a stay at home mom because the kids can't be in daycare. It is the hardest thing/ job I will ever do but oh my gosh at how rewarding too! 

Day 9: I am thankful that I am able to attend school.