What a year!

Brody started walking     

Gracie started walking     

Madi started running      

We went to the Downtown Aquarium       

We got a swing set      

Mommy and Daddy went on a much need vacation to Key West and Miami      

We went on our first vacation to Austin, Texas and did a lot of sight seeing on Lake Travis      We got a new puppy and Hoss got a girlfriend      

We started school and have loved it      

Brody got really sick and rode in an ambulance but was released a couple days later      

We celebrated BIG for our second birthday      

We went to the Kemah Boardwalk      

We grew watermelons and pumpkins in the backyard      

We dressed as cows and went to Chick Fil A      

Daddy had to convert our beds from cribs to big kids beds because we learned how to climb out      

Mommy and Daddy went to Cirque Du Soleil and can’t wait to take us      

Gracie and Madi got diamond earrings       

We took swim lessons

We spent Labor Day weekend on Lake Conroe in an awesome condo that we were able to fish off the balcony       

Gracie had a really BIG surgery on her leg     

All 5 of us participated in MADD 5K

We hosted our first Pumpkin Decorating Party with a bunch of our friends and Uncle John’s family

We dressed as Mickey and Minnie Mouse for Halloween. Mommy and Daddy dressed as them self, a witch and oil field guy

We went to our first Homecoming game and Aunt Michelle made us mums and a garter 

We had a BIG Thanksgiving at home     

Daddy cut down a really BIG Christmas tree at a really cool farm      

We went to the Zoo at dark and saw all the pretty Christmas lights

We went on a really awesome train ride to the North Pole
Santa came and gave us cars and a motorcycle

It was such a wonderful year and we've learned so much. We've overcome many things and met a lot of goals and milestones. Mommy and Daddy are really proud of us and we always overhear them bragging to anyone that will listen about something new we are doing or saying. We still love Elmo, Cookie Monster, and Abby Cadabby but we really, really, really love Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse and hope Mommy and Daddy will take us to Disney soon. Going to school is the best! We've learned so many things. We are always so excited to walk into our class room. Sometimes we're so excited we forget to tell Mommy and Daddy goodbye but we are so excited to see them when they pick us up in the afternoon. And we have to have our daily routine when Daddy leaves for work and if we can't watch him back out of the drive way and blow him kisses and wave goodbye, Mommy will have a real tough time on her hands. We really love our Daddy. He is our protecter and sometimes Mommy says he protects us a little too much but Mommy only wants the best for us. We are really excited about the new year. Mommy keeps saying it's going to be great! We hope you all come along for the ride, we promise to keep doing things Mommy and Daddy can brag about!!! 
Love, 
Brody, Gracie, and Madilynn 

I hope you live a life you're proud of. If you find you're not, I hope you have the strength to start all over again. -F.Scott Fitzgerald

Ricky is working days this week and we don't like it at all! It's hard for him to adjust and he is exhausted when he gets home. Plus, we get to spend more time with him when he works nights. I can't wait until our schedule is back to normal.
Speaking of normal, OMG! It has really been one thing after another the past couple months. My car had some issues within a week apart that KILLED our budget, something else happened (I can't remember at this point), and now Ricky's truck needs a new tire! The crazy part is within this two month time frame we've freed up over $700 in our budget. I cannot wait to be able to see that freed money! On another downside, it looks like we might have to get me a newer car. We are concerned with the seat belts in the backseat. Newer cars have metal hooks that are welded into the frame that car seats snap into. Our car is almost 13 years old so we have the old fashioned run the seat belt through the car seats. Anyway, the seat belts have suddenly started loosening a lot but are still buckled so they wouldn't be great should we really "need" them. This makes me so sick because my car is just fine other than maintenance stuff that comes with an older car and I didn't really want to get a newer car until the kids went through the destroying phase. Plus, I really wanted my next car to be my dream car which is a black Cadillac Escalade :) Hey, I can dream, right? We've started doing some research and I was looking at a smaller SUV but Ricky pointed out we barely fit in a Suburban so we'll have to get something around the same size. I'm trying to save on gas since it cost a small fortune to fill up. Anyway, I do have a point with all this and it's this, it's always something but we are really trying to not go into any additional debt. We are so close to being debt free (minus the mortgage) I can taste it!!
I'm so excited for 2013. I hope all our dreams and plans come true. I'm proud of where we are and things are really looking bright!! I think this is the year where we can focus on specific goals and things we like individually and as a family. I feel like Ricky and I can do things that are not 24/7 kid, kid, kid stuff and I'm happy, happy, happy to make time for a good balance. That might sound bad but I don't mean it bad. If you really know me, you know I don't even take time to get a haircut because my whole life, every minute is dedicated to my Littles but I want Ricky and I to find ourselves again. It's a goal.
Another thing you might not know, most all the titles of the post are quotes that are for a reason. I lost my dad when I was 17 and it has made me who I am today. With that, there isn't a day that goes by when I wished I could pick up the phone and just talk to him. To ask his advice or bounce a crazy idea off him. The quotes are things I think are important for my Littles to know should anything happen to me and I'm not here to raise them. Hey, tomorrow is not promised. I want them to have their daddy's compassion and big heart and my no nonsense and strong will. Should something happen to me, my hope is they have this blog to know me. That's why I speak my mind 100% of the time. Yes, sometimes I should probably be a little softer on certain things but this is me and I don't think you can get much real(er) than this blog.
Another thing you might not know about me because I've just realized this about me in the past couple months are these two things:
I am obsessed with remodeling and adding stuff to our house. Like totally obsessed. It drives Ricky so crazy. Seriously, he hates it. Anyway, in some weird way I can't explain it makes me feel like home, like where I came from. My dad use to do the same stuff. Any time he would walk into my room I knew it meant he was adding something or remodeling something, etc. Goodness, I wish he were still here.
The other thing is a person I never talk about, my mother. One of her biggest faults if that's what you want to call it,  was how she would help others out. I know that doesn't sound like a fault but for instance, our neighbor growing up was a widow and didn't have any family. Mom "adopted" her as part of our family. When this person got cancer, she basically dedicated her life to the woman. Anyway, I think I do have some of my mother in me and I think this is it. I really would love to start a non profit to help families in need. I really have felt lead to do this since we were able to get such a wonderful backing for the family we "adopted" for Christmas. We will see what becomes of these plans...
Anyway, this has become totally random at this point but another insight into how this mind thinks and another view into who we really are. People change, I've changed, and I'm still changing. That's life, right?

To my love...
If I ain't got nothing, I got you.
If I ain't got something I don't give a damn, cause I got it with you.
And it's me and you that's all we'll have when the world is through.
When my days look low, pull me in close and don't let me go.
So when the world's at war, let our love heal it all.
I know I will fight for you.
Just when I ball up my fist I realize I'm laying right next to you.
Cause baby we ain't got nothing without love
Darling you got enough, enough for the both of us.

KP

Christmas through the eyes of 2.5 year olds... Magical !

We had the most amazing Christmas. It was magical. It was perfect.

Ricky had to work Christmas Eve. Instead of it destroying our day we made the best of it. When he got home we had everything cleaned and put away where all we had to do was eat dinner, him shower and then our holiday could start. We decided that we would open all our gifts on Christmas Eve and be ready for Santa to drop his gifts over night. The kids loved all their presents. Brody got a tool box, tools, and a lawn mower that blows bubbles. Gracie got Minnie Mouse light up shoes, a lap top, and a Minnie Mouse fashion light up show. Madi got Minnie Mouse light up shoes too, a doll house, and a singing broom. Ricky got a power drill, K & N air filter for his truck, and a spot light. I got a juicer, a shirt from Duck Dynasty, and a sander. We stuck with the three gift rule and loved it! The kids played and played until it was time to make Santa's cookies. They kissed Elfie goodbye because he left last night and won't be back until Thanksgiving night and then it was off to bed. Santa dropped the gifts and I couldn't sleep! I was too excited. Finally at 4AM I couldn't wait any longer and everyone was up and before we knew it we had squeals of excitement because Santa brought the girls Minnie Mouse VW Beetles and Brody got a Harley!!!!! We even went outside to ride them!! Mainly because the weather was suppose to get bad. In their stockings Madi got a hair brush, glitter body spray, Minnie Mouse figure, and a Minnie Mouse tin. Brody got a whipper snapper, Mickey Mouse figure, guitar, Micky Mouse tin. Gracie got a Minnie Mouse figure, Minnie Mouse tin, glitter body spray, and a microphone. They each had new cups waiting for them. Any guess what they were?? Minnie Mouse and Mickey Mouse.
Anyway, the kids are tuckered out. The Christmas tree is down and the decorations are starting to be put up. It was truly the most perfect Christmas ever!

KP

Paying it forward

Last year for the first time we gave a little girl a bike for Christmas because she wasn't going to have a Christmas. It was such a great feeling to do something for someone. We left that family's house and went to have dinner. While eating our waitress walked over and said a family that had just left wanted her to give us this and handed us a napkin. Inside that napkin was some money with a note and scripture. Talk about amazing!
This year I reached out for weeks asking people if anyone knew of someone in need. No one answered and as Christmas quickly approached I thought we wouldn't be able to find anyone. We didn't want to join in with the big organizations, we wanted something that we could directly do. A friend of mine on Facebook, her friend posted asking anyone if they knew of any organization to help a family that would not be able to afford Christmas. My Facebook friend immediately contacted me and got me in touch with her friend. Turns out the friend knew a family that really needed some help. It was a mother and father that had a 10 year old little girl. The father's company he worked for closed down leaving him without a job. He was able to find another job but they were really broke from being in between jobs. This was a perfect family to help. I found out a couple things the girl wanted and did purchase them but I was lead to do more. For the past couple week I've been asking people to donate food and other household items and then it hit me to have Ricky ask his company if they wanted to help. Last week at their weekly meeting with the branch, Ricky told everyone about this family's story and asked if they'd want to help us help them. Everyone was willing to help. How amazing is this?! The cut off for us to collect things is today and I talked to Ricky a few minutes ago and he said his boss's office is full of stuff for this family. I am amazed and so very thankful.
Ricky and I don't have endless amount of money in the bank. In fact, we live on a budget and sometimes our budget is stretched very thin but we are so rich. Riches are not that dollar amount in your accounts it's what you realize you've been blessed with. There have been so many times when things have been pretty bad for us but we've always been unexplainable blessed. We might get a check in the mail, I might find a good deal with coupons, gas prices drop, etc. What I'm saying is Faith in God has pulled us through so many hard times. I really use to stress out on how we'd make it on one income with the expenses we have but I rarely stress anymore. I know He will provide for us because we have Faith and we work hard.
I believe it is our responsibility to pay it forward. God didn't have to bless us with our babies living let alone bless us with having babies at all. We are undeserving blessed and it's the least we can do. I challenge each person that reads this to take a moment and acknowledge everything you've been blessed with. It could be your health or your home. I then challenge you to go out and pay it forward. You never know when you might be the one needing a hand up.
Christmas isn't about things. While we are unwrapping our presents with the fancy paper and pretty bows, there are so many praying for the necessities like a roof over their head or food to eat. Christmas is a day to celebrate Jesus' birth. When I think about Jesus all I can think about his compassion for others and it inspires me and my family. We've been reading Christmas books since December 1st and it warms our hearts to have our children no matter the book, point to Jesus in the manger and say "Jesus!". There is a song I love by the Casting Crowns called Jesus, Friend of Sinners. My favorite part is this: "Oh Jesus, friend of sinners, break our hearts for what breaks yours" Powerful.
I hope each and every one of you have the best Christmas this year and that 2013 will be a healthy, successful, and happy year.

BL3SSED,

The Patton Family


*Thank you to Aunt Judi & Uncle Daryl for the Christmas cards and Christmas money for the kids.
* Thank you Aunt Cathy & Uncle James for the Christmas card and Christmas money for the kids. Each year each of you never forget my family and you've never even met our babies. It's appreciated very much and we love you all so much. Thank you.

*Thank you to Granny & Big Dad for the card, book marks, and Christmas money for the kids. We appreciate you thoughtfulness very much.

*Thank you to everyone that took time out of busy schedules to send us a Christmas card. We really appreciate you thinking of us.

I close my eyes and PRAY

It seems like so much has been going on since the middle of the year with the kids and their health. We've had some pretty scary moments and it seems they've been back to back with little room to recover.
Last Thursday the kids had their last day of school for Christmas break. They had a party to celebrate and you never know what they eat. Gracie's stomach was tore up that night, Friday, and Saturday but she is extremely sensitive to red dye so we thought that was the reason. We went on with our plans for the train ride, etc. Sunday things were worse and I knew it was not because of red dye, she had a stomach virus. I felt she needed fluids and we should take her to the ER but Ricky said we'd take her to the Pedi on Monday. Monday morning she goes to the pedi and they say there is nothing they can give her, it has to run it's course. Monday night she is really sick, dehydrated, the works so I decided to take her to the ER. We go to one ER close to home because my thought was giving fluids isn't brain surgery. Well, I've never met a bigger quack. The doctor didn't know what ROP was, the difference between an aneurysm and a bilateral hemorrhage. That is beyond crazy! He then proceeded to tell me to just give her an adult over the counter and just give a little bit because she is little. I gathered all three of my babies and walked out. They ran after me and I told them I would never give them that medication. So off we went to St. Luke's where we always go. We got there at 9pm. The intake nurse assessed her and agreed she needed fluids. By 11:45 we were finally in a room. At 1am not a nurse nor a doctor had laid eyes on us. Nor was one to be found. We walked out. Tuesday I call the Pedi and say this hands off approach isn't working and we need to do something. The doctor had us come back in and this time said we would be directly admitted into a local hospital. By this time Gracie hadn't peed in two days, was laying around, and so dehydrated.
Just great, another hospital stay. We get there and they attempt an IV- fail. They try again and again each time a fail, each time they are digging around with the needle for minutes at a time. Finally about 1am I couldn't handle it anymore and called Ricky to come up. By the EIGHTH yes EIGHT try I freaked out. I was trying not to cry but it was horrible. She was in so much pain and they couldn't get it. Enough was enough. I request the supervisor and when she came in she said their next step would be to insert a needle into her leg bone to give fluids. Want to talk about someone loosing it- that was me and Ricky. Hell No was that answer. The next sentence was transfer us out of here now! The doctor called our room directly. By this time it's 3am and this is day 7 of Gracie being sick. She said she would come up there to see us. In the meantime I was forcing Pedilyte via syringe and she was so mad about it but it had to happen. The doctor arrives and agrees to not keep trying to stab her. That we can make her drink fluids. She had finally stopped pooping too so it helped a lot. Fast forward to the afternoon, she was back to normal. Thank goodness! I'm so thankful!
Tonight Brody and Madi have started with the same symptoms. All I want for Christmas is two things: healthy babies and a case of diaper and wipes. Jeez!
2013 is going to be a great year for us. The kids are going to have an easier time with their health and all around it will be great. I'm excited!

KP

If you look for Me at Christmas...

You won't need a special star-
I'm no longer just in Bethlehem,
I'm right there where you are.
You may not be aware of Me amid the celebrations-
You'll have to look beyond the stores and all the decorations.
But if you take a moment from your list of things to do
And listen to your heart,
You'll find I'm waiting there for you.
You're the one I want to be with,
You're the reason that I came,
And you'll find Me in the stillness as I'm whispering your name.
Love,
Jesus

All aboard the POLAR EXPRESS!

We've had the best weekend!

Saturday was our BIG train ride aboard the Polar Express! We got there several hours early to look around and take pictures. I'm so excited, I got several really wonderful pictures of the kids. The steam engine train was just amazing. This really is a hidden gem here in Texas. When it was our turn, we met up with my aunt, uncle, cousin, his wife, their son, and her mom, and aunt. We were in the "first class" car and it was so fun! We each got special hot chocolate mugs and cookies. They read us the Polar Express book, we sang Christmas songs, and went to the North Pole!! We saw where Santa and the elves live and the kids thought it was pretty awesome! Before we knew it Santa himself was in our train car!!! He gave each kid their very own silver bell, talked to each, picked up my Littles for pictures, and wished them a Merry Christmas! They were in LOVE!

We drove back instead of staying with my family. Since Brody's episode I didn't want to be away from home overnight. This morning the kids couldn't stop talking about the CHOO CHOO and the bear they received from the gift shop.

We are so very lucky!

KP

re·sil·ience

There are two definitions to the word RESILIENCE

1: The capability of a strained body to recover its size and shape after deformation caused especially by compressive stress

2: an ability to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change

This little Patton family of 5 should change our last name from Patton to Resilience because we are. We are strong. We are determined. We are soldiers. We've got this.

I have to admit this week has knocked me down and it's taken a little bit to get back up but I'm getting there. I'm excited that Ricky has one more work night and is off for the weekend. There is safety in that. I need us to be safe.

I'm taking Brody to the pediatrician in the morning because I need him to see Brody and to tell me one more time that he will be okay. I need him to show me what to do and to some how figure out a way to get Brody breathing should this happen again. Basically, I need him to talk me off the ledge.... for the millionth time in the past 2.5 years. Because I trust and value his opinion and advice.

Brody is doing really well. The Neurologist put him on medication two times per day to help keep him from having another seizure. The doctor warned me of the side affects of this medication. It could make him very aggressive. We are hoping it won't change his sweet personality. He really has the sweetest soul. He rarely is mad or throws a fit. I'm talking I could probably count on my hands how many fits he has had. He is just so loving. He gives people he has met once kisses and tells him he loves them. That is this little boy. That is what so many are missing out on. He is a pretty amazing kid. His newest thing is he yells out "Yee Haw!" all the time now. We have no clue where he picked that up but it's so funny!

We also learned Wednesday morning that all the labs that Brody has done in the past month came back and it looks like he has a problem with his kidneys. We don't know anything other than that at this time.

Tomorrow, December 15 will mark 2 years since Brody has been home with us. What it took to get him home and end that 5.5 month NICU journey will never leave me. To be honest the hospital did not want him to go home that day. They wanted him to stay longer but this momma grizzly bear had enough. I knew I had to get him home. I knew I could care for him better than the hospital and as crazy as some might think it is, I did take better care of him at home. He has thrived since the day he was home. Nothing will change my commitment to him- NOTHING!

Happy 2 years home Brody Bear!!

KP

Seizure

Brody had a seizure Monday night. Our pediatrician confirmed it was an actual seizure early Tuesday night. Now that I 100% know what a seizure is, he has had them before. Only a couple of times but he has had them. This morning I will be in touch with the Neurologist. I will be demanding an MRI of his brain and want to see if the EEG can be moved up from January 4th to anytime sooner.
We are pretty devastated about this. Yes, I guess to some seizures aren't that big of a deal but there are a lot of factors with Brody since he already has brain damage and this is just one more thing to add to the "list".
There have been only a couple of times I feared my children would leave this world in front of my eyes. Those were back in the NICU days when their little bodies were fighting so very hard for every breath. Monday Brody was not here with us during his seizure. His body was lifeless, he was blue, his legs jerked, and he made a horrific noise, and his jaw was clinched. I yanked him up, and as the seconds turned into minutes, all I could think to do was yell his name, rub his little body really hard to stimulate him like they did so many times in the NICU, and drench him in ice cold water. I just needed him to breath, to come back with us, to not die. And he did. He finally was able to breath and I kept hitting him and rubbing him to make him mad enough to keep breathing. He was so exhausted he couldn't sit up on his own for a while. After about 10 minutes he was totally back to normal but I wasn't. I had to sit down. I told him he could never do that again and that he scared me. He cried and gave me a big hug. That boy of mine!
There are very few things that scare me since the kids were born. Really nothing scares me but when the safety of my family is at stake. I've gotten too comfortable in thinking that the events of the NICU were a distant memory. I guess I've been cocky in thinking that we are past the "big" stuff.
Our pediatrician is such a God send. We had a very long talk last night and he explained how the brain worked and what happens to cause seizures in terms that are understandable. Basically the brain is like a huge computer and sometimes when your computer is running super slow and freezing up, you turn it off to reboot it. That is the seizure part. When you turn the computer back on it takes a while to reboot and that is the recovery part. He told me that if a seizure last more than 5 minutes to call 911. They count the seizure from the actual seizure episode to recovery. He said in his 30 years of practice he has never had a child die from a seizure. I asked him about the loss of oxygen during the seizure, being blue, etc. and my concern on not being able to do CPR with his jaw clenched. He told me that if it happened like that again roll him on his side to clear his airways, make sure he won't hurt himself by the jerks, and for me to not get hurt either. He said some parents have tried to open the mouth but the kid bites their finger off not having control of their bodies during the time. So it's still a grey area about how to resuscitate during a seizure because I have a concern with him going without oxygen for any amount of time.
We are entering another part of this journey full of unknowns. The worry is exhausting. I think back to the months the kids were in the hospital and have no idea how we functioned under the extreme stress and worry and lack of sleep. God was with us there is no other explanation to it. I hope He can give us the same strength because we are exhausted, worn down, but so very thankful. This is our life. This is His plan. Our path, our kids' path. We've always had each other and it won't change. Nothing matters before the health and well being of these three amazing kids. The girls of course witnessed the events Monday night. I hate they did but there was nothing I could do about that. To be honest, that wasn't even on my mind during the events. After Brody was back to normal Madi patted Brody's back and Gracie said "Bubby". Their love for one another is unexplainable.

Krista

You know I'd fall apart without you. I don't know how you do what you do 'cause everything that don't make sense about me it makes sense when I'm with you - Hunter Hayes Wanted

We've had quite an eventful weekend. Saturday night Gracie started breathing very fast shallow breaths. She was really working hard for each breath she took and all of a sudden she got a high fever. Ricky was working so I got everyone ready and we left for the hospital. We arrived at 10pm. It's so far to The Woodlands when there is an emergency! Luckily the place was empty. Even though it was empty we waited ONE HOUR before going back to be seen by a doctor and I was HOT. The doctor overheard my come to Jesus and immediately came in to check on her. When they got her hooked up she was breathing 66 breaths per minute which is very high. Just think, that is more than 1 breath per second. Her heart rate was very elevated at 183 and her saturation were 88. As I lined out the charge nurse and doctor on how freaking crazy they are that she was a 25 weeker with chronic lung disease and any type of breathing issue is an emergency, the doctor immediately called for an xray. I was so pissed off but I had all three kids with me by myself so I couldn't really give them my piece of mind. Believe it or not, I actually try to stay calm in front of the kids. Anyway, the xray came back and the doctor called Texas Children's to compare old xrays. Since her lungs are so bad, they are never clear so they have to see if it's worse or the same. TCH decided it looked as though it was a viral thing. They did a flu screen but it was negative too. After several hours all her number went back to normal and she woke up from her nap. By this time it's like 1 or 2 am. She wakes up smiles and starts talking. I called the doctor back in to discharge us which he did. 

Here is the thing, these doctors know I know what should and shouldn't be going on with the kids. When somethings off and needs to be addressed. I know when to worry and when not to worry and they know after getting history reports we've been through it. We had the same doctor that we saw when I had to take Gracie in to the ER when her leg was infected after surgery. He remembered us and asked about what ended up happening with her leg. He apologized about how things happened on this visit and assured me they were addressing what happened. 

The next day her and Brody had a fever. We had a birthday party but didn't go because of the fevers. The kids got stir crazy so that night I loaded them up for yet another drive around the neighborhood to look at lights. 

Today everyone woke up feeling fine like nothing happened. We were going to take daddy to the zoo to see the lights but it looked like rain so we ended up going to find the kids house shoes and Ricky pajamas for our BIG event on Saturday. We are super excited for the train ride! The kids scream "CHOO CHOO" anytime we see a train so I'm hoping they will love it. 

Ricky and I are very excited for tomorrow. The kids have a Christmas play at school!! We will have one of us video recording it and one of us taking pictures. The kids seem really excited anytime we ask them about it. We'll see.

This Christmas has been so wonderful this far. Each day we put a cotton ball on Santa's beard. Brody says "Beard". Santa will have a full beard come December 24th. We also went to the library to get some Christmas books. I wrapped them all up and each day someone picks a book to unwrap and then we read it. This is so awesome because they love books but it also helps them practice unwrapping for Christmas. 

I hope everyone received their Christmas cards and yall enjoy them as much as we do. Notice they were three separate pictures... it's the same reason they've not had pictures taken since they were ONE! 

KP 

I was born to be stubborn, to be a little bitchy, to push people, to push myself. I was taught never to take life for granted, to live a little, to love with everything I had, to never give up, to believe in myself, but most of all, to fight for myself.

When a million things are thrown at you, you can either panic or find a plan. I guess it's time to start planning.

Brody and Gracie both had brain bleeds when they were born. This creates scare tissue in the brain meaning that part of the brain is dead. Brody's was a grade III so there is a lot of scare tissue. Because of this, we see a Neurologist every year to track their progress. Our doctor is a little old man that takes you back to another time. He carries a brief case with him full of charts and information- no computers for him. He has dedicated his life to medicine and has been practicing for over 40 years! He is a very no nonsense type of doctor and doesn't believe in ordering test just to order them. Anyway, I had a list of things I talked to him about. He is so very impressed with Brody. His walking and talking are very unexpected for a child with his history. I asked him about ordering MRI tests for Brody and Gracie since they've not had one since they were born. He was against it. He said it wouldn't tell us anything we don't already know and that he would order the test when they were 4. He did order one test for Brody and that test will see if Brody is having seizures. Brody falls often for no reason and it could be him having a seizure. We will have that test done at the beginning of January. 

We left that appointment and our next stop was to have Gracie's blood drawn to check her blood gas levels. I'm still waiting on the results from the Pulmonologist.

We rushed out of Texas Children's and hauled butt across town to pick up Gracie's new leg brace. Once she got it on there were major adjustments that it needed so we have to pick it up next week. 

We've made a big change to our schedule in that we've decided to switch Physical Therapist. It was one of the hardest things I've had to do because our PT has been so great to our family but the kids were not really responding to him anymore. They were meeting their goals but for whatever reason were not getting along with the PT. We are so happy that we have another PT starting on Tuesday though. We get so attached to our team because they are our family. We see them twice a week every week for hours each time. 

The kids have been accepted into a special program within Texas Children's that will be an all around service coordinator for their care and will follow them for years. We are at the very early stages but I'm very excited for this because it will be another set of eyes besides mine making sure I'm not missing something they need. 

It's been a really busy week. We are so exhausted and can't wait to just chill out and catch up on some sleep! 

KP

Big Stars!!!

We now have a You Tube channel. Click the link below or copy and paste it to your browser search window. There are only three videos posted right now so stay tuned :)

https://www.youtube.com/user/bl3ssedtriplets  


Krista

Wonderful Wednesday

How ADORABLE are these three?!?!?!

KP

"Follow your intuition. Be smart, be brave, tell the truth and don't take any shit" -Kelly Cutrone

Blogger (the site that host this blog) won't allow me to post anymore pictures without paying a monthly fee which I'm not doing. I'm not sure if I'll finally make the move over to a different blog host or what. In the meantime, if you have a iPad, iPhone, or any smart phone, you can follow us on Instagram. Just download the app and search for TripletMommy. The app is free!

The kids' teachers are going to have a real nice time with them at school today. Both girls have been up since 4:30am running and squealing around the house. OMG! So to try to keep the boys sound asleep we are making homemade cinnamon rolls, bacon in the oven, and eggs at some point.

3 weeks until Christmas!! We've been driving around looking at lights several times as week. Madi now screams "NO" if I don't stop in front of every house with lights on it. She is a demanding little thing.

Ricky had a great time hunting but two things worked against them: a full moon and it was hot. He was invited back by the owner of the property anytime he'd like which is really nice. Hopefully he will have time to go one more time before the end of the season.

By early Sunday afternoon the kids were wanting to know where their Daddy was. Madi actually sat in Brody's window looking out waiting for his truck to pull in the drive way. I think Ricky was more excited to see them if that's even possible. We sure don't like to be away from our babies!

We have a super duper busy week ahead. Brody and Gracie have to go to the Neurologist and with school, therapy, and a birthday party we'll be worn out come Sunday!

I MIGHT create a You Tube page so I can post videos of the kids. MAYBE!! They do the cutest stuff and there is no other way other than Facebook to share videos.

KP

Never worry about the size of your Christmas tree. In the eyes of children, they are all 30 feet tall. -Larry Wilde

We are officially on the look out for a piano. We were so close to getting one but someone bought it before we could get to the lady's house. I want to start piano lessons for the kids as soon as they turn 3. With Brody's vision and Neurological issues, sports will be limited and this would help his brain recovery a lot. If you are in the Houston area and come across a good deal, please let us know.

It seems we've hit a road block with therapies. We are trying to figure out why some areas aren't progressing for all three and what the best route is moving forward. It's really hard to understand that a year later certain task aren't mastered when the kids go through extensive therapies two times a week. Should we up therapy to 3X per week, put them in a more full time preschool... not sure what to do but have to do something. They are each really smart and know so much... it's a hard call.

The girls had their annual Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) evaluations today. It took 3 hours! They both still qualify which is a good thing sort of but again goes back to we wish they were a little more caught up. We kept them in the program that they will age out of when they turn 3. Brody has his evaluation in January but he will qualify due to vision so they don't really have to do an assessment.

When doctors say that premature kids should be caught up by age 2 no later than 2.5, I start panicking because here we are at just shy of 2.5 and a year behind in certain areas. I'm not sure what else we should be doing.

Ricky's off on his hunting weekend. The kids and I are going to meet Santa tomorrow and Aunt 'Chelle is coming over on Sunday. I had plans to demo the hall closet but two major things happened with my car that Ricky had to fix and that kind of messed up our budget.

The kids are 29 months tomorrow!

KP

Choose your friends and family with caution; plan your future with purpose and frame your life with faith.

Christmas season is so magical. I find much peace, calmness, and joy this time of year. I think back on all the Christmases as a child and I really miss having a mom and a dad but what I really miss is how great my parents were as grandparents to my nephews. I wish my kids could have that. No matter how old I get and how many years have past, I miss that but more now than ever since having the triplets. My favorite Christmas was my dad's last Christmas. It was finally not about things, money, and who got what. Nope, that Christmas it was about family and everything we were so very thankful for. Since 2010 every Christmas has been my favorite. That first year we were so thankful to have Brody finally home from the hospital. He was literally home 10 days before Christmas after his long fight in the NICU. I remember thinking that this was what life was all about. Last year was just as great because it had been a year of so many first and so many achievements. This year will be just as wonderful but maybe a little more magical because the kids are so smitten over the little things. Everything is a big deal no matter how small it might be. We purchased a inflatable Mickey Mouse that arrived today. It's small, around 3.5 feet tall so I went ahead and plugged it in. The kids' reaction was so sweet. They were giving Mickey hugs and telling him hi and talked to him throughout the night. It's the smallest things. We've been going on walks right at dark to see the lights. They love it and look forward to the stroll. Tonight we went in the car and I literally had a backseat driver. When I'd stop at a stop sign Madi would tell me to "GO Mommy" they couldn't get enough of the lights and love the Christmas music. I'm not sure what I'm going to do with the backseat driver but for now I'll take it. 

We received a phone call on Monday about Brody's results from the blood work he did last week. The doctor is concerned about a couple things so he had to repeat labs today. We hope it's nothing and just a glitch and really hope we can get the results quick. I don't do well with waiting for the unknown. 

Ricky is going on a weekend long hunt this weekend. He is super excited and I'm happy for him to get away. He really likes to go hunting once a year and hasn't since the kids were born. The kids' god mother is coming to catch up and I may be meeting up with another friend... hey, he isn't the only one to have fun, the kids and I are too! 

Put your Christmas tree up and lights outside. It's the most wonderful time of the year! 

KP

Tis the season

It's Christmas time here at the Patton's!

Thanksgiving was so awesome! We didn't make it to the parade because the kids were still running high fevers but we did watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on TV. That is for sure on the must take vacation list when the kids are old enough. How amazing would it be to spend Thanksgiving in NYC watching the parade and then ice skating at Rockefeller? Anyway, we had a feast and the kids loved it all. I made homemade everything except the gravy. We had: turkey, mashed potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes, green beans, stuffing, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, chocolate pecan pie, and yeast rolls. Actually, Mrs. Lupe made the cranberry sauce and we bought the chocolate pecan pie from Cracker Barrel but everything else I made :)
Friday we went and cut down our Christmas tree. It was the first year we did that but will for sure continue that little tradition. The people were so nice that own the farm and we got what we thought was a 9 foot tree for $40.00. You can't beat that. They took us on a hay ride and dropped us off at the trees. Ricky picked the one and started sawing it down. It didn't take long at all. Brody and Gracie loved being at the farm but I think Madi is a true city girl. We got home and before we could unload the tree Mrs. Lupe came out and asked if the tree was meant for the White House. And once we got it out of the truck we realized it was way bigger than 9 feet. The thing was so big it wouldn't fit through the front door but we yanked it through. Our living room has a cathedral ceiling... the tree was so big our ceiling wasn't tall enough. Now this is a side note but this is a total score for me that Ricky picked this tree out because he always gives me crap about picking out a tree that is too big... I was loving the moment! So Ricky ends up having to cut off 3 to 4 feet off the tree. We literally sent Mrs. Lupe home with a nice size log for her fireplace. Craziness! After we finally got the massive tree in the stand, up, and stable, the decorating started. Oh my pitter patter heart when the lights were plugged in and the gasp from the kids. It was priceless! Between decorating the tree and setting up their train that goes around the tree, they were in heaven and we were just so happy to share their joy. Before we put them to bed which was at 10pm! we had to introduce them to our elf that was assigned to our family from Santa. We read his book that came with him, The Elf on the Shelf, and had to give him a name and everything. We named him Elf. They were so excited this morning as they search the house looking for his new spot for the day.
Today Ricky had to fix another thing on my car. Now we should be all good to go. After he finished putting the Christmas lights on the house that I started. We ended the day by going a couple towns away to see a huge display of Christmas lights. This family has been doing the display for 28 years and they don't charge people or anything. It was awesome and we left a donation because we can only imagine their light bill with over 220,000 lights!
That has been our holiday week and my goodness at how happy we all are. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this time of year!!

Krista

Flash back Tuesday...

Let's take a moment to look back at the babies' past Thanksgivings... Oh my goodness at how much they've grown and how far they've come! This will be Brody's second Thanksgiving home and the girls' third. Since they've been born we haven't had great Thanksgivings. Ricky was gone out of state working the first year, Brody was in the hospital, and the girls and I were all alone and ended up having dinner with our neighbors. The second year we went to my brother's but the food wasn't really our style and the kids couldn't eat anything so we ended up with take out from Cracker Barrel. This year we are going to be home doing what we want to do and how we want to do it and we couldn't be more excited. We are planning to attend the big parade downtown, eat our traditional foods, and enjoy each other. Sounds amazing to me!
Now onto the pictures...

2011

2011

2011

2011

2010

2010

2010

We have so many things to be thankful for.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

The Patton Family

Do you want me to tell you something really subversive? Love is everything it's cracked up to be. That's why people are so cynical about it. It really is worth fighting for, being brave for, risking everything for. And the trouble is... if you don't risk everything, you risk even more. -Erica Jong

We've been married 7 years!! I can't believe it's already been 7 years and even more, I can't believe the things we've gone through in those years. Marriage is not easy. In fact, it's probably one of the hardest things you can do in your life but it's so worth it! We are complete opposites and sometimes it drives me mad but it's really the only way this marriage works. We might purposely annoy one another, I might yell and drop a few cuss words, and he might block me out at times but it works for us. It works because we don't stay mad at one another, we have fun, and we really love one another and are the best of friends. There is no one in this world I trust the way I trust Ricky. We are not perfect but we are real.

Happy Anniversary Ricky!!

KP

all is right again...

Okay, it's a new day and I'm calm again..
So, Brody's appointment, we went to see an Allergist because there are major gut issues going on and GI never had answers after the exploratory surgery, test, etc. and the GI's conclusion was he was just fine and not worried about his growth. A YEAR later Brody is the same weight. Actually a little less. So I decided not to waste my time going back to the donkey and that is how we ended up seeing the Allergist. I could have almost danced when he told me that he is concerned with Brody's size. And we had just ate lunch so he was able to see how Brody's stomach gets really distended. He said he couldn't believe the GI wasn't concerned and said even though the scopes and biopsies that were done came back normal it still could mean the gut isn't working correctly which it isn't and is obvious. Brody has to have a lot of test done: blood, urine, stool, etc. He said the small bowel is probably releasing too much "liquid" (don't remember the name) and it's causing him to have skin burns on his bottom when he uses the restroom. He does not think it's acidic liquids doing it. Brody's bottom will get burns on it and it bleeds when you clean him, several days later it heals like a bruise. It's very painful too.
Anyway, I have to follow up with him in one month and in the mean time keep a food journal of everything Brody puts in his mouth and the reaction his stomach has. That is a lot of work and I hope I can stay on top of it. It might sound easy but keep in mind I have 3 almost 2.5 year olds.
And my car started making a really weird noise while on our way from Gracie's appointment to Brody's yesterday. Turns out Ricky had to do a break job on it. Just what I wanted to spend money on. It could be worse but it is always something.
KP

I relived the situation and got all fired up again...

Today was a very busy day and we are all exhausted. The kids had therapy this morning that started at 8:30 because Gracie had her appointment for her leg brace at 11am. She is not happy about her new set up. She is so sensitive about so many things you wouldn't think a 2 year old would even notice let alone care about. So when I took off her Abby Cadabby shoe which is her favorite and got out her special shoes that fit her braces, she immediately started crying. She knew right away she wouldn't be able to wear Abby anymore. Breaks my heart and I know it's best to go through this now when she'll forget about it but it's still hard. It's hard for her to have to be different. The new set up SUCKS. She has her big foot brace (AFO) on her left foot and on top of that is this thing called a Pedi Wrap. She was so sad and just down about the whole thing. She is so very reserved and very modest. She never wants to stand out with her appearance. And she hates the shoes. They aren't bad... plain white with a few pink details but they aren't Abby or sparkle shoes... they aren't her style. Now for the even worse news, the measurements that were taken is for her all day brace which has to be made. It's basically going to be like the brace Forest Gump wore in the movie :(  And I'm not being vain here. I just don't want some snot nosed kid making comments about why she has that "thing" or why she walks like "that" and having to try to ignore the ignorant parent who knows everything her bratty kid just said and does nothing about it. See these type of situations are fighting words in my book. Let it be known I will whip some ass over that! Those are my biggest fears. Unfortunately, it happened on Monday. Anyway, lets hope we can get through the next several months with her brace.
I have more updates about Brody's appointment but I'm pretty fired up about the whole ignorant comments made about Gracie so I should probably calm down and come back again tomorrow.
Don't mess with my babies and watch your words directed towards them!

Krista

That's a fact, Jack

I got called into the "Principal's" office on Monday before I picked the kids up from school. And before any of you think I have bad kids (tisk, tisk)... The director told me she started watching the tapes after I spoke to her about kids being dropped off in their class sick. She looked over the tapes to make sure I wasn't crazy (unofficially) because no one was being sent home sick so basically what was I talking about. Well, she found those sick little heathens but she also found something else. I tell you guys all the time our trio are rock stars and everyone is in love with them. Problem is both their teachers are a little too in love with them and apparently they spend 5 hours a day twice a week focused on just my kids. Playing with them, loving on them, etc. The director said the focus was really on Brody and Gracie and she even caught the teachers pushing Gracie's walker for her and holding Brody's hand to walk.. neither one of those are needed. So our beloved teachers are in trouble. I understand their intent but at the same time, they can't handicap my Littles. The director told the teachers that if they don't shape up then she will have to take the kiddos out of their class. I don't want that so I hope that everyone can find some balance. See, I told yall, our kids are irresistible!
It seems like every year I take up some type of fix the wrong. This year it's seems to be ECI and the school district. ECI is Early Childhood Intervention and basically kids that are preemie or have needs are referred to the program. Our kids have been in it since they were home from the hospital. Anyway, the program had a ton of layoffs about a year ago and the program has never been the same since. We use to receive Nutrition services but they've done away with that however, since Brody has vision teachers but is under the age of 3, it has to go through ECI. Anyway, for the past year we've had a horrible case worker. She literally had contact with us 4 times in a year and they are suppose to have contact every month at least. Mix that with we had one of Brody's vision teachers never show up so we had to cancel her. Anyway, I called the ECI office to let someone know what was going on and ended up in a very heated conversation with a "manager" which resulted in me calling the State of Texas and filling a complaint. To my surprise, the state actually cares! I spoke to someone in Austin for about 45 minutes today and she was even able to pull up proof to back my claims... love when that happens! Anyway, ends up that Brody's old vision teacher that would never show up was billing the state for the visits she was never coming to. Which is wrong and stealing! I hate people like that. That my friends is what is wrong with healthcare and why the cost are so high. You've got people trying to and successfully committing insurance fraud! So now it's my little mission to make sure our insurance companies were not billed for services that were not received and for those parties to be reimbursed. Some could ask why I would bother since it doesn't come out of my pocket but  I do care because wrong is wrong no matter what!
 Anyway, that is our midweek happenings! Oh... wait... hold the phone... We have a new solid fixture in our lives, Mrs. Lupe, our neighbor. Anyway, the kids have to see her every single day. They start pointing to her house which is across the street and make it known they are wanting to see her. Anyway, her and Mr. Ronnie are so great to the kids and just good people. Well, Mrs. Lupe came over tonight for her visit and out of the blue she said she would like to watch the kids one night so Ricky and I could go out to eat and to a movie or something. Isn't that so nice? We never have a sitter! Anyway, I think we are going to go out to eat Saturday night. Exciting!!
Watch Duck Dynasty on A&E and thank me later. It's hysterical and my all time favorite show... you'll understand the title after you watch it... just some good ol' boys. LOL 

KP

If you are still in the process of raising children, be aware that the piles and piles of laundry will disappear all too soon and that you will, to your surprise, miss them profoundly. -Thomas S. Monson

I LOVE Mondays and Thursdays!

We had a great weekend here at the Patton home. We didn't do anything "fun" but Ricky was off the entire weekend and I did some major purging of junk around the house.
We go back and forth about rather we will stay in this house, build, buy new, etc. The problem we are facing is that the kids are getting older by the second and coming more rooted where we live. I do not want to move them schools when they start school and that might be next August. Anyway, right now and for the past little while, we are on a stay here kick. The other problem with that is our little house is just that, little. Our attic has pretty much been a nightmare since we moved in and moved a bunch of junk up there. Ricky gripes at me every holiday because it's unorganized at it's finest. And he won't bring it all down because he hates dealing with it so I forget what I have which equals not happy. After organizing and cleaning the pantry, behind the fridge, and the return air thingy, I don't know how I ended up in the attic but I did. I got one side organized and was happy to see the kids will have clothes until 4T size. Next step was the attic above our garage. That is the scary one aka really unorganized. I got all of the stuff down. It's crazy how much stuff our attic actually holds. I've even got a huge trunk up there! The only thing that went back up there so far is four totes. Now if Ricky complains about getting those down in a couple weeks then it's him and not the attic. Speaking of attics, those things are freaky. For one I always think I'm going to see something living up there in all that fluffy insulation. I know if I ever did I would probably kill myself getting out of there so I hope we never do have any house guest. The other is moving stuff up an down that ladder and the feeling  you are going to fall with every heavy box or tote. Fun times!
I started posting a ton of stuff on a yard sale website and while I was doing that, Madi kept bringing me her Abby and Elmo to take pictures of them. When I did, she would giggle and smile so big. I kind of wish I had one more gift to buy them because I would have totally bought one of those digital cameras for little ones.
Last night I was going over our menu for Thanksgiving with Ricky and making my list of things I still needed to buy when... I couldn't find my recipe book. Actually I couldn't find both of them. They are no where to be found. Ricky searched high and low and was beyond mad. There is one dish that is a must have on his Thanksgiving menu and it's some stuffing his great grandmother use to make. He reminded me about 10 times that I was the only one that had the recipe besides the great grandmother. We didn't find my recipe books but I did have some recipes on my old computer. Ricky dug that out of the garage and luckily it was there. Thanksgiving can go on!
Quick update on the kiddos... they are counting to TEN now!! I can't believe it. Madi will point to everyone, say their names, point to herself and say "Mani". It's the cutest thing ever. Gracie is talking up a storm these days. We are so proud of her. Every morning Ricky whistles and tells the girls how pretty they are. This morning Gracie saw Madi after she was dressed and told her she looked pretty. Melts my heart. Brody says things like "let's go" and "I want to go". His vision is amazing and what is even more amazing is his vision without his glasses... I am very interested to see what he can tell us he sees when he is older. Madi will get a rag I use to wash the off with after dinner and go around cleaning the house... Awesome for mommy! Gracie's leg is looking so good and she will go to have her brace fitted this week. Both girls want special lotion that smells really good after each bath. Gracie and I went on a little date last night for frozen yogurt. She is so reserved.
We have a pretty busy appointment this week with specialist. Gracie is getting her measurements done for her brace, has an appointment with the Pulmonologist, Brody has an appointment with the Allergist, and they all have their PT evaluations today. Thursday is their Thanksgiving day party at school.
We are winding down  the end of the year. Ricky said last night before we know it, they'll be three. That is no joke. They might still be small but they are so smart and are coming along in ways we would have never imagined possible when we were given grim news almost daily. People still ask me how early they were and when I tell them, some almost tear up but I don't have those emotions anymore. Their early beginning was just that, the beginning. Where they are now is a miracle. They hold their own in their class and honestly, how many two year old kids do you know can count to 10, know their abc, and nursery songs? My friends with "normal" two and even three year old kids don't. Their lives have such a big purpose and I'm excited to watch.

Krista

To my children who like to argue with me: Where do you think you got your attitude and stubbornness from? GIVE UP! I have decades more experience than you! :)

Don't hate me but.... we are totally done Christmas shopping for the kids including helping Santa with his gifts to the trio!!! Oh, and it's all wrapped up and ready to put under the tree we don't have yet :) And I've purchased Ricky's anniversary gifts. Have a mentioned how I do not like to shop with a million crazy shoppers during the holidays? Yall can all have that madness...
Last night the kids and I ran out for the second shopping trip in one day for their school Christmas pictures. I knew it was going to be a nightmare but had no idea it could really be as bad as it was. It started with going to The Children's Place which is a small store that has no buggies and too small for any type of stroller. I was trying to carry Gracie, keep up with Brody, and not sound like a crazy mother yelling for Madi to "stop it" and "get back here NOW". I left there in a full blown sweat but they didn't have any shoes for Brody so I had to go to Target. And this is when things went from bad to  horrible. Madi decided to act like one of "those kids" and scream on the top of her lungs from the parking lot throughout the store. OMG! No look, stern talk, or bribe was stoping her. To top it off, they had not one single pair of shoes in Brody's size. When I finally got all three kids in the car I flipped my lid. Yep, sure did. I was finally able to get louder than Madi and my goodness at how fast she shut that tantrum up. And I think or at least I hope that this has stopped these "trying twos" we've been dealing with. She has been so good today and when she starts with that bratty crap, we tell her to stop and she does!! Bingo!
The kids looked beyond adorable this morning. We let Gracie take her pictures without her brace. The school was nice enough to let us go before everyone else so Ricky and I could stay and put her brace on after the pictures. Of course as soon as it was her turn she decided to start crying and wouldn't smile a single time. Another reason we have no professional pictures since they were 1. It's ANNOYING! The teachers said Brody and Madi did great. I can only imagine what they are going to look like.... Guess we'll see.
The time change has really messed up the kids schedule. By 5:30 they are yawning and ready for bed but I make them stay up until 6:30. Hey, I'm not really complaining :)

KP

If nothing else, I hope you know that I love you with every ounce of my being. I hope you realize your importance not only to me but to everyone who has been lucky enough to know you. I hope you know that when your feeling down, I only ever strive for your happiness. I hope you remember that no matter what, I'm here for you and I fully intend on staying in your life forever. I hope you recognize the fact that I appreciate and adore you without restraints, and that this will never change.

Love is a condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own.

Where to begin???? 

The kids have been sick. I've finally talked with the director of their preschool because parents are knowingly dropping their sick kids off at school getting my Littles sick. The kids laid around all day Saturday. Madi woke up about midnight screaming and when I got her, she was working really hard to breathe so off to the ER we went. They couldn't figure out why she was having to work so hard to breathe, only that she was. They checked her oxygen levels and it was only about 87% which is very scary. She had an XRAY done to make sure she didn't have pneumonia and screened to make sure she didn't have RSV. That was negative and the XRAY showed she had bronchitis. I had not been able to get her fever down and when we arrived it was nearly 103 degrees. The doctor gave her some medications and after 3 hours, he heart rate came back down to normal and her oxygen levels got back into the low 90's so we were released. 

Sunday Gracie came down with a fever... never ending, right? So this morning we loaded up all the kids and off to the Pedi we went. Gracie's oxygen levels were 84-85% which is very, very scary so he order an XRAY but the problem was we had to also be in Sugarland for Gracie's Orthopedic appointment. We left there, went to Sugarland, did XRAYS of her leg and lungs, met with Orthopedic, and went back to Pedi for him to follow up on film and see what the plan was. Her oxygen levels had went up to 90% and he gave her a shot with strict instructions if she runs a high fever tonight, don't even call him, go to the ER. Told you, never ending.

The Orthopedic appointment went well and the film shows her leg is healing wonderfully and new bone is already growing around the plate and screws. She now has to be fitted for a new leg brace that she will wear for several months. She also has to start therapy to get her walking unassisted and to work on range of motion. I can't wait to report the day she is running around and I know it won't be too long. 

Brody is good and has overcome the cold he had last week. He is such a sweet boy. 

All I can say is thank goodness for flu shots and I hope the kids can build up their immune systems so they aren't sick all winter. 

On a great note, we are totally done with our Christmas shopping for the kids and have only one more gift to pick up for Santa. I'm looking forward to the last weeks of the year with my Loves. We've got some really fun things planned. 

And my last thought for you all, PLEASE go VOTE tomorrow! Here is another reason I'm for Obama, from January 1, 2012- January 5, 2012 our health insurance company, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas has paid $149,566.05 in my family's medical expenses. Medical insurance is important and people should have to have it. Could you imagine if we didn't? We would be bankrupt and homeless because the kids need everything medically that they've received. 

Gracie Ann is WALKING unassisted!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm one very happy and very proud momma :)

Krista 

"Well that's what we do, we fight... You tell me I am being an arrogant son of a bitch and I tell you when you are a pain in the ass. Which you are, 99% of the time. I'm not afraid to hurt your feelings. You have like a two second rebound rate, then you're back doing the next pain in the ass thing. So it's not gonna be easy. It's going to be really hard. We're gonna have to work at this every day, but I want to do that for you because I want you. I want all of you, forever, you and me, everyday." - The Notebook

This time 7 years ago I was in full wedding mode. I cannot believe that we are coming up on seven years in a few short weeks. He is my favorite person to drive crazy, to push every button, and then push him over the edge. It's never a dull moment but most of the time it's always fun.

Our poor Littles are sick. They slept until 11am and have already been napping for an hour. To the doctor tomorrow.
Monday, Gracie has her follow up with the Orthopedic.

I'll update soon.

KP

Go VOTE!

Trick or Treat 2012- Meet Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouses

first trick or treat house to Mrs. Lupe and Mr. Ronnie's house!

Ricky and I went as ourselves... an oil field guy and a witch :)

Controversy.... a few of my favorite little quotes!!

It's not a parent's responsibility to have godly children. It's a parent's responsibilty to make sure their children have godly parents.

She was unsure of why there were so many people staring

a sign of what was to come...

Don't let that smile fool you

oh yes, this is more like it... the "trying" two's

Little man

Squeakers

So excited!!

Guess which two kids were very well behaved during the Alice play? Guess which one had to be taken out TWICE? Why must Madi be so trying at times? She must have gotten that from Ricky ;)
All in all the play was a success. It was really good and I was amazed at how talented those high school students were.
It was a pretty busy weekend with the homecoming game on Friday night and the play on Saturday. Sunday I took a really long nap. It was awesome! Actually, we all took a nap and when we woke up we made a trip to Toys R Us. We wanted to get some final Christmas present ideas. We have decided to get the kids three gifts each this year. There are a couple reasons behind that... Jesus was brought three gifts, one by each of the wise men and the other is because the kids have so much stuff, and I want to keep the reason for the season focused on what it's really about, the birth of Jesus. It's painfully hard to keep the three gift policy at times. Especially because I had already started picking things up and have realized that we already have one of the girls completely done and need one more gift for the other girl and two more for Brody. Ricky of course wants to buy them the world and that might be due to his less than childhood mixed with his giving heart. Anyway, it's hard to keep to the rules. I'm even almost done with their stockings! Ricky and I usually don't buy each other gifts at Christmas but we are this year. We are also sticking to the three gift rule. Luckily I know exactly what I'm getting him for Christmas but our anniversary is coming up in a couple weeks and I'm not sure on that one.
Speaking of stuff, Ricky got his CHL a couple months ago along with a 9mm handgun. That was the first time I shot a gun but didn't like the recoil. I kept having these dreams about people breaking into our house and have been freaked out (we have a monitored security system but still) so Ricky said I should probably get a gun too. I wasn't going to but I did this past week. We went and shot both our guns on Thursday while the kids were at school and I love it. It's a very good stress reliever and we just might have a hobby. What's a hobby? Well, it's something to do other than kids stuff, kid stuff, kid stuff. And I'm a pretty good shot!!
I'm excited for Thanksgiving this year. We were planning to go out of state to Colorado but with Gracie's surgery, Ricky is out of paid time off. Instead we are going to have Thanksgiving here at the house. I've started to plan our menu already. It'll be simple but the best part is the leftovers. Can't wait for that. I think we are going to go to the Thanksgiving Day parade that downtown has every year. I think the kids will love that.
The kiddos have their fall party at school today. They could go dressed in their costumes but we aren't sending them in theirs. The teachers have to take all the kids costumes off after their little parade and I don't want to cause that much more work for them. The girls have a cute Minnnie Mouse shirt and Brody and Mickey Mouse Halloween shirt. They'll be fine.
The next update will probably be with costume pictures. We've got another busy week... our normal but our normal flies by and before I know it, it's Friday afternoon.

Krista