Friday Funnies

You were given this life because you are strong enough to handle it.

The kids had a blast at the Children's Museum. I'm talking the best time they've had at a place to date probably. It wasn't packed at all which was amazing so we were able to see everything on both floors. We initially took the jogging stroller but Ricky quickly put it in the car because the kids were walking and exploring everything. Even little Gracie was holding our hands just a walking. Her and Brody were so tired towards the end of our time there and Brody just cried and whined anytime we were walking to the next station. Of course I still made him walk anyway. He even got a little pop on the butt for trying to throw a tantrum in public! Anyway, it was a wonderful outing for everyone.
My mom went to rehab last night. My Meme dropped her off around 7pm. I found an all women's program that is a 10 day detox. After that they will help find her a sober living environment if she chooses to want to continue to get help. We are hoping she will stay the 10 days and not leave. That is the one bad thing about these programs is that you can leave if you want to at any time. Anyway, I hope she does the right thing.
I took the kids to dinner last night. We had chicken alfredo which is their favorite. I was sweating bullets about taking them by myself because it is absolutely mortifying when your kids act like "those" kids but they were so well behaved. When they first sat us this older couple probably in their early 60's gave me a look of "oh great" but when they got up to leave they both stopped and said they were shocked at how well they behave. Score! The manager also commented and a man and woman in the parking lot. And as I was on cloud nine thinking I have the perfect little kids, we get home and Brody decides to jump in their little swimming pool with all his clothes, shoes, and braces that he needs for therapy on. He got his butt popped and then Madi decides she wants to get in the car and make the alarm go off in such a way it wouldn't stop until I started the car. She got her little butt popped too! Luckily Gracie decided she would just watch everything and not join in.
We've got a very busy day today. The new therapy schedule starts. It's now Tuesdays and Wednesdays (take note Meme) from 9am-11:30. Very long mornings for the kids but it is the only way to schedule therapy, preschool, swim lessons, and doctor appointments. I hate having appointments that early. For one we LOVE to sleep around here- all of us and two, I like the kids to be able to wake up, eat at their own pace, etc. They like it better that way too. Here is a fun fact: the kids are now eating a total of 6 eggs for breakfast! We basically go through about 200 eggs per month. Very recently we were going through about 150 a month. Eggs are the one thing Madi Faith will eat a lot of. She really isn't a big eater but will always finish her eggs (with dop also known as dip which is ketchup).
I'll update a again soon!
KP

There comes a time when you have to choose between turning the page and closing the book.

I know we don't have many follower anymore but even if we only had one, I'd still ask just the same. Please keep my family (not immediate like babies or husband) in your prayers. This week is going to be a really big week for my mother and my only prayer is that if this is in God's plan and timing, then everything will fall into place and not be forced.
I have not had much if any contact with my mother in 8+ years. She has had some major addiction issues that I refuse to have in my life or even tolerate. It's really just pissed me off quite honestly that someone could waste away their life when some fight for every breath they take. Anyway, I recently felt  God putting this on my heart to reach out and offer some help. Although I did try 8+ years ago and really didn't want to, there was that strong call to try. Of course if you know me it took a couple days because I get mad as HELL about this! and I kept trying to quiet this but this isn't my path to make so I better obey, right? Anyway, I text messaged her, she didn't text back but called. I didn't answer and was still kind of resisting the whole deal. I text her again hours later and she didn't text back but called. I was so annoyed but answered. I was straight to the point with ZERO FLUFF. You know what? She actually agreed and didn't put up a single fight? Want to talk about shocked. Then I figured, well why not push more and test the limits so I said I would need her to go on Monday to rehab. Now I totally knew she would push back on that but guess what? She didn't.
I'm working very hard on finding a rehab that I'm comfortable with. I did find one and it does seem good but I'm looking into all the options. If anything bad were to happen then it would pretty much be my fault for sending her there, etc. But what I'm looking at is all the good that this could do. She could really turn her life around if she wants to.
One thing she did say tonight was she came from a family of addiction and that is all she knows. I'm not buying that B.S. because my response to her was, yeah, me too but guess what, I'm not like that and I could be. If there is one thing you take away from this please know this, no matter what your childhood was like or even into your adult years, what was around you and you were exposed to does not mean you have to be tainted with any of that in your future. I believe it takes a very strong person to overcome the crap addictions causes to families but I also know that even those that have those addictions have strength somewhere inside them. It's a choice you make on where you spend your energy. If it's getting drunk or high then that is what will win. If it's succeeding in your life then that is what will win. It's not by accident but by choice.
Anyway, please pray that I find the perfect rehab, she will still be willing to go, and that I will have the patience of a saint because I have none with this type of stuff.
I'll update with the good outcome soon.

In other news:
Ricky and I are planning to meet up with the kids' NICU nurse Monday at the Children's Museum. It's the first day of school around here so we hope it won't be packed.
All three of the kids are now saying feet and pointing to them.
Ricky and I canceled our little beach trip because the hurricane is hitting Pensacola on Tuesday or Wednesday and even though it's two weeks away, the water will probably still be off because of the storm, and if there is any damage. It's disappointing but we can always plan to go again.
Ricky's job is so busy right now and they are working so many hours. They've not worked like this in almost a year. We are all hating it because we aren't use to it.
The kids and I are going to Lufkin today for a day trip- LOVE it up there!
We signed the kids up for swim lessons two times per week and they start on Friday! Super excited about this for them. I think they will love it because they love swimming in their pool and the neighborhood pool.
My school starts this week but I received a message late Friday about something being wrong with my financial aid so I have to figure out what is wrong with that. Fingers crossed it's nothing.
My great Grandma is settling into her new nursing home. Please pray for her and my aunt and uncle. It's an adjustment for everyone involved.

I think that is it. Seems like enough to me.

KP

As we drive along this road called life, occasionally a gal will find herself a little lost. And when that happens, I guess she has to let go of the coulda, shoulda, woulda, buckle up and just keep going. - Carrie Bradshaw

This is the last week of summer for all the school aged kids around here. I am so excited I could jump up and down and squeal! This means that we can actually take the Littles to do fun stuff and enjoy ourselves without crowds!!! SCORE!
I printed out our calendar for September and was pretty overwhelmed to find we literally only have two days (during the week) off. One of which is a holiday, the 3rd and the other is the 28th. Starting September 6th the kids will be back in preschool two times per week and of course they have therapy two times a week as well. They also have a couple of follow up yearly doctor appointments in September as well. I think I've decided to follow the school district meaning when school is out we won't have therapy and will actually have the day off too. The preschool follows the school districts calendar so all that will be missed is therapy. The kids will thank me for doing this. But in all honesty, their schedules are brutal and I can't keep them busy 24/7 like that.
Yesterday we slept in!!! Love those days. Not that the kids wake up early but is sure is nice to sleep past 8:30. It was tax free weekend this weekend and diapers are included in that. We went to Sam's and stocked up. $189 dollars later I wanted to cry on the way out to the parking lot. It pains me to spend that on diapers! Someone please send the potty training fairy to our house and quick!
Today flew by as always. Sundays seem to be chore day for us. Yay! Says no one ever!
Our vacation is getting closer! I'm so excited and have started talking to the kids about it. Brody actually said "beach" today! I can't wait to let my babies experience a real beach and for me to get some pretty pictures!
I'm going to attempt to get their two year old pictures again. I spent a small fortune on their birthday outfits so I really want to have their pictures made in them. I'll post how that goes but wish us luck!
We bought the girls their first pair of diamond earrings last week. We've gone back and forth on the size, not wanting to go to big and look gaudy. Luckily our jeweler helped us out and we finally bought the perfect sets. They will be ready early this week. We had to get special backs put on since both girls are pros and taking earrings off. I will die if these disappear!

That is all for now.

KP

You can't live your life for other people. You've got to do what's right for you, even if it hurts some people you love. - Nicholas Sparks

I never pulled over the car just to stare at horses, I never was willing to give someone my last bite, I never planned on handling someone else's boogers, I never listened to a song 50 times in a row, I never found rocks in my dryer, I never had the power to heal a wound with my kiss.... until you.

It is so amazing how becoming a mother will change you. My car rides are now full of listening to Elmo or their favorite preschool c.d. over and over again. Sometimes I think I'm just about lost my mind but to hear them sing along, giggle, and see their smiles through the rear view mirror rocks my world. I then join in and sing along right side them because I've got all the songs memorized!
Yesterday I took Gracie to the orthotic company. It seems over night she outgrew her braces and sure enough her toes were hanging out of them. This little doll has ran and finished a marathon in the past couple weeks. She has went from not walking to walking, not able to stand up to standing up all on her own, and pretty much amazing everyone around her. She has done so well in fact, her braces are changing up a bit. She currently has braces on both legs that go up just shy of her knee. She will now have a SMO on her right foot which is a very small ankle brace. She still requires the big brace on her left leg because there is so much instability due to the contracted knee. Nothing she can control. It takes her 10times the effort to walk than it does any other child and the same to stand. She has to not only get her legs in the right motions to accomplish both of these task but she also has to balance herself at the same time. She is such a cautious little girl that she often will become frightened over the task. I couldn't imagine the process. With these great successes there have been some set backs. Her speech has pretty much become minimal at best. This is despite speech therapy twice a week and us talking to her, asking her questions, and even her brother and sister talking to her. I asked the speech therapist what was going on and she said ofter times when kids are learning such a big task their speech will drop off. She said usually kids learn to walk before they start talking so parents don't see it then but they do when they start trying to potty train. She said it's like the brain is on overload and somethings got to give. It makes sense but it is hard especially since her speech has always been limited due to her paralyzed vocal cord. We will keep pushing on because I know this little girl has huge things she will accomplish and we will all continue to be completely amazed by her.
Brody is a changed little boy. When I look at him I no longer see my little dependent baby. What I see is a little boy who is adorable, happy, and becoming independent. He is still easy going and I think always will be but now when his sissies try to take something from him he will hang on to it and turn his back to them. Never one to start a fight but finally standing his ground. He walks everywhere now and even outside on different textures. His vision seems to be better everyday and he is by far the most advanced talker out of the trio. I really can't wait until we go back for our yearly  check up with Neurology because they are going to be blown away. He has extensive brain damage from the bleeds yet you would never know it when interacting with him. Actually you really wouldn't know unless you read his medical records or were told. He wants to know how everything works and is so interested in all the details. He is so much like Ricky in that regard.
Madi is all over the place. She loves to climb on everything. The other day Ricky caught her climbing the recliner, sitting on the very top of it, and rocking back and forth as fast as she could. He said his heart stopped when he saw what she was doing because if she fell... well I don't want to go there but it would be bad. She is fearless and I do mean that. She still loves to take baths and her newest thing is to wash her hands. She will come up and ask "wash". She loves to be any one's helper and really loves to help water the plants outside with the water hose. Her love for shoes is up there with the love she has for her family and I'm not joking. She also loves to go bye bye but hates her car seat.

That is a little update. I'll try to come back again soon.

KP

I never knew how much I loved your father until I saw how much he loved you

This may sound redundant but we are so incredibly blessed.

Brody is a totally different little boy since Saturday. He is more confident, aware of his surroundings, happy, and his little personality is really shinning. He continues to walk everywhere. This has changed his life in such a positive way. When I think back to the major wonderful events in his life, this ranks second to getting off life support when he was in the NICU. He is now keeping up with his sisters, picking up and throwing balls while walking, talking, laughing, and the joy glows from him. I don't think I could be anymore excited for him. He has went from a baby to a toddler- a big boy in a matter of days. What a blessing that we are able to see this transformation! With all of these positive changes, what Brody's retina doctor told me a couple weeks ago keeps playing in the back of my mind- all day. I'm pretty sure I will not send him to PPCD (school at 3). Instead I think we will continue with private preschool. I won't make any decision right away and of course Ricky and I will really have to put a lot of thought into what we decide. What I know is we have so much in our favor.
Gracie walked several times unassisted today during therapy and out of therapy. She actually walked to her PT and gave him a hug and a big smile. This is a first. She does walk a little different due to her contracted leg and foot but she is doing it. She is such a doll and incredibly smart. We are struggling with her speech. I think her little personality is that of a perfectionist and I see her wanting to say words but won't because she doesn't know exactly how. She analyzes everything and I do mean everything. Maybe she will be out little CFO. I know that she is a fighter and will never give up. After all, she has moved mountains already in her short little life.
Madilynn seems to be what I would guess a typical two year old would be. She does have those two year old moments but she is such a caring little girl. She is Brody and Gracie's second momma and helps them and looks out for them all day long. She is now helping me with whatever task I may be doing. She gets such a joy out of being my big helper. Last night she helped me put the dishes away. She would pick a dish out of the washer and go right to where it belonged. I couldn't believe it. She loves to talk on the phone and calls her daddy every single night before bed. She can't go a night without speaking with him. It's so sweet. Her speech and word development is improving everyday and I'm very proud of where she is at.
Two years later I am still shocked that I'm so lucky that these kiddos are mine. They are just amazing and such a joy to have as my children. I have such a grateful heart.

KP

What you put up with you end up with

Something great happened on Saturday. Brody decided he was done with crawling and from that moment, he has walked, walked, and walked! The relief cannot be explained. In an instance it seems that life with three toddlers has become much easier. We are beyond proud of this little boy and so excited. The thing about it is, he really seems to love walking. Who would've thought?

Now it's time to get Gracie walking. Last week she walked from the kitchen to her bedroom unassisted but she really has no real desire to walk. I'll admit, we've let her slip by on walking. My main focus has been Brody and the thought has been that she has a hurt leg which is delaying it. Truth be told she can walk and needs to. Anyway, I started a while back refusing to carry her or Brody around and still refuse to. The big problem is Ricky will carry her 24/7 and babies her way too much. It's a problem. Ricky, it's a problem if you're reading this! Now the pressure is on and all eyes are on her. It's time. 

We made our first visit to the Children's Museum on Sunday. It's really awesome there but was wayyyyyy crowded. We have two sets of free tickets coming to us so we'll visit again during the week when school is back in.

We had a great weekend and looking forward to another great week. For the first time ever I'm finally starting to see a finish line to Brody's PT therapy. It's a really great feeling!

KP 

She stood in the storm, and when the wind did not blow her away, she adjusted her sails. -Elizabeth Edwards

There are some really amazing things in the works. We continue to be undeservingly blessed. I can't wait to share as they happen.
In the mean time, the kids and I played outside for a while yesterday afternoon. I landscaped the backyard a couple weeks ago so I've been watering the plants like crazy in hopes they will do well with the late planting. Anyway, the kids still LOVE being outside so after dinner I always ask if they want to go outside and all three reply "YES". Today I moved their little swimming pool over by their slide. I'm pretty much the coolest mom ever! They kept sliding and sliding into the pool and laughing so much. Their laughs are my favorite sounds. I love the pure joy they have and it's like that everyday. Maybe not all day but everyday there is so much joy, laughter, and happiness. We are real people so we do have moments where my name has been called 1 million times in a row by all three, tantrums, etc. but the love we have for one another outweighs all that.
I believe Ricky is working this weekend but I'm still planning to take the kids on a little field trip to the Children's Museum. I've invited Meme to come along too. The plan is to go Sunday first thing when they open to hopefully beat the crowds... not sure how that will work out.
I am beyond ready for Fall. I can't wait for the temperatures to go down and all the outdoor things we can do. Another trip to the Zoo is for sure on the list.
Don't hate me but I've already started shopping for Christmas!!!
Enjoy the weekend!

KP

The longer you wait for something, the more you'll appreciate it when you get it. Cause anything worth having, is definitely worth waiting...

Some really awesome and exciting stuff happened today.  Brody has a Blind Children's Specialist through DARS (Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services) which he has had since February when we got the ball going for the program however, today was the first time she came out. Our very favorite vision teacher signed us up for the program and has facilitated the entire process. This lady is so priceless to us. Anyway, the DARS lady came out and it was a wonderful meeting. For one, she is blind and has a service dog which is a big 88 pound black Lab named Cash. It was so amazing to see the discipline that dog had. When he wears his harness that she holds on to, he is working and will not respond to you if you pet him, talk to him, etc. Once the harness is off then he will say hi and do dog type things but still very well behaved. The kids thought he was the coolest!
On to the really, really, really, really amazing stuff... DARS will provide things for Brody that will help his daily life. For example, they are purchasing him an Ipad, special lights for our house, special books that have textures, and anything else his vision teacher and I think he needs to make his life a little easier. What a huge blessing!
One thing that really stuck with me was when the lady said that being blind is one of the least dramatic disabilities to have. I would have never thought that but she said with the technology these days you can pretty much do anything anyone else can... even be a brain surgeon! And she said what they don't have technology wise they are always developing new things. It was so amazing to see someone so successful. With her dog and her driver she can do anything. It makes me smile so big on the inside.
Anyway, I had to share another blessing that has fell into our laps. God is so good!

KP

For my Lover

Tryin' to live and love
With a heart that can't be broken
Is like tryin' to see the light
With eyes that can't be opened

Yeah, we both carry baggage
We picked up on our way
So if you love me, do it gently
And I will do the same

We may shine, we may shatter
We may be pickin' up the pieces here on after
We are fragile, we are human
We are shaped by the light we let through us
But we break fast 'cause we are glass
'Cause we are glass

I'll let you look inside me
Through the stains and through the cracks
And in the darkness of this moment
You see the good in that

But try not to judge me
'Cause we've walked down different paths
But it brought us here together
So I won't take that back

We may shine, we may shatter
We may be pickin' up the pieces here on after
We are fragile, we are human
We are shaped by the light we let through us
But we break fast 'cause we are glass

We might be oil and water
This could be a big mistake
We might burn like gasoline and fire
It's a chance we'll have to take

We may shine, we may shatter
We may be pickin' up the pieces here on after
We are fragile, we are human
And we are shaped by the light we let through us
But we break fast 'cause we are glass
We are glass
                                                                                         -Thompson Square "Glass"