Comparing

WOW! What a difference a year makes. They are growing so quickly even if they are way too small for their age. I must remember to take these photos every year. 

 

Pre K 2014

They were so excited to get to school and had no problems at all when Ricky, Truette and I left. Madi is by far the most excited and cannot wait to get on that school bus this afternoon. 

Ricky started school today so it's just Truette and I for a few blissful hours. I am going to enjoy every second of it because when I start back to school on Wednesday, I know I'm going to be stretched thin. 

I feel really good about this school year. I'm hoping and praying that the gaps will close with Brody and Gracie and they will be able to attend regular ed classes without and special ed teachers other than vision for Brody. I think this is exactly what Madi needed and she will thrive. 

How cute are they!? 

KP 

Taking a chance

Monday around noon it hit me that I totally forgot to sign Madi up for Ballet that started that afternoon. Her and Ricky ran to get ballet shoes and tights while I called a million times to see if there was a spot for her. I finally reached someone 15 minutes before class started and they said there were a few spaces still available. When I was loading everyone in the car my mind started racing a million different thoughts. I was pretty sure I was going to go against the doctors and enroll Gracie with Madi. I couldn't work up the usual, natural "tough mom" to once again deeply disappoint Gracie. The deal was if she potty trained she could do gymnastics like Madi (back last year) of course she took until early this summer but she did it. She wants to do everything like Madi and it's different now than last year when Madi was in gymnastics because Gracie was in school when Madi went. I couldn't imagine her sitting there every week for an hour watching her sister do something she desperately wanted to do too. I didn't tell her anything so she thought it would just be Madi signing up. I talked with all of the staff that was there about her orthopedic issues and how she hasn't done anything but really wanted to. They did ask if she was potty trained but said they would work with her and we could see how it went. I went to Gracie and asked her if she would like to do ballet and of course she lit up and said yes. She promised she would be super careful and when I told her she was a ballerina just like Madi, she screamed that muted scream of hers and it was like she was at Disney world!
Today we had to get both girls tap shoes because they are doing ballet and tap, Gracie ballet shoes, tights, and her a leotard. Gracie's foot is so small we had to order her tap shoes online. But when she put her leotard, tights, and ballet shoes on, OH MY STARS! She said, "Oh how wonderful momma" in the sweetest most amazed voice. And that right there makes this risk worth it! Look, she is the underdog and if this can be something she loves then Ricky and I are all for it.
Madi likes ballet but I think her personality will probably be more gymnastics or cheer.
We are purchasing a piano for Brody and as soon as he is capable, will have a piano teacher for him. We've not been able to think of anything that will keep his brain safe and something he can do with low vision so we are hoping he takes to music. He really seems to love it. He sings along to songs we don't think he knows, dances, and even uses his fists as a microphone. He is our Luke Bryan ;) I have video proof!
Tomorrow we go meet the teacher. Those three are so excited for school. Madi ask every single day if it's school today.
Update soon.

KP

You must make a choice to take a chance or your life will never change.

I cannot believe this is our last week of summer. It has really flown by but more crazy is the fact that Christmas is what 4 months away? WOW!
We got Madi into Pre K with Brody and Gracie and she is so incredibly excited. We go on Wednesday to meet the teacher although I've met her a couple of times in Brody and Gracie's ARD. Brody and Gracie will have the same Pre K teacher as Madi but also the PPCD teacher they had last year. Basically, she will come into the Pre K class and give added support to Brody and Gracie. I am on the fence about adding daycare when needed for all four. I don't want Truette going to daycare or any type of program until she is two but I also realize it would be a great help some days.
Ricky enrolled in his classes that start the same day as the kids. He only has 6 classes until he has his associates and transfers to A&M in College Station. That's really awesome considering he works 60+ hours a week and is as hands on with our home life as he is. It's extremely hard going to school without working but adding a more than full time job, that is a lot of dedication. He had to test for math before he could sign up this semester and he tested right into college math. He graduated in 1999 which means he hasn't used any of that type of math in 15 years and still placed way above me. Ugh, I just can't do math! Anyway, he's trucking right along with his dream and goal of becoming an engineer. Super proud wife right here!
We went to the Texans game on Saturday night. It was our first NFL game and I think we are both hooked to live games. It was AWESOME and we won! We had awesome seats too so that helped. The kids and I got him tickets for his father's day gift. Meme came over to watch the kids and when Madi woke up Sunday she came into our room sad because "Mom, Meme is gone". I guess she didn't realize Meme wouldn't be there the next morning.
We don't really have planned appointments this week but I need to get a lot of stuff done before life is so hectic and unmanageable.
Also, we did not find our dream home or land so the hunt continues. We may just stay where we are for two years (like we originally planned) and then build in our current area. We really like it but it's extremely expensive out here. The taxes alone are around $600 per month, $1000 yearly HOA fees, and houses start out in the mid $200,000 range. With both of us being in school and not wanting school debt, it's probably smart to wait and build if that's what we want when the time comes. Until then, we will enjoy being so close to Ricky's job, being in a great school district, and all the other perks.
Update soon.
KP

Every person's life is a fairytale written by God's fingers.

Gracie had her MRI today. She did well going under and waking up. After recovery, we had time to get everyone lunch before heading to the last two appointments for the day. Madi stayed with Grammy (Ricky's grandmother) so it was all of us minus her. She really needs to be active and these appointments are very long and boring so it made it much easier to have her off and occupied. We got to PM&R and she wants both kids back in braces for their feet. Those braces might as well be a four letter word, we ALL hate them! She also wants Gracie to have her shoe built so her foot can fully touch the floor when she walks until she has her surgery done. Basically its a mini high heel but more like a wedge attached either outside or inside her shoe. She will hate this because it's going to make her so different. She notices all of those types of things :(
We did get really great news while we were in the appointment, the MRI results were posted in her file and her spine is NOT tethered and she will NOT need surgery on her spine as of now. This is the best news we could have received today.
We did get the name of the syndrome she has and after looking that up tonight, I am thankful it isn't a really bad case she has but I'm also just sad for her. Certain things I hoped she would grow out of doesn't seem to be the case for her. I am happy to know that she doesn't have any form of down syndrome even a slight bit and the "abnormalities" I've always wondered about in her nose and eyes are apart of the syndrome. It's so strange that we have 4 kids and only 1 is affected by a genetic disorder that either Ricky or I carry and that neither of us have any of the symptoms. It all makes sense now with all the orthopedic issues. Like I said, after researching, I am thankful it's only this bad. I guess the most devastating part I feel for her is just the normal things of growing up... being a kid, wanting to be accepted, etc. I know how cruel this world can be and I also know that in reality, I cannot save her or protect her from everything BUT I will do everything in my power to do so. I worry about her confidence being physically unable to keep up with her peers and as she gets older, her confidence in her appearance- just looking different. And of course I think about her as an adult and I just really hope she can find love and someone accepting. I know I'm jumping the gun thinking all those years ahead but I always worry for her and Brody as adults. I always have. I know that she is a very special little girl and not just because she is mine. I know that she has a big purpose in this world. God spared her life here on earth for a good reason. I hope that her God given smile never leaves her face. I pray she finds a good group of friends throughout her schooling that love her just for being Gracie. I just hope and pray about a lot of different things when it comes to her. She is such an old soul. I love that little beauty queen.

I turn 28 in a couple weeks. It's been a really hard 10 years. I feel so old. Not age wise but just life experiences. I often wonder what it'd be like to just live carefree. To not have my mind racing a million different thoughts 24/7. To be able to sleep at night. To not feel like I'm in a constant war for my kids. The absolute only times in 10 years I've been completely "free" is at the beach as stupid as that sounds. Being there no matter the length of time instantly lifts every worry from my shoulders. When I leave there is a great sadness and I load all our problems and worries back on my shoulders to carry on with my "work". The past four years have been the hardest in my entire life and the hardest most challenging and rewarding job I'll ever have. It's a lot. Ricky and I have been through a great deal. I wish I could accurately put it into words. It's like constantly being on high speed ahead. Never any downtime and I don't mean because we have four kids but feeling like your fighting for your life nonstop times 5. It feels like you are fighting to not drown. And then there are the huge goals I set for myself and those around me. It's a lot but I know and I mean I really know this little family of ours is destine for greatness. This is our life for a reason. If nothing else, in about 20 years, Ricky and I will have lots of money from the years of mastering budgeting with four kids and we'll vacation for weeks at a time on all those beautiful tropical beaches. We'll occasionally come home to Ricky's ranch where he can play farmer. Until then, let's hope we find our dream home or land today (we are looking all day).

KP

Happy 3 months Tutu

My extremely talented best friend and the kids' godmother took Truette's newborn pictures. They are priceless and everything I could have wanted plus some. 

I've posted a few from the shoot. 

Tutu is 3 months today and I cannot believe it. She brings so much joy to our lives and everyone is insanely in love with this little girl. Her brother and sisters adore her. She is a lil butterball and it's adorable. Her rolls have rolls ;) 

She sleeps a lot. She'll go to bed around 9-11pm usually closer to 9 and we wake her up any where from 9-9:30am so she isn't going too long without eating. She is taking 8 ounces every 3 hours with cereal added to her bottles so she isn't so hungry. If we just do formula without the cereal she doesn't get full and you really can't go over 8ounces because she can't hold it in her tummy. Plus, 3 month olds usually don't eat so much :) 

She has recently started loving to stand and she gets so excited she tries to jump so we will be purchasing a jumper activity thing soon. She has started attempting to roll over but hasn't yet. She really loves taking baths. She smiles a lot, laughs and coos. What is it about a babies smile and talking? It makes everything right in the world, I swear! 

She desperately needs to be in a size 2 diaper. I just used the last of the size one so she'll get new ones today. She hates having her face wiped with a wipe and also hates cold wipes on her bum. If she is hungry she is beyond mad and it's the only time she is really upset. 

She holds Ricky around his neck and it's basically confirmation she has him wrapped around her chubby little pinkie finger. It's adorable and he loves it. He is one big softy when it comes to these kids; thankful they have an amazing father. 

My dad made this baby doll bed for me when I was little so I really love this picture so much.  Mrs. Lupe made the blanket for her. 

Bless the FAMILY beside us and the LOVE between us, Amen!

"You can't really begin to appreciate life until it has knocked you down a few times. You can't really begin to appreciate love until your heart has been broken. And you can't really begin to appreciate happiness until you've known sadness. Once you've walked through the valley, the view from the mountaintop is breathtaking." -Susan Gale

upcoming surgeries

Next week will suck!

Ricky is having surgery on Tuesday.
Gracie is being put to sleep for her MRI on Wednesday and her and Brody have appointments.
Brody has his preop appointment on Thursday.
Brody has surgery on Friday.

That remote island is sounding better and better every single day.

I have an appointment tomorrow at 11am to see if the school will let Madi start Pre K with Brody and Gracie. She has been talking about starting school nonstop and asking when she can do her homework. She will be devastated if they don't let her in.

Update soon.

KP

Road trip

I took a road trip to New Mexico with a friend this past weekend. 

this is at the famous cadillac ranch in Amarillo, Texas 

New Mexico was so pretty. I really want to take the kids and Ricky to Amarillo maybe for Thanksgiving break. I didn't know but apparently Amarillo is home to the second largest canyon in the United States. The first being The Grand Canyon in Arizona.