Good and Bad

Everyone always has that day where it's just "that kind of day." A bad day. A day that you feel down. A day where you feel like you're not worth anything. A day where you feel like you aren't doing a very good job, whether it be at work, being a mom, being a wife, daughter, sister, friend, etc. I've been having a lot of these days lately. I feel like I'm failing at everything. There are those moments though where I feel like a success, that I'm doing something right, that I'm where I need to be. That moment when Rylan finally steps while I'm holding his hands instead of me dragging him, when Keegan goes pee in the toilet, and today I have to smile so much bigger and beam brighter because Kaleb said his first prayer all by himself without any help at all. My kids are my everything! I wouldn't give them up for anything or anyone! I'm proud to be a mom! I love being home with them. Yes they stress me out a lot with fighting, whining, doing naughty things, but there are so many more things that make up for that. I'm so happy that I don't have to miss out on any moments of growth my kids make.

There's this scripture that my husband and I have been ponderizing this week and it has helped me. 

Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things; yea, behold, many mighty miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his name forever. Alma 26:12

I know that I can do anything with God's help. I have good days and I have bad days, but I know without a doubt that Heavenly Father will never leave me. He will always be there for me. ..."for in his strength I can do all things..."

 I saw this article on facebook and it's something I really needed to read. It's something every mom should read. It's called When Mothering is Hard and No One Sees.  https://faithandcomposition.wordpress.com/2014/02/07/when-mothering-is-hard-and-no-one-sees/

I am so blessed to have an incredible family! I am eternally grateful to my Heavenly Father that He trusts me enough to raise my 3 boys! <3

He Lives!

Today as I was reading my scriptures I came across this scripture in the Book of Mormon, Mosiah 16:9, 15.

"He is the light and the life of the world; yea, a light that is endless, that can never be darkened; yea and also a life which is endless, that there can be no more death."

"Teach them that redemption cometh through Christ the Lord, who is the very Eternal Father, Amen."

I absolutely love this! Jesus Christ, our Savior is the light of the world, He is the good. Nothing can take away from that. Jesus Christ lives! Christ is the reason we are able to be exalted to live with Heavenly Father again! I can't imagine not knowing this! My life would be so much different not being apart of the gospel of our Savior. I wouldn't trade it for anything!

Life Has Gotten Interesting

Life has gotten a little bit more interesting. I took Kaleb and Rylan to the doctor this morning for their ears which have been  painful. Neither has an ear infection, but Rylan has a bad cold and teething while Kaleb has a TON of fluid in his ears due to his severe allergy to cats and dogs. The doctor said that she hasn't seen that much fluid in one kids ears.

For those that don't know, Kaleb has severe allergies to cats and dogs which is depressing to me as I want a dog so bad. When Kaleb doesn't have his allergy medicine he ends up with black and purple eyes that swell pretty bad, he sneezes a lot, and runny nose. We have tried all sorts of over the counter medicine and only children's allegra helped. Recently my parents watched the boys while Adam and I went on a much needed date. When we went and picked up the boys Kaleb looked like he got punched in his face. He had a nasty black and purple eye and swollen pretty bad. I had given him his allergy medicine prior to going to my parents since they have a cat and 2 dogs. My mom not knowing I gave him medicine, gave him a dose of benadryl and he still had a severe reaction with double dose on allergy meds.

Today the doctor said that Kaleb's allergy is worsening and he can no longer touch or be in the same room as a cat or dog. If the animal is an indoor pet Kaleb cannot be in the house at all. If he is leaving the house to go to the store, church, or school he needs to take allergy medicine or even if someone comes to our house that has animals. The dander on someones clothes bothers him as well. We are no longer able to go to anyones home that has cats and dogs until we meet with an allergist and try to get treatment that will help Kaleb. His allergy is worsening and the meds aren't helping anymore. The doctor is worried that it will start effecting his breathing if we don't figure something out soon.

Life has gotten so much more interesting. It saddens me that we cannot go to my parents home, sisters home or certain friends homes anymore.  At least until we can figure out a better treatment that works. Please pray for Kaleb that the allergist can figure something out.

I couldn't ask for better!

I just have to do a little rant about how GrEaT my sweet husband is!

See this man...

This man amazes me! I am truly the luckiest woman in the world! In the last few months I have broken my shoulder blade and gotten sick a few times. He didn't complain once! All he did was take such good care of me. He took care of our 3 boys all by himself. He let me be and didn't ask anything of me. He's been so busy working, studying for his CPA tests, helping my dad work on the weekends, helping out around the house, and being a wonderful daddy and husband. There is no greater man! I am so proud of all the hard work my sweet Adam does. I am truly blessed to have such an incredible spouse! He is truly my other half! I don't know what I would do without him! I couldn't ask for better! Ok, rant over.   <3 love my man!

A New Year

It's been an interesting past couple of months. Last post I talked about doing a ton of holiday baking. Well, that didn't exactly happen because I broke my scapula (shoulder blade). I was in a sling for 5 weeks and then had to do physical therapy. Sometimes it still hurts, but it's rare now. During this time my family and home took a hit. I was out of commission. Now it is the start of a new year and I am ready to take it on. There are so many things that my little family has started doing such as chore charts for everyone, more organization, potty training, etc.

 One of the things that I have really been focusing on is doing my personal scripture study. This is a huge thing. I have gotten really bad about it, but I started making a goal to do it every day and I've only missed 1 day! I can tell of how much a difference this has on my attitude, how I parent, my home is just more peaceful. I love it. There is nothing better than a peaceful and happy home. <3

This year Adam will be receiving his CPA certification. He has only one more test to pass before April 30th which I know he can do! I'm so proud of my husband! He is such a hard worker! He's an amazing husband and daddy! I don't know what I'd do without him! Love you sweetheart! Forever and ever, always and always! <3

My Passion, Baking!

It's now the holiday season which means it is also baking season! I know I'm not the only one  that is super excited! Baking is my passion whether it be cakes, cupcakes, breads, pies, cookies, etc. I've already made a few things, but I'm just getting started. I have pumpkin pie bread in the oven as I type. This is only the beginning too. Since I'm gluten free now I get to experiment with new recipes and altering recipes I already have. I've already made this pumpkin pie bread with gluten free flour and it's really good. I've also made a pie crust gluten free and it wasn't bad, but it wasn't my favorite. I'll have to keep searching on that. Pinterest has been a life saver with gluten free recipes. When I'm not sure about something I have my incredible friend Amanda Murphy! Can I just tell you how AMAZING this woman is?! She truly is wonderful! She's probably getting tired of all my random texted questions...hee hee. One day I won't need to text her questions anymore and she'll be sad. ;) I love the smell baking brings into my home. I need good smells because living with 4 males makes my house stinky. They think it's funny too! Stinky boys! <3 Loving Life! <3

God Is at the Helm

General Conference is an incredible creation. For those who don't know general conference is when the living prophet and apostles speak to the world about things that our Heavenly Father has inspired them to talk to us about. It is on tv, internet, and radio. Anyone can watch or listen to it. It's also nice for people like me that have little kids and it's really hard to hear or sit long enough because of my 3 little boys being boys that they have videos of all the talks and print outs of all the talks to read afterward.

As I am slowly reading through the talks since I missed most of them while they were airing I have come across a couple in particular that I really enjoy. One is "God Is at the Helm" by Elder M. Russell Ballard who is an apostle of God. In a previous talk Elder Ballard gave he talked about being on the Old Ship Zion which is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Day Saints. This time he continued on that talk. He quoted a previous president of the church, President Brigham Young, "We are on the old ship Zion...God is at the helm and will stay there...He dictates, guides, and directs. If the people will have implicit confidence in their God, never forsake covenants nor their God, He will guide us right." To me this is an amazing analogy. God is directing our life. We have to trust in Him and follow Him, and He will guide us to exaltation. 

Elder Ballard continues in saying, "Our ship's destination is the full blessings of the gospel, the kingdom of heaven, the celestial glory, and the presence of God! God's plan is in the place. He is at the helm, and His great and powerful ship flows toward salvation and exaltation. Remember that we cannot get there by jumping out of the boat and trying to swim there by ourselves. Exaltation is the goal of the mortal journey, and no one gets there without the means of the gospel of Jesus Christ: His Atonement, the ordinances, and guiding doctrine and principles that are found in the Church. It is the Church wherein we learn the works of God and accept the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ that saves us. It is within the Church that we form the commitments and covenants of eternal families that become our passport to exaltation. It is the Church that is powered by the priesthood to propel us through the unpredictable waters of mortality."

This is the ship that I want to be on. This is where I want to go.  It's not always easy. It's important that we remember that we can't as he said "get there by jumping out of the boat and trying to swim." We cannot get to where we need to go by ourselves. We need help. We need to do the things we are supposed to and follow God to get where we need to be. It may not always be easy, but it will definitely be worth it. 

Mommyhood

Once there were two and now there are three! Almost 4 months ago I gave birth to a sweet baby boy, Rylan Lewis Patton. Having three little boys 4 and under is hard, really hard. There are some days that I'm like this is no big deal, I got this. Then there are most days that I don't know which way my head is screwed on. I love all three of my little men! They definitely keep me busy. I can be home all day and have nothing going on and still nothing at home gets done because of my little men. My patience gets tested daily, multiple times a day. Some days I might be yelling all day because this or that. Some days I want to give up. Some days I question how good of a mom I actually am, but I know that I am doing the best that I know how. With having the gospel in my life, I have Heavenly Father helping me. I know that I couldn't do it without Him. Being a mom is what I'm supposed to do, but not only that it's what I want to do. I've always wanted to be a stay at home mom because I had an amazing mom myself. Being a mom is not easy, nor should it be. Heavenly Father entrusted these three little human beings to me. I am to teach them everything they need to know, make sure they are healthy, gain a testimony, take care of them and love them unconditionally. I do love my boys so much! I wouldn't trade my life for anyone or anything! There are days that are harder than others, but that's part of my job as a mom, teacher, nurse, referee, friend, and so much more. You know it does also help seeing these smiling faces every day!

 I also couldn't do it without my other half, my soulmate, the love of my life, Adam! Adam is so much more than a great husband, he's an incredible daddy!

I sure do have an incredible amazing family!

“There is no role in life more essential and more eternal than that of motherhood.” —M. Russell Ballard

Incredibly Blessed

Today I feel incredibly blessed. Kaleb had his routine cancer check up at Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. We go in every 6 months to see the oncologist and get an MRI scan to make sure his infantile fibrosarcoma doesn't come back. It is always a long day and I feel bad because they have to sedate Kaleb since he's two and won't hold still long enough for the MRI. I like to have it done though for a peace of mind that it hasn't come back. Kaleb is now almost two years cancer free. I can't help but think about Kaleb and when he was diagnosed almost on a daily basis. It depresses me, but then I'm happy that he's alive and doing well.

While we were at the oncology offices today there was a little girl not much older than Kaleb with just a little peach fuzz on her head and a mask over her face. She was undergoing chemotherapy. I'm not sure what cancer she has, but she is fighting. This poor girl doesn't have a normal childhood. She can't be around many people because of the germs and the high risk of her getting extremely sick due to being on chemotherapy.

There was a boy about 10 years old and he also had no hair, a mask over his face, and walking with a cane because he's so weak from his cancer and the chemotherapy treatment. He obviously isn't living the life a 10 year old boy should be living.

I feel so blessed that we didn't have to go through that. Kaleb was diagnosed with cancer when he was 6 months old. We were so blessed that his cancer was so localized he didn't have to have chemotherapy. He only had to have surgery. Yes he had three surgeries and it was tough and definitely a hardship. No one wants hear their child has cancer or that they have to have three surgeries. It definitely took a toll on me physically and emotionally. I am so grateful that he has been clean for almost two years, next month. We don't have to be cautious about who he plays with or wearing a mask. He has a full thick head of hair and gets to live a wonderful life of a little boy.

I feel incredibly blessed, grateful to my Father in Heaven and I pray for those that aren't as lucky.

Loving Our Busy Lives

Our lives have gotten busy in the last few weeks. I was recently called to be the young women's second counselor in our ward. It makes me a lot more busy, but I'm super excited for it. This is only one of three callings I have. Adam has started to study for the CPA exam which keeps him pretty busy. I also have been asked to make cakes for several different occasions, and I am about to start my cake class this coming week. I am loving my life. I can't wait to see what else comes to us this year. 

Last week was my siblings spring break so we went to the Topeka zoo which was a lot of fun. I absolutely LOVE the zoo. I'm a kid that way. I hope to go to the zoo several times this spring/summer. 

Keegan took his first two steps this week. Before long he'll be cruising. He also says mama and dada now. He's getting too big too fast. For the record he said mama first! Boo-ya Adam!  Hee Hee :)

Kaleb is getting more and more into his terrible twos. He is constantly throwing tantrums. He is cute too though. 

I'm trying to find new dinner and lunch recipes. If you have any that you recommend you should email me the recipe at bnicholepatton@aol.com or post it here on the blog! 

Grandparents, Phones. Callings, Kids

Wow, I really stink on keeping up with this thing. At least it wasn't too long. There have been five things that I can think of that has happened in the last couple of weeks that I want to write about.

First, my beautiful Grandma Smith passed away February 15. Her funeral was three days later on February 18. It was time for my Grandma to go. She had a lot of medical problems and was in a lot of pain. The family was relieved she past for that part of it, but we are going to miss her very much. Even though I knew for some time that she could pass away at any moment, I had a real hard time wrapping my head around the fact that she's gone. It shouldn't have been so upsetting for me, but it was. I can't even imagine how Grandpa or my dad feel seeing as she was Grandpa's wife and dads mom. It helps me to know that we will all see her again. We won't see her in this life, but in the next. I am so grateful for the knowledge of the plan of salvation and what it means. I know that Grandma is watching over us and spending time with her little boy, my Uncle Adam who past away as a child.

Second, my grandpa has moved in with my parents. My grandparents have been planning on moving in with my parents for a while and when my mom and dad finally went to help them move Grandma was in a coma and she passed away while they were there. Grandpa moved in with my parents as soon as the funeral was over.

Third, and on a happier note, Adam and I are officially with the times. We got our very first smartphones. We love them. I can see what everyone was talking about before. With getting our smartphones we also switched from Tmobile to Verizon. Adam swears on Verizon so we'll see.

Fourth, Adam and I are ward missionaries. In this calling we are to teach the new member discussions. There is this 50 year old man who was just baptized a few weeks ago and this week was his first new member discussion. The first two lessons the actual missionaries will do most of the teaching and then after that they won't even come it'll be just Adam and I. It was a good lesson. I can't wait to get to know Little John better.

Lastly, my children. Kaleb and Keegan are growing up so fast. They are getting bigger and learning new things every day. It amazes me how big they have gotten. Before I know it they are gonna be all grown up. Kaleb learns new words  all the time. He repeats everything he hears. Keegan is so independent. He loves exploring the house and doesn't mind playing by himself. The boys love each other which makes me so happy. I love watching them play and interact together.

That's the update on the Patton's.

Short and Sweet

Adam has been out of town for the week which sucks especially because he was out of town for a week two weeks ago. Granted they are business trips. The first one was in Alaska and now he's in Texas. I hate when he's gone. It's stressful being the only one taking care of two children under the age of 2 years. I am very grateful though that Adam has a job that supports us financially. 

That is the only thing that really has been going on. I have been thinking about different activities I could be doing with the boys that are educational but fun. Especially since Kaleb is 2 1/2 years old. Everyone I've asked just tells me to go to pinterest which I guess is fine, but that takes a lot of time to go through and I don't have much time to do things like that. 

A New Goal

I've decided that I am going to post in the blog once a week so it can be a sort of journal about my family and our lives. This week has been so long. Adam went to Alaska for a business trip. He left Sunday early morning and will be back tomorrow afternoon. We can't wait to see Adam. My boys have been off and on good and bad. They were a lot better at the beginning of the week, but the end of it has been awful. Last night Keegan cried literally all night long because he's teething. I didn't actually get to lay in bed until 6:15 this morning. Thankfully mom helped watch the boys so I could sleep more than 1 1/2 hours. I am so grateful for my mom and Sister Pat Morris for helping with the boys this week. They have helped a little bit with my sanity.

We got a dog about 3 weeks ago. She is half red heeler and half boxer. She's a sweet puppy, but she's just that, a puppy. She can be difficult sometimes because she's like another baby and I already have a 2 1/2 year old and a 8 1/2 month old.

With this blog as I said earlier I want to write at least once a week. It will probably be a Friday or Saturday that I write. I might start posting recipes that our family has and enjoys as well.

17 1/2 hours until Adam is home! We can't wait!

The Happenings of the Patton's

         We've been super busy lately. Adam has been working hard at his job, taking 9 college credits, upholding his  church calling, and being a wonderful husband and dad. I have been taking care of kids, upholding my church calling, and taking a cake decorating class. Kaleb has been learning a lot of new words, potty training, and being such a good big brother to Keegan. Keegan is 5 months old now. He has learned how to roll over and he's learning how to scoot a little bit. He's been eating baby rice cereal, but today was the first day he had real baby food. He loved the sweet potatoes. 

          Both of the boys have coughs and colds which isn't fun for anyone. My older sister is a photographer and she did our family pictures which turned out amazing! She's so good at what she does. We went to the zoo this week. The two best things were first a polar bear was playing with a big water tank and then we went into a closed in area with lorikeets which would land on us. One of them started chewing on my sisters straw.                     

         We are all pretty excited for the holidays coming up. We have a halloween pumpkin carving family get together tomorrow, we are going to Oklahoma for Thanksgiving to spend with my grandparents, and for Christmas we are taking a very LONG road trip to Kilmarnock, Virginia to spend with the Patton's. We can't wait to see everyone! Keep your eyes open for new updates on holiday activities.

Keegan likes to sleep with the blanket over his head. It helps him sleep

Mommy playing frisbee with Kaleb

Kaleb has really started to love reading books.

Daddy and Keegan taking a nap

Keegan all dressed for the cold weather. 

Adam was measuring the wall for something and Kaleb wanted to be like his daddy.

Keegan at the zoo.

Kaleb and Uncle Coco watching the polar bear.

Polar bear playing with water jug.

Lorikeet eating the straw

Keegan after his first encounter with baby food.

A Full and Happy Life

This week we had Kaleb and Adam's birthdays. I still can't believe Kaleb is 2 years old now. He's getting so big. We even started potty training him the day before his birthday. He's done pretty good. He had some real rough days, but like today he's had awesome days! Kaleb got some neat stuff for his birthday: mini trampoline, sit n spin, booming balls, lincoln logs, cars, lawn mower that blows bubbles when pushed, and an outfit. Adam has been getting into  fishing so I got him a fishing pole and all the other little things that go in a tackle box. He also got a couple of books from his mom.

This Sunday, Adam and I both are giving talks about revelation. Adam seems pretty excited, but I hate giving talks. I get terrified. I always plan on speaking slowly and loud, but I've been told I speak super fast and quietly. I'm also one of those people that have to have the talk written out word for word and read it otherwise I freeze. Adam on the other hand has a half piece of paper with a few words and wings it. It's ridiculous. We have also been called as the ward missionaries which is kinda exciting.

We went to the Johnson County parade and fair last weekend which was fun. We couldn't do the rides or anything because the kids are still too young. Keegan is 3 months today. My how time flies. It seems like he was born yesterday. Keegan is in his own room now which is hard for me. My best friend from growing up had a baby 1 month before I had Keegan so we got together for a play date.

Aunt Shelby and Daddy helping Kaleb with his birthday cake

Adam and his birthday cake

Pappy and Kaleb at the parade

Nana and Keegan at the parade

Kaleb watching the horses in the parade

Kaleb potty training

Keegan playing

Kaleb cheesing it up for the camera

Kaleb after his bath

me rocking my sweet Keegan

Weston and Keegan holding hands on their playdate

Update

It's been crazy lately. We had a Smith family camp out on 4th of July weekend, we moved into our brand new house, been unpacking, running kids to doctors appointments, and so on. Keegan is 2 months now which is CRAZY! I can't believe it! Kaleb will be 2 years in 2 1/2 weeks, and Adam 27 in 2 1/2 weeks. The craziness continues because in 3 weeks Adam and I will be married for 3 years! Life has been amazing! Here are some pictures from the last month or so.

Keegan

Moving...Again

Last Wednesday we closed on our first home! I still can't believe that Adam and I own our very first house! We are super excited. We went out of  town Thursday through Sunday so we haven't moved into our house yet. We move in tomorrow (Tuesday). Today my awesome mom and I are going to finish packing, go to the store to get a few things we need for the house, and take some boxes over to the house. Tomorrow Adam is off work so we'll take some stuff to the house and then that evening people from our ward are gonna come help move the big stuff and any of the smaller stuff we didn't get to. I am so ready to be done with apartments and the neighbors that come with it! I can't wait to be able to let Kaleb just play in the backyard (it's fenced in). Since Adam and I have been married it seems we move a lot. This is our 5th time moving in a little less than 3 years. It's exhausting. This time we won't be moving for a long time thank goodness.  It still seems like a dream, but it's my awesome reality!

Kaleb playing at Nana and Pappy's on a nice January day

Adam swinging on the tire swing

Me on the tire swing....I barely could do it because of my tummy.

Uncle Cody and Kaleb playing outside! Kaleb LOVES Uncle Cody.

Valentine cookie decorating

Kaleb decorated a couple cookies then he decided he'd rather eat the frosting off the knife.

Kaleb LOVES bath time and the camera!

Daddy taught Kaleb how to play.  It's all he wanted to do for a couple of weeks.

Kaleb trying to mimic daddy doing situps

Kaleb LOVES playing outside at Nana and Pappy's house!