Happy Birthday Michelle!

Just as Michelle cannot believe how fast the time goes by with her daughters - the same is true for us. We cannot believe that she is now 33! She was born on a Thursday at 11:29 pm. Russ often joked that she was the only one that he didn't miss a minutes worth of work with - yep he was a work, work, work person back then too!

We have a business trip that always seems to cover Michelle's birthday - and she has had a few herself where she was out of town. We usually just celebrate Michelle's February birthday with Mark's and Russ' in March. Not my favorite way of doing this - but with busy schedules and growing families it seems to be the best way.

We love you Michelle - and when your babies are your age you will realize just how much! I know you have dealings with the kids today - and Mark is sick - but I hope you get to take a few minutes just for yourself today and Celebrate You!

Business Trip

We are sick of winter so we are running off to Florida - well it is true that we are sick of winter and it is true that we are going to Florida - but it is actually for a business convention with the added bonus of blue skies and seeing some family too.

We will fly in Tampa/St. Pete Wednesday evening and then rent a car on Thursday and drive to Orlando. Will return to the Tampa area Friday evening. We plan to visit with family on Saturday and celebrate all the FL February birthdays on Sunday at nephew Chris and Chanda's house. Returning home late on Monday.

I can take the cold temps as long as I can see sunshine - and I understand we will be expecting lots of blue skies and sun and temps in the upper 70's while we are there. But Florida is just about like Michigan - if you don't like the weather just wait a day and it will change for you!

We will be leaving behind lots of winter sicknesses - yuk! Mark has bronchitis, Megan has the flu, baby Kaitlyn has a cold - Kari just got over a gastro flu, Kim, Dave, Karsten & I just got over a flu. Hopefully by the time we get back everyone will be healthy & fit!

Everyone - take care!

Goodbye Polo!

Today was a very hard day for Kim - she had to have Polo put down.

Around Christmas Polo was diagnosed with a fast growing cancer on her face. The vet did surgery to remove it but knew that it was not all gone. By two weeks later her face was already beginning to swell again. Kim knew it was time but it is very hard to lose an old and faithful friend.

Kim got Polo the summer of 1993 (or maybe 1992). We would often characterize her as the perfect dog - if she didn't shed. She would bark only if someone came to the door and she loved to chase squirrels. She hated to be confined - if you left her loose in the house all would be fine but if you locked her in a room then you may have to replace the door mouldings since she would have tried to remove them for you. In her younger days she would come and run around the pond in our backyard - she would go so fast you would think she was actually laying on her side making that oval. In later years she would run some and but have to stop and rest and then walk back up to the house. She had no tolerence for any dog that would step foot on her yard either - and she considered our yard her yard. A new neighbor had a dog that came and surprised Polo - and the fight was on. Polo waited until she found that dog tied in its yard and surprised it too. She thought turn about was fair play! Polo had another different characteristic - she had just a nub for a tail. And when she was excited she would wag that nub just like a tail. She hated thunder storms - she would sit right under your feet if there was any thunder at all.

We know she is in a much better place than she has been for the past few months (although she was not in pain we knew she was not enjoying life quite as much as she had been) - and we hope there are plenty of squirrels for her to chase!

We will sure miss her - and even her hair too!

Oh BABY, BABY, BABY, BABY & BABY!!!

We got a beautiful valentine in the mail today - and it was signed Love, Megan and Baby Barch!!! Our 5th grandchild will be due on August 4th. How exciting!!!

Pray with us for a safe and healthy pregnancy and baby!!

Wonder now if it is a boy or a girl....bet Kari and Rich are wondering too!

Ear Tubes - Second time

We found out yesterday that Sydney will need to have her ear tubes replaced - one was gone and the other on its way out. Plus an ear infection. Surgery will be on Monday, February 18 at the new Macomb Beaumont.

Sydney was thrilled about getting to go the doctor (Kaitlyn has been a few times for her baby checks and Sydney figured it was her turn for some attention). She told her daddy that it was her doctor and not his. When they called her name she jumped up and followed the tech down the hallway. She went into the room - enjoyed a glass of water and was practicing saying "Hello Dr. Becker" (except it was coming out Hello Dr. Pecker - haha). As soon as the doctor entered the room she took one look and decided she had already had enough. Crying began. Mommy holding her down with the help of a nurse and Daddy trying to help as he could too. Whew - she was glad when that was over. Took her sucker and went home.

So we know this will be more traumatic than it was the first time around - obviously she knows a little more about you are not my mommy and daddy and get me out of here! So please remember her in your prayers - that she not be too traumatized (remember not only does she have sensory issues that cloud her processing sometimes but she is female and 2 years old also!) and that the tubes go in and stay in until they are no longer needed.

FYI

Received this on several emails lately and thought I would pass it on ~~~

Your Heart is your Love,
Your love is your Family ,
Your family is your Future ,
Your future is your Destiny ,
Your destiny is your Ambition,
Your ambition is your Aspiration ,
Your aspiration is your Motivation ,
Your motivation is your Belief ,
Your belief is your Peace ,
Your peace is your Target ,
Your target is Heaven!

February chat & Happy Birthday tomorrow Dad!

I read on Joelle's blog that we have already had 5 snow days from school this year - wow! I can remember years with my kids where there were 0 days off for snow. Michigan's weather - always changing!

Sickness hit at our house during January. I so rarely get sick - but this flu/cold bug hit me and wouldn't let go for almost 3 weeks. Finally got my voice back! But don't ask me to sing!

Little Karsten had that bug, got better and was hit again with another virus that gave him some nice ulcers in his mouth and nice high fevers. Couldn't eat or drink without pain. After 2 doctor visits he may be finishing with this! Poor little guy! We want him well soon - he will celebrate his 2nd birthday in mid-March.

Megan, Sydney and Kaitlyn managed to avoid the virus' - so far!! Megan is doing well with her potty-training. At first we would tell her that we are so proud of her - then she began going on her own and would come out of the bathroom and announce that she is so proud! Sydney knows all her colors and loves to choose her own clothes for the day right down to matching bows for her pony tails. Kaitlyn is now on another medicine for her acid-reflux - it seems to be helping! Hooray! She is very alert and enjoys cooing and laughing with everyone - but especially with Sydney.

Both Russ and I have lost cousins recently. My cousin, Sally, passed away due to lung cancer that had spread. From the time she was diagnosed until she died was only about 2 months. The day of her funeral would have been her 48th birthday - and she wanted a party. At the graveside her family arranged for a balloon send off. Today we got news that Russ' cousin, Bob - Billy as we knew him, was found this morning. He recently lost a leg to some poor circulation.

I got a note from my sister that she is having some medical problems. Sure would appreciate all prayers for her. (This has been edited after my sister says I gave way too much info on her!! - Sorry Dee!)

Russ' mom continues to have radiation treatments for breast cancer. She is being a trooper - will have 7 weeks of 5 days a week treatments. She has finished her 2nd or 3rd week now. The doctor expects her to begin to feel the effects of the treatments soon. She will celebrate her 79th birthday in March.

My Aunt Retha (mom's only living sister) recently had triple by-pass heart surgery. She is doing well. But she wants to be doing even better. Wanting to be better is half the battle in my book!

Tomorrow would have been my Dad's 80th birthday. He said just before he died that he had 78 great years but the 79th had not been much fun. Funny how we had never heard of pulmonary fibrosis before he was diagnosed and now we hear it quite often. So glad to know that he is in a much better place. Karen is trying to find her way without Dad - they had only 6 years together but she often says that she did more in those 6 years than she had all her life. Karen is enjoying a couple of nights playing bingo and is back in church. Her neighbor, Margie, has been going with Karen to these events - Margie lost her husband to a pulmonary disease just about 7 months before Dad. Karen continues to try to overcome the effects of childhood polio and scoliosis and now diabetes too.

One thing we have learned over the past year - enjoy life now, we don't know when we will be enjoying eternity. If you don't know where you will spend eternity - the time to make those reservations is now!

Enjoy life,

Karla & Russ

The Doodle Bops

What a fun day - a trip to The Palace to see The Doodle Bops! We got to see DeeDee, Moe and Rooney! Here are a couple of pictures that Michelle took at the second concert. DeeDee is obviously the gal, Moe has orange hair and Rooney with the blue.

Kim, Dave & Karsten, Kari & Megan, Grandmama, Michelle, Sydney and Kaitlyn enjoyed a fun afternoon. After the show was over - Michelle and Sydney went back in for the second show of the day. Michelle was not sure of getting tickets through her work and had purchased some for the second show - then the work show tickets came so they got to enjoy it twice in one day.

These grandkids have been to more concerts/events than I have! They are becoming very well-rounded individuals - going on airlplanes, going to zoos, feeding dolphins, going to circus', going to concerts, going out to restaurants, standing up in weddings....and everyone behaving very nicely! Hooray!

Happy New Year Snow!

The New Year arrived with some snow for us!

Here is a picture taken from inside the house of the back yard.

What I love about this picture is the zoom on the camera - I was standing inside the house and this pine tree is back past the pond near the freeway.

Fresh snow is so beautiful - old snow is not!

Enjoy 2008!

Karla & Russ

Happy New Year!!!

We wish each one of you a year filled with health, family and love.

Have a Great 2008!!!

Enjoy life,

Russ & Karla

Directions

DIRECTIONS TO OUR FATHER'S HOUSE.

Make a Right onto Believeth Blvd.

Keep straight and go through the Green Light, which is Jesus Christ.

There, you must turn onto the Bridge of Faith , which is over troubled water.

When you get off the bridge, make a Right turn and Keep Straight.

You are on the King's Highway - Heaven-bound.

Keep going for three miles: One for the Father, One for the Son, and One for the Holy Ghost.

Then exit off onto Grace Blvd.

From there, make a Right turn on Gospel Lane .

Keep Straight and then make another Right on Prayer Road .

As you go on your way, Yield Not to the traffic on Temptation Ave.

Also, avoid SIN STREET because it is a DEAD END.

Pass up Envy Drive , and Hate Avenue.

Also, pass Hypocrisy Street , Gossiping Lane , and Backbiting Blvd.

However, you have to go down Long-suffering Lane , Persecution Blvd. And Trials and Tribulations Ave.

But that's all right, because VICTORY Street is straight ahead!

AMEN!!!!!

SEND THESE DIRECTIONS TO YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY SO THEY WILL NOT GET LOST.

Life is God's gift to you.
The way you live it............is your gift to God.

A few Christmas Photos

Kaitlyn's first Christmas - a perfect day for a snooze I guess!

Sydney agrees that a gal needs feathers to complete an outfit.

And Megan likes to add stickers to complete her ensemble.

Sydney had some secrets to tell Karsten.

We hope you had a great Christmas!

Russ & Karla

Merry Christmas To You!

From our house to yours -

Merry Christmas

and may 2008 be

a wonderful year for you!

God Bless You!

Russ & Karla

It's Christmas Eve!

It's Christmas Eve - all the packages have been wrapped, the cookies are made and the table is set for our Annual Open House. We never know who may chose to drop in - sometimes a few and sometimes more. It doesn't really matter - we are here to greet anyone and everyone and wish them a Merry Christmas. We will be going to church soon - to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

We have had some sadness this year, we have had some happiness this year but the most important thing is that we realize that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior and we believe that He will give us the strength we need to get through the bad times and likewise He gives us the ability to enjoy the good times.

We should have a few pictures tomorrow of Megan, Sydney, Karsten & Kaitlyn enjoying the trimmings of Christmas.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Kaitlyn is Home - Hooray!

Welcome Home Kaitlyn!!

Kaitlyn and Grandmama play rub noses!

Mark with his newest angel!

Kaitlyn snuggles with Michelle.

Sydney and Bitty Baby welcome Kaitlyn.

Some gifts come in small packages - and this one came home from the hospital at 10 days old and 5 pounds 4 ounces. I am sure my big toe weighs that much!

We are so blessed this Christmas season!

Not ready to come home yet

Kaitlyn did not get to come home today (Sunday) as planned. During the night she lost her body heat again along with 2 ounces - which puts her under 5 pounds again. It seems her issues with controling heat are due to the placenta/umbilical cord problems. While they will continue to run tests, we think it may just be a matter of time until she can build herself up enough to be able to grow the heat containing "fats" that our body needs to self-regulate.

Here is a picture of Kaitlyn and Michelle after a diaper change. She was 5 days old here. She was out for the change and picture and then back with not only her hat (thanks to the great volunteers and nurses who knit/crochet/quilt hats and blankets for these special care babies) but her booties and 2 blankets too. You know the old saying - snug as a bug in a rug!

We do appreciate all your prayers for Michelle, Mark, Sydney, Kaitlyn and Grandmama and Papa too!

Enjoy life,

Russ and Karla

The Little Peanut

A quick update on the Little Peanut Kaitlyn. She lost more weight than we thought at first - she is 4 pounds 13 ounces which means that she lost 10% of her body weight. (Now if Grandma could do this - how exciting that would be!) She continues to have a hard time keeping her temperature up. They have started to lower the temperature of the isolet - hopefully her body will catch up and then she will move to a "crib" - without all the incubator parts. Today she is supposed to do a car seat test - they put them in the car seat for half an hour to see how they do (can't have problems breathing etc. while in that position). While we want her home - it is much better to stay there in the special care nursery than to come home and then have to go back. If that were to happen she would have to be admitted through the ER, have lots of testing (like a spinal tap) and then be admitted to the pediatric area (not the new baby area). Not what we want to happen. The doctor says not to rush her - and that is our plan too - All in God's time.

Kaitlyn in Special Care Nursery

Michelle was released from the hospital but Kaitlyn is staying. She is having problems keeping her temperature up. While in the isolet though she is toasty warm. I was glad to get to go back to the unit to see her.

Her coloring looked good.
Her IV is hooked into the bandaged arm.

She spit up some here and was waving her arm to make sure we knew. Who wants to lay in spit!!

Michelle and Mark left the hospital to go to Babies R Us to get premie diapers and some premie clothing - have to have something warm to wear until the big growth spurt hits. Then they will head back up to the hospital to feed her again.

We all do appreciate your prayers for our littlest angel - we look forward to having her home soon so we can all love on her!

Prayers Needed

A quick update this morning - Little (and I mean little - she is down to 5 pounds now) Kaitlyn was moved to the special care unit for infants last night. She is not holding her temperature - she has been in 3 blankets and a hat and even going into the "warmer" and still cannot control her temperature. She had a very rare placement of the umbilical cord into the placenta and had a bowel movement just before birth. The docs are running lots of tests on her so looks like she will not be returning home for a couple of days at least. Mom Michelle should be released today - and we all know how hard it will be to leave her there. We will have to go back for lots of little visits!

We appreciate all your prayers - will try to get a pic of her in her little isolet soon.

Kaitlyn Denise

Love the bow the nurses taped to her little hat!
Kaitlyn with her bear from Aunt Kim and Uncle Dave

Michelle and Sydney stop for a snack and a hug

Mark on video duty - thanks to a gift from Grandma and Grandpa Garon - who could not visit today due to illness.

Sydney's first time holding her baby sister - with the help of Mommy of course.

Kaitlyn and her little dolly from Grandmama and Papa.

Kaitlyn with a little bear made by Jan and Leonard Schwandt.

What a blessing she is! We enjoyed a visit this afternoon to meet and greet Little Kaitlyn. Sydney was glad to see Mommy and Daddy (it had only been a few hours but she was excited all the same!) When Kaitlyn fussed Sydney came running saying "Kalyn crying". And when Sydney cried we told her it was hurting Kaitlyn's ears and she stopped! Hopefully that will continue to work! ;-) Kaitlyn had to be under the warmer while we were there - blood sugar was dropping due to the loss of heat and the low weight. The nurse gave her a little formula also - lots of sugar in that. Sydney enjoyed giving and getting presents and was very willing to leave the hospital - she was going back to Grandmama's and Papa's to take a bath with her new toys!

Hope you enjoyed a few pictures - I could have posted all night! ;-)

Enjoy life!

Karla and Russ