Thursday, May 29, 2008

Russ' Classmates

In 2002 we began having an annual picnic with
some folks that Russ attended 6th grade with.
This year it was held at our house.
Due to many circumstances, this
year we had less people than before.
But, no matter the size of the group,
we had a great time of fellowship,
laughter and food.




These are the classmates:
Leonard, Melodye, Russ & Pam




And these are the spouses:
Steve, Karla, John and Janet.
Maybe next year we will have more people -
but no way could we have more fun!
God willing, we will all meet in September -
maybe at Mackinac Island again.

Monday, May 26, 2008

Memorial Day 2008

Memorial Day 2008
Bay Pines National Cemetery
Florida
Here are a couple of pictures taken where my parents
are buried. Had to get this posted today -
a Boy Scout troop puts out flags for
Memorial Day each year and another
troop will come to collect the flags a few
days later.



We give thanks to the service men
and women who served and do serve
our country.
They certainly do make a difference
in all our lives!




Friday, May 23, 2008

Friday's stuff!

Well, the good news it that Kari was able
to come home from the hospital late yesterday.
They had to do another ultra sound to be
sure there was enough amniotic fluid.
Last pregnancy that was low - and it is low with this one too.
But at least she is home to recoup and rest some -
until Monday when she is supposed to work again.
Rich has left for his bear hunt.
We will be hosting a group that Russ attended
6th grade with on Sunday afternoon. Now
6th grade for Russ was a long time ago!
These Memorial Sunday picnics started in 2002.
We have had folks from the UP and as far away as TN come.
This is the first year that it will be held at our house.
Lots of things to do before "company" arrives though!
haha
Hope you all have a great weekend!

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

When will this slow down???

Kari was back in the hospital this morning to have
that stent in her kidney removed and replaced.
They were able to do that and then she began having nice
labor contractions every 2 to 3 minutes - for about 5 hours!
They finally got those stopped but decided to keep her overnight to keep a
watch on the baby - who had a few d-cells (maybe she doesn't
like being squeezed!) Baby is in the 2 pound range
now - so we sure do not want to meet her yet!
Please pray that Kari can get some much needed rest and relaxation
before the "real" thing begins!
Rich will be leaving for a bear hunt in Canada Friday if all
goes well with Kari and baby.
Megan just rolls with the flow - she's enjoying spending a couple
of nights with Grandma & Grandpa. We called Kari
today and Megan took the phone and told Kari that she
was in the hospital and hope you feel better and did
you get my baby sister yet? She is so cute!
Hugs to all of you - and many thanks for the prayers for Kari and Baby!

Monday, May 19, 2008

A big praise report!

Many of you have joined us in prayer
for Sydney, Karsten and Kaitlyn's babysitter,
Erica.
The big praise is -
not only is she feeling better but
she is back to work!!
Everyone was excited to see her this morning -
and she was glad to get back to them too!
Praise God!
ps - trying a new color again, we will see if it loads up correctly next time I post a picture!

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

It's A New Day!

It's a new day -
but back to the old green layout!
Had several people tell me that the beginning
of my blog was not coming up right away.
Will have to figure out what was happening!
Have a great one!

Monday, May 12, 2008

Mother's Day Pics

A great Mother's Day!
Here I am with my 4 wonderful kids!
Kari, Michelle, me, Kim & Steve











Here is Russ with Kaitlyn, Karsten, Megan & Sydney.

Red eyes not fixed and a little blurry -

but they were willing to sit still for a quick photo!




Saturday, May 10, 2008

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all!
We are looking forward to a great day with family.
We will start as usual with church at 9:15 a.m.
Instead of our usual routine of going to Romeo Restaurant for breakfast
we will head home - the kids will arrive between 11 & 12.
We will have a simple barbeque of hot dogs and hamburgers
with all the trimmings.
There is nothing better than spending the day with loved ones!
On a side note - our neighbor, Peg, is now a Grandma!
Her daughter, Nicole, gave birth this morning to a girl -
Lily Kathleen
7 pounds 12 ounces
21 inches
lots of dark hair (like Daddy Adam)
We have known Nicole since she was in 8th grade and moved in
next door when Peg married our neighbor Chuck.
Nicole even worked for us for awhile too while in school.
Hooray for Motherhood!

Friday, May 02, 2008

Off and Running...



We are off and running today -
headed to Alabama to see Russ' parents and family.
It will be a quick trip since this is the big start to the busy season
at work. Will return by Monday evening.
No internet access at his parents house,
our cell phones will not work there
and I did not renew the connection for the satellite radio
in my car (Poor Russ!).
We are praying for a quick and easy trip - especially for my knee!!
Also praying for an easy work day today for Kari! She is having
problems with that stent in her kidney - lotsa pain if she moves at all!
Make a difference - and check in with you soon!

Sunday, April 27, 2008

Happy Birthday Steve!


Happy 30th Birthday Steve!!
You are a great son - and we are so very proud of you!
I could go on and on with the embarrassing stories of things you have said and done - but since this is your birthday I will spare you this time!
Instead I will remind you again,
We love you and and are so proud of the man you have become!

The best laid plans....

Michelle and Mark along with Sydney and Kaitlyn left for the Orlando area yesterday morning for a week of rest and relaxation. Due to Sydney's food allergies they rented a vacation home near all the fun activities - that way they can cook the things she can eat. Got there fine - beautiful home - built in pool - Princess bedroom for Sydney - all the amenities! They enjoy their first partial day and evening. About 9:30 Mark gets off the sofa to lock up for the night - and bing bong his back is out! He made it upstairs but was in great pain all night. Michelle thought they would have to call 911 to get him back downstairs - but he managed to make it down the stairs and then use one of the strollers as a walker. Off to the hospital on Sunday morning. It seems that he has a herniated disc and pulled muscles - so they are having him enjoy a drug-induced happy party right now! The docs have cautioned him to not lift or drive, and to sit, lay or stand only short times. To visit Disney he will need a motorized wheelchair - since he cannot roll the wheels himself and Michelle will have 2 kiddo's under 3 to push too. Also Michelle will have to pack all those bags and get them down the stairs and into the van too - and yes, they had to bring 2 car seats and baby paraphernalia along with all the clothing for 4 people for a week!

All the plans we make......can change in a moment!

Praying that Mark feels better soon !!

Saturday, April 26, 2008

Megan Moments


We enjoyed having Megan today while Kari was working.
She was quite busy checking out flowers and helping Grandpa!
She got out the kiddie lawnmower and was trying to help out!


Grandpa was vacuuming up leaves and Megan was right on his trail! He turns and she turns, he zigs and she zags!

She was helping get all the leaves/winter gunk out of the patio pond here.


And of course she remember to stop to smell the flowers - except she was pulling them instead!


What a great day we had!











Fun with Grandma!





Thursday I had all 4 grandchildren for most of the day.

Thought I would try to get a good picture of all of them sitting together.

Megan was ready in this one - but Karsten though Kaitlyn needed his attention and Sydney was wondering what he was doing behind her back!


After several attempts I realized that this is as good as it gets!
Sydney is usually the one who looks and smiles in the pictures (she is our budding photographer) but she was busy this time putting her arms around Megan and Karsten! Megan rarely looks but she is laughing, Karsten wasn't looking either but he was laughing and
Kaitlyn is just wondering what is going on!
Maybe this was the shot where I told them there was a monkey on Grandma's head and they had to laugh to get it off!
Make a difference in someone's life!

Thursday, April 24, 2008

March 29 picture




We had a great time on Russ' birthday at the Piston's VS Cavaliers game at the Palace!


This is a picture of the Patterson Clan -

Michelle, Kim, Karla, Russ, Kari & Steve
We LOVE it when Michelle's boss thinks we need a family night out!



Thursday, April 17, 2008

Two in One Day!

Whooo-hoooo - Kari was released from the hospital! She is on the way home to do some serious resting! And Megan was very glad to see her Mama!

Kari Surgery

Kari had surgery this morning to put a stent up into her kidney. Hopefully that will give her the relief she needs from this kidney stone! The stent will stay until the stone passes or until after she gives birth. This whole thing came on suddenly and hits like a ton of bricks! Please remember her in prayer!

Correction: While it SOUNDS like a kidney stone - no actual stone has been sighted on any of the scans.

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

When it Rains...

When it rains....it pours!

As I try to recoup - our daughter Kari is in the hospital! Kari is due in August and suddenly has terrible pains - she suspects a bladder infection. No, that would be too easy - seems it is maybe kidney stones! They have done a couple of ultrasounds on the kidneys (baby is fine) and may do a procedure tomorrow. She is on pain meds too. Only one "attack" today - but if you touch her in the kidney area she is jumping! Please pray for her - and also for Megan (who spent the night with Aunt Michelle and then has been at Grandma Shirley's house) and for Rich too.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Kicking - not quite!

Well, I am surely not "kicking" yet - but I sure am hobbling around! Surgery came off without a hitch - even took me in a little early. They gave me a great little cocktail in the iv and I don't even remember kissing Russ goodbye! When I came to a couple of nurses were admiring my pedicure! Always nice to have your feet admired! haha Anyway - wrapped from my toes to my thighs with an ace bandage which keeps me from making the leg straight and from bending it too. So long story short - I am mending and will be trying not to overdo!

Hugs to all of you and thanks for the prayers!

Sunday, April 13, 2008

Bumpy cake cupcakes!

Wow - what a treat we had today for Kim and Steve's birthdays! We had bumpy cake cupcakes! My favorite thing to eat is cake - so right up my alley!

We enjoyed having the whole family here together - and the grandkids enjoyed seeing all the cousins too!

Will post some pictures as soon as our official photograher, Michelle, sends me some! ;-)

On a side note - I will be out of commission for a couple of days - having arthroscopic knee surgery on Monday, April 14. Tired of having my knee dictate where I can go and what I can do! Please pray for a sucessful surgery and a quick recovery!

See you soon - and make a difference!

Saturday, April 12, 2008

Hello Mudder, Hello Fadder

Seems like yesterday sometimes - seems like a million years ago other times.

Today is the 9th year anniversary of the day my mom left us and went on to Heaven. And today is the 9 month anniversary of the day my dad followed. Funny how they both died on the 12th day of the month (she in April and he in July).

Mom died on Kim's 26th birthday - there was no celebration for Kim that year. But we knew that Mom would want us to always celebrate Kim's day and we have. Tomorow, April 13 we will all gather to celebrate the April birthdays of our family - for Kim, 35, and Steve, 30. We look forward to all being together - and we know that my mom and dad will be with us in spirit! They loved birthday celebrations!

Make a difference!

Happy Birthday Kim!

35 years ago today we had our first child - a beautiful 8 pound 8 ounce girl!

As the story goes, I awoke with back labor at about 1:45 a.m. but didn't wake Dad until about 6:00 a.m. when he would normally wake to go to work. So we got ready to go to the hospital - but with a stop off at work to open the building and get things straight for the day. Dad was inside with all the customers that were arriving and finally some of the other employees began arriving. All the while I was in the car having contraction after contraction after contraction. Finally one of the older employees came by the car and began to tease me about when was I finally going to have this baby - and I began to cry telling him any minute now! He went inside and had customers move vehicles and told Dad to get out of the place and get to the hospital now! And then you were born about 6 hours later - how was I to know that things had not progressed as much as I thought they would in that time! ;-)

You were well worth the loss of sleep (for that night and many others) and the fun 12 hours of labor!

We love you Kim - and are so proud of the great woman, wife and mother you have become!

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Erica

Join me in making a difference in a young lady's life!!

Erica - the babysitter for Sydney, Karsten & Kaitlyn - has not felt well for awhile. All the sickness was attributed to her pregnancy. But then it continued after the delivery of her beautiful baby boy. After much pain she was finally diagnosed with a problem with her gall bladder and had that removed. And then even more pain. They discovered then that she had a gall stone in her liver - so they cut away part of the liver to remove the stone. Then they found the pancreatitis - and then pneumonia. She is one very sick cookie! She has been in the hospital now for 2 weeks - and they say she will be there for quite some time. She is still in major pain, very swollen, high fevers and has infections of her entire gastro tract.

The grandkids really miss Erica and the fun they had with her.

Are you wondering how you can make a difference in Erica's life? You can Pray, Pray, Pray for her health! You can pray for the medical staff that is working with her. You can pray for her infant son who needs his mommy. You can pray for her fiance who has a new job. You can pray for her parents who are beside themselves with worry for their daughter and are taking care of baby Christian too. Your prayers will make a difference not only in Erica's life - but in yours too! Thanks everyone!

Sunday, March 23, 2008

And Easter Sunday continues....

We are very fortunate to have all our children and grandchildren all right here within a half hour drive. We were able to all gather today for food and fellowship and to celebrate Michelle, Mark and Russ' birthdays - so that means we had deviled eggs and birthday cake with a bunny on it! ;-)


Thought you might like to see pictures of each of the grandchildren as they visited with the Bunny this year.


Megan visited the Bunny at Lakeside Mall. She was thrilled to see him and touch him - and when she left she made sure to turn around and throw him kisses. She left out some carrots for him last night - and surprise - He ate them!



Sydney saw the Bunny at Lakeside Mall - but no pictures for her there. She was not so sure of that thing! She did visit this one at WalMart later on. It took awhile for her to warm up - but she did a good job then but was certainly not going to sit on his lap! Holding the candy didn't hurt either!




Karsten saw this Bunny at Bunnyville at the Detroit Zoo. He enjoyed riding in his new wagon to see all the animals playing. A nice sunny day for a trip to the zoo!




Kaitlyn visited the Bunny at Lakeside Mall also. She didn't seem to mind at all! She is a very happy baby!
And now that all the visiting and playing are over for the day - Grandma and Grandpa are resting and thanking God for all our wonderful blessings!






He Is Risen!

We had a FANTASTIC service today! We met at the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts rather than at our church. There were very few open seats that I could see. We had great music, two dramas and some good preaching too! No one could say they had not heard the gospel today during that service.

On a funny note - the Pastor was talking and Sydney looked at us and said, He is STILL talking! Out of the mouths of babes!

Megan went to church also today - and something was said about Jesus and she spoke up and let everyone know that Jesus Loves Me. Then they had some bells and she said - Oh that is a lamb! Maybe she meant the Lamb of God? haha

We hope YOU had a Blessed Easter!

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Baby Barch will be wearing...

Kari had an ultrasound today - and baby will be wearing
PINK!!!!

How exciting - we really have never had a preference - just always prayed for a healthy baby with a safe and easy delivery for mom too.

Megan will make a great big sister - she loves to see cousin Kaitlyn and hug her.

Hooray - another blessing from God!

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Happy Birthday Mark!

We have 2 birthdays in the family today - Karsten and also Mark!

We will celebrate Mark's birthday along with Michelle's and Russ' on Easter Sunday.

He will celebrate tonight with the special cupcakes that Michelle and Sydney made - Sydney is much like Grandma - she loves cake!

Mark is treasured by his growing family and we are all blessed by having Mark in ours!

Happy 2nd Birthday Karsten!

Let me check your teeth Horsie!
Yum, I love getting a sucker because the girls go potty!

Who is Grandma's favorite boy??
(I can still ask this since we don't know if the new baby is a boy or a girl!)
Karsten is practicing answering this question with "Here I am!"
"Two" is going to be an exciting year!
We love you Karsten!

Monday, March 10, 2008

Funnies from Kids

Children really do learn in Sunday School! Check out these funnies!

LOT'S WIFE: The Sunday School teacher was describing how Lot's wife looked back and turned into a pillar of salt, when little Jason interrupted, 'My Mommy looked back once while she was driving,' he announced triumphantly, 'and she turned into a telephone pole!'

GOOD SAMARITAN: A Sunday school teacher was telling her class the story of the Good Samaritan. She asked the class, 'If you saw a person lying on the roadside, all wounded and bleeding, what would you do?' A thoughtful little girl broke the hushed silence, 'I think I'd throw up.'DID NOAH FISH? A Sunday school teacher asked, 'Johnny, do you think Noah did a lot of fishing when he was on the Ark?' 'No,' replied Johnny. 'How could he, with just two worms.'

HIGHER POWER: A Sunday school teacher said to her children, 'We have been learning how powerful kings and queens were in Bible times. But, there is a Higher Power. Can anybody tell me what it is?' One child blurted out, 'Aces!'

MOSES AND THE RED SEA : Nine-year-old Joey was asked by his mother what he had learned in Sunday School. 'Well, Mom, our teacher told us how God sent Moses behind enemy lines on a rescue mission to lead the Israelites out of Egypt . When he got to the Red Sea , he had his army build a pontoon bridge and all the people walked across safely. Then he radioed headquarters for reinforcements. They sent bombers to blow up the bridge and all the Israelites were saved.' 'Now, Joey, is that really what your teacher taught you?' his mother asked. 'Well, no, Mom. But, if I told it the way the teacher did, you'd never believe it!'

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD: A Sunday School teacher decided to have her young class memorize one of the most quoted passages in the Bible - Psalm 23. She gave the youngsters a month to learn the chapter. Little Rick was excited about the task - but he just couldn't remember the Psalm. After much practice, he could barely get past the first line. On the day that the kids were scheduled to recite Psalm 23 in front of the congregation, Ricky was so nervous. When it was his turn, he stepped up to the microphone and said proudly, 'The Lord is my Shepherd, and that's all I need to know.'

UNANSWERED PRAYER? The preacher's 5 year-old daughter noticed that her father always paused and bowed his head for a moment before starting his sermon. One day, she asked him why. 'Well, Honey,' he began, proud that his daughter was so observant of his messages. 'I'm asking the Lord to help me preach a good sermon.' 'How come He doesn't do it?' she asked.

BEING THANKFUL A Rabbi said to a precocious six-year-old boy, 'So your mother says your prayers for you each night? That's very commendable. What does she say?' The little boy replied, 'Thank God he's in bed!'

UNTIMELY ANSWERED PRAYER During the minister's prayer one Sunday, there was a loud whistle from one of the back pews. Tommy's mother was horrified. She pinched him into silence and, after church, asked, 'Tommy, whatever made you do such a thing?' Tommy answered, soberly, 'I asked God to teach me to whistle, and He did just then!'

TIME TO PRAY A pastor asked a little boy if he said his prayers every night. 'Yes, sir,' the boy replied. 'And, do you always say them in the morning, too?' the pastor asked. 'No sir,' the boy replied. 'I ain't scared in the daytime.'

ALL MEN / ALL GIRLS? When my daughter, Kelli, said her bedtime prayers, she would bless every family member, every friend, and every animal (current and past). For several weeks, after we had finished the nightly prayer, Kelli would say, 'And all girls.' As this soon became part of her nightly routine, to include this at the end, my curiosity got the best of me and I asked her, 'Kelli, why do you always add the part about all girls?' Her response, 'Because we always finish our prayers by saying 'All Men'!'

SAY A PRAYER Little Johnny and his family were having Sunday dinner at his Grandmother's house. Everyone was seated around the table as the food was being served. When Little Johnny received his plate, he started eating right away. 'Johnny! Please wait until we say our prayer.' said his mother. 'I don't have to,' The boy replied. 'Of course, you do,' his mother insisted. 'We say a prayer before eating, at our house.' 'That's our house,' Johnny explained. 'But this is Grandma's house and she knows how to cook!

Friday, March 07, 2008

Babysteps

So if we are to all try to do things that will make a difference in others lives - then you have to start with baby steps! (Flylady says that is the way to make changes in our home lives too!)

We started with a Baby Step this week - we helped to serve dinner at church on Wednesday night to the McRest folks. These are people who, for whatever reason, are homeless. They are taken daily out to work/interviews etc. and then return in the evening where they are fed and housed. Different churches donate their buildings for a week at a time throughout the year. This week we at CWC are hosting.

Everyone of these people were so very polite - some smiling and some not. One particular woman came several times for hot tea with honey. I mentioned to her that I love honey in my tea and she said it was not for her but for her child who was sick. We had men, women and children.

A big thanks also - Wednesday nights meal was donated by Rio Wraps on 26 Mile near Van Dyke. The owner stayed also to get to talk to people. Always good to support the businesses that donate to our community.

There are lots of ways to make a difference - passing on a smile, helping with a door, donating time to charities, noticing when someone is having a bad day and telling them you will pray for them, babysitting for a busy mom - just look around and you will see opportunities! This was a baby step for us - and we look forward to more opportunities!

Make a difference!!

Tuesday, March 04, 2008

Happy 66th Birthday Karen!


Happy Birthday to you Karen!
We are glad to have you in our lives for the past 7 years! Dad saw something special in you - and together you had a good even if short life together. We still laugh at the time we went to Universal Studios in Orlando! You were like a little kid - we loved showing you Jaws (glad you were on that side of the boat!) and Shrek! And getting the nice wheelchair ride from Russ!
The idea now is to make a difference in someone's life - you have certainly made a difference in ours and we hope that we have made a difference in yours too.
Hugs!

Saturday, March 01, 2008

A New Thought

Greetings everyone,

In many of my posts I end it with "Enjoy Life" - seems like a good thing to do. God has given us this life and we really should enjoy it!

Something has been on my mind a lot lately - maybe instead of trying to just enjoy life we should be trying to make a difference in someone else's life. Hmmm, just a thought. Seems to be what God would want us to be doing.

Anyway - just a thought! (And I thought you would rather be hearing that then hear me complain that I am so tired of gray skies and winter!) ;-)

Hugs to all - and Make A Difference!

Karla & Russ

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

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!

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

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!

Friday, February 15, 2008

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!

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

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.


Saturday, February 09, 2008

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

Sunday, January 20, 2008

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!

Tuesday, January 01, 2008

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

Monday, December 31, 2007

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

Thursday, December 27, 2007

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.

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

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




Tuesday, December 25, 2007

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

Monday, December 24, 2007

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!

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

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!





Sunday, December 09, 2007

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

Thursday, December 06, 2007

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.

Tuesday, December 04, 2007

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.

Sunday, December 02, 2007

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

It's A GIRL!!

It's a beautiful baby girl for Michelle and Mark! Little Kaitlyn was born this morning about 9:15 am and weighed in at 5 pounds 5 ounces and 19 1/4 inches. Can't wait to meet her! Pictures will be posted this evening I am sure!

We are so very blessed - 3 granddaughters and 1 grandson!!

Enjoy life!

Karla and Russ