Rush Shirts

The Walker boys in their Rush t-shirts

Happy Valentine's Day!

Elena, at home after ballet class, was thrilled to show off the $3 Grandma Liz sent along with her Valentine's Day card.  You would have thought she won the lottery, she was so excited! The girl makes up a song for EVERYTHING these days: she has one for putting on her socks, one for mean I am for making her sit in time out, and an adorable one that almost always cheers up her baby brothers.  So it was no suprise that she made a song up about the first time she recieved a dollar bill that was hers.  She even made up a dance to go along with her new hit song "I'm rich, oh yeah, I have money, money, money, oh yeah." I hope it doesn't totally crush her to finds out how little $3 will get her at the toy store.

Brian and David were very content to hang out together in their brand new MacClaren double stroller- their Valentine's Day present from Mom.  This is officially the 12th stroller I have bought since we starting having kids, which is a bit ridiculous.  But I truly think that THIS is the one will make getting out of the house a little easier. By the way, those are not matching bruises or birthmarks on their left legs. Elena decided they each needed a Barbie tatoo which has stuck around now for over a week despite daily baths.

I volunteered this afternoon at Alex's 1st Grade Valentine's Day Party and it was fun to watch Alex interact with his classmates. This was the first year he has attended a school that exchanged valentines, and he worked diligently at picking out the exact right one for each of his friends.  He had a great time playing all with the special activities during the party, especially Heart Bingo.  I love his competitive spirit!

It is an amazing blessing to be able to say I love you to these wonderful children on Valentine's Day, and every other day of the year.

Go Packers!

Alex the Cheesehead eating his football cake and wearing the Green Bay Packers shirt Aunt Pegi and Grandma Liz sent him.

Alex and Elena showing off their football cake, something they were almost as excited about as the big game. Brian crawled into this photo at the last second.

Although it is a little hard to see, this is all four of my guys watching the big game. Elena and I are totally outnumbered!

 

Happy Birthday Grandma Sandy!!!

We met up at Buca di Bepo's Pope Room to celebrate Grandma Sandy's 61st birthday together.  There was lots of good food to share, and the kids had a great time sharing Grandma's dessert with her.  Happy Birthday Grandma Sandy!!!!

My 6th (and hopefully last) Surgery at Clarian North

My sixth surgery in the last 14 months was on December 28th at Clarian North.  I was in the operating room for 6 hours this time, 4 hours less than originally predicted.  After my last 10 hour surgery, I was prepared for a MUCH longer surgery and so happy they were able to address the adhesion and obstruction issues so quickly.

I spent two weeks inpatient at Clarian North, and was not smiles the entire time.  However, anesthesia used me as guinea pig with some kind of new implanted pain balls that released numbing medication into by abdomen for a few days afterward.  This made a huge improvement in my pain control!

 Seeing the kids smiling faces was a huge brightener to my day, and provided motivation for me to get better so I could get home sooner.

Elena had her class's Traveling Teddy with her for the weekend, so she made a big deal about showing him around the hospital.  He brushed his teeth in my bathroom.

They read books together in my hospital bed.

 They walked the hospital halls with me so I could get my strength back up.

They made a stop at one of the hospital's water fountains together. 

It was pretty sad when it was time for them to leave each night. I am so glad to be home sleeping in my own bed again!

 

The Twins Vacation in Michigan

The twins spent some extra time at Grandma Liz's after Christmas while I had and recovered from surgery.  They had a great time, and got to spend lots of time with their cousins, aunts and uncles as shown in the following photos. 

Brian and David's Baptism

It was a beautiful ceremony.  We were surrounded by family, and love, and all things good. It was a very, very happy day. 

The baptism cake, that we ate with brunch at Grandma Liz's house

Brian's baptism, complete with laying of hands by as many people as could reach.

David's baptism, with David looking as chilled-out as ever

Brian with Godfather Jamie and his wife Jill; Debbie Rosenberg is his godmother but is on her way down to sunny Florida to celebrate the new year with her family, so Jill stood in for her.

Godfather Uncle Guy-Guy and Godmother Aunt Diane holding David

Grandma Liz with her boys.  She will keep them with her this week in Michigan while I have and recover from yet another surgery on Tuesday.

The Walkers

Aunt Terry and Aunt Tracy cheesing for the camera at church

Alex with his little brothers

Cousin Matthew

At the baptismal font with family gathered around us

Uncle Guy-Guy with the baptismal candles

The Deacon at Holy Family, the church Jeff attended as a child

The ceremony

Babies with their Godparents and Parents

The Walkers with Grandma Liz

A very happy Uncle Jamie with his godson