Nicky's first day of school..

..or should I write Nicky's nightmare first day of school?
While I was trying to adjust I had to confess it wasn't an easy task to do. Unfortunately my kids sometimes had to pay the consequences of this transition. On Nicky's first day of school I  had to try everything ready so she wouldn't be late.
Managing 4 kids didn't look that hard after all. It was 7:00 a.m. and we all were ready. Hanna a little grumpy and poor Zach had no idea what was going on. However this was something that we all had to get used to so we start the day with tons of Patience and love. The day before I convince Nicky to use a hand me down pair of crocks that she got. She didn't want it very much but I convinced her by telling her that Daddy wears his to work and he loves them because they are super comfy. Nicky accept using the crocks for first day of school.
We left from home around 7:10 that gave us perfect timing to be there with tons of time (since Nicky's class starts at 7:45) I forgot how crazy it get to park so I decided to park as close as I could from school.  I didn't bring my double stroller and even though Zach was too little he has always been a big boy. So I held him. Then the struggle. My toddler princess was demeaning to be held and Ian was running around all those cars. Nicky was complaining about something and I look at the time IT WAS ALREADY 7:30 We weren't going to make it on time (since I had to park practically a block away from our home) I couldn't hear anymore complains since everybody was pretty much up sad. I told Nicky to pose for the picture but my tone was already about to explode. I think Nicky noticed that I was having a hard time so she immediately obeyed and stop complaing. She noticed that her siblings were all around the street  and didn't want me to get up sad. I took the picture and we ran to her school. Gosh the step mother (that is how I call my bad mother side) came out of me with in minutes. Shouting at Ian and pulling Hanna's hand. I kept yelling at Nicky like it was her fault (oh stupid step mother) My friend Celest was coming back from dropping off her girls and saw me struggling with my gang. She immediately offer to take care of my troubles makers (Ian and Hanna) while I was going to drop off Nicky. I told her that perhaps they wouldn't want. But I was being so bad that they didn't hesitance to say YES WE WILL GO WITH CELEST. I thank her a thousand times. I took a deep breath and held Nicky's hand. This should be a very good experience for kids FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL. I was making it a nightmare for my cutie. So I started to talk with a soft voice. When Nicky noticed that she started sobbing. I wasn't yet in the mood to be patienct again so I rolled my eyes and asked her with a sweet voice and force smile...NOW WHAT? and with her cute voice she told me MOM YOU SAID THIS SHOES WERE COMFORTABLE AND THEY ARE MAKING ME BLEED!! (she got a blister from not wearing sucks) I felt to bad that I gave her a hug, apologise and told her that I was going to ask for a bandit..and so I did.
I'm not the best mom, I'm not super mom and I haven't found the patient that I need. However I'm trying, after all that is why we are here right? to be better :s. I love my kids with all my heart and yes I might yell too much some times...not that I'm proud about it. Adjusting wasn't easy. Little by little I'm going back to track. I do admire some of my friends and family who are so patient with out spoiling their kids. I'm hoping someday be like them. I'm trying though. I tryed to compensate the day to my kids by being super kind most of the day. Here is Nicky coming out of school.

.  

He is beeing here for almost 3 months already!!

On August 3rd the youngest of our gang was born. We still can't believe he is here. He is such a cute baby. Definitely a keeper. Now that he can smiles and show a little bit more his personality makes us love him even more everyday. We all are crazy about him. He loves when his siblings or Daddy come and talk to him. OF course  his favorite person is ME his MOMMA! It is very cute when he hears me from far away and immediately start searching the room for me. With no fail when he founds me he is quick to share a smile and starts with his now famous AHWW AHWW. All my kids has been a huge blessing in my life but definitely having a brand new one makes me remember that all the pain and trouble that I went through pregnancy/delivery etc. is totally worth it! here are some pics:)

Zach Russell 8-9 pounds 21 inches Born on augt. 3rd at 1:00 a.m.

I was in the hospital since August 2nd. Don't let me fool you, I was faking the pose.

This is the real me during contractions...just wondering when is it going to stop and is it going to get stronger...thanks to the epidural of course I barely felt the pain.

...and the contraction was gone :D

Glenn's co-workers were so nice and sent me this flower arragment:D

Here is my cutie after a week old :D

Glenn's boos was super nice. The whole team actually. They cover him for 2 weeks so he could take care of me and the rest of the gang. I was upstairs just resting and trying to recuperate ASAP. IT WAS AWESOME!!

Back to life and reality. It tooke me a whole month to go back on track with things around the house. I feel like We ajusted very well to the beautiful change of 6. 

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO MY DEAR FRIEND CELEST. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE BABY SHOWER YOU THREW FOR ME. YOU ARE AWESOME. YOU DO SO MUCH FOR OTHERS. THANK YOU FOR BEING MY FRIEND :S

ANOTHER SPECIAL THANK YOU TO MY FRIEND ROBYN, WHO KINDLY TOOK CARE OF MY GANG WHILE WE WENT TO THE HOSPITAL. SHE REALLY IS A SUPER MOM. WITH 3 KIDS AND A SET OF TWINS AND STILL TOOK CARE OF MY THREE SOME SO I COULD GO AND ADD THIS LITTLE ONE TO OUR FAMILY.

TO MY BEAUTIFUL BABY SISTA!! YOU REALLY ARE THE BEST. NO MATTER HOW TIRED YOU ARE YOU ARE ALWAYS THERE FOR ME. TE AMO MANTA!!!

AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST TO MY AWESOME HUSBAND..BABE YOU ARE THE BEST!!

Great Summer!!

so many things happen during summer time:) I know we are already in fall BUT I can not start posting about Fall without our faboulous summer.
We had more visitors but some of our favorite were our good friends The Hobbs (minus Ron) Lindsay was so cute and nice to come and visit her whale friend on her way to AZ. Nicky and Jay has been friend forever. I feel like I know Lindsay forever too. She has been a lifesaver for me since I move to Tx. I guess I could go on and on. She gift us with 2 days of them. My kids and I wished It could have been more time. I think she was too worry that I was going to deliver during one of our trips to Sea World. It didnt happen though. She brought her little sister along with her. I loved meeting her too. The kids had fun at Sea World and we all get to eat yummy food made for my wonderful husband:D here are some pics.

 Jay was so good at reading that gave that little motivation that Nicky needed to start reading better everyday. Now she is officially a worm reader:D Thanks Jay! and Thanks to Lindsay to make the effort to come. I always need my Lindsay's dosis. I really wish we could live closer. Oh well at least we have this good moment to embrace :D

so much to write...

I have some post that I need to edit before posting. Mostly because I need to add some pics etc. I'm so behind in everything. In this time so many things has happen. Good things though:)

I'm writing in my personal Diary though but I have neglected this blog. It always happen when I'm preggo or with so many visitors (none of that has change so far:)

Highlights since last post til now...

Ian's b-day!! He had a great b-day. We celebrated twice and my Mom, mi sister and my brother came to spend his special day with him, he got tons of toys but his favorite was a spider thing that shoots webs that my sister and her family bought for him.

Hanna's b-day!! she got so many presents. Her favorite present was a Dora's outfit that Grandma and Grandpa sent her. She claims them AS HER FAVORITE CLOTHS!!

Glenn's b-day!! I made his special favorite N.Y cheesecake. He loves it. I hate making it because it takes so much of my time however I always try to make it for his b-day. This year was specially good. His favorite present HIS NEW GRILL!! (it has become also our favorite present for him to have)

Nicky has so many achievements at school. She has participate in different activities. Unfortunately I haven't been able to attend most of them. She is the cutest and always tell me not to worry that even though she would like me to be there she understands that it's hard with my HUGE BELLY and her crazy siblings. It melt my heart because she has such a tender heart. She was chosen to be the bride in her class. Every year the kindergarten celebrate the wedding of the letters Q and U. They get married and now they are always together making words like quilt, quarter etc. Nicky was the letter U and a boy in her class was the letter Q they looked so stinky cute. I asked my friend Celest to back me up with the kids (and borrowed her daughter's dress for Nicky) she has been a great friend since we move here. Always helping. Anyway the activity was fun and all the kids thought that Nicky looked gorgeous. She loved being there to be admire for everybody.

We went to South Padre Island for a family vacation. We invited my little sister Dina and her family to spend the time together. It was great they came. The kids got along so well and if I needed a break (from the sea) I could totally take a nap while Glenn, Beto (my brother in-law ) and Dina (my little sister) watched out for the whole gang:) I have to admitted it is a very decent beach, the kids had a blast and we got out of the routine. It was great. I'm thinking that we might go back once per year. After all it's just 5 hours away from here. Not too bad hu?

After that I went to the doctor to check the glucose and another ultrasound. I gained 11 pounds (in just one month! I know I'm a whale) the baby supposed to be too tall for his time and normal weight for his time too. He is head up so we are praying that he will go head down soon. Otherwise I might have to go through a c-section and I really don't want that.

I'm expecting a friend in 9 days and we are so excited for her visit. After that it will be just to wait 4 more weeks before the baby comes. I'm so excited for his arrival. On despite of the uncomfortable that my pregnancies are and all the challenge that brings being a mom I love it. I was asked yesterday why I kept having kids if I had rough pregnancies. I felt offended of course but I tried to responded politely "It's because we always wanted to have a big family, It's not that I have bad deliveries. It is just that I can't eat all that I want for 9 months. But they are getting better every time. My back hurts so bad and yes I admitted I'm a Coward and I don't like the pain in general, but other than that I love having kids. I wished I could have 6 but I don't think we will have that many. So far we are taking one at the time" of course inside me I was thinking WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?? DON'T YOU HAVE MANNERS?? THERE ARE QUESTION THAT YOU SHOULDN'T MAKE AT ALL?? WHY ARE YOU SO IMPERTINENT?? etc.etc.etc. Yeah I'm trying to avoid the hormones take me as their slave making me be rude...it's a hard thing to do (sight)

On another great new NICKY LOST HER FIRST TOOTH!!! We were so excited. She keeps talking about it. The tooth fairy was very generous leaving $2.25 with some candy under her pillow. She woke me up so early to let me know what the tooth fairy brought for her. She is such a great girl that it's hard not to please her sometimes. She is not perfect and sometimes will throw little tantrum but she is trying to change them recognizing that is wrong and that Mama doesn't like spoil and ungrateful kids.
The same night that she lost her tooth she felt the spirit while Hanna was saying her pray. It was such an special moment. Hanna was repeating after me. When she told Heavenly Father we love him" Nicky felt a weird sensation in her heart and wanted to cry. After the pray she told me with a very surprising voice WOW!! MOM IT WAS SO WEIRD! Then she described what she felt. I explained her it was call the spirit hugging her. That she needed to be aware of those moments because that is how Heavenly Father will help her to find her testimony of the truth. It was such a special moment.

Okay it' s getting late. I guess this will be another unfinished post...

BIRTHDAYS!!!

  I haven't post anything about my cuties pies b-days. It's mostly because I'm to lazy to go upstairs and get the cable to download the pictures to the computer.

However I'm going to start writing and saving it for when I feel like going to bring that cable down.

Ian turns 4!! March 2nd 2007 he was born. He is a very active boy. He likes playing rough and he is nasty as a boy can be. He is also very cute and sweet when he wants to be. The other day he went outside and found a rolly poly. He kept telling me he was his best friend and started to play with it. Well the poor thing didn't survive and die probably of a heart attack while sliding down the slide with Ian. Ian was very concern and thought that some leaves would cheer him up. Well of course the poor thing was totally dead. He was devastated and for the first time he cryed telling me that he loved the rolly poly because it was his friend and he didn't want him to die. It was cute and funny I must say. Anyway I had to take advantage of this so I told him that he was in heaven and he was fine. But next time he needed to be careful and not play with it so much...AND TO NOT FORGET TI WASH HIS HANDS ALL THE TIME, OTHERWISE ANOTHER ROLLY POLLY COULD DIE. (I know I'm mean but seriously he never want to watch his hands and when he does he does a very mediocre job, I'm telling you he is nasty) Anyway after this he watches his hands all the time just in case another rolly polly comes out of the grown and play with him. Next day I went and look for some rolly polly. He was the most happy kid again. It was cute when he was showing him the world and his water guns to the bug. being super careful to not touch it too much.

Anyway coming back to his b-day. HE HAD A GREAT TIME! My sister and her family came from Austin to the celebration. My mom and my brother came all the way from Monterrey and we invited some friends from the church. He had tons of fun and got lots of presents. I made him a spider man building cake. I didn't like it but he loved it and that is what it counts right?

Ian is a great kid with a crazy imagination that it makes me love him even more everyday. He loves going to primary. He already said his first scripture in primary and he did a magnificent job. He keeps telling us that his best friend is his Dad and I'm so glad he thinks that. He surely made us all happy with his born and makes us even happier everyday that he is with us.

March 19th 2009. Sunshine for us with our Hanna's arrival. She is so precious. We love her so much. I can't believe she is already 2 yrs old. She came 3 weeks earlier that we thought but she surely came on the right time. I can honestly say she was the most happy new born ever. Always smiling. She has a strong personality and a tender heart. Loves mothering Ian and admires Nicky a lot. She is a Mommy's girl and loves being spoil by Daddy. She has a very expressive smile and eyes. She gets very happy so easily that makes her an easy kid to have. She knows how to use her power on us and everybody else. She is so princess like and can be also a tomboy at times. She loves letters, numbers and ask us constantly to read her books. (can you believe she asks me to read the book of Mormon out loud? She loves Elmo and Dora. That is why her cake was a party where, Elmo, Dora, Boots, Tico and other caracters where invited. She loved the decorations. I personally like how the cake turn out. (if you know me you must know that I hate decorating cakes) it was the easiest of all. She loved all her presents. We didn't do anything big as we never do anything big unless they have already friends to invite. However we made her feel super special. I was the first person to sing happy b-day and with a shy tone she kept telling me MOM, STOP IT! it was so darn cute. She is so special and surely brings joy and happinest to all of us.

Nicky was so excited to share those moments to her siblings. She really loves them and take care of them most of the time. I was so close to my older brother Abraham and my youngest sister Dina that I'm hoping they will bond as well as we did growing up

long time no see!!!

It's been a while since last time I blogged. Not that I have tons to tell. I guess is just silly same old same old. We have been trying to get over colds, allergies, belly bugs, ear infections etc. Not fun at the Walker's residence. Spring Break it will be next week and I have planned already activities. If the kids still sick I have planned activities to do indoors and if we all get better...I guess just with that we could really really really enjoy our Spring Break.
....and we did here are some of the happenings during spring break 2011

Jan/Enero

Even though I feel pretty much like crap I didn't want to end up the year laying down in the couch. My baby sister Dina and her family came home to celebrate the last day of 2010 and to received with Joy 2011. She made dinner and took care of pretty much everything. I was resting and trying to gain some energy for the last party of last year.

We did sing (I just sang like 2 songs and then nausea again:S) We had some would Wii games the kids love singing on the Karaoke. We did all our traditions except the one with the suitcases. I think the favorite for the kids was seeing the fireworks and eating the grapes. The three of my musketeers stayed awake until almost 1:00 am. We hope this year brings tons of joy to all of us.

no pics

This year we went again to Bass Pro. What an awesome store to take pics with Santa FOR FREE! Ian as soon as he saw him he went and hugged him with all his straight. It was funny and cute to see. Nicky took a picture of the castle that she wanted and took her camera with her so Santa could she what castle she was hoping for Christmas. Hanna, let's say she calmed down as soon as we told her he was going to give her candy.

How Grinch are we? Today we are celebrating Christmas eve. The kids are expecting Santa tonight (Dec 23rd). We had to convince Nicky that today was the 24 and no the 23tr as she thought it was. (kindergartner is teaching her well after all) Glenn will be on call on Christmas day and we didn't want to have to wake up the kids at 5:00 am to open present in a hurry. They are making cookies for Santa right now and I love listening to their excitement just thinking of Santa's face when he sees the wonderful cookies. They know they have to go to sleep soon so Santa can come. I was glad when I asked them about the real meaning of Christmas and Ian shouted with all his straight IS ABOUT JESUS!!! and a soft voice and presents too lol. Well after all they are kids right? I guess I will have more to report tomorrow after we do our Nativity scene and look out for the special start in the sky.

No pictures either for our Christmas morning or nativity play but I'm so please to write that Hanna was super well behaved . We weren't expecting this since she is very stubborn. She saw everybody dressing up and she immediately brought me a blanket and asked me to put it on her head. She kept it the whole story. IT went well and it was actually the first time we could enjoy the play with out scolding the kids. Nicky was the perfect Angel and Ian was the Shepard. He was excited and used his toys as sheeps.

Glenn was the one who told the story, Joseph, and the 3 wise man. I was Mary and Hanna was Jesus AND Mary too. Hanna's favorite present was her new kitchen, Ian's favorite was ...well actually he loved everything or at least he is playing with all his new toys (Iron man's stuff, masks, Spider man figurines etc) Nicky's favorite present was grandma and grandpa's present. She just loves her computer. She loves the castle that Santa brought and the gifts that we gave her but the one that she doesn't stop playing with is her new barbie computer.

We are getting ready to say good bye to this year and to celebrate the begging of 2011.

This year has brought us indeed lots of trials and a development of faith. I still remember when we were moving to San Antonio, I was excited but afraid at the same time. We were still trusting that the matching situation was for the best but deep inside I couldn't stop wondering. Remembering Glenn doing inter year in Baylor and having to move all over again to a place that we didn't know but scare of so many things. I kept wondering if this was the real way. As soon as we move to San Antonio the result were obvious. Then my poor little sister going to probably the most biggest trial ever. Seeing her new born so sick. We were glad we could help them but we were so worried again we held the Lord's hand and let him guide us. Ian kept remained me that I should not be worry since Jesus takes care of us. I feel like as a family we have grown up so much. I feel closer to my husband and to my kids. I see the possibilities of another residency and it makes me scare. We all know he knows better than us. But in the meanwhile when you think your dreams are gone it's hard to remember it. I appreciate all the support that I had from my friends and family. I can honestly say that I've  never seen Glenn so happy. After all, that was my biggest fear. Having a grumpy husband because he hated his job. Our kids are closer to him too and I couldn't be happier. I'm glad I have my husband back.

(okay I'm just updating and shame on me that I wrote this LAST YEAR!! lol) 

Baby octopus/el​mo or baby Dora?

We are all so excited for this new arrival. I'm in my 20th week and still feel like I've been pregnant for 90, feeling lots of pain in my back, etc. However, I've been happy that I can eat more stuff, too ( I was just told this last month I gained 6 pounds thanks to my mom's tortillas). Anyway Glenn and I made our bets. He kept saying it was a boy and I kept saying it was a girl. The kids know that Mom is always right, but just in case Ian tells me "mom, if it's a boy we can call him octopus, but if it's a girl we can name her Dora. I really wish it could be a boy." Nicky kept wishing for a boy so we could have the matched 3 girls and 3 boys in the house. I tried to prepare her this morning just in case I was right again. Hanna kept poking at my belly and calling the baby "baby Elmo." Well, we have the results of the ultrasound and, just so you know, we would have been happy either way. Here are the pictures of our new baby:

Baby's profile! Baby's face!

Baby's feet! Baby BOY!

No we won't name him Elmo/octopus or Dora. However as we did with Ian we are asking our family and friends suggestions on names. It's always hard to find the good one. I remember Aunt Helen suggested Ian and he is definitely an Ian :)

Until next time...

Happy Anniversary babe!

7 years ago I got married to the most wonderful man on earth. I don't have enough words to express how much I love him. My best friend and truly one of my heroes. I just wanted to remember a little note of today.

In despite of how I look or how I feel you are here for me. You helped me with the kids and with dinner and ...well with everything actually. I love you my love with all my heart and there is nothing in this world that I want to do more than make you happy forever and ever.

xoxoox

Feliz Aniversario hermoso

your wify

btw that lobster was THE BEST! thank you again for my big present. I can't wait to have it here:)

W for Walkers!

That is right. We are Walkers! We say it with pride. I sent this e-mail to our family and wanted to post it here too for all our friends and memories to keep. Enjoy!

Let's start with one of favorite Christmas: our first Christmas as a married couple, we received some special, nice ornaments. Since then, we decided to buy an ornament each year that indentifies the year's higlights for each one of us. For example, this year, Glenn's special ornament is a tool box because he's become a great handyman helping with little things here and there in the house. He gets excited every time that I ask him to pull out his handyman box. He's doing his second year of anesthesia and loving it. I finally can understand his language about central venous catheters. He was actually complemented last night on call for his skill in placing a big one very quickly in a trauma patient. He is a great dad and husband. He is so supportive and such a hard worker in everything, even in little things that he never thought he was going to be involved in. That that is why he has earned this special ornament. This year has been tough to find the special ornamet for Nicky (6). I wanted something in Spanish and English since she has improved her Spanish so much. My family can finally have a conversation with her, though she does have a thick gringo accent. It's cute. She does love, however, bragging to her friends that she is bilingual. At first her friends didn't believe her, but then they saw her talking to me in Spanish and she became the most popular of the group. For her ornament, we did find something else that she has been doing for 2 years in a row and enjoying so much: a ballerina. She is doing very well once again in her dance classes. She loves them and keeps telling us she wants to be a ballerina and a chef when she grows up. She loves Kindergarten, which she attends from 7:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. She is a very hard worker, just like her daddy. Not being able to go to school would be the worst punishment for her, and her favorite is having pop quizzes at school...well, after lunch time, of course. Ian's (3) ornament this year could have been a toilet since he has improved so much with potty training. He still struggles at night, but is making improvements. I don't even know sometimes if he will grow up out of it. If not, I am already prepared to send him to college in big diapers. :) He is such a boy. He loves bugging his sisters, playing tough with daddy, and playing with cars and super hero toys. He also loves wearing his skull and crossbone rain boots everywhere (they were on sale, and they fit). He loves his cars, and admires policemen since he thinks they are the real superheroes. He is SO into dinosaurs, but seriously, he's really into it. He could watch movies and "read" books or documentaries about dinosarous forever. That is why he deserved a dinasour ornament. It was really tough to find something that fit so well since he likes so many things. Somehow Hanna (1) learned to love Elmo, and I was so glad because she's a momma's girl. It's funny because she is not a tv girl, she loves books! She always asks for have one with her when we put her in her crib to sleep. However, one day she found Elmo very interesting. She won't watch it on tv, but if I put pbs.org on the computer she could be there ALL DAY LONG...not that I have ever done that for the whole day..temptations, temptations...She still our little peach. Her vocabulary has grown so much. The other day I heard her saying, "BOOYAH!" to Ian...we think she picked it up from Nicky who got in from school. She likes playing rough with Ian, then tattle-taling on him to me about being rough. She is a doll when she walks, tiptoeing everywhere she goes. She picks her clothes with me every morning, and is very opinionated about it. I know what she doesn't want something when I pick it out and she tells me, "NO PRETTY GIRL!" and won't let me put the clothes on her. She lets me know she is happy with the outfit by smiling and nodding her head while saying, "OH, MY! PRETTY GIRL!" She also loves to dance and even say it in Spanish ("BAILA!"). She got an Elmo ornament. For this year the family ornament was this big W since we are Walkers of course. My ornament this year was especially tough. Last year I had a cook mitten with kitchen utensil. Everybody knows how much I love cooking and baking. However, due to this year's circumstances, I had to buy a different ornament for this year. Why? Well, you probably know that when I get pregnant I can't cook or get near the kitchen at all. That's right... WE ARE EXPECTING BABY NUMBER 4!! That is why the other ornament for the family is the one with a gingerbread cookie with the number 6! So far my kids think I'm the best cook for making mac & chesse almost everyday. I'm 8 weeks and a few days along, but who's counting? I went to my OB, and we already heard the baby's heartbeat. Nicky was dissapointed that I wasn't expecting twins. I was glad to see just one. :) Nicky is excited about the news, Ian not so sure how he feels, and Hanna couldn't care less. Glenn has been so nice and patient and such a good husband taking care of all of us when he is home.

We hope all of you had a Great Christmas and we wish you all a wonderful New Year!