Dear Future Neighbor,

Ok, we need to get some things straight, if we plan to be friends. Yes, my husband is a doctor. An actual M.D. He's a Pathologist; he doesn't work with actual patients--he looks at their insides under a microscope. Yes, he did go through four years of medical training, but if you have a simple question like:

My kid has a fever and is pulling at his ears, can you look at them for me?

I've been having headaches for three days in a row, why is that?

I get these wierd splinter thingies under my nailbeds-what's that from?

What is a concussion?

He may befuddle you with big words straight from one of his textbooks he had to memorize, but don't let this fool you. He probably just doesn't know the answer. You see, if you want to know about the big offenders such as diabetes or heart disease, he's your man. But for the everyday stuff, you're better off going to wikipedia.com; or better yet, call your family doctor.

Oh, and one more thing--he's not doling out prescription slips at our house. Nope, we go to our family doctor just like everybody else. Well, except we paid $80,000+ in tuition for a medical education.

Sincerely,

Your Very-Unconnected Friend

Weekend Getaway

We desperately had the need to GET AWAY from our children. They're cute. They're fun. We love them to pieces, but I don't know, maybe Josh's incessant screaming on the way to Grandma & Grandpa's house, put us over the edge. We ditched our beloved offspring to their very generous and very kind grandparents and hurried out the door before anyone had a chance to change their mind. We went to lunch and then wasted the afternoon away shopping child-free, carseat-free, and meltdown-free. We then made our way to this haven:

We watched movies and ate pizza in bed--it was lovely.

My Christmas Top 5

5. The Mormon Tabernacle Christmas concert with the Kings Singers. Beautiful.

4. Dinner with friends while our children were snug in their beds with their new Babysitter in the next room. We've never hired a babysitter. It was the best and something we want to do more often.

3. Two family Christmas parties. It was fun to see the new babies that were born this year. We look forward to seeing family members that we usually only see once a year.

2. My boys in jammies. Scrumptious!


















1. And of course, seeing one happy little boy open his Christmas presents. If he would have gotten only one toy, he would've been happy; but the Grandmas & Grandpas made extra sure to spoil both our boys rotten. Poor Josh pooped out on us in the middle of the Christmas extravaganza-big brother had to fill in and open his presents for him.












You know when Andrew especially loves a toy. It sleeps with him, it eats dinner with him, it takes trips in the car with him, and it is NOT to be touched by anyone else!







We had a fun Christmas, full of joy and family.

Greatest Hits 2007

Joshua Bryant is born into the world, 8lb. 3oz. 12:18
Josh Sports His First Smile 01:30
We All Get A Full Night's Sleep 03:15
Nancy Starts Her First Veggie Garden 05:11
Andrew Says Goodbye to Diapers 05:31
Andrew’s 3rd Birthday 06:18
First Camping Trip as a Family of Four 07:01
Randy Begins His Final Year of Medial School 7:29
Joshers Gets His First Tooth 07:30
Randy Decides What He Wants To Be When He Grows Up: a Pathologist 08:26
Lake Powell Vacation 09:05
Andrew’s First Day of Preschool 09:13
Randy Goes to India for a Month 09:14
Nancy & the Boys Visit Grandma in San Diego 9:15
Josh Crawls 09:28
Residency Interviews Begin 10:26
Randy Turns 30! 11:06

7 Years of Wedded Bliss 12:16
Josh’s 1st Birthday 12:18

It’s been a fun and eventful year! We wish you a Merry Christmas!

Love,
Randy, Nancy, Andrew & Joshua

Christmas Eve

Every year, we spend Christmas Eve with Randy's grandma, aunts, uncles & cousins.




Good times.

Flashback Friday: Christmas Past

Oh, I have so many wonderful memories of Christmases past. My parents really knew how to make it magical. Here are some of my favorite memories:

When I was 5, my parents told me to look out our window that looked out into our backyard to see what Santa brought me-a giant Sesame Street swing set! I was a firm believer after that.

When I was 7, I don't know what possessed me to do this, but I woke up to find that Santa had been there. I then proceeded to open my presents without even waking my parents! I remember the toy that I wanted with all my heart: a Cabbage Patch Horse. I knew this was wrong because afterward, I wrote my parents a letter apologizing for opening my presents. We laugh about it now, but I remember my parents being very bewildered and saddened at what I had done. Now I can imagine how they felt because I can't wait to see Andrew opening his presents this year.

When I was 11 or 12, my parents came home after Christmas shopping. I was whining to them about something, and my mom just kept saying, "Go get that bag on the table." She probably asked me three times before saying, "GO GET THAT BAG ON THE TABLE!!" Well, I got the bag, and there was a puppy inside.

Speaking of pets, it seemed like that's always what I wanted every year for Christmas-we had many hamsters, guinea pigs, and rabbits through the years.

When I was 13 or 14, we opened our Christmas presents like usual. I received a lot of nice things, but I didn't get the "one thing" that I had asked for (I can't even remember what it was now). My parents asked me if I was happy with what I had been given , and I said yes, of course. Some time later, my parents told us Santa had left some more presents in one of the bedrooms-there was another load of wrapped presents in there.

We had so many little traditions that I long to carry on with my own little family:

We went to the same Christmas tree lot every year to pick out the perfect Christmas tree. We went out to dinner afterward and then sang Christmas songs on the way home. Dad would put up the lights on the tree (meticulously) and then my sister, Mom, and I would put up the ornaments while listening to Christmas music and sipping hot chocolate. The tackier the tree, the better. I loved seeing my homemade ornaments year after year. We always had colored lights that blinked in splotches-it was such a comfort to me for some reason. We had a red bell that played Christmas tunes that I loved. We also had a very old angel that sat on top of the tree that finally bit the dust when I was in high school-we tried to replace it, but it was never the same.

Every Christmas Eve, we got to open one present to take the edge off of our excitement. That present was always pajamas. My sister always hoped it would be something else. On Christmas morning, we would open our presents in our cute pajamas-perfect for pictures. Even my mom and dad got pajamas and it was fun going with them to pick them out for each other.

Every Christmas Eve we would put our jammies on and then hop in the car to go look at Christmas lights while listening to Christmas music. Then off to bed!

We woke up way before the sun came up. My sister and I woke up around 3 am and would lay next to our presents around the tree until it was a suitable time (like 4 am) to go wake our parents up. Our parents were so good and let us wake up that early-their only stipulation was that we had to go make them a cup of coffee and tea before they'd get up.

We opened our presents one at a time. Santa made our dreams come true every year. I always got clothes (I loved getting clothes), but they were never the style that I wanted! My poor mom tried every year to pick out clothes she thought I'd like, but I'd always want to return at least half of them! The day after Christmas, my mom would take me shopping-she'd wait in the return lines while I scavenged the clothes isles. It turned into a really fun tradition-my mom is the best shopping buddy ever!

We always made M&M cookies and sugar cutout cookies every Christmas Eve. We'd leave a plate of cookies with milk for Santa.

We got my mom & dad the same few stocking stuffer items every year. For my mom, it was Jordan Almonds & bubble bath in the shape of a champagne bottle. For my dad, it was a particular shaving soap and chocolate covered cherries. The chocolate covered cherries (without the cream) were always hard to find. Every time I see them at the store, I check to see if they're the kind that my Dad likes, and they never are. I wonder if they even make them anymore.

On Christmas morning, we got dressed after opening our presents and then headed over to my aunt's house to spend time with her and my cousins.

I remember getting those big huge (poster sized) coloring books-I don't even see those anymore. I loved them!

Farewell

We said goodbye to the bottle today. Doesn't he look so cute and content?

He doesn't mind regular ol' milk or sippy cups. Woo hoo! I dodged a bullet there, didn't I?

My Search for a Fancy Schmancy Camera

I know a few posts ago I was dreaming of the Nativity & Advent sets I'd like to have someday, but what I'm saving up for, hopefully by my 30th birthday (which is coming a little too quickly), is an upgrade from my 3.2 megapixel dinosaur to a beginner-level digital SLR. So I need your help. So many of you own one of these bad boys, please tell me why you like yours and why you chose that particular camera (Kimbur, Lorena, Ruth, Lindsey, Hillary, Danica, Becky, Danielle and anyone else). As of now, I'm leaning toward the Nikon D40. Here are the cameras that I'm comparing (you know me and my obsessiveness):

Canon Rebel XT

Nikon D40
Olympus E410
Pentax K100D

Thanks for your input!

Happy Birthday Sweetness

Joshua Bryant turns one today. We cheated and celebrated 16 days early. Here are some highlights from his party at Grandma & Grandpa's house:

I Don't

Like This Hat!!!!

You can pacify me with a pen, but don't expect me to be happy about it.

Mmmm. Cake is squishy. And so fun to throw on the floor.

Big brother seems to like it.

It was fun opening presents with Dad & Brother helping me.

But the highlight of my first birthday party was....

...hanging out with Dad & Uncle Tyler

Happy Birthday to our sweet little monster. We love you!!

Poor quality, but pretty funny:

Economy Christmas

Someday:

For Now:

Someday:

For Now:

Here's To Us....

Seven Years!! Now that's something to be proud of!!

Here's the story:

I had a roommate, Elizabeth Stewart who met Randy in Madrid Spain where they both served a mission. Elizabeth said she wanted to me to meet Randy, but at the time I was dating someone else. Well, things didn't work out with that someone else and after a few weeks, I told Elizabeth I was ready to meet Randy. We didn't have his phone number. The logical person probably would have just looked him up on the BYU directory, but Elizabeth knew that he lived in Springville, so we looked him up in the phone book. We thought "Larry" was a good dad's name, so we called the phone number that belonged to his dad. Elizabeth set up our first date and here is what I wrote in my journal:

December 7, 1999

"My roomate Elizabeth set me up on a date with Randy. We made Spanish food [we made dishes from the mission: Paella & Spanish Tortilla, yum.] My first impression of him was not good. I was just not impressed. He hardly said two words to me when he first came in, but talked to everyone else. I assumed he was just nervous, so I let it slide and was determined to make the best of it. Through the night, though, his personality came out--He's very outgoing. He was born and raised in Springville, Utah-so he's very down to earth-country style. He's the type that can swear and it would be okay [He never swears, and who knows why this was a good attribute to me]. After dinner, we went to Thanksgiving Point to look at the Christmas lights. He talked about a date he went on last Saturday and didn't walk alongside with me as we looked at the lights-I took this as "not interested" signs. I was ok with that. I mean, he definitely isn't someone that I normally would be attracted to. I don't know what my type is, but he wouldn't fit it. Anyhow, somehow Elizabeth and her date separated from us and someting happened. We just started talking and ended up having so much fun. We went back to my apartment. Elizabeth's date left, but the three of us made hot chocolate and played cards. The night definitely didn't turn out the way I thought it would..."

Ok, not an impressive beginning. It wasn't love at first sight and we weren't engaged two weeks after we met. He did, however, ask me on a second date, and around the 5th date, I knew Randy was a keeper. We became good friends and had a lot of fun dating. He popped the question on August 28, 2000 and we were married December 16, 2000.

I was 22 and he was 23 when we married. Knowing each other for only a year and being so young, I thank my lucky stars that we ended up together. Being married to Randy has made me a more grounded, gentle, and patient person and I feel so blessed.

Tidbits

Just some things I don't want to forget...

Josh is a clock. He wakes up at the same time every morning (7:16). I don't rescue him exactly when he wakes up (because I'm lazy). I wait until his "come get me" cry gets really annoying. He has a very distinct cry in the morning, it's worse than fingernails scratched against a chalkboard. He's just that good.

Speaking of Josh's sleeping habits. He likes to chew on a blankie to fall alseep, so his blankies are always wet. When I go to check on him, he's usually in a heap on top of his blankie. He always looks uncomfortable, but he sleeps really well, so go figure.

Josh smacks his lips when something is especially tasty. He particularly loves strawberry yogurt. Today, when I was washing his hands, he got a taste of hand soap before I could stop him (he's a quick little critter), he was just a smacking as fast as he could. Maybe he can taste things better that way.

Andrew picks up on all my bad habits. Children are amazing that way. It's like having a big huge mirror held up to your face all day. His latest bad habit is to yell something at me, Dad, or Brother and then go "aaugh!" I admit, I do this way more often than I'd like to.

If non-coordination is an inheritable trait, I'm sad to say I think Andrew inherited it from me. The bright side, when Andrew stumbles or falls, he'll quickly say, "I'm OK!" and gets on with his day. It's so cute and nerdy at the same time.

And it must be noted that Andrew is OBSESSED with the color Red. In nursery, preschool, or at home, his drawings are all in red. Rarely does he venture in any of the other colors. In a class at the children's museum, they made doggie puppets out of paper sacks. The poor dog had red ears, a red mouth, red nose, and red eyes! I've embraced it, I think it's adorable. I try to dress him in as much red as possible; he looks good in red.

Perfect Day

To build a snowman, wrap presents, address Christmas cards, watch Christmas movies & sip some wassail. I love this season!

Hmmm...

Randy's name: 5 letters
Nancy's name: 5 letters
Andrew's name: 6 letters
Joshua's name: 6 letters

I like the symmetry.

Pretty Darn Good

Maranda (Randy's sister) gave us this CD for Christmas: Spirit of the Season. It is absolutely beautiful! It is #1 right now on the Billboard Classical Music chart. Maranda performs in some of the pieces (she performs in the Bells at Temple Square choir) which makes it even more beautiful!

Polite Pretend Play

I was watching Andrew play by himself tonight. He was playing with his blocks-I think he was pretending they were cars. One block was following the other and I heard such words as: "Please" "Thank You" "You're Welcome" "That's a Good Choice" and "Good job." It's nice to know some of our efforts are sinking in!

My Mom's Breast Cancer 3-Day

Here is an email my mom sent, just thought I'd share with everyone. If you would like to donate, there is a link at the bottom of this post. Way to go Mom!

"Well, I did it! Again! I walked 60 miles in 3 days. I did much better this time too! A couple of blisters, but I could actually still run at the end. I think I could have gone for 10 more miles! We showed up in Del Mar on day one at the crack of dawn (and I’m not kidding); I wasn’t going to “officially” check in because I still haven’t raised the required $2200 but I didn’t want my friend (actually she is my boss) to walk alone, so I figured I’d just walk “unofficially”. Well, after a very emotional opening ceremony, I couldn’t help myself. Luckily I packed my bags the night before (just in case) & I took the leap of faith and checked in so that I could have the added pleasure of sleeping on the ground in a tent after walking 20 miles a day. I put a sign on my butt that said “I still need $1400” (don’t laugh; I actually received $70 dollars in donations just from the sign). Danny thinks I’m a little crazy (ok he knows I am) but he brought my luggage to camp that night anyway.

I’ve attached some of the pictures of sights we saw along the way. People go to great lengths to cheer us on & you can’t imagine how much it helps. Distraction is a powerful tool! We laugh, we cry, we share stories & experiences and in the end without a doubt it is all worth it One of the many highlights of the first day was at Pit Stop 4, where sea lions played in the surf while we relaxed and rehydrated. On Day Two, the Texas CowBelles (see picture of the ladies dressed as cows) were out on the route bright and early to greet us and keep us motivated. I have definitely learned to appreciate the “porta pottie”! On the final day, the community support was incredible. We were provided with everything from warm chips & salsa from local restaurants to popsicles, cookies, water, and candy from local families, & crazy people dressed up in bizarre outfits to make us laugh. The final miles of our journey were lined with loved ones and supporters. The “Barbie Girls” cheered for us, while local Brownie Troops sang to keep us going.

I have to confess, I cried like a baby (again) when I reached the final holding area. Not so much from pain this time, but from an incredible sense purpose and accomplishment. . Then came Closing Ceremonies, where we celebrated the final 2007 3-Day and our steps toward a future without breast cancer.

I want to express my sincere thanks to all of you who have supported me on this journey. I received donations and support from the most unexpected places. Please know how much I appreciate your help and that you are supporting a worthy & necessary cause.
For those of you who would still like to donate, I’m still about $800 short. There is a link to my website below where you can donate directly. You will receive a receipt for all donations-it’s tax deductible. I have until the beginning of January to raise the money. I know this is the worst time of year as far as money goes, but maybe it is also the best time of year to support such a good cause. I’ll send more picture’s soon. My friend was the photographer & I haven’t received her copies yet."

To donate:
http://www.the3day.org/sandiego07/maryhellyar

My mom is in the white shirt

FHE Lesson Swap Blog!

My friend Tanya started a recipe blog and it's going so well that I decided to start an FHE Lesson Swap blog (Click Here). Please leave a comment below or email me to let me know if you would like to contribute. Just think, if we all share even just once a month, we'll have tons of ideas right at our fingertips! Tell your friends & family!

Randy's Indian Adventure

Randy worked at the King Edward Memorial Hospital in Mumbai (Bombay) India for a month in September and October. He was given an assignment to educate and train the physicians of the Radiology department on a new online software called StatDx that was developed by physicians at the University of Utah. StatDx is a database of radiographic images of diseases. He was also assigned to harvest images of radiographic images of diseases that aren't commonly seen here in the U.S. while he was there (tuberculosis being one of them).

Here are some pictures and ramblings from Randy's daily emails to me...

The Hospital

King Edward Memorial Hospital:

The entrance to the Radiology Department:

"The radiology residents are nice. The guys tease each other just like in the USA."

"The residents were amazed that I was married because in India they explained that a man must have financial security before a woman will marry him. They asked, “how did I get married?” I replied, “by my good looks.” They laughed. When I asked the residents why they stayed so late every night, they said because it is fun. Quite different from America where at the first hint a resident can leave they are running out the door. I believe they stay so late because they do not have families and are a close group of friends. "

The library where Randy studied & collected cases:

"King Edwards Hospital is completely different from any hospital I have seen. From what I observe, the hospital is severely understaffed. Patients fill the hallways. They typically lie down in the hallways and wait for doctors. The inside of the hospital is connected to the outside, meaning in places where there should be windows there are none. The are no patient rooms, instead there are many big rooms with many patients in the rooms. The patients have no privacy. Only the operating rooms have air conditioning. Birds like pigeons fly from the outside into the halls of the hospital. No one seems to mind this. The hallways are grimy with black dirt that has not been cleaned in years. There is a distinct smell to Mumbai that I am trying to get used to."

Patients sleeping in the hallways of the hospital:

"Every time I go by the radiology department there is a moderate sized pile of dirt in the corner of the hospital. Can you imagine that occurring in the USA ? People would be freaking out. I also saw three stray mutts roaming the hospital halls. That will be the picture of India that is burned in my head when I leave."



A surgical procedure in progress:

(Courtesy of Randy's friend Leo, a medical student from Germany that Randy met there. He was doing an Orthopaedic Surgery rotation at KEM hospital)

" My schedule is:
1. Wake up at 2 pm
2. Write you my email while listening to music
3. Shower and get ready
4. Pick up daily groceries
5. Go to the library in the radiology department and use Photoshop to touch up yesterdays images
6. Email you as this is when I have access to the internet
7. Start collecting cases while listening to music, of course. I collect at least 5 cases per night. Some of the MR cases take a long time to collect.
8. Do my Step 2 USMLE q bank and study.
9. Go to bed at 6 am
I have turned into a machine. It helps to pass the time. "