Brad, Lisa, Makenna and Tanner

Monday, April 20, 2015

February 2015

During February Brad had a week off of work. It seems like every time he gets a break he spends a lot of time catching up on all the things he has to put off. We did get to go do some fun things as a family while he was off though.
 We went to the Zoo
 Helping dad excercise

 Kids playing on our back patio.

 One evening Brad took the kids around through the alleys and got a bunch of wood. We roasted marshmellows and kept Tanner out of the fire :) 


 Took the kids to enchanted island

 These LOVE letters are at our Library, the kids have fun playing on them when we meet up with friends.


 At one point Tanner got ear infection, teething and a cold. So miserable, for everyone
 Trying to entertain the kids while waiting for his prescription.
I walked into the room one evening and found the kids piggy banks like this. I just thought it was cute :)
 A highlight of the week is to watch the truck dump our recycling.
Brushing their teeth together, how did tanner get this big?




Sunday, April 19, 2015

January 2015

 Helping mom exercise

 Tanner being good reading a book


 Playing at the Scottsdale mall
 Pudding face

Enjoying climbing the tree with cousins
 Pretending it's cold enough to wear warm fuzzy hats and mittins
We had a very hungry caterpillar on our hands, and Tanner ate his way through this book.
Tanner giving himself kisses, He loves everyone, including himself!

Friday, January 9, 2015

Residency

We have officially finished the first half of the first year of Residency. I wish I could say, wow, that went by fast, but to be honest it has been an adjustment for our family.  I'm glad to say that we are still happy and have a very blessed life, we are just getting accustomed to new stresses and situations.  I know that others out there have it worse off than we do and I don't write this to compare. Normally this is something I would post on my private blog that I journal on but I felt that some of you can relate, so I thought I would share. I just want to write down a few tidbits about some my feelings at this point in our journey.
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First off, Brad just got his scores back for his step 3 exam and he crushed it! Seriously did so good and I'm so proud of him! It has been really impressive for me when I hear Brad  switch to Dr. mode, because it is amazing how much he is learning and already knows! Brad, you should be proud of yourself!
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The Hospital where Brad works is across the street from the Scottsdale Library that we go to quite frequently. Every time we drive by, Makenna recognizes the building and asks, " Is that where Daddy lives?"
It makes me laugh and I have to tell her, "No daddy lives at our house, he works there".
I'm sure on the weeks when he works well over 90 hours he probably feels like he lives there!
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I was recently asked two questions by another residence's wife and both kind of threw me off guard for some reason and I couldn't just give a quick answer right away.
1. "So has residency life become the new normal yet?"
I think I just stumbled out something like, "UM i guess so".
These are my thoughts after being able to think about the question. I think it is taking me a long time to come to grips with this new schedule and how it has changed the demands on both me and Brad. It has been stressful at times and I think I have a little meltdown on all his busy rotations, Ha Ha.  I'm just trying to paint a honest picture here. I think I'm getting there though, slowly accepting that this is our new normal.

2. She asked this in a very excited voice? "So what has been your favorite rotation so?"
I think I almost laughed and thought she was joking when she asked this. Brad has had mostly rotations with long and busy hours, hardly anything light rotations in these first six months. I can laugh now thinking back at the conversation but at the time. I was just thinking that none of them had been my "favorite".
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I don't say any of this to try to be super negative, I'm just trying to document different aspects of my life right now. I'm grateful for all that I have and I know that this won't last forever.


Saturday, January 3, 2015

Merry Christmas 2014

 Temple Lights
 We were able to go with our neighbors this year. We are enjoying getting to know the Yalches
 Brad's Work party at the Train park. The line for the train was insane so we rode the carousal.
 Makenna made this ornament in nursery and was SO proud of it. She has loved her teacher, Sister Scott.
 Christmas Morning at the Butlers

 When  Makenna opened her gift she instantly knew what it was...." A bed for my Doggie!" She has loved that thing! 
We didn't have a tree this year so I made one out of felt that the kids could play with. Also Brad worked on Christmas day so we celebrated the next day in the evening when he got home from work. Sometimes Santa comes during nap time ;)
 The kids loved playing with a few new toys! Makenna is showing Tanner the train set she got him.
 Tanner loves the pots and pans they got and Makenna is enjoying the food and plates. What a fun time!
I felt like we had a very enjoyable and simple holiday season. It really helped me to not stress and focus a little more on our Savior and all he has done for me. MERRY CHRISTMAS! 

The Everyday Collection

November and December Edition
 I took Makenna Bowling for the first time, she was somewhat amused with the experience :)
 Brad and I were able to have a night and day away from the kids. It was so nice! Dinner at cheesecake factory, Movie at home, then Golfing the next day. Thanks Diane for watching the kids.
 Helping wash the Nissan before we sold it. 
 Tricky Boy
 Tanner likes to drink like this out of these sippy cups. Also note Makenna's tongue, it seems to be making an appearance in a lot of pictures these days.
 Playing with cousins
Checking out the Pony at Uncle Nolan's house

Thanksgiving 2014

Thanksgiving 2014. Thanks for the pictures Sarah!
 Getting ready for the big race!


 apparently I was pretty excited!
 Isaac helping Tanner!
 Makenna pulling in the rear. Apparently at one point Brad was holding Makenna WHILE scootering AND pushing Tanner in the stroller! So Impressive!

 quite the crowd !
The silly table!