Backfired

Aaron's goal for residency was to be "excetional and really shine" so he could go into and do anything he wanted. He has done just that. Infact he has a nickname from the other residents that he is quite embarrassed about..."Golden Boy". He knows he stuff, he's good at what he does, and he loves the fast pace of a hospital. Don't ask him to work in a clinic with runny noses and ear infections...he hates that stuff. The fact of the matter is, is that here at Arkansas Children's Hospital he can do anything he wants.

We were talking a few nights ago and he said, "my goal has backfired on me." There is a Pediatric Critical Care fellowship open in July that he has been told is his if he wants to "cop out of his chief year". That would be nice, it's what he wants to go into, but our family really needs the down time the chief year will bring. He has several ER attendings asking him to stay with them and do Emergency Medicine. The NICU folks are calling his name to do a fellowship with them. As well as Oncology, and Infectious Disease. His comment was, "all this attention and is stressful". All I have to say is, "it must be nice to be so wanted."

Although the doctors are trying really hard...and I mean REALLY hard, to get Aaron to change his mind, our plans haven't changed. We are hoping that all this "need for Doctor Gardner" will continue when he applies for a Critical Care fellowship at Primary Children's Hospital next year so we can get back to our family. That's our main goal, now please don't let it backfire!

The Stockings Were Hung

Now that our family is complete I decided to make matching stockings for everyone. This is what I came up with. I think they are so fun! It's hard to tell by the pictures, but the red and green fabric is plaid, green on green and red on red. I think I will have first initials embroidered in the middle of the them, but here's a picture for now.

It Makes Me Happy

Every morning I wake up and turn on the Christmas tree lights. For a brief moment the house is silent and I can feel the Spirit that the Christmas Season brings in. It makes me happy. It gives me peace. I love it!

Giving Thanks

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with Grandma and Grandpa Barentsen. They were able to spend the whole week here with us. The kids woke up very excited on Tuesday morning (arrival day), Hayden said, "Mom, today is a VERY special day". My boys hadn't seen my parents since they left for there mission...2 years is a long time. Hayden was only 2 1/2...he has changed a lot since then.

The week was full of food, walks, shopping, eating, relaxing, more food, more shopping and gingerbread man making. It was so nice to see them and let them spend time with the kids. We all loved it. The kids were very sad to see them leave. Few pictures were taken, but lots of good memories made.

Dash

We need to start calling Isaac "Dash". He ran in another 5K race this morning. It was fun to have it right here in Maumelle at Lake Willastien. We ran into lots of people we knew. Isaac beat his best time coming in at 26:17. And that was stopping to tie his shoe. He thought it was cool that he beat his friends dad.

Maumelle Lady Runners was the team who organized this race. Isaac's 2nd grade teacher, Mrs Seward, and his swim coach, Coach Janet, were the two working the finish line. It was fun to have them cheering him on. We stayed for the award ceremony where he received first place in his age group (first place by like 10 minutes). He's a natural. Coach Janet wants to do a triathlon with him. He would love it.

The take off, the back of Isaac's shirt is gray

Coming down the final stretch

the finish line

First Place plaque, or "bar of soap" as Isaac put it.

Way to go Buddy!!

Fall fun

Our back yard is fall leaf heaven! The kids have spent countless hours raking up piles and jumping. The big pile they are jumping in doesn't even leave a dent in that side of the yard. We have a ton! We haven't bagged the leaves yet and probably won't for a little while, because they are just so much fun to play in.

Halloweenies

We had a fun night last night. Small and simple party with the neighbors. Arkansas style. In the garage. We had mummies in a blanket, sawed off hand punch, chips, and pumpkin cake. The kids were so excited! But they were more excited to trick-or-treat. Or as Hayden says "Pick-a-treat". We hit the street running and didn't stop for an hour. Their pumpkins were overflowing. I don't think we could have stuffed another piece in. Now the battle begins with the candy. For the time being it's hiding, only to be brought out when I say. I do have to say Halle was the cutest Raggedy Ann I have seen, even if she wouldn't put her wig and hat on.
Front row: Logan, Alex, Isaac Second row: Halle, Brecken (behind), Hayden, Caite