Pools and Pay Raise

So, Ryan officially starts his second year of residency on July first. That means he is no longer the grunt and should begin to have better overnight call schedules but will also have more patient workloads and (this is big) also be able to moonlight!(That means work for an hourly rate outside of his residency program.) Plus, that also means we get a raise. It's almost embarrassing to say, 3k per year. As my neighbor down the street mentioned, someday we too will be able to have a pool like his. (Mind you, his is a wonderful above ground). I'm banking on the fact that "someday" will be many a years away. Right now, we'll take ours.

We made it to 8!

I was afraid of the "7-year itch" so to speak and happily celebrate our marital departure from this past year (am I superstitous?).... anyhow welcome year 8! We close upon our grueling intern year of residency for internal medicine, the arrival of our third born, and the slow to come settling feeling of calling Kentucky home (for now). Throughout our marriage, we've moved 10 times, crossed national borders, birthed colicky babies- yes every one has cried, and loved one another through poverty & undergraduate & medical school. So, in honor of our anniversary, for my Ryan:

1. I love that people refer to you as being happy and warm. Even with sleep deprivation you always are plesant to be around. Even around the unrulies at home.
2. I am thankful that for all the things you have lost, you have never lost me or the kids.
3. I am thankful that my sense of urgency in completing "projects" is now too becoming your same tune.
4. I love your sense of perspective on all things.
5. Your mind, I must say this! It is worth thousands (and thousands) of dollars at this point Mr. MD.
6. No matter what I make, upon first bite, you always same "uhhmmmm"- so does Landon too.
7. I love watching you with our children. Your love and adoration for them is equally reflected in their eyes for you.
8. That, even today you are my greatest confidant, support and highest nurturer.

Tanner ate his Wheaties

Tanner's second meet. Ryan's ego recovered this week. Emma was his loudest chearleader. "Did I get first place?" Tanner says... yep, 2 First Place Blue Ribbons!

Church-isms

Okay, so I consider us to be in a "southern state", although that could be debated by some here. Not really the "bible belt" but a LOT of christian churches. Ryan and I laugh because no matter where we go when we are out together we always pass a church sign that makes us think where the heck do they come up with these sayings? In fact, we really think there might be a published book for church welcome signs. Here is a sample of some we have written down...

CH_ _ CH
What is missing here, UR (get it?- You are.)

God wants full custody, not just weekend visits.

When you're down to nothing, Gods up to something.

God has a miracle with your name on it. (Ryan's personal favorite)

But, the best was not discovered by us. My friend Jen received this email from a family member.

Celebrating Our Dad

Happy Father's Day to our Grandpa's as well! We love you!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Tanner keeps going and going and going and finishes!

Tanner's first swim meet! What can we say... we have a true athlete in the making... give yourselves a few minutes or so to watch his speediness :)

Welcome to the Mommy Club Melissa!

I have a new niece! Izabelle Lynn Barney- lovingly known as "IzzyB"... arrived early on June 2. My sister called late one night and asked if I knew what is what like to have my water break.... she thought maybe hers had. I reccomended she go to the hospital and could hear a bit of panic in her voice- she thought she had at least 3 weeks... but Izabelle came the next day and Melissa (my sister) "survived"- that is what she told me right after the delivery. She was serious too :)...

How could I ever tell her what delivery was like? Who can adequately describe the misery? And yet, how can I tell her that the most tender things in life she will ever recieve will now come from her Izzy. Today I watched my Emma at play at this indoor playground that we belong to. She was playing in the kitchen station and was really laboring over this pretend "speghetti" dinner and then insisted that Tanner sit down to enjoy it. She served him back and forth from stove to table and added ingredients to it and said, "try some" and watched to see his reponse. She really was serving him a four course meal! She was loving his reponse and I saw myself in her. I knew she was copying my mannerisms. I saw her interpeting me laboring over my little family and it struck me deeply that the joy she sees me emulate in loving my family is what she will interepet and desire and even copy. And to add, Tanner had dozens of other things he would have liked to play with.. but he let Emma play with him. I love those moments!

Happy Memorial Day from our Flag Baby!

General Buttler State Park- 30 miles from our house. Picnic and paddle boat ride (is that safe?)- lucky for us Ryan did not have to work... although after we got here he said, "Oh Shoot- do I have clinic today?" - a quick call and a "no"!
Emma put down the cheeto's! This place was empty for Memorial Day- what a find!

Our House

Home ownership. What can I say- I guess that means you are really grown up. It also means that we have "projects" that keep us busy. Please note the side fence. That was installed by Ryan to keep our children in- (the natives, as called by Ryan) but more to keep "other" neighbor children out.

I will never, ever in my whole life stain another fence. The picture does not do justice to the misery! Ryan built the fence with a little of my assistance and I stained the fence with a little of his assistance. BUT, everything was smooth sailing until he was "monitoring" my process (and being a bit bossy) and the tubing on my canister (shown above) blew off do to pressure -and my unforutnate user error. The stain was shooting out in all directions and mainly on me and Ryan was yelling, "YOU'RE WASTING THE STAIN! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?"- my neighbors/neighborhood observed the calm Dr. Williams at his very best! Uhm- did he think I liked the flavor or something and wanted that to happen? He appologized ALL DAY long.

My hip rider

Landon Jake- 8 months

To Nauvoo!

We loved Nauvoo!

We were able to experience Nauvoo with Ryan's brother and his wife (Cory and Cari)

just a few weeks ago. The spirit of that town still touches my heart and I cannot drive by our temple without feeling such a depth of gratitude and awe for what the early saints loved and sacrificed.
6 kids under 5! Nauvoo has to be one of my top 10 favorite places

- even with the kids-

thanks Cori & Cari for making the trip so memorable!

We enjoyed the time with you so much! We love you!