"Be the next lucky emailer, and you could get a residency spot!"

Hello, all, and welcome to our crazy world of awaiting residency interview offers. I will follow the example of my lovely wife in keeping our family and friends up to date through a blog entry (with a catchy, but true, title). Claudia has been incredible throughout this, and very supportive...the kids just keep making sure I'm not going to a hospital "far, far away" every morning that they see me. It's nice to be wanted (and to be on an easy radiology rotation). :)

Quick review of how this works: a residency is the specialized training after medical school, in my case 6 years of plastic surgery training (or, plan B: 5 years of general surgery hopefully followed by another 3 years of plastic surgery training...yes, that's why it's plan B). Plastic surgery is cut-throat competitive, and I'm going up against some of the most annoyingly competitive applicants in country. There are only 45 programs in the country with a total of about 95 spots, and usually there are over 215 applicants...yup, you read that right: more than half will NOT match into plastic surgery (that's why we're told to get a plan B). So, I've applied to 36 (didn't apply to all as we can't afford and don't want to live in certain cities in the country), and went on 3 away rotations to Washington University in St. Louis, Las Vegas, and Utah (on the job interview type things, usually get you an interview). The hospital I'm at, Scott & White, has a program that takes one applicant a year as well, and is a place we would love to get accepted to. In general, you're pretty awesome in plastic surgery if you get more than 10 interviews, though getting over 5 is also something to be positive about.

Next step after dishing out the $600 in application fees and getting all the wonderful paperwork together? WAIT...and wait...and wait. Interview offers didn't start until late October. I did get formally interviewed at Las Vegas while I was there in October, and it went very well. I hoped the interviews would just start rolling in after that, as I felt and was told by the program director at Las Vegas that I was very competitive. However, after 3 rejection emails in about 5 days (my first Ivy League School rejection! I was so honored! say it with me, "Haaah-vud"), and seeing on a webpage that has a forum updating what programs have already offered and NOT getting offered by those same programs, reality started settling in: I was going to have to wait patiently, maintain faith, and take what I could get. I have received 3 other interview offers so far (total of 4 with Las Vegas). The most interesting offer started like this:

After checking my email every hour last Friday and seeing nothing, I took a nap. Unfortunately for me, during that nap, I received an interview offer (explain in a sec). It went something like this, "Due to the high quality and competitiveness of applicants this year, to further facilitate our interview process, we are offering 70 applicants an interview for 40 interview spots. The first 40 to respond to the dates listed below will be interviewed, and other applicants will be put on a wait list in the case of any cancellations. Thank you...and GO!!!" I added that last part in for humor. As the title states, the lucky first 40 to check their email would get an interview. I was unfortunately emailer #42, and am wait-listed for the date I chose...lame! Can you believe that? Is this a radio call in show to win 2 tickets to a High School Musical 3 private viewing at your local theater? What the heck happened to professionalism? This is a process to decide our futures and it's "FIRST TO CHECK THEIR EMAIL?!" Anyway, I was grateful for the interview offer (which was followed by 6 other no offers then one more interview offer to make it 4 total including Las Vegas), but the manner in which they did it seemed infantile.

Anyway, that's our crazy world of checking email accounts and my application account webpage AND the chat forum page every hour that it's possible. Tomorrow I'll start my general surgery interviews...we'll see how that goes. Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers and for reading through this. For those curious enough to have read this far, my interview spots so far are: Scott & White, The Ohio State University, Wake Forest (North Carolina), and University of Nevada School of Medicine at Las Vegas (NOT UNLV). I'm happy with that list, but there are still a few other schools I'd like to at least get offered to go interview at to have a few more eggs to put in a few more baskets...though I'd prefer one of these places to wink-wink-nudge-nudge me...nah, just kidding, that's not allowed. ;) Wait, did I just wink? I'm in trouble...

The ultrasound is in and we're going to have a...

...you thought it would be that easy, in the title? No, we like suspense and will let you search through the post. We got back a little while ago from the radiology department at S&W Hospital after dropping Nicky off at school. Ian was tranquilized with a lollipop and subsequent candy. :) Claudia changed into her gown and we watched intently as the technician went through the measurements and showed us all the different body parts...one thing was for sure, the little baby in Claudia's tummy (as we explain to Nicky) was sure active! All the dates put Claudia at exactly 18 weeks and 2 days. All we saw for a few minutes were legs and arms and a back flying all over the place. Anyway, the long awaited moment was here... thoughts about our future addition to the family crossed our minds, changes, etc. etc. Claudia had a dream months ago when we were deciding to get pregnant one more time before residency started, and in the dream she saw a little girl who came up to her and asked her why she didn't want to have her and why she didn't love her. This dream had bothered Claudia for some time, and she had hoped that the answer would come during the ultrasound exam. I had guessed it was going to be a boy, Claudia felt it was probably a girl, and hopefully the girl from the dream. The moment finally arrived, and as the technician zoomed in a bit and focused, it seemed quite clear and he confirmed it, we would be having another girl! We were both very excited, and Claudia was relieved that perhaps the girl from the dream would join our family. We're looking forward to the new addition and that Nicky and Ian will be happy with a baby sister. We just hope that all the wiggling around isn't an indication of any fussiness. :) If it is, we'll love her all the same, but our house will be more than full of over-active children. Anyway, hope you enjoyed the announcement and had to read through everything to fin it.

Glenn is back!

YAY!!! My hubby came home on Saturday. He missed halloween and my b-day, but he made it on time to celebrate Nicky's b-day.

Halloween started for Nicky at 8:00 a.m. on the 31st when she had her school costume parade. She had a blast, and so did Ian. He kept calling all the kids "pider man" (spider man), and he loved the parade.

Later on that day I took the kids to the ward trunk or treat. We were way too late so we missed it. The kids were so excited. I felt bad telling them it was over. So I took them to the neighborhood near the church. It was their first time asking for candy by knocking doors. They loved it. After that we came home and I let them eat 2 candies each. The next day Glenn came home and everything was so happy and full of laughter and hugs and kisses. The next day was so crazy. Nicky turned 4 years old, and Glenn and my brother-in-law Beto bar-be-cued hamburgers, chicken, and beef for us. On the other hand my sister Dina and I could visit and played with the kids. Nicky loved having other kids over specially if those other kids are realtive to her. Nicky didn't want a cake so instead I made my famous trifle and my delicious pear pie.The kids were eating everything especially the whipped cream. We sang for Nicky and let her opened her present. She was so content and so nice to share all her new toys.Next day at her school. She got to wear the crown for turning 4 yrs old. She felt really special. We got to stay and wait for her happy b-day song.

I'm so happpy to have Glenn back. He will be on vacation for a week. The kids and I are enjoying him SO MUCH!

My half (from Glenn):

After being in the barren wasteland that is the University of Utah medical center for two weeks, and then driving once again across a real desert to Las Vegas, I happily returned to my lovely wife and adorable children this past week. It was a wonderful feeling to be back home and in the arms of my family and in the warmth of our home (apartment). :) Those away rotations really take a lot out of you, especially when you realize that neither party is really interested in each other...on the second day! But anyway, to stay positive, I'm home and we're together. Nicky's birthday was a fun experience, and being with family and bar-be-cueing was great (and delicious). I still feel bad that I missed Halloween and my wife's birthday, but again, stay positive...I keep telling myself that a lot lately! I wonder why? Anyhow, seeing the kids and seeing their smiles was great, and being back with my sweetie pie is the best. The kids have gotten so much bigger since I left, or at least it feels that way. Ian is talking so much and Nicky is speaking so much more. It's just great to be back.

Happy b-day to me!

Yep, that's right. Today it's official: I'm a year older.
To be totally honest, it all started kind of lame. Glenn is not here, and well the kids are too little to understand that on a day like today I was born. Nicky is SO excited about her b-day that she doesn't care about other people's b-days. Anyway, I woke up and got ready then I woke up Nicky to get her ready. While I was doing it I told her that today was my b-day and the best gift I could ever ask from her would be a happy b-day song. Then she asked me "IS IT MY B-DAY TOO?" I told her that her b-day would be in 3 more days, but today was my b-day.
I guess I gave her the wrong answer because she looked at the floor and her eyes all of a sudden were full of tears. I hugged her and told her that her b-day will be very soon and I had a great present for her but I needed to see a big big smile. She did what she could and I decided to forget about the subject.
I took her to school (5 minutes late as usual), so I helped her to get into her class room. Then she told her teacher I was there and she invited me to get into the class room. I told her I was in a rush (Ian was waiting for me), then I waved good bye and out of nowhere a little kid came to me and hugged me. The teacher introduced him to me. I felt kind of awkward as I'm not used to strange kids hugging me. Well all of a sudden all Nicky's whole class room was hugging me! I was touched by that since my daughter didn't want to sing or hug me a few minutes before (I guess she was mad for not sharing my b-day with her). The teacher was surprised, too and didn't know what to say. Then I told her that this was great since today was my b-day, and when the kids heard that, they all screamed, "HAPPY B-DAY!" The teacher asked Nicky if she knew this and Nicky said yes. I thought she was going to hug me or something but nada.
Anyway I came home expecting to hear a message from Glenn but nothing not even telemarketing called this time. I check my e-mails and cero. I went to pick up my mail and there it was a beautiful card from my mother in-law with a letter in it. It was the most touching card I've ever had from her. A 3 page letter ALL ABOUT ME! Just what I needed! I really needed to hear that I'm a good person, mom, wife and in conclusion an awesome human being (you see Glenn tells me this all the time, but he's my husband. What else can I expect from him?) I was so happy to read this letter that I read it more than once. It really cheered me up. I decided to go to Target to buy some drawers for Ian. When we came back there it was, Glenn's e-mail explaining that he had been calling all morning but for some reason the phone card didn't work very well and that's why he couldn't leave a message and then he went to the romantic private section of the e-mail. Oh that e-mail made me the happiest wife on earth.
Then I checked my older account and all my friends from Monterrey wished me the best and my sister-in-law Laura sent me a beautiful e-card. They all remembered it.
Well the morning passed quickly and it was time to pick up Nicky. I picked her up expecting a hug or something...nothing. Oh well I guess I can't have it all. My sister called me and I couldn't talk much. I wasn't feeling good to talk so I decided to disconnect the telephone for a couple of hours (beside the kids were asleep).
However, I made dinner. The kids ate it and loved it. I sat in the living room to watch my show and rest while the kids were playing and from nowhere Nicky came to me and told me "MAMA CAN YOU TURN OFF THE TV PLEASE?" I asked her why, and she said she needed to tell me something important. So I did it, and she went for her little microphone and sang the long awaited song, "HAPPY B-DAY TO MOMMY, HAPPY B-DAY TO MOMMY, HAPPY B-DAY TO MOMMY, HAPPY B-DAY TO YOU!" Then she came and gave me a hug and a kiss. I won't lie to anybody, THAT TOTALLY MADE MY DAY! I had started to feel that b-days were a waste of time. I was okay with my day, but not happy at all since Glenn is not here and my kids wouldn't tell me anything. I even told one of my friends that my b-day was like another day just officially older.
I'm totally grateful for the surprise hugs and kisses and letters and e-mails and phone calls, don't get me wrong, but well we all know Glenn and my kids are my number one.
It is a pity that I don't feel good. Yesterday I was actually having a decent day, I thought today could be the same.
I can't wait to celebrate my b-day with Glenn. He is coming on Saturday. The kids and I are SO waiting for his return YAY!
(Lindsay, I didn't mention your gift because your gift arrived a few days ago and this post is about today but you know I love my gift :)

Another day has gone!

Glenn is in Las Vegas. It is hard for me too hear Ian asking for his dad. Nicky is a good supporter. She always answers him, "IAN, DADDY IS IN THE HOSPITAL FAR, FAR AWAY." Glenn and I think that perhaps that is why out of the blue Ian has been asking to watch Shrek. I know I might be biased, but honestly my kids are just so darn cute. Every morning while I'm dropping off Nicky to pre-school, she tells Ian the same thing: "THIS IS IT IAN, THIS IS MY SCHOOL. PLEASE BE GOOD TO MOMMY. REMEMBER, SHE IS SICK!" It's even cuter the way the he answers, "AWRITE, NICO! BYE, NICO!" They are just so cute. I know I'm sucking as a mom right now because I can't give my 100%, but they are so sweet to me. They make me feel that I'm the best mom ever. I had a "good day" a few weeks ago so I decided to make some meatballs. Since I can't stand to the smell pretty much of anything it is hard for me to cook as I normally do. The kids have been eating frozen meals or nuggets, mac and chesse, noodles, etc. Well they were very happy the first month, but little by little got tired of the same things. Anyway as I was saying a few weeks ago I had a "good" day and made meatballs filled with hard boiled eggs. It sounds crazy, but it tastes good. Anyway, I seasoned just with salt and pepper and the sauce was very simple. I just opened a can of diced tomatoes and added it to the blender with salt and pepper. Then I added the sauce to the meat balls and waited until they were cook. I made also a white rice. The kids loved it. Nicky told me I was the best mom in the whole world and Ian had seconds. Even Glenn told me that it tasted very good. It normally tastes awesome, but of course I normally add more ingredients. Anyway, I ate it and it was good. I could keep it down so there you go, another thing that I can eat for the short menu that I have. However I do feel blessed that the Lord is giving me enough strength to hold up. Waking up early to drop off Nicky has been hard for both Nicky and me since we are the laziest of the family. Although Nicky is very happy with school, she gets very tired, too. Two days ago she asked me for 3 more minutes before she had to get ready for school. My almost 4 year old acting like a teen. Should I be scared? Maybe, but right now I'm enjoying the command of the house while I can. Glenn and I have told Nicky that when we give her an order she needs to answer with a nice, "Yes, mom." or "Yes, dad." and do it. Well she got the message and wasn't late enough that she wanted to communicate this message to Ian. It goes like this:

Nicky- "IAN, CAN YOU GIVE ME THAT BALL?" Ian - "NOPE." Nicky - "IAN! LISTEN, WHEN MOMMY TELLS YOU SOMETHING, YOU SAY, 'YES, MOM.' WHEN DADDY ASKS YOU FOR SOMETHING YOU SAY, 'YES, DAD.' AND WHEN NICKY ASKS YOU TO DO SOMETHING YOU SAY, 'YES, NICKY.' UNDERSTOOD?" Ian- "MMM, NOPE." Nicky of course was disappointed at his answer. Glenn and I well we were just laughing. Now she knows what we feel like when she disobeys.

Glenn will be gone for another 3 weeks. Then it'll be time for interviews. It will be hard, too, since he is going to be travelling. At least it will be just for one day or two. I've got to say I was very inspired to write, but I just had to put the kids to sleep and that is another battle. I'm tired now. Until the next time that I feel like writing.

Katie, Emily, Emily, Cassidy,Elise,Amanda you are tag now!

I forgot to add the names of the ones that I am supposed to tag, so here they are:
Katie (Logan)
Emily Martino (Gracie)
Emily Trefeten (Maddie)
Cassidy (Carter)
Elise (Ava)
Amanda (Tylin)
I thought about you girls because most of you have had a second child, and you know the older one needs some mommy thought time. Trefeten in your case it was just because I know Maddie is growing so fast that soon enough she will be a teen, and, well, you know it is always hard. Anyway, enjoy and I hope to see your tags soon!

Something that you didn't know about Nicky!

I have been tagged again, but the the one who tagged me was my cunada (sister in-law) Laura and this time it's not about my ABC's. This time is about one of my favorite subjects. My favorite daughter NICKY!
Name & meaning: Claudia Nicole.

Claudia means: Vain.
Nicole: Victorious
Age: 3 yrs old (4 in november)
Nicknames: Nicky, Nicoleta, Princess
Favorite Activities: Swiming,coloring, dancing, playing outside, singing, cooking, riding her bike, going to the park.

Favorite Foods: All kind of Veggies, Chicken, Quesadillas, oranges, grapes, mac&cheese, noodles, spaghetti, white rice, roast beef, and of course PICKLES!

Least Favorite Foods: Depends on if it tastes good and who makes it
Favorite Music: Primary Songs (cd number 4), and all the walt disney cd's
Favorite Toys: her little oven, her babies, her princess castle, her princesses

Favorite Book: Chronicles of Narnia, and Princess stories (all the Disney ones).

Favorite Item of Clothing: her princess blouse or her princess dress.

What Makes Her Happy: Hope. Example "MAMA CAN I HAVE A HORSE?" Me: "MAYBE SOME DAY, NICKY." Nicky: "YAY! MAYBE LATER I CAN HAVE A HORSE." and on and on and on

What Makes Her Sad: This is a hard one.

I'd say when I say NO to something that she wants to do or eat like candy or ice cream, etc.

Additional things I love about Nicole: She has such a precious heart. She forgives and forgets really easily when somebody has hurt her. She cares about others, especially me. She melts my heart when she tells me, "MAMA I'M GOING TO BE A DOCTOR SO I CAN HELP YOU. DON'T WOGGY!" She is very sensitive of others pain and suffering. She loves her family more than anything. She was known in her first class in nursery as SWEET NICKY! She is always taking care of others. I guess I could go on and on, she is a wonderful girl, very easy to love.

At least I try...

Well since I'm not feeling any better, I thought that I'd blog some videos that could cover pretty much what my kids have been up to. After all this blog is to remember their grace and funny things. Ian is a talker: he repeats pretty much whatever we ask him to repeat. Nicky was so happy to receive a letter from her best friend, Jay. They both dance pretty well (or funny, whatever). Life is good, even though I don't feel good the baby is developing well and is already very active. I'm starting my 13th week and hopefully I will start feeling better anytime. If not, well, I'm used to that...with Nicky and Ian I got sick for the 9 months. Anyway Glenn will be leaving on Sunday to las Vegas for 2 weeks and then another 2 weeks in Utah. I hope October goes fast because I remember it was a nightmare not having him here during September. Anyway I'll try to download the videos in our page in youtube. Here it's just impossible to download them. Until next time...

This is our life!

Create your own family sticker graphic at pYzam.com

Old news about us... or new ones?

I haven't actually announced the news formally because I'm very sick right now. Blogging is not one of my priorities. It doesn't seem to come as much of a surprise to anyone I've told, but we're pregnant again! My due date is April 6th, 2009. Everything looks fine so far. It has been hard without Glenn. Fortunately he will come back on Saturday. The kids will have their dad again and I'll have a husband and be able to cry on his shoulder...man, I really need that cry. I'm just so sentimental lately...I know, hormones.
(Lindsay I did write back, but I haven't finished it yet. It's not that long, don't worry. I love you girl! You know you are the best.)
(Cassidy please feel free to call me anytime. If you need a place to stay count on us, no matter what! Even if I'm out of town we can always make things work out.)
(Polly thank you so much for the note under my door. That was so nice of you to do. I can't talk much because it makes me nauseous, but as soon as I feel better I promise to touch base with you.)
(Aubrey, thank you very very much for helping me with my kids. Thanks to that I could actually put to work my only neuron left that is working to understand everything. Please think about having a date with Erik. Glenn will baby sit! :) )
Really quick, because I'm feeling sick again, NICKY WILL START PRE-SCHOOL TOMORROW! She is looking forward to it and so am I.

Far, Far Away (St. Louis, Missouri)

I've got a break from reading about nonsyndromic craniosynostosis, and thought I'd add a bit to our family's little blog. I've been in St. Louis for two full weeks now, doing a 4 week away rotation at Washington University School of Medicine's hospital, the widely renowned Barnes-Jewish Hospital (top 10 in the country, or so the many billboards say).

I

don't have official estimates, but it's about 3 times larger than Scott & White Hospital in Temple, and spans a much greater distance. It was intimidating just trying to get around the hospital at first, but at least they had signs up (much like an airport) telling how to get from one wing/campus to another. They have about 5 different operating rooms, too, which makes it even more challenging. After two weeks of that, I more or less know how to get around to where I need to be. Could you imagine if this were just a 2 week rotation?

I unwisely accepted the offer to stay with an LDS couple (MD/PhD student) for the 4 days before my sublet apartment opened up. Unwise in that I didn't ask where they lived in relation to the hospital and how they commuted. Turns out that since he's doing his PhD years (i.e. not strict hours), he takes the bus for 45 minutes each way to and from school. This is fine, except that to round at 5:30 in the morning, I had to be at the bus stop at 4:45 in the morning, and that meant waking up at 4:00AM. The couple was more than generous, but that time frame led to very inconvenient circumstances for both sides (can you imagine someone getting up at 4 in the morning in your house to get ready?). I'm very grateful they helped, but it was not the wisest decision. I'm now subletting from a 4th year student who is also doing an away rotation. Her 1 bedroom apartment is 15 minutes walking from the hospital, which is perfect. It was not cheap, but it's better than renting a car! I'm just glad that I'm so much closer.

Well, what's the experience been like so far? Aside from the heart break and the depression of being away from my awesome and loving and gorgeous wife (te amo bb) and also my rambunctious and super cute kids, it has been good overall. Phone calls home every night just don't cut it, do they? I had some bumps to get over at first, as the coordinators didn't get me a password for the electric patient medical records until about 5 days ago (after I went and raised heck). Another complication has been that Texas A&M's "wonderful" new email system for some unknown reason BLOCKS all Wash U's emails...can you imagine this?! I was getting updates and the such and had NO idea! That has been interesting, in a not so great way. Anyway, back to the rotation: there are some big-hitting names in the plastic surgery department here, and they do some incredible cases and procedures I had never before heard of (bridging intercostal-sural nerve grafts to restore function to the brachialis?). The head of their department is the biggest name in peripheral nerve repair in the country, and some of the other faculty are some important people as well. All the staff I've worked with so far have been surprisingly open and welcoming, except perhaps the residency program director who's a little more dry than I'd like. We'll see if I can win him over with these last few weeks. :) It's been hard to impress too much given I didn't have a password, and many times there is a fellow AND a resident in on a case, so I don't get as much "face time" as they say with the attending surgeon. I've done call twice: once was incredibly tough and 32 hours straight of work, and the second one was quite light (I'll do it twice more). Overall, though, the people are very helpful and cordial, and I'm hoping they're liking what they see in my effort, personality, abilities, and overall contribution. This is a program, I believe, that pushes people to excell and be their best, but does so in an appropriate fashion. They are family friendly, and the residents have shown me that they really support each other quite a lot, especially when tragedy occurs in the live's of their families. Most of the residents have warmed up to me, at least from what I can tell, though some are more lukewarm. I hope to win them over, but you can't please everybody all the time, right? I think I could be happy here in their training program. Too bad they're doing away with the 5 year plastics programs (all programs must be at least 6 years now).

I've also gotten to do some cutting, sewing, and casting that I didn't get to do before (and gotten some pretty good tips on how to best do it, which is great), and hope that I continue to improve so as to impress the remaining surgeons I haven't worked with yet and my other aways (and of course Scott & White). It's been a very intense learning experience, and I hope these last two weeks are positive and beneficial. I'm hoping to get a letter or two of recommendation, but we'll see how all that rolls out. :) One thing's for sure: I really, really, really wish that this didn't take the whole 4 weeks to come to fruition. Being so "far, far away" as Nicky told me on one phone call, has been very hard. I feel so bad that I can't be there for Claudia in her struggles with the kids and all that she does...it's truly been a sacrifice for her. I call them every night, but we can only talk for a few minutes. My heart goes out to them, and I can't wait to get back in 12.5 days. I love them so much, and can't wait to get back to Temple. I think I'll appreciate a medium sized hospital a LOT more now. Time to go, so much to read and study, so little time!

Monterrey, Mexico!

We just got back from a whirlwind 5 day trip to Monterrey, Mexico. We decided to go since I'll be leaving for Missouri soon and we wanted to spend some fun time together as a family...oh, and Claudia was wanting some authentic Mexican food. :) We drove down on Saturday, made good time, and we just skipped over the border (though we did get stopped twice they took one look in the van and let us go; I guess kids watching DVDs isn't very suspicious, is it?). If you haven't driven across before, you won't appreciate this, but border Mexican towns are intimidating and don't look very nice, i.e. they're "ghetto." We had been telling Nicky about our trip to Mexico for a few days, and as we crossed through Nuevo Laredo (border town), Nicky asked us, with a quivering voice, "I-i-is th-th-this Me-me-xico?" We told her it was the border, but to not be afraid or think that this was like the rest of Mexico (which it's not). Claudia promptly took over the driving duties from the border on, and did great manuevering around traffic in the city. We were a bit tired when we arrived, but were able to visit some with family and a few of Claudia's friends. Of course, we had to eat some delicious food, and got some tacos from our favorite taco restaurant in Monterrey, "El Rey del Taco" (the king of taco). They tasted great, but Claudia was disappointed in the spiciness of the salsa. Oh, well, we can't have everything.
On Sunday we met up with our old friend Tono, and later that night got to meet his fiance, Graciela. They are a cute couple, but Tono got a little too lovey-dovey a few times...reminded me of us when we were engaged...of course, we weren't 30. :) We're happy they've found each other and know they'll be happy together. We also got to visit some with our good friends Fernando and Gloria, who have a little 2 year old boy, Fernandito, with another one on the way.
On Monday, Claudia ran some errands with her mom to help her uncle with some purchases. Claudia took advantage of the time out to stock up on some of her favorite mexican candies. At night, we had a great get together with all of Claudia's friends from law school and their spouses. We introduced and played Clue for a few rounds, which they hadn't played before. It was a hit, but by the time it was midnight, everybody was a bit tired to keep thinking. Claudia and the two Glorias brought some yummy hamburgers and tacos, and a few gringas (which is the name for a taco with carne asada and pork al pastor, two different meats, with oaxaca cheese...mmmm). We had a blast visiting everyone: Milton & Gloria, Yovana & Yeraldo, and Fernando and Gloria.
On Tuesday, we ran a few more errands, and visited Claudia's Aunt Gloria (who helped out so much during Claudia's pregnancy with Ian) and Claudia's brother Dan. The kids loved Dan's place, as he has 3 kids and lots of toys at their house. The most popular thing was Dan's eldest son's electrical car, which Nicky kept driving around their front patio (not very well, but she had a great time until we told her it was time to go). Ian was a surprisingly calm passenger. We were running all over the place on Tuesday, because we wanted to be packed and ready to go by Wednesday morning. We did get one last night in of visiting with Claudia's law friends, as we all ate at "El Torito," a fancy Mexican restaurant in Monterrey. The food was great, we ordered a parrillada for 3, and Claudia ordered an appetizer of Mojella, which is something I tried but left to Claudia to enjoy (something from chicken, but Claudia doesn't want to know what it is because she likes the taste and doesn't want to be grossed out). We were sad to say our goodbyes because everyone is so busy with work and kids or pregnancies. We sure hope they come and visit sometime this year while we're still close. We spent the night at Aunt Gloria's house, and left the next morning. Aunt Gloria and my mother-in-law were nice enough to take care of the kids once we put them to sleep. We made the trip in good time, and dropped off my mother-in-law at Claudia's sister's house, as she's 40 weeks pregnant and set to deliver any day now. Aunt Gloria came with us back to Temple. We had a great time, and though Claudia brought a lot of great food, we still miss our friends and the fun times (and great food, again!). We're glad that we got to spend some time there and that everything went smoothly. Viva Mexico!

Is this worth it?

"Is it worth it?" When you ask yourself that question, you have to compare two options, and decide if the first option is more beneficial to you than the second. We usually do this with objects and money, but in life, more precious things are compared, most often time with family and some other pursuit. Today that question hit me with full force.

I met with a school dean who needs to write a letter that will be one of the first pages that residency programs will read. She read through my CV and my personal statement, and asked about my Step 1 and Step 2 scores. She informed me of my class rank, which was disappointing (1 spot too low for what I needed), and then jotted down about 5-6 things, and asked me, "Is that everything, then?" I nodded, but the thought, "Was that 'everything' she just mentioned worth it?" We finished the interview, and as I did some other paperwork, I continued to think about the question, "Is this, was this, worth it?"

I must explain to make this all make sense: I am applying to plastic surgery residency. It is the most competitive field right now. I have clawed and fought for every point, and though my effort hasn't always been perfect, it has been my best. I gave up vacation time, stayed up to 12am studying for almost a year and a half, and basically sacrificed very, very precious time with my wife and children so as to make it all "enough" (is it ever?) to become an applicant that would get into a plastic surgery residency. On top of this, I committed the grave error of focusing my life on my studies, which are a means to an end (for my family), rather than on my family's well-being. My actions have not reflected my priorities, and the true-to-my-heart loves have received inadequate time, effort, and attention.

I have, in short, been a poor husband and an absentee father for quite some time, and did little about it, hoping that "eventually, it will be worth it," without realizing that whatever "it" was, it could never, EVER equal the price I have foolishly paid. The man I've become, determined by my actions, not my dreams, is not the man I've wanted to be and so need to be. I feel like I've reached the last leg of a journey, and I find myself with empty hands and a nervous heart, realizing the destination was not worth the sacrifices of the trip. As I look around me, especially at my family, I begin to realize all the precious moments I've missed, and lament what my present state is.

So, what is worth it? In short, no, especially not the way I did things. I made mistakes, many of them out of foolishness and not having my sights set on what was really important. Even if it had been "number one in the class, you can go wherever you want for residency," it wouldn't matter. I would give anything to have those moments back. I would give anything to be that man that I so want to be. I would give it all back, the meager amount I've achieved, for what really is worth it: time with, and happiness of my family: It's my humble prayer, and my #1 goal and priority, to live every moment from now on for my wife and family, FIRST. No lifestyle, no career, comes close to this, and is worthless when compared. That is the only way it will be "worth it," and that's the only way I want it to be.

NEW MEMEBERS OF THE FAMILY!

Katie and Oscar are the name of our new babies. Nope, I'm not expecting twins, nor PREGNANT! Katie and Oscar are the names of our new baby fish. Well they might not be that young or who knows. Since our last visit to the pediatrics Ian has been asking me for a fish. Well last week I finally took my kids to the store planning to buy one fish, but as you can see I ended up buying 2. You see Nicky didn't want a fish, at least that's what she said, but after she saw them she fell in love with this cute femenine fish, the yellow one. Glenn and I think that the fish's behavior is like Nicky's, maybe that's why Nicky likes it. Even if she is starving she won't eat in front of people...isn't it funny? Ian on the other hand fell in love with another fish, which by the way I think has a similar personality to his, too. His fish is very tough, just like himself. The name of his fish is Oscar. Ian wanted to call his fish "shark" but we didn't want to confuse him since he is barely speaking and learning. Anyway they are both very happy and excited for their new pets. Everyday, Ian's first words are about the fish. He tells them everytime he can HALLO FISH!

He pretends that he talks to them, then looks at me with his cute big eyes, pops his hands to his side like he's asking me "why don't they respond?" Well he never gives up. I think deep indise he thinks someday the fish are going to get out of their tank and play with him. So far he is happy just seeing them and talking to them.

After our new acquisition, I was driving back home and I saw a small fair close to the mall. When I came back, and taking advantage of this wonderful fourth year of Medical School, I told Glenn about it to take the kids with us (you se the first three years of Medical School I wouldn't even have dreamt about going all together to do something like this. I would normally include a friend or go by ourselves without daddy. However, since fourth year and after the Step 2, it has been wonderful. I feel like I have a husband again, and the kids of course have a dad again too). Anyway we took them yesterday. It was kind of expensive but Nicky thought it was totally worth it. After seeing her face we agreed with her.Ian on the other hand was dissapointed since he was too short for the most of the rides. However he forgot about it as soon as Dady bought him a cotton candy. Yummy! You have to agree a fair is not a fair without cotton candy. So I guess after that he was starting to agree with Nicky about the fair being the best place ever. They won a hammer, a duck and a dolphin...she looked so excited, right? It's because she wanted to keep playing, she was actually happy with the doll. After seeing both of them so happy AND READY TO GO TO SLEEP, Glenn and I were happy that we took them. Nicky on the way back kept asking me if maybe another day I could take her again...and of corse I said yes...what I did not said was that it would happen when Ian is tall enough to ride with her. On another subject. I decided to cut my hair, and I did it 2 weeks ago. I haven't had the time to take a picture. Nicky got this new hobby as a photographer and she actually took this picture of my new hairstyle today. I think she did pretty good. She is taking pictures of everything. She feels very important when I ask her to take pictures of something.

I don't know what is wrong with me lately but I don't know how to end up my posts so..I'll go with the classic...until next time! I'm out...

Our daughter of all faiths

Hi, this is Glenn, Claudia's husband. She gave me the password to add a new post, but told me she'd change it after I was done so as to not interfere with her artistic privilege...j/k!

Well, we've been trying to be good parents now, especially regarding aspects of teaching Nicky and Ian the gospel and its practices. Well, Nicky somehow has found out how to express more faith and beliefs than we've taught her. She's done great overall, but is very creative and sometimes comes up with things that we haven't taught her. Two examples:

1) Her fear of the dark when she goes to sleep: we didn't know if she was really afraid, or if she was using it as a trick to keep the lights on to read until whenever she wants. It seemed partially true. Well, she came up with more of a catholic-like practice one night, as she repeated her, "Daddy, I'm scared. It's scary," pointing at her dark room. We told her there was no problem. At that point, she saw one of the pass-along cards we have in our bedroom (unused, sorry, elders), and she asked for it. We gave it to her, and noticed it had a picture of Christ on the front. With it in her hand, she said she wasn't scared anymore and went to sleep. In the morning, we found it on her night stand next to her bed, and when we asked her in the morning, she said she wasn't afraid anymore because she had her "Jesus that protects [me]." Now we get to teach about the real meaning of saints. :)
2) This FHE, we were teaching Nicky once again how to share testimony. When it was Nicky's turn, she said, "All right, my testimony is ALL about Jesus. Jesus loves me. Jesus loves you, mommy, and you, daddy, and you, Ian. I love Jesus. Say it. "I love Jesus." Daddy, mommy, say it! Ian, say it! "Jesus loves me!!!" We tried to interrupt her evangelical revival, but she promptly told us "You had your turn already!" Ah, reverene lesson again for next week I guess. :)

Oh Canada II

... After a rough night (since Ian's still teething), on Wendsday morning we had a fast breakfast then we went to two museums in Cardston where they showed us how a trial was in those days. Alan (Glenn's bro) and Jimmy (his son) were playing the scene as well as other members of the family. Glenn, Nicky (who was scared and hiding behind my legs), Ian and me got to go to Jail just for fun:) We also learned some more about how the Church was estabished in Canada. It was neat to know that Glenn's ancestors had to move from Utah to Cardston to help to establish the Church there. They have always been pioneers. I feel very proud to be part of them. Then we went to a rest home where Grandma Woolf is.We all sang FAMILIES CAN BE TOGETHER FOREVER. She suffers from dementia but she had a good time. We were very blessed when we saw her happy and trying to match up the faces with their right names. It was a very touchy moment for all of us. After that we went to do some ice blocking. Yeah, I know, it sounds like huh?...but this is the thing, some of the family went to buy some ice blocks and brought some towels. We went to a very high hill with grass, we put our bottoms on the towel the towel on top of the ice and the ice in the grass....get the idea? Then we slid down and it was VERY CRAZY AND NEAT. Ian and Nicky slid with me some of the times. Glenn and I had some competitions and of course I WON! The only bad thing was that Glenn and I were sliding with white shorts and since we were sliding in grass with the ice our clothes at the end of the afternoon were a mess. I'm still strugulling with the stains, but since I had lots of fun I don't regret it a bit. After the ice blocking we went to the church to have a nice dinner. We had roast beef, funeral potatoes, lots of salads, lots of diferent desserts, rolls, and more. It was as always a banquete, too bad for me since like I told Glenn what we eat in Canada...stays in my hips. Anyway after that I played with Glenn some basketball and then everything was made ready to have our family talent show. The treat was candy for the participants. We had everything: singers, piano players, flute players, dancers, acrobats (little kids doing somer salts) etc.etc. Ian practiced his little weird eye wink, but he was too tired to do it for all of them. However he did it the last few days and everybody loved it. Nicky practiced a song for her grandma but she ended up singing head, shoulders, knees, and toes with her cousin Katherin and her brother Ian. After the talent show the teenagers were going to play a game named commandos. Since Cardston is a very small town the idea of this game is a bunch of people have to go from a point of the town to another place without being caught by 2 or 3 cars which are supposed to be hunting them. Glenn and I weren't planning on going but they called us to tell us that they needed more people for the game. So our kids were asleep already and my mother in-law offered to take care of the kids while we were on the game. Glenn and I had to dress with dark clothing to not get noticed and of course tennis shoes. Then we divided two groups: one of them were kids from 12 to 16 year old and the other group were the old people (yup I'm the old people). Of course we had 2 young ones, Max and Madison. Anyway it was very exciting while we were hiding and running. Of course not too exciting when in one of my attempts to survive I threw myslef to the grass without noticing a big poop next to me. I was very scared that I was on top of it. Anyway, after more running, we were caught! We laid down on the grass in the dark. Sarah (one of Glenn's cousins who was driving) started yelling names which didn'g belong to any of us. I just remember hearing Spencer (Glenn's cousin), "RUN RUN RUN!" So I ran and hid. I didn't noticed that I was alone, and even though the town is very small I had no clue where to go. I got scared and I was about to yell "PLEASE CATCH ME HERE I AM," but then I saw Max's hair and I ran to ask him where were the others. After more running we were caught. Glenn in his trying to save the team jumped a big gate and was caught first as he ran down the street

Of our team the only survivors were Becky (Spencer's wife) and Heather (Glenn's cousin) and of course the teenagers team was in the goal 15 mintues after the fame started (ours of course took like 45 minutes or more haha, age is after us I guess). Anyway it was very fun to do that. Of course Glenn and I are totally out of shape so next day all our bodies were in pain (mine actually still).

Next day we woke up early again and went to Waterton, a National Park 30 minutes away from Cardston. On the way to Waterton we saw this fields in mustard colors. Glenn told me that when he was a child his sibilings used to tease him a lot. They used to call him "mustard." He never knew why until one of his brothers told him that he was named like that because he was picked up from this fields.Anyway we finally got to get to Waterton...now you need to realize that I'm not a nature lover, but I fell in love with the place. We rode bikes with the kids to go and see the little falls that the place has.The kids also got to see a deer very very close to them. The dear didn't get scared of any of us!Glenn showed me how to throw rocks in the lake in a right way to make them skip.The kids had a blast. The deers were walking like nothing close to people. It was neat seeing in the playground the kids playing and very close to them the deers playing as well. Nicky and Ian of course loved it. After we had another buffete lunch with all the family the guys started a water fight. Glenn of course got wet.It was funny seeing the little kids getting involed in that war. At first they cried since the water was very cold, but then they enjoyed the revenge making everybody else wet. Nicky and Ian were playing with their other cousin trying to catch golfers which by the way are everywhere Ian of course was very tired. So after that Glenn took us to eat some ice cream. I got my favorite,pecan. Nicky got gum flavor Ian Strawberry and Glenn.... got Canadian Moose. Then we went to see the hotel who was specially made for Queen Elizabeth and her royal familyIt has a perfect view of the mountains. After that we went to help around with the preparations for dinner at the chapel. Everything was great: chicken with rice, lots of salads and a variety of desserts. Again we had a buffet. Then Glenn and I wanted to play some basketball but we noticed our bodies very sore from the night before. The funny thing is that we did it again that night. We played commando, but this time we were seekers. We caught 3 kids, but that was all.

Next day was an official WALKER FAMILY REUNION. It was just Glenn's sibilings (and their families) invited to spend time together. In the morning we went to take some pictures with Grandma and Grandpa Woolf after that we all went to the temple. It was neat having this experience with them. Then we had lunch at Grandpa Woolf's house. Then we went to visit Grandma and Grandpa Walker at the cemeteryWhere also some of Glenn ancestors are. We also visited the place were Glenn's dad was raised, and where he used to play as a child. Nicky opened her eyes wide, and her mouthe, too, when I told her that that was the house were grandpa used to be punished when he wasn't good. Anyway after that, three of Glenn's sibilings with their families and us went to bowl..unfortunetly the place was closed so we couldn't. The kids were so hungry so before dinner they asked me for some of his favorite treats: PICKLES! We had dinner and the cousins had their last chance to play. The moment to say good bye to 2 of Glenn's siblings was hard on Nicky, but she got over it after she saw again her cousin Katherine. The next day Sherri and her boys, as well as Glenn and I, went horse riding (Nicky went to play with her best friend cousin Katherine, while Ian spent time with Grandma and autie Laura). Glenn had promised to take me horse back riding since we were dating...well after lots of patience and 6 years of being together we finally did it He wasn't very excited, but he ended up loving it. We are planning to have it as a hobbie. Max, one of Sherri's boys didn't want to go, but he liked it too. My horse was the best. His name was Freckles and he was just perfect. I have riden a horse before but the last time that I did it it was in 1996. Well I was a little nervous, but then Freckles was the best. He was obedient and when I told him that I wanted to run he ran. When I told him to stop he would do it. It was perfect. On the other hand Glenn's horse which name by the way was Sherry was a glutton; she just wanted to eat all the time. It was also funny the way that they conected to go potty at the same time. haha. After that we came back home and had again an amazing lunch at Grandpa's house. To keep the fun going my dear mother in-law took care of our kids for the rest of the day since Glenn and I were invited by Glenn's cousin Spencer to his father in-law cabin. It was gorgeous. We did the famous 4 wheelers. It was very neat to do this with Spencer and his wife. Glenn and I had lots of fun My learned about that you're never supposed to open your mouth while you are doing it, especially if there are ponds with a crappy smell. We all got our teeth dirty, and also our faces. We were so glad that Becky had all the equipment to not mess up our clothing. We as you have supposed were so tired after that that we went back to Grandpa's house, took a shower, and headed to bed. The next morning was Sunday so we went to church and Ian was the saddest kid on earth. I felt so bad for him. Then after that we went back to Granpa's house and had some snacks. We all took a nap and then we went to Auntie Peggy's house. We had left over family reunion food (with the ones who didn't have to return home). The kids again had a blast. Bethany, one of my new nieces had her b-day the same day. Nicky was upsetd to see her "friend cousin" Max being beting by her cousin Madison. Here is Nicky playing with her cousin Katherine. Ian enjoying the ice cream mmmmIt was late so we went back to grandpa's and laid down our kids. Before that we decided to visit more with Grandpa Woolf. Nicky was being very silly so I decided to take some pictures of her. She asked me to let her take some pictures of us, so I told her if she would sing Grandma song's I'd let her do it, and she did. She sang for grandma twice so after this picture that I took of her She was allowed to take pictures of all of us on grandpa's deck Grandma Sharon and Great grandpa Woolf and of course Granpa Jim was making her laugh with silly faces. He is just the best.After that we made her sleep. Since we were planning to go next day to banf. We went back to Aunt Peggy's and for the first time in my life I had my first s'mores.That cookie with the Canadian chocolate and the marshmallow was just the perfect end of our day. We had so much fun with everybody that night and before we went to sleep Glenn and I decided to save our last day to Canada to spend it with the family. So we cancelled our trip to Banf...and I don't regret it at all. Next day we went in the morning to play mini-golf. Again Nicky and Ian stayed with their Grandparents, apparently they are more cool than us..well they and their cousins. We didn't complain though. Although I thought they would have enjoyed the mini-golf. After that we were planning to do some go-carting, but they weren't open until 3:00 PM. Then we thought about going horse back riding again, but before that we had a nice pic-nick in a nice park in lethbridge (45 minutes from Cardston). Then we decided to go bowling, but to our surpise the place was closed AGAIN. So instead we went to Walmart to buy some souveniers, and a swimming suite for me since I didn't have one and we were planning to go swiming after riding horses. We came back to Cardston and Glenn was told that the owner of the place that rents horses had to go to his son's basketball game, so we couldn't do that. Then it's started raining so we cancelled our visit to the pool. Instead of all that we went to buy some more souveniers for our home. Then we all ate at 6:00 p.m. and we had a family home evening with Sherri and her kids, my in-laws and us. It was neat after that we played "catch the ball." The kids were tired so we laid them down and then Glenn and I went to Aunt Peggy's house. We were invited to spend our last night together. So we played UNO and Catch Phrase. I didn't want to play this last one because it's harder to think in English with an alarm pressuring you, but everybody as always was very patient and supportive with me. They let me skip words and sentence until I felt comfortable with the one that I wanted to describe. It was very surprising for me to see even Calvin and Jake (14 and 15 yrs old) cheering me up and being that patient with their old new auntie Claudia haha. We ended up at home that night very late. So we said good bye to everybody and went back home to pack and have everything ready for the next morning.

We left at 7:05 . Before we left I needed to go to the bathroom. Well here is another history. All the kids that had been in Grandpa's Woolf house when they were very little wouldn't let their mom go to the bathroom without them. So to make the mommies feel guitly about leaving them outside of the bathroom they would put their little fingers under the door while saying the word "MOMMY!" Well Ian wasn't the exception...although he didn't put his fingers under the door, they were his toes.Anyway we arrived on time to take our plane which by the way SUCKED AGAIN. We had a delay in Colorado for 90 minutes and then had to wait for 2 horus in Denver. Our pilot made us all sick and Ian was crying all the way back. After landing in Austin we lost luggage so we had to wait for 2 hours more in the airport. My sister and her family were already waiting for us. They were so nice to waited all that time. Then after that we finally got our luggage and spent the night at her house. Glenn and I laid down the kids and visited a bit with my sister and her husband while we were eating dinner CARNE ASADA AND SOME POLLO LOCO made by her husband with an exquisite salsa and some tortillas mmmmm. Anyway after that we went to sleep and slept through all night until 10:40a.m. Then we prepared breakfast and came back to our home at 1:20 p.m. I barely finished with the laundry and it was a good thing that the house was impecable so I didn't have to clean. We went to Golden Corral and put the luggege away. Ian was so excited to see his crib again. I laid him down, and he didn't cry, he just huged his crib and then I was looking at him through the crack of the doorway, and he was so sweet laying face down with his head held up and looking at his toys and kissing his bed. Then I saw Nicky who was "scared," so she was hugging her picture of Jesus (sounds kind of catholic, but this is a picture that the missionaries give to the investigators). Anyway we are back and trying to gain all our strength. We already are planning to go together to inflatable funland with the kids, and bbq someday soon before Glenn's away rotations.

Whewwwwwwwwwwwwww! Now I have the most important of our trips in this my visible journal :)

and now I'm out .