Howdy Everyone!!

Axle and Kisska say hello!!!

I thought I would do a quick little update before the hectic weekend of graduation. Today is Wednesday, so tomorrow is a big day! I take my Histology (study of tissues) final tomorrow at 3pm, then Grandma Nancy, Uncle Cory, and my mom come in tomorrow night!! Wow. Feels crazy to say "tomorrow!" Last June was the last time I've seen my mom or uncle!! That is way way way too long. I hate how money affects how often you see relatives. That isn't the way God would want it to be, but in this world I'm not sure how you can get around the monetary aspect of life sometimes. It is so sad how expensive everything is!! I am finding this out now as I am about to start a new chapter of my life; starting veterinary medical school, becoming a "homeowner," having to move things across the large state of Texas. I am so blessed to have family and friends who are making this an easier transition for me!!

Grandma Nancy and my stepmother's parents Linda and Wendell are buying a condo for me. Oh how lucky I am!!!! I cannot thank them enough for their generosity and love. They keep saying "well we're proud of you and want to help you!" which I understand. However, it doesn't take materialistic things to show that!! I am so blessed that they have decided to do this, though, and am ever grateful. My new condo is about a 10 minute walk to the vet school. I am still debating as to whether or not I am really going to walk/bike to class or if I will just drive; I have to wear business casual clothing every day!! Which reminds me I need to go shopping... (again, MONEY! Gr). My condo is a one bedroom, one bathroom with a fireplace and a little tiny fenced in patio area. It is the perfect size for me! RJ and I are planning on redoing the kitchen cabinets and painting all of it. We're thinking a burnt orange (of course!) in the kitchen and a chocolate brown/lighter brown color for the living room. I am so excited to actually get to paint and decorate a house!! We have started collecting some things that we will need but still lack a few large necessities. Trying to find them cheap!! It's so exciting to think that it will be my home for the next four years. Going in a vet-tech, coming out a doctor!! After two years when we get married RJ will be moving in too. Oh how many memories that condo will see!! Our first fight, black dinners, etc. I cannot wait :) 

Some graduation presents have already started pouring in!! Boy am I one lucky graduate! My mom and grandma not only are flying to Texas for a week, but they got me a Vera Bradley rolling luggage and matching duffel bag!!! 

This suitcase has already visited Green Valley, Arizona! The duffel has been allllll over Texas and Arizona. Isn't it awesome?! I love Vera Bradley!!

Uncle Cory is flying out here for graduation and is going to help me buy my first stethoscope or lab coats...we haven't decided yet! I am just so excited he is coming to Texas that I couldn't care less about the present!!

RJ's mom bought us a huge western star (which I am going to put above the fireplace) and a rustic star fireplace screen. I love them both so much and it will really pull my rustic/western theme together!! They are going to look sooooo good in my home :)

RJ got me a Montana West purse. We found it in Canton for a really really really good price and I didn't even have to ask and he was already paying the seller. He is so sweet!! :) It fits me perfectly. I told him now he has to take me out somewhere so I can use it!!! Is it sad that I'm planning on planning my outfit around my purse?!?! 

I am SO in love.

Linda and Wendell and Gran are going to buy me some furniture for my condo. I think it's going to be a rustic bed and matching lamps or coffee tables or lamps. I have no idea yet!! Maybe new bedding? I am so excited!!

My dad and Melissa are going to help me move to College Station which is a present in and of itself!! They tell me I'm going to get something else, but I really do not want anything! They take care of my horses all year long and I know they are in good hands so that's a good enough present to me. 

This weekend with Grandma, Uncle, and Mom we are going to be busy!!! Thursday night they get to meet my puppy dogs! Well Grandma already has but they are excited to see their Grammy again! (Last time she pet Axle and sang to him. Spoiled dog!!). Friday we are venturing up to Saint Jo area so that they can see Jager and Tess who they have never seen before! I am very excited to show them. Friday night we are going to try to go see "The Avengers." I cannot wait to see it!!!!! Saturday I graduate!!! Then everyone coming to graduation is going out to eat at my favorite restaurant BABES!!!!! I'm going to starve until then so I have enough room for lots of taters and corn...okay just kidding but I am so excited! How sad is that?! Saturday night I think we will go to Fuzzy's taco shop and enjoy their delicious frozen margaritas and frozen jack and cokes. Yummy! Sunday we are going to go to mine and RJ's church then just hang out in Stephenville. So much to see! NOT. Monday we are going down to College Station so Grandma can see the condo she is buying! Tuesday they leave and I start work at Dr. Gleason's on Wednesday. Busy week!

My life is a whirlwind of blessings right now and it couldn't be anymore perfect. I feel so blessed and am sure to thank God each day for every little thing he has given me. I have completely stopped worrying because it has become apparent that He is taking care of me. Don't forget to sit back and think of your blessings every day and to thank God for them. We all really do have a beautiful, beautiful life in lieu of some unfortunate things that may happen sometimes. Everything does happen for a reason though, even if we don't know what that reason is. Trust in Him and you will feel peace and hope. So glad I have finally learned this!

I have started to realize that there are some things that here recently I have become obsessed with! Maybe it's because I feel like now I can really be "me" thanks to having my own house, starting vet school, having a good support system, and being able to call the most amazing man in the world my fiancé. I love this crazily imperfectly perfect life!!

Current Obsessions:

Rustic Stars

Cowhide

Home decorating

Home decorating how-to/Craft ideas

Rustic furniture

"Springsteen" by Eric Church

The color turquoise

Working out!

Trying to feel confident

The CMT shows "Texas Women" and "Jennie Garth; A Little Bit Country"

Anna Hunt from "Texas Women" (I love her style and attitude about life!)

Gypsy Soule clothing and jewelry, even though I cannot afford them

Shabby Soul charms/necklaces (Hint, Hint RJ!!)

Finding a pair of gator/ostrich brown dress boots that have a wide square toe (Seems impossible!)

My new purse

Rhinestones

Wearing clothes that I forgot I had

Lots of jewelry

DIY Projects

Reading an entire book this summer

Long list, huh?! Can't help it!

Anyway, I really need to get back to studying!! One more final to go! I will have another post next week with pictures from graduation and my Ohio family's visit. 

Kaitlyn