Sunday, July 15, 2012

Finally Starting to Settle In!



It has been a long time since I have updated my blog! I have so many things to share, let's start with graduation...

I graduated May 12 and all of my family got to come down! It was so great having everyone there, especially with no conflicts. Enjoy the pictures!
Getting my diploma from Dr. Dottavio.


Me and my friend Melissa.

With the future in-laws!

Fiancé :)

Gig 'em!

My classmates with our favorite teacher, Dr. Sanderford. Left to right: Dakota, JD Hunt, JD Crow, Dr. Sanderford, Me, Melissa, and KiaRhae



I was so blessed to get to graduate with my close friends that I had spent so many hours studying with, texting late night for help on study guides, and stressing during finals with. They were my support system and I wouldn't trade that for the world.

After graduation and the Ohio family leaving, I headed back to Saint Jo to work for a few weeks before moving.
One reason why I love my job: I get to play with cute puppies on my lunch break!!!
Then unfortunately my time took a toll for the worse, my 11 year old black lab Tucker had to be put to sleep. I came back from a weekend in College Station to my dad telling me that Tucker couldn't urinate anymore. Hoping it was nothing, I took him outside myself, and nothing. After a call to Dr. Gleason, I found out the prognosis was probably what I had been fearing. Tucker when to work with me on Monday and Tuesday. We placed a urinary catheter and observed him during the days, and I did the work at night at home. Tuesday night after I placed the catheter, nothing came out. I knew what this meant, and Wednesday morning it was time to say goodbye. Dr. Gleason gave me 2 days with my pup at work with me so I got to spend his last days with him. For that I am extremely thankful. He was happy until the end and I am so thankful I never had to see him truly in pain and suffering. The house still isn't the same, and anyone who has visited me or stopped by in the last 11 years knows exactly what I mean. He was a special member of the family and my best pal. So glad I got to be with him his last few breaths and wasn't away at school, as hard as it was to take in. He will be forever remembered and missed!!








On a happier note, I am completely moved into my new place! RJ put in so much work and it definitely pays off. I am so blessed to have him!! The dogs are settling in quite nicely also. They love going to the dog park which is something we try to do just about every other day. Axle loves to swim!!!
On the drive to College Station. We were stopped, of course!! I'm not so sure the dogs appreciated the 5 hour drive...
Before...

RJ completely redid the kitchen! He built the cabinets himself and hung the backsplash. All I get credit for is painting the walls and decorating!

Aren't the cabinets beautiful?!

My cross wall.

Dining area

Aren't these the cutest things ever?! Can you tell cattle are my favorite animal?? :)
Before...

My bed! So comfy. Linda, Wendell, and Gran bought me the whole bedroom suit. What a great graduation/birthday/Christmas present!!!! I LOVE IT.

Handsome baby.

Ax loves to swim!

 I also started my summer anatomy course through A&M on June 25 and am LOVING it. It's motivating to know that what I am doing now actually matters; one day I will make a difference! I am enjoying getting to know my classmates and look forward to meeting the entire class in August!
Courtney and I on the first day of class! Look out Aggieland!!

God has blessed me with such an amazing life. I am the luckiest girl in the world!!
My love :)

Tim McGraw/Kenny Chesney concert! Thanks to Wes, Kristin, Eric, and Melissa! What a great night!!

The kitten that I saved in Stephenville. Due to my cat allergy, the kitty was adopted that evening :) I'm not so sure what was so appealing to her to cross the busiest road in Stephenville during the busiest time!!

The handsome men of my life!!!


Me with Peppy the day we vaccinated for West Nile/VEWT. This is the daddy to Jäger by the way :)
Peppy being my pin cushion

Jäger is now 13 months! And handsome as ever. He is so smart and will grow to be such a beautiful horse! I eagerly look forward to riding him :)
 And finally last but absolutely not least, we have begun a little wedding planning! We have venues picked out but cannot book until January. Potential engagement picture photographers have been emailed, and we have the basics decided!! I'm not going to give any hints or information, but I will say that it is going to be a down-home, two steppin', fun having party that will be 8 years in the making :) I guess I will give one sneak peak..but no stealing anyone!!!!

I hope that all of you have a wonderful rest of the summer! Remember to always take time to thank God for all the blessings he has given to you and never forget who let you wake up this morning :)
Happy trails!
Kaitlyn

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

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

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Spring Semester is Winding Down!

Happy Easter!! I hope everyone remembered all of their blessings and had time to spend with family and friends! I had a great time with the Felderhoff (RJ's mom's side) side of the family. So many people and so much love! I couldn't have had a better Easter weekend. I hope you all felt the same.

Girl cousins minus a few. Love them all!!!
 
Most of the cousins! A few missing.





It seems to me like everything in my life is in fast forward right now! Time is flying by so fast. This has been a BIG semester for this little lady!! Getting into vet school, getting engaged, entering the Catholic church, and graduation coming up! Yay!

Just a quick little update post....

Tomorrow I start my series of 3 Rabies vaccines. I hear they hurt really really really bad so I bet you can imagine how much I'm looking forward to it! :) It will be worth it..it will be worth it.. it will be worth it..

I got confirmed into the Catholic church on Saturday night. RJ was my sponsor. His parents and sister Katie came down along with my dad and stepmom. One of my best friends stayed for my confirmation, too!
RJ and I with my RCIA teachers, Rex and Rita.

Danielle and I!

RJ and I with Father Mac

My WONDERFUL fiance!


Next weekend (April 14) is Texas A&M Vet school open house so I'm going down to College Station to scope it out (again). Also RJ and I are getting a tour of the condo we might buy!! Although it will be just my home for two years, it's exciting to think that this could be mine and RJ's first home! Crazy thought. I cannot get over how blessed I am.

In the next month I will finish my series of Rabies vaccines, complete the last exam before finals, and do 2 major writing assignments...then GRADUATE!!! I was honored to find out I am the top graduate for the Biology Department at TSU! All of my hard work really IS paying off. Everything seems so surreal!
The purple sash is the "stole of gratitude" (whatever that means!) and the blue and green cords are for the collegiate honor society I am a part of, Alpha Chi.
 I found some pictures from the weekend I went to Texas A&M for my vet school interview and RJ's goddaughter/niece Kynlee, so I thought I would add those too.


LOVE him!!

Not too sure how I feel about being an Aggie fan yet...maybe Gig 'em Horns? And Go BUCKS!
How adorable is she?! That puppy is the one Uncle Arge and I got the day she was born :)

Cutie Pa-tootie!!!

Sorry for a scatter-brained post! Hope you aren't dizzy from all of the jumping from place to place :)
Happy Trails!!!
Kait