Christmas 2015

Randy was able to come home for an entire week for Christmas! And he came home a day earlier then planned (again), not that I'm complaining.

Saturday, I had patient care in the morning and then we met up with Rebecca and Gretchen to watch Star Wars: The Force Awakens. We tried to go to the 11:30 movie, but it was sold out by 11. I was shocked. I thought for sure it would be wide open since it was the middle of the day in Pullman after the finals week. We bought tickets for an showing the evening which worked out fine since we had a errands to run. I had seen Star Wars Thursday night with Rebecca and Bryan. Randy was supposed to be there, but he couldn't get off work.

Sunday we went to church. Oh it is so nice to go to church with my husband. That afternoon we went to Beth's house to decorate Christmas cookies. It was wonderfully relaxing to frost about a million sugar cookies while snow was falling and visiting with friends.

Monday the 21st was the big day, NAVLE day. Thankfully, I was able to sleep the night before. I left the house extra early because of all the snow and ice and I was told if you show up early the testing center will let you start your exam early. Also my mom and sister Ashley were coming in that afternoon for one night. I was hoping to finish at a reasonable time in order to spend time with them. Before I could take my test I had to turn out all my pockets, show under neath my belt buckle, show my ankles, shake out my hood on my hoodie, show my wrists, have my photo taken and be wanded down. Can you say anti-cheating? I also had to sign out if I wanted to do anything more exciting then get a drink from my water bottle. I think the test went ok. Somethings I knew for certain, sometimes I had a vague idea and others 'I know some of these words!'. I finished the monster exam in just under 4 hours and my mom and sister only had to wait at the airport for 1.5 hrs. Randy made me this sweet sign for finishing my test.

It was so so good to have family around and to catch up on their lives. That night we went out to eat at Sangrias and went shopping. Ashley and I ended up getting matching grey boots for Chantel's wedding and we picked out the same dress (must be sisters yes?). That evening we played a few games including Telestrations and I about died of laughter. The next morning we feasted on pancakes and bacon and then it was time to make the trip back up to Spokane to drop mom and Ashley off at the airport. Randy and I did a lot of window shopping and treated ourselves to lunch at Red Robin. That evening Rebecca and Gretchen came over for dinner and to play games.

Wednesday I finally figured out what I wanted to get Randy for Christmas so I spent a good part of the day working on his presents while he was working on something mysterious in the back room. I also finally had time to bake Christmas goodies per Randy's requests - pumpkin pie, applesauce cookies, and butter wafer cookies. You can see our tiny Christmas tree int the background. (It's small enough that Winter doesn't bother it)

As if all the cookies and pie weren't enough, Randy made cinnamon rolls on Christmas Eve. Growing up in my family every Christmas morning we had cinnamon rolls or something cinnamon based. Randy wanted to be sure I could keep my family tradition. That evening he finished his mysterious workings in the back room and gave me this beautiful hand crafted book. I love it! Now I have to think of something worth while to fill it with.

Christmas day was relaxing. Mitch was super duper excited about his $2 chew toy and Winter liked the ribbons on the packages more then her new toys. That afternoon Bryan and Rebecca came over for Christmas dinner and to play games. There was soo much food- ham, rolls, potatoes, salad, asparagus, and a variety of sparkling juices. Bryan also brought a decadent chocolate cake and Rebecca brought mint brownies. We were in a food coma most of the night, but we were able to play several new games. Mitch thought it was great fun to wear a cape of wrapping paper. He also promptly destroyed the toy Rebecca game him.

Saturday morning we spent recovering from all of the good food, but in the afternoon we spent time with Chris and Kristina and their family. They live in Idaho and we don't see them very often. We went bowling and played a few other games. That evening, Randy and I went out for quick dinner as I was teaching a lesson in church the next day and needed to finish up my lesson.

Randy left this morning. One day we will be together. I am grateful for the many blessings we have been given- a warm home, good food, dear friends, loving family, education, and many extra luxuries. Most especially for my testimony of Jesus Christ and His gospel and for my wonderful, kind, intelligent, thoughtful, hard working, love-of-my-life Randall.

Just a few extra pictures- Randy hung up stocking for the 4 of us this year and the animals having 'fun' in the snow.

Thanksgiving 2015

Randy was able to come home for Thanksgiving. He came home a day earlier then planned (Wednesday)! I love it when he does that. Wednesday I was supposed to take my NAVLE exam, but it was cancelled due to the severe wind storm the previous week. I was so ready to take it too... grrr... I have to wait another month to take it.

Thanksgiving day I spent most of it at school in the ICU. I was 'lucky' enough to have an ICU shift from 8 am to 2:30 pm that turned into 4 pm. Luckily, I was able to get away for dinner. We had dinner with Amanda and Jake, and Kelsie and James and all of our puppies. We had a great time and thanks to Jake enjoyed quiet a few laughs. Amanda and I had to run back to school at one point for patient care, but we were able to make it back in order to enjoy so many different desserts. Yum :)

Friday, Randy I walked around down town Pullman. There is a new candy shop I wanted to go to that had free samples! We also stopped by some boutique clothing stores and I was able have my ring shined at the local jewelry store. We drove down to Lewiston to check out a couple outdoor/sporting good stores. For lunch I had a McDonalds ice cream cone and fries.

Sadly, Randy had to go back to work Sunday morning.

Christmas Wish List

What I really want for Christmas

To have Randy home for good. I want to feel like a 'real' family again  

For Randy to have a full time job or a graduate position

For me to have a job that will allow me to achieve my personal and career goals 

Maybe by next year a few of these will be fulfilled 

Emotions

Last Tuesday night, a horrible wind storm blew through Pullman and Spokane. That evening I received a text from my friend Amanda, who had driven up to Spokane to take her NAVLE, explaining that while working on the last section of the exam the power went out and did not come back on. She is still waiting to hear if her test can be recovered or if she has to retake the entire 360 questions again. I suggested we go out to eat.

While driving to South Fork, there was rain, lightening, and garbage flying through the air. It reminded me of hurricanes in Florida. When we arrived our server said that the power may go out but they have back up generators. As soon as he brought us our food, the power went out. Because there was no way to inventory the food, dinner was free. Mia and Amanda came over a little later to our house and animals had a blast running around and playing out the couch to the light of a few candles. That night it was cold. All night i was worried about the pipes freezing or a branch falling on the house from one of the two big trees.

The next morning the power was still off, but the pipes did not freeze, nor was there any damage to the house. All day I was grateful that our home was protected, the animals were fine, and I had food to eat. The power came back on later that morning. It was off for 12 hours.

That evening after school I checked Facebook real quick. Many wonderful things were on there- baby announcements, job offers, new homes, internship offers. Instead of being happy for my friends who have worked hard to accomplish these goals, I was upset at my life. I suddenly felt inadequate, that my life was not going at all as planned, that I wasn't doing enough or being enough. I haven't started to apply for jobs so of course I don't have a job offer, I didn't apply for an internship so I don't have one of those either. My logical side tried to help me see reason, but my emotions won. What was most frustrating to me was how could I go from joyful gratitude about all the many blessings I have to complaining about not having enough in a manner of minutes.

I wish I didn't struggle with comparing my life to others.

Richly Blessed

My life is richly blessed. 

Thank you to Sarah, Katie, Kelsie and James, Amanda and Jake, Mark and Lisa, Brooklin and Brett, Allison, Rachel and the many more who have invited me into their homes, left dinner in my fridge, fed and played with Mitch and Winter, listened to me, inviting me to activites, and for never letting me feel that I am alone. I have rarely felt so loved by so many. 

I love my ward family. I have never attended a ward where the lessons are discussions, not lectures, where people feel safe to ask personal questions and for help to understand doctrine. Where the Spirit of God is readily present in all meetings and I leave every Sunday feeling uplifted and filled. 

I am grateful for a husband that refuses to give up. 

I have had only wonderful rotation mates. No matter the rotation, the work load, the excitement, or mundane there has also been someone who reaches out and helps carry the load. 

I am grateful to have flying privileges that allowed me to fly down to Utah and back in the same day to surprise my sister for her bridal shower and to able to be a part of her final fitting of her wedding gown. The look on her face was worth the early morning and late night. 

I am thankful for the chance to work with incredible people who love their job as veterinarians and technicians and are willing to teach and share. I am grateful to be apart of an amazing profession that allows me to do what I've always wanted to do. I spent 12 hours a few weeks ago delivering puppies for the first time. To help bring life into the world is a feeling of wonder that never ceases to inspire me. 

I am grateful for Heavenly Father who has given me all of these things and by so doing shows me how much He loves me and is aware of me.  I am grateful for my testimony that God lives, He is our Father, Jesus Christ lives and completed the Atonement so that I may live with Them again. 

In church today, one of my favorite quotes was shared - 

“No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude and humility. All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable, more worthy to be called the children of God." - Elder Orson F. Whitney 

I was reminded that my life, though difficult at times and is not altogether going how I had hoped, is still very good and very very blessed. 

Randy's Visit

At the end of last week, Randy came home for a quick visit. He had a 3 day weekend and was supposed to arrive Friday afternoon. However, when I arrived home on Thursday from my preceptor, there was the big red truck parked in front of the house. Not only had he come a day early, he brought mini caramel cheesecakes, a smoothie for my breakfast the next day, and he had done the dishes. When I got home Friday, dinner was about ready.

Saturday we went to the Farmers Market in Moscow and went to see The Martian movie and have a late lunch with Bryan. That afternoon we did laundry, we went on a walk by Paradise creek, played Phase 10, and watched The Fellowship of the Ring.

This morning Randy came with me to Sacrament meeting, but he had to leave soon after that to make the 7 hour drive back to Southern Idaho. Everything is so much better when Randy is home. I loved having our little family all together again even it if was only for a few days. I miss him so much, it makes my heart hurt. But we will be together forever.

The next time I see him I will have taken the NAVLE and we will celebrate with Thanksgiving dinner.

The Last 2 Months' Adventures

The first week of September I presented my senior paper (I am so glad that hurdle has been jumped and completed). I talked too fast, but at least its finally done. I have chosen my date to take the BIG TEST (aka the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination). It will be me and 3.5 years of study against 360 questions on November 25th at 9 am.

After I presented my senior paper Randy, the critters, and I drove down to Emmett to see Randy's parents. While there, we rode the horses, went to garage sales, attended the Boise temple, visited the aquarium, ate a lot of food, and window shopped. My mom came for a one day visit. Early the next morning after mom left Randy and I drove down to Utah to surprise her. We spent one morning at the  Hogle Zoo where we met up with Stephanie. My little sister Chantel got engaged to Garret. Garret's older sister Brittany and I are dear friends and our mothers are also best friends that we met while we lived in Florida. After all these years of joking that Garret would marry one of my sisters, I never thought it would actually happen. The night after the engagement both of our families went out to eat to celebrate. The following day was my cousin Ryan's mission farewell. I enjoyed being able to visit with my cousins and aunts and uncles.

My next rotation was at the Caine Center in Caldwell Idaho focusing on small ruminants. It was awesome! I feel comfortable with ultrasound guided pregnancy diagnosis in both sheep and alpacas. I was able to castrate a goat and an alpaca, perform fine needle aspirates on a cow, draw blood from goats, perform Tuberculosis testing in goats, and lance an abscess. On the weekends I drove back to Emmett to see Randy.

After two weeks at the Caine Center I had to return to Pullman for my next rotation (Community Practice). This time it was my turn to leave Randy. He started his new job as a Dear, Elk and Antelope  Technician for Idaho Fish and Game on September 28th. This position lasts for 8 months. I am so tired of being apart, but God has a plan for us and it will all work out.

My first day back in Pullman I came home to the house smelling like dog poop. Mitch had a bout of bloody diarrhea. Its crazy how when something happens to my own animals all training and logical thought leaves and panic easily sets in. Once again I am so so thankful that Amanda and Jake live down the street. The only thing I could think to do was to call Amanda. She literally came running to my aid and started to examine Mitch while I tried to clean up the mess in the house. I called the VTH and told them I was coming. Amanda drove Mitch and I to WSU and immediately started to run what we call the Big 4 (basic diagnostic tests) and placed an IV catheter while I sat on the floor, held Mitch, and tried keep my composure. She and Jake then took me to dinner and while we were at the hospital Jake cleaned my house. These people are the most selfless people I know. Thankfully, Mitch just needed some fluids and antibiotics and was able to come home the next evening. He is back to his normal, happy, goofy self.

I had a great time in Community Practice. I feel more comfortable with vaccines, talking to clients about preventive care, and working with cats. It seems like almost all of my cases were cats, especially kittens! On my surgery day, I repaired an areal hematoma in cat. During the two weeks, Shannon came to visit. I hadn't seen her since her graduation in May 2014. We sat and talked for a long while.

Last weekend Brooklin and I went apple picking at an orchard near campus. She also helped me pick out my Halloween costume for a Harry Potter themed party. We hadn't had a chance to talk in months.

Currently I am completing my preceptorship rotation. The preceptorship rotation is a month long arrangement at an approved clinic. I am at a mixed animal practice and its been fun so far. I have performed spays, neuters, mass removals, floated a horse, assisted in a C-section of a dog, identified a lameness in horse without anyone pointing it out to me first (personal win), and placed catheters. The doctors and technicians and the rest of the staff are great and have been very kind to me.

My life is busy, but it is very blessed.

Testimony

As I have mentioned on here before- I love Sundays! I am grateful for the commandment to keep the Sabbath day holy. Taking a break from life's craziness gives me a chance to slow down and remember  what is truly important and what is not. Today I was able to attend church and worship my Heavenly Father, cradle a baby, make meals with my Randy, reconnect with loved ones, study my scriptures and listen to recent General Conference talks. I feel so good right now- I can feel the Spirit in my home and within my heart as I write this.

God loves us and cares about us. We came to Earth to decide who we will become. We are meant to be happy now even amongst challenges and hardships. God has blessed us with innumerable tender mercies. God has also given us His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, who came into the world to provide a way to cleanse us from sin and to lift us higher. Jesus Christ is our brother and I love Him dearly. I am looking forward to the day I can once again look into His eyes and tell him how much I love him.

Monthly Update

Exciting things in the McBride house in no particular order

• Games and desserts with Bryan and Rebecca that has become almost a weekly occurrence 
• Temple trip to the Spokane temple 
• Elk River Falls hike with Bryan
• Randy has been doing an amazing job getting the house ready to be put on the market- he's been painting, dejunking, packing, and fixing things around the house
• I just finished my Ag animal rotation where I worked with a yak, a 5 week old white tail fawn, a 3 month old camel, a one day old cria (baby alpaca), sheep, goats, and of course cows! I absolutely loved it! It was great to be back in the barn
• started my equine surgery rotation- so far I have witnessed one colic surgery, a sinus surgery, and successfully performed nerve blocks for the first time (my patient is one of the sweetest horses I have ever met) 
• trips to the Farmers Market in Moscow 
• Thanks to Randy the house stays clean, the laundry gets done, the towels are changed, and the animals are fed. I don't know how I survive without him. 
• Enjoyed lunch and laughs with Kristine and Nathan 
• was pushed the max on my small animal internal medicine rotation, but survived thanks to my incredible rotation mates and husband 
• celebrated my birthday at school for the first time ever! Thanks to Dr. Haines who supplied some cheese cake 
• Saw my first mission impossible movie with Rebecca and Bryan 

Sisters

The week that Randy came home my two incredible little sisters flew up for brunch. We went to a little French cafe in Spokane called Madeleines and it was so so good. Afterwards we went to Manato Park and showed my sisters where Randy and I got engaged. Chantel made us act it out for them to see. It was wonderful to laugh and catch up with my little sisters, I just wish they could have stayed longer. 

Our First Camping Trip

The week following Randy coming home, we went for a one night camping trip with Mitch. We went to a little place called Elk River about 70 miles from here. We stayed at an actual campsite. It wasn't my favorite camping experience. We couldn't have any form of fire including briquets (which we found out after we had tinfoil dinners) and the campsites were super close together. I felt like we had to whisper because our RV neighbors were so close. Also there were not any hikes or places to explore from the campground. We had to drive to the start of all trails. Neither of us slept well, as the result we were up, fed, and packed by 7 am.









Our first stop was a little paved trail to see the oldest tree (apart from the redwoods) in this area. Its a giant red cedar that estimated to be a least 3000 years old and about 13 feet in diameter. It was impressive. It was thought provoking to lean on a living thing that has been around since before the time of Jesus Christ and to think about all the world events that have occurred in this tree's life time while it quietly grows in a little grove in northern Idaho.

Afterwards we drove around looking for another adventure. We found a 5 mile loop that looked promising. As we were hiking along, we passed some recently fresh bear feces which got my heart pumping. We ended up in this beautiful meadow. Unfortunately there were 3 trails to choose from and no signs or trail markers to tell us which path to take. We decided to play it safe and turn around and return the way we came. 

After the meadow hike we hiked to the three waterfalls on the Elk River.

Lower Falls

Middle Falls 

Section of Middle Falls 

Upper Falls 

Wading in the Upper Falls 

I am glad we were able to get out of the house and explore some beautiful places. Most of all I am so glad to have my husband home.

Exotics Rotation

So Exotics is super duper cool!!! Dr. Finch was great, the techs were super helpful, and of course Jacki my classmate was awesome. We had a blast plus I was able to work with some pretty amazing animals - 

• Golden Eagles (I got to hold them!) 
• Owls- Great Horned Owls, Barred Owls, Short eared, Screech
• Other falcons- kestrels, Red tail hawk, Swainson hawk, Coopers hawks, Sharp-shinned hawk 
• Axolotl 
• African Frog
• Canada Goose
• Ferrets
• baby cottontail bunny
• baby birds- robin, flicker, starling, pigeon
• Rabbits 
• Spotted Leopard gecko 
• Macaw 

I was able to perform some cool procedures as well

• gave injections to reptiles 
• gave subq fluids to a golden eagle and a Guiana pig 
• neutered a rat and half a rabbit 
• changed bandage on a great horned owl
• got a lot of experience grabbing raptors and restraining them for exams and transport 
• force fed a great horned owl 
•  learned how to feed and care for baby birds and bunnies. 

Some procedures I got to watch and learn from

• How to perform an physical exam on a screaming macaw and other birds
• how to perform nail, beak, and feather beauty trim
• a mass removal from a 100 g bird
• radiographs of a box turtle, great horned owl, guiana pig
• The easiest way to grab a bird from its cage (it involves complete darkness) 

Weekend patient care was overwhelming- it took us 6 hours to complete morning patient care on Saturday, but to our credit we had over 50 animals to care for and we cut it down to 5 hours on Sunday. 

4th of July - Emmett

Wild Cow Milking 

During my Radiology rotation I had an extra day off. Randy and I planned to meet in Emmett at his parents for the weekend with both of us arriving Friday afternoon. Thursday afternoon Randy decided to head up early and arrived at his parents Thursday night. I finished school at 5 and I hadn't packed or anything, but decided to follow my mother's spirit and drive up Thursday night (My mother is a strong believer in last minute trips and staying up a few extra hours to be with your husband sooner). I threw some essentials in a bag, loaded the animals in the car, and left the house at 6. I arrived at midnight.

Friday morning we went to a local bakery called The Rumor Mill for doughnuts and pastries - yum. That evening we went to a rodeo in Vale Oregon. My favorite part was the Pig Scramble which consists of letting 6 piglets lose in an arena with 60 kids who each want to take it home. There was a sweet moment when a bigger kid caught a pig but quickly gave it to a younger kid.

Saturday (the 4th) I went to help my in laws put on a pancake breakfast at the church. Later we worked with our horses. It was a gorgeous day, but hot so none of us worked too hard. That evening Randy and I went out to eat a Red Robin (where else?). That evening we watched the fireworks in the cemetery (it was up on a hill over looking the park where the fireworks were lit). It was cool to be able to see not just the city fireworks, but all family party fireworks as well.

Me and Tag 

Randy and Montana 

Cindy on Sax

Sunday came too soon and I had to drive back up to Pullman for my next week of Radiology.

Good things

A few of the good things that I have done over the last two weeks of equine medicine 

passed a nasogastric tube on a horse twice without incident - stomach gas tastes just as gross as it sounds 

learned the joys of bottle feeding a few days old foal, being splattered with milk, foal milk mustaches

enjoyed a walk with my dear friend Brooklin one evening 

Soaked up some sunshine with Amanda, Jake, and Ashley at the Farmer's market, Pattys, and the U-pick flower garden 

Experienced the overwhelming good feeling of a sincere thank you from a client for taking care of her horse 

Had dinner with Becky and spent a few hours catching up on life- I miss seeing that girl every day 

Performed abdominal ultrasound on a horse

had a blast laughing with my rotation mates and the clinicians and eating ice cream

Bottle fed a tiny fawn

Took Mitch to a BBQ

Facetimed with my family


Yup- its been busy! 

Weeks 1-4

Oh man its been a crazy last fews weeks!

Week 1 in Critical Care was fantastic! I was able to see and do many great things. All the clinicians, interns, and techs were very helpful.

• CPR and emergency drugs (The intern setup a scenario for us and let us practice on a dummy)
• Managing a patient on ventilator 
• Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia 
• Ultrasography - T FAST and A FAST scans
• Pericardial Peritoneal Diaphragmatic hernia (the sac around the heart is continuous with the abdominal cavity)
• Recumbency care 
• Learning the basics around the hospital- filling pharmacy orders, how the different departments interact, who is responsible for what. 
• Basic care- setting up fluid pumps, syringe pumps, changing bandages
• Blood transfusions 

Week 2 - Vacation! (Much needed)

I drove down to Utah, with a pit stop in Emmett to drop off Mitch and Winter at the McBrides'. (Thank you for taking care of them!) Monday afternoon was Ashley's high school graduation. There were over 600 kids in her class. Afterwards following at crazy parking lot driving experience with Brandon and Grandma Kay we had dinner with Amber and Zach, Kamie and Garff, Brandon, Ryan, Max, Grandma Kay and Grandpa Karl at Longhorns. It was a blast, I laughed and laughed. Zach kept embarrassing Amber until she slinked down below the table to cover her face. I just wish Randy had been there. The next day Mom and I went shopping for scrub pants and suitable shoes. Wednesday, Mom and I flew down to  Las Vegas to spend a few days together. I think I'll have to do a separate entry for that trip - too much to share. We flew back to Utah Friday morning.

Waiting for the volcano to erupt at the Mirage

Randy finally arrived that evening. We celebrated by stuffing our faces at Texas Roadhouse. Saturday, Mom, Dad, Randy, Jason, and I went to the temple. Mom, Randy, and I did initiatories while Jason and Dad did baptisms. Randy, Jason, Dad, and I went the Air Force Museum. It was cool to hear my dad tell stories about the different planes. Later that day Chantel drove up from Orem and all of us went out to dinner and then went bowling with the Coxs. Sunday involved church, home videos, and dinner and games with the Coxs. That evening I had to say good bye to my sweet heart once again and he made the trek back to Idaho. Monday, Mom, Dad, Jason and I drove up to East Canyon to spend tim with my mom's family. Jason rode a mountain bike down a creek bed in the rain while I visited with my aunts and grandma. Later Mom and Dad let me have a go on the ATV down at the ranch. Too soon it was time to start loading up the car to head to Idaho. My good friend Maria came over while I packed and loaded the car. It is always good to visit with Maria, I wish it could have been a bit longer.

Week 3 & 4 - Rigby, Idaho

I spent 2 weeks at Mountain River Veterinary Hospital for my SIPE (the student selects any clinic they want). I stayed at my dear friend Brittany's house. Brittany and I have been best friends since high school. I met her when I moved to Florida (the second time) and we roomed together at BYU-I. It was fantastic to spend so much time together. She works two jobs so I read a lot of books and watched a bunch of movies when she wasn't home.  

Some of the interesting\fun things I participated in include

• assisting in the delivery of a mini foal. This was my first time witnessing a foal being born
• assisting in a C-section of a dog who had 8 healthy puppies. 
• drew blood from about 100 rams for Brucella testing 
• performed joint injections on a dog
• spayed 2 dogs and a cat
• floated 3 horses 
• assisted in several surgeries- jaw fracture on a horse, spinous process fracture on a horse, infected umbilicus on a foal
• dehorning goat kids with a laser 
• neutering cats 
• milked mare and tubed her foal (foal wasn't eating enough)
• came up with treatment plans for a variety of patients

Randy came over to visit on the weekend. When we checked into our hotel, Randy was wearing his Idaho Fish and Game Shirt. The man who was helping us check in gave us the government rate which saved us about 50$! We enjoyed dinner at Jonny Carinos and then picked up some groceries for the weekend. Saturday started with Reeds Dairy Ice cream at 11 am and perusing the local farmers market. We then headed up to Rexburg for lunch at Mill Hollow (we used to go here on dates all the time as they serve delicious sandwiches). After lunch we went to the temple to do sealings. It is always a wonderful experience to be in a sacred room with my husband serving husbands and wives who have passed on become sealed together for all eternity. We also participated in some sealing of daughters to parents. The sealer spoke Spanish and performed the ordinance in Spanish for those families who were from Spain. It was such a tender moment and a reminder of what is really important. We later met Sylvia and Bryan for dinner that lasted just shy of 4 hours! It has been a year since we saw them last and we had a lot to catch up on. 

After church on Sunday, Randy had to leave to get back to work. I took my scriptures and headed out to enjoy the sunshine on the banks of the Snake river. It rained (I mean poured) almost every day for the 2 weeks I was there so I wasn't about to sit inside while the sun was out. 

My last day at MRVH came and I had to start the 4.5 hour drive to Emmett to pick up the little ones. I stopped over in Twin Falls to meet Randy for dinner. I wish I could have spent longer then an hour with him, but I'll take anything thing I can get. Saturday, I woke up with a terrible stomach ache that lasted all day, but we made it home to Pullman safe and sound. I some how managed to get 3 loads of laundry done and make it to the store for necessities. I rounded off the evening with fruit juice popsicles (best thing ever! And the only thing that sounded appetizing to me) and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. 

Life is good. I start on Equine Medicine in the morning! 

ONE YEAR FROM TODAY I'M GOING TO BE A VETERINARIAN!!!

I just finished my last ever final exam!!! 

I have picked up my pager and found my locker!

I took graduation photos last Saturday! 

I start my first rotation tomorrow morning! 

This is getting real- I'm going to be a 4th year! 

Other fun facts from the last few weeks -

1) Now not only do Harry Potter and I have matching birthdays, we also have matching scars. I managed to cut my head on my car door about a week ago. Thankfully, Sarah came to my rescue with paper towels and frozen sausage as an ice pack. I later spent an hour in the ER waiting to get the cut glued back together. Instead of studying that evening I watched a movie and ate a big piece of cake. 

2) Cassie, Betsy, Anna, Beth, and I went out to The Breakfast Club on Friday to celebrate finishing our last week of classes ever! I ordered lemon poppy seed french toast- oh amazing! It was basically eating cake for breakfast. 

3) I have had some great study sessions with friends that often involve more laughing then studying

4) Mitch and I have enjoyed some long walks to 'clear the mind' before studying. 

5) Winter has been very helpful while I have been attempting to study. (all she wants to do is play fetch, which I agree is more fun then learning all the things about everything)

6) I tried Indian food for the first time! One of the bighorn researchers, Bindu, made a yummy traditional Indian lunch for all us time-slips.

7) My last day at WADDL was Friday. It was much harder to leave the lab then I ever anticipated. I never imagined myself working in lab, but I had such a good experience. I learned new skills (things that I never knew were skills), how a lab is supposed to work, I made good friends, I had great co-workers and managers. Thank you to all those who were part of my WADDL experience. 

Now for the next few weeks -

1) My first rotation is Critical Care.

2) I get to see my family in about 1.5 weeks! Mom and I are going to take a trip somewhere, maybe Vegas, maybe New York. 

3) I get to see my Randy in 2 weeks! 

4) I am going back to Dr. Waddoup's practice in Rigby for 2 weeks. I am excited to see what new adventures are waiting for me. 

I can't believe that in a few short hours I will officially be a 4th year student. Many thanks to all my friends and family members who have supported me and believed in me, most especially my wonderful husband- I couldn't have made it without him. 

Randy's April Visit

Last Saturday Randy drove up from Idaho for a short visit  (anything shorter then staying forever equals a short visit) as he had a doctor's appointment on Monday. 

We went out to lunch at Applebees and did some other errands looking for 4th year stuff for me. That evening was Junior Review - a vet school tradition. Near the end of Spring semester the 3rd year class puts on an evening of skits celebrating/making fun of the vet school experience. Its sort of a last hurrah before we start clinics. We stopped by Sara's house to visit with friends, overeat on cookies and munches, and to get excited for the evening. 

Sunday, we went to church together. Attending church with my sweetheart is one of my favorite things. After lunch of a million pancakes we took Mitch on a walk. That evening Bryan and Rebecca came over to play games. I made a cake and Rebecca brought caramel brownies, so once again we indulged ourselves on delicious goodies.  

Monday, I had my last Therio lab- stallion breeding exam and collection. After lab Randy and I headed to Spokane. The good thing about the 1.5 hour drive is it gives us uninterrupted time to talk.  We had lunch at Wendy's and then went to Randy's appointment. Thankfully he is healthy and his diabetes is well under control. We had no need to rush back home so we did a little shopping. I bought another pair of scrub pants, a white coat and a pair of kaki pants. We grabbed some refreshment at Sonic (strawberry lime-aid so good). We had dinner at some what new place in Pullman, Porch Light Pizza. It wasn't too bad, but we should have bough 2 pizzas instead of 1. 

Tuesday, Randy had to head back down to southern Idaho. It sure was nice feeling like a family again for a few days.

Thank goodness for doctors appointments so I can see my husband. 

A Cow Pooped on my Phone!

What a week!

Monday I palpated cows and tried not to get pooped on.

Tuesday was a full day of classes followed by 3 hours of VBMA.

Wednesday was another full day of class, but afterwards Mitch and I went over to Sarah's for dinner and no studying. 

Thursday was VBMA graduation and an awesome networking event. The first hour the students rotated around different tables and visited with different industry workers and veterinarians. I was surprised how easy I was able to visit and get to know complete strangers. The next hour was graduation commencement. There was a lovely address given by Jimmy from Live Oak Bank on the importance being a lifelong learner. There were fancy yummy appetizers/dinner served. The last few hours I spent visiting  with different industry professionals at a variety of booths. 

Friday was interesting. My surgery team and I performed an exploratory laporatomy on a cow. It was awesome! Someone grilled up some elk heart and I was brave and tried some. It didn't taste bad, it was more of the thinking about what I was eating that I struggled with. After a late class I met up with Sara, Becky, and Rebecca for a free dance performance on campus. We had a good time laughing and visiting between dances.  

Saturday was wonderful. It was a beautiful spring morning. I helped deliver lambs that morning with the Small Ruminant Club. The ewe was struggling deliver the lambs. I ruptured the chorioallantosis sac (the first water bag) and located the twins. Other students pulled the lambs but I was able to check the uterus for a third lamb. This was my first time aiding a lambing. We then wandered down to look at the other ewes who should be lambing any day. Another ewe had a baby nursing at her side and while we were watching she popped out another one! Later I went visiting teaching which is always a blast. I cleaned the house and attempted to study. I am amazed at the difference in my attitude just by having a clean house. That evening I checked on our cow that we performed surgery on. I was wearing scrubs instead of coveralls and the pockets weren't very deep. I looked down and my phone was laying in the shavings behind the cow. My first thought was DON'T STEP ON IT!!! My contract isn't up for another year on my phone. Just as I was reaching for my phone the cow pooped and a large smattering landed smack dab on my phone. Thankfully it still works and I got the crap off of it. 

After Carolynn and I were finished with the cow and I hurried home to change for stake conference. This year was extra special because Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles came.  I was able to shake his hand after the meeting. The recently released president of BYU-I, Elder Kim B. Clark, also came. I never expected to see my old school president at stake conference in Moscow Idaho. Both of his messages spoke to calm the fears in my heart. 

This morning was the final session of conference and I sang in the choir. What an experience to sing for an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ. I wished he could stay with us forever. 

Mitch and I went to Sunnyside Park to enjoy some of the beautiful sunshine all the blooming flowers.

Randy is coming home Saturday for a visit!!! I just need to get through 2 exams, surgery on an alpaca, a book report, and bovine palpation lab.  

Life is good

Beginning of April

Yesterday, my good friend Brooklin and I drove to Richland, Wa to do a session in the Columbia River Temple. It was a beautiful day and many of the flowers were in bloom. There were multiple weddings going on that morning. I always get excited when I see a bride and groom as I can't help but remember my own magical day. I love the feeling of calm that always attends the temple. I wish I could stay inside forever, but instead I just have to try to soak up as much peace and clarity as I can. It was great having Brooklin to chat with during the 4 hour drive. It is comforting to know that we share many of the same struggles and insecurities. 

Last weekend was General Conference and Easter. I love being able to listen to our prophet and apostles speak to us. I am looking forward to further studying their messages. Sunday evening, I went over to Brooklin's for dinner and dying eggs. My mom sent me an Easter package that contained egg dye. I don't like hard boiled eggs, so Brooklin bought some fake eggs to dye instead. It didn't work the best, but we had fun anyways and Brooklin had glitter, so in the end all of the eggs were glitterfied. 

School has been chugging along. I am 25 days away from becoming a forth year vet student!!! I have been busy trying to get ready for this next adventure. I am really worried about having Mitch locked up for long periods of time, but I am working on a solution to that problem. My first rotation is in critical care and the following week is vacation and family! 

I am making progress with my senior paper. I have submitted my first rough draft and I have a meeting tomorrow with my advisor. Thankfully, we are putting off the slides until July. I don't have time to do them now and we can't send them in for testing now anyways. I have a week of vacation in July and I plan on setting up the rest (114) of the slides that week. 

I have started getting up early to exercise. With the sun getting up earlier, it has made it easier to adjust to getting up earlier, plus Mitch enjoys his morning runs and is always willing help wake me up. I'm trying to come up with an exercise regime that I can stick with long term and especially during 4th year. So far, this is working for me. 

Randy is coming in 2 weeks for a visit! I can't wait, by then it will 5 weeks since I have seen him. I think that is longest time in between visits. Winter is still as spunky as ever and Mitch is just as loving. I don't know what I would do without these two. 

Not all days are wonderful. Some days are harder then others, some days I feel lonelier, some days I just want to disappear, and some days I am discouraged. When these days come I try to remember my blessings, especially that I am sealed to Randy for time and all eternity. I try to remember all the things that are going right in my life. Some times you just have to go to bed or read Harry Potter (those two things are a magical combination). 

Mostly I try to remember what Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said,

"Don't give up. Don't you quit. You keep walking. You keep trying. There is help and happiness ahead. You keep your chin up. It will be alright in the end. Trust God and believe in good things to come."

Last Spring Break

Friday after class and an appointment for Mitch and Winter, I loaded up the car with the little ones and drove down to Emmett Idaho to spend my spring break with my in-laws and Randy. When I arrived Randy and his parents were put up fencing for the horses. Once it was too dark to work we went into town to  a local drive in called Roe Ann's for burgers, fries, and ice cream.

Saturday we put up more fence, ran errands and bought shakes at a different local place. We were able to finish the fence for the pasture and the horses were able to get out and run and buck for the first time in 5 months. It was great to watch them enjoy themselves and the green grass. That evening, I made a bunch of cookies. 

Winter came outside to 'help'

PJ 'supervised' the installation of the fence

Sunday was church, lunch of pancakes and bacon. Sadly, Randy had to leave to go back to work. Mitch, Cindy, and I went on a walk around their fields. Mitch had such a great time that week running around outside. 

Monday, we put up more fence, this time for the dogs. Afterwards Cindy and I rode the horses, Tag and Sax down the canal. The brothers did so well for it being their first time out in a long while. That afternoon we went the Boise Zoo.

Tag

Sax

Tuesday morning we put up more fence for the dogs. Then it was time to ride again. We went along the canal and afterwards worked in the neighbors arena. Along the canal, we saw a bush full of blackbirds and the brothers thought they were terrifying. Eventually, with some hand walking, we got past that safely. In the arena, we loped and trotted around. The boys enjoyed getting to stretch their legs. Mr. Clumsy and out-of -shape Tag decided he was going to lope on his knees with his nose in the dirt. We did that for about 10-15 feet before he was able to pick him self up again and keep going.  That night we went the the Boise Temple. It was lovely as always. My in-laws had an interview with the temple presidency and are going to be ordinance workers every Saturday. 

Wednesday morning we went for another ride. Tag tried to get away with being naughty, but we worked through it. I finally am starting to understand this horse and am beginning to have a relationship with him. After lunch I was given the keys to the Chevy which was hooked up the flatbed trailer and told to go practice backing the trailer. I have only done this once before, but eventually I was able to park it just a few feet off of its designated spot and I didn't hit anything.

Later that day, Cindy and I set up a temporary enclosure for the goats to get out and graze while we trimmed their feet. After getting one goat done, we went into town for massages. This lady was awesome! It felt so good to have the knots worked out of my shoulders and neck. She even messaged my face and scalp. Ah it was heavenly! After getting nice and relaxed it was time to get back to work. We finished trimming the other 7 goats and dewormed them. When we were finishing up, Mitch found a little kitten who decided to join the family. I caught the kitten and put him in the barn. He is a nice little thing, didn't hiss or bite or scratch, just scared. 

Thursday after the morning chores my in-laws left to go to Spokane for a wedding. It was me and 24 animals! I spent the morning grooming my horse, working with him on the ground, and going for a bareback ride around the pasture. Oh man my legs were sore. I could hardly get my leg over the tall horse. That evening I was texting Randy and telling him he should come back for the next few days. Not 30 minutes later he pulled into the driveway. He lives about 3.5 hours away. Sneaky wonderful husband! 

Friday morning we spent some time with the horses. Each one got a good rub down. Afterwards we went into town for lunch at Firehouse Subs, did some shopping, and grabbed doughnuts from Krispy Cream- so good! That evening we let some of the dogs run around while we sat in the lawn chairs listening to the birds and watching them with binoculars.

Saturday morning came too soon. After morning chores it was time for me to get packed up and ready to drive back to Pullman. It was refreshing to exercise something other then my brain, to eat lots of ice cream, be surrounded by animals, and to spend time with family, and most of all being with my incredible husband.  

Winter being a goofball 

Mitch would rather go explore the barnyard...

Spring Break Visit to the Boise Zoo

Monday of Spring Break, my mother-in-law and I went to the Boise Zoo. It has been a while since I have been to a zoo and it was fun to see all the animals. A club from school put together a behind the scenes tour. We were able to meet the zoo veterinarian and get a tour of the zoo vet hospital. The doctor discussed with us interesting cases, we went through some radiographs, and talked about the importance of flexibility when working with zoo animals because equipment usually isn't designed with tigers or hornbills in mind. Oh and porcupines stink!

The Patas monkeys were hilarious to watch

This sloth bear female was making kissing faces

It was hard to tell how many lemurs were in this pile, but I think we counted 4

Family time

Wallabies! If you look close you can see a baby poking his head out of the mamma in front