Introducing Winter!

Well, we are now a well balanced family, according to my boss. This is due to the fact that a kitten has decided to move in. We really didn't have much say in the matter.

But seriously who could say no to that face? 

Over the last few weeks Randy and I have heard kittens under our house periodically. Last Saturday evening we heard kittens crying and we didn't think much of it. At one point Randy looked under the house and he didn't see any kittens but he heard them move around. When we were getting ready for bed the kittens were still crying. The next morning they were still crying and we decided that if they were still crying when we got home from church we see what we could do to help. I was really hoping momma cat would come back and take care of the kittens since we really didn't want a cat. 

We got back from church and sure enough the crying was still going on. We suited up with gloves, big coats, long sleeves and towels at the ready to wrap up the little ones. There are lots of cats both with owners and feral cats all over our park. I was positive that the kittens would be feral and crazy. Unknown to us there is a pipe about a foot in diameter that is about 2 feet deep under our trailer that goes to nowhere. We have no idea what its purpose is. Randy crawled under the house and found one kitten in the pipe. We thought for sure there had to be more then one because the crying was so loud, but this kitten had a strong will to live and a good set of lungs. As my arms fit the best inside the pipe I was the lucky one to pull her out. I was positive that she would try to eat my hand off when I touched her, but she didn't make a sound or try to attack me. 

We got her inside wrapped up in towels get her warmed her up. Within 10 minutes she did not want to sit still, but I didn't want to let this strange kitten loose in the house. We put her in this box with a heating pad thinking for sure she would be exhausted. 

However she had no interest in sleeping and did everything she could to climb out of the box. Within the next few hours she wiggled her way into our hearts and decided she wanted to stay. Our original plan was to send her to Spokane to be a barn cat at my in-laws. My mother-in-law was coming down on Friday and could take her then. She turned out to be such a nice kitten that gets along really well with Mitch that we decided she could stay.

Sleeping with Mitch is her favorite way to sleep

Monday I took her to the vet to get her checked out. The Doc determined that she was about 4 weeks old. She also got a bath and this was the first time I have ever given a cat a bath. 

She is growing fast and gets spunkier every day. 

She loves her toys and is already getting spoiled 

Oh dear.... our house is already getting run over by this 1 pound kitten named Winter 

Its Autumn Time

Its Fall! I think this is the first time in my life I am excited about this time of year. I am a lover of all things summer - hot sun, blue skies, the one time of the year I don't need a jacket, watermelon, fresh fruits and veggies... I could go on and on. But for some reason this year I am excited about this cool day, leaves changing, hot chocolate, sweater wearing, apple cider, pumpkin everything time.

It could possibly be because I knew this was coming! Yes a it is a pellet stove that yes actually keep the house warm! Finally this winter I will not have to survive moving through the house in sweatshirts, thick pjs, and a pile of blankets to keep from freezing to death. (I am only slightly exaggerating) We turned it on last night and the house was 70 degrees on the lowest setting! Finally a decent temperature to pass the winter with. Oh and Mitch loves it too. He is already laying in front of it soaking up the heat waves.






This week was much better then the last few. Partly because I only had one test and it was on Monday, so there was not any frantic studying this week or this weekend and partly because Randy and I finally went on a date for the first time in weeks!
Yesterday I went to my first ever conference. I felt like a real grown up. I got on a bus with some friends at 7:30 am for a 3.5 hour drive over to Yakima for the Washington State Veterinary Medical Association annual conference. This was my first opportunity to interact with my future colleagues and attend lectures pertaining to all aspects of veterinary medicine. I attended 3 different lectures about lameness in horses, creating a work life balance, and how to retain clients. I wish there were more hours in the day as there were many other topics from beef nutrition to viral infections of cats that I wanted to attend.

Today Randy and I listened to General Conference. Twice a year the leaders of the Church speak to the entire world.  It was such a blessing to be able to sit by my sweet husband and listen to the words of the apostles and the prophet. I was reminded of the importance of keeping things in proper order- put God first then things will fall into place and also to use my time wisely among many other messages. If you would like to learn more about General Conference click here.

Today was one of the few beautiful fall days we have had so far. It has been quite rainy here the last few weeks. I sure do love the rain, but it was lovely to see the sun and feel its warm rays on my face.

We found this little guy while walking down the lane. He was not to happy with Randy's attempts to save his life by chasing him off the road. 

I sure do love these two! 

To round out this lovely relaxing day, we had pot roast for dinner! Growing up we had pot roast almost every Sunday for dinner. This is the first time since we have been married to enjoy this Sheets family tradition. I am proud to say it was quite tasty. 

:D