Vet School Graduation

May 7th 2016, a day I looked forward to for 4 years finally arrived. Graduation day.

Randy came home a week before graduation, and I am so glad he did. I don't know how I would have gotten everything done on time without him. We spent our last week soaking up as many of our favorite things about Pullman/Moscow, lots of packing and sorting of stuff, and spending time with friends.

My last full day of clinics was Thursday the 5th. Friday I had to go to school to perform my morning patient care and paperwork and then pass of the reins to the new 4th years. My class had brunch together that morning to go over graduation stuff (like how to hold your hood and where to walk). That afternoon my parents, Chantel and Garrett, Ashley, Jason, Grandma Kay and Grandpa Karl flew into Lewiston. That day was full of food (pizza, Applebees, Oreos, cookies, chips and salsa), bowling and culminated in the best game of Curses I have ever witnessed (Thanks Dad for the Elmer Fudd impersonation). That night, Chantel and Garrett stayed with us. The following morning we had a big breakfast and then it was time to take graduation photos with my cap and gown. Bob and Cindy drove up from Emmett that morning, so we met them for lunch in Lewiston. We took a few group pictures just before it was time for me to head to Beasley Coliseum.

My class had to line up under the Coliseum and it was so hot. It didn't help that we were wearing heavy velvet graduation gowns and hoods. Finally, it was time for the ceremony to begin. Dr. Thandeka Ngwenyama was our master of ceremonies. I took her critical care rotation twice because she is amazing. Her concern for the animals entrusted in her care and her small group teaching style was excellent (even if it included being asked a lot of difficult questions). She always tried to make the students answer fit the question. Dean Slinker said a few words of congratulations. Our commencement speaker was Dr. Andy Roark who spoke about caring for people as well as animals and not being afraid. Then it was time for the  awarding of diploma covers and hooding. Dr. Parish and Dr. Rance Sellon were the hooders. I have worked with Dr. Parish often during my four years in Pullman. He was my advisor for my senior paper as well. Once all of us had walked across the stage we repeated The Veterinarian's Oath lead by Dr. Leathers our pathology professor who had retired earlier this year.

Being admitted to the profession of veterinary medicine, I solemnly swear to use my scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society through the protection of animal health and welfare, the prevention and relief of animal suffering, the conservation of animal resources, the promotion of public health, and the advancement of medical knowledge.

I will practice my profession conscientiously, with dignity, and in keeping with the principles of veterinary medical ethics.

I accept as a lifelong obligation the continual improvement of my professional knowledge and competence.

  
Afterwards there were refreshments. I tried to find all of my friends, but unfortunately I wasn't able to find all of them. On our way back to our house, Randy and I stopped by Dairy Queen for some celebratory ice cream.

I can't believe that my vet school career has officially ended. The WSU Collage of Veterinary Medicine Class of 2016 is full of some of the most incredible, kind, hard working, loyal people I have ever met. I am missing my friends already. Goodbye class of 2016 -until the next conference or class reunion.

Memories of Grandma Sheets

Where to begin...

My Grandma Sheets has been a constant part of my life. I can't remember a time when her smile was not familiar to me even though we lived across the country and sometimes the ocean.

I have decided not to use third person in describing Grandma as she isn't really gone, she just off doing what she does best- serving others and the Lord.

She is quick to smile and willing to listen to the ramblings and frustrations of a 13 year old girl.
Some time after we moved from Utah to Albuquerque in 2012 my mom enrolled me in dance lessons. I had danced for about 6 years, but then quit after we moved to New Mexico. My first lesson was taught by a girl younger and shorter then me and I felt super awkward so instead I 'ran away' (with permission) to Payson to spend part of the summer with Grandma and Grandpa. I felt special being the only grand kid there and had my grandparents full attention. Grandma taught me about gardening and healthy eating and Grandpa took me horseback riding.

Since that time as a young teenager I have often called upon my Grandma to hear my woes and for her loving but sound advice.

For one of my personal progress projects for church I decided to work on my family history. Grandma was instrumental in helping me with that project. She took me to the family history center near their home. She also went through her own documents to find stories and memories of her ancestors to share with me. 

Before I started at BYU-I, I asked my grandma for any quick, easy, and healthy recipes or snacks she would recommend. She put a binder together for me full of her go-to recipes and she bought several packages of nuts so I could put together a trail mix similar to the one that my grandparents always have around.

She makes the BEST wheat pancakes. I've tried to duplicate them, but to no avail. About a week ago I dreamed about Grandma and one of the things I asked her in the dream was how to make her pancakes so good. Although the food she prepared was not considered 'fancy' (except for her amazing pies) everything always tasted delicious. I love Harper's Homemade bread and she would always make sure to have a loaf on hand whenever I came to visit.

During my summer trips to Payson Utah, I accompanied my grandparents many times to the soup kitchen. I always had a great time working side by side with them and watching what it meant to truly care for others. 

Grandma is one of those people you can't but help feel loved and important when you are around her.

Grandma I miss you and I will love you forever. 

As I remember more moments with Grandma I will add them here.

May-June 2016

I finished this blogpost, went to publish it, and it wouldn't publish. I hit the save button about a 20 times to make sure it saved. I then copied what I was worried about would not save, then hit the refresh button. Like I thought, most of my entry was not saved, but neither did the content I copied...

So I present attempt number 2 

So many things have happened in the last month and and half. I realized I need to write down a least a time line or else I will forget. In the coming weeks, my plan is to record these events in more detail for myself.

Graduation Day was May 7th. The following day, my father-in-law drove my car loaded up with Mitch and Winter down to Emmett. It was so nice to not have them in the way when we were cleaning, packing, and loading the trailer. Monday the 9th, we were able to get the trailer completely loaded and the house cleaned before the buyers arrived at 10 am. They showed up with a truck load of stuff, so I was extra happy we were ready to pull out as soon as the contracts were signed and the taxes paid.

We drove to Emmett to stay with my in-laws and Randy had to go back to work for his last week. I spent the first part of the week riding our horses and organizing all our stuff. Randy's last day was Thursday. The next day, we loaded up the car and drove to Utah for my cousin Malory's sealing to her husband AJ in the new Provo City Center temple.

Cousins!

We drove back to Idaho on Monday for another week with the McBrides where we rode the horses and organized more stuff. The following week we came back to Utah the  to go to New York City with my mom for a few days. It was a whirlwind of a trip, but we had a good time even if Randy ran out of 'people minutes'.

After returning to Utah, we spent an afternoon with my Grandma Sheets who was in the hospital. Several months ago she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, but she was admitted to the hospital for a GI obstruction. Once she was resting, Randy and I went to see Cavalia a horse/acrobatic show. It was a spectacular show with live music, gorgeous horses, and impressive acrobatics.

Waiting for the show to begin

The next morning, Randy and I flew out to Hawaii. I had never been to this tropical paradise and I was ecstatic to sit on the beach, soak up the sunshine, and spend some time with only Randy. While we were there, we heard from my parents that my grandma was being moved from the hospital to her home and would be cared for by hospice. She passed away early Friday morning. She is an amazing woman of faith and service. I hope to record some of my memories of her on this blog in the coming weeks.

My first day of work was to be June 7th, but as that was the day of the funeral, I was able to push it back a day and instead spent Monday and Tuesday with my Sheets family.

My first day of work went really well. At this point, I have completed 4 days of being a practicing veterinarian. The practice I work at is wonderful, full of good and helpful people. I am amazed at how comfortable I am already in my new role at doctor instead of student. Thank you to WSU CVM for the excellent training.

Other happy news is my baby sister got engaged last week and the house is already all aflutter with wedding planning. I am happy that I get to be around to be a part of this wedding and to help Mom and Ashley (one perk of moving to Utah).

Randy is taking two GRE prep classes to help him study as he will take the exam next month. Last weekend, we drove again to Emmett, this time to bring Mitch and Winter back with us as well as much stuff as we can fit. I guess we can now say we have officially moved in, now that our little family is together again.

All in all things are good in our lives and we would be amiss to forget our blessings.