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.

 

Graduation Photos

Brooklin took graduation photos for me. It had been raining that morning and we were able to sneak in the photos in-between rain showers.

Emmett and the End of Vacation

Mom and I flew back to Utah Wednesday afternoon and I caught another flight to Boise. I spent the next few days in Emmett with my wonderful in-laws. Cindy and I rode the horses for the first time since last fall. The big silly boys did great after not working for several months. On Friday, we rode down the canal and Tag was so good. He didn't try any of his annoying 'stop suddenly backup' crap. When we were almost home, I thought I saw a big red truck pull into the drive way and sure enough my Randy had come up for the weekend!




Saturdays, Bob and Cindy work in the Boise temple so Randy and I took care of the critters and looked into different potential housing options in the Twin Falls/Burley area. That evening we went out to eat with Bob and Cindy and all too soon my vacation was coming to a close. The next morning, Mitch, Winter, and I made the trek back to Pullman for Monday brought the start of my next rotation- Emergency and Critical Care.

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.

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.

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.

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! 

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...