Winding Down

The Fall 2010 semester is over!! This semester was really hard, I had a lot going on....and no time to do anything (or so it seemed that way). The Christmas season is in full swing, my shopping is almost done, Christmas music is alllll over the radio, houses are decorated with trees and lights, and even snow is on the way!


I stopped by the house today and it looks fabulous!! Cabinets are up (to be stained later), counter tops are being installed, the walls are sanded down and beginning to be hand textured, the back and front patios are concreted. Its no long just drywall and concrete foundation.

Stone on the chimney

Kitchen <3

Granite countertops <3

Appliance garage & lazy susan

Stove/Microwave area

From the laundry room

Back patio

Laundry room

Man-cave

Countertops

Doors.

Remember December

This December will be one to remember. This time last year, Shane was here in Texas while I was still in North Carolina trying to sell the house and finish up school. This will be our first Christmas together since we first got married. The 2nd Christmas we were married he was deployed to Iraq and last year we couldn't afford for each other to fly to see the other.
We still haven't decorated for Christmas.....yes, we have never decorated for Christmas. However that will all change next year once we are settled in the new house, and for once can put roots down.  Also, this is the first Christmas my family will celebrate since my daddy's passing. It will be hard, tough, tearful, but we will get through it (While singing along to The Beatles as loud as we can). I'm planning my trip home for after Christmas, spending New Year's at home, and I'm extremely excited to see my friends and family. One friend will be missing, Rachel (my bff) since she's going to see her boyfriend. (Love you Rach!)

The kittens have found new homes!! The little girl, now named "Phoebe" is in a loving home where she is being spoiled and causing all sorts of trouble! Little man, now named "Zed" is staying with us. Shane has become very attached to him. Never in my life did I think I'd have 4 cats. Sigh. Oh well at least they all get along.

Semester is coming to an end. One final down, three to go. I will be very happy when this semester is over, and I can officially be a college junior in the spring.

& without further ado, the pictures I'm sure you are all eager to see!

Our tree this year.
(Made by a co-worker of mine)

Such a hard life as a kitten.

Being a fat kid runs in the family.

 && THE HOUSE!

Kitchen.

Kitchen/Living room from front door.

10 ft ceilings & Recessed lighting.

Guest bathroom.

Master bedroom.

Front. <3

Coming along nicely.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!! Many people often stress over what food is going to be made, how much time they have to spend with each side of the family, and what football game is going to be on TV. However, we often over look the simple things. Thanksgiving is about being with family, friends, and the ones you care about. Also, remembering why we are thankful. Granted, you shouldn't give thanks one day out of 365.

Things I'm thankful for:
-a loving family
-a roof over my head
-the chance to receive a higher education
-friends, that no matter how far apart we are....still give me words of wisdom when I need them most
-the ability God gave me to be here today, with a smile on my face.....despite what I've been going through
-THE greatest guardian angel, my Father.

& the house is coming along nicely. Its been awhile since I've posted updated pictures of the house. So beware....there are LOTS!!

Outer frame is done, roof is on.

Upstairs. Husband's "Man Cave"

Kitchen/Living room looking in from laundry room

Looking into guest bathroom & 2nd guest bedroom/my home gym/office  from 1st guest bedroom

Living room & fireplace.

Master bedroom/ bathroom

Future home of stove, countertops, and cabinets.

Guest bathroom with plumbing in

Air ducting in.

HVAC unit

Stairs to the "Man Cave"

Washer/Dryer hook up

More plumbing in

Another HVAC unit??

Upstairs bathroom.

Front door <3

Gables primed

Back of house. 2 car garage, back porch with double doors

Back porch

11/24/10 Brick is going up!

Bach porch

Brick & shingles on.

Front of house. Notice the house number is almost ready to go on!

Future neighbors!

So yes, the house is looking awesome! Work is going well, for both Shane & I. The fall semester is almost over, YAY! & I will soon be a college junior. Its only taken me 4 years, better late than never right. I'm looking more and more into Vet schools, and I've narrowed it down to a few that I really want to apply to: 1) Texas A&M 2) Oklahoma State 3) University of Georgia 4) Ohio State & maybe 5) Virginia Tech.

Its becoming more and more surreal that I'm getting closer and closer to my dream. & also more surreal at how competitive it is to get into Vet school.

For this lovely cold (Its currently barely 30 degrees here) Thanksgiving Day, the husband and I are eating an awesome breakfast (scrambled eggs, bacon and hash browns), watching a Harry Potter marathon, eating a kick-butt dinner of NY Strip steaks with garlic roasted potatoes, steamed crab legs, and broccoli (However, we may just go to Golden Corral....let them cook and do the dishes), then heading out to see Harry Potter 7.

Update on THE HOUSE!

The house is coming along nicely. I'm so ready for it to be done. It doesn't help that I work 1 block from the house, so I'm able to see progress everyday....making me more and more ready to move in.

Also.....we had the first snowfall of the season on November 12th. We got a total of about 6 inches. The night before it was only a thunderstorm, and we woke up to snow. The panhandle natives call it a "thunder-snow" Needless to say, I hate snow. & I hate digging my car out and waiting about 30 min for my car to warm up. Here are the pics:

About 7am, already had 3-4 inches.