Happy Fall, Y'all!

As the saying goes, "I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers." This October was one for the books! I am so happy to be back in the hills of WV during this beautiful season. The fall foliage here is unlike anything I've ever seen. We are lucky to live in such a beautiful state! Just look at some of the views from a recent hike Ty and I took on The Carriage Trail. The weather was perfect! I only wish there was a little more red/orange on the trees.

It seems like my posts are becoming a monthly occurrence. I keep saying I will try to blog more, but it is hard to find the time! You all will be happy to know I have been sticking to my goal of eating better (sort of LOL). I did a really good job at prepping meals for about two weeks, and then I fell off the wagon. I was drinking about 3 cherry cokes a day and eating sour gummy worms like they were going out of style. I watched a movie on Netflix called Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead.. y'all, OMG! That evening after the movie I headed over to Kroger to get fresh fruits and veggies for my NutriBullet juices LOL 

Here are some of the things I cooked at home for us to eat on during the week:

This might have been one of my favorites. I just baked some chicken breast and green peppers with fajita seasoning and added it to a frozen bag of Mexican rice and veggies. It was just as good heated up as when I first made it! I'm not trying to follow any kind of diet or anything. I just want to eat a little less fast food.

All packed up and ready to go!

This homemade chicken noodle soup was another yummy meal I made that Ty and I ate on for a few days. 

I've been working a lot lately including weekends. A couple weeks ago I had the weekend off and decided to cook us a good southern supper. We had pinto beans, corn bread, mac and cheese, and kraut and kielbasa. This is one of my most favorite meals!

Besides working, event planning has been taking up a lot of my time. I was so honored to be asked by the dean of the school of pharmacy to plan an alumni event. When I was at school at MUSOP, I planned many socials for the students, so I think that is why they asked me to help with this. I spent a lot of time prepping and planning, but it was so worth it! The whole day was wonderful, and I loved getting to see some of my teachers and classmates. 

This vase was given to the school by the Blenko Glass Company. It made the perfect centerpiece for the skybox event! I knew I wanted to have an arrangement on the table, but I didn't want to go over budget. I went to Kroger and found different flowers in shades of green and white, and I put this arrangement together myself.

Gift bags were taking over our home office. Poor Tyler had to deal with my stuff all over the place for weeks.

Each gift bag had these adorable green and white cupcakes made by Cakes By Appointment. They also made our wedding cake, which was delicious! Petra always does a great job!

The view from the skybox. It would've been a perfect day if the Herd would have won!

Of course, the grand finale of October is Halloween. I worked on Halloween Day, and Tyler was out of town most of the weekend. My sweet momma came to visit me while he was out of town. We had a great girl's day!! Because we live in an apartment, we didn't have any trick or treaters. I did however get a picture of the most adorable trick or treater: our baby Bo. 

Mimi and Scruffy before heading out to eat at Fujiyama. 

Halloween at work. I loved everyone's costumes!

Our precious boy.. I told Tay we need to draw those eyebrows on every day LOL Cutest thing ever!

Chunky girl helped mom and dad carve a kitty pumpkin. (She loves me I swear LOL)

He will kill me for posting this. She loves him so much!

Yesterday I packed up all of my pumpkin table linens and changed them out for some Thanksgiving glitz. I don't have all of my holiday decor since it is put up in our storage unit. A few weeks ago we went to get our winter coats out of the building, and we found our Christmas ornaments! I brought those home with me, but we couldn't get to our tree. I guess that means we will be getting a live tree this year!

Notice Scruffy girl in the bottom of this picture. She always has to be front and center!

I got this gold beaded table runner and placemats at Kohl's last year after Christmas. They were on major sale, so I scooped them up! They will match my gold rimmed Spode Christmas dishes too!

I hope everyone had a fun and safe Halloween! I am already prepping for the next holiday. I am chomping at the bits for Christmas, but I am going to celebrate Thanksgiving first. We usually wait until after Thanksgiving to put our tree up, and we watch Christmas Vacation while we set everything up. It is a little tradition that Ty and I have done every year since we met. 

I hope y'all enjoyed this October roundup. Until next time.. Take care y'all! 

Country Roads Take Me Home

After almost a year of living outside of WV, I am happy to say I am officially home! The moving process itself was absolutely terrible, but now that it is over, I am so glad we did it! For almost a month, Tyler and I lived apart. He lived in WV while I stayed in Kentucky to finish up rotations. To say I missed living with him would be a huge understatement. I'd like to think he missed living with me too LOL I have spent the last few weeks packing everything up into boxes for the big move. Last Thursday, my last day of pharmacy school rotations, I drove to WV to our new condo. After Ty got off of work on Friday, we headed to Lexington. Saturday morning bright and early we got up to get the UHAUL before the moving company came to the house. I distinctly remember Tyler complaining about my recommendation for the big truck (26 feet long). (Sidenote: We had this same discussion regarding the storage unit and the outcome was strikingly similar to this.. but that is a story for another time LOL) He thought we could've gone with a smaller one. Then again, he didn't pack everything up into bags and boxes to see just how much stuff we really have LOL Around 9:00 that morning, the movers arrived, and we began packing everything into the UHAUL. Fast forward to about 3:00PM where we encounter problem number one: The UHAUL is completely full. Nothing else will fit. NOTHING. Remember when Tyler was acting like I was silly for requesting the largest UHAUL they had? Yea, me too. Unfortunately, we still had office furniture, a bedroom suite, and several more boxes to pack up. I could feel the anxiety creeping in! Tyler called around to make arrangements for another UHAUL that we could hook to my car. In comes problem number two: my new car doesn't have a hitch on it, and Mercedes was going to charge an outrageous amount to put one on. I'm kind of glad we didn't go this route because I don't think a hitch would be very aesthetically pleasing on my car LOL Tyler's mom, Rhonda, completely rescued us. She agreed to drive all the way to Charleston and back (6 hours round trip) and pull the UHAUL with her SUV. Since we had another moving company meeting us in WV to help carry all the furniture into our new place, we figured it was best for Tyler to go on and take the big UHAUL. That way they could be unloading that truck while we finished up in Lexington. Tyler left, so it was up to Rhonda and me to make sure everything else fit in the second UHAUL. It was a close fit (VERY close), but we made it work! We had to do a lot of rearranging and taking things out of the UHAUL to put them into our vehicles. We ended up going through a basket of towels and clothes that was in my car to get sheets to lay over the wood furniture. Rhonda was digging through the clothes basket when we heard a beeping noise. I saw the lights flash on the mirrors of my car. It was locked. I didn't have my keys on me, and my purse was inside the car along with my phone. INCOMING: Problem number three LOL For a brief moment, I was convinced I had locked my keys in my car. Rhonda frantically gets out her phone to call the local dealership to see if they can help us. I start digging through anything and everything looking for my keys. Something shiny caught my eye under the clothes basket: the Kate Spade keychain Rhonda had given me for Christmas one year. The keys were under the laundry basket! Praise The Lord! When we were digging for the sheets, we must've locked the car by accidentally pressing the button. Whew! Around 4:30PM we had everything packed up and ready to hit the road. Three long hours later, we arrived in WV. Little did I know, our day of moving had only just begun! 

Scruffy helping her momma pack up in Lexington

Tyler and the UHAUL that he thought would be too big...

Rhonda and I arrived around 7:30 that evening to pure chaos LOL Tyler and the movers had already moved in a lot of the furniture, and of course I asked them to rearrange almost everything once I got there LOL Poor Tyler. He really does put up with so much. Three hours and a Gino's pizza later, we had everything carried up to the condo. As I looked around me, I started to panic. Bags and boxes were EVERYWHERE. Our furniture wasn't fitting properly in bedrooms. I couldn't find half of my clothes. As a very type A/OCD/organized individual, I didn't know how much more of this I could take. So what does a girl in distress do? That's right.. Call daddy! He assured me everything would be okay, and first thing in the morning he would come to my house and help Tyler put our bedroom and office furniture together. I already felt somewhat relieved. Around 11:00 that night, we found ourselves at our storage unit putting up everything that wouldn't fit in our condo. The word exhausted didn't even begin to cover how we were feeling at that point. When we got back to the house, we got cleaned up then passed out. I felt like that was the best sleep I had ever had. At 6:30 the next morning I was awake, bright eyed and bushy tailed LOL I let Ty sleep while I went through boxes and tried to organize a few things. When he woke up a couple of hours later he couldn't believe the progress I had made. He said it was like Santa's Workshop, and I was a little Elf LOL I could feel the anxiousness subsiding with every item I put away. What a relief! 

Since we are now officially WV residents, we decided to find a country club in the area to join. Berry Hills was the natural choice for us: my parents are members there, it is where we had our wedding, and our very close family friends, The Tomblin's, are also members there. Sunday afternoon we decided to take a break from unpacking and drive to the country club for dinner. It felt so good to get out of the house and enjoy the beautiful weather! After we ate, we drove the golf cart around to get a good look at the course. It made my heart happy to know I am finally home!

Our view of the golf course and pool at dinner 

This week has been much less chaotic than last week! I attended a couple of review sessions at school and got to see several of my pharmacy school buddies. I missed them all so much! Also, I got to have lunch with my mom and sister, which was wonderful! My grandmother also came to Charleston to visit me. We shopped, had lunch, and she came to see my new place. I have made plans to see several of my friends in the next few days as well. As you can tell, I am happy to be back close to my family! I can't thank Tyler enough for the sacrifices he has made to bring me home. He is the best husband in the world, and I am so thankful God sent him to me!

Probably the one thing we both missed more than anything while living apart was home cooked meals. I didn't have them because I didn't want to cook just for myself, and Tyler didn't have them because I wasn't there to cook for him LOL As soon as I got everything unpacked, I headed to the grocery store. I was like a mad woman. I bought so much food! We haven't eaten out all week, and we have loved every minute of it. I made fresh squeezed lemonade and a strawberry trifle with vanilla pudding and angel food cake. We've also had tacos and buffalo chicken wraps. This weekend I have BIG plans: bacon and fried potatoes for breakfast and a pinto bean dinner with all the fixins': kraut and kielbasa, fried potatoes, cornbread, and greens. I can't wait!! 

Getting ready to make fresh squeezed lemonade - It was delicious! 

Taco Night!

The next few weeks are going to be full of exciting things! Next week is my last week as a pharmacy student. It has been eight long years getting my doctorate, but I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel! Monday through Wednesday I will be attending review sessions for my upcoming board exam, and Thursday is our graduation. WOW! It is hard to believe! The following week I'll be going on a girl's beach trip with my mom and sister. Even if I have to study while I'm there, I am still excited to go! Studying on a beach beats studying anywhere else! I will try to do a quick blog post on our trip when I can. I have made myself a strict study schedule that will begin as soon as I graduate, so I will be very busy the next few weeks with preparing for the NAPLEX and MPJE. Everyone please say a prayer for my classmates and me as we prepare for this exam! I will also try to upload a few pictures of our new condo. I still need to hang up curtains and a few pictures, so after I get that finished, I'll do a quick post on it! Until then, here are a few pictures of our patio and views from where we live. Until next time.. Take care y'all!  

My mom got me a Gardenia. I hope I can keep it alive! They smell so good and blossom into beautiful white flowers.

Country roads take me home

To the place I belong

West Virginia, Mountain Mama

Take me home country roads

Spring Has Sprung!

Hey y'all! Sorry for the short hiatus on my blog.. it seems like forever since I have posted on here. I know I start almost every post with this, but I have just been so busy! As most of you probably know by now, Tyler and I are moving back to West Virginia.. I AM COMING HOME, Y'ALL! We have been traveling back and forth from Lexington to Charleston (a three hour drive) almost every weekend. Tyler accepted a position with a very prestigious firm in Charleston, and I couldn't be more proud of him! He has been recognized in Lexington as a Rising Star lawyer, and I just know he will be just as successful in West Virginia. Steptoe and Johnson is lucky to have him! 

Last week/weekend was a whirlwind to say the least. I have been working ten hour shifts in order to have Fridays off, so my days have mainly consisted of working. One evening last week, Tyler and I had dinner with the office manager at the firm he worked at while in Lexington. She is just the sweetest, and we both will miss her when we move! On Friday, we left for Inez after Ty got off of work for his cousin's birthday party. After having some pizza and cake, we were back on the road en route to Charleston. We spent the first night in our new apartment - on a mattress in the floor LOL We are slowly moving everything in to the new place over the next few weekends since we both will be living back and forth between Lexington and Charleston. THE STRUGGLE IS REAL Y'ALL!

On our way to WV! 

The BEAUTIFUL view from our apartment complex.

On Saturday, we drove around exploring Charleston and purchased a new washer and dryer (thank you grandmother!) We did adult things like getting our TV and internet installed and registering our vehicles. I can't lie, I am loving every minute of it. I sent Kelly this picture and said, "One of us is excited to move.. Can you guess which one?!" LOL Poor Tyler! 

Saturday evening and Sunday day we spent celebrating Easter with my family. On Saturday, we got to take baby Bo his Easter basket from my grandmother. He is such a blessing to our family! 

Bo's basket from Grandmother. 

Love my sistas! 

My two babies that I love so much!

After Bo got his Easter basket, we all headed home. Grandmother gave us our baskets on Saturday too because she said the Easter bunny was too tired to wake up early before church to bring them LOL Yes, I'm 26 and still get an Easter basket. Grandmother asked me when would I be too old for an Easter basket, and I simply pointed out that Taylor AND her baby got an Easter basket so I would say you are NEVER too old for a basket LOL Am I right Kelly and Taylor?! Gran always gets us the best baskets. They are full of candy, books, lip glosses and nail polishes, and sometimes we get beach towels and pajamas. This year, Taylor got beautiful bathroom accessories for her new house. You never know what she will come up with, but you can always guarantee it'll be good! 

On Sunday, we all went to church together to celebrate our risen Savior! After the church service, all of the children hunted eggs. Uncle Erick helped Bo find the Lucky Egg! We headed back to my maw maw and pawpaw's house to have Easter dinner with my parents, Kelly, JuJu, Aunt Michelle, Uncle Freddie, and Ross. I always cherish the time I spend with my family, which is why I am absolutely elated to be moving closer to them! THANK YOU JESUS! 

On our way to church.

The cutest little Easter bunny ever!

Cousins..

We missed you Emilee! 

After a great weekend at home, I knew I had a hectic week ahead of me. With only a few weeks left until the big move, I have lots to do. So far, I have packed up most of our decor and my winter clothes. When I first moved in with Tyler after we got married, I stressed him out really bad when I carried in all of my clothes. This time, I think it will be best if I bring it gradually in seasons LOL On top of moving, I have to start studying for my boards. What a daunting task. I just have to keep on keepin' on! I can't wait to share pictures of our new place with y'all! Maybe I will do a 'Before and After' post once we get settled. I hope all of you had a wonderful weekend celebrating Easter with your loved ones. What an unbelievable gift we received when Jesus gave his life to save us from our sins - to save you - and to save me. I can't even begin to explain how grateful I am for such a sacrifice. Now that I think of all of the things that are stressing me out right now, they all seem so petty and small. I have been saved by a loving God, and through Him, I can make it through anything! 

Until next time.. Take care y'all!