Happy Halloween.... Arrrr

For Halloween this year I convinced my co-workers that we needed to be pirates. So we decorated the office to look like a pirate ship, with cobwebs and life supports. We made a pirate treasure map and a treasure chest to sit out in the student waiting area. I think it turned out great. Here are some pictures of myself and my boss, Monica (she was a great sport and went along with the idea... I think I may have pulled her out of her comfort zone). I hope you like them, have a happy Halloween… Arrrr, Me Hearty!

Becky and Monica

Becky and Seth (Lisa's Boy)

P.S. On a sad note, Lisa’s last day at work was yesterday. She is going to stay home with her son… which is a happy note, but she will be missed greatly in the office.

Nice Weekend

Stewart and I had a lovely weekend. Saturday morning we went to the temple, it was nice and peaceful I very much enjoyed it. There is something about going to the temple with your better half that brings you peace and the determination to make this relationship work, always and forever no matter what.

On Sunday, we went to the married ward again. I think we will fit in once again, hopefully soon. It was nice to sit next to Stewart more than one hour. Stewart and some of the guys from the singles ward had been practicing a song (Oh My Father), since Stewart and I have been released from our callings in the singles ward the guys decided that they would sing the song yesterday. So Stewart and I went back to the singles ward so that he could perform his song. All four of them did an excellent job, the song itself was beautiful. I think they should take it on the road.

After Church on Sunday Stewart and I went to Cherry Springs just south of Pocatello for a walk. We had a fun time being outdoors in the warm fall weather. I took the camera along and enjoyed taking pictures. Stewart, I believe thought we should have left the camera in the car. In fact after several pictures he took the camera away from me, but I got some good pics before that happened ~wink~.

That evening we had some of our good friends, Ted and Shayla Hymas, over for dinner. They have a cute son named Kaden; he sure does keep us entertained. Anyway we had a good visit with them. Ted gets to be a giant Turkey for Halloween at his work; I am absolutely jealous of him... okay really I am not. Anyway, we had a beautiful weekend to bad it had to end.

A few good Pictures of us at Cherry Springs

I am holding a Caterpillar (Stew took this pic... great pic huh?)

Some Weeks Are Just Hard

Wow, where to begin. Let’s just say that a lot has happened since I last posted something on this blog. I believe the saying “when it rains it pours” is very true. But I also know that life does not dish out more than a person can handle.

Last Sunday, Stewart was released from his calling as 2nd counselor in the bishopric of the 10th ward. That would be the singles word that we have been serving in for a little over a year now. I was not too sure about this calling when we were first asked to serve. It took me (Becky) a while before I actually warmed up to the idea that being a newly married couple serving in a singles ward is not all that bad. Yesterday, when the bishopric was reorganized, I felt like I was being asked to leave my home again. I will sincerely miss serving and being around all the wonderful people who helped me in many wonderful ways. They taught me a lot and I will miss them dearly… that’s the honest truth.

We also learned this week that Stewart did not get into the medical school in Kirksville, Mo like he and I were hoping. Mind you we still have not received a letter telling us this news, so we called out there and they told him over the phone. All hope is not lost (although it very well probably is); I should mention that he is an alternant, so we could be accepted come late May or early June. Of course by that time we would want to have housing accommodations in the works and a plan as to where and when we will be moving. I was still holding out hopes that we would go to Kirksville, until last night when Stewart and I were talking about it. He mentioned that if he commits to the school in West Virginia, that he does not feel right to change his mind and go to Kirksville if they were to accept him after the fact that we told one school yes. So, since West Virginia needs us to tell them “yes” or “no” by December 15th, and Kirksville won’t tell us if they want us until late May… do the math, we are going to West Virginia unless a miracle happens. Honestly I should not be so sad about this; we got into medical school with only having to interview at two schools. That’s very good, I have heard of some people who interview at several schools and don’t get in until the very end… we got in to the very first school we interviewed at. I do know that all will work out as it is suppose to, we will go where we are most needed. Heavenly Father has a plan for us, and we want to do and go where he has asked us to go.

Ok the finial news for this week, is that my “Friend” and my “Buddy”, who is also my Grandma Lucille Willard, passed away this past Friday (October 17th). She had been suffering from the affects of cancer for a few months now. It is sad to see her leave us, but I am so happy that she does not have to suffer with all the pain and stress of being ill. She is in a better place free from the burdens of this life. Her funeral is tomorrow, I am sure it will be a hard day for myself and my family but at the same time it will be a day filled to the maximum of sweet memories of my Grandmas life. I feel that I am so fortunate to have lived so close to all my grandparents while growing up. Grandma Willard lived just an hour away from my family, so we went to see her often. When I moved to Pocatello, Grandma's house was our midway point, I most always scheduled in time to stop and visit. I was privileged to live with my Grandma for one summer. It was the summer after my Grandpa passed away. I was having a terrible time trying to find my footing in life; most was dealing with self esteem issues. My Grandma invited me to live with her for the summer while I worked at the Wendell Cemetery. I truly believe she saved me, by helping me turn my life around. I think we both needed a friend, and it was a perfect fit. I will miss my Grandma, but I am completely grateful for her love and influence in my life. She will always be remembered for her fun personality, her amazing in-depth understanding of the gospel, and her sincere love for all around. Thank you Grandma for your influence in my life, for your love, and for teaching me that I am someone important. I love you!

Ummm... What Cha Think???

This is a project I have been meaning to do since Stewart and I got married last year. I think it turned out beautiful, if I don’t mind saying so myself… and I don’t, it’s gorgeous! The best part about this whole project is that it cost me less than $20.00 to do. I had the mat cut at the Craft Shop on ISU’s campus, and then the frame was bought on a super duper sale here at one of the local craft stores for next to nothing. Talk about some good deals and a lot of luck.

In His Own Words

Stewart got home on Friday, I was super happy to see him when he got off the bus at 9:00pm. He seemed to have a great time and enjoyed his trip. We should know where we're going by the end of the month, give or take. Stewart knows that he has to blog about his trip because I can’t do it justice. My one problem is getting Stewart to find the time to blog...(4 days later)

IN STEWART'S OWN WORDS:

Okay people I'm here and ready to write. Becky told me that I need to update you all on my trip. I had a great time. I'm not much of a traveler so it was all new to me, but I think I've got the hang of it now. I rode a shuttle bus to Salt Lake and spent the night there. I got up at 4am to be to the airport in time to make my flight. I flew to Charleston West Virginia. I rented a car there and drove to Lewisburg. My GPS unit wasn't working when I first got in the car, so I had to look at the map. I saw the highway that took me directly to Lewisburg and assumed it would be faster than the freeway which took a less direct route. WRONG! The highway was very twisty. It took me into all the little towns in between. The speed limit changed frequently. I was busy trying to make sure I was on the right road, and not missing a turn and I neglected to slow down at one point. The next thing I knew there were flashing lights in my rear view mirror. The officer didn't have any simpathy for me, so now I owe the town of Smithers WV some money, frustrating.

Lewisburg WV is a beautiful little town. I think it rains so often there that people don't need to water their lawns/gardens. How would that be? The people are very friendly. The town was a site of a Civil War battle. I drove around town a little on Sunday evening and stood in the place where the Union army set up their camp and where they began their march on the Confederate soldiers. It was neat. I went to church in Lewisburg. It is wonderful how the Church teaches the same gospel, and the same principles anywhere you go. Most of the elder's quorum are students at WVSOM, they had some good things to say about the school.

My interview went well. They didn't ask me any curveball question, just the ones you would expect to answer: "why do you want to be a doctor? Why did you choose this school?" etc. I was impressed with the campus. It's a beautiful area. The buildings are spread out, with plenty of green space in between. All their buildings were pretty new and up to date. The anatomy lab was quiet and not stinky (ISU's anatomy lab is a cave in comparison). I like the program they have.

This is going long so I'm going to have to speed it up. I flew to Kansas City MO and rented another car. I drove 3 1/2 hours North to Kirksville. Kirksville reminds me of the small town I grew up in. The school is older and not as nice, but some of the programs are more established, and, quite honestly, superior. Kirksville is the birthplace of Osteopathy, and is kind of the leader (Mitch and Cassie might disagree with me on that). My interview there went well. Again, they just asked the basic questions that you would expect. They didn't try and trip me up. I had a good experience there.

I wanted to go see some church sites while I was in MO, but I ran out of time. I flew home the day after the interview. Becky and I hadn't seen each other for a week and I was anxious to be back with her.

Mitch you asked me a few months ago why I didn't apply to DMU and I never answered. I should answer you now. I looked at DMU. It seemed to me like they take pride in preparing their students for surgery (along with everything else). I'm not interested in doing surgery and so I crossed DMU off the list. Two of the D.O's here in town that I've talked to went there and they loved it and they are fantastic doctors. I know I would have done well there, but I just wanted a school that focused more on primary care.

Lewisburg, West Virginia

Old home built in early 1800's in Lewisburg

Thousand Hills State Park just outside of Kirksville, Missouri

Statue of A.T. Stills, the founder of the first D.O. School on the courthouse grounds.

Funny Pictures

Leslie (Stewart's Mom) sent these pictures to us as a funny joke. It made me laugh so I am posting them. Stewart had a very successful week and is on his way home at this very moment. I can’t even begin to tell you how excited I am to have him home. I miss his GUTS!!! I will make him record his experiences for everyone, and since I sent the camera with him I will see if I can find a few pictures to post as well.