St. Louis, House Hunting and Labor Day

Happy Labor Day! I always get my hopes for for September, but always seem to get let down. Every time September gets here, my mind automatically goes to fall everything, where in reality September is still summer! It is one of the -ber months and so therefore I always assume when September gets here its going to feel like fall. And then reality hits me and it's still in the 90's. But I do know by the end of the month it will be feeling more like fall. September also has those wonderful fall days then its back with the heat. Its like it can't make up its mind, it gets my hopes up and then crushes them. So thats my rant about September... I am doing my best to hold off on fall things, which is very hard for me. I am weird and want it to feel like fall before I start buying and getting my fall fix.
 On another note, we have been busy with getting things ready for our move, its slowly sneaking up on us, and oh yeah there's that thing called school that keeps getting in the way ha! Mitch has been so busy with not really "school work" but just lots of orientations and fun still like that. He starts Wednesday on his first day of rotations in the hospital and keep him in your prayers because he is very nervous. I know he will be great, but I can only imagine how terrifying it will be. Y'all he will be for real putting someone to sleep Wednesday... so thats weird, but I am so excited for him and can't wait to hear all about it! My classes are going okay, but I am finding out i'm not a fan of online classes and well taking classes in general. I guess I have just been out of the whole "school" routine for so long and its very hard to get back in it, especially when it is just for a few classes and not a degree or anything. But I am pushing through and taking it week by week. My classes are SO unorganized and I think thats really what I am not enjoying about them. But I keep reminding myself- I just have to pass and move on ha!
In other news, we went to St. Louis this weekend just for a quick trip, we love thats it so close, and like always, we had a great time. It was kind of last minute... well last minute for Mitch and I, we are planners and usually have these thing planned out. But last weekend we didn't have much to do, our town is so exciting and all, and kept talking about how these weekends we both have together are few and far between. Last weekend we sat and stared at each other for the first part of the weekend and realized we haven't had a weekend here in Jackson together in probably over 6 months. We had forgot what it was like to have a weekend together. So last weekend we went hiking at Natchez State Park and it was so wonderful! We hiked about 5.5 miles and although it was hot, we had a great time.

While we were hiking, Mitch kept talking about Labor Day weekend we both don't have anything so we should take a quick getaway trip. I told him to plan it and he chose St. Louis again. We love thats it so close and that we can go to a Cards game and there is always stuff to do there.

   Unfortunately we had a little mishap while we were there that put a damper on our trip. We had only been there a few hours and there is an outlet mall I love just outside of St. Louis and we were leaving it to go back downtown and got in an accident. Hands down the scariest moment of my life. We were going probably 70 and no warning or anything the car in front of us stopped, not slowed down, but came to a complete stop. We had no option, there was a barrier wall to our left, and a small opening to our right but a semi was coming up on us on that side. So we either ran into the back of the Escalade that was in front of us and probably went though it and the several cars that were in front of it and most likely still be laying in a hospital room, but we swerved right and tried to miss the semi (it was trying to move over a lane as well to help us out) but we still side swiped the semi. Sounds a lot worse than it was, being that we hit a semi on one of the busiest highways in St. Louis, but it really wasn't that bad. I still keep replaying it in my mind and can't figure out how we didn't get hurt or ruin the car. I mean there is a huge dent on the side of Mitch's car but to be out of town and it still run fine and nothing seem wrong, minus the scratches was a miracle. I keep asking myself how did we not get hit from behind, how did it not damage the car more with hitting a semi, how did we not get hurt at all, how did it not cause a bigger wreck on the highway and it really doesn't make sense. I am so thankful we had protection over us that day and I know it was a total God thing, because it just doesn't make sense how we are both okay. So after that we went and checked into our hotel. We were running a little behind to make the cardinals game so we ran up to our room, which by the way the lady at the Hilton could tell I had been upset and Mitch mentioned we had just been in a wreck that's why we were late and she upgraded our room for us. It wasn't a huge deal, but really meant so much to us. She was the nicest lady and definitely put a smile on our face after a hard afternoon. Our hotel was only a couple blocks from the stadium so we walked over and made it just in time.

Saturday morning we both slept so hard and didn't even leave the hotel until 11am. We usually like to get up and get going but we were so exhausted from everything we needed a break. We tried to get the wreck out of our minds and enjoy our trip but with people calling us nonstop asking about it, it was hard. But we did end up having a great day. Mitch knows I love brunch so he found a good brunch place and took me, it is called Rooster and if you are in St. Louis GO! One of the best places I've ever eaten at!

Then we just hung out downtown, went to Forest Park, the Zoo which was a blast, and of course Ted Drew's. Overall we had a great trip and I'm sure there will be many more St. Louis trips our future... just minus the accident!

I have a feeling this month is going to fly by. We have some houses lined up to look at next week and trying get our house packed up is always fun. We usually make a couple trips back home in October for OSU Homecoming, our annual Razorback game and the Tulsa run but his year I don't think we will make it back for anything. OSU homecoming is one of my favorite events all year, I have been going since before I can even remember and hate to miss it and we have been to at least one Razorback game every year since my freshman year of college, but with that being the month we are moving it makes it difficult.  I have been debating over the Tulsa run since last year and I think I am done with it. I hate it because it is one of my favorite races and I love training for it since it is during the fall, but it has gone so far downhill. The price has skyrocketed and what you get for your money has gone down. If you read my post about it last year, they ran out of water on the course, no goodie bags and no snacks along the course. I was talking with my friend Tayler who does it every year as well and she said the same thing. She is not doing it anymore for the exact same reasons. So as much as I hate that because I have been doing this race since high school, it's just not worth the money and trip in. Maybe when we move back I will rethink it, but for now no more Tulsa Run.  We do have a few things this fall we are looking forward to. We are making a trip with our Sunday school class to a big pumpkin patch, Mitch has his conference in Nashville and I love spending several days there, and my good friend Tayler is coming to stay with me. She has been wanting to come but she was in her last year of CRNA school and has been studying for boards like crazy...which she took them and passed Friday!! So now we are planning our girls weekend in Nashville! I can't wait!

Yesterday we spent all day looking and calling on houses. Why does house hunting always seem so fun until your in it?

Last night we had several people over to grill out for Labor day, which is always fun.

We had way too much food, but thats how we do it here in the south. Lots of food and great company. We spent all night outside playing corn hole and had lots of great conversation. Don't get me wrong we are ready to move home when this is all over, but Tennessee is definitely our home for now and I'd say we fit in pretty well. The rest of this week will be lots of "firsts" for us and will update on those soon. Other than school and house hunting we are watching the US open and just trying to stay cool. Friday a cool front comes through and oh my I am looking forward to temps in the 70's... I'd even take 80's! Have a great week!!

Still here!

Hello.. yes we are still here! This summer semester is finally OVER!! Mitch and I were both talking about how fast we thought this summer was going to go and we were wrong. We both felt like it was never-ending. BUT we are officially done and we made it through alive ha! I am so thankful that is behind us. He finished Aug 13 and we headed to Oklahoma for a week and then on to Arkansas for a few days. It never seems to be long enough... we have so many family and friends in Tulsa and I hate that we can't see them all. We literally had stuff to do all day everyday while we were there but it was so nice to be back. It's like a breath of fresh air and reminds us what we are working towards. If you can't tell we can't wait to move back to Oklahoma. We are liking our time in Tennessee and we are thankful for this adventure we get to take, but its just nice to know where we want to be when we are done and that we have lots waiting for us back home.

These last few week of Mitch studying for finals have been so overwhelming. I don't think either of us have ever needed a break so bad. I am very thankful because my parents came up for a week at the end of july/beginning of august and unfortunately Mitch had to study the whole time, but I was able to hang out with my parents and it was so nice. We spent a few days in Memphis and Nashville and it was just a good break. My parents aren't as familiar with Memphis so I took them all around and showed then where we want to live- we actually looked at a few houses. But Nashville, even though we go a lot, they know a lot better. Because of my brother, my parents have friends in Nashville that they like to visit and they are in the music industry so they get them into places most people can't go. They have been to The Bluebird for dinner and concerts (which is super had to get in), The Grand Ole Opry several times and even backstage to meet the performers. I may be a tad jealous they get to do all the "cool" things. But anyway, we had a great time with them and I love when they come up.

August 13th Mitch finished and we made the trip to Oklahoma. We had the best time, lots of pool time, haircuts, eating at our favorite places and catching up with friends/family. It was the best time. One of my favorite parts about being back home is visiting my school and sweet kiddos I had. I have been so blessed by several families that keep in touch, but one specifically I ALWAYS see and I love these girls like my own! Hadley the older one, I had in kindergarten and she still writes me about every month. I know I say it over and over, but I am so thankful I have found what I love to do and even though I can't teach right now, getting to come back and see these sweet faces makes it all better.

We are now back in Tennessee and Mitch has a crazy busy next 2 weeks. He is all over the state for orientation and his classes start for fall semester. He doesn't start clinical until September 8, but until then he is super busy. I start my classes today to keep my OK teaching license up to date and let me tell you I am nervous about these classes. I have never done online classes before and I am hoping it is as easy as everyone says it is. I am excited about the classes I am taking and love learning about education but until they get going I am a little stressed.

We are trying to get settled back in from our week and a half away then we will start the house hunting process. I am ready to find something and secure it so I don't have to worry about it anymore but I am so not looking forward to packing up the house again-- I may go crazy! That's about all we've been up to. I promise I will get better at updating.. I love to look back and see where we were a year ago and all the changes we've made. ALSO-- did I mention how excited I am about fall being just right around the corner?!?! I am trying to hold back until at least mid-september (when it actually starts to feel like fall) before I go crazy with my fall obsession. Lets see if I make it :)

Placements are in....

Well placements for rotations are in and it's been a long week trying to figure out what's going to be best for us. There are several things we have to factor in that most people wouldn't even of thought of, but because we know this program and how it works, we are able to make the best decision for us.  This was a stressful decision just Mitch and I had to make, but we are thankful for your prayers as we conquer this decision and figure out the next step for us.

When we saw the rotations we knew logically, just by looking, what the obvious decision would be. But we wanted to really look into everything, like I said there is so much more we look at than just where he is the most for clinical. But that does play a huge role in it.

Let me explain the best I can how these next two years of rotations work. Starting in September he begins clinical for the next 2 years, the remaining time we have here in TN. He goes by 2 month rotations so for example: September and October will be at the same hospital. Then November and December will be at the same hospital on and on for the next two years. There are SO many clinical sites all over Tennessee, Mississippi and Kentucky. So for example even though it changes every two months he could have 8 straight months in the same city but every 2 he changes hospitals. I don't know if that makes any sense. So overall we were trying to see if he had any that back up to each other in the same city and if so how many. And he only got three for the whole two years here in Jackson and one of those rotations we will be here for. So that means he would have to commute to Memphis all two years except the 4 months he is placed in Jackson.

That brings me to our decision and it is to make the move to Memphis. It is what Mitch wanted all along and I have been torn bc I don't like Jackson at all, there is nothing here to offer, but we are settled in, have friends, church and a great house. But I have always said, and Mitch too, if we were just in a bigger city with some stuff to do, we would both enjoy our time here a lot more. So when it comes down to it we are both crazy excited to make this move!

We knew this was a big possibility so we have been researching towns for the past month or so and figuring out where exactly we want to be. There are 3-4 towns we like that aren't considered "in Memphis". I mean either way we will pretty much be in Memphis, the line is very vague where Memphis starts and ends but as long as you stay on the outskirts you're fine. So after talking with several people here and lots of his that classmates already live there, (they decided to live there from the beginning) and everyone we talk to recommends Bartlett, TN. And after looking into it we LOVE it! It is in Shelby County, is located in the northeast corner of Memphis and it is a part of the Memphis metropolitan area. So basically we will be in Memphis and have the benefits of Memphis at our fingertips, but without having a Memphis address, which we soon figured was the key ha! I'll talk more about this later but we went and drove around the other day and we were in an area where one side of the road was Memphis and one side was Bartlett and it was like night and day. We both agree we will be finding a house in Bartlett city limits! We don't know if it is because of Jackson, we now think any town is better or it just is a really nice town, but either way we love it. And it is in the best location for all his clinicals.  If you are traveling on I-40 from Jackson to Memphis it is the first city you come to before actually getting into downtown Memphis. So that will make his commute shorter when he does have to commute to Jackson. Also several of the hospitals he will be at are in suburbs of Memphis and he has some in Bartlett too. So overall it is the perfect location for us, it couldn't be better! Lots of people from his class live in Bartlett and just love it. So after taking everything into consideration we have decided on Bartlett, TN. Well I mean I guess that's where we want to be, now we have to pray we find a house.

So we will be officially moving in October. Mitch was lucky and got his first rotation, September and October, here in Jackson and our landlord has been so wonderful to work with. Our lease is up August 1 but he is letting us rent month to month for however long or until we find a house. So that takes a lot of pressure off. So that will eliminate two months of commuting then when he starts in Memphis in November hopefully we will be all moved in and settled in Memphis! We have been praying for a good schedule and one that will be obvious on what we need to do and that's just what we got. So even though we have to move AGAIN, we couldn't be more excited about this next journey. I really think we will be so much happier. Not many couples can say they have been married 5 years and moved 4 times ha! But with his school this is just a crazy season of life and it will make settling down in Tulsa so wonderful!!

When I think about it, October seems far away but with everything we have going on I think it's going to fly by. Mitch only has 1 month left of summer semester, thank goodness, and then when he is done he has a week off we are going to go back and visit friends in Tulsa. Then when we get back he starts clinical and we start house hunting and packing!

Since we decided Bartlett is where we want to be, and we have only been there to eat (we make the drive frequently bc there are so many good restaurants there) we decided to spent some time there last Friday and we just looked at some houses, neighborhoods, etc. and to say we are excited about moving there is an understatement! I mean Jackson doesn't have the worst food options at all but there is so much a bigger city has that we don't have. For instance, in Bartlett, within a minute of where we will be living we have Bahama Breeze, chipotle, Pei Wei, Firebirds and J. Alexander's just to name a few! This is big for us coming from Jackson! And then not to mention we will be a 10-15 min drive away from downtown Memphis at our favorite places there! Not only food, even though yes we love our food, there are parks, biking and running trails and just so much to offer that Jackson doesn't have. We miss that so much. We are also excited about being in a "decent" neighborhood again. Ours is okay, it's definitely in a better part of Jackson but still not the best. I know I would feel safe with Mitch being gone and he doesn't want me there alone. So being back in a safe neighborhood will be so wonderful. 

So if you can't tell we are ecstatic about this move. We have 2 years left here in TN and although we are ready to be done and move back to OK, this will make our experience so much better. I don't know how many times a day we say this experience wouldn't be so bad if we were in a city with stuff to do and now we will be! Of course we miss home and family and friends but we know this is a season of life and this makes our adventure a little more interesting! Also thank you to all our family and friends who have come to visit us. With Mitch's school schedule it's hard to come home but we've been blessed with lots of visitors!

So thank y'all so much for the prayers and messages! I say this a lot but we seriously have the best friends and family. I couldn't of got through this year and first half of summer without y'all. The daily encouraging messages and verses keep me going in tough times. Mitch are I are so fortunate to have such good friends that even though they are far away, I feel like they are here with us. Oh and I also forgot to mention one of the best parts about this move..... It makes us an hour closer to home!!!!! I know that doesn't seem like much, but when you already have a long drive that almost always consists of backed up traffic this is wonderful news!

So needless to say these next few months are going to be busy, but a good busy. We will do our best to keep you updated as we continue this exciting process!