Merry Christmas

Brandon and I spent Christmas Eve a part this year. He was on call at the vet clinic and had to stay close to College Station just in case he got a call. I headed to Brenham solo for Christmas Eve at my Grandma's house. On Christmas Day Brandon was supposed to be on call again, but he got a nice surprise and they told him that he could venture away from College Station for the day. I had already made plans to go to Houston to my Aunt and Uncle's house, so Brandon being the great husband that he is came with me. He didn't want his seven and a half month pregnant wife traveling alone on Christmas Day. It was great getting to spend some time with my family, especially my five month old cousin Presley. 

Granny and her three granddaughters

Eighty years old and learning to use her very own IPad. She is also on Twitter :)

Merry Pinterest!

Aggie Basketball

Tonight Brandon and I made it out to the Texas A&M basketball game against Louisiana Monroe. It was fun to be back at the school we think is so grand. We definitely have a future Aggie on our hands. Our little man would kick and move like crazy when the Aggie band would play "The Aggie War Hymn." I guess he's: 

Pictures from the night: 

Our Baby

Our baby boy is making his presence known in many ways. My tummy is getting bigger and BIGGER with each new day. The baby has started to become more and more active with his movements. Before, I was the only one that could feel the movements, but this week Brandon has felt his kicks for the first time. We had a doctor's appointment on Tuesday and we are measuring right on schedule for a February 24 delivery. Another big thing on the list is registering at the hospital and birthing classes. Also, we got word that the crib, dresser, and mirror that we ordered are in! Brandon and his Dad are going to Houston next week to pick it up. The custom bedding that we ordered should arrive on Tuesday and I can't wait to get this little guy's room ready! 

Things We Are Thankful For!

- Our little growing bundle of joy!
- A family that loves and supports us, no matter what. 
- Friends that are in our lives. 
- Our dog, Sawyer, who is loyal and fun to have around! 
- A Grandma who always listens and loves us. 
- Getting a job in such difficult financial times. 
- Brandon getting to fulfill his life long dream of becoming a veterinarian. 
- Being in the United States of America!
- Our health and happiness. 
- Having an awesome husband that loves and encourages me! 
- God's Love 

Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours! 

Ally and Jeremy

Last night Brandon and I helped host a wedding shower for Brandon's cousin, Ally. Ally met Jeremy at Camp Luther Hill, where they both worked. They are getting married on New Year's Eve, and we couldn't be more excited. In honor of their meeting place, The Green Door was transformed into Camp Stoner. Here is some pictures from the night:

We wish you two nothing but the BEST in this new chapter in your lives!

Deer Season!

Deer season is underway and our little "dear" is already ready for his first season (thanks to Daddy). 

Happy Hunting Everyone!

BBQ

Tuesday, Brandon was finally home for dinner and we decided to break out the charcoal and BBQ pit to make hamburgers. We haven't done this in FOREVER (since we moved to St. Kitts in April of 2009)! It was so nice to just relax and enjoy the awesome weather! As you can see even Sawyer got in on the action!

Sawyer's favorite place in the backyard...the porch swing!

Emergency Rotation

These last two weeks have been crazy for Brandon and I. Last week Brandon worked from 4 o'clock in the evening to about 6:30 in the morning (Monday - Sunday). He was gone by the time I got home from work and he was usually walking in the door when I was leaving in the morning. This week he has had the 6 o'clock in the morning shift to about 7 o'clock at night (Sunday - Sunday). This has been better, but I am SO ready to have my husband back! Monday he starts another two-week rotation and I am hoping that his schedule lets him be at home more! 

It's A Boy!!!!!

We have been blessed with a boy from above a precious son for us to love!

Brandon and I are happy to announce that we are having a son! Our little bundle of joy is already SO loved!

Mrs. Schulte

This past week I went for an interview for a second grade math/science teacher position. There was forty-two applicants and I got the job! Monday is my first official day as Mrs. Schulte, so this weekend I will be super busy getting my room ready and my lesson plans prepared. 

Dr. Temple Grandin

Last night Brandon and I went to a lecture on the Texas A&M Campus that featured Dr. Temple Grandin. Dr. Grandin is a doctor of animal science and a professor at Colorado State University. She is a consultant for the livestock industry and designs curved cattle pens that are intended to reduce the stress that cattle feel when going into the chute. She is very successful and she has done all of this with high-functioning autism. Dr. Grandin is noted for her work in autism advocacy and has helped educators understand how to best help their students who have all forms of autism. If you haven't already seen her HBO movie that depicts her life, you should!

First Day of Clinics

Here's to a great start to Brandon's clinical year at 

Texas A&M University!

Sadie Ann

We love you so much and we thank you for all the joy and laughter that you brought to our lives. You were the best dog that we could have ever asked for. Your love and loyalty for us enriched our lives so much. We know that you are in a better place and are not feeling any pain anymore.  

RIP Sweet Sadie Ann

Baby Schulte

Brandon and I are excited to announce that we are expecting our first baby! This is something that we have hoped and prayed for and we hope that God continues to bless us in this new journey. We have been waiting to share the good news with our family and friends for over three months now and we are excited to finally be able to now that we are back in the United States. We can't wait to meet our little St. Kitts souvenir!

Baby Schulte saying "Gig 'Em!"

Update

We were supposed to fly out of St. Kitts on Sunday, until Tropical Storm Irene hit St. Kitts Saturday night and lasted all day Sunday morning. Our flight was cancelled and we were not able to get on a flight until Wednesday. We are currently at the airport and hoping and praying that we get to fly to Miami before Hurricane Irene hits the US. We will try to keep you posted!

Transition Ceremony

This afternoon I got to go to Brandon's seventh semester transition ceremony. The transition ceremony is a send off for the seventh semester students as they prepare for their move back to the states. During the ceremony several former Ross Grads that are now professors at Ross provided advice and words of wisdom for the students as they prepare for their clinical year at one of the vet schools in the US.  This ceremony recognized all the hard work that Brandon has put into making our dreams come true. I couldn't help but tear up as I watched my husband walk across the stage as an "almost" veterinarian to receive his engraved surgery instrument pack. All the hard work and long nights of studying are starting to pay off. The fear of living in a foreign country has only made us stronger. Moving away from everything that we know and love has only made us a better couple. Doing without certain things has only made us more appreciative for the things that we do have. This experience was what God had in mind for us when Brandon didn't get accepted to the vet school of Texas A&M and all I can think is "thank God for unanswered prayers." 

The Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine
Class of 2012! 

Random Sightings in St. Kitts

WARNING: Turn down the volume on your computer before playing this video.

Conch Shell Call

This is from one of the Catamarans that Brandon and I went on. This is how they call everyone back to the boat when its time to go. 

The Messenger

Brandon and I are busy packing, organizing, and cleaning out the stuff that we have accumulated during our time in St. Kitts. Just this evening, Brandon and I sat down to go through our draw of "odds and ends." In the draw we found a church messenger from October 2009 that was sent to us from my family church. Written on the messenger was a quote that has gotten Brandon and I through some very tough times during our time here. Here is hoping that it adds some comfort to you as well. 

"The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you."

Thank you God for leading us here and we pray that you continue to protect and guide us.

Blog Makeover!

The countdown is on for Brandon and I for when we touchdown on American soil again, for good! In just 2 weeks and 2 days we will no longer be "locals" here in St. Kitts, and we couldn't be more excited! So in honor of our return to the good ole' USA we have transformed our BLOG to show our excitement!

Dear Brandon,

How do I begin to tell you how lucky I am

to have you in my life?

I'll start by saying what an honor it is

for me to be your wife.

You're my best friend in the good times

and my rock in times of sorrow.

You're the reason for sweet yesterdays

and my promise for tomorrow.

I never thought I could feel this loved

until I became your wife.

You made this year and every year
the best one of my life.

Happy Anniversary Brandon!

Love, 

Emily 

Brandon's Post

This is from the Nascar race last weekend in Nashville.  It was made into this song and Brandon can not stop listening to it (because he's a dork)!!!

Happy Birthday Husband!

To have a Husband like you, 

You're thoughtful, warm and caring, 

And understanding too, 

That's why this Birthday message

Comes with thanks and special love, 

To wish you all the happiness

You're deserving of!

Happy Birthday Brandon!

I Love You!