One Step Closer!

First of all, I want to thank you guys for giving me your input! Your ideas have been a great help!

Well, we have made our decision....
and we put an offer on house number ......

*drum roll*

ONE!! :)

We feel that it is the perfect pick for us - as well as having the most potential for our family's growth - well, a little ways from now! ha! So now we wait to see if it has been accepted or declined. We aren't really feeling that confident about it, but we needed to start somewhere. It wouldn't be real if they accepted our first offer - lol! Hopefully we can share our good news with you guys soon!! Please keep us in your prayers as we make some BIG decisions and make our way through the whole 'first time homeowner's' experience! :)

Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Moe ...

Help us pick our house! :) We have it narrowed down to 4 different homes! I'm taking any identifiers off of the pictures so we don't get a stalker! haha! I will give you all of the details and if you don't mind, please post a comment telling me which you like the best! :) I really appreciate any input you might have!

(PS: I'm not just letting some stranger pick my home - just need a little push toward the home we think is right for us - from a stranger's POV! :) )

House #1:
Not many pictures that do it any justice ... I meant to take some as we walked through but it was fully decorated and isn't really our style. SO just use your imagination :)

This house is in a quiet little neighborhood outside of Waco.
-3 bedroom
-2 baths
-large Game Room/study
-2 car garage
-formal dining & a breakfast area
-built-in hutch in breakfast area
-Laminate floors in main living space
-Tile in bathrooms
-large backyard
-large kitchen
-WB fireplace
-1967 sq ft

House #2:

House #2 is located in a small quiet neighborhood where I grew up!

-4 bedroom

-2 baths
-much smaller kitchen
-granite countertops
-stainless appliances in kitchen
-dark hardwood floors
-large backyard
-wb fireplace
-large laundry room
-1610 sq ft

House #3:

This house has 4 bedrooms, 2 baths. 2 of the rooms are pretty small - we aren't really sure what to do with them yet! The master bath is kind of small. Only one sink and the garden tub/sep shower are sorta shoved in the back corner. There are wood floors throughout, however we think they started the main living space and bedrooms at different times. The floors don't really match AND they are going opposite directions. It kinda looks funny! I LOVE the back yard on this one .. It has a set up for a tv and has a deck and a storage shed! :) It's super nice for the dogs .. and I'm pretty sure we could get a pool put in at some point! The fireplace is Austin Stone ... Stephen's fave! The kitchen is pretty unique. I love the hand-painted tiles on the counter/backsplash! :) Other than that it's a cute house! Prob not our first pick, but still in the running! 1696 sq ft

House #4:
This house doesn't have a picture, but I'll show one close to what it looks like!



The house we like is a 4 bedroom, 2 bath home. Laminate floors throughout main living space, tile in the kitchen, bath and laundry room. this has a HUGE backyard that will be fenced and have grass down sometime in the next 2 weeks. It has a sprinkler system AND a security system. It has a fireplace. The kitchen is pretty small ... which is kind of a major drawback for me. I love to be in the kitchen and this one just doesn't do it for me. it's smaller than our duplex's kitchen! :( I love everything about this house EXCEPT the kitchen size ... what a bummer! It's a beautiful home and the neighborhood is super cute and very friendly. Most of the families here are retirees and young couples .. some with kids! 1770 sq ft

So, again, please drop me a comment with your input! :) I would greatly appreciate it! -Brittany

Home Sweet Home ... well, soon!

The hubby and I are in the process of buying our first home! We have 4 or 5 prospects that we LOVE, LoVe, love! Now we just have to decide what is more important to us! We are going with Stephen's uncle (our Realtor) this afternoon to look through the houses that were locked over the weekend. I will update this post later with all of the details of the potential homes! We could really use some input and get some opinions from friends/family! :) Keep us in your prayers and keep your fingers crossed that this works out - and SOON!! I'm getting just a little bit tired of living in a cramped duplex! haha.

Big things are happening!

Wow - it's been a while since I've done any updating! LOTS of wonderful things are happening in my life right now ... I don't even know where to start!

In December - I graduated from UMHB with my BSN! After nearly 5 years of hard work and lots and lots of tears I made it out in one piece!! :) We also had a wonderful Christmas/New Year's with our families.

In January - I studied my heart out for NCLEX. I was a total hermit and did nothing but sit at home and study ... and now, it's paid off ...

I am officially a REGISTERED NURSE in the state of Texas!!! :) Woohoo!!!!

I'm working in the NICU and LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!! :) I never really knew my calling in nursing until I started working there. I have NO doubt that this is where I'm supposed to be! :) I never ever thought I would be truly happy with a job and look forward to going to work EVERY day! It's so surreal to sign 'Brittany RN, BSN' :) :) Life right now consists of working, living life to the fullest, and spending time with family and friends that I never got to see that often while I was in school! I'll work harder to keep this updated - we shall see! :)

..11 days..

In 11 days ...

I, Brittany Gohring, will be an alumnus of UMHB!!!
Praise The Lord!!!

After countless hours of studying and projects, my time in the CON is coming to an end! I could not be MORE excited! I am, however, a bit sad at the thought of never seeing some of my classmates again; but I guess those that are important will hang around! ;)

****************************************************
There has been a lot going on since the last time that I posted. I'll get you all up-to-date!

Life in the Gohring house is going pretty smoothly! We are getting ready to begin the process of purchasing our first home. We are SO excited! After renting for so long, Stephen has decided it's time to OWN our own place. I've only lived on my own for a short while so any place on my own is exciting - ha! I can't wait to get a place that we can make our own! We are OBSESSED with HGTV ... So many fun design ideas as well as remodeling ideas! :) He loves that kinda stuff!

As far as jobs ... he's still trucking along at good ol' BBY. I don't have a definite job lined up yet ... but I do know that I will be staying at Hillcrest. Since I have worked there for 6 months as a NT I automatically get a job in the hospital after graduation. I would LOVE to go into L&D so that I can go back to school in a few years ... BUT everyone is trying to get into those areas .. so we'll just have to be patient and see where God places me! :) I've been offered a position in the Emergency Department but I haven't formally accepted yet ... I guess I'm kinda waiting to see what happens in the Women's and Children's department! The NR told me there could POSSIBLY be a few openings in the next month! **Fingers Crossed**

The family is doing well. My mom and dad are enjoying life with an empty nest. HAHA! :) Both of us girls have moved out so they are enjoying life and spending time together. Momma G and Papa Steve are doing well also! We are continuing to pray for Momma G. Some more of the tumors showed back up! That cancer is a vicious monster! We are praying the third time is a charm! SO if you would please keep Momma G in your thoughts prayers AND Papa Steve's nerves (since he is her biggest supporter!)! :) They have been an amazing new addition into my family. I could not have asked for better in-laws! Also, please check this out and leave some kind words of support! ;)

As many of you know, our sweet Makenzie lost her battle with cancer last month.



It was extremely hard on her those last few weeks. We went to see her on the Thursday before she passed and it was absolutely heartbreaking. It's so hard to grasp but we all know that this sweet baby is now dancing with the Angels and has the most beautiful long hair. She's running, picking flowers, making music, and most of all, CANCER AND PAIN-FREE! We sure do miss that sweet girl but we all know that we will see her again someday. :)

I just wanted to share a little motto with you that my Aunt Wendy has adopted since the Make-A-Wish foundation sent Makenzie to Disneyworld.

"Celebrate Today"

You may not always have tomorrow. Celebrate what you have today, right now, right in front of you. Makenzie knew she didn't have many tomorrows so she welcomed each day with a smile and an appreciation many of us never show. My outlook on life and death have completely changed all because of this sweet Angel that God sent to us for a short time. Thanks for all of those who prayed for the family and for my friends who supported me and gave me a shoulder to cry on. It was so hard to just accept that it was happening and I couldn't have made it through without my friends. So please, carry this motto with you everyday and live by it ... life is so much sweeter when you appreciate what you have in front of you! :)

xoxo!

Fall Favorites!

While I'm sitting on the couch feeling the effects of this weather change ... I'm going to list some of my fall faves! :)

-Pumpkins - not necessarily eating them .. but I love all of the pumpkin decor
-leaves crunching under my feet
-the colors of fall - reds/rusts, browns, yellows/golds, oranges ... love it!!!
-roast, carrots, potatoes, rolls ... I know it can be eaten year 'round but there's something about a roast in the Fall that makes it super yummy!
-sweaters ... so warm and comfy ... && boots! I want to get a new pair of UGGs
-Halloween - there's something about kids in super cute costumes begging for cavities. haha
-fires in the fireplace/firepit
-football :) food, friends/family, fun times
-apple cider - yummo!
-apple PIE!!! (I LOVE LOVE LOVE apples!!)
-caramel apples
-the heart o' texas fair and rodeo! :)
-outdoor concerts where you aren't sweating your body weight off
-Thanksgiving and thanking the Lord for all of the many blessings in my life

So, what are your fall faves?

Sick Day Survey ...

Since I'm home sick .. I figured I would do a little survey! :)

What do you really want to be doing right now?
Hanging out on a beach somewhere ...

How many colleges did you attend?
So far 2 : MCC and UMHB

When is the last time you had to REALLY dress up?
Ha my wedding? :)

Do you miss being a child?
Yeah - bills and responsibilities are NO fun

Get up early or sleep in?
I HAVE to get up early - but prefer to sleep in!

Beach or lake?
Beach!

What famous person would you like to have dinner with?
Umm .. let's see ... Taylor Swift - I think we'd be best friends! LOL!

Ever had to use a fire extinguisher for its intended purpose?
No - thank goodness!!

Ring tone?
Some generic iPhone ringtone ... I lost all of my ringtones in the restore.

Favorite band?
Hmm tough question ... I love a lot of bands at the moment.

Strangest place you have ever brushed your teeth?
Church? haha for my wedding

Do you go to church?
When I can -CABC

Are you where you want to be in life?
No .. I want to be DONE with school and working and bringing in that money!!

Growing up, what were your favorite cartoons?
Scooby Doo ... Ahh why am I drawing a blank?!?!!

Looking back at high school, were they the best years of your life?
Heck no! I hated high school ... too much drama and I made some pretty dumb choices! lol

Were you the type of kid you would want your children to hang out with?
Definitely :)

How do you like your steak?
Medium-Well

What is your favorite TV show?
GREYS!!! :) :)

If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?
In the country here in Texas!

What is your favorite cuisine?
Mexican ... I could eat it every meal of the day! Chips and Salsa are staples in my food pyramid! haha

What foods do you dislike?
brussel sprouts, cabbage, fish, seafood.

Favorite Place to Eat?
Lake Brazos Steakhouse, Baris, Trujillos

Favorite dressing?
Ranch or Caesar or Baris' house dressing

What kind of vehicle do you drive?
Pontiac Grand Prix for now

What are your favorite clothes?
SCRUBS!

Where would you visit if you had the chance?
Europe with my husband

Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full?
full :)

Where would you want to retire?
in the country ... still! haha

Favorite time of day?
Right before the sun sets :)

Where were you born?
Waco TX

What is your favorite sport to watch?
Football, Baseball

What did you want to be when you were little?
A veterinarian ... astronaut! haha

What is your best childhood memory?
San Antonio trips, family meals at holidays :)

Are you a cat or dog person?
both but only have dogs because I'm allergic to cats!

Any pet peeves?
People who only talk about themselves, skinny girls who think they are fat, 18 wheelers in general .. lol

Favorite Pizza Toppings?
pepperoni and black olive

Favorite Flower?
Daisies of any kind!

Favorite ice cream?
The Great Divide

Favorite fast food restaurant?
Chik-Fil-A

Like your job?
Havent worked in a while but yes

What was your favorite vacation?
Umm Jamaica for our Honeymoon .. Hands down :)

What are you listening to right now?
Cooking for Real on Food Network

Coffee Drinker?
Not usually but I will have the occasional white chocolate mocha from Starbucks! :)