A chapter ends

 Not sure where to begin with this one, I think it's all beginning to sink in that something is ending. We came to Huntsville two years ago and knew no one except these sweet friends. God perfectly planned for us to live next to each other...backyard to backyard. This alley between our homes symbolizes so much to me and it was the only place I could envision our last picture in Huntsville together.

Two years ago we were pregnant when we moved to Huntsville, we shared the the births of our sons, we had playdates, shared our first and second  halloween, first and second  Christmas parties, snow, Valentine's, enjoyed swinging in the backyard, playing in Big Spring Park, being best buds, learning to hunt eggs, playing in the pool, beach trips, concerts in the park, Sam's first and Owen's first birthday, backyard dinners, trip to the pumpkin patch, going to get hot doughnuts, and playing with fire...and then there were so many in between.

Late night talks, discussing our futures, talking about moving to Texas, discussing what our little boys are doing, what they are learning, how we should teach/parent them, talks about God and Bible. They are friends that you could go and knock on their door with tears in your eyes and they would embrace you with open arms and listen...and yes, I have done that.

I am so glad Ty, Brittany, Sam and future baby Ashley will be in Texas only a short drive away. We won't be able to walk through the gate to the other ones yard everyday, but in a way we will still be in each others backyard...only in Texas.

Huntsville was good to us. We brought are sweet baby boy home here, we learned what life was really about...your own little family. We have grown spiritually and closer to each other.

We handed over the keys to the new owner who just so happened to capture Owen's newborn portraits in the very house that will now be her studio. It is so neat to see things come full circle, because just when a chapter ends, another is just beginning.

little country boy

A little country boy

 throws rocks in the pond

takes walks down dirt roads

 takes boat rides on or off water

takes care of his cousin

 feeds the fish

sits on the pier

 and most importantly rides tractors.

Introducing Dr. Johnson

 This past Sunday marked a big day in our life. After many years of hard work, test taking, classes, notes, lectures, more tests, clinical rotations

David made it to this milestone.

I feel like I have had the privilege of having a front row seat to this journey.

I was there in Ms. Davis's anatomy class when David got back his cat test with a perfect score and a note saying, "How does Dr. Johnson sound?" It was at that moment, David began considering medicine as his career.

I watched him study hard at Auburn taking all the classes that would prepare him for medical school and the infamous MCAT. 

I watched him begin medical school at UAB taking classes like Fundamentals 1...which was not fun at all. I sat in bed next to him when Satan made him doubt whether he was really cut out to be a doctor.

I sat beside him in the Dominican Republic where we learned how useful the tool of medicine could be used to reach not only the physical needs but most importantly the spiritual needs of souls.

So it was an honor to watch him become David Andrew Johnson, M.D.

We were blessed to have so many family members attend the graduation ceremony.

I know everyone is very proud of him.

And each person there has played an intricate role into making him into the person he is today.

But as proud as they all are, I think these two people had to have been the most proud.

And rightfully so.

What a journey it has been to get here

and I know it just the beginning.

and without further adieu

meet Dr. Johnson

We are all so proud of you, and it's been an honor to be by your side every step of the way. Looking forward to what God has in store next!

Papa comes to play

Last week we had the wonderful help of Papa who came to Huntsville to help us prepare for the big move.

We had a lot of work to do, but what we needed the most help with was spending time with and entertaining this little guy.

And Papa was definitely the perfect man for the job.

He spent time blowing bubbles, taking Owen on wagon rides through the neighborhood, having water gun fights, watching Owen ride his four wheeler around and around and around...

but most importantly, snuggling.

You see little man wasn't feeling too well and running a mean little fever, but Papa knew just what to do.

And when Owen was feeling up to it, Papa even taught him a thing or two about using tools.

I have seen it from the very beginning, and it still remains true. These two have something special. 

I can see it in Papa's eyes when he looks at Owen and I hear it in Owen's voice when he prays for Papa each day. These two have a special bond and it is certainly a blessing.

Huntsville Awards Banquet

Last Thursday night, the Huntsville campus of UAB had their awards banquet honoring the medical graduates of 2012. 

It was a great time to reconnect with friends we have made in medical school before they go their separate ways for residencies.

(Jess Mullins going into Orthopedic Surgery)

(Katie Billue going into General Surgery)

Me with my sweet husband...it just so happened to be a fun date night for us. Papa was generous enough to keep Owen so we could enjoy this special night.

Rural Medical students:

James Norman receiving an award from Dr. Samlowski:

Dr. Vasavada, an instructor in Psychiatry:

The whole night was a fun night, these doctor are a mess and like to have fun and joke back and forth...pretty entertaining!

It has become tradition that the graduating class gives gifts to some of the faculty, and this year's gift to Dr. Centor was perfect:

He loved it and from what I hear, could not have been more perfect:

I grabbed a quick photo with Dr. Light who is also on faculty and just so happened to have delivered Owen. He is such a special man and has been called the OB ninja. Apparently he has ice water running through his veins and has seen and done it all. If you want someone skilled delivering your baby, he is the man.

A few more photos with friends,

David finished off the evening with a hug from Dr. Carter, the director of medical education and student services. She has been very helpful in David's medical school career. 

This night was a fun way to begin the celebration and put us in the mood for graduation!

here and there

David is getting our internet and cable cut off tomorrow...so this is my last chance to blog for a week. Here is a hodgepodge of pictures from the last couple of weeks...

Owen riding the "tractor" with Grandaddy in Jackson, Owen has a new found love for all things tractor related.

Hanging out with Caroline,

he thinks she is pretty cool and especially when watches 101 Dalmations with him.

Owen has been very helpful lately, especially when it comes to putting up groceries. Exhibit A:

We have been busy saying goodbyes, which is never fun. Our Sunday school class got together this week for a going away dinner for us. Owen had a great time with the kids there, especially his buddies, the Sheas.

Meme captured 2 slugs for Owen, 

We have gotten a good bit accomplished this weekend. Currently the office, dining room and kitchen are packed and our house looks a lot like this:

The poor soul most upset by all the disruptiveness in the house, is this poor thing:

He senses it, change is on the horizon! Hang in there Coop. We promise you get to go too.