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.

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!

music together

Last year Owen and I started Music Together at the suggestion of Erin Cobb. When she came to do Owen's sixth month portraits, she asked if we did any play groups. I had not even thought about doing something like that, but Owen seemed to like music and I thought we would try the class out.

After the first class, I was hooked. It was such a wonderful outlet for a new mom with a little baby. Owen loved the music, crawled around and was very outgoing.  It was something we looked forward to every week. Even the youngest children can benefit so much from music.

 I was eager to get back into class this semester with Owen. He has changed so much in one year. 

He can actually play the sticks, shake maracas, beat the drums, dance and participate so much more. It is so much fun to see him get excited about music.

The great thing about Ms. Amie's class is the children can just be their self. They can run around, just sit, take in the music however it is best for them. All children learn differently and she encourages the parents to embrace this!

Ms. Amie has taught Owen and I so much through her class. Music is a part of our everyday routine. We play with musical instruments, we sing songs and dance, we settle down at nap time and bedtime with music. We listen to our cd in the car, and it is a go-to on those rides when Owen has had enough riding in the car. She has given us a special bond through her class. She has so much energy and enthusiasm for music and the little ones she shares her gifts with. 

Today was our last class for this semester. It was difficult not knowing if this would be our last class with Ms. Amie or if we will be returning next year. Regardless, she has given us such a gift... a love of music that we can share together.

neighbors

It's so neat to see how God puts people together in unexpected places in His perfect timing.

We first met the Sheas when we joined Willowbrook last spring and were looking for a Sunday school class.

Michael was one of the first people to come up and speak to us and make us feel "at home." He was real and that was refreshing to us. I soon met his wife Sara while in the nursing room at church. Before I knew who she was, I was overcome by this mother who exudes grace. So nurturing, so patient. 

Well this past fall, they decided to rent the home next door to us while their house was being finished. 

We were thrilled. Owen was so happy to have not one, but 4 new friends to play with next door.

Their kids are always so kind to Owen. Letting him play with their toys, being helpful, and considerate. 

We celebrated friendship this week in our backyard. Cooking out in the moonlight and eating on the picnic table in the backyard.

The Sheas have been such a constant encouragement to us. They have taught us so much just by simply being themselves. I am definitely going to miss my backyard talks with Sara while the kids play. 

And Owen is going to miss his buddies, especially "Lu" (Luke). Each time we go outside he points next door and asks for "Lu". Luke taught him to play T-ball. Emma was always eager to seesaw, and sweet Bess was always a perfect hostess whipping up peanut butter graham crackers.

Thankful to God for putting the Sheas in our life and in our backyard.

valentines

We made a few valentines for our friends this year.

 one for Sam:

one for Ellie:

One for Daddy:

 Brittany and I firmly believe in celebrating these little moments with our favorite little guys

 and favorite little gal.

 These kiddos are sweet blessings. They change so fast. Just last year our babies were learning to crawl and now we are busy chasing them around. What fun it is though. Happy Valentine's Day friends!

two one year olds and a Christmas tree

...might sound like a disaster waiting to happen, but is entirely worth it. 

These little guys LOVE the tree. We opted for a new set of shatterproof plastic ornaments and any that we  knew would be ok for Owen to play with for the bottom half of the tree...because it is just too much of a temptation, so why stress over it. So now he can play with the balls, chunk them to Cooper...and it doesn't matter.

Besides beautiful ornaments "ball" as Owen informs us...the lights are pretty spectacular on the tree. He does have to tell us they are "hot" (even though they are the LED lights, that are not)...they might be : )

These sweet boys have come a long way since last Christmas.

We love our best buddy. Sam has affectionately called Owen E-O for months now. It is fun to watch them interact, learn to share, and discover new things together.

I think two one year olds and Christmas tree is a magical thing.

falling into fall

A few weeks ago my dad came up for a couple of days to play with me, Owen, and Cooper while David was interviewing. We are so lucky to live so close to a beautiful mountain with quite the view.

especially when the leaves or this pretty

Monte Sano has not only has great views, but hiking trails, cabins and a playground that Owen LOVED.

Coop dog was happy to tag along on this excursion, but unfortunately we missed a pic of him.

The next week, we joined some friend and strolled 5 babies along this beautiful hidden trail...

Our friend Jennifer captured these beautiful images while we were there.

I love them. Love the above shot, I think it is quite creative. Owen loves his Mama.

This past weekend we headed home again to get together with David's family. All the Johnsons and the Grants gathered to celebrate family over lots of good food. Our friend, Caroline Bobo's turnip green soup was quite the hit of the evening! Thanks Caroline for sharing the recipe! We didn't get any pics from the evening, but sometimes its more important to just enjoy family than try to capture it all on film. So enjoy we did!

Sunday was baby Anna's baby dedication. We were so happy to be there for this special day.