Promotions, Pillow Fights and More!

Well, it's good to be back from the blogging sabbatical I evidently took over the last month. I am finished up with my Vanderbilt rotation and finally back to a relatively normal life in Birmingham. This last month has been a busy one.

The week of Thanksgiving Bret met me in Nashville to head up to my grandparents' in Paducah (more to come on that later). We got up early on Wednesday to go to O'Fallon, Illinois, where Travis (Bret's brother) and his family are currently stationed with the Air Force. Travis was being promoted to Major and we got to be a part of that ceremony.


Travis taking the oath from the General.


Everyone helped out with the pinning.


Travis and Dorothy.


Their sweet family.

The whole crew.

Travis shared nice words about each family member during his speech. I am so glad they live closer now and that we were able to be present for this ceremony.

This was the first time we had visited Travis and Dorothy in their new house. We got back and had a great lunch before sharing some fun play time with the girls. We went on a walk in their beautiful neighborhood.

Later, I went upstairs to find this scene:

The girls (Carlie and Mollie) playing BUSTIN with the boys (Travis and Bret).
This is no game for sissies. The guys were going all out and the girls loved it. They would get their feet knocked out from under them, get up with a vengeance to go after the boys, all while laughing hysterically.

Needless to say, it was hilarious to watch.


We enjoyed our visit to O'Fallon and had even more fun with the girls as the week continued. Stay tuned...

Disco Fever

The RDP crew celebrated Halloween this year dressed as the 70s. Needless to say it was one of the most interesting days that I've worked at a pharmacy. We had the Oldies music, picks in the fros and everything.

Leslie, Robert and I

Yes, the customers were quite surprised... to say the least.

I would say, "I'm pretty sure you've never got a flu shot from someone in a Halloween costume before." They never seemed too concerned.

Robert kept telling everyone that he used rogaine and miracle grow the night before (he typically has NO hair).

The whole staff

October was a great rotation. I learned a lot and had lots of fun in the process.
Miss you guys - try not to have too much fun without me.

Taking it Back to the FARM

Trunk or Treat 2008

We have enjoyed participating in this fun activity at Homewood for the last 3 years. Although it's really supposed to just be fun for the kids, the Young Marrieds take it somewhat seriously and look forward to it each year. This year our group went with "Welcome to the Farm" as our theme.


Rodney was gracious enough to share his 1949 John Deere to be the focal point.

Our "trunk" was complete with the authentic tractor, a big pick-up truck, an old-fashioned clothes line (consisting of Bret's drawers), fall decor, hay bales, down home country music playing, fun "corny" games and a slew of people dressed for the occasion.

Bret did a great job leading the kids in some songs for the devo before the festivities began. Raphae"hal" even made an appearance.

The cute farm girls.

The hard working farm boys.


Michael and Martha with her creative sunflower costume that she made herself. This picture even made the front page of The Birmingham News website!!

My sweet friend Brookley.

We had fun with kids of all ages.

Bret dancing with Brookley. (Yes, he decided to wear the boxers outside the overalls).

Bret stumped even the big kids with his flashy, magic way of rigging our corn search game.

We were so excited to find out that our group WON FIRST PLACE!!

Here is a great picture of both of the Young Married groups.
Their group had a super creative idea to do "Homewood Idol." The kids loved participating and it was very fun to watch. Despite their unhappy feelings about 2nd place, we all love each other and had a great time at this fabulous event. Well until next year, for the Trunk or Treat 2008 title... we'll proudly be
"Taking it Back to the FARM."

Feels like Fall

It's hard to believe October has nearly come and gone. Although the fall weather may not be here to stay, it is refreshing. It has been fun to decorate the house for the new season.

These are the new curtains in the dining room. We found the fabric for $1/yard, did the sewing and I think they turned out great.


My Pa-pa grew some pumpkins this year, even the cute little ones. It was great to have them to use here and there throughout the house.


Mom and I put this wreath together before I left Franklin.


We're looking forward to our first round of trick-or-treaters this weekend.


New centerpiece and wall hangings to finish off the kitchen.

I have had a great rotation this month. I have given a lot of flu shots. If you haven't got yours this year, you should! I am headed to Vanderbilt for November. I will miss lots of things about B'ham (Bret, our house, Homewood, etc.), but am looking forward to sharing that time with Mom, Dad, Libby and Wade.

Mastroianni Matrimony

Our friends, Luke and Kinnery, got married last weekend. They have an amazing love story... falling in love with God and with each other. Their marriage was a beautiful blending of cultures. It was an emotional day, lots of prayers have been lifted on their behalf.


Kinnery's dad walking her down the aisle ;).


Her dress was beautiful, very ornately detailed.


Mr. and Mrs. Luke Mastroianni




Posing for a pic with the Newlyweds


Our buddies, Stan and Linda.
Tall men, little ladies.


Our friends, Jeven and Michelle.


The beautiful bride.


My wonderful hubby.

Michelangelos Working on the Sistine Chapel

This Sunday our CORE group did some painting at a house as a service project for a lady at church. Everybody worked really hard and we made some great progress. Maybe it wasn't quite the Sistine Chapel, but there was some pretty complex detail work on the crown molding. These folks have some painting skills!








Crazy-end-of-day picture.
I think the paint fumes got to our heads.

Thanks to everyone for coming out. Our work was greatly appreciated!