I am going to be an AUNT!!!!

These two crazy kids are going to be parents!!!

Josh and I have been friends since high school.  We have been through summer band, marching band, classes, rolling mom/dads yard, the Blizzard of '93, high school graduation, his relationships, my relationships, concerts, and college graduations. We just about agree on everything, except one MAJOR thing - college football.  He is for Auburn (was Alabama in hs) and I am for Alabama.  We have a friendly rivalry, but we still pick on each other about who has the best team.  ROLL TIDE!!!!

During 2004, he came to Birmingham ('home') and I was able to meet the love of his life - Lisa.  She is awesome!  She and I clicked instantly and she didn't care that he and I were still close friends.  She gets him.  She gets the fact that he is a clean freak.  She gets it that he LOVES to wash the car and it must be clean before you drive it anywhere.  She is the exact person Josh was suppose to marry.  And, he did.  In August 2005, I flew to Las Vegas to be a guest at their wedding.  It was wonderful to be a witness to this special occasion in both of their lives. 

I went to see them in Charlotte for a race one weekend and then I flew up for Lisa's surprise birthday party.  She was shocked about her party and then couldn't believe that Joseph (another friend) and I came from Birmingham.  It was a great weekend.  Josh thought he would be cute and let me drive his car.  I should have known it was a set up because he never let me drive any of his 12 or 13 cars.  I was able to drive this one because I was sporting a "BAMA" t-shirt and his car tag reads "BEATBAMA".  Yep, total set up.  But, we all laughed about it and one day I will get him back.

They drove home to see me graduate with my MBA.  Yes, the car had to be washed before he drove to UNA.  I received an Alabama sweatshirt from them plus a beautiful picture frame that holds a picture of the three of us.  They stayed with me and Roscoe and it was an awesome weekend.  It meant the world to me to have them here to celebrate with me.

Yes, I did purchase each of them an Auburn tumbler one time when they came home.  I think it actually snowed that weekend!

Josh called me today about 11 and dropped the hint that he needed a backseat. He currently drives a Nissan Z (2 seater).  I think I almost screamed, you are going to be a daddy!!!!!  I was so excited!  They are due Feb 2012.  I sent a text to Lisa that I was excited and she was sad that she wasn't on the phone with me when he called. See, isn't she AWESOME!.  I told him that he had to call mom and dad and kept texting all day to see if he had called yet.  It was killing me that I couldn't share the news!  If you can't tell he is like my brother, just 3 weeks older than me.  They called mom and dad tonight and now I can freely talk about this exciting news!!!

I can't wait to find out if I am going to have a nephew or a niece.  Either way, I will try my best to make them a Bama fan, but may have to settle for a Jax State fan :)

A day with Christie and Presley

I spent my Saturday with this precious little lady -- I am one proud aunt!!!!

Christie, Presley and I went shopping to find me a dress to wear at a wedding.  It was a wonderful afternoon with my precious friend and my niece.  I have often been asked if Christie and I are sisters.  We are sisters, maybe not by blood, but sisters in heart and mind.  I know no matter what the time or day, I can call on Christie and she will be there.  And, she knows I am here for her!

Our friendship began about 14 years ago.  She joined IMS shortly after I did.  She started out as the receptionist. We later discovered that she was cousins with a friend of mine from high school.  She and I hit it off instantly!  We have many many fun memories, but one that our families will never let us live down is the New Orleans trip!  Let's just say we both had too many hurricanes and we held each others hair up the next day.  I was honored to be in both of her weddings and couldn't wait to get to the hospital to meet Presley.

I know she and I will be friends until we are 90!

I love you Christie Anne and Amanda Presley!!!

Andrew Samuels turns 1 !!!!!

Tonight, I was part of Andrew's 1st birthday celebration.  My neighbor and friend, Sue, adopted him from Ethiopia about 6 months ago.  He is precious!  He and I recently had a date :)  Several of us met at Habanero's for dinner (thank you Sue) and then headed to Sue's house for cake!  He LOVED LOVED his cake.  He is a happy little boy and I am so thankful that I get to be a part of his life.  Enjoy some pictures from tonight.


HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY ANDREW!



BIRTHDAY BOY!

think he liked the cake ?

playing the recorder I bought him

Proud Momma !

Father's Day 2011

After a great service at church and some downtime at home - I met the family at Beef O'Brady's for a Father's Day lunch.  It was Uncle Larry, me, dad, mom, nana, Lindsay, Cameron, Casey, Sushi, Rochelle, Linda and Richard.  We had a great time!  We enjoyed the food but most of all the company.  Dad and I got fist bumps from Cameron and mom and I got lipstick (Cameron kisses).
I gave dad two pair of flip flops and a "Dad" plaque.  I love spending time with dad, mom and my family.  I am truly BLESSED!!!

Below are some pics from the afternoon~~~

Date with Andrew Samuels

Last night I had a date!!!  Sure, he is 1 and can't talk - but he is cute!!! My date was Andrew Samuels. He has a beautiful smile that can light up the room.  It is awesome that that Sue, my neighbor, was able to adopt him.  I am also grateful that she lets me be a part of his life.  We played with toys, we watched DVD's and we walked a little with my help.  After his bedtime bottle he was fast asleep.  He woke up about 11:45 and I sent a text to see what I needed to do.  He finished his bottle and went back to sleep.
This precious little boy turns 1 on Tuesday.  I can't wait to help him celebrate!

Thanks for our date Andrew!!! ... until next time

Girl's Trip to Gulf Shores

On Friday, June 10th we headed to Gulf Shores for a girls trip!  Me, mom and Linda rode down under my excellent driving skills.  Lindsay, Cameron, Keri, Jessica and Zach headed down in Lindsay's car.  Keri is one of Lindsay's friends, her son is Zach and Jessica is her cousin.  
Mom and I introduced Linda to Preister's.  Everyone has to stop at Preister's right?  We got back on the road after a bathroom break and a few, few samples.  Since Lindsay and her crew were still behind us by about 35 miles, we introduced Linda to the Burris Farm.  We purchased some apples, grapes, strawberries and plums.  YUM!  After all our stops, they were still several minutes behind us.  So, we made one final stop to make the trip official -- WALMART. 

We arrived at the condo and unloaded the car, freshened up and headed out to dinner.  We went to The Shrimp Basket.  Although we have all enjoyed this establishment in the past, it changed that night.  The ice machine was leaking and the floor was dirty -- I will save the details.  Mom got her meal free b/c her purse was sitting in the gunk.  We got back to the condo and broke out Mexican Train.  About 2 am we decided to turn in.

On Saturday, Lindsay, Keri, Jessica, Cameron and Zach went to the beach.  We later met them at the pool.  I taught Cameron how to jump off my legs in the pool.  I would love to have her jumping off the side, if her mom and GanGan would allow me :).  Saturday night, we waiting 1 1/2 to eat at The Original Oyster House -- totally worth the wait.  We even met a family from Jacksonville, AL who were all JSU graduates. 

Sunday was more rest and relaxation.  The beach crew headed out and mom, Linda and I headed to The Outlets. We had a late start and then we went to get lottery tickets, coupons from the welcome center, a cheesecake stop and then to the Outlets.  We arrived at the outlets at 5:30 -- they close at 6:00.  That is the fastest I have ever bought a Coach purse!  We met the beach crew at Tacky Jacks (after waiting on the beach crew for an 1 1/2).  The food was good but a tad on the expensive side, even for a burger.

Monday morning it was time to clean up and head home :(  We cleaned up the condo and make a bee line to the outlets.  Lindsay was able to exchange her Coach purse (we had worked on that Sunday), made a stop at Crocs, Harry and David and Vanity Fair.  We hit the road trying to make it to Priester's before 6.  I turned off the interstate at 5:42.....I don't watch Nascar just for fun - it is also for training!  A quick stop and back on the road.  We arrived to Trussville about 8:30, unloaded mom's car, loaded mine and Linda's.  I got back to Fultondale about 9:30. 

It was a great weekend with the girls.  Can't wait to go back with everyone plus Rochelle and Nana.  Below are a few pictures from the weekend.

Presley turns 1 !!!!

On Thursday, June 2 - Amanda "Presley" Stephens turned 1 !!!!!  She is the daughter of one of my best friends - Christie.  Since Christie knew I had taken cake decorating classes; she enlisted me to help decorate Presley's cupcakes.  Miss Carolyn baked the cupcakes and I made the icing. Time to decorate!  So, on Friday, Christie, Leigh Ann and I got food ready for the party.  Christie and I had a blast decorating the cupcakes.  Below is a picture of our handy work:

Patty Cakes

Presley had a wonderful turnout for her party!  Several members of her family and friends.  She is such a doll and has her Aunt Vonda wrapped around her sweet little finger.  Below are some pictures of Miss Presley:

Happy 1st Birthday Presley -- Aunt Vonda loves you very much!!!

Nana goes to Alaska

Nana went to Alaska with the senior citizens group.  She started out on a plane from Birmingham to Alaska.  Then she boarded a train and toured several cities via a train.  Finally she boarded a cruise ship and was able to see several glaciers.  Below is a picture of Nana has she got off her return bus in Trussville.  Mom and I were waiting on her waving American flags and holding flowers.

WELCOME HOME NANA!!!!