Thanksgiving 2012

This year I have been doing the 30 days of Thanksgiving.  I am thankful for everything that the Lord has given me.  I am especially thankful for His love, His forgiveness and that He gave His life for my salvation.  I am also thankful that he blessed me with my mom and dad who are also my friends.  I have gotten to know some pretty awesome people at GFBC and it has his handwriting all over it!!  I have been honored to pack 2 Operation Christmas Child boxes as well as a box for a military personnel.  It is because of His work in me that I am able to do this. 

I know our extended family isn't perfect.  I know we have issues and tons of drama.  But, I also know that God is with us all during this time.  It was apparent this Thanksgiving when not only did Donna show up for dinner but Blake, Linsey and Paisley even stopped by to pay a visit.  We were so glad to have Mike and Diane up for Thanksgiving too!

We had a wonderful meal and enjoyed the time spent with our family.   This year I have so much to be thankful for and all the Glory goes to Him!

Check out my turkeys I made =)

Relay For Life Car Show

On Saturday, November 17th, the East Jefferson Relay For Life had our 2nd car show.  This year I was able to put the TA in the show.  I was so excited to enter my car and I appreciate dad working hard to get it show ready.  Moms 'Stang will be in the next show in March 2013.
Below are some pics from the day. 

I won a gift certificate from Joel's in a random drawing and won Top Ten for the TA.

It was a good day!

IMS Football party

On Friday, November 16th we had our annual IMS football party.  As usual our buddy Cory Reamer made an appearance and of course I had to get my picture made with him.  ROLL TIDE!

Southerners Reunion '12

On Friday, Nov 9th me, Angela, Blake, Sawyer and Sam headed to the Friendliest Campus in the South for the Southerners Reunion.  After checking in at the Hampton Inn, we grabbed dinner at Cecil's...so good!  Then, we headed to the stadium for a full show performance by the current Southerners.  They are AMAZING! 

Tori texted me a few times asking where we were sitting and I later found out.  Instead of the current Southerners singing "I'll Fly Away" on the field an us singing in the stands --- the current Southerners came to us!  It was so cool singing our traditional song with our 1st recruit - as a family =).

After a quick visit to the hotel, we grabbed a snack at the Huddle House.

Saturday morning started off with breakfast and then headed to the stadium for practice.  John met me at the field for practice, it was great to finally get him to a reunion!  After practice, we were hanging out under the stadium and this mysterious person threw Sam a brand new black Gamecock jersey.  I wish I would have taken a picture of his face -- PRICELESS!

Howard made it to practice in order to lend a mellophone to Blake.  We all headed to Baja mexican for lunch - it was yummy!  Tori even met us for chips and cheese dip.

After lunch I met up with mom and dad at the stadium.  It was time for gametime!  The alumni Southerners played "Salvation" with the current Southerners after the 1st quarter and then we played our traditional tunes during halftime.  All the while the Tide is not doing good against Texas A&M.  After the game, the current Southerners did a complete full show for everyone.  Again, it was AMAZING.  JSU won; Alabama lost; but I had a GREAT weekend!

Blake, Angela, Tori and me

Angela, Grant and me

me and John

Go JSU Gamecocks!

Belk Charity Day

I signed up to volunteer at the Belk Charity sale.  I get a percentage of their sales from 6 am - 10 am to go towards our Relay team.  After waking up at 4:30 am, I made it to Belk at 5:45 am and worked my tail off until about 11:30 a.m.  Let's just say I have a new appreciation for any shoe sales associate.

Took a short nap and then cheered the Tide, with my and dad, onto a nailbiting win over LSU.  ROLL TIDE!

Fun weekend!

This past Friday (10/26) I went to Gadsden for the last Westbrook home game.  John and I went to Prewitt's - a local BBQ restaurant.  It was tasty!  It was also senior night.  It was cool to see all the seniors (football, band, danceline and cheerleaders) on the football with their families.  Unfortunately, they didn't win, but they are still headed to the playoffs.  It was great to see my favorite Warrior, Dylan =)

Mom and dad picked up Daisy Friday night, so I spent the night with them.  Dad took Ronnie and Daisy to the vet for an itchy shot while mom was getting a facial -- I got to sleep late!!  Dad cooked spaghetti and we got ready to watch Bama roll over Mississippi State 35-7.  ROLL TIDE.  Oh, and JSU beat Murray State 38-35!!  Go JSU Gamecocks!

Sunday was full day at church with 2 services, fellowship lunch and Christmas music practice.  After a nap, it was time to get ready for the work week!

Band Geek! & Birthday!

On Friday, Oct 19th, Angela, Sawyer, Sam and I went to the Hewitt-Trussville vs. Gardendale game.  It was completely to see both bands!  They did great!  I miss Hewitt screaming HT, but realize somethings can never remain the same.  We grabbed dinner at Chick-fil-A complete with cookies!

On Saturday, Oct 20th, Angela, Sawyer, Sam and I met mom and dad at The Hoover Marching contest.  We got there in time to see Hewitt and patiently waited for the main event - THE MARCHING SOUTHERNERS!  They were awesome as usual!!  After a quick bite to IHOP it was time to head home.

On Sunday, the family gathered to celebrate Richard's 50th birthday.  His choice was Cajun Steamers and it was delicious.  Lindsay made him a toliet bowl cake because after 50 everything goes to ****.

Another great weekend - love my life!

GAME day!

Daisy and I spent Saturday with mom and dad cheering on the Tide to a 42-10 win over Missouri.  We had delious hot dogs grilled on the Big Green Egg and enjoyed spending the day togehter.  I might have stopped at Donut Joe's and got a dozen donuts, but I will never tell =).

I love spending time with my two best friends!

~Roll Tide!

A Day with Brayden & Lisa!

Josh, Lisa and Brayden came to Alabama because Auburn had a home game.  Josh went to the game with the guys.  Lisa and Brayden came to see me, mom and dad.

They couldn't get to the house soon enough - I kept watching the door.  It had been a long 6 months since I had seen him and mom/dad had never met him.

He is crawling, babbling, laughing and he is so precious!!!

I am so proud to be his Aunt Vonda!!!

I also saw Josh when I went to Cory and Christie's for a little bit.  So GREAT to see them all.

Fun Friday!

I took Friday, Oct 5th as a vacation day and had a wondeful day!

First, I went to Christie's office so she could do my makeup - she is a makeup artist at Total Skin and Determatology.  I must say, she did an excellent job!

After a quick trip to Wal-Mart and Winn-Dixie, I dropped Daisy off at mom and dad's so I could head to Gadsden. 

I got to the ranch about 3:30 and hung out with John, Cody and Duente at John's house.  Then it was time to head to the Homecoming game for the Westbrook Warriors!  They won the game 52-12 over the Gatson Bulldogs.

After receiving a hug from Dylan, we headed to Burger King for dinner, back to the ranch and I headed home.

As a bonus, John gave me an autographed picture of Vinnie Sunseri =)

Uncle Larry's birthday!

On Sunday, September 30th, we celebrated Uncle Larry's birthday.  I was honored that he asked me to make his birthday cake -- his favorite - Sock-it-to-Me =)

We had a wonderful salad, pot roast, squash casserole, green beans and so much more.  He spent the day with Nana, mom, dad, me, Linda, Richard, Lindsay, Casey and Cameron.

Happy Birthday Uncle Larry!!!

JSU v SEMO game!

On Saturday, September 29th, I made a quick trip to Jacksonville for the JSU vs SEMO game.  I met Angela, Blake, Sawyer, Sam and some of their family at the game.  The Southerners show was amazing as usual!!  We won the game 31-16.  Go Gamecocks!

NJMS and Greek Festival

On Thursday, September 27th, I went to the North Jefferson Middle School game to her my buddy Sawyer play in the band.  The Blue Devils beat the Leeds Green Wave!  I think it meant alot to Sawyer for me to come here him play. So thankful that I have the Strickland family in my life.

On Friday, September 28th I met Christie, Craig, Presley and Carolyn at the Greek Festival.  The food was delicious (as usual) but the company was even better!!!  Presley loved watching the Greek dancers.  Her Honey purchased her a skirt with coins on it and she started dancing - it was precious!!!

I am so blessed to have Christie and Presley in my life!

I AM A RELAYER!

September 21st and 22nd was spent in Nashville with 1,200 Relayers!!  Sandi Wilson, Amy Kuhn and I attended a Relay For Life Summit.  It was AWESOME!  We listened to great speakers, gathered ideas from other relayers and came back fired up to plan a BIG Relay for 2013.

I am so grateful for this opportunity to give back to my community and I am thankful to have met such wonderful friends!

JSU Band Day!

On Saturday, September 8th, Angela, Sawyer, Sam and I went to Jacksonville, AL to see The Gamecocks and The Marching Southerners!!!!

We had lunch at The Rocket and met up with The Starnes'.  There might have been a cupcake purchase too :)

We got to see Grant and Tori (our 2 recruits).  They are loving it and we are so proud.

The Gamecocks gave us all a scare but pulled out a win!!!  27-24 over UTC.  Go Gamecocks!!!!

The Marching Southerners blew it out of the park as usual!!!!!!  BLOW SOUTHERNERS!!!

The fruit of hard work...

I received a wonderful surprise in the form of a bonus today for my work on the Oracle project!!!!

BLESSED

IMS Manager Dinner / John Croyle

On Tuesday, September 4, the IMS managers were treated to a delicious dinner at our new Barn/Training Room.  The best part was the speaker - Mr. John Croyle of the Big Oak Ranch.

Listening to him speak was so emotional for me.  After visiting the ranch, getting to know the boys and seeing the work of Mr. Croyle and his staff, it really meant so much to me.  I wanted to jump up in the room and tell everyone that this is all REAL, not fake, this really happens.  There are kids out there that all they want is love.

God has a plan and I know that people and places have been brought into my life by His Devinne intervention and I can't wait to see what He has planned for me.  BLESSED.

Ro's 26th b'day

We celebrated Rochelle's birthday on 9-3-12.  We had a great dinner complete with ribs, roast, mac n cheese and ICE CREAM CAKE!

Rochelle received several nice gifts.  A Coach purse from Linda and Richard, an Alabama shirt from mom and dad, an Alabama cup and key chain from Donna, a Vera Bradley wrist let from me, and money from Nana, Uncle Larry and Lindsay/Casey/Cameron.  The best present of all was us being together =)

One of the funniest things is when Cameron blamed her 'fluffs' on someone else (as she rolled her eyes).

Happy 26th Birthday RoRo!  I love you!!!

FOOTBALL!!!!

yes, this Southern girl LOVES her some football and NASCAR.

To start out the opening weekend of football, I went to Gadsden to the Westbrook Christian vs Glencoe game.  I met John in Rainbow City and we grabbed dinner at Cracker Barrel.  He wanted to be at the stadium by 6 to watch warm-ups, so we headed that direction.  It was great to see so many of the boys come up to John and say hello.  He is really making a difference in their lives!

I was mainly watching Dylan because he is one of the boys that I feel like I know the most.  He is #12 and a tight end on offense but also helps on kickoffs.  During warm ups he was beating everyone to the line.  Impressive! 

Westbrook score first with a field goal and then got a safety.  We went into the half 5-0.  John was like, when did a baseball game break out?  HA!  Westbrook won the game 12-7.  Dylan asked if I was coming to the next home game, but it won't be until October 5th.  But, I will be cheering for the Warriors every Friday!

Saturday morning, I went to the UAB v Troy game with Sue, Andrew, Janetta, Pete and Rhiannon.  By the way, Troy Sux.  It was a hot day but we were having a blast.  Just as the Troy band took the field it started the rain.  I took Andrew under the stadium while they finished and UAB took the field.  He was such a good little boy through all of it.  He ended up with Rhi (Rhiannon) and feel asleep.  Football wears you out!

After a quick trip to the mall, it was time for Jax State and Alabama football.  Jax State played Arkansas in Little Rock and Alabama played Michigan in Dallas.  This was Daisy's first experience watching football with me.  Let's just say, it is going to take some time for her to adjust.  Jax State lost to Arkansas 49-24 but we all know Southerners won the halftime show.  Alabama rolled over Michigan 41-14. 

It is the South...Football is back...all is good!

A Party for a Princess

On Sunday, August 26th, we celebrated the 4th birthday of our little Princess Cameron.  She had a tinkerbell party at "Parties on the Move".  They have several bouncy houses and fun slides for the kids (and adults) to play on.  She had several friends attend her party, as well as Paisley!  It was great to see her. 

The only thing about Parties on the Move -- you are really on the move!  A hour to play, then cake, then presents.  They were literally re-decorating the room for the next party while Cameron opened gifts.  Oh well, she and her friends had a good time and that is all that matters.

Happy 4th Birthday Cameron!!!  I love you to the moon and back!

...catching back up

Sorry for being MIA --- it has been a crazy, yet fun couple of months.  Instead of me going into great detail (we will see how that goes), I will just give brief updates of the last few weeks.

Nana had foot surgery on July 16 -- she is already out of her boot!!

I visited Christie, Craig and Presely at Mountain Top complete with a Mexican lunch afterwards.  That Presely loves some guacamole.  gross.

Mom, dad, me, Gidget, Cassie, Ronnie and Daisy went to the beach for a week (July 29 - Aug 5).  It was Daisy's 1st beach trip - she is a good traveler, loved the sand and only played Houdini twice =)  We had  delicious dinners at Angelo's, The Lighthouse and Montego Bay.  We were fortunate to have dinner one night with Aunt Margaret.  As usual, I spent too much money on a new purse, shoes and sunglasses.  Ooops!

Wednesdays in August were Awesome August at GFBC - we started out with Raise the Praise, then Ronnie Floyd, Kevin Smith and finished with Rick Burgess!

I helped with Stokin' the Fire on August 18th.  It is a BBQ contest where IMS registers as a team, but they also feed our employees.  I was worn out when that day was over, but it was so much fun and I am looking forward to next year.

Lindsay, Casey and Cameron joined me at church on August 19th -- what a wonderful surprise.

Daisy and I started taking walks when time permits -- this is not only good for her but even better for me.

Dad and I used his Father's Day present and painted my "A" for this years football season.  It looks GREAT!  ROLL TIDE!

That will catch you guys up to the next post which deserves its own post =)

ALIVE 2012

On Sunday, July 1st, Gardendale First Baptist orchestra and choir participated in ALIVE 2012.  It was a joint service with Crosspoint Baptist, held at Homestead Hollow.  John and about 7 of the guys (including Dylan) came down for the event.  Mom, dad, nana and I got there about 7:15 and we waited for GFBC's warm-up time.  While we waited, Dad bought everyone with us (11 total people) a funnel cake.  YUM!!!!

We had a great time playing/singing and only experienced a little bit of rain.  The evening was finished with fireworks.

BLESSED night!!

Family weekend!

On Saturday, July 14th, me, mom and Linda had a girls day.  Dad stayed at the house and worked on the cars.  I left my car at Sam's to get the tires rotated and balanced while we had lunch, went to Hallmark, Bed Bath and Beyond, Kohl's and Sam's.  By the time we were finished shopping, I got my car and it was time for me to go home and check on Daisy girl.

A great day!!!

After church on Sunday, I went to a friends baby tea then to mom and dads for an afternoon with Nana.  It was the day before her surgery, so we were trying to keep her mind off of it.  When I arrived, mom, dad, nana, Linda, Rochelle and Uncle Larry were already playing Mexican Train.  We had hot dogs for lunch and Rochelle and I went to the store for all fixings for National Ice Cream day!  After a shopping trip, Lindsay, Casey and Cameron came by to see everyone. 

Another wonderful day with my family!

Daisy - surgery

On Monday, July 9th, Daisy had her girl surgery.  It was so weird not having any puppies at the house that night.  It was eerie quiet.  NOT.A.FAN. 

Her granddad brought her back on Tuesday and I was so glad to have her back.  She was a little mellow for a few days but she returned to the Daisy we all love by Thursday.

Sweet girl!!!

Fun Weekend

To start off the weekend of July 6th - I went with The Strickland's to have pizza at Giovanni's in Oneonta then we finished our evening with dessert from Sonic. 

Daisy and I started Saturday off with a stroll around the block.  She did good on her harness!  Trying to get her use to it since she is going to Florida with us!  That afternoon, I had dinner with Pete, Rhiannon, Sue and Andrew.  We had wonderful pizza from Papa Murphy's and I made Smore's for dinner.  Rhiannon and I watched the race.  I

Sunday afternoon, I went to mom and dads to have lunch with mom, dad, Linda and Nana.  Smore's were on the menu for dessert again.  A few mean games of Mexican train was played as well.

I am truly blessed with amazing friends and an awesome family!

July 4th

I played again in the UAB community summer band concert.  It is always a good time and is exactly what I needed to keep my mind busy after losing Roscoe.  We had a great turnout and the music was wonderful.  I am so glad that I am playing again!

Mom, dad and I had lunch with Nana before our concert.  She didn't attend the concert because her foot was bothering her.  We later found out that it was broken.  She had surgery on July 16th.

Linda and Richard were at the beach with Lindsay, Casey and Cameron.  We missed having them with us but were glad that they could get away to the beach. 

Rainbow Bridge

It has taken me this long to get up the courage to write about losing my little man Roscoe.  He had been having problems getting up from the floor as well as laying down.  Through it all, he never whined while he struggled, he would get aggrivated, but would eventually let me help him. 

On Tuesday, July 3rd - all that changed.

I cam home from work and he couldn't stand, even after I helped him to his feet.  He finally got to his feet and then had a difficult time walking.  After falling to go out side, I knew I had to get him to the vet. 

I called and asked them not to leave - they close at 6 and it was close to 5:15.  I called mom and dad and got Daisy in her kennel.  He didn't even care that I had to pick him up like a baby to get him to the car.  He was so sweet.

Mom beat me to the vet and we waited for dad to get there.  Several of the staff came to give us hugs and say their good-byes to Roscoe.  We talked to Dr. Quick and decided that we wanted him to get a sedative so that we could spend some peaceful (no pain) time with him.  After dad arrived, he had been in Tuscaloosa, we prepared to say good-bye to our friend of 14 years.

I miss him.  We all miss him.  But, I know he is playing and cathing frisbees in Heaven from Daddy O, Jade and Uncle Herschel.  Mamma Mae and Granny are rubbing his back and belly.  He is getting treats from my Lord and Savior and is reunited with Pris.

WE ALL LOVE you Roscoe and thank you for being the best baby boy a mom could ever ask for.  Watch over us our sweet Angel Boy.

Love,
Mom

Afternoon at Smith Lake

This past Sunday I was invited to Amy and Scott Parvin's place on Smith Lake.  It was Amy, Scott, their kids Jackson and Ally, Angela, Blake, Sawyer, Sam and me.  We had a GREAT time!

We took a ride in the boat, most everyone took a swim (not me, Angela or Amy) and then we came back to their area of the lake and pulled the kids in the 2 seater innertube.  I smiled so much, my cheeks hurt.  We chilled out at their boat house for a little bit and then made the big, and I mean big, trek back to the house....132 steps.  But, we all made it to the top and lived to tell about it.

Scott grilled out hamburgers and hot dogs, we had chips, potato salad, brocolli salad and baked beans.  I brought brownies for dessert.

I am so very thankful that the Lord has put these wonderful people in my life.  BLESSED!

Roscoe turns 14 & Cheesecake Factory!

On Friday, June 22nd my main squeeze, Roscoe, turned 14.  He is my sweet baby boy!!

Friday afternoon Angela, Sawyer, Sam and I went to dinner at The Cheesecake Factory.  Angela and I shared and entree and banana creme cheesecake.  Sawyer and Sam had their entrees and shared a Reeese' Peanut Butter cheesecake.  After our delicious dinner, we did a little shopping and I picked up me a new Bama shirt...Roll Tide!

Andrew turns 2 !!

On Thursday, June 21st we celebrated Andrew's 2nd birthday!  I made Elmo cupcakes and had to get the red just right.  Rhiannon helped me decorate them with Elmo faces and pics.  They were delicious if I do say so myself.  Andrew enjoyed them and Sue had to clean up the table, and him, twice!

I gave Andrew a lawn chair, with his name embriodered on the bag plus a few shirts and a complete Cars dinnerware set (plate, bowl, fork, spoon and cup).  He had a great day and I am so lucky to be his Aunt Vonda =)  He melts my heart when he says my name and talks about Daisy and Roscoe.

Father's Day

After working from 2 pm on Saturday until midnight, I was able to spend Father's Day with my dad =).  The usual crowd and Uncle Larry met at Beef O'Brady's for lunch.  We had a good meal and then dad opened his presents.

We gave him a yard stencil "A" for our yards this football season, RTR!  And, a cooler/table for the screened in porch.  It was a great afternoon with my family!  And, I have said it before but it must be repeated...I AM BLESSED.

Barons & Avengers

On Saturday, June 9th mom, dad, me and John went to the IMS/Barons game.  After about 1 1/2 we decided to go see The Avengers.  What an awesome movie!  It was a great night and I am thankful that John was able to drive down to go with us.

Presley turns 2!!!

Today, we celebrated Presley's 2nd birthday!!  She had a great party complete with bubbles, crafts, cupcakes and cookies.  She received several sweet gifts.  I gave her a sundress, shorts, top and a folding chair complete with her name embroidered on the bag =)  Below are some pictures of a great day!

Hey Aunt VonVon or Aunt Bonda

all these presents and I want dad's sandwich

cupcakes by me and Christie

cupcakes by me and Christie

my sister and niece - LOVE this picture

Crazy week at work

This past week was CRAZY at work, to say the least.  We were completing a dress rehearsal for the Oracle computer system upgrade.  Tuesday and Wednesday were pretty normal but that is where it ended.  They told us not to come in until noon on Thursday because it would be a late night.  Then we got an email to come in at midnight, then we got one to come in at 2:00 AM on Friday.  I spent the afternoon grabbing lunch with Angela, Sawyer and Sam then getting my hair highlighted and cut.  I was able to take a nap for about 2 hours and then I couldn't sleep because I was afraid I wouldn't wake up.  That made for a long day. 

I met Lisa (co-worker) at 1:30 AM and we headed to work with doughnuts and AMP energy drink!  Around 11 am on Friday, we were told we could leave.  I met mom to pick up Presley's birthday present, got to see dad and had my back adjusted.  still no sleep.  Grabbed some lunch, let my kids out and then met Christie at her mom's to decorate cupcakes for Presley's party.  still no sleep.  We got all the cupcakes decorated and they looked GREAT! 

love my little Presley

After a quick shower, I read a little and let Daisy play.  At 9:30 pm, I threw in the towel and finally got some much needed sleep.

Just a few more weeks and our computer system will be upgraded -- FINALLY!

Memorial Day weekend

I was fortunate to be let off work early on Friday - the bonus was meeting mom and dad for a late lunch at The Seafood Market.  It was delicious!! 

On Saturday, dad and I went to see Men In Black 3.  It was awesome!  There is a 99.9% chance that I will have to work Father's Day, so we started a little early.  After the movie, we made a Sam's and WalMart run and then picked up pizza for dinner for me, mom and dad.   I love spending time with my 2 best friends, mom and dad!

Church on Sunday and then a cookout with Sue, Andrew, Janetta, Pete and Rhiannon. We had steaks, hamburgers, homemade ice cream (thanks Janetta).  Andrew was a HIT!  He is such a cutie! I just melt when he says my name =)

On Monday, we went to Linda and Richard's for Memorial Day celebration!  We had wonderful ribs and boston butt (thanks Richard), squash casserole, mac n cheese, baked beans, peach cobbler and apple pie.  It was a great time with Nana, mom, dad, Richard, Linda, me, Lindsay, Casey and Cameron.  Cameron and I played Hide-n-Seek!  We are truly blessed!

Big Oak Ranch and Presley's Pageant

May 19th - Linda, Cameron and I went to Appreciation Day at The Big Oak Ranch.  We got there just in time to hitch a ride with John to the lunch.  Cameron played on the swings and picked up pinecones.  It was a great day!  The young men at the ranch were so nice and respectful.   The most precious thing was when Dylan (John's little brother) asked me if I noticed anything different about his face -- I did - he got braces =)

We visited with mom and dad on our way back home.  As usual, Cameron was happy to see her Uncle Phil and Aunt Connie.

May 20th - I went to see Presley in her 1st pageant.  She did great!  She won "Prettiest Hair" and Princess in her group.  I am so honored to be a part of Presley's life.  Aunt VonVon loves you!!