May 2013

RELAY MONTH -- it finally arrived!!

I started the month of by celebrating our survivors at the Relay Survivors Celebration!  It was a Mexican theme and our survivor committee did an excellent job cooking and having a vision of the day.  It was awesome!!

Cameron had her 3rd dance recital.  She did great and earned her 3 year trophy!!  We followed up with dinner at Outback. Mom and dad gave her an infinity necklace and I gave her a Willow Tree figurine.

We celebrated Mother's Day by making a trip to Belk -- mom had one of her special coupons.  We stopped by to see Nana and she loved her "Nana Faye" party set I gave her.  Mom, Rochelle, Linda and I went to Belk and then grabbed a bite to eat at Red Robin.  Unfortunately, Ro had to go back home and missed lunch.  Mom received her Alabama "Mom" shirt, CD and "C" purse I gave her. Daisy gave me "Safe Haven" - she takes hints very well, LOL.

RELAY NIGHT!!!!  We all met around noon and begin to set up.  While Kristi, Amy and I grabbed lunch it became a downpour.  After several text messages and calls, we decided to move Relay indoors.  We still had a great time and raised over $76K.  Purple Power was 2nd overall !!!  So excited!!!!  And to top off a great evening, Suzanne surprised me when she appeared at Relay!

IMS moved into our new location the same weekend as Relay.  It is beautiful and we are finally settling in to our new surroundings.

The girls got together for our monthly Girls Night Out.  As usual, it was a great time had by everyone!

Mom, dad and I celebrated Memorial Day together and had waffles for breakfast and Costa's lasagna and baked ziti for dinner.  We also had a successful trip to Sam's too!

April 2013

I started the month off at Ross Bridge...for a work meeting.  One day I am actually going to stay out there for fun!

I participated in IMS / Habitat For Humanity again this year.  It always feels good to give back to the community.  That same night I went to Tim Hawkins at the church.  He was hilarious!!!

We had our last Team Captain and committee meetings for Relay.  Time flies when you are having fun. 

I hosted Girl's Night Out with the ladies from church.  It was a smaller crowd, but we had a great time!

Dad and I worked on mom's mustang and my TA.  We even took the TA for a quick spin :)

Mom, dad, Nana, Linda, Lindsay, Cameron and I met for dinner at Villa Fiesta for "Flaming Cheese"!  Since I had so much fun working the fall Belk Charity Day Sale - I decided to work it again in the Spring.  It was alot of work but rewarding to know the money I raised would go to Relay.  I held my first Purple Power team captain meeting.  We met at Yogurt Mountain to help give everyone an idea of how we would handle the night.

Another wonderful month. #blessed

March 2013

The month of March started out with mom's homemade French toast!  YUM!!!  I supported Relay at Sips N Strokes night!

Monthly Relay meeting -- lots of preparation for Relay in May!

I enjoyed Girls Night Out at Gina Mayfield's.  We had breakfast for dinner and the evening was complete with laughter.  So glad to have found these new friends.  I also attended Bunco for the Moody's (friends from church who will spend a month in Uganda). 

We also had mine and dad's birthday!  Mom, dad and I had Red Lobster for our birthday dinner!  For the family gathering we had Costa's salad and lasagna.  Mom made me a peanut butter moose cake and she made dad an orange cream cake.  They were both delicious!!   We celebrated with Nana, Uncle Larry, Linda, Richard, Lindsay and Cameron. 

Flowers from mom and dad

Flowers from Ann and Sandra

I received several nice gifts from everyone!  Becky, from church, even made me a chocolate cake and Anthony, from work, made me a purple pound cake.

I concluded the month celebrating my Risen Savior!!! 

February 2013

Saturday, Feb 2nd - I started the month off at a Relay meeting --- imagine that?  But, I LOVE it!  Our meeting was titled Relay Refresh.  Amy Kuhn, Sherry Crider and I learned alot of helpful information.

Then it was back to the neighborhood to help friends give a Oragami Owl Jewelry party at the Chapel Hills clubhouse.  Cindy was very nice and let me purchase a locket for 1/2 price.

After the party, it was time to bake mom's birthday cake!  YUMMY!

Sunday, Feb 3rd - after church I headed to Trussville for mom's family birthday dinner.  We had roast, butter beans, cornbread, slaw, etc.  She had a really great birthday complete with dad, me, nana, Uncle Larry, Linda, Richard, Lindsay, Casey, Cameron, Rochelle and Nick.

love her expression - crystal football charm from nana



Monday, Feb 4th - I was sick, but I won't discuss that =)

Tuesday, Feb 5th -- MOM'S BIRTHDAY!!  After work, dad and I surprised her with dinner at Flemming's.  It was delicious!  I gave her a Jimminy Cricket figurine and a Hummingbird class.  On Sunday, I gave her an Oragami Owl locket complete with a family plate, mine/dad's birthday, mom's birthstone, a red bird and a mom charm.  Gidget, Cassie, Ronnie and Daisy gave her a nightgown and housecoat.  Dad gave her yellow diamond earrings and necklace on her actual birthday.  We sent her flowers on the 4th because she took the day off on her birthday -- go mom!!!  

Wednesday, Feb 6th -- Daisy has been a Bailey for 1 year!

Thursday, Feb 7th -- dad had rotator cuff surgery.  We got him home and settled.  Mom and I took a brief nap and then it was time for me to had a Relay meeting and a Team Captain meeting.  They were both great meetings!!!  On my way home, I picked up dinner for mom/dad and me.  Got Gidget, Cassie and Daisy and headed to Fultondale.

Friday, Feb 15th -- I headed to Charlotte, NC to see my nephew Brayden for his 1st birthday!!!  Josh picked me up from the airport and we went to David and Karen's to see Brayden.  After going to daddy, he came to me!!!  I melted like butter =)  I helped Josh with some grocery shopping and we waited for Lisa to get home from a work trip in Vegas.  Then, David, Karen, Josh, Lisa, Brayden and I went to dinner.

Saturday, Feb 16th -- birthday party day!!!  We had a laid back morning and then we were off to the races.  Josh went one direction to pick up balloons while Lisa and I went one direction to get more groceries.  We made it to David and Karen's just in time to get everything in and make the buffalo chicken dip.  Brayden had a great time.  He is not a fan of sweets and drum roll -- it SNOWED.  I told Josh that I believe if Lisa, Josh and I are together and they are prediciting snow -- we need to be prepared.  HA!

On Sunday, Feb 17th, I had to leave my sweet little guy --- until next time, Aunt Vonda loves you whole bunches!!!



January 2013

January was a busy month!!!

We are now in full swing of Relay For Life promotions. 

On January 8th, we had spirit night at Chick-fil-a.  They gave us 10% of all proceeds from 4-8 pm.  We just had to tell them to put our receipt towards Relay.  Dad, Nana, Pete, Rhiannon and Tracey Pohlman came.   Mom had a busy night, so dad took home some dinner for her.

On January 10th, we had our committee meeting where we made final details for kick-off!

January 12th we had our KICKOFF and it was phenomenal!!!!  Jim N Nicks donated all the food and Gigi's cupcakes donated 3 dozen Relay cupcakes.  We had a great turnout and recruited several new teams!  That night Angela, Sam and Sawyer came to mom and dad's.  We had pizza, the boys watched a movie and the girls chatted =)

January 15th was our first give back to Relay at Gigi's cupcakes.  They are giving us 10% of profits from cupcakes purchased from 5-8 pm.  We are so blessed to have them on board!

January 17th - Birmingham got snow!!!! I rushed, well actually went 5 mph, home to make sure Daisy could experience her first snow.  She LOVED it!

January 19th - I attended my first Girls Supper club with some ladies from GFBC.   This is a group that I had tried to connect with when I first started to attend GFBC.  It was His plan for me to connect with them now.  We had a great meal, made our on soap scrub and then watched 'Pitch Perfect'.  GREAT night.

January 20th - we celebrated my cousin Lindsay's birthday and my cousin Rochelle's boyfriend Nick's birthday.  We had a delicious dinner completed with cake and ice cream!

Here is to February =)

Happy New Year 2013

For New Years Eve dinner, we had salad, potatoes and steak that dad grilled on the Big Green Egg.  It was yummy!  We were all asleep by 11.  LOL.

New Years dinner was at nana's complete with ham, turnip greens, black-eyed-peas, potatoes, slaw and cornbread.  It was mom, dad, nana, Uncle Larry, Linda, Richard and me.  We played several rounds of mexican train and our night was complete!

Christmas 2012

Sunday, Dec 23rd was our annual Family Christmas. We had a great turnout and Santa made a special appearance. He was AWESOME! He spent time with the kids, sang songs, gave them presents and had them help start his car. He had a wind up key on the back and each kid spun the key 3 times and surprise, his car started. This is such a special tradition and I am thankful that mom, dad and I can keep it going.

Monday, Dec 24th was a beautiful day.  While mom did some last minute shopping, dad and I prepared three breakfast casseroles for Christmas morning.
We went and picked up Linda and Nana for Christmas Eve service at GFBC.  It was breathtaking.  We sang Christmas carols and heard the Christmas story.  We finished the night by singing "Silent Night" by candlelight.  It was GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!!  After church service, we headed to Nana's for beef stew and cornbread. YUM.

Christmas Day started with our traditional breakfast.  Uncle Larry, Nana, Mike, Dianne joined mom, dad and me for our breakfast casserole, biscuits, bacon and gravy.  I think this is my most favorite time of the year.  Several family members have been a part of this wonderful tradition and they now watch over us each day from the best place to experience Christmas.  It is the one thing that has remained constant since I can remember.  I love it.

Nana, Mike and Dianne headed to Leeds to see Paisley. Mom, dad and I opened our stockings.  Due to impending bad weather, we decided to head to Lindsay/Casey/Cameron's earlier than normal so we could try to be back in Trussville before the storms hit.  We all received beautiful presents and succeeded in surprising nana with her Kindle Fire!

After getting back to Trussville, mom, dad and I opened presents.  I received an Aladdin doll, Prince Charming doll, cool blanket for my bed, an elephant necklace, a heart necklace, DVDs, my bedroom, hall, bathroom painted and an iPad.  WOW, and iPad!  I was totally shocked!!!  It is awesome. 

Mom and dad received several nice things as well.  I gave them each a personalized calendar.  I gave mom a Vera Bradley umbrella, bag, mini purse, camera case, pjs, and jewelry holder.  I gave dad an Alabama belt, an Alabama picture, and some clothes.  They both received iPads as well.

The best gift of all is time with my family.

Mom had to go back to work so dad and I tackled taking down all the Christmas decorations at their house and mine.  And just like that...Christmas was put way (after 3 days) until next year.

Merry Christmas!!!

Busy, Busy...

So, like everyone it was a little crazy this Christmas season.  Just a quick update and here is hoping I can do better in 2013 =)

Mom had eye tuck surgery on Dec 7th.  She was loosing 30% of her peripheral vision and her eye tuck will give her better peripheral vision.  It has been almost been a month and the bruising is almost gone and her eyes look great!!

Our Relay For Life team participated in the Trussville Christmas Parade on Dec 8th and I got to drive the truck - talk about nerve racking.  HA.  But, I think I did pretty good for a 1st timer =)

I kept Gidget and Cassie while mom recovered from her eye surgery.  On Dec 12th we had a 1st birthday party for Daisy complete with Frosty Paws (ice cream for dogs).  I think she had a good time!  Daisy shares her birthday with Nana, who turned 79 this year!

John and I attended The Nutcracker on Dec 13th.  I had forgotten the story, so I was a little confused in the 1st act but completed remembered when the 2nd act began, it was AMAZING!

We had our GFBC Christmas program "He Changes Everything" on Dec 15th and Dec 16th.  It was my favorite program to date.  After we celebrated Nana's birthday on the 16th, mom, dad, Nana, Linda and Richard came to the Christmas Program.  I came by and picked up Rhiannon too so she could join us for the program.

IMS had our Christmas lunch on Dec 17th and we were given IMS gym bags as our gift.  I was also awarded $100 for my 14 years of service.  So blessed!

On Dec 21st we had our annual GFBC orchestra Christmas party.  It was a great time with awesome friends.  We played the left-right game related to the Christmas story and the gift we had when the story ended was the gift we kept. I received two Santa Claus pot holders and hot sauce.  Thanks Janelle and family for a great time and our memory ornament.

I attended a beautiful wedding on Dec 22nd.  The lucky couple was Chris Hallman (co-worker at IMS) and Heather Gray (former co-worker at IMS).  It was a gorgeous ceremony and I am so excited for them and their new life.

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!