Marching Southerners Reunion

This past weekend I went to The Friendliest Campus in the South with Angela, Blake, Sawyer and Sam.  Rochelle met up with us at the stadium.  After a quick run through of one song - we were released from practice.  So, we headed to THE ROCKET!!!!  YUM! 

We chose to stay at The Hampton Inn this year and it was a great idea!  After breakfast we headed to practice.  A few run throughs some of the traditional Southerners music it was time to eat (again).  But, first there was a stop at the bookstore.  I picked up me a new car tag and a baby hat for Brayden.  JSU is the only team that Josh, Lisa and I agree on =)  We had lunch at Roma's.  Vickie, Tracey and Will Starnes met us there and let the cat out of the bag that one of their Gardendale students was considering JSU and Troy.  He wasn't going to Troy on our watch!  A few comments about how we wouldn't visit him at Troy and not send him suprises at Troy - we thought he was seeing our point.  To bring it home, me and the Strickland's bought him the Southerners t-shirt and The Starnes bought him a "I'll go green but I'll never go to Troy shirt".  He laughed so hard!  We weren't staying for the post show but he promised they would.

We watched the first 2 quarters and then did our halftime show.  Then, we hit the road to Birmingham to meet up with mom, dad, Nana, Linda, Lindsay and Cameron.  The goal = make it home before the Bama/LSU kickoff.   Note: The Strickland's are nice Auburn fans; they cheer for us as long as we aren't playing them. We made it in plenty of time to even eat.  Mom and dad had all the food (hamburgers, hot dogs, chili, snacks, etc) ready when we got there.  So, we all ate and sat down to cheer on the Tide.  The game was very stressful.  To say I wasn't happy with the outcome is an understatement.  But, I spent time with people that love me and the sun came up the next morning!

I am so thankful that I have met The Stickland's and The Starnes'!

Grant update:  when I got to church Sunday morning, I turned around and looked at Grant.  He said, "I am recruited".  LOVE IT!!!!! 

Grant getting his "NO TROY" shirt

Me and Angela

Angela, Vickie and me

Angela, me and Tori (last year's recruit)

Baby shower for Brayden Grant Nelson

Today we gathered to celebreate parents-to-be Josh and Lisa Nelson.  They will welcome Brayden Grant in late January or early February 2012.  We decided to have more of a get together with friends rather than a traditional baby shower.  I had some wonderful help with throwing the shower: mom, dad, Michelle Harbison (Joseph's wife), Rebecca Cummings (Joe's wife) and Christy McMillan (Cory's wife).  Although Christy had the flu and couldn't come - Cory surprised us all and made her items.  That boy can cook!! I will throw any party or shower with this group anytime - anyplace!

We had hamburgers and hotdogs, compliments of mom and dad. Appetizers were made by Michelle, Rebecca and Cory: salsa/chips, ham/cheese rolls, buffalo chicken dip (YUM), chicken cheeseball and veggies.  Rebecca also made tasty blue punch and I made candy and cupcakes.

Josh, Lisa and Brayden received several nice gifts.  This was their first shower and are started in the right direction.  Although my brother needs to get busy cleaning out Brayden's room.  HINT, HINT.

I am sad I don't get to see these friends often, but I enjoy every minute when I do get to be around them.  It is like we never skipped a beat. I know I could call on any of them, day or night, and they would be here for me.  We just don't agree on the same SEC team -- ROLL TIDE ROLL!!!!!

I am super excited to meet my nephew Brayden Grant.

Michelle's beautiful diaper cake

My cupcakes - thanks mom/dad for the cupcake holder

Rebecca's blue punch - YUM

discussing the Auburn game I am sure

parents - to - be, presents and me

Alabama vs Tennessee

I was very fortunate to score 3 tickets to the Alabama vs Tennessee game.  The tickets were compliments from the UPS rep for IMS.  We had tickets to the "Crimson Village" which is several hospitality tents.  We had Dreamland BBQ ribs, pulled pork, pulled chicken, potato salad, baked beans and banana pudding.  We were also given complimentary Alabama programs. 

While at the tents GENE STALLINGS and ELI GOLD stopped by. 

Mom, dad and I had a great time cheering on the Tide to a 37-6 victory.  ROLL TIDE!

Race for the Cure!!!

Today we walked for Nana in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure!!  It was Nana, me, mom, dad, Linda, Rochelle, Cameron, Donna and my friends Tiffany and Mandy.  I walked in celebration of Nana, my Godmother (Sherri) and friend Gwinna.

Enjoy some pictures from the day!!

The Family

me and dad

me and Rochelle

Me and Tiffany

mom and Nana

walkers

Find Nana in the Survivor crowd

Ro, Nana and me

Donna, Nana and Linda

Another fun weekend!

I met Craig, Christie and Presley at the Greek Food Festival Friday and had a blast.  It was great to see them and they are so happy!  Makes me happy!  We had awesome food and watched some fun Greek dancing.  I have decided to marry a Greek, LOL!

Saturday was a day of cleaning and cooking. I made Uncle Larry's Sock-it-to-me cake Friday night and then made cupcakes for Cameron on Saturday.  After my chores, I went to the Homewood band competition with Angela, Blake, Sawyer and Sam.  We were there in time to see Clay-Chalkville, Gardendale, Pelham, Sparkman and most importantly SOUTHERNERS!  As a side note, I was getting score updates on Alabama vs Florida via text from John.  Thanks buddy!

Sunday morning started out with 31 baptisms at church and then I headed to mom and dad's for Uncle Larry's 70th Birthday!  We had a bubba gump shrimp day.  We had a great turn out: Uncle Larry, mom, dad, me, Nana, Linda, Richard, Lindsay, Casey, Cameron, Rochelle, Sushi, Blake, Linsey and Paisley. I laid in the floor and played with Paisely and Cameron. FUN!  Josh and Lisa stopped by on there way home.  It was great to see them and I got to see her baby bump (Brayden Grant). 

I am blessed!

Miss Presley

Presley and Aunt Vonda

me and Tori

Tori and Angela

Paisley

Paisley and Cameron

Uncle Larry's b'day cake

Birthday Boy

JSU Game!

This weekend I went to the Friendliest Campus in the South - Jacksonville State University!  A sweet friend from church, Tori, is a freshman and is marching flute in the Marching Southerners.  I might add she was slightly encouraged by me, Blake and Angela Strickland and Tracey and Vicki Starnes (all former Southerners).  Tori's parents couldn't attend this weekends game, so her extended family decided to fill in for them.  Not sure you really had to twist any of our arms to go, HA!  Once a Southerner - ALWAYS a Southerner.

I rode up with Blake, Angela, Sawyer and Sam Strickland.  I am so blessed that I have met this sweet family.  Their boys are precious and I am proud to be Aunt LaVonda!  We had lunch at "House of Chen".  The Stricklands were shocked that I had never eaten there in my four years at JSU. 

We got to the campus and found our little Southerner.  She was excited to see us and we were just as thrilled to see her.  We met up with Tracey, Vicki and Will Starnes and headed to the stadium.  I found Shannon, Jacob and Kaitlyn and we all sat together.  Then, a blast from the past Doyle Scott walked up.  It was great to see him, Tracy and their kids Andrew and Madison.  Cary, Leah and Bethany showed up shortly.  They unfortunately witnessed a wreck on their way to JSU.

JSU won the game 39-27 against Georgia State!!  The Southerners did an awesome 1/2 time show but an I even better post game show.  After dinner at Roma's, the Birmingham crew, Tori and John, we headed home.  It was a wonderful day with old and new friends.  I AM TRULY BLESSED!

Tori

Me and Angela

Me and Shannon

Me and Doyle -- marched saxes together for 3 years

Angela, Tori and me

Flower Class

Tonight Christie and I went to Sips and Snips.  It is a class where they teach you how to make a flower arrangement.  Mom had purchased a groupon for me and Christie to go.  It was so much fun and it was great to spend time with her before she goes back home.   Christie is the free - sprited friend and I am the Type A friend.  See if you can tell :)  Enjoy some of the pictures!

Thank you mom for thinking of me and Christie for this event.  It was a great night spent with one of my sisters.  Thank you for always looking out for me, my friends and our family.  I LOVE YOU!

Christie - Stage 1

me - stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

Christie's final arrangement

My final arrangement

Sisters