Meeting Brayden!!!!!

My friends Josh and Lisa welcomed a handsome little boy on February 15th named Brayden Grant.  I couldn't get there fast enough.  Unfortunately, I had to wait until April 12th to meet my nephew.   Josh and I have been friends since we were 12 or 13 and it feels like Lisa and I have been friends for that long as well.  I am lucky to have them in my life!

Lisa and Brayden picked me up at the airport and he was awake when we got to their house.  HE IS GORGEOUS!!!!!!   He is so alert, all the time!  He is PERFECT (I might be a tad biased).

Josh had a bowling night, so Lisa, Brayden and I went to an Italian place for dinner on Thursday.  Friday, we went to Wal-Mart while Josh worked.  Lisa introduced me to this wonderful toffee dip that we got at Tenders (for lunch).  Can't wait to make that recipe!!!!  We baked cookies and hid them from him. After meeting Josh's parents for dinner, Lisa and I decided it was time to see if he would notice.  So, I just opened the kitchen cabinet, where the dishes were, like I lived there and got the cookies and just sat down.  He was like - what the ???, what do you guys have?  We did share with him, LOL.  It was hilarious!! 

We went to Bad Daddy's for lunch and then to Gymboree, Barnes and Noble, Gap Kids.  It must be noted that the one thing that my big brother and I don't agree on is SEC football.  They are for Auburn, I am for Alabama.  I had bought Brayden an outfit that had the colors of orange, blue and white in it.  It wasn't an Auburn outfit - but it was the closest thing this Bama fan could buy (with her National Championship card, LOL).  On Saturday, I found him a beach hat that would match it - so he now has it.  =)  I told Brayden that was 2 things that Aunt Vonda bought him that was in those colors.  We all know that if Brayden asked for an actual Auburn something, I will cave in a heartbeat.  =)  

I got in some SWEET, SWEET cuddle time with Brayden.  I was in HEAVEN!!!!!!  (I think I have mom's 'magic').

We had steak, salad and potatoes with David, Karen, Jack and Jane on Saturday night.  David (Josh's dad) taught me how to play shuffleboard.  I lost to David, beat Jack and then was 1 point behind Josh before he knocked my puck off.  Just like a brother...

Sunday, it was time to come back to reality.  After a great breakfast at The Egg, it was time to head to the airport. 

I had a WONDERFUL time with Josh, Lisa, Brayden, David and Karen.  They are my 2nd family and I am so grateful that I was able to share in this awesome experience with Josh and Lisa.  I AM SO THRILLED for them and can't wait to SPOIL Brayden!!!!

Easter !

I began my Easter weekend by attending a service on Friday at Church of the Highlands.  I was excited for the service and God gave me an extra surprise!  I bumped into Steve and Lauren Johnson, Ellen and Chip Self, Cecila and Haley Howle and Holley Henderson.  Kathy understood that I hadn't seen these friends in forever and suggested that I sit with them.  The service was gorgeous and moving.  Mom and Dad attended the 7:00 service with Kathy.

Saturday, I began making my surprise for Easter lunch - sheep cupcakes.  My neighbor, Rhiannon, gave me the idea.  They were alot of work, but turned out cute.  I also made candy lollipops for Cameron, Andrew, Presley, Brooks, Pete and Rhiannon and the family.   Always a hit!

GFBC had our 1st service on Saturday evening; I was blessed to have mom, dad, Nana and Kathy attend.  We went to dinner at O'Charley's after.  I played in both Sunday services as well and then headed to Nana's for Easter lunch and to spend time with family.

We had a great lunch with Nana, Uncle Larry, mom, dad, Linda, Richard, Lindsay, Casey, Cameron, Rochelle, Dustin, Donna and Breagan.  Cameron hunted eggs and then wanted to hide them for us.

It was a great afternoon spent with my wonderful family.  BLESSED.

Family Birthday dinner

On Sunday, we gathered with the family to celebrate mine and dad's birthday!  It was mom, dad, me, Nana, Linda, Richard, Lindsay, Casey, Cameron, Rochelle and Dustin.  We had chicken over the coals, macaroni and cheese, squash casserole, broccoli salad, green beans and sweet potato casserole.  YUM! Lindsay made two tasty dips and Nana made her pineapple along with chocolate covered strawberries.

Cameron helped us blow out our candles on our cakes - mine was Ebony and Ivory and dad's was Strawberry Sensation, both from Publix.

We both received several nice things from our family.  Ro/Dustin and Lindsay/Casey/Cameron gave dad several different kinds of BBQ sauce and fudge.  Linda/Richard gave dad a white/grey polo and Nana gave him a gift card from Best Buy.  Uncle Larry was on a cruise but sent a card with some cash for each of us.  I received hand scrub/cream and fudge from Lindsay/Casey/Cameron and a beautiful dolphin charm for my Pandora bracelet from Ro/Dustin.  Nana gave me money to go towards my heart rate monitor and calorie counter watch.  Linda/Richard gave me an awesome solar lamp and beautiful kitchen towels.

I am so honored and blessed to have each person in my life - they each bring so much joy to my life!!!  Thank you to everyone who made my birthday so SPECIAL!

My B'day

Today, we celebrated my birthday!  It started out FIGHTING BACK against cancer at The Relay For Life Car Show.  I received an early birthday present while I was in Ft. Lauderdale -- a new custom bath cabinet by Wentzell Cabinets.

Suzanne bought me lunch yesterday at Taziki's.  It was awesome that she was in town and we were able to meet up and catch up - in person.  Thank you Suzanne! 

Mom and dad gave me a Groupon to buy a new light fixture to match the oil rubbed bronze fixtures.  After the car show, I met them at Lighting Concepts.  I was able to get a new bath light AND a new porch light.  We then headed to Five Guys for lunch.  A shopping trip to JC Penney then bumped into Nana/Linda at Belk.  We finished up the afternoon with a stop to Yogurt Mountain.

I went to Bed, Bath and Beyond to get a new shower rod and rings for the guest bath and a new storage unit for my shower.

Once I got home, I was showered by love from my awesome neighbors.  I received an Alabama cooler, filled with peanuts, chips and birthday cake Oreos from Sue and Andrew.  Pete and Rhiannon gave me "The Vow" and a Chef travel mug and refrigerator notepad.  Christie and Presley left me a sweet card and balloon - I hate I missed them.

For dinner I met The Strickland's (Blake, Angela, Sawyer, Sam) our for dinner at Logan's.  They bought my dinner and gave me a "Tide Rolls" 2011 Commerative Book.  It must be said that The Strickland's pull for Auburn, more than they do for Alabama. =)

I am a BLESSED woman and I don't take any of this love for granted.  I don't know what I did to deserve all these wonderful people, but I am truly thankful to have each and every one of them in my life.

Happy Birthday DAD!

He is my hero. 
He is one of my best friends. 
He is always eager to help with projects at my house. 
He helps me in the middle of the night with Roscoe. 
He reminds me to have a positive mental attitude (PMA). 
He is one of my biggest cheerleaders. 
He takes care of me and mom. 
He is guy that we ALL call for help. 
He is my DAD. 
I love you to Infinity and Beyond! Olive You!
Happy Birthday dad!

I met mom and dad for dinner at Red Lobster.  It was delicious!  We gave dad a Daniel Moore print of the 2011 National Championship year "Restoring the Order".  The actual print won't be ready for a few months, so we gave him a print out of it.  He was surprised!

Re-birth of my 1979 TA

For my 16th birthday mom and dad gave me a beautiful 1979 Trans Am.  We sold it and ever since we have kicked ourselves in the butt.  In 2010, dad came across another '79 Trans Am.  So, he and I took a trip to north of Chattanooga.  It is in tight shape; nothing wrong with the body at all.  We made a deal that I couldn't refuse.  Before I knew it, I was exchanging money for keys!!!! 

Basically all it needs is paint -- my paint.  So, Sunday, March 18th, we took this little beauty to the paint shop.

She will be this color in 3 to 4 weeks.  I AM SO EXCITED!!!

Me behind the wheel of a 1979 Trans Am - Again.  Aahhhhhhhh

Ft. Lauderdale work trip

I left on Wednesday, March 6 to visit our Ft. Lauderdale office to work on some pre-Oracle processes.  We went to dinner Wed @ Brio's -- YUM!  I had started coughing before I left and woke up Thursday feeling bad.  Needless to say, my co-worker had to take me to the hotel after lunch.  That night I felt decent enough to go to dinner - I wasn't going to miss this.  All you can eat SNOW CRAB LEGS.

1 bowl for 4 people -- I think this was bowl #3

For lunch on Friday, we had this awesome pizza from Anthony's Pizza - they cooked it in an old fashioned brick oven.  DELICIOUS.  Friday night we went to The Hard Rock Casio (bored) and then to dinner where I got a PUSH-UP --- happy, happy girl!   Saturday was the company pick-up which was BBQ ribs, pulled pork, sides and homemade cupcakes.  

Sunday, was the roughest day I can remember.  Flying home with congestion was something I never want to do again.  Dad picked me up and we went home and had breakfast - then it was off to the doctor.  Unfortunately I was diagnosed with walking pneumonia.  YUCKY. 

Although it looks like all I did was eat, I did work.  LOL