...getting close to being on the road

guess what we got out of the paint and repair shop this week ?

Cameron's Recital & Mother's Day

We attended Cameron's 2nd recital on May 12.  She did so good!  Her 1st routine was tap to Mickey's Clubhouse.  The priceless thing was when Mickey came on the stage and Cameron didn't want to leave.  She was a HIT!!!  Her last routine was ballet to Babymine.  She is a beautiful ballerina and I am so thankful I get to be a part of her life. 

We went to Jim N Nick's after dinner to celebrate her recital and to celebrate Mother's Day.  Our group was Nana, mom, dad, Richard, Linda, me, Lindsay, Casey, Cameron, Rochelle, Rachel and Nick (Ro's friends).  Mom/Dad/Linda/Richard gave Nana a Coach purse and Me/Lindsay/Casey/Rochelle/Dustin gave Nana a matching wallet.  She was totally surprised!!!!

After lunch on Sunday, we gathered at Nana's for Mother's Day lunch.  We kept it very low key and ordered pizza!  I stopped by Winn-Dixie and picked up a Carrot Cake.  Lindsay/Casey/Cameron went to see Casey's mom while Rochelle/Dustin went to Huntsville to see Sandra and Claire.  At Nana's it was Nana, mom, dad, Richard, Linda, me, Donna and Breagan.  As tradition continues - we broke out mexican train!

I am so thankful for my mom, my role model, my hero, my friend!  Happy Mother's Day!  I love you ~ Olive You!

Relay For Life !

I served on the East Jefferson Relay For Life committee this year and also had a team!  This was one of the busiest weeks I can remember in a long time.

Tuesday night, we had Bank Night which consisted of us turning in money that we had raised, pick up our team shirts as well as our team captain shirt/gift. 

Thursday night was a special night - we hosted the survivor dinner.  Linda, Rochelle and Donna attended with Nana.  Unfortunately, I was unable to sit with them for dinner because I was helping with the dinner.  It was great to see all the beautiful survivors and one special survivor - Nana!

I was off Friday, which was a good thing because I had to be at the Relay site at noon.  After setting out encouragement signs, Relay banners and Relay luminaries it was time to set up our team campsite.  Dad's truck was loaded down!  We put up a tent for Ann's campsite and Paul loaned us a tent for our campsite.  It worked out that Ann Brown was on one side of our campsite and Centerpoint Fire (Paul/Kara) were on the other side.  It was AWESOME! 

At our tent we had mom, dad, me and Kathy Fish.  Nana, Linda and Rochelle were in Jacksonville attending Dustin's graduation.  Go Gamecocks!!  We had a survivor walk at 6 pm which started the celebration.  Around 9 pm we had the luminary ceremony that honored all of our loved ones who had lost their battle to cancer and those who had one their battle.  It was breath-taking.  All the lights were turned off and we all walked in complete silence.  MOVING.  Mom and Kathy left around 11, followed by Ann, Paul/Kara around midnight.  It was time to settle in for the night.  Dad and I watched a movie and around 4 am I decided the time would go faster if we started breaking down our tent site.  Then it was time to start taking down all the Relay signs, banners and luminaries.  After going to get biscuits for everyone that stayed until 6 am - it was time to head home.

I was exhausted but it was worth every minute!  I am looking forward to next year's Relay now that I know more about what actually happens =)

Below are some pictures from this moving/memorable night.

our tent

me and my big brother, Paul

Saturday with my 2 favorite people

On Saturday I spent the afternoon with my 2 favorite people - mom and dad.  After dad and I made a trip to Sam's where I purchased a set of tires, fun, we had a great day and dinner. 

I am so entirely blessed and I don't take the love of my parents for granted - ever.

Birmingham Area Combined Church Orchestra concert

On Sunday, April 29th I played in the 1st annual Birmingham Area Combined Church orchestra concert.  There were several churches represented.  Our directors were from Gardendale First Baptist, Dawson Memorial Baptist and Shades Mountain Baptist.  We played about 12 songs.  It was a great experience and I look foward to participating again next year!

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.