Thanksgiving 2011

I hosted Thanksgiving this year.  We changed it up a little bit and had Thanksgiving dinner on Sunday, instead of the traditional Thursday.  We moved it so family could visit their in-laws on actual Thanksgiving.  It was Nana, Uncle Larry,Mike, mom, dad, me, Linda, Richard, Lindsay, Casey, Cameron and Rochelle.

As a bonus, we put up my Christmas tree and Lindsay did an awesome job with the ribbon and bow.  I LOVE IT!

Chris Tomlin concert

John and I went to see Chris Tomlin in concert.  Before the concert, John treated me to dinner at Jackson's.  I then treated to Dreamcakes.  Chris brought along Christy Nockles and Louie Gaglio. It was an awesome night of praise and worship.  John and I both were ready to conquer the world as we left the concert!  I had such a good time and hope that John and I can hang out again.

a day with my 2 best friends

I spent Saturday with my 2 best friends - mom and dad!  We went shopping for the day!  We started out at Target, then dad and I went to Michael's while mom went to TJ Maxx.  Then dad I went to Hallmark to trade out his ornament that I gave him (it was broken).  While parking, we bumped into Kara Henderson, Paul's wife.  Paul was in sports clip getting the boys hair cut.  It was great to catch up with them.  We met back up with mom at Yogurt Mountain.  Paul, Kara and the boys came to say hello to mom.  We learned that Jared was getting baptized today (Sunday).  After saying our goodbyes and exchanging hugs - we headed to BELK. 

Mom had this magic coupon that we got 20% off cosmetics, makeup and shoes!  We went a little crazy, but got things that we needed at a reduced price.  While we were at Belk - dad went to Sam's and took some items back to Kohl's for me.

We finished shopping just in time to get home to watch the Bama vs Mississippi State game.  We had invited Nana to watch it with us and she was in the driveway when we pulled in.  We had tasty hamburgers and hot dogs and watched a very stressful game.  It wasn't a pretty win -- but a WIN. 

It was a great day spent with my family, who means so much to me.

Decking the Halls at mom & dad's

Due to our Disney depature in 3 weeks -- we decided to put up the Disney tree!  Linda, Lindsay, Cameron and Nana spent the night with mom and dad.  Rochelle drove in from Jacksonville and I came over after church.  Dad broke out the waffle machine and everyone had their choice of waffle.  YUM!

By the time I arrived, Lindsay had already put the new mesh ribbon in the tree.  I hung a few ornaments and then Ro and I went to Sam's to get more garland.

By the night's end - both the Disney tree and den tree were up and decorated.  Lindsay also hung the new garland on the handrails and I put some of the mantle and bookshelf decorations out.

We had a great time just being with each other!

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!