Date: November 27, 2010
Location: Bob and Carol's
Linden, AL
Hi there!
Today we drove to Linden to visit my dad and his in-laws. I've known Bob and Carol since I was eight years old. Year after year, they have invited us to their house for their family's Thanksgiving, always the Saturday after the official one. This year, I went.It was nice. There was a large crowd, including my dad's mother, aunt, and nephew. This is Chelsey and her new dog, Max. They were outside to greet us when we drove up.
Date: November 20, 2010
Location: Our House
Tuscaloosa, AL
Getting Ready
We are hosting Thanksgiving at our house. We will have only eleven guests, but that requires a lot of prep work for the house.
This is the dining room just after we set up one of the long tables. The other table was put in the kitchen to hold all the food.
I truly enjoy hosting holidays and family gatherings.
Date: November 14, 2010
Location: City Buffet
Northport, AL
The Familiar View
Since we were unable to have lunch with Billy and Chris today, we met them for dinner at City Buffet.
When leaving the restaurant, I saw a familiar view: the lights of Northport at night. I once saw these lights each night I went home. But since we've moved across the river, I've all but forgotten them.
Date: October 30, 2010
Location: Our House
Tuscaloosa, AL
"I like your boo jug."
The statement above is what was actually said to me, but not at all what I heard.
Think about it. What cosmetic procedure, very popular for women, sounds similar?
It caught me off guard, especially considering who it came from and the fact that I haven't had this procedure.
John, my mother-in-law's boyfriend, gave the compliment. I turned to look at him, with a baffled look on my face. He furrowed his brow.
Just then, Glenda appeared from the kitchen, and with an exaggerated clearing of her throat asked, "What did you just say?".
After we got it all cleared up, all of us shared a big laugh.
Lesson: you can't always believe what you hear.
Date: October 12, 2010
Location: Memaw's House
Northport, AL
Let the birthdays begin!
Justin's family loves birthdays. They also love a birthday pizza party.We celebrated my day with his family at Memaw's with pizza, salad, and a caramel cake for dessert. And with all the cash I was gifted, I got to buy the gift I really wanted: new front porch lights.Garsh, I am getting old.
Date: October 9, 2010
Location: My House/Kobe
Tuscaloosa, AL
To have your cake...
Today, I give you two pictures.
Mom came to Tuscaloosa to celebrate my birthday with a ladies day out. We went shopping and out to lunch. She made me a pound cake. It was a good day.And eat it, too.
Lunch was mom's treat. She let me choose; I wanted Kobe. We sat directly in front of the tv, so we did get to watch the Bama game. I got to introduce yet another person to sushi. I wanted to start her out with something mild so I chose the California Roll. She loved it; in fact, she said it was "wonderful." Success!
Date: October 3, 2010
Location: Big Daddy and Big Mama's House
Jackson, AL
Great Grandmother
This is my Big Mama and her first great grandchild, Kerri Rose. Today was Kerri's baby dedication at Jackson First Assembly of God. This precious child has lots of people to love her, and many of them attended her dedication.
Date: October 2, 2010
Location: Star Nails
Bay Minette, AL
Mani/Pedi
Lynn treated us to a morning at the nail shop. She first suggested a spa pedicure for all of us. But I can't stand for anyone to touch my feet; I don't want to touch anyone's feet, either. I am one of those people. So I went with my usual manicure and added an eyebrow wax. This is a picture of Lynn, Chelsey, and Courtney in the spa chairs. We had a great time being pampered.
Date: October 1, 2010
Location: Dad and Lynn's House
Bay Minette, AL
Family Visit
This is Dad, Lynn, and their dog Lucy. She's like a third child, maybe even more demanding than a child. She is a sweet dog, though.
She really makes me want a small dog for a pet.
Date: September 27, 2010
Location: Our House
Tuscaloosa, AL
Payback
I love to get money in the mail, but especially love getting money in the mail from my grandmother.
This particular check is for the groceries I bought my cousin who moved to town. Yeah, the money is nice, but my favorite part is always the notes she writes on the stub. This time, she wrote a novella. And numbered the sections to let me know in which order I should read them. Love my Big Mama!
Date: September 23, 2010
Location: The Condo
Northport, AL
Grocery Surprise
My grandmother, Big Mama, called me to tell me my cousin would be moving to Tuscaloosa from Arkansas. She wouldn't be able to welcome him to his new home personally, so she asked me to go grocery shopping for him.I had a blast! These are just the non-perishable items. The fridge and freezer are stocked, too. I
t feels a little strange to see my old place with a new resident. I hope Trey enjoys it as much as I did.
Date: September 19, 2010
Location: Our House
Tuscaloosa, AL
Will and Garrett
Mom and Matt came back on Sunday to pick up Matthew. As usual, Justin made a pot of coffee for us, and the kids took over our computer and both iPhones.
You'd think it was still game day; these boys would wear Alabama apparel everyday if they could.
Date: September 18, 2010
Location: Bryant Museum
Tuscaloosa, AL
The Bear
During Matthew's visit, we took him to the Bryant Museum. It was also my first visit. He enjoyed looking at all the Alabama football history, and I enjoyed watching him explore.
I took pictures of almost everything in there, and had them developed for him. Some of the pictures should go well with his new Alabama-themed bedroom.
Date: September 17, 2010
Location: Our House
Tuscaloosa, AL
Matthew's Weekend
Matthew is the oldest of my younger brothers. He is at the age that he can stay with us and have a good time. We spoiled him rotten; I know he'll want to come back.
This is him playing with my iPhone. We joke that he would have been just as happy if we had just sent the phone home with him for the weekend.
Date: September 5, 2010Location: Cracker Barrel
Tuscaloosa, AL
Brunch
Mom and Matt's plan was to leave early Sunday morning to make it to their church, and give us time to make it to ours. Instead, we ended up drinking coffee on the back patio until 10 am. Didn't quite make those plans happen. But it was nice.
A little later, we went to Cracker Barrel for brunch. While we waited, Garrett kept "building" with the peg game. He's a creative little thing.
P.S. the food was awful.
Date: August 28, 2010Location: Home DepotTuscaloosa, ALBros
At 6 a.m. my mother sent me this text: "We are on our way to T-town. We have some shopping to do. Call me when you can."At 6:47 a.m. she sent me this text: "Would you guys like to meet us for breakfast at IHOP at 10:00?".Then at 8 a.m.: "Are you awake?" and "I meant 9:00."8:33: "We just went through Moundville. We will be at IHOP in about 15 minutes. Call us when you wake."I had had a little too much fun at Steph's the night before.
I finally respond at 8:53: "I just woke up."The point you ask? I had a surprise visit from the folks and the bros. Once I finally greeted the world, I met them at Home Depot to help Mom pick out some paint colors for her house. The boys entertained themselves while we shopped. Then we all visited at the house for a while. Unexpected visits are nice.
Date: August 22, 2010Location: Memaw's HouseNorthport, ALHappy Birthday, yet again!
This time we are at Memaw's house for a pizza party. Glenda bought Justin an Alabama themed cake; he also got the coaches' shirt (in gray this year). The fam got him several nice gifts, including cash money.
Since we were all gathered together, Justin got everyone's attention and decided to make the big announcement: (dramatic pause and everyone stared at me) he's having corrective eye surgery.
You know what they were all thinking. Memaw gasped excitedly before he told the news. And she was quickly let down, and yes, that's what he intended to do.
Date: August 7, 2010Location: UA ColiseumTuscaloosa, ALSteph Graduates
Glenda's favorite birthday gift this year: Stephanie's graduation. We spent the first part of the day in Coleman Coliseum to honor Steph and the mid-day at La Fiesta to celebrate Glenda's birthday. By that afternoon, I only wanted to show appreciation for my fluffy pillow. I think we took a five hour nap, and still slept all night.
Date: August 1, 2010Location: Billy's HouseNorthport, ALSunday Dinner
Sundays include Sunday school, church service, and lunch at Nanny's house (now occupied by Justin's dad). That's the way it's been since Justin was a kid, and I assume that's the way it will be for many more years. Billy's girlfriend, Chris, is a great cook of Southern cuisine, and I enjoy her fresh vegetables and various desserts. She uses many of Nanny's old recipes as well as many of her family favorites.
The picture is Justin, in his usual chair, watching the usual on the tube. Let's see, it's baseball season; I bet that's what's on!
Date: July 27, 2010Location: Mom's HouseNicholsville, ALBoys Will Be BoysWhile on vacation, I spent a day with Mom and the boys. Have I mentioned that the trip to her new home requires a journey down two rural county roads in Marengo County? It's out there. Nonetheless, the family time is worth the trip. I am glad to have them back in Alabama. I have seen Garrett (pictured here) more in the last year than I have in the first three years of his life combined. Maybe he will get to know his big sis after all.
Date: November 27, 2010 
