Empty Nest on Mulberry Street

February 22, 1985...wow that seems like so long ago to some of you. But to me...that was just yesterday. I remember that day so clearly. That was the day my BEAUTIFUL daughter

Amanda Marie

was born. She is 24 years old now. Where did the time go?

I was blessed with only one child. But wow what a great child! She is such a joy. Now I am sure not everybody would agree with me on that. But guess what...we know I AM RIGHT and they are wrong!

My brother, Uncle Greg...he has always been a big influence in her life...calls her TARB. He would never tell her what it meant. She called him Tarber. She finally figured it out, only because...well Grams slipped one day. Good ole' Grams. She has a soft spot for Amanda. TARB means BRAT!

Well this girl is a DIVA! I'll make no bones about that. She is SPOILED in every since of the word! But heck, how can you not spoil such a beautiful thing.

Plus now, sweet revenge. She is a mama herself and I hear things like, I understand why you would say that. or She does exactly what I did to make you mad. or Did I do that too? or Because I am the mom! Music to my ears! Grandma hood!

Now let me tell you...I went through the boyfriends (ick!), softball, cheer/pom, dance, pageants, animals and the occasional I am not going to talk to you Mom! But we have always been best buds!

We have grown up together. Sometimes my friends would ask who the parent was. What is that all about? I remember when she would go stay with my brother or my parents when she was on her school break. I would mope around until the last week. And then she would be home and I would be so relieved! My PAL was home AT LAST!

Amanda is married now to Jeremy Hopper. He is in the Army and they are stationed in South Korea. Amanda went over August 15, 2008. They have a 5 year old little girl, Sydney and a little boy on the way.

For her birthday, I sent her a box. In the box....a chocolate cake mix, 2 tubs of chocolate frosting, several bags of cookie mix...chocolate chip, chocolate chip with walnuts, peanut butter, sugar cookies, Hershey Kisses. Now don't you think that is enough sugar love from mama. Oh, yes there were gifts and some other things she asked for...no...can't leak any more info. She will have to wait and see.

I am sure she will have a great day. She is with the man she loves and her sweet little girl. I am sure it is not complete cause mama is not there but other than that she will do OK.

Isn't my girl beautiful now that she is all grown up!