Merry Christmas

We wish you a MERRY CHRISTMAS!
We wish you a MERRY CHRISTMAS!
We wish you a MERRY CHRISTMAS!

From Matt and I to everyone, may your day be blessed with love, laughter and happiness!

Love,
Matt and Kelly

Random Update

I thought it might be time for a random blog update:

Kelly:
I left Charlottesville on Monday morning at the crack of dawn: 3:45 AM ET. I was going to stop in Gadsden to help my parents move more stuff to Florida (the are now down here for good - bye bye Gadsden Alabama) - however, they were really sick so my mom told me just to keep on driving. I stopped in Birmingham at my apartment to pick up my mail and grab a bite to eat. Then it was off to Daleville Alabama (14 hour drive total - wowzers) to spend two nights with my sister Barbara, her husband Eric, and their daughter Abby. We had an absolute blast!!! It was fun to hang out with all three of them! Then it was off to my parents condo in Sandestin for the remainder of Christmas break. So I got in and just 6 hours later my parents showed up with the LAST U-haul! We on loaded everything at their new house and then what was needed at the condo. The condo looked like a mess of boxes when we went to bed the other night. Then yesterday my mom and I got to work - we organized, spring cleaned, got this condo looking like a home for not just the holidays (love Christmas vacations) but a home, not just vacation house! We ended up throwing out six 55-gallon garbage bags of crap and we have a huge box of food for a local food shelter. Awesome! Then today we are off to Atlanta - just my mom and I of course...Girls weekend with a Bride, Mother-of-the-Bride, and Maid-of-Honor! We pick Robyn up at midnight tonight in Atlanta and then tomorrow we shop, shop, shop for WEDDING dresses (uh, just one that is - but the perfect one..right ladies?)

Matt:
Matt has been busy at work this week - except of course the day of Christmas parties!!!! :-) His secret Santa got him a melting pot gift card!! WOO-HOO!!! I love SANTA! :-) Then they had a game last night and of course the ladies won (is there really another option? I think not!) So today is another day working and who knows what he has planned for the weekend!!!

Hope you are all having a FANTASTIC week!

Our Tree...

Matt and I opened the last of our christmas presents/ornaments after the circus Thursday night. We wanted to be able to have all of the ornaments up on the tree for a few days before we had to take them down and put them safely away for next year! So I wanted to make sure all of you were able to see the ornaments and the finally tree as well. It's so funny - when we picked out this little tree earlier this week, Matt was trying to tell me how we would only need a little tree like this for probably the next few years. Now, with all of our ornaments on it, this little tree is leaning forward. Matt just looked at me Thursday night and said I was right, next year would have to be a "big" tree!! Woo-hoo!!! But until then, Matt and I have been able to appreciate our first ever Christmas tree!! :-) Isn't it beautiful??

Here's hoping everyone is embracing the Christmas spirit!

Date night @ the Circus

Last night was DATE night @ the Circus!!! Matt got tickets to BOOM-A-RING from Ringling Bros., Barnum & Bailey. Matt picked me up from the apartment around 3:45 and we were back at the arena by 4. He had a little more work to do, so I made myself busy with some free tetris and reading a book. Before I knew it, it was time to check our the circus! We left his office around 5:45 and were the FIRST people to see everything! We got to take a sneak peak outside to where the tigers and elephants were kept. Then it was off to see the ring! We waited for some more people to come in before going down to walk around the ring and watch some of the performers. Then it was time to get some cotton candy (i love it), to find our seats, and for the show to begin!!!

The show was pretty fantastic! Matt said his most favorite part was the elephants! They were pretty fantastic! There were three of them. One came out in the beginning with the American flag! Then there were all three of them later in the show. My favorite part was this hilarious clown! Oh my gosh, there were so many "adult" jokes that I never really heard from Ringling Bros. before! This clown was hilarious! And my second favorite part...there were these guys on the circular ring thing. Well, they were right in front of us - and I honestly thought that the guy was going to fall off and end in my lap!!! It was a fantastic show! After the show we went to a late dinner at Ruby Tuesdays. Then it was home, and fast asleep after a long day!

Today Matt was able to go into work a little late because he will be there all night tonight - since practice isn't starting until 6 pm. It was nice to hang out with him this morning and he treated me to Bodo's! It's a "locally" famous bagel shop in C'ville...and although I've been before, I've never eaten there. Well, brunch was super tasty! Then it was time for him to head to work and me to well....hmmmm....uhhh....do something! Ha! Ha!

Here's hoping everyone is having a great week - full of laughs even if you didn't run into any clowns!

Graduates running rampant!!!

Ok, so today is another BIG day!!!

Not only did my sister defend her thesis and win yesterday (see below post)...but today the BESTEST walks!

I know what you are thinking - doesn't Elizabeth walk everyday??

And yes, it's true she does...but today it is across a stage with her family (Mom, Dad, Shaun) and her boyfriend Don's family watching while she gets her masters diploma!!!!

I am so super proud of the BESTEST!!! Congrats Elizabeth!

Thank goodness I'm surrounding myself with such intelligent people!!!!

Sidenote: Matt took the opportunity last night to remind me that I am now the only one in my family without a higher degree!!!

ConGRADulations Robyn!!!

It's late....It's 10:50 here in Charlottesville, Virginia...but Matt and I are too excited to sleep without letting everyone know.
Robyn, my twin sister, defended her thesis tonight.
She went in front of 13 faculty members of the University of Colorado.
The results are in.....SHE PASSED!!!!!! Woo-hoo!!!
Robyn's MASTERS diploma will be mailed out to her next Friday!
Matt and I are so super proud and super excited for Robyn!!!
She is such a intelligent woman who deserves this honor after many hours of research, writing, and hard work!
WAY TO GO ROBYN!

Love,
The Proud Twin and Proud Soon-to-Be Brother-in-Law

Basketball...Football..Christmas Tree...LIFE

Well, I'm pretty sure it's time for an update as to what's going on in the life of Kelly and Matt. After I finished my last final (Sea, Ocean, and Coastal Law) on Friday I started driving to Charlottesville. I made it to Abingdon, Virginia and the Comfort Suites - I got some sleep and then headed the next day to meet Matt at JPJ Arena for the UVA Women's basketball game against ECU. I left at halftime as the Hoos were kicking butt and taking names and went back to Matt's apartment to "unpack" and watch the SEC championship game. Matt was home by the time the game was in the second quarter. So we spent the night watching more football and eating pizza! And of course I took time out as soon as I got there to organize the presents!

Some of you might know, but some of you don't. Matt and I decided not to get each other (technically) Christmas presents. Instead, we divided up the major cities we have been to while dating/engaged and each person was responsible for an ornament from that city. Matt got: NYC, Charlottesville, Knoxville, and Washington D.C. I got: Brimingham, Gadsden, Sandestin, Atlanta, and St. Louis.

Well Sunday Matt didn't have work and the team didn't have practice - so woo-hoo the first day we got to spend together in over 2 months!!! We had a blast! We finished up Christmas shopping for our families, went grocery shopping, had a yummy lunch...and the best part...picked up our first Christmas tree!!! It was Matt's idea - and we found the tree at Whole Foods! Small, but PERFECT! Then it was time to get a tree skirt, lights, and ornament hooks! We then headed home to set up the tree. It looks FANTASTIC!

Then Matt made us dinner and it was time to open up the first presents!!!! I opened up a beautiful ornament that has the Christmas tree from NYC and Matt opened the Gadsden, Alabama ornament. We put them on our tree! It's fantastic isn't it!!!

The week: Monday Matt spent at work and I spent the day running errands. We met at Archs for lunch - oh lordy I love that place! Then that night we went to UVA's grounds to see the lights that have ben strung up on the lawn. Then I got a call that said the MPRE scores were up so we came home for me to find out my score - and woo-hoo I PASSED!!! I'm ethical enough to practice not just in Virginia, but any of the 50 states!!! :-) Woo-hoo! Tuesday was filled with more errands and then last night I made spaghetti for dinner and we watched The Dark Knight. We also opened up two more ornaments per person - I opened 2 Washington Nationals ornaments and he opened the Civil Rights Institute Ornament and an Atlanta Braves ornament. Today was less errands, more reading a book, lunch with Matt...then tonight is Mexican "Thursday" dinner with Matt and more ornaments!!!! Woo-hoo!!!!

Matt has said he would like to specifically blog about the tree/lights incident - so I'll leave that to him...
Here's hoping everyone is having a GREAT week!

Exams, Beer, and Great Friends!

Ok, so clearly my last post was when I was a little stressed to say the least! I'll tell you why though, since it seemed to skip my mind before! You see, I decided to move some of my finals from their original date in order to be done with exams earlier, so I can go see Matt earlier and for a longer period of time! (We haven't seen each other since the first weekend in October!) My schedule called for Monday 9-noon Payment Systems final, and then the next one was Juvenile Justice the next Monday. A whole week between was just too long to wait. So I moved Juvenile Justice to the first alternate date, and that was Wednesday from 6-9 pm...OR SO I THOUGHT! I found out on Monday that the alternate date was Tuesday 6-9 pm!!! That took away a whole day of studying I had planned in....SHOCK!!! So, hence my 16 hour day!



Oh well, it's over (now), and the reward was worth it....I tried a new beer, and LIKE it...If you know me, you are shocked now. I didn't start drinking beer until second year of law school, and I very rarely stray from Bud Light, but I've found something new! So I thought I'd share - and maybe you will try it and like it like me!

Now, on to the most important part of the post. I have some of the BEST friends ever!! Although this has been finals week, and I still have Sea, Ocean, and Coastal to go (1 question down, 4 to go) - I have been so encouraged by my friends. First, my week started with a card from the bestest - yes, a card - snail-mail...I love getting it, but rarely do! HA! Anyways, she was just wishing me luck on finals, reminding me not to lose my mind, and that it would be over before I knew it. Then after my last post during what I like to call a "whoa, i'm a little stressed, i need a study break" moment...I got comments, facebook messages/comments, and myspace comments - all encouraging me!!! It is so nice to have so many people that believe in my and are rooting for me! You guys are fantastic - even when I am so sidetracked with studying and finals! You guys rock, and know that even though I'm in my own "world" right now, I'm so thankful for you!!!!

Update on Matt:

So, seeing as how my past blog and the beginning of this one have been a little self-focused, I thought an update on Matt was necessary. Matt and the team flew back from Wisconsin - but thanks to snow and airport delays, he didn't get home until Monday around 3:00 am!!! Crazy! However, they ended the Turkey Day Tournament (2-1), which I think are GREAT statistics! Losing only their last game in a tough and close loss! Matt had a full day of work Tuesday and it was busy!!! Today, Matt and the team flew into Illinois, after a full day of work. They play Illinois (my parents alumni institution) tomorrow night. This will be the last road game for 2008, and I know Matt is definitely excited about that!!! They will fly back to C'ville late tomorrow night, and hopefully I'll be up there to watch the team in action on Saturday!! I think Matt and I are both really excited about being able to spend some time together! Woo-hoo!

I think that's about it...I hope everyone had WACKY WEDNESDAY! (Yeah, I'm sleep deprived and procrastinating, it's a bad combinations! Ha!)

16 hours...

A day in the life of a 3L:

4:30 am: Wake up

4:31 am: Feed Molly

4:32-4:45 am: Get dress (PJs are inappropriate, sweats are fine), Brush Teeth, Take Molly Out, Back up Books/Outlines

4:45 - 5:00 am: Drive to school, park, get janitorial staff to open trial courtroom door so you can claim your seat to study

5:00 am - 5:00 pm: Study Juvenile Justice (take break to type blog and check facebook of course!)

5:00 pm - 5:15 pm: Pack bag up to move to classroom

5:15 pm - 5:45 pm: Cram in classroom (quickly reviewing outlines)

5:45 pm - 5:50 pm: Pray

5:50 pm - 6:00 pm: Attempt to remember anonymous number for exam, eventually give up and just write three numbers, they can figure it our for me!

6:00 pm - 9:00 pm: Take Juvenile Justice Exam

9:15 pm: Go get a drink with a friend because you just finished a 16 hour day at school!

Thanksgiving...

Well it has been a week since I blogged about the Marlows...or at least one Marlow and one soon-to-be Marlow. Although, it doesn't feel like it has been a week. In fact, it feels like it has been merely a day, possibly two. Both Matt and I have been really busy!

On Wednesday, Matt loaded up with the team taking a bus to Reagan Airport to head to Milwaukee Wisconsin for the Marquette's Women's Basketball Thanksgiving Tournament. After the flight, the team got to work with practice. Then it was Thanksgiving, and Matt had turkey for the first time on Thanksgiving in a long time! Thanksgiving day was game free, but I'm sure there was still practice and work to be done. Friday the 15th-ranked Virginia women’s basketball team faced and defeated Utah in its first game at the WBCA Classic. Tonight they will take on Marquette, the host themselves. I don't evny Matt, working on a holiday that is all about family, but I know what would make his holiday. Virginia holding on to beat Virginia Tech. Currently UVA is winning 14-7 at halftime!! GO HOOS! Matt and his sister Katharine (who is a Hokie - senior at VT) always smack-talk this time of year, specifically for this game and I know Matt would love for a UVA victory since lately the Hokies have been dominating. So, although he is spending today working until the game, I'm sure he has his eye on the score of the "big" game! UVA will play again tomorrow before heading back to Charlottesville.

Last Friday, (look at last post) I was in Daleville, Alabama visiting my sister Barbara, my brother-in-law Eric, and my niece Abby. I got back to my parents condo Friday night - and froze my butt off!!!! 26 degrees in Florida is just wrong, plain and simple...Anyways, I spent Saturday as a lazy day (bad idea since my first final is in 3 days) - but I took Molly out to play and walk for a while and then spent the day reading the book Twilight. I'm not kidding. I know some of you are shocked - I read! Anyways, FANTASTIC book! Since then have finished book 2 (Half Moon) and book 3 (Eclipse). Although I will say, went to the movie with my mom, oldest sister Kimberly, and twin sister, Robyn...HORRIBLE! Anyways, Saturday night Kimberly and her husband Jeff showed up at the door (after a long drive from St. Louis) with my nephews Logan and Carter. I spent Sunday and Monday hanging out with them - even babysitting one night. It was fun! Next thing I knew it was Tuesday. I had a meeting with a potential florist for the wedding - BOOKED her! She was amazing! Then off to pick up my twin sister from the airport and take Molly to vet for annual check-up (sidenote: Molly has lost 10 lbs. and her bloodwork and heartworm test results were fantastic). Then it was time for my parents to arrive that night! That was a blast because they had packed up 1/2 of the rental house from Gadsden. We helped unload into their new house - I'd never see the inside so it was awesome! The next day was "girls day" and i spent my morning attempting to finish my international ip paper. Then we (the girls) went to lunch and a movie. The next day was the BIG DAY - HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Woke up early...got some work done...watched some of the parade...hung out with my dad...got ready for brunch...took family portraits with everyone (Barbara, Eric, and Abby arrived that morning)...had brunch at the Sandestin Grand...and then headed back to the condo for the best part...ORNAMENT MAKING party! We got together and decided to surprise my parents with an ornament making party after the brunch - and everyone made ornaments! (Some of you may know, some may not...my family house burned down in March after being struck by lightening and my family lost everything - materialistic that is...they still had their lives) so it was a fantastic idea that my parents loved and I have to say, after 3 hours, the new tree and new homemade ornaments look FANTASTIC! Then the next morning, Friday, I was up early and driving back to Birmingham by 5:30 am. I was back in Birmingham by 10 am and started preparing for finals and finishing papers. That is what I will be doing all weekend as my first final is Monday at 8 am.

However, I just wanted to let eveyone know how thankful Matt and I are for all of you! We hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving - whether with family or not, whether with turkey or not, whether with finals or not! Ha!

On the road again...

Last Thursday, both Matt and I were "on the road again"........

Matt and the UVA women's basketball team were headed to Norfolk to take on ODU Friday night. Unfortunately, although it was a hard fight, Friday night the Hoos suffered their first loss of the season. They then headed back to C'ville to recoup and kick Coloroado's butt last night!

I on the other hand headed down to Florida Thursday with Molly to my parents condo in Sandestin! Then I was out of the condo Friday morning by 5:10 to drive to see my sister Barbara, her husband Eric, and my niece Abby! I got there just in time - aka late thanks to traffic, but it worked out fine! Abby and I painted a Turkey day t-shirt (her class was having a special T-day lunch that I got invited to...actually it was her whole school, not just the Bunny class)...and we also painted paper plates and Abby's tummy! Then it was bath time - with purple water! Then after bath it was time to get dressed and watch some Tinkerbell, snuggle, and play! Soon it was time to get to school! Then we ate at school with friends, then off to the mall for a special visit to see Santa and I do mean "just say hi - give high-fives - play hide and go seek"....sitting in Santa's lap hasn't quite been mastered yet...can't blame the girl - a guy who you've never met in a red suit with a funny hat and beard...who would just run up and say hello....remmeber stranger danger! ha! Anyways, it was a great time with Abby and Barbara (Eric had a trial - which he won..WOO-HOO!!!)

This week is BUSY!!!! My sister Kimberly and her family came to Florida the next day (Saturday) and Matt had to get back to work ASAP on Saturday preparing for Colorado and of course the big Thanksgiving trip! So I'll definitely be blogging more later but until then....HAPPY HOLIDAY WEEK!

Congrats UVA....

Oh my gosh, I couldn't even wait until tomorrow to blog.

In fact, I couldn't even wait 5 minutes.

I just finished watching the best women's basketball game I have ever seen.

The (15) UVA Cavs took on the (7) Lady Vols in Tennessee, and staged the best UPSET I've seen.

It was a fantastic game!!!!! FANTASTIC - AWESOME - FREAKING AMAZING!

If you missed it on SportsSouth, all I can hope is that you can catch a replay!!!

UVA won 83-82...did I mention it was PHENOMENAL game!

Huge props to Monica (Mony) Wright...#22, the player in the picture above for a career high points...35 in this game!!!!! Tonight Monica made basketball look easy - and it was as if just seconds after the ball was in her hands UVA's score was going up! Definitely also to Brittney Millner (good lord can this girl play defense- i tell you, she is a fire ball), for nailing a free throw under huge pressure to give UVA the 1 point lead with with 6 seconds left in the game - and getting her own rebound after her second free throw. The first picture above. Millner - she laughs in the face of pressure!!! (Ok, maybe she wasn't laughing, but when DR asked her if she was ok and/or need a time out, she didn't take it - so we will call that kindof like laughter...or at least I will). And then Whitney Edwards, had this AMAZING steal in the last few minutes - it was one of those plays that are called "game changing!"

I am so proud of the UVA Women's basketball team tonight - they came together as a TEAM and looked good doing it. They hit the boards so hard for offensive rebounds...they were on hands and knees fighting for the loose balls....they didn't stoop to Tennessee's low shots (Glory nailed UVA in back of head for technical)....no - UVA played their game, and it is just what they needed. So, GO HOOS GO!!!

Tonight my blood runs blue and orange, no doubt about that!!!

WA-HOO-WAH!!!!!

It's here...

It's here...my brand new MacBook. Some of you know of my past computer problems, and some of you may not. Well long story short, I was having computer problems. I went to Grace, the computer woman at school. She is fantastic! I mean seriously, best ever. She loaned me a MacBook just like the one I had to use until my issue was resolved. Off my computer went to the Apple store. First, they put in a new hard drive. Grace got my computer back, and...still the problem continued. Back to the Apple store it went with Grace, they shipped it to Memphis for a new motherboard. Grace got my computer back, and...still the problem continued. So Grace then called Apple to see what was going on...and what they were going to try next to fix it..(I would like to take a minute to thank my father for purchasing the Apple Care Protection plan, because all of these fixes would amount to probably $800, but for me were FREE as part of the protection plan). Well Grace chatted with the Apple store for over an hour that morning...and the result is here.

Apple took my old MacBook and offered to exchange it for a brand new one. Since they no longer sell what I bought, then I get the brand new one. I don't have it yet, as it was shipped to Grace and she is putting all of my stuff on it (yeah, she SAVED all my work!) and upgrades (didn't I tell you she was fantastic), but she sent me an email with some pictures! I'm thinking I'll be picking it up tomorrow from her! Just in time to start studying for my finals!

One word....

One word to sum up this week - SICK! I didn't even get to post about last Sunday because around 5:30 pm that night the fever started...then followed the sore throat...before I knew it, I had strep throat! Definitely no fun this week - fevers off an on all week, lost my voice, hurt so bad to swallow, horrible cough...but today (almost one whole week later) I've had my very first fever free day (I know, it's only 9:11 am, but I'm being optimistic!)!

Last Sunday I went on a two hour walk with my neighbor Gene and his great danes, Gunther and Dally. Molly has become really good friends with Gunther and Dally. After we got back Gene and I watched the dogs play in his back yard - and by play I mean Molly eating Gunther's food while Gunther smelled Molly's behind! Ha! The best part however was when Gunther went to eat his own food, oh Molly did not like that. I think she thought it was her food. Well I had to let her know that attempting to go after Gunther was NOT a good idea because it was 1) his food and 2) he could kill her with one swat of his giant paws. See, I'm used to great danes because I grew up with them, but Molly - well she's just thinks she can run with the big dogs.

After the walk, it was off to get Christmas presents done for family. I accomplished some, but not all. I like to have my Christmas shopping done by Thanksgiving!! That way I don't stress about it over finals. Then it was home to shower and get dressed. Mary Frances picked me up at noon and we were off to Christmas Village. It is held inside the BJCC and it is a huge Christmas show with hundreds of booths! I was able to get a lot of stuff - and not just for me! It was fun. Then Mary Frances and I headed to Golden Rule for some BBQ. After that it was back to my apartment so she could help me with some blogger problems. About 30 minutes after she left I started feeling sick.

I started antibiotics, but it just didn't seem to help - at least not until yesterday! Yesterday my fantastic parents (a day before their big Retirement Extravaganza Cruise) brought me more antibiotics, nyquil, kleenex, and SOUP (amongst other stuff)! Man, my parents are fantastic! So I spent most of yesterday in bed besides taking Molly out and will do the same today. I still have a really bad cough, but the throat and voice sound better, although I'm feeling very weak.

The bummer about the sickness is that I won't be able to see Matt this weekend! :-( We had plans to meet in Knoxville on Sunday. Matt and the UVA Women's basketball team is heading there to hopefully stage a HUGE upset to the Lady Vols on Monday night. However, due to being sick, I've decided to stay in Birmingham this weekend and get better!

Matt and I are both pretty bummed that we won't be seeing each other until after my finals, but on a happy note last night was UVA women's basketball season OPENER (despite the exhibition game against DT3 last week)...Well the HOOS outdid themselves last night with a 30 point win over HIGH POINT! WA-HOO-WAH! Today is work and practice for Matt before they head out tomorrow to Knoxville. Tomorrow night Matt will be watching the Redskins whoop up on the Cowboys and then Monday is game day! I'll be spending today and tomorrow resting and knocking this cold out of my system, then another full week of classes and papers.

Hope everyone is able to stay healthy and possibly watch the Hoos on SportsSouth Monday @ 7 pm. GO HOOS!

T.G.I.F (kind of)

Thank Goodness It's Friday - well, in mine and Matt's case....we are kind-of thankful it's friday! Ha!





I'll start with Matt's friday. Tonight was the UVA Women's Basketball Teams first game. It was an exhibition game against DT3, and although the Hoos were down by 1 at the half, the game ended UVA 91 - DT3 77! Wa-hoo-wa!!!! Super exciting for those girls, who are ranked 15th!!! I'm so excited to get to see them play the defending national champs, Lady Vols, in just a few short weeks!!! So, Matt has had a long day at work - getting there around 8:30 this morning, and still working hard at JPJ at 9 pm!!! Gotta love basketball season!! :-)



My friday was more of the same - for the past 2 weeks, I've been arriving at the law school library before it is even open, working on papers and studying for the MPRE. Since then, I've finished my 15 pg. Juvenile Justice paper, turned in a 14 pg. International Intellectual Property Rough Draft (paper will eventually be about 20 pages), Put together a powerpoint presentation (26 slides) on my International Intellectual Property paper that I will present Thursday, and have taken 4 MPRE practice tests (2 hours each) along with reading MPRE outlines. Yeah, it's been a busy week, and today was no different. I was at the library by 7 am, but soon it'll be time to RELAX....specifically tomorrow around noon. Tomorrow morning at 9 am I start my MPRE exam, and hopefully before I know it it will be over. Then it is a waiting game to get my score - need a 75% to practice in Alabama and unfortunately a 85% to practice in Virginia - so have to hope for a good score, or just re-take it in March! Ha! Anyways, it's out of the blogging world and back to the books I go.

Hope everyone had a true T.G.I.F!

a new day...a new President Elect

Well, last night was "history in the making.." and I'm not talking about an African American being voted as nation's 44th President. I am just talking about the voting of Americans for their 44th President - Barack Obama. It doesn't matter his race, because it was history in the making no matter what - a new president elect is always "history in the making." (Am I the only one that see that?) I do think it does say a lot for the American public, how far they have come, that an African American will become the leader of the US in the new year. However, I can only hope people voted on politics rather than race, because if they voted on race, it is sad where our country still remains racially.

I can say that the man I voted for did not win the election. I can also say I did not cry, I did not speak out in anger, I did not make an angry or rude facebook status, this is democracy in action. I am not the only American voting. He did however give one of the best concession speeches I have ever heard. And I couldn't agree more with him, we as a nation (no matter who we voted) must get behind Obama, we must hope for the best. I'm not saying I agree with his political choices (let's face it, if I did I would've voted for him), but it is his job now to do what is the best for the nation no matter the party lines.

I can say that Matt is ecstatic about the results. No only did his Presidential vote count, but Virginia went blue for first time since the state's electoral votes went to LBJ in 1964. Now, that's even more history! I can say I wasn't surprised by Virginia, but definitely was shocked that Florida went blue.

With that being said, it's a new day, a new President Elect, and whether you voted for him or not, you are still an American and life will go on....(unless you've already moved to Mexico, Australia, or Canada)! So here's hoping everyone enjoys their day (especially if you are having beautiful weather like Birmingham where it is 78 and beautiful outside - crazy...this is November)!

Politically divided

It's finally here....you know what I'm talking about.....ELECTION DAY...it's a day where instead of racing off to work or school you take time first to head to the polls.

Kelly's voting experience:

I drove to Gadsden last night after my LOPM class and meeting with my professor and group partner, Robby. I stayed at my parents house and woke up this morning to leave for my polling location. I arrived at 6:50 - 10 minutes before the doors even opened. I thought that was plenty of time - I was wrong. Parking was non-existent, so I parked in the grass next to the building. Then I walked to where the end of the line was - as it started at the door and weaved throughout the parking lot. Then I waited. Then finally, with my id checked, my name checked off the list, and my ballot in hand I VOTED! I PROUDLY VOTED FOR JOHN MCCAIN! As I placed my ballot in the machine, a number read 110. Can you believe that? I was already the 110th voter at my polling place. It was absolutely unbelievable to me. I took my "I VOTED" sticker and placed it proudly on my shirt. I then left the polling location - this took a while as cars were backed up trying to get in the parking lot - picked up Molly from my parents house and headed to Birmingham for today's classes.

Matt's voting experience:

Matt's polling location opened at 6:30 - so he was there bright-eyed and bushy tailed. He too waited his turn in line and the PROUDLY VOTED FOR BARACK OBAMA! Matt told me this morning that the individuals who were working the polling location were already shocked by the number of people and had stated that this will surpass any other voter turn out in Charlottesville history. This is important because Virginia is a "swing" state - and no matter how individuals are voting, it is phenomenal to see people getting involved. Matt was lucky that his polling place was not the main location downtown because as he drove by after voting at his location, he saw ridiculously long lines circling the other location. Matt then proceeded to McDonald's for breakfast and off to work.

So we have fulfilled our civic duty and although Matt and I are politically divided, we wanted to take a minute to encourage each and everyone of you to go out and VOTE!

SEC and ACC Football....baby yeah!!!!

It's official....I've been to my very first (and hopefully not my last) SEC football game!!!! Yesterday Robby took me to watch the ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE vs. Arkansas State Red Wolves.  It was an absolute BLAST! Not to mention a shut out...35-0!

I met Robby at his house around 9:10 am and we were on our way to Tuscaloosa!  We got there with plenty of time for Robby to give me a tour of his undergraduate institution.  It was great! We started with a walk to the Paul W. Bryant museum.  It was pretty awesome to see all things Bama - and with it being homecoming and a packed house, you couldn't help but get in the ROLL TIDE spirit!  We then headed for the student center - and passing through the quad on our way.

The chimes were right there - and at the foot of them the captains of the football team (past and present) put their cleat and hand print in the cement.  Joe Namath - cleat print and hand print - AMAZING! I've never seen tailgating like SEC tailgating! It was phenomenal....seas of tents - I mean numerous - thousands...each one with yummy food and oh yeah at least 1 if not 2 flat-screen televisions playing other football games.  There were families playing football, there were blow-up things for kids to play in, there was spirit EVERYWHERE! It really was like a sea of crimson and white. Loved it! 

At the student center we went straight for the bookstore - where I picked up my very own ALABAMA HOMECOMING 2008 long-sleeve t-shirt! Love it! Then it was a little Starbucks while we watching the opening half of Auburn game with hundreds of other people in the student center.  Soon it was time to walk to the stadium with 92,000 of my new closest friends.  

We scored and got to hear the band playing on their march to the stadium.  The are called the Million Dollar Band - and I now know why - they ROCKED!  Did I mention Robby is Million Dollar Band Alumni?  The stadium was amazing - with statues outside it - of course my favorite was the BEAR (I absolutely love the houndstooth...so cute).  I scored a picture of the statute in between the line up of 10 to get a picture with it! 

The we got into the stadium.  It was 45 minutes before the game started and I'm pretty sure they were the fastest 45 minutes ever.  We got to watch both teams warm up, I finally got to taste DREAMLAND bbq (on nachos of course), and we got to hear the band.  Then, it was pre-game!  The Million Dollar Band spelling out BAMA on the field...then the live footage of Nick Saban leading his team from their locker room to the field.  

4 quarters went by in a flash (although I was all over pictures of the score board), but it was a blast and still left ALABAMA undefeated this season!

Now, it's back to Birmingham - 1 paper down, 2 to go and the MPRE exam on Saturday.

Matt's weekend was also filled with football, albeit ACC and not really the same glorious outcome that I watched.  Unfortunately, Miami came back and stunned UVA in overtime.  However, Matt's fraternity brothers were in town, so I'm sure they drowned their sorrows on the Corner last night! Still impressed with those HOOS this season.

Sidenote:  Another team I'm impressed by - my BAYLOR BEARS! The Bears almost beat the Missouri Tigers - tied 28-28 with a little over 2:00 minutes in regulation - amazing and icing on the cake as it was Baylor's homecoming...Although the Tigers kicked a field goal winning 31-28 with just minutes in regulation left - all I can say is SIC'EM BEARS! I'm so proud!

Happy Halloween

 HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

This Halloween was not so much trick-or-treat for myself or Matt.   

Matt spent his holiday in bed - resting, relaxing and getting better (was feeling ill today).  I on the other hand, woke up, did laundry, took Molly out, went to the law library for 5 1/2 hours (finished my juvenile justice paper except for final grammatical errors...1 down, 2 to go!), then got eyebrows waxed (because let's face it, no woman's halloween costume should include a unibrow), Publix (for candy for trick-or-treaters), and then more studying until Robby and Donald came over.  

I desperately wanted trick-or-treaters because I have never had them before, and I was stoked when I got my first group.  The were ADORABLE! The firefighter was my favorite, but the BAMA football player took off his scary mask to tell me "Thank you for the candy Miss," so he too won my heart.  I was a little bummed when I realized those were the only trick or treaters I would be getting.  

However, it was still a fantastic night! Donald brought his dog Leo (complete w/ Charlie Brown sweater - his costume) so Molly had a play date, Robby brought 5 Guys, and I supplied the Wii (MarioKart and Mario Party 8).  The guys and I had a fun night - lots of smack talk followed by lots of ass-kicking (namely Donald did that).  

So, here's hoping that no matter whether you tricked, treated, or just had a night in like Matt and I - that you had a HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Studying....on Saturday?!?!?!

Well the weekend is finally here..thank goodness because it's been a long week.

The week began with the horrible realization that I have two 15 page papers and one 5 page paper due very very soon...and that meant being at the law library no later that 8:30 every morning and staying at school until after 5 every day.  I've got a lot of work done on my International Intellectual Property paper but still need to start my Juvenile Justice and Sea, Ocean, and Coastal paper.  That means next week is a lot like this week was.  

I headed back to Gadsden Thursday night (rush hour - took me 1 hour and 40 minutes to get 62 miles).  I went to the post office friday morning, took care of my parent's cat (food, treats, clean litter boxes), returned messages, and then I'm back in Birmingham tonight...why you might ask? Because as you can probably tell from this blog, I spend very few weekends in Birmingham!

I'm here because tomorrow I have the BarBri MPRE review course from 9:30-1:30.  I take this portion (professional responsibility) of the Bar on Sat. Nov. 8th.  Needless to say, I'm petrified - really, just the word BAR does that to me these days! So tomorrow I'll have my mind in the right place as I had a yummy dinner with my friend Robby, I will wake up early to take Molly on her daily walk, and then head to school focused.  

So, here's to everyone else who is studying on Saturday...GOOD LUCK!!!!

(Of course, that won't include my Bestest....she finished her MASTERS presentation today! Congrats Elizabeth!!! I am so proud of you!!)

Good Steaks?

So, what does one do when his soon-to-be in-laws call and ask him where they can get some good steak in his town?!?!?  

This is exactly what happened yesterday!  On Friday morning, Matt got a call from my parents telling him that they would be in Charlottesville, VA (on their way up to Maryland for sailing lessons) for the night and did he know where they could get some good steak (with him of course).  Well, Matt recommended The Downtown Grill (I haven't even been there yet!) and my mom made reservations for 7:30.  

However, my parents didn't just come into town for dinner.  No, they were lucky enough to visit one of my favorite places (Charlottesville) for a good portion of the day, rolling in around 3 pm.  They found a hotel room - even during the coveted UVA vs. UNC weekend (Wa-Hoo-Wa...UVA wins in Overtime) and were able to go exploring before dinner.  I directed them to Mincer's so they could get some long-sleeves to combat the chilly Virginia temperatures and of course adorn themselves in some Orange and Blue!  Then apparently they went wandering on grounds and ended up visiting Matt while he was at work at JPJ Arena.  They were even able to get a sneak peak of the UVA women's team on their first practice of the season!! Then it was back to the hotel before catching a trolley to the downtown pedestrian mall to meet Matt for dinner.  Matt then drove them back to the hotel giving a guided driving tour of Charlottesville on the way.

I got a call from Matt after he dropped them off at the hotel.  He couldn't stop telling me what a good time he had hanging out with my parents.  He said the food was delicious and the conversation was even better.  How blessed I am to have these 3 people in my life!  

My parents headed up to Annapolis this morning while Matt headed to a morning practice and then to the football game.  At half-time the Women's basketball team and staff were honored on the field. Then it was off to watch the remainder of the game with some of his fraternity alumni who came into town for the game.  Although I haven't heard from him, I'm sure he's out celebrating the big win on the corner with his friends - and I know that UVA won in overtime by a touchdown because my mother called. That's right, I think she has a little blue and orange running through her veins - and that was after only 1 night in Charlottesville! WA-HOO-WA BABY!!!

    
       

I felt like a little kid - and love it!

So, today I felt like a little kid...and no, it wasn't when asking or answering a law school question (thank goodness), because then I wouldn't have loved it as much as I did.

Here's some background to my story...some of you might know this, but some of you might not...Matt and I are saving money for our honeymoon.  We want to have our honeymoon paid off before we step foot on it - actually we want to have it paid off before June of next year (excluding airfare)!  I know, we might have lofty goals, but normally when Matt and I set goals together, we achieve them (biggest example NYC for Christmas '07)! 

So, with that in mind, last week I decided that I was done buying my lunch - a turkey sandwich and chips from Subway. Instead, I took a trip to the local Piggly Wiggly (only grocery store anywhere near my apartment) and bought doritos, cheese, turkey, mayo, and pickles (the bread was gifted to me by my parents).  I started making my lunches last week, but it was this week that I started bringing them to school.

Now I am by no means the only law student that brings their lunch - but there is more.  I would like to take this opportunity to let everyone who doesn't know - know that I am a die-hard St. Louis Cardinals fan (yes, even through this year...although we need to let go of Carpenter - in my opinion)...and my sister Kimberly and her family live in St. Louis and have season tickets (ones that Matt and I have both enjoyed).  Well one game a little while ago, Kimberly and her husband Jeff to their two boys to the game - and there was a gift at the gate.  A SWEET Cardinals lunchbox!! Well, I was lucky enough to get gifted one from one of my nephews (I'm thinking Carter gave his up because at that time he was too young for a lunchbox).  So, although other people bring plain brown bags or just their lunch in no bag - I proudly (at least for the last 2 days) sport my Cardinal colors and bring my lunchbox.

So, today as I ate my lunch in the breakroom at the law school, with my bright red cardinal lunchbox on the table and across the table from my good friend James, I felt like a kid again. Worry - free eating lunch - possibly getting ready to read the note my mommy place in my lunch.  Yeah, it felt good to be a kid again.  

Sidenote: For all those wondering how Matt and I are doing on our lofty goal....as of TODAY, 1/2 our honeymoon (the first 1/2) is already PAID off!!! 

A Welcomed Weekend...

This was definitely a welcomed weekend after a long week - for both Matt and I.  Although this weekend didn't bring Matt and I together, it was a good weekend for both of us.  Matt had another boys weekend while I went to hang out with my parents.

Kelly's Weekend:

My weekend began on Thursday, since I don't have Friday classes.  I drove back to Gadsden with Molly after my Sea, Ocean, and Coastal class on Thursday.  By the time I got in Thursday - well, actually, now that I type this, I had no idea what we did Thursday when I got in.  I know I did my laundry and then I had Subway pizza for dinner while my parents ate homemade stir-fry, but the rest of the afternoon is kind-of a mystery.  Then Friday arrived...and it was time for Mother's day.  Now I just want everyone to know that I was on-time for Mother's day and my present was 3 M's...Manicures, Margaritas, and a Movie...but my mom and I haven't had time to schedule this fun date, so Friday it finally happened.  First, off to the invitation store to order Matt and I's wedding invitations (so exciting...and woo-hoo for being super early...proof due in this Thursday)! Then off to manicures!  I decided not to get a color, but just have my nails sculpted, my mom however chose a beautiful color (i always chose a color based on the fun name O.P.I. brand gave it) that reminded her (and i ) of the color Grams always had on.  Then it was off to Margaritas - with a quick stop at the brand new JC Penny's in Gadsden...where I got two sweaters and some earrings for my mom.  Then it was off to Villa Fiesta for margaritas (frozen for my mom) and a frozen strawberry daiquiri for me!  YUMMY! Then home for the "movie" because we couldn't find anything good playing.  That night we headed out to Cherokee County, Alabama to eat at Creekside for dinner.  Well, it was my dad's job to make sure this "seasonal" (and historical) restaurant was open.  Apparently, it wasn't.  We drove up there (about 40 minutes) and there was a note on the door - RETIRED no longer open since August 24th.  I guess once my parents decided to retire, everyone else did too.  So, it was off to a small local steakhouse that my parents found when they stayed at a bed and breakfast up there.  I will say two things: 1) quaint and small - but the family owned operation is phenomenal...FANTASTIC individuals up there 2) never get a tuna steak at a steakhouse in north Alabama!  Seriously though, my parents meals looked delicious, my salad and baked potato were super tasty....and above all, it was a great experience.  We spent the drive home talking about where my sisters and I went to summer camp...CAMP SKYLINE (Mentone, AL)...great times...great memories!  Then Saturday, we woke up and after a heavy house cleaning we headed over to Millie (the old house) to clean some stuff out of the garage.  Then we back to the house - where my mom opened up her birthday present from me.  (The big day is later this week).  It was Harry Potter Clue game.  She opened it up, and after reading the directions we played! It was tons of fun! Then it was time for school work and before I knew it, Sunday was here.  Sunday we all drove into Birmingham.  Dad got to test out my parents knew navigational system (the super cool TomTom).  I got things set up at Verizon so my parents could have internet on their upcoming travels (they are headed to Maryland on Tuesday for 2 weeks of sailing!!! Did I tell you that they are learning to get their Captain's licenses? Well my dad will be Captain Pap Doc and my mom First Mate Gramercy!)  Then after a quick shopping trip to a closing Linen's and Things...it was Panera's for lunch and home sweet home.  I stayed in Birmingham of course and will spend tonight going to see Jennifer's pumpkin carving skills (she is doing her friends face - super ambitious...all i did was a monster) and dinner with Robby and James.  After a week of hiding - I think it's time for friends again!  So here's to a new week - which means school and 4 papers (yikes - must start researching), and then house/cat sitting this weekend (and of course working on those papers)!

Matt's weekend:

Matt isn't quite as lucky as me to get Friday's off! Ha! So, his weekend started when he left the office around 6ish Friday night.  After some grocery shopping it was home to do laundry and clean - as he was headed for another BOYS WEEKEND! I get so excited for Matt when he gets to see his fraternity brothers again - because I know what it is like to go from having your friends right down the street to a lot of miles away! (Elizabeth, Meredith, and Diana - I totally miss you girls a lot!) So anyways, Saturday Matt was up bright and early - a little too early for a 2pm game time (I thought and told Matt)...but completely on time for a noon kick-off (which Matt told me was the right game time! ha!)  Matt met his friends somewhere on grounds and tailgated.  Then it was time for kick-off.  Now I know UVA isn't having a "stellar" football season, but the upset of Maryland was apparently just what UVA needed to get things rolling this year because Saturday was a WIN for UVA vs. E. Carolina 35-20!!! WA-HOO-WA!!!  Then the boys were off to the Corner for dinner and the after-game scene at the Biltmore.  Matt's friends left early this morning and he is spending his Sunday in the best way possibly- rest and relaxation!!! Matt has a week of work ahead of him and another home game this coming weekend with UVA v. UNC - which could bring either another boy's weekend or working weekend (recruits) or perhaps relaxing! 

So from Matt and I to all of you - we hope you have a great week.  

Wedding information update:

1) Although I told you above, we've ordered invitations!!! Woo-hoo! Very exciting!

2) Matt fixed a little error we had with the tuxes, but now they are all picked out and ready to go!! The guys are going to look so good!  (Sorry girls still have no idea how you are going to look! Ha! Ha!)

3) Talked with potential florist on Friday morning and meeting with her in Nov! :-) (If we book here, that means all of the "big" stuff are done - except for DJ...I'm begining to think that this goal of being completely done with wedding planning by March might come true)

This past weekend...

   

Although this past weekend was emotional for my family, there were also happy times.  The weekend begins for me on Thursday nights as I do not have classes on Friday.  Well, Thursday brought with it a trip to a doctor to check out a wicked spider bite I have had for a week.  But do not fear - according to the doctor and to my mother's relief "I'll get to keep my leg!"  (That's an inside joke between my mom and I - but we are both very pleased with the diagnosis - not a brown recluse bite).  So, 3 pills a day and four times a day applying cream to the spot of the bite hopefully it will get better soon.  Moving on.  My parents and I then went to visit my grandmother.  Then it was back home to my parents house to wait for the arrival of my fiance. That's right, Matt decided that he'd rather be in Sweet Home Alabama for the weekend than Scott Stadium (really though, who saw a 31-0 upset over Maryland though? Nobody!) Anyways, Matt started driving Thursday afternoon and arrived late Thursday night.  I'll be honest - I couldn't wait to just get a hug from my soon-to-be hubby.  Sometimes a girl just needs a hug you know?  

Then Friday was upon us - it came earlier for my dad and I than anyone else in the house, thanks to insomnia.  Matt and I spent the morning giving Molly a bath (necessity, trust me) and then paying off the 1st portion of our honeymoon!! (That's right, we are saving like crazy so that our honeymoon will be completely paid for by the time we start it...and, we are 1/2 way there!!! Woo-hoo!)  Then it was a trip to Pruett's (Gadsden's famous BBQ) for lunch before a round of golf at Robert Trent Jones Course (Silverlakes).  We played the Par 3 - 9 hole course.  It was my parents in one golf cart and Matt and I in the other - but the teams were boys vs. girls - and boy-o-boy was it a great day to be a girl.  My mother and I kicked some boy butt! After that is was time to head home to home cooked chicken pot pie.  (Not kidding, my mom and I cooked it - completely homemade while the boys played Tiger Woods golf on Wii).  After that is was time for bed.  

The next morning was the morning my Grams passed away, but after talking to my mom we knew that we had to go on with our daily plans - it is what Grams would've wanted.  That meant a trip to Homestead Hollow and the Pumkin Patch.  Homestead Hollow is ridiculously hard to explain, so I won't even try - ok, well I will kind of try.  Imagine over 100 booths set up outside with vendors selling things.  That was a very horrible attempt, but there you have it.  However I've been going with my mom for the past two years, so year three together was a no-brainer.  Then it was a quick 33 mile trip to the Pumpkin Patch.  Now the directions that I lovingly printed out to get us from Homestead Hollow to the Pumkin Path were well, let's just say they left a little something to be desired (33 miles would take 1 hour 14 minutes - yeah, right?!!?).  So with Matt as the navigator, my father driving the truck, and my mom and I hanging on for dear life and laughing our heads off.  It was the best 33 miles of the day.  It was over one mountain - then down it - then back over another.  We were only on roads before turning for 2.0 miles or less.  One time we were on a road with no name. Seriously!  Then we turned right and there was an outhouse with a big R for Restroom on it.  Oh lordly, my mother and I were laughing so hard - and so were the boys.  Thank goodness Matt read a mailbox to get us going in the right direction.  Anyways we finally arrived at the pumpkin patch - no worse for the wear.  We all got on a hay-ride and it dropped us off at a pumpkin patch.  Literally! I've never seen one before! It was pretty cool.  Then the search began to find the perfect pumpkin.  Once everyone found what they were looking for (mine being the best of course), it was back to the house we went for a pizza dinner.  Then my mom and I hung out watching tv while the guys worked on the computer in the office doing some "special business."  Pretty soon my mom and I were falling asleep, so it was off to bed.  

After waking up - cleaning our rooms, bed sheets, towels, and laundry - it was time for Matt to hit the road again.  So off he went back 9 hours to Charlottesville.  I thought I would leave at the same time for B'ham, but instead I decided to stay with my parents and carve pumpkins (mine a monster, my mom's a ghost, my dad's a pirate).  Then it was time for me to go back to b'ham.  

So another week begins - Matt at work, me at school (or at least I will be Wednesday).  I took Monday and Tuesday off, some "me" time. 

So, I've been thinking a lot about my Grams these past few days.  First I want to thank everyone for their caring comments, emails, ims and phone calls.  They are very appreciated.  Secondly, I'd like to tell a story (I know, again, you are probably not shocked!).  

So the other weekend I was home in Gadsden (I know, what's new?!?!) and I went to see Grams.  Well she was eating a grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup.  Now I don't know if that combination is a national thing - but it is definitely a Wallace thing (or in my Grams' case, a Usas thing).  It's a combination that I absolutely love, but I love two weird things - I add pickles to my grilled cheese and I dip my sandwich into the soup.  Well, I had that for dinner tonight (not on purpose, just had all the ingredients at my apartment) and it made me think of how I told Grams about the dunking the sandwich into the soup tactic.  So I hyped it up because I love it so, and she finally decided to try it.  Well, I wish I could say she loved it just as much, but the look of disgust on her face was hilarious.  We both ended up laughing and of course she didn't bother to tell me how gross it was.  I wonder if blunt honesty like that is a genetic trait given to me by her or if I just picked it up from being around her.  Either way, I've got it.  I still think about her a lot, but these past few days have been very good for me - so, again,  thanks to all of those who have been there for me.

  

I miss my Grams...

Yesterday I lost someone very special in my life - Grams (my grandmother - my mother's mom). Some of you knew her and some of you did not; those that did should consider your lives blessed by having known her.  I know I was blessed to grow up with Grams next door.  You know, I thought I'd be ok (I guess as ok as you can be when confronted with this situation) because I believe Grams is happier now and re-united with Papere (my grandfather), but once finally alone with my thoughts (this afternoon), I realize, I'm not so "ok." 

I thought I'd share some memories with you that are at the fore-front of my thoughts today, which are also some of the best memories I have of Grams.

1) My twin sister Robyn and I rode with my grandparents to Connecticut one summer.  The four of us were squeezed in tight into my grandparents brand new Chrysler Seabring Convertible.   It was a very posh car - particularly the transmission, as it could be both manual and automatic. Well on the onset of day two, Grams started driving.  There was this whining noise as soon as we hit the interstate and it continued to get worse.  I looked down, and it was Grams going 65 in SECOND gear! She had pulled the gearshift too far down - past Drive and into manual second gear. 

2) Grams was dropping my older sister off at a friends house - again, Robyn and I were in the car.  This time however, it was before the above note, and the car was a brand new Chevy Impala.  Grams was reversing out of the friends driveway and reversed right over the friends parent's mailbox - not stopping for a beat and waving goodbye out the window.  When we were on the drive back to Grams and Papere's house, Grams swore to us not to tell Papere.  We of course agreed.  The minute the car was in park Robyn and I ran in and told Papere about the incident and then ran home.  The reason this story is even more funny is because exactly a week ago today I went to visit Grams in the hospital with my parents.  As I began to tell this story, Grams looks at me and without missing a beat shouted "Shut-up Kelly!"  Hilarious!

3) Robyn, Grams, and I at Christmas time (when we were very young girls) put stings of popcorn and red ribbons on these three trees in my grandparents yard.  The trees were then maybe 2 feet tall, while now they are 30 feet or higher.  However, as hard as Robyn and I worked on those popcorn strings, they were always super short.  Finally we discovered why...for every piece of popcorn we threaded onto it, Grams ate 2 off!

4)  Growing up I'm pretty sure Grams had a camera with her 24/7.  (This was back - way before digital).  However, every picture she took she cut the heads off of people.  I'm not talking about on purpose - just when the pictures were developed, it was the persons shoulders down to the feet, but no head.  Or she would snap pictures for an hour or two and then we would find out that there was no film in the camera. 

5) (This is the most special as it is something only I shared with Grams).  Grams had a naturally crooked finger, her second finger on right hand at the very top of the finger.  Well it just so happens that my muscle in the top of that same finger on my hand is pretty strong - meaning, I can bend it to make my finger (and it is just that top part that bends) look just like hers, I'm talking identical.  We used to always joke about our fingers - our crooked fingers! Ha!

There are so many more fantastic stories all involving such a phenomenal woman - my Grams.  So, even though I know in my heart Grams is in a better place, now you can see a little reason why I miss my Grams.

Quick update...

This will be the shortest update ever...but that's because not much is going on in the lives of Kelly and Matt...

Kelly's update: School, and lots of it! Last Thursday I was at school for 10 hours straight - that just is not right...I've also got a lot of papers coming up - so that only spells LAW LIBRARY! This past weekend was spent with my mom and dad in g-rock. 

Matt's update: Work, and lots of it! Matt's been working hardcore this past week and weekend.  His overtime is through the roof!!! Basically, he had to get ready for this past weekend - 6 recruits on their official visit...needless to say, I don't even know what that all entails, but I know it is a lot of hard work and a lot of long days!

You might be wondering, what's on tap for this week...well, unfortunately more of the same.  Kelly at school and Matt at work.

I know, this is possibly the most exciting blog yet right?!?!? Ha! Hope everyone has a great week!

(Sidenote: Thanks to Meredith for giving our blog it's latest update! She did it while Matt and I were in Charlottesville together, and we LOVE it!! Thanks Mere!)

Happy Birthday...

Happy Birthday to you!

Happy Birthday to you!

Happy Birthday dear Matt!

Happy Birthday to you!

That's right...Matt turned the big 2-4 this morning!!!

And I was there, bright and early, in his face at 3 am ET to be the first one to tell him 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Whirlwind Weekend

This weekend flew by - literally, a whirlwind!  I started my drive up to Charlottesville Thursday late afternoon after classes.  My first pit-stop was Gadsden to drop my dad's sunglasses off (I'm in his truck because my car is in the shop).  Then my second pit stop was at Virginia Tech to visit Matt's sister Katharine!  Katharine is a senior at Virginia Tech and today, yes, today is turned 21!!! So I stopped in at her apartment, met her roomates, dropped off her birthday gift (a decorated wine glass, that i call her "pimp cup" and $21 dollars to get a tasty beverage or two!), hung out for a bit, and then got back on the road.  I arrived at my destination, Matt's apartment, at 1:00 am on Friday.  It was a long drive, and I was exhausted - I went straight to bed.  Friday was a very important day - Matt had to go to work - at the crack of dawn (out of the apartment by 4:30 am) to watch the team run and I had to sleep-in! Ha! Seriously, I had to get my hair cut, eyebrows waxed, a manicure, and a pedicure - I know, my life's hard.  I was getting this all done because bright and early Saturday morning we had ENGAGEMENT PICTURES.  Friday night, Matt and I stayed home, cooked our famous "Mexican meal" and watched Baylor almost beat UConn (SIC'EM BEARS)!!!

Saturday morning we were up early, well, at least I was! I let Matt sleep in.  We had picked out or clothes the night before, so I figured for him to get ready it wouldn't take long, so he had plenty of time to sleep-in some.  We left the apartment around 9:10 and headed to UVA grounds.  We parked in the parking deck and walked around grounds.  We ended up on the lawn, by the tree that Matt proposed at waiting for Bill, the Photosmith.  Bill and Matt have known each other since Matt started working for UVA Women's basketball.  Bill takes the pictures of the kiddos at the basketball camps in UVA original jerseys with head coach Debbie Ryan by their side.  Bill was generous to offer to take our engagement photos, and on Matt's recommendation, we graciously accepted. I had heard about Bill, but was very excited to meet him on Saturday.  Bill did not disappoint.  He was a delight to work with - and I knew this the minute we met, when he hugged me.  You know, we Southern girls are huggers! Bill was hilarious, flattering, and understanding (aka he's going to photoshop out my huge zit that appeared above my lip Sat. morning...ha! ha!)!  We did several different poses on the lawn and in  the areas around it at UVA.  Matt and I are waiting to see the photos - Bill is going to be emailing me with a link to see them online.  I'm not sure how many we will share unti

l that zit has been photoshopped! Ha! Ha!

After that, Matt and I walked from the lawn to the corner.  The corner is like the hot-spot right off of UVA's campus.  There are shops, bars/restaurants, Arch's (best yogurt ever), and more.  After browsing through Mincer's - a UVA shop, where I picked myself up a UVA v. Texas Tech long-sleeve football game shirt (on sale).  Then on to lunch at the College Inn.  I've never eaten there before, but Matt ate there with his family after he graduated from UVA.  It was tasty, although all I got was a salad.  Matt and I were eating early and light because we had dinner reservations at THE MELTING POT - our favorite restaurant.

Then it was home to change clothes and exchange birthday presents.  Man, I absolutely LOVE birthdays!!!!  I love growing up and I love presents - put those two things together - FANTASTIC!  I was totally shocked by Matt's gift - he did a frame - technically a shadow box.  He decorated it with stuff from a hobby store and added pictures from our trip to Washington, D.C.  It was so thoughtful, creative and very touching!  Matt opened up my parents birthday present to him first - playstation 2 game NCCA '09 (a game that he absolutely loves, and plays all the time) and then my gift, a 16GB Apple Itouch (which I now lovingly call his toy and he hasn't put down since he opened it).  After presents it was time to head out for a very special appointment....

We got to our appointment at Men's Warehouse 1 hour early - I know, I'm way to punctual...it's a curse!  However, it worked out absolutely perfectly - because within an hour we had tuxes picked out for Matt, groomsmen, ringbearers, and fathers! We also had Matt measured so he's ready to go and for his tux to be shipped down to Pensacola (closest MW to Sandestin) for the wedding next year!!! Woo-hoo!!!

Then it was back to Matt's apartment for a littler R & R from our busy morning before heading out to dinner.  We got showered and dressed for dinner and then it was off to the Melting Pot.  The had a new menu out that we tried and loved.  We actually even chipped in the extra $5 for the lobster, and it was delicious!!! So yummy! And, I had the most fantastic glass, ok 2 glasses (Matt was driving) of white wine - so tasty! Hence the above picture, it is from our private booth at the Melting Pot.  That's right Matt requested a special very private booth, and we had our waitress take our picture.  It was a awesome end to an amazing and busy day! 

When we got home last night we made a birthday call to Matt's sister Katharine and then hit the hay after a long and exhausting day!  Thankfully today has been a laid back and relaxing afternoon - where Matt has been laying in bed watching Redskins kick some Cardinal (not my Cards) butt and me watching some NCIS on my computer and catching up with some emails. Good stuff.  So, off to do more relaxing before my 10 hour drive tomorrow and the beginning of another week of law school when Matt begins another week of work!

Apple Picking

Ok, so you may or may not know, but this weekend was 

another 10 hour trip up to Charlottesville, VA for 

me and another fantastic weekend together for

Matt and I.  This time it was pretty special because

I am able to stay in Charlottesville ALL DAY today

(Sunday)!!!  Normally I am driving back to 

Birmingham on Sunday, but with only 1 of my 2 

classes schedule for tomorrow, I'm skipping

Juvenile Justice (sorry Professor Smolin) 

and waiting to drive until then! [And that gets

a big AMEN when Matt's upstairs neighbors had

me wide-awake this morning at 3 am!!!! 

That's 2 am...my regular time...even early for 

me!!!] Woo-hoo!!

This weekend was PACKED full of activities, 

mostly for the wedding, which will be another post

....later on...but this morning was the best part 

of the weekend - to me!!!!! Matt suggested a fun

outing - APPLE PICKING!!!! I've never been

before and it was a blast!

It started with a quick trip up the mountain - 

and I do mean mountain, not like those little 

hills in Alabama we call mountains!!! The views 

were breath-taking, the apples were ripe for the

pickin', the wine made by the orchard was free for

tasting, and it was a BEAUTIFUL day! Matt and I 

spent about and hour and 1/2 up there and enjoyed

every minute of it!!!  So I thought I would share

some pictures with everyone our Sunday adventure!!!!

Here's hoping your Sunday is as lovely as ours!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY...

Well, 26 years ago today the best thing in my life happened...my TWIN SISTER was born, uh duh and of course me too!!! Woo-hoo!!! To answer your question - yes, growing up we had a special language that nobody else knew and yes, we are able to sense when the other is in danger....ha ha! Just kidding! Seriously, Robyn is my twin sister and best friend - 26 years together is a really long time....so I thought I'd share some of my most favorite memories followed by fantastic characteristics that we share (basically b/c this day is all about us!! ha! ha!)...Enjoy!

1) When we ripped our brand new wallpaper down in our bedroom as our Mother's Day gift to our mom when we were younger.  Is that not the best gift a mother could get? I mean she loved it enough to put it on the wall just days before?!?! Robyn and I are very caring!

2) When Robyn and I were leaving Baylor University in a red crappy Ford Escort Enterprise Rental Car (long story short - I didn't have my car yet, and some drunk jackass totaled Robyn's)...well, we found out that the red Escort could top out at a little over 115 on I-20 East!  Robyn and I are very good and safe drivers (we had seatbelts on....the pictures we took prove that)

3) When it finally snowed in Gadsden one year (Barbara and Kimberly no longer lived at home)...Robyn and I got out the plastic sleds to go outside and have some fun...Here's some background, when I say snow, I mean ice with a little snow on top...when I say driveway, I mean the one at my parents old house - big hill straight down with van at bottom....when I say van, I mean one with a trailer hitch on back of it...So we got out the plastic sleds and took them to the top of the driveway - down we went...didn't go to fast - so we went inside and got Pam spray and coated the bottom of the sleds to go again...we ZOOMED down that driveway...and Robyn's back went straight into the trailer hitch! Robyn and I are fun-loving and adventurous!

4) When in high school Robyn and I decided to skip our first period class one day...we went to our dad's office after it was over to get a doctor's excuse from him.  Well, when he wrote it out, we then took it home and made about 100 copies (using white-out on the dates).  Then we used them all the time (a lot), well, until our mother found them months later!  Robyn and I are intelligent and crafty!

5) When Robyn decided on day to cook a pizza for dinner in the oven and the pan she put it on in the oven was made out of paper (although in credit to Robyn it had a cover that made it look decorative and oven safe)...when the tray caught on fire Robyn took it out of the oven and was just screaming it's on fire and waving it in the air! She had no idea what to do - and ran outside holding it.  Outside she was still holding it and waving it in the air (now you know Oxygen fuels fires).  So I followed her outside and told her to drop it.  Robyn and I are always looking out for each other.

6)  When Robyn and I borrowed my dad's Chevy Blazor and coming up a huge hill to get to our parents house the Blazor caught on fire.  (Not kidding).  I was driving and told Robyn to get out of the truck and we ran the rest of the way to our parent's house.  Robyn and I are both very good on our feet (running - well, Robyn's better) and we laugh at fear!

So, here's to Robyn and I....a fantastic 26 years and here's to many more!!!!