Battle of the Alumni Insitutions (kind of)

Ok, so technically the battle was last night (Monday) on the opening day of the Marriott Cavalier Classic...and technically it was between the No 20th ranked UVA Hoos vs. Samford (the school where my law school was located). And the result.....UVA defeated Samford, 69-60!!!

Then today to for the championship, UVA took on Liberty in a tough in-state battle. However, UVA remains the Cavalier Classic (33-0)!!! Let's Go Hoos!!!!!

The next game is Sunday in Colorado......where Matt and I will be TOGETHER!!!! That's right! I'm heading with the team (kind of) to Colorado! Matt and I are so excited to be able to spend New Year's Eve together for the first time EVER...and what makes it even better is we will be spending loads of time with my twin sister Robyn and her boyfriend John!!!!

Can't wait for COLORADO on thursday!!!!

Merry Christmas - Love, The Marlow's

We wish you a Merry Christmas...We wish you a Merry Christmas...We wish you a Merry Christmas....and on that note...SANTA stopped by last night...and between what Santa dropped off last night and what his elves brought earlier this December...it looks like Matt, Molly, and I were very very very very very very GOOD this year!!!!!!

We hope everyone has a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Love, The Marlow's

'Twas the Night Before Christmas

This is the first time Matt and I have been able to spend Christmas Eve together in Charlottesville (and as husband and wife)....I had to work from 8-1...but Matt went out shopping and getting the last of our ingredients (aka the dessert) for our special homemade Christmas dinner...we spent the afternoon playing Wii, cooking for tomorrow, watching Christmas movies with an amazing fire Matt built, chatting with family, and listening to Christmas music. It's been so nice to spend this quality time with each other. We are so thankful for so much in our lives...we are thankful for each other, molly, our families, friends, loved ones....and so much more...this amazing year and our future. We wanted to leave you with what we will read tonight...

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,

While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;

And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,

Had just settled down for a long winter's nap,

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash,

Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow

Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,

But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,

I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,

And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;

"Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!

On, Comet! on Cupid! on, Donder and Blitzen!

To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!

Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,

When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,

So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,

With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof

The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.

As I drew in my head, and was turning around,

Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,

And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;

A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,

And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.

His eyes -- how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!

His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!

His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,

And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,

And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;

He had a broad face and a little round belly,

That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,

And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,

Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,

And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,

And laying his finger aside of his nose,

And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,

And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,

"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night."

C'ville - the snow plow version

Well, Charlottesville is finally starting to thaw out...but before the weather decided to rise above freezing (and it took a few days)...the snow plows were out and about trying to get the city up and running again.

Matt made it out Monday to work, because he is a skilled driver in the snow/ice.....and I attempted it...and by that I mean I tried to get my car to go straight....the steering wheel was pointed straight, I applied the gas (just lightly)...and my sweet sweet Corolla went straight...straight to the RIGHT into a lot of snow I had shovel for my car to fit in the parking spot! So I called it a day Monday and walked right back home!

However, I rode with Matt to work and errands on Tuesday...and all I can say is thank God I couldn't get out Monday...I almost freaked out on Tuesday...the roads were horrible!!!!!! Matt was really really good...even with a lot of ice on the roads and parking lots with mountains of snow!!!

Anyways, I thought I'd share the pictures of Charlottesville - after the great storm of 2009...before the great thaw (which we are still waiting on...with ice in the forecast for tomorrow!!!)

The Cavaliers vs. The Bulldogs

Today was a tough game for the 17th ranked Virginia Cavaliers who took on the 12th ranked Georgia Bulldogs...in the Athens, Ga. After a rough start to the game weekend with weather delays the weekend only got rougher. The Bulldogs beat the Cavs 69-53. The team and staff are headed back to Charlottesville tonight. Tough loss, but hopefully everyone can enjoy their Christmas break and then get ready to become the Cavalier Classic Champions. Let's Go Hoos!

UPDATE: The team and staff arrived safely at the Charlottesville airport around 7 pm tonight. After a bus trip back to JPJ arena, unloading, and uploading of film...Matt made his way home. Matt arrived safely at home (in what I might say is the best looking shoveled driveway in the neighborhood) at 9:30.

Kelly + Molly + 5 hours + 1 snow shovel = a visible driveway, path, and car

I started shoveling yesterday, but let's face it...that was pointless...it was STILL snowing!!! However as of this morning it has stopped snowing and our official snow total at the Marlow house is 24 inches...doesn't it sound fun?!?!? Well you get back to me about the fun after you have to shovel 2 feet of snow and it is EVERYWHERE!!! Ha! Ha! Ha! Is it too late to ask Santa to bring me a snow blower?

Although it is hard work shoveling snow (trust me, it is...I now truly understand the phrase "Oh, my aching back!!")...Molly and I got it done!! I worked hard core in the front of the house this morning (look at the pictures above) while Molly dominated the backyard (look at the video below)...

Although the car has been cleared of snow and the driveway and path to the house have been shoveled...when Molly and I walked up the street, it has been ice, ice, and more ice!!!!! No way I'm driving on that....in fact not many people are driving on it either. I've seen 2 trucks go down our street today including a land rover that got caught for 10 minutes on a turn...so it's another day inside for us...at least the power is currently on (unlike others)!!!

21 inches of snow and STILL snowing!

Seriously, it has been snowing for OVER 24 consecutive hours....That is a lot of snow...Actually, to be more specific it is 21 inches of snow and still counting!!! The snow is supposed to lighten up tonight and officially stop by tomorrow at 6 am...and should leave us with a total of 24+ inches!

Molly and I went out this afternoon to take some pictures of the neighborhood, chase some snowballs (see earlier post), and then to shovel. I love my new snow shovel, but wholly mcguiver...do you know how hard it is to shovel snow? I mean seriously, snow is heavy! Other than this morning the power going in and out....and the cable being off for about 4 hours....it hasn't been too bad...like I said before, I was/am really well prepared!

They are urging people to stay off the roads...they didn't really have to urge me, I knew I wasn't going anywhere today when I went out at 7:30 this morning! Ha! Ha! But between the 2 snow plows that are now laying on their side in a ditch in Charlottesville, the two cars who attempt to come down our street sliding and spinning, and the small truck that came to plow our street having to attempt a simple turn 5 times...now I know for sure I'm not going anywhere!

Tonight on the list is bringing in more firewood. I've used a lot so far this winter storm and will probably use more tomorrow...better get out there before there is no daylight.



UPDATE ON MATT AND THE UVA WOMEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM:
So the team spent the night at a hotel in Richmond, VA last night after attempting to fly to Athens. They decided to attempt to fly out again today to Georgia for their 2 pm game tomorrow against UGA. This morning they weren't sure what was going to happen. They all met in the lobby of the hotel and waited for their shuttle to the airport to arrive. After a few mishaps with the shuttles they eventually all made it to the airport. The plane was de-iced (i think for the 10th time in less than 24 hours) and then they waited on the runway...only today was different than yesterday...the plane (complete with team, staff, and Matt aboard) took off!!! They arrived safely in Athens, Georgia! So next thing to do (although my list would include purchasing Terrapin Golden Ale, which is not sold in the entire state of Virginia)......is to BEAT UGA tomorrow. LET'S GO HOOS!

Molly loves chasing snowballs!

The last time it snowed here...which actually now I know what a real snow is and that was just a dusting...but I digress...Matt got Molly to love the snow by having her chase snowballs! It's hilarious! She goes charging after it, but it disappears as soon as it hits something...but that doesn't stop Molly from searching for it! Gotta love her determination! We spent about an hour outside today walking around and taking pictures...but this video by far was the highlight, at least for Molly!

16 inches of snow and STILL snowing!

It's official....Charlottesville is having one of its biggest storms in DECADES!!!! Woo-hoo! No seriously...Woo-hoo! Thanks to suggestions from Matt, my Mom, and my Dad....Molly and I are not only prepared...we are LOVING IT!!!!!

We took lots of pictures this morning when we went out at 7:30 am...you'll see them above! We are now getting toasty warm again but be sure we will be out later today...so much to do...Molly and I are making a list:

1) Throw Snowballs for Molly (I'm pretty sure she is going to wish Matt was here for that)

2) Snow Angels...like really good ones!

3) Making our family out of snowmen!

It's a lot longer...but it is going to be so much fun...after we warm up first!!!

UPDATE ON MATT AND UVA WOMEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM:
I haven't heard from Matt this morning, but as of last night the team was NOT able to leave Richmond..after many hours on the plane, then at the airport....they were finally able to find a bus to take them to a Holiday Inn for the night (yet it was more like 3 am)...I think as of last night they were considering trying to fly out today...not sure just yet if they will be able to, but I'll keep you updated!

8 inches total at 10 pm and snow shows no sign of stopping!

So the snow started at 4:00 pm....
and it hasn't stopped yet...
and it is currently 11 pm...
Molly and I watched the 10 pm news...
We are expected to get almost 2 feet by tomorrow afternoon...
Additionally, the road conditions are pretty hazardous, and VDOT asked all people not to leave their house unless they had to. Just so you know, Molly and I will not be leaving the house - unless by foot to take a walk and pictures.

I'll post more pictures tomorrow...until then, I'm set to go....

UPDATE ON MATT and UVA WOMEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM:
The team left at 4:30/5:00 this afternoon on a bus to Richmond to fly to Athens, GA for their game Sunday against UGA. The bus trip took a really long time because of the weather, but the team arrived at the airport safely. Since then, it has been a waiting game. They are sitting on the plane and have been de-iced a few times and attempted to take-off, but problems with the runway. It looks like now they maybe sleeping at a hotel in Richmond tonight - and I'm not sure about their plans for tomorrow yet. I'm just happy they are safe.

10 Steps to Preparing for a Snow Storm

1) Purchase milk and bread....and by that I mean purchase whatever milk and bread is left in the stores...along with other necessities in case you get snowed in or the power goes off...

2) Purchase salt, window de-icer, and a window ice scraper thing that has a brush too...and by that I don't mean cooking salt...I mean this Roadrunner stuff that works to melt the ice so your car can gain traction. Put this salt down covering your half of the driveway (only not putting it on the other side in case that might upset not so friendly next door neighbor) and path to front door. Clear the crappy window washer fluid out of your car, do this on Georgetown Road because you don't want your area to have water on it...then put the whole bottle of Rain-X De-Icer fluid in your car. But the ice scraper thing with brush by the front door for tomorrow...because you realized last snow fall that brushing the snow off your car with your sweatshirt makes for a very very very very cold and wet arm!

3) Purchase lantern...because let's face it...what will you use as light if your power goes out? I mean some things you just need a light for...you know?

4) Purchase snow shovel...now this is a bit tricky because as of 7:30 this morning Lowe's was sold out of snow shovels (70+ shovels sold that fast in one morning)...but never fear...Kroger's had 6 left....or at least 5 when you left there! Score!

5) Purchase Duraflame logs...(12 of them)...because you will be starting a fire at 4 pm because you've decided it is officially cold, even with the heat on!

6) Purchase Long lighters...how else are you going to start that fire??? Especially when each time you go to use your match the stinkin' wind coming in from the flu blows it out!! Crazy wind!

7) Purchase warm pants, gloves, hat, scarf, and most importantly COAT...It's just how it goes people...in Virginia you really do need this kind of winter-wear....Apparently I'm not in Bama anymore!

8) Make Mommy's Chili and Cornbread....ok, so it was the worst cornbread you have ever made in your life and you had to throw it out...but it was balanced nicely by the best chili you have ever made! God Bless your Mommy (in this case mine) for the recipe and God Bless my Grams for the genetically good cooking skills she passed on to my mommy then me (I consider cornbread not to be cooking...)!

9) Start dishwasher and do laundry....It's your day off...you were going to do it anyways...and this way you'll have it done if the power goes off! Not to mention...who doesn't love putting on socks right after they get out of the dryer....ahhhh, 20 more minutes and I'll love it!

10) Say Goodbye to your Husband and settle down and wait for the snow...Ladies, it's true...you can brave your first real winter storm as an adult by yourself....well, at least you and a 7 year old choc. lab named Molly can brave it together...because your husband is off with UVA Women's basketball to Georgia (a day early b/c of the snow) to take on UGA Sunday at 2.

Saturday Night Lights...

I've been lucky to have this weekend off of work....It's been nice to relax, run errands, clean, laundry...you know the whole deal...However, Matt has had to go to work for practices...Yesterday, after he got home from practice....we were able to unload a few boxes we have received full of presents from the Elves and Mrs. Claus, which we placed under the tree.

The we were off to go look at Christmas lights....We went to UVA first and saw the lawn all lit up for Christmas and the individuals doors as well. Then we walked to Christian's on the corner for dinner...best pizza in Charlottesville for sure! Then we walked back to the car and drove out to a place that we remembered always had loads of lights...It was located next to where Matt used to live before I moved here. Oh my gosh...it was crazy! We thought it was a drive by kind of thing...but when we drove by there was Santa holding a sign that said "Come Inside"....and we did!!! It was crazy, made me feel just like I was back in Alabama at a certain spot that is full of silly lights and displays!

Hope you enjoy these pictures of our Saturday Night lights!

This is a very busy and Christmas filled week for Matt and I! We are meeting Matt's dad for dinner tonight, then Kory and Diana for large Christmas lights drive-thru on Tuesday, meeting Matt's mom and sister for dinner on Wednesday, and then Friday the UVA Women's Basketball Christmas party...

15 cards + 1 note = Sharing the Christmas Spirit

I got an email from my mom a few days ago about sending some cards with blessing, thanks, or greetings to service personnel (actual service members, family of a service member, or a veteran. Matt and I, each having family who was in the military at one point in time during our lives and having friends who are serving now, decided to participate. So, we thought we would give other people the opportunity to thank those who are serving our country, their family or a veteran and to sent them a little holiday greeting.

Here's the important information:

Buy 15 cards (max) [We got a pack of $18 @ Kroger's for $5.00]
Address cards to: "Dear Service Member, Family or Veteran"
Sign cards
Write note within [Matt came up with our note...it was great...he wrote 7, I wrote 8 and we signed each others]
Enclose nothing inside, it will be confiscated
Buy one large envelope to mail all the cards in [You might have one laying around the house/job like we did!]
Mail To:
Holiday Mail for Heroes
P.O. Box 5456
Capital Heights, MD 20791-5456

2 games - 1 W, 1 L

So, I haven't missed a home UVA Women's basketball game yet.....but these last two were...well, they were something....

On Dec. 3rd, UVA took on Purdue in the Big 10/ACC Challenge...this game was one word....LONG!!!!! The game was scoreless for a long long time and then there was a shot clock problem that delayed the game even longer...however, it ended up with UVA's 3rd consecutive Big 10/ACC Challenge win!!! UVA 56 - Purdue 49....

On Dec. 6th, UVA played James Madison University...Now let me say this about JMU...they are a good team...they are undefeated in their division...and they also have a top scorer...and with that being said...their top scorer...she definitely showed up to play...and JMU fans also showed up too...Unfortunately the Hoos lost the game by two points...I was up and down out of my seat...horrible refs (for both sides)...bad shots...but all in all I'm sure that this will make them a stronger team!

That leaves UVA with a 6-2 record! The Hoos are still looking good this year!

Next is Furman tomorrow.

LET'S GO HOOS!

Playing Catch with Snowballs!

So I tried to tell Matt about how Molly "loves" the snow...and by "loves" I mean that sarcastically...but Matt was sure she would love it when he got home from work on Saturday....So...after Matt got home and before I left for work....we took Molly out to play in the snow...

Besides playing frisbee...Matt threw snowballs for her to catch! Molly was hilarious! She was running after them like the were tennis balls, but when they hit the ground she couldn't find the ball...then he would throw it so she could catch the snowball in her mouth...well as soon as she caught it the snowball was destroyed, but Molly was so confused! It was hilarious and adorable....and, Matt was right...Molly loves the snow (and this time I don't mean it sarcastically)!!!!

Winter Wonderland...

Well, I guess when the weather man here in Virginia calls for snow the next day...he isn't kidding!!!

As most of you know, I (Kelly) grew up in Alabama and besides rarely seeing snow (unless skiing in Snowmass, Colorado)...everytime it was predicted for snow...it never really happened...and if it did, it was melted by noon....(except of course for the blizzard of '93)...However...I do have a point...

IT'S SNOWING!!!!

It started around 10 am, and it is now 1:30 pm and it hasn't stopped snowing!!!!!! It's beautiful outside and I can't help but smile at it! It definitely makes it feel like the Christmas spirit is all around us!!! I love snow! Love it! Ok, so I don't love driving in it...or how cold it makes me...but let's face it....looking out your window to everything covered in a blanket of white and watching more snow fall...it's magical!

Now typically when it called for snow growing up, you did 1 thing and 1 thing only...your got to the grocery store as fast as possible and loaded up on milk and bread (and yes, this never really made sense to me either)....So, you are probably thinking....that although the hubs was at practice this morning....I probably did exactly what everyone from the South (the real South) is trained to do...run for milk and bread...and well...I DID!! ha! ha! ha! At least kind of...I took a new vantage point on the old saying...and instead ran for goodies to make chili and cornbread on this winter wonderland day!! I mean we already had milk, but never fear, I did pick up some bread too!

And I can say this...apparently other people are used to driving in this...My less than 10 mph, with hazard lights on, crawl to the grocery store wasn't really appreciated by other drivers....then again, to get the snow off my car to even leave the townhouse this morning made the sleeves of my sweatshirt soaked! Thank goodness I braved the grocery store early, I don't think I would try driving now!!!