Home. Sweet. Home

I was the first one to arrive at our condo and this is what I saw.
Ak's sweet cousin made us this sign. It brought tears to my eyes! We are officially home!

We have been here almost two weeks and it's flying by. It's great being home with friends and family. We are loving it.

Paying It Forward

I know the tornado in T-town and Birmingham happened a couple weeks ago, but wanted to share this amazing email Mich's mom sent. She and some friends went two weeks ago...talk about paying if forward. Not only was Mich's house hit in the Nashville flood but her mom's was too. When she saw all of the destruction, she immediately sent out an email that said
FILL KELLY'S VAN and that people did. Now with the flooding in Memphis, T-town and Bham have been swept aside, as did Nashville with the oil spill. Just wanted to say we are all still praying for you.


Here is a recap of her trip....

Well, we made it, and had quite the adventure.  The first church that
we had communicated with was empty of staff when we arrived, so we
quickly found a church taking donations, Meadow Brook Baptist in
Birmingham.  They were busy in the field, and at their church taking
donations.  On top of all that, they were helping a girl who was to be
married that Saturday fix the church up for her wedding, because her
church was demolished by the storm.

We took sack lunches and bottled water and after being given
directions by the church, headed out to feed people.  We got on the
wrong interstate, but while lost, a man called the radio asking for
help in Leeds, AL, that their power was out, etc.  Well, as he gave
directions, low and behold, we were just a few exits away.  So we went
to the trailer park where this man lived, and gave out sack lunches,
fruit and water.

We talked to a lady who survived even though her trailer looked like
it just collapsed.  She said the couch where she was sleeping rolled
over on top of her and the dog.  Her husband, who was sucked into the
woods, survived too.  One man, who hot and tired, coming home from
work, happily said, as we offered him sandwiches and food, that even
though their bedroom was gone, they still had water; and declined our
offer.  We pushed and he walked away with cold water and food.  He was
very grateful.  Others had also heard the call on the radio and were
arriving to help; but, to beat all, on the radio after we left,
callers called in and said they, too, were headed to the trailer park,
and Outback Steakhouse was preparing them steak dinners.

After that, we got lost again, turned around to the right direction,
then headed back home. Before doing so, we stopped in Fultondale, and
took more bottled water and a bucket to their distribution center-then
headed home.

The need in all the states affected by this storm is incredible.  All
day long, we listened, as caller after caller recounted their horrific
story, or begged for the radio station to send the semis they were
filling to their town.  And, Alabama, like Tennessee was responding.
Pray for the people in all these states affected by these storms.

The church was just tickled
of all the items we gave, and the things we thought of.  Our love will
make it to those who need it.

One Year Later

It's hard to believe it's been a year since the Nashville flood. I remember driving down to Nashville a year ago today and stopping in Franklin, KY to pick up bottled water because a lot of the grocery stores in Nashville were out. I had a few friends lose everything, but looking back they have said the experience made them stronger and in a way it was a good thing.

Here are a few before/after shots from my bestie Mich's home. I don't have any complete shots, but her home is absolutely beautiful. She was able to move in December, just in time for Christmas.

Mich's bedroom before...

After...well during! It's a beautiful blue and she has gray accents in the room. Very calming


Kitchen before...

During....imagine beautiful granite, def the new hang out spot of the house.


I was so proud I was from this city during the flood. There were people in Mich's home that she didn't know ripping out walls, etc. It was like that everywhere, people just out to help others! Such a wonderful thing to witness.

Lost in the Hallway

Ak's Godparents have my favorite hallway. I feel like I always "get lost" in their hallway. It is a long hallway filled with family photos and I LOVE IT! The way AK's Godmother designed it and the pictures that she chose to hang are just perfect. So as part of our checklist for a house I would love to have a hallway or designated area for pictures. (not sure if the bungalow has one, ha!) However, the condo does have a hallway to the bedrooms but doesn't have a ton of wall space, there are a couple of doors and a lovely breaker box, but i'm going to attempt to make my own little picture gallery. AK and I are making the trip tomorrow to IKEA and they have some great frames. So I'm hoping to load up! I will keep you posted on the progress...

Bungalow

I have confession to make. I am obsessed with looking at houses, houses that we may could buy one day, houses that we may could buy in year, houses that we will probably never buy. You get the point. I check realtracs everyday to see what's new on the market. It's crazy, but i love love looking at homes. i guess i shouldn't feel like it's crazy because my father was the exact same way! We went and looked at open houses almost every Sunday growing up, just for the heck of it! well, my parents really were looking to buy a home it just took them a couple years to find the one! I know I should be a real estate agent, maybe in my next life... At least once a month i think i have found the ONE, the one that me and ak could buy tomorrow and be completely content with as our first home. So for the moment, this is the ONE:

I am in L.O.V.E Well, actually ak and I both are. It's small, but bigger than our condo and completely renovated, i'm talking new plumbing, hvac, etc. not just a "band-aid" It has 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths and has a sweet little back yard (perfect for Doug) and best part is location, location, location. me and ak are all about location we would both rather live in a smaller home and be close to everything then live in a bigger home and have a long commute to work, friends, etc. I'm sure in a month there will be another one that IS IT. but for now i'm really liking this sweet bungalow. maybe i just like the word bungalow.

Fat Boozeday!

In honor of Fat Tuesday, I had to share this picture...

Ak's little cousin's (3 years old) first experience on bourbon street.
His face says it all!

It's Official!

I'm leaving for Nashville in the morning for work for the next week. However, I'm excited to say that I only have two more trips to Nashville by myself!

Yep, that's right! It's official, the moving truck will be here MAY 21st!!!! Ak and I are packing our bags and heading home! So there will be more posts like the kitchen post, because we are going to be sprucing up the condo! I lived there right after college so I want to change it a bit so that it will be Our Place.

We are so excited about this new chapter in our lives.

Oysters and More...

Ak and I had the best time in NOLA with the fam!

We enjoyed a beautiful day in Jackson Square

The Fam

It was the first time AK has been with both his bro and sis since our wedding.
It was nice seeing them catching up!

Saturday night while the runners were getting rest before the big day, AK and I celebrated
V-day at ACME and had drinks afterwards at the carousel bar. So fun!!

Race Day!!
Ak's 2nd cousin thought he was the coolest ever!

The Runners!

The Cheerleaders
(please excuse my arm, I have a double jointed arm so it looks CRAZY!)


and of course it wouldn't be a trip to NOLA without a hurricane!

A Sweet for your Sweetie!

Isn't' this the cutest packaging for cookies and better yet homemade organic chocolate chip cookies!

My friend Lauren has started her own business baking these great cookies out of her home. Let me tell you, everything I have ever had from Lauren has been to die for!! I often dream about her chocolate chip pound cake, banana bread muffins, and holiday bark. I highly recommend you try some of these cookies! Instead of the traditional boxed chocolates, why not order some all natural, organic cookies for your sweetie!!

Here's the info on how to order straight from Lauren:

these irresistible handmade, preservative free cookies are made with the best ingredients.

1/2 dozen - $5.00

1 dozen - $10.00

i 'm glad to make much larger orders too! local deliveries are free. shipping fees will apply outside of nashville. all orders will be sent usps priority mail which takes 2 to 3 days.

for orders email me at lauren.c.hester@gmail.com.

The 1/2

Well, well, well…

Remember when I posted about the ½ marathon in New Orleans?? Let’s just say it didn’t go as planned. I got up to a mile, (yes a mile, I know) and thought I’m going to die right here on this street. There is no way I can do 13!! So AK and I are going to New Orleans as cheerleaders! There are about 20 of us going and I think there are 6 of us that aren’t running. So we will have our own little cheerleading squad.

I’m so excited to go back to one of my favorite cities. We have dinner planned at Dickie Brennan’s. Ak and I are also going to ACME for some chargrilled oysters and we have to go to Port of Call for their yummy cheeseburger and fabulous drinks!

I’m looking forward to 60 degree temps, it's going to feel like swimsuit weather!!

Stupid Tax

So excited! This weekend AK and I are traveling to Nashville to see Dave Ramsey Live! My bro and his wife got us tickets for Christmas. Ak and I have been using bits and pieces of his program for almost a year but need a little bit more motivation! We have been using the envelope system since January 1st and it's working very well!!! Looking forward to walking away with some great information on Saturday.

Too Many Options!

The week of Christmas AK got a call from his sister who lives in our condo (soo thankful for her!) saying that the water heater was leaking and that the hallway was wet. We weren't sure of the damage, it was worse than we had hoped but A LOT better than it could have been.

We had to replace the hardwood in the kitchen, water heater, padding in the hallway and poor L&T had to listen to loud fans for 5 days to dry the place out.

bye bye hardwood!

We couldn't match the hardwood exactly with what is in the entryway and with my type A personality I had to have it match, so we went with tile which I'm really excited about. I haven't seen a picture yet, but L tells me it looks really good!

Since this happened, I told AK we should just completely renovate the kitchen! Ha! Little did I know what we were getting ourselves into! We met with a consultant at Home Depot and I could feel both of our blood pressures rising as they were explaining the million things that we could do, the choices, what we had in mind, etc. After a lot of thinking, we have decided to just do backsplash, new dishwasher and change the knobs on the cabinets.

There are soooo many options it's overwhelming!
Home Depot offers like 1600 different knobs, Really??

This is the color of the new tile floor

Backsplash 1

Backsplash 2

Backsplash 3 - I'm really like this one!

I wasn't sure about this color knob on white cabinets, until I saw this kitchen

Or I could stay safe with the stainless.

Here goes nothing! I will keep you updated on the progress!

Going to the chapel!

I am so excited!!! AK's little sister got engaged on Saturday!!!!

We just love Tray and are so excited he is going to be part of the Kelly Klan!

Congratulations!

A few days late

I hope everyone had a wondeful Thanksgiving!! Ak and I had such a great weekend together and it was so nice to spend some time with him! The past three weeks have been harder than I expected, but only 2 more to go!!

I know this is a few days late, but before our dinner Ak's grandpa pulled out a old piece of newspaper and read us a Dear Abby. I think it's not only good for Thanksgiving but is something we should think about all of the time.

DEAR READERS: By popular demand, here is my traditional Thanksgiving column:
Today is Thanksgiving Day, so take a few minutes to reflect upon all the things for which you are thankful.
How's your health? Not so good? Well, thank God you've lived this long. A lot of people haven't.

You're hurting? Thousands -- maybe millions -- are hurting even more. (Have you ever visited a veterans hospital? Or a rehabilitation clinic for crippled children?)

If you awakened this morning and were able to hear the birds sing, use your vocal cords to utter human sounds, walk to the breakfast table on two good legs, and read the newspaper with two good eyes, praise the Lord! A lot of people couldn't.

How's your pocketbook? Thin? Well, most of the world is a lot poorer. No pensions. No welfare. No food stamps. No Social Security. In fact, one-third of the people in the world will go to bed hungry tonight.

Are you lonely? The way to have a friend is to be one. If nobody calls you, pick up the phone and call someone.

Are you concerned about your country's future? Hooray! Our system has been saved by such concern. Your country may not be a rose garden, but neither is it a patch of weeds.

Freedom rings! Look and listen. You can still worship at the church of your choice, cast a secret ballot, and even criticize your government without fearing a knock on the head or a knock on the door at midnight. And if you want to live under a different system, you are free to go. There are no walls or fences -- nothing to keep you here.

As a final thought, I'll repeat my Thanksgiving prayer; perhaps you will want to use it at your table today:

O heavenly Father:
We thank thee for food and remember the hungry.
We thank thee for health and remember the sick.
We thank thee for friends and remember the friendless.
We thank thee for freedom and remember the enslaved.
May these remembrances stir us to service
That thy gifts to us may be used for others. Amen.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and may God bless you and yours. -- LOVE, ABBY

Strokin'

I had the best 28th birthday! My girlfriends and I had a fun evening of wine, laughs and a step by step guide to painting a picture at sips n strokes. I have been dying to go and see what the buzz was all about! I was hesitant at first, because I am no artist, but everyone assured me that anyone could do it.

So the wine pouring began and we started painting!!

The finished product!

It's Football Time in TN!!!!

AK and I went to our last football game on Saturday. The third weekend in October is a big deal for a TN fan, TN plays Alabama!!! Unfortunately this year it was more like a stomp fest then a game, but we still had a great time tailgaiting!


Us girls hanging out!


Born and Raised TN fans!!
(the brown brick building in the back was my dorm my freshman year)



The Crew, yes we let a couple AL fans tailgate with us (AK's friends)

Isn't that the prettiest thang you ever seen?

Until next Year....

Check out this write up about a UT football weekend.

914

Last week I was wasting time before I had to meet my family for dinner and I was really close to the house where AK grew up. His parents sold it a few years back and I was curious to see what the house looked like now. The house was built by AK’s great grandfather so it was always in the family until a few years ago.


I turned down the street and there was a car in front of me, well what do you know they turned into the driveway! I thought well, shoot I cant just take a picture because this lady is going to think I’m crazy! So I got out and introduced myself and told her that AK had grown up there. She was the most delightful person! She insisted that I come inside and see what they had done. The house has been renovated inside and out, they had knocked down walls, added a bathroom and additional bedroom. It looks great! She kept some of the originals, like the dining room chandelier, flooring and mantle in the living room. For the outside they painted the brick a pretty cream color, when AK lived there it was a red brick home.


The best part of the story though is that there was a door knocker that still said Kelly on the side door. She insisted that I take it, so there we were unscrewing the door knocker and chatting about her children and future plans for their home like we had know each other for years. I’m so excited about the door knocker, it needs some polishing but so glad to have it. AK and I plan to use it on our front door on our first home. We are so fortunate that such a wonderful family lives there. She invited us back when we are in town again so that AK could take a look.




AK always says that we will buy that house back someday and now with all of these renovations he is determined!

Tres

Meet Trey!

Doesn't this picture just make you smile!

Trey is my dear friends first son and my first nephew!! I could just look at him and hold him all day everyday! He always brightens my day when I get to hang with him and his awesome moma!

Love y'all!

PB Classes

Did you know that Pottery Barn offers free decorating classes??? I didn't but my mom told me about them and we went to one on Sunday and had the best time!

We went to the class on how to design your dream living room. We learned about picking the right color, using different textures, what window treatments are best, the best place to display furniture and the list goes on! The class was an hour long and was packed with great information!

To see what upcoming classes they have click here. I really want to go to the class on entertaining with style, especially with the holidays coming up!

Happy Decorating!!!

Nash

I have been packing today, because I am leaving for Nashville tomorrow for the next 10 days! We have our big conference in Nashville next week, so it’s going to be a busy trip! I am going to have dinner one night with some girlfriends and hopefully make it to BUNCO!! Oh, how I miss me some bunco!

Deep Thought at Bunco

Oh and I have to get some bbq while in town....it's a MUST! Ohio doesn't have anything on some TN BBQ!!