Offer Accepted!!!!

They accepted our offer!!! Now we have to put earnest money down and sign the contract. On to appraisals and home inspections. I can't wait to move in!

I'm a Big Kid Now...

Holy Moly, we're putting an offer down on a condo today. Hopefully they'll accept and we'll purchase our first house together! This is so nerve wracking! I'll keep everyone posted on any new information.
Also, I've downloaded pics form Christmas so those should be posted later on tonight.
Everyone keep your fingers crossed we get the house!!

xoxo
Kelly

Good Morning Sunshine!

I still can't believe it but I was at Starbucks at 7:15 this morning! If you know me you know that I'm not a morning person. I get to work at nine and usually on the weekends sleep til ten or eleven if I have nothing to do! So you might be wondering why the heck were you up that early well....My little Sis was in town and I had to visit!!
McKenleigh moved to St. Louis awhile back so when she's in town I always like to get together and catch up. Talking on the phone isn't as fun as cracking up laughing face to face! There are definitely some interesting characters at Starbucks early in the morning, right Mac?? I love catching up with here it always seems like we never left off! We've had our ups and downs like any friendship but I think that's what keeps it going strong. She cracks me up because she tells it like it is and I love her for that. We definitely balance each other out!

I can't believe Christmas is 3 days away. I'm still shopping for people. This year since Jared and I are trying to save for a house we decided we would just get everyone something small and not get each other anything. Therefore I have procrastinated. Luckily I know what I'm getting everyone I just need to actually go out and purchase the items!

Also, today is my Cousin Andrew's Birthday! HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANDREW!!! We Love YOU!!! He's in the Air force and is stationed in Minot, ND. So when he comes in town it's a big deal! I'm so glad we'll all get to celebrate Christmas together!

xoxo
Kelly

Make-up Help

So, I'm stuck in a rut. I think I have used the same Clinique pressed powder since High School. Now that I'm getting older I think I need something with a little more coverage.
I've also stopped tanning so I want something that will brighten my face and prevent it from looking dull. I'm definitely not one to pick out my own colors or products. I usually do best with someone else picking it out. Does anyone have any suggestions of products or somewhere to go? I've heard good things about Merle Norman???

Also, what do y'all use for cleaning your face and moisturizer? I've been using Oil of Olay Regenerist but I need something to minimize my pores. Any help would be appreciated!!!

xoxo
Kelly

Go Tigers Go!

Happy Wednesday! Last night was a lazy night at the Franks Household. We watched the Grizzles beat the Cavaliers in Ovetime and then I fell asleep..pretty exciting, huh? I woke up this morning to the sound of huge windgusts. The temperature is 20 degrees cooler today than yesterday. If it's going to be December I want cold weather.
Tonight the Tigers are playing at home not sure who were playing but I will definitely be there! This season we've been very lucky to have Suite Tickets for every game thanks to Jared's new company. I love watching the Tigers and especially their Head Coach Josh Pastner! Hopefully we'll pull off a win. Hope everyone has a good Wednesday!

GO TIGERS GO!!!

xoxo
Kelly

Updates

So now that my life is getting back to normal I figured I should update the blog. I'm officially Mrs. Jared Franks. We've been married a little over a month and I can honestly say it's been Wonderful! Jared makes me so happy and I'm a lucky girl to be married to my best friend. I'm still waiting on wedding pictures. Once I get them I will make sure and post them. Quick Question how do I make my pictures larger on here?

Now that the wedding is over I'm just trying to get back in shape (you would have thought I would have done that for the wedding but I didn't), hopefully get registered for school next semester, and maybe buy a house who knows???

Right now it's rainy and cold in Memphis so I'm thinking tonight is going to be spent curled up on the couch writing thank-you notes. Pretty Exciting!

xoxo
Kelly

Kelly Corum gets engaged at the Forum!

As promised here are some picture from when Jared proposed December 14, 2008 at the Memphis Grizzlies game. It only tooke me 9 months to get them posted. Enjoy!!

Thought for the Day

A physics teacher in high school, once told the students that while one grasshopper on the railroad tracks wouldn't slow a train very much, a billion of them would . With that thought in mind, read the following, obviously written by a good American .

Good idea . . . one light bulb at a time . . . .

Check this out . I can verify this because I was in Lowes the other day for some reason and just for the heck of it I was looking at the hose attachments . They were all made in China . The next day I was in Ace Hardware and just for the heck of it I checked the hose attachments there . They were made in USA . Start looking .
In our current economic situation, every little thing we buy or do affects someone else - even their job . So, after reading this email, I think this lady is on the right track . Let's get behind her!

My grandson likes Hershey's candy . I noticed, though, that it is marked made in Mexico now . I do not buy it any more . My favorite toothpaste Colgate is made in Mexico now . I have switched to Crest . You have to read the labels on everything .

This past weekend I was at Kroger. (Can be true for any store.) I needed 60W light bulbs and Bounce dryer sheets . I was in the light bulb aisle, and right next to the GE brand I normally buy was an off brand labeled, "Everyday Value . " I picked up both types of bulbs and compared the stats - they were the same except for the price . The GE bulbs were more money than the Everyday Value brand but the thing that surprised me the most was the fact that GE was made in MEXICO and the Everyday Value brand was made in - get ready for this - the USA in a company in Cleveland , Ohio .
So throw out the myth that you cannot find products you use every day that are made right here .

So on to another aisle - Bounce Dryer Sheets . . . yep, you guessed it, Bounce cost more money and is made in Canada . The Everyday Value brand was less money and MADE IN THE USA! I did laundry yesterday and the dryer sheets performed just like the Bounce Free I have been using for years and at almost half the price!
My challenge to you is to start reading the labels when you shop for everyday things and see what you can find that is made in the USA - the job you save may be your own or your neighbors!
If you accept the challenge, pass this on to others so we can all start buying American, one light bulb at a time! Stop buying from overseas companies!

(We should have awakened a decade ago . . . . . . )

Let's get with the program . . . . help our fellow Americans keep their jobs and create more jobs here in the U . S . A .

This was forwarded to me today and I think this is a great challenge for us as Americans to take!

Weekend Recap

This past weekend was busy. Friday night I went to Fresh Market after work and picked up some dinner and a few other things. Jared worked for his mom so I was by myself for dinner. Saturday was SUPER busy! We woke up and went to get my new car. Two and a half hours later we said Good-Bye to Cathy and Hello to my new Nissan Murano. She still needs a name. Any Suggestions?? Then we drove out to Jared's parents house and showed off the car. Later that night we went to my old Boss' wedding. It was really pretty. There were tons of people. We only stayed for a little bit. After the wedding we met up with Jared's family for a Mexican dinner. I seriously could eat Mexican food EVERYDAY! We spent the night at their house Saturday. Sunday, Jared, his mom, and I all loaded up in the new car and went looking at houses. We fell in love with one in East Memphis. Hopefully it'll still be available in 6 months when our Lease is up! Sunday afternoon I cooked for Jared's parents. I think they were realy impressed with my Smothered Pork Chops! Now it's back to the work week! Boo!!

Engagement Pics and a BUSY Weekend

After many canceled tries I finally rescheduled our Engagement Pictures. This has been the craziest summer for Weather. They are tentatively scheduled for August 11th. Everyone pray that the weather is beautiful that evening! If anyone is getting married in Memphis check out my photographer. His name is Kevin Barre and he is wonderful!! He is a little pricier than most but it's so worth it. In ten years you'll only have your pictures as a memory so why not get the BEST???
SO this weekend is going to be CRAZY! Tonight Jared and I are meeting up with some of his friends for a Redbirds game. The weather is supposed to be beautiful. Maybe I'll get a big beer and enjoy the evening. Tomorrow I'm going to try and fit in run. I've definitely slacking in the exercise area this week. However I have eaten better so all is not lost. No weight loss yet.
Tomorrow afternoon is my cousin's baby shower. I'm so excited about it. This is her first baby. She'll be 39 this month and little Caroline Elizabeth is definitely an answer to ALOT of prayers. I can't wait to meet her.
The craziness continues on to Sunday. One of my childhood friends who grew up down the street from me is getting married September 19, 2009 so my mom and I are going to her shower. We haven't really kept in touch since High School but her mom and My mom still live down the street from each other and are super close. I'm so happy for Jill. I can't wait for her wedding!
What are every one's big weekend plans? Does anyone else feel like their weekend is going to be chaotic?
Wedding Update:
Bridesmaid Dresses are in!!!!!

xoxo
Kelly

I'm really getting married...

The reality that I'm getting married in less than 3 months really hit me on Friday. As I was checking my emails I noticed an email from "the Knot" with the subject being 3 Months to Go!. After I picked myself up off the ground. J/k I knew it was time to get serious and get everything marked off my ever growing "to do" list. The list the Knot gives you is Crazy in-depth but super helpful. So needless to say it's Crunch Time at the Corum-Franks Households.
This past weekend I spent the night at my parents. Jared went to the Lake with one of his Best Men so I decided it would be a perfect time to get some stuff completed with my Mom. We didn't accomplish much however due to the fact that my veil and shoes came in!!!!! So of course I had to try on everything! It really hit home again that I'm getting married. I couldn't be happier. I seriously kept the dress, shoes, and veil on for at least an hour. My mom had to pry it off my body! hehe
Other than that my weekend was pretty normal. I know starting this weekend my schedule gets crazy. I have a baby shower for my Cousin on Saturday and Sunday is a Shower for one of my childhood friends. Then my bridal showers start! I guess I better get to planning and working on the Guest List. It's up to 609 guests at the moment! I think I've lost my mind!

xoxo

Kelly

Giveaway!!!

Pretty in Pink Megan is giving away a blog makeover. Make sure and go over and check it out. Her blog is super cute too!!

Me-ology

FOOD-OLOGY
What is your salad dressing of choice? Huey’s Ranch
What is your favorite sit-down restaurant? Houstons and Happy Mexican What food could you eat for 2 weeks straight and not get sick of it? MEXICAN
What are your pizza toppings of choice? Veggies
What do you like to put on your toast? Peanut Butter and Strawberry Jelly

TECHNOLOGY
How many televisions are in your house? 2
What color cell phone do you have? Gold
What does the first text message in your inbox say and who sent it? Yay! Jared of course!
Who was the last person to call you? Jared

BIOLOGY
Are you right-handed or left-handed? right
Have you ever had anything removed from your body? wisdom teeth
What is the last heavy item you lifted? The mattress when I was putting our new bedding on the bed.

CRAP-OLOGY
If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die? Absolutely not!
If you could change your name, what would you change it to? I wouldn’t change it I’ve grown to really like my name
Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1000? Definitely!

DUMB-OLOGY
How many pairs of flip flops do you own? Probably 10….my Rainbows are my new Favs!
Last time you had a run-in with the cops? It's been a while!
Last person you talked to in person? Paula at work
Favorite Month? October because I’m getting MARRIED!!

CURRENT-OLOGY
Missing someone? yes
Mood? sleepy
What are you listening to? People typing
Watching? My work computer
Worrying about? My weigh-in at WW

RANDOM-OLOGY
What’s the last movie you watched? Taken
Do you smile often? Yes…I’m constantly smiling. It always brightens other people’s day!
Do you always answer your phone? If it’s not on Silent
It’s four in the morning and you get a text message, who is it? Usually Jared’s sister…she makes me laugh!
If you could change your eye color what would it be? I really love my eye color but if I had to change it would be Blue
What flavor do you add to your drink at Sonic? Route 44 Diet Cherry Limeade!!!
Do you own a digital camera? Yes…I really need to upgrade…hint hint!
Have you ever had a pet fish? Yes…Skeet Skeet. He lived a long happy life with Katie and I.
Favorite Christmas song? Jingle Bell Rock or Walking in a Winter Wonderland
What’s on your wish list for your birthday? A Puppy!
Can you do push-ups? Yes!
Can you do a chin up? Nope
Does the future make you more nervous or excited? Excited!!!!!
Do you have any saved texts? On my old phone from when Jared and I started Dating
Ever been in a car wreck? Yes….always wear your seatbelt. I learned the Hard Way
Do you have an accent? Southern and I love it!
What is the last song to make you cry? Bridge over Troubled Water...it reminds me of my Nana and Poppie.
Plans tonight? Work-out and pack for Pickwick
Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom? nope
Name 2 things you bought yesterday. El Porton and Kickball socks
You ever been given roses? yes
Current hate right now? My lack of exercise
Met someone who changed your life? yes
What song represents you? Depends on the Day
What were you doing 12 AM last night? Sleepng
What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up? Is it six o’clock already???

Hump Day

Happy Hump Day to everyone. Today has been crazy and I’m so glad it’s almost quitting time. Tonight we have a big kickball game against the “Blue Ballers”. Jared said they weren’t the best team last year but they were fun to play against. It makes a world of difference when the other team is nice and doesn’t freak out over every play. Hopefully we’ll win. I think were tired for third place right now. Jared and I have a Wednesday night ritual of eating at Chick-Fil-A. However I consumed the entire menu at Jason’s Deli today so it might be soup and green beans at home. I really don’t like to mess up rituals so we’ll probably end up at Chick-Fil-A. I guess I could eat a side salad instead of fries.

Hope everyone is having a GREAT WEDNESDAY….2 more days til the Lake and 30 more days til New Kids on the BLOCK!!!! WOO HOO!!!

xoxo
Kelly

144

That’s right…only 144 more days till I’m officially Mrs. Jared Franks. It’s seems like yesterday when I got engaged. I can’t believe it’s getting so close. There is still so much to do! I’m trying not to stress about it because the only two things that come from stress are a BIG FAT HEADACHE and WEIGHT GAIN. The more I can avoid stress the better.
This past weekend I met my Mom, my Aunt Judy, her best friend Sara, and my Cousin Heather who is my matron of honor and her beautiful baby Savannah for lunch Saturday afternoon at Café Palladio. This is the location for my bridesmaids Luncheon and let me just tell you it’s WONDERFUL. If you’re ever in the Cooper-Young area you must stop by. Their Peach Tea is To Die For! Not only is it a Café but it’s also an antique/home decor store as well!
I hope all the girls enjoy it as much as I do!
This week has been so crazy. I started a new job…same company. However this week the girl that works with me on our Account and my boss have been out so I have no clue what to do. I have a huge pile of work and no clue how to do it! I’m so bored it’s driving me crazy. My Co-Worker will be back tomorrow so maybe I won’t feel as lost.
I’m really excited about this weekend though. Friday night Jared and I are running in the Harbor town 5k. Hopefully I will run it in less than 30 minutes. That was my last 5k time. The only downfall about this race is that it will be HOTT! I haven’t run in the heat this year yet so who knows. Wish me LUCK!
Then Friday night were headed to Hardy Arkansas to Jared’s parents’ Lake house. It’s so nice to be able to get away on the weekends. This weekend should be somewhat quiet. The Lake House has seen its share of “Throw Downs”. Not that there is anything wrong with that but sometimes I need a break. I’m going to try and wakeboard for the first time this summer. It’s such a good workout. Also, I’m going to try and get in some good jogs/walks. The hills in Northern Arkansas are awesome! Definitely a good workout. I’m going to try and be a better blogger but if not I hope everyone enjoys their weekend!!

xoxo
Kelly
p.s. I might add some pictures to my next post if ya’ll are lucky!

Overwhelmed....

This is the story of my life. Maybe I should get off the computer and get some stuff marked off my to-do list....or not. This past week has been COMPLETELY Crazy and I have not been a good blogger! Last week was BBQ Fest. Besides Thanksgiving this might be my next favorite Holiday. It's probably funny to everyone else that I refer to BBQ Fest as a holiday, Oh well who cares...to me it's a HOLIDAY! I was off work last Thursday and Friday and there was no relaxation. It was filled with:

Lots of Alcoholic Beverages

Family Bonding...my cousin Andrew who is in the Air Force was in town so I had to take him out to party!

Lots of Sausage Cheese plates and late night eating!

Boocoos of Partying and Singing

What more could you want? :)

Friday I woke up early and spent the day with my Cousins Andrew and Heather and Heather's beautiful baby Savannah. She makes me so happy. All she does is Cooo, smile, and blow bubbles. I could sit and watch her all day long. The rest of the weekend was spent recovering and spending time with my wonderful Fiance. Now I have to go abstract an 82 page Lease....fun stuff!

x0x0
Kelly

p.s. Is it bad that I'm not doing Save the Dates for the wedding? What do y'all think????

WOO HOO!!!

I lost 1.8lbs when I went to weigh in before my WW meeting yesterday! Now I'm off to do the 30-day Shred.

x0x0

I'm on a MISSION!

So I have less than 6 months til the big day and I realize it's time to get my butt in gear and shape up. So last week I started the trek to skinnyness. Monday I started the 30 day Shred from Jillian Michaels; which officially kicked my butt and I was just on level one. Then Jared and I went on a 3-Mile walk by the river. Tuesday I decided I was going to sign up for Weight Watchers. With that in mind I decided I would eat my "Last Meal". Jared and I were off to our favorite restaurant, The Happy Mexican, where I proceeded to order the "Bid Daddy Burrito". Diet went out the window. :) If any of you are ever in Downtown Memphis y'all should definitely eat there. It's AMAZING!!!
So Wednesday I went to my first WW meeting. I signed up for 11 weeks. I'm really excited. It's not that expensive at all and super easy to follow. However I neglected the fact that last weekend was Musicfest. I didn't actually go but Jared's sister and her friends stayed with us since we live so close to downtown. When they stay with us we always eat out and drink alot. So there went the diet. again! I'm 0 for 2.
Well here I am. It's Monday and I'm on a mission. Hopefully it'll last longer this time. I've actually stuck to the WW plan and I'm planning on walking and doing The Shred tonight. Wish me Luck!

The Engagement Story....5 months Later

Thanks Melissa for posting about my blog. Now that I have people reading it I'll need to post more. I figured I should post about my engagement day. Jared completely surprised me and it will definitely be a day I will never forget! He actually proposed Sunday December 14th 2008 at the Memphis Grizzlies Game. We had received tickets from one of my sorority sisters who works for the Grizzlies on Friday for the Sunday afternoon game. Little did I know that Jared had started plotting his "plan of attack" the minute he found out I had gotten the tickets. I had never seen someone besides maybe my best friend Katie; text as much as he had been all day Saturday and into Sunday. Well Sunday rolled around and it of course was gloomy, cold, and rainy. A typical December day in Memphis. For those of you who don't know me that well, I greatly despise going out in the rain. It ruins my hair and makes me feel gross. If I can avoid being out in the rain I will. Jared knowing me quite well knew if his plan was to work out he would need to be firm and make me go no matter what. After some complaining on my part we were off to the Fed Ex Forum for the game.
When we got there I still I was oblivious to Jared's master plan. My friend had left the tickets at will-call. So as were waiting in line, Jared starts to complain that he has to use the restroom. I was getting so frustrated. He had just gone before we left not to mention you had to have your ticket to even get to the restrooms and there was no possible way I was going back out in the rain...he was just going to have to hold it. Later on I realized that his parents were in front of us in line and he was trying to distract me so I wouldn't see them. Well that plan failed and we ended up talking to them for a little bit. Lucky for Jared I was so oblivious and didn't think anything of his parents being there.
We finally got settled into our seats. I kept asking Jared where his parents were sitting and he was pointing me in a completely different direction. Little did I know that his sister and all of her close friends were here as well. During the first half Jared kept telling me to stop people watching and pay attention to the game. Yeah Right...people watching is the best part!
The first part of the game was over and I still hadn't found Jared's parents.
We were sitting near the tunnel where the players leave and I was of course people watching and not paying attention to anything once again. :) Just as the players were leaving for halftime Jared nudged me and said "hey look over there". At that point I glanced to my right and at center court along the aisle there were six or seven girls with black posters jumping up and down screaming. The posters said "Kelly, Will You Marry Me?" I was so oblivious to what was going on that I definitely told Jared "wow what a coincidence my name is Kelly". Then I looked and realized it was Jared's little sister and all of her friends holding the signs. Then it hit me....Holy Moly this is for me! I then looked at Jared and he was like so....Will you Marry Me? Of course I said Yes. Then came all the tears! I think I cried everytime someone said Congratulations! Afterwards, we left the game and celebrated with his family. It was probably the sweetest thing ever! He completely caught me off guard and I was so surprised! I think I showed everyone in the Forum my ring! Sorry this was so long. I just didn't want to forget anything! Hope everyone is having a great Friday. We're supposed to got the Redbirds game tonight and Musicfest the rest of the weekend.

x0x0

I Gave In....

So I finally gave in to starting a blog. After months of reading other blogs I decided to start my own. Mainly to keep a journal of the things going on in my life. Right now my life is consumed with Wedding Planning. For those of you who don't know, Jared proposed December 14, 2008 and we are getting married October 24, 2009. The engagement story will have to be another post. :)

Right now Jared and I are both working full time. He is a business Developement Associate with the Greater Memphis Regional Chamber and I'm a Document Control Administrator with CB Richard Ellis. We live in an apartment in Harbor Town and absolutely love it! It's like being on vacation all the time. Well I hope this blog will keep everyone near and far updated on the Adventure of Jared and Kelly!