Graduation and other various events....

Okay, I guess the biggest news is that I finally graduated. May 9, 2008 (although the official results i.e. grades won't be in for a little while) was the official date. I guess I pulled my stuff together enough to complete Law School. Now I just have to get through the last and toughest hurdle known as the Bar exam. And hopefully find a job so I can practice when the results from that come in.

The girls are several weeks into t-ball now. And they fluctuate between "having the time of their life" and "trying to find the next flower in the field." I have what appears to be some decent shots, but I haven't been able to post process them yet (apparently the free version of Photoshop only lasts 30 days). When I get them done I will post here.

In other exciting news Melissa will be changing schools next year (at least someone in the family can find employment). She is going to Hillcrest Christian, and will be in the same building with the girls next year (yes they are moving as well). She is really looking forward to the opportunity, and she has agreed to take on the head coaching position with the Hillcrest High School softball team. I know she is going to do a great job.

Hope to have some promising updates for ya'll soon. I think I am going to try to enjoy a little freedom before the Bar classes begin. In the meantime have a great day.

Gordon

Hannah Montanah 3-D

Melissa and the girls picked me up right after work today. From there we headed to the Madison, MS Malco theatre to see "Hannah Montanah in Concert in 3-D". The girls had a BLAST. When the first song started every tooth in Janna's precious head was showing. She would have had to move her ears for that smile to grow any bigger. Despite the ill fitting 3-D glasses the girls had a blast. The one issue was that Janna wanted to know where Jackson was (Hannah Montanah's characters brother on the TV show), and she wanted to know where Hannah's house is (the one from TV). Other than that we had two thrilled girls. Ya'll should've seen them boppin' around when Hannah (or was it Miley) closed the concert with "Best of both worlds."

Afterword we had to stop at the conscession stand for some popcorn (Janna insisted), and then headed to eat dinner at Chili's. When we got home I was treated to a bit of a concert myself, and I was able to capture a few images:

Julia on Guitar:

Janna on vocals:

It has come and gone!

I know I haven't posted in awhile, and I'm sorry for that. However, I'm sure anyone who is reading this is probably in agreement that this part of the year is the craziest. I just wanted to jot a few words and let everyone know that Santa did come to our house this year. There were times when we were worried he wouldn't but in the end he didn't let us down. I will fill everyone later, as for now I really need to get some sleep.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Finals....

Well, I'm taking a break from studying (I'm a pro at that) and thought I would add a little to this abandoned blog. Finals are not a fun time around the Shaw household, I am nervous because my entire grade is determined by how I perform over a period of 3-4 hours. One test that is the only chance you get. So I am not a fun person to be around. Thankfully, being a 3L I'm not nearly as worried as I have been in the past, and I hope it has shown.

This is the third December that has been frought with concern and anxiety over tests. But, it should be the last for me (can't speak for my lovely wife though). I feel to an extent like it has hindered the enjoyment of the holidays. But, after they are done there is generally plenty of time to enjoy the season. So, for now it is back to studying. I have an Administrative Law (dealing with federal agencies such as the EPA, FDA, etc) final tomorrow afternoon, and then next Thursday I have an Ethics final. Until then carry on and I am looking forward to a happy holiday season (what is left of it).

Gordon

Pumpkin Painting Party

Today Janna and Julia threw a "Twitches 2" party. (It's a Disney movie they watch) Actually, it was a pumpkin painting party. They invited 3 friends over to paint pumpkins, have cupcakes, and other goodies. The kids dressed up in their costumes. I dressed up as a witch, Gordon as a cowboy, Nana as a silly witch, and Paw Tom as a burgular. The weather was perfect. The kids got to spend a lot of time outside riding bikes and driving cars.

The fun didn't stop after the girl's guests left. Janna, Julia, Nana, Paw Tom, Gordon, Aunt Emily, Rick, and myself all competed in races. We competed "one on one" and even "piggy back". In addition to that the girls had a balloon poping race. They ran to the end of the driveway and back taking ballons with them to sit on and pop.

I hope this is smething that we can do every year.

Disruptions (or what happens when Daddy slacks on pull-up duty)

I am sitting up at 11:30 p.m. working on a Motion to Compel Discovery, and a Motion to Supress. I get up to go to the bathroom and head to check the girls. At that point I realize the evil truth, they went to bed without pull-ups…well its not that bad really since there is a waterproof comforter on their bed. Of course, I didn't make it to Julia in time, she had an accident right before I got there and it woke her up. The blame belongs squarely on Mommy and Daddy, we are the adults, we are the ones who should make sure they have a pull-up on at bed-time.

I love my girls to death, but between them and the dogs there is nothing in this house that is safe. Such is the life of a parent I guess.

I am feeling more than a bit overwhelmed lately. Between School (regular classes and a Moot Court competition), Bar Applications (they have to know every address where you have lived since you were 15, and every traffic ticket you have ever received among other things), and trying to be a dad I am strung out, and I know Melissa is as well.

My Great-Grandmother was fond of the saying “and this too shall pass” and I know it will, but it seems like these things take forever to pass.

Oh well, a few more cases and I can go to sleep. I don’t have to be up until 7 or so in the morning.

State Fair (Trip #2)

We did it! We have just gotten back from the state fair. I never knew that three 3 year olds could pull you in so many directions. (Someone should have put that in a book)

Janna, Julia, and Cousin Amelia all rode every kiddie ride that the Mississippi State Fair had to offer. Even the adults had to get in on the action. The duties were as follows: Uncle Steve - Whirly Bear and Flying Dragon, Nana - Merry Go Round, Aunt Emily - Funhouse and Caterpillar Rollercoaster, Paw Tom - Merry Go Round, Tugboat, and Caterpillar Rollercoaster, Me - Caterpillar Rollercoaster, and Gordon - Image Documentation (pictures). It amazes me how little fear toddlers have and how much adults have. (This is while riding the kiddierides)

We devoured fried Snickers, fried Oreos, Ice Cream, Pronto Pups, Cotton Canday, Chicken on a Stick, and Saratogo fries. No heartattack yet. But Gordon did run into his insurance agent. Hopefully, Gordon's dinner didn't void his coverage. There difinitely will be "sweet" dreams tonight.

I love going to the fair. It brings back childhood, and adds few extra pounds. The memories I can live with it's the pounds I hate. That's why I'm glad the fair only comes around once a year.