Happy Birthday, Rebecca!

My sweet sister-in-law, Rebecca, has a birthday coming up this Saturday. Since I will be in her hometown of Lexington, KY and likely not blogging on the day of, I wanted to go ahead and wish her a very happy birthday! I feel so lucky that Scott chose to marry someone that I would want to be friends with regardless of relation. It has been a wonderful experience to watch her raise Hannah and I can't wait to meet Miss Sally!

Love you, Rebecca!! Happy Birthday!

Wedding Season is All Year

Since our wedding in June, you would think that wedding events would slow down. However, the Benefield clan is still in wedding mode. This past weekend I went to a bachelorette party for my great friend, Tai. We had it in Huntsville at Bridge Street and stayed at the Westin. It was really nice because we could walk everywhere and it gave everyone some freedom to operate on their own time table. I picked up a cake from Olexa's that was as cute as it was delicious.

This coming weekend Jackson and I are heading to Lexington, KY to watch my freshman year roommate get married. I could not be more excited for Casey and Bobby!! Here I am with Casey at Taste of the South in 2009 when we both lived in DC. I can't even imagine what a beautiful bride she'll make!

What I'm Working On

As many of you know, I'm in my third year of law school and Cumberland. Additionally this summer/fall, I'm helping with the Committee to Elect Jim Hughey III. Jim Hughey is running for Circuit Court Judge, Place 9 in Jefferson County and I truly believe he is the best candidate for the job. While he is a democrat, which I am not, for judges I'm opposed to candidates running under parties. A judge is not meant to create the law, but rather know the law that is created by the legislature and apply that law to specific situations. Jim is the most knowledgable candidate of what the law is; therefore, he is most capable of justly applying said law. Here is a little about him.

A native of Birmingham, Jim Hughey is a partner with Lightfoot, Franklin & White, where he has practiced since 1998. Jim’s legal practice is devoted to civil litigation, the types of cases heard in Circuit Court, Place 9.

A decorated lawyer, Jim is listed in publications such as Best Lawyers in America and Alabama SuperLawyers. He is also rated “AV preeminent” by his legal peers in Martindale Hubbell — the highest ranking possible for both legal ability and ethics.

Jim was previously recognized as one of the region’s “Top 40 Under 40″ by the Birmingham Business Journal. He has received the University of Alabama Black Law Students Association’s Dean Bryan K. Fair Achievement Award, which is given each year to alumni dedicated to community service and to the BLSA chapter at the University of Alabama School of Law.

Jim has served for a number of years on the board of directors of the Downtown YMCA and of the University of Alabama Center for Ethics and Social Responsibility.

He received is undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt University and his law degree, summa cum laude, from the University of Alabama School of Law. While in law school, Jim was editor-in-chief of the Alabama Law Review. Jim is also a graduate of Leadership Birmingham and of the Alabama State Bar’s Leadership Forum.

A long-time participant in the Birmingham Volunteer Lawyers program, Jim enjoys rendering pro bono legal services for those who cannot afford representation. He also serves as a lay reader and member of the governing board at his church.

Jim and his wife have been married for 15 years and have three children.

Here we are meeting and greeting outside the Homewood football game. If you're in Jefferson County, don't forget to vote on November 6th!

My Cousin, My Friend

Last night, I said farewell (for now) to one of my best friends in the world, Hailey Lann. I'm so proud of her and her new job in Indiana but selfishly, I will miss her like crazy. Hailey's grandmother and mine are sisters making us what most would call distant cousins. In our life though, we have felt more like sisters. When we were young, we fought like sisters. Now we go to each other for support and advice in bad times and to celebrate in good times.

These are some good times. Hailey accepted a job with Simon Properties in Indianapolis. She will recruit for them starting Monday and will undoubtedly do a fabulous job. So, last night, she came to Birmingham to get together with friends for one final farewell dinner. Good luck, Hailey! I can't wait to come visit you!

Rosie

Well our big puppy had her second visit to Dr. Katie this morning. She weighs 18.9 lbs! She had her booster and a rabies shot. The Dr. said she looked great! Rosie also has a new dog house outside for when we have to leave her in the yard during the day. My dad had it made out at the office and Rosie loves snooping around it!

Weekend Update

Well, the birthday weekend was a success. Even though the outcome of the game was less than desirable, I had fun hanging out with my family in ATL and running into old friends. Jackson cheered quietly at least and didn't put up too much of a fight since it was my birthday weekend and all.

We had good seats and enjoyed the game despite the terrible concessions service and final score.

The lake trip was great! We grilled out steaks with my parents, had birthday cake and ice cream with our lake neighbors, Wallace and Konnie, and played with Rosie in the lake until she was totally exhausted. She is getting used to her life jacket and I think she looks pretty cute in it! I was thankful she had it on because the first time I got in the water she bailed off the dock after me. After that, she was a bit more skiddish about jumping in but the life jacket popped her right up!

Rosie got the hang of swimming though and really liked it. She also rode the jet ski and boat! It was so much fun to watch her have these new experiences. On our way back today we stopped by Silverock Cove to look at the new mountain pool. It is beautiful! I'm so proud of what my brothers have created.

27 Celebrations

This Sunday I turn the ripe old age of 27. Last night I celebrated with some of my favorite people: Jackson, my brother Carter, my brother Scott, and my sister-in-law Rebecca. We went to Bottega for dinner and I drank my share of their delicious orange things. While I love to have orange things while out, here is the recipe in case anyone might want to try them at home!

Ingredients:

2 cups ice

1/4 cup vodka

2 TBS orange liqueur

1/4 cup fresh orange juice

Garnish with orange slice

Preparations:

Combine the first four ingredients in a martini shaker. Cover with lid, and shake until thoroughly chilled. Remove lid and strain into a chilled martini glass. Serve immediately. Garnish, if desired.

Watch out they're dangerous!

Today, we are riding to ATL to see the "Tiger Bowl" and hopefully watch Auburn win their first game of the season! War Eagle. I bought some new AG burnt orange jeans just for the occasion. They not only look festive for an auburn game, but will be cute for transitioning into fall.

• On Sunday, we are heading up to the lake and taking our sweet Rosie girl! We can't wait to watch her play in the water. Here she is in her life jacket ready to go!

Happy Labor Day weekend!!