Once upon a time in Waterford, Michigan, there was this boy named Timothy James Higgins.  Tim had grown up in Michigan his entire life.  He graduated from high school in 1990 and decided to join the Army for college money.  After basic training, he was sent to Germany, where he spent several years learning how to blow stuff up.  While Tim was playing G.I. Joe, his mom was transferred to Florida.  Upon leaving the Army, Tim decided it was best to go to Florida where his mom was.  He quickly applied to the University of Florida and began working on an engineering degree.  A couple of years into the degree and much hard-work, Tim realized he really wanted to be a teacher.  As he had a large majority of math credits, Tim decided to get a B.S. in mathematics.  (We pause for a flash back...hum appropriate music here)

Once upon a time in Middleburg, Florida, there was a girl named Kelly Jeanne O'Day.  Kelly had grown-up partially in Canandaigua, New York, and partially in Middleburg, Florida.  She graduated high school in 1991 and began college at FCCJ.  She spent 3 years there milking her full scholarship working towards a degree in microbiology to become an M.D. She decided to continue her education at the University of Florida, in Gainesville.  After a few semesters of "finding herself" she realized she really didn't want to be a doctor.  Education was where her heart was.  As she had a majority of math credits, she decided to become a math teacher and pursued her BS in mathematics.  (flash...don't know where...add music you feel is appropriate)

Oddly enough this young man and this young woman never had any math classes together.  This is a strange thing in the math world at Gatorland.  However, in August of 1997, Tim Higgins and Kelly O'Day both started their teacher training in the College of Ed's ProTeach program.  (Enter reporter interviewing Kelly and Tim about what they remember of their first meeting...20/20 music...or whatever you feel best humming)

KELLY:   "Well, I remember standing in the corridor outside our first class.  I spotted this guy sitting down on the ground with a worn and tattered Red Wings ball cap, a sports jersey and shorts reading Catch 22.  I was thinking, oh, he is probably one of the English ProTeachers, but boy isn't he a cutie.  Then when our professor came to let us in, he got up and walked in the door.  I was shocked.  I thought, 'I am going to date this guy.'  I even remember telling my two best college buds, Kristy and Kelsey, that I had a major crush on him."

TIM:  "I don't really remember much.  I'm not good with details."

So they went through their year of graduate school slowly becoming friends.  As time approached to find a job as math teachers, Tim talked Kelly into applying in Palm Beach County.  He decided to accept a job on the spot at the Teacher Fair held at UF.  Kelly interviewed and put some intense thought into this decision.  After several visits to Palm Beach County, Kelly decided, "I will move."  (Enter crying Mom and sister...)

After graduation on August 8th, 1998, Kelly and Tim set out for their new homes in West Palm Beach.  They were excited about their jobs as first year teachers at Jupiter High School.  They began their jobs, working long, hard hours, dedicated to the kids.  Their friendship grew and in September of 1998 they began "dating".  (sappy music playing here!)

After realizing they were in love, sometime in 1999, Tim asks Kelly to move in with him and his doggies (Park and Dolby).  Kelly agrees and on June 23, 1999, they move in together.  Things progress smoothly while living together and life is grand.  ("I have never been happier" says Kelly)

As Christmas approaches, Kelly asks Tim what he wants for Christmas-Tim asks Kelly.  "Just a surprise weekend away from home for the two of us.  You plan it and just let me know what to pack," is Kelly's response.  This "two days away" turns into a 6 day vacation "to some place cold".  Tim plans everything.  On December 26th, at 7pm, they board a plane heading for Detroit.  They arrive late and get their rental car.  Tim drives Kelly to Waterford, Michigan (where he grew up...scroll back to beginning if you have forgotten already!!!!)  He shows her all of his old houses and schools, places he worked, etc...  The next day, they drive to East Lansing, Michigan, to visit Michigan State University ("Go Spartans," Tim says) where Tim would have attended college if fate hadn't worked its magic.  They also go to visit his family, The Comptons and newly married cousin, Mary.  They spend several hours catching-up and reminiscing in his Aunt Sharon's and Uncle Tom's cozy house.  Late that evening, they drive into Canada, staying in Windsor (later to find out, the birth place of Kelly's maternal grandmother).  The next day, they brave the heavy snow (well Tim does!) and drive to Niagara Falls, Canada.  Tim has arranged for a hotel overlooking the horseshoe falls!!!  The weather is very cold and it snows all night.  Being foolish tourists, they decided to explore the "Honeymoon capital of the World".   They try their luck at Casino Niagara...remembering quickly what it is like to lose money and decide to dine at a Chinese Restaurant.  (They have the restaurant to themselves as no local in their right mind would be out in that weather.)  Kelly's fortune says, "Answer just what your heart prompts you."  She keeps it as a souvenir as it is in English and French.  The next day, they awake to a gorgeous view of the falls and beautiful snow covered land.  They drive to Clifton Hills and walk around, visiting the falls and realizing just how darned cold it is!  They go to the Skylon to play some video games and make the treck back to the car.  They have a great lunch at a German restaurant...so Tim could reminisce of his Army days in Germany.  Then they retire to the hotel for a little R & R.  Tim has made reservation in the Revolving Dining Room in the Skylon for 9pm.  Kelly calls her Grama in Buffalo, New York, to confirm their lunch plans for tomorrow.  She forgets some of the directions and tells Kelly she will call her right back.  Kelly decides to cuddle with Tim while she is waiting.  They discuss the days events and she thanks him for a wonderful vacation.  He says, "The only thing that would make this vacation better is if Kelly would be my wife," and slides a ring down her arm.  Speechless, Kelly looks at the ring, excited, ecstatic, overwhelmed.  After a few seconds with no answer, Tim asks, "Yes?  No?  Maybe?  What?"  Composing herself, Kelly says, "Yes, of course, YES!!!"   So at 5:30pm on December 29, 1999, Kelly Jeanne O'Day becomes Timothy James Higgins' fiancee!!!  (show fireworks and celebration music!!!)

So to make a long story short...as is probably a little late now... Tim and I are engaged and wanted you all to know.  We are planning a Summer 2000 wedding and will keep you posted as to the details!

Hope everyone had as wonderful a holiday season as us!  Best wishes for a great 2000!

Love,
Kelly & Tim