It's the end of the year as we know it...

...and I feel fine.

2007 is on the books and I'm pretty sure it was the most event packed year of my life.  I started the year with no idea that by its close I would be preparing for a new child, saying goodbye to UT and SRP, living in a new state, shooting fifteen weddings, taking a new job, driving a new car, living debt free, introducing myself to the world of Apple computing, and waking up to ice and snow every now and then.  I get tired just typing all of that.

I suppose now is the time when I'm supposed to reflect on all of that, and I guess that I have to an extent.  However, 2008 is staring me right in the face.  Hopefully, it will be a little less stressful than 2007, but I cannot image it being easier.  Two kiddos!  

Noah is supposed to arrive by the 21st of January, and Beth is already feeling the crunch.  We are nearing completion of the nursery, but there always seems to be more to do.  We painted the walls a nice shade of khaki.  They were originally neon yellow, but Beth was pretty sure that the glowing walls would keep Noah awake at night.  We've hung a few frames, put up the crib and changing table, and gotten his clothes and bedding washed in preparation for his arrival.  (Beth has also been working on getting our suitcase packed for the hospital).  Me?  I'm trying to get all of our video from 2005, 2006, and 2007 archived and put onto DVD before Noah arrives so that I do not lose hope of getting caught up.

I'm really looking forward to this next chapter in our lives...Happy New Year!!!

Christmas Wrap-up

Christmas Morning

Christmas 2007 has come and gone (yes, all the decorations are already in the attic).  January 21st (Noah's due date) is quickly--way too quickly--approaching.  Beth is scheduled to be induced, so he should be here by then or sooner.  It's hard to believe that it's that close.  

Lauren has been busy.  She loves to play with her baby dolls--she puts them in their crib with blankets on them, feeds them, burps them, and changes their diapers.  Her favorite baby right now is Baby Moses--she named him after a little bath toy she has of baby Moses.

Her favorite Christmas gifts were her lamb and her castle.  She is always trying to get one of the grown-ups to go sit in her castle...or Meshach if he's available.  Lauren had a great Christmas, and I think she understood more of it than I thought she would.  She definitely understood the opening presents part.  On the day after Christmas, she woke a little early and on our way to the kitchen she said, "Presents?  Santa Claus?"  It was cute.

Here are some images from Christmas day (above).

The Netherworld...

Have you ever thought about the period between Christmas and New Year's?  To me, it is a bizarre conflux of endings and beginnings.  Such is life, I suppose, but I'm certainly in a melancholy and distant mood.

Lauren had a fantastic Christmas--got everything she wanted and more.  It is hard not to spoil that child.  She is so incredibly intelligent.  A couple of weeks ago, we were sitting on the couch and out of nowhere--no coaching or anything--she counted from one to ten.  I was sitting right there, absolutely astounded.  Maybe I shouldn't have been so surprised to hear that she spelled her name today...while I was at work no less.  I hate missing stuff like that.

I'm sitting at Jude's Java Cafe having some lunch, a little cream spinach soup and a turkey sandwich, and watching people come and go.  Beth, Lauren, and Mary are on their way back from Tulsa and BabiesRUs.  They got a few items that we were missing in anticipation of Noah's arrival (no later than Jan 21st--Beth is scheduled to be induced then).  

The weather is pretty miserable today.  It's about 35 with a light drizzle.  The sky is a rather drab shade of gray and reminds me that I'm being melancholy.  

I guess mostly I just missed seeing my mom and dad (and everyone else from Arkansas). My prayer is that everything works out so that we get to see you guys sooner than later.  

On a brighter note, my friend Clayton FINALLY updated his blog.  Thanks man.  

50, 33, & 24

The big 5-0.  George turned fifty today, I turned 33 on the 17th, and John turns 24 on the 27th.  We started the day by opening birthday gifts, eating blueberry muffins, and watching Zoe try to eat a squirrel on the deck.  The sun was shining and the snow didn't last long.

Beth and I headed to church for nursery service.  As much as I love Lauren, I don't do as well with other folks' kiddos.  Being in a room full of toddlers is intimidating to say the least.  Thank goodness Becca was there to help or I would have been in trouble.  

After church we headed to the house where the Ledbetters had already heated up the tortilla soup and hot tamales.  John and I tried our hand at Halo 3 (I'm terrible--it's only been about 5 years since I played video games and my coordination just ain't what it used to be).  

Around 4:30 we packed up and went to Casa Viva, formerly Casa Bonita.  When I was a kid, it was a really big deal to get to go to a movie in the Cinema 150 in Little Rock.  Before the movie, we would always eat at the Casa Bonita which was just across the parking lot.  I vividly remember going to see Superman and Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan with Mom and Dad.  My memories of Casa Bonita are of caves, the flag, sopapillas and the treasure chest.  As it turns out, George used to work at the Casa Bonita in Tulsa and this was too good an opportunity to pass up.  

It was with slight trepidation of eating Mexican food for the third time in two days that I drove the family to Tulsa.  I was pretty impressed that we were able to fit six adults and one baby + baby seat into the vehicle at the same time!  When we pulled in to the Casa Viva parking lot, it was evident that it was closed.  The sign on the door said "Closed No Power."  I know it was disappointing for George because he'd really wanted to see it again after all this time.  

At this point, it was getting late enough that we needed to get Lauren some food.  We were fortunate to find a Flemings to eat at in Utica Square off 21st street.  Mary went in to see if they would let us in as we hadn't exactly dressed up.  After getting seated, I looked at the menu and immediately realized I wouldn't be paying for everyone's dinner...

I broke away and found our waiter, Justin, and told him that we were celebrating three birthdays, one being a 50th.  He said that he would take care of things.  Our food arrived and it was, for lack of a better word, magnificent.  I got a 12oz filet mignon, just under medium.  WOW.  We ordered three plates of veggies to share: Flemings potatoes, cream corn (jalapeno style), and sugar snap peas.  

Pam's meal already came with a dessert and because there were three birthdays, Justin brought one of every dessert they had: creme brulee, cheesecake, blueberry cobbler, ice cream,  and chantilly cream and fruit.  This meal was in the top 3 all-time.  The food was great, but the company was even better.  I'm hoping this was the start of a brand new birthday/Christmas tradition.

I was so proud of Lauren.  She was on her best behavior through a 2.5 hour meal--not a small feat for a 21-month old.  The whole way home we commented how fantastic the dinner was.    When we got home, everyone went straight to sleep.

Walking in a winter wonderland...part deux

MawMaw and Lauren behind the house

G-Daddy walking the dogs...in his SHORTS!!!

Uncle John in the Blizzard

Lauren enjoying the falling snow.

Christmas card material...literally. :)

Winter is here, officially, and Mother Nature has done her best to add a little winter flare on this Christmas season.  We got about two inches of snow today--fortunately it started about an hour after the Ledbetter clan arrived.  I was worried that they might run into it on the way up from Austin, but they made it in safe and sound around 1pm this afternoon.

John and I ran to Wal-mart to buy an HDMI cable so we could play X-box 360 Halo 3 on the big screen.  It had just started snowing when we left.  On the way, I had the thought that Wal-mart on the Saturday before Christmas may not be the best place to be.  The crowds were definitely out in full force as we braved our way through the blizzard.  I think the whole town of Bartlesville was in the store.

We were able to locate the cord and get some paper plates before finding our way to the 10 items or less express lane.  For the ONE TIME IN MY LIFE, it was actually an express lane.  It took us, literally, one minute to check out.  I cannot believe we were so fortunate.  

I do want to make it perfectly clear that this one experience in no way lessens my hatred for Wal-mart.  Sam Walton would roll over in his grave if he knew how the store (when I say store, I mean the entire corporation) was being run.  In fact, he would probably spin fast enough to generate enough power to supply the nation of China, the very country Wal-mart now buys EVERYTHING from, with electricity.  It is really a shame that they have sold their capitalist soul to the communist devil.  How can a free market economy compete with slave labor without ultimately destroying the foundation upon which it was built???  Not to mention that their products are terrible.  I purchased four sets of bush lights from Wal-mart earlier this month and all four were defective.  If there was any reasonable way to not shop there anymore, I wouldn't.  However, it's pretty difficult to quit cold turkey when they're the only game in town and they're only 2 blocks from your house.  Owasso has a Target, but it's about 35 minutes away.  I wish they'd build one of those here (and a Chick-fil-A, too, please).

Of course, being residents of Texas, you don't get the opportunity to see much snow (unless you live over in the pan handle).  I'm from Arkansas, so I at least saw it on a regular basis as a kid, but it was really fun to watch everyone get excited.  Everyone wanted to go outside and get their picture taken, Lauren included.  Here are a few from this afternoon.

Winter Footage

More from the winter wonderland...

You really forget what it's like until you see it again.

O' Christmas Tree, O' Christmas Tree

This is currently Lauren's favorite Christmas song (along with Jingle Bells). She stood at the dining room window last night and sang O' Christmas Tree while looking at the big tree on our island (all lit up). It was really pretty cute.

Beth has nearly gotten the house ready for the holidays. We just need a few things from the store. We recently hired a sophomore from B-ville High to help out some in the afternoons when she gets out of class. She's really good with Lauren (took care of her in the church nursery).

We're dreaming of a white Christmas, but the weatherman isn't cooperating. Looks like it's going to be in the mid 40s on Christmas day, but the day after is calling for snow! G-daddy, Maw Maw, Uncle John, and Aunt Pam will be here in a couple of days. We're really excited to see everyone.

The Lake

One final image from the "snowstorm" last weekend.  This is what our backyard looked like.  I wish it could have waited until Christmas morning.  Looks like the forecast is calling for 45F and sunny.  It could be worse...

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!!!

If you take cumulative snowfall total from the 9+ years I lived in Austin and compared it to what we got yesterday, it's not even close...We got about 2 inches yesterday and Lauren really loves it.  Everything looks better blanketed in white.  

There is a certain excitement that accompanies the chance for frozen precipitation.  At least, as long as I can remember, I've always enjoyed the prospect of snow.  As I've gotten older, that enchantment has not waned.  Perhaps, in light of recent events, freezing rain isn't quite as exciting as it used to be, but certainly snow is everything that I remember.  Walking in the snow is a privilege that I do not take for granted.

There is something about the sound of complete silence, or rather the sound of snowflakes landing on the ground.  The world is quiet and good, and all seems right.  I'm sure it will be gone tomorrow, but for now I'm happy.

We woke up this morning to a winter wonderland.  Beth and Lauren surprised me with a birthday party!  

A Banana Republic wool coat.  Nice!

Skinning Dipping, Lewis Style

We decided to hit the hot tub tonight. Lolo wanted to go skinny dipping. It is about 28 degrees outside and the water felt really nice. Tomorrow should be an even better day for hot tubbing--it's supposed to snow. Of course I remember from the time I was a kid how the weather men like to exaggerate the amount of snowfall you're supposed to get. When they say 8 inches, you invariably get about 2. When they say 2, you either get none or you get 12. Fact of the matter is, they just don't know.

Here's a couple of photos from our hot tub adventure...Beth wanted me to point out that I DO have on clothes!!!

The Christmas Luncheon that wasn't...

Our staff Christmas luncheon was supposed to be at Chilis today--Chilis being the only major restaurant chain in town. We arrived, got seated, and were served the customary chips and salsa. By the time our drinks had arrived, the power went out. Of course everyone blamed it on me since we were without electricity for about 36 hours. We gave it about 20 minutes, but it didn't look like the power had any chance of coming back on, so we punted and got BBQ from Dinks. It's pretty good...not Rudy's good, but I liked it better than the Salt Lick.

Lauren fell yesterday around lunch. She was running to her potty and slipped. Her lip was pretty fat and she's got a bruised chin. It looks like she got in a fight. I just tell her to tell everyone, "You should have seen the OTHER girl." She still has an ear infection and the doctor said that if she had another one in the near future, she recommended getting tubes. That was a bit of a bummer. On a positive note, Beth's OB appointment went great. She gained a half pound over the last two weeks. The doctor said Noah had already turned the right direction. That was comforting because we thought he might be breached. She goes back in a couple of weeks (on the 26th).

Christmas is quickly approaching, and that means one thing. My birthday will be here before I know it. I'll officially be an old man. It is hard to believe that I'm going to be 33. Ten years ago, I graduated from the U of A and moved to Texas. That is hard to fathom.

Tomorrow is supposed to bring more of the white stuff. Last year around this time, B-ville had about 18" of snow on the ground. I'll bet Lauren would have loved it. I would have, too. As a kid, snow was about the most exciting thing that could happen. There was nothing better than staying up late to watch the 10pm news to see if your school was closed. We got about 16" in Pine Bluff in 1987. That made for a lot of snowmen.

I am still learning this Mac thing. Hopefully, I'll have some photos to post soon.

'night, y'all.

The Great Ice-Storm of 07

Oh, the weather outside is frightful, and our fire wasn't quite delightful, and since we had no place to go, we just screamed, "Oh no!" At least Beth did. What a crazy couple of days we've had. Sunday morning we woke to a light freezing rain and a little snow. Because Lauren wasn't 100% we decided to stay home and forego the regular church outing. It was a good thing, too, since we later found out they'd cancelled church. I can't ever remember church being cancelled anywhere else I've ever been. The weather forecasters had been calling for this wintery mix all week, so I thought it would be best to move our vehicle to the top of the driveway, which is pretty steep. Good thing, too, because the driveway was a solid sheet of ice.

To top it all off, the power decided to go out Sunday around lunch--and it's still off. When we left the house it was about 50F and d-a-r-k. We had to put the milk, the meat, and OJ on the table on the deck to keep it cool. So tonight, we packed up the family and went to our Sunday school leaders' house to keep warm. God truly blessed us--sometimes it's hard to realize, but it's true.

I'll post some photos when I can get them downloaded and I'm not freeloading on our friends' wireless.

iLife

My brother-in-law would be very proud of me right now if he knew I were typing this on a Mac...But, I know he has much better things to do, like study for final exams for law school. GO JOHN! We're praying for you to do well. Lauren really needs a rich uncle, because we all know that life is much better when there's one of those around.

My sincerest apologies for not writing sooner, but as you can well imagine the last few months have been hectic beyond belief. A new house, a new job, a new baby on the way...it just doesn't stop. But we're finally getting to the point where we feel a little more settled.

Beth's tummy is making all kinds of crazy motion as Noah's room to move keeps getting a little more cramped by the day. Last week, Beth had an ultrasound and the baby's heartbeat sounded great. Beth only gained a pound since her last visit and the doctor said everything was shaping up really nicely.

We've just about got the house ready for visitors. We have some lights in the front and in the back, but we didn't go Chevy-Chase on anyone this year. Last night was a lot of fun--even though Lauren is a bit under the weather we were still able to drive downtown to Kidde Park and see the drive-through trail of lights. Bartlesville is a small town, but I think there's a lot of money here as evidenced by some of the really nice holiday decorations the city is able to maintain. Anyway, Lauren has been a trooper through this whole ear infection ordeal, and sometime I think it's harder on the parent than it is on the kid.

Work is going fairly well--I have really enjoyed the change of pace and the change in scenery. I think I'm getting ready to be a lot busier, however, as the new year rolls around.

Photography has really taken a back seat as of late. I just haven't had enough time to do much. I have been taking a little more video, though. My new video camera is a lot easier to download to the computer, so hopefully, that will translate to more clips online. We'll see. I have to figure out how to use this Mac, first.

I suppose that's it for now.

Later, Gators.