I Thought the Groundhog was Lying...

Almost a month ago, when Punxsutawney Phil came out of his little hole and saw his shadow, I was sorely dissapointed at the prognosis. Given that most of the state of Arkansas had been devistated by severe ice storms, the prospect of more winter weather was not a kind prediction.

However, as temperatures began to rise over the past week, I became hopeful that the grounhog was mistaken. Just two short days ago temperatures were in the near 70's in Searcy...then everything changed.

I had heard rumblings about possible cold temps this weekend but I paid it no mind. However, as I prepared to leave for Lepanto, northeast Arkansas was being hammered with winter storms. My grandmother called to tell us she had some snow, but it wasn't till I got two-thirds of the way there that I realized how bad it was. The conditions on the road began to deteriorate and the last few miles were without a doubt the worst weather I have ever been in.

Once I was able to get in and relax I realized just how much snow had actually fallen. Let me just say that there are not many things in this world I love more than to watch snow fall. It was absolutely beautiful. Myself, Nicki, Anna-Kate, and Reagan (our dog) immediatly bundled up and went out. Reagan loved the snow...Anna-Kate was less enthusastic.

What a wonderful snowfall. It was the perfect consistency too!! Not too wet, not too dry, and without a doubt the deepest snow I have been in. About 10 inches had fallen as of 9 pm with more on the way. For an Arkansas boy, that is amazing. Snow in March, however, not unusual...it's Arkansas after all.

Expect pics soon!!!

25 or 6 to 4

I really couldn't come up with a good title for this post since it covers so much so I just used the title of my favorite song of all time.

Christmas was a blur for the most part. We spent time in Lepanto with my Dad's family which was a blast. I love the Kelsos (Dad's cousins). They're so much fun. We did a dirty Christmas present swap and our choice of a pig cookie jar worked out perfect for Steve who got stuck with it. Could not have been better. We went from there to Franklin for about a week and enjoyed a couple nights with Nicki's dad before spending a few days at her Grandparents. I finally got to meet Sara's man Jeremy and I absolutely loved him (in a completely heterosexually way of course). Finally we got back home to have Christmas as a family. By the time we got back I was fairly stressed with all the travel and ready for 2009.

We rang in the new year with my mom's family in Fayetteville. It was good to see them after a long time away. We spend the first day of the year with some good family friends, the Hankins. Steve Hankins was a college friend of Dad's at Harding and a former executive at Tyson Chicken.

After returning home we were blessed with the good news that T Lamarr was ready to hire Nicki full-time. I am so proud of her. She is such a true professional. She's up every morning at 5 and out the door by 6:15. I've even started getting up with her so we have more time together. It isn't all roses. We miss each other plenty but with me still busy with school it seems like it may get easier over time.

In addition to Nicki's career advancement, Little Miss Baby Cakes is growing like a weed. We don't have many new pics since Nicki left her camera in Franklin. She got a baby doll and she loves to hold it, rock it, feed it, etc. She is getting so mature and I am one proud daddy.

As for me, I'm finishing my final 6 hours of undergrad and am already doing some grad work. I hope to walk with my BBA in May and my MBA in 2010. I hope to have a job by May here in Searcy somewhere in the banking industry. I have become very facinated with it recently....yeah I'm a dork.

It's been tough lately watching all of my friends working and seeing Nicki having career success while I'm still in school. I'm so ready to be done. So far so good though, we are moving into that adult phase of our lives, family, jobs, and no Spring Break!!