First Snow.

Oklahoma got a little bit of snow (finally) last week.  The snow melted within a day. I don't think we are going to be getting anymore anytime soon.

Covered the patio quite well.

Not too bad for a first and possibly final snow.

This time last year, we had already experienced two blizzards, the coldest temperatures on record, and three days off of work. Funny how weather in Oklahoma works.

Ready for Spring!
-Jack and Kayla

An Angel Came Down.

My mom, Jack and I spent an evening with who my mom and I consider are best friends in December - Trans-Siberian Orchestra. We know them by name, we know their songs by heart, and maybe we tend to sort of dance to the music when we are by ourselves.

I have come to love this tradition. It was my sixth time to see them. The Christmas Story (the beginning part of the show) is always the same with a few minor adjustments. This year, some of the vocalists were different (three friends didn't tell us they would not be here). A new song, new vocalists - same awesome show and a great night.

The show starts with the song "An Angel Came Down" (hints the blog title). They end the show with a short version of Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12/24), which is the video above.

My mom took a lot more pictures and videos than I did. 

Part of the stage lowered and was right in front of us. This is Angus and Andrew.

Their hair is long and it shines.

I think they enjoy their jobs.

We can't wait for them to be in Oklahoma City. Next December. Until then...
TSO rules.
-Jack and Kayla

Decorating the house

Although it's our second technical Christmas in this house, I'm saying it's our first. If you recall, we closed on our house December 15, 2010, then a short 3 days later left for Colorado, then 5 days later returned for a few days prior to Christmas, then heading to Norman and Duncan (the city). Every minute in between was spent  packing and not decorating our first Christmas. So, we are making up for it this year. Big time.

My Spode, one of most favorite gifts. I didn't like receiving it as a 10 year old, but golly, I love it now.

Our new tree skirt.

Our first tree!!

Up close. We love this tree.

 New stockings and garland. Jack's Nutcrackers.

Here are the other Nutcrackers. Jack says he gets one every year, however I am only counting 18 - therefore there could be 6 nutcrackers on the run....

Our small Spode tree from my Grandma. This guy served as our tree last year.

Our Nativity. Joy to the world!

So the inside is totally ready, and our outside is too!

It's much better in person. We are hoping to add some red and green lights as our lights by the garage. Oh, and garland around the front door.

We are super excited. And maybe I have named a room in the house the North Pole. You know, a room to wrap, sing loud, and be all Elf like (oh, note to self: watch Elf!!!).

Plus, we are seeing Trans-Siberian Orchestra this weekend with my mom. It's our Christmas tradition and I love it. I may or may not be trying to memorize all their songs prior to Saturday. It's hard to recall them each year, since you only listen to them once a year.

We hope you are getting ready for Christmas (and I hope you are staying warm and stress-free!). 

Now, we just some snow...
-Jack and Kayla

Blizzard 2011, Part 2 (Not so blizzardy)

I am starting to forget what it is like to work on a Wednesday. This crazy Oklahoma weather has been quite entertaining. I believe our weatherman said it has been the second snowiest month in Oklahoma history. This storm wasn't as blizzard like, but it did have dangerously cold wind chill values. Here are some progression pictures from this part two storm.

Night Before - back patio.

Morning - back  patio

Morning - front planter

Night before - front planter

We had some huge snow flakes this morning!

Snow drift in the front. Last week's drift never fully melted. Now, it will be here until my birthday.

Before the storm. In the Homeland parking lot.

Ugh, my car is making a horrendous mess in the garage.

 

Duncan Dog, he just loves snow!

Just like Will Rogers once said "If you don’t like the weather in Oklahoma, just wait and it will change."

 Looks like my first Wednesday back to work will be a sunny, mild day.


Happy Wednesday - from the almost stir crazy and someone needs to stop baking treats,
-J&K


(PS. I am about to go dip my cake balls into their chocolate goodness.)

Blizzard 2011 Continues..

We haven't left our house in two days! We have been productive, both inside and outside. Yesterday, Jack got his tools our and mounted the TV in the living room. 

Finding the studs with his new stud finder.

 While I am not ready to put holes in the walls, I was ready for these holes. In fact, I left the room. I could still hear the drill.... but I knew Jack had it under control.

It looks great! Next up, trying to wire everything.

Today, we ventured outside the house. We bundled up and played with Duncan a little bit. Jack shoveled the driveway (some of our new neighbors came over to help! what a blessing!)

Loves LOVES the snow.

Super Dog - He can do anything with the squirrel Frisbee!

Just having fun!

The sidewalk is... well, somewhere.

Here's some of the fun we had -

While Jack was working hard at shoveling (and mingling with the neighbors), I baked cupcakes (naturally).

Working on my decorating techniques.

Just some fun designs.

I had leftover icing and I wanted to fulfill my dream to make a rose! Not too bad for my first rose.

I think we are excited to get out of the house tomorrow, even if its to go to work. We have had a fun two days of snow! However, I think I heard another "arctic blast" coming this weekend... I have mixed feelings about cheering on springtime (springtime = allergies, allergies = miserable Kayla), but we are ready for some warmer temperatures!

 -jack and kayla

Blizzard 2011

The thunder-snow has stuck in Oklahoma City! Jack and I went to bed last night knowing my work was canceled and his had a delayed start. We could hear the sleet hitting our windows as we drifted asleep. Morning comes, Jack's office is closed, and we have snow drifts already at 3 feet! The high today is 11; but the wind chill is -15!

The patio is lightly dusted with snow.

Duncan loves the snow, but he agrees the wind makes so cold. (He is inside today; he just went outside for a brief moment to take care of his business).

Drifts along the fence.

Our sidewalk... is about 3 feet below the snow.

Our front porch, not too horrible.

The best drift I have seen since... Christmas 2009.

Backdoor drift. Duncan trampled it.

We are so blessed to have power, heat, lots of food, and weathermen guiding us through this Blizzard.
Stay warm Oklahoma, and stay inside!!

-Jack and Kayla