Christmas Eve

Go to sleep on Christmas Eve? ...

I don't think so!

Week 13

Wow, what another busy week for Lauren. Two of the highlights are below.

Lauren got to experience her first live basketball game and is already a big fan. As you can see by Lauren's reaction in the picture - the Harding Lady Bison already had the game well under control, so Lauren took a nap.

Lauren was also really excited to see Joel, Kelly, and Jesse Odell. FUN FACT: They were our first visitors at the hospital to see Lauren. The Odell's were walking into our hospital room when Lauren made her first noises out of the womb. Of course they didn't get very far since our outstanding nurse bull rushed them and politely shoved them out into the hall. :) Good times.

Lauren and Jesse both did a great job behaving while we all went to eat at Doc's Grill. Then we all went and visited Harding's campus to see the impressive Christmas light display and for the Odell's to see the newly renovated Heritage Center (the building my office is located).

Week 12

Lauren had a great week 12. She also just had a doctor's appointment today that we will post about later. The first and third pictures are of Lauren being her normal sweet self. The second picture is of her being entertained by here uncle State.

Week 11

Amy was here for the beginning of Lauren's week 11. She was kind enough to act interested in seeing Steve's office at Harding and to even ask questions about my job. We all know she was only here to see Lauren. :)

As you can see, Lauren was happyAmy came to visit. And yes Lauren did leave something with Aunt Amy for her to remember Lauren, but due to this bloggers respect for Amy I will not post any further evidence of said mark....BUT IT WAS A GOOD ONE!

What do you do after hosting so many family and friends during your first 11 weeks of life? That's right - you cuddle up tightly with mommy and suck your thumb.

We love you Lauren!

Week 10

Todd was still here for the begining of Lauren's week 10, so another picture of the two was in order.















Aunt Amy made the long trip to visit Lauren and it was all everyone could have hoped for. Lauren loved spending time with Amy, as she has with her other aunt and uncles. Amy's visit was full of hugs and kisses by Lauren, but we are sure her experience of riding in a 4 wheel drive truck in Arkansas had to be her highlight of the visit. :)

Does Lauren Have Personality?!

Week Nine

Another great week in Lauren's life. We are so glad that Lauren and her uncle Todd were able to meet each other for the first time. The picture obove is of Karen, Lauren, and I all empathizing with each others flu's. Yes, Lauren got to experience her first viral infection this past week. Todd did an outstanding job with Lauren and also was a tremendous blessing to Karen and me.

Thank God...Every Time

I thank my God every time I remember you.

Philippians 1:3

Little Buckeye

So Lauren got to experience her first OSU-UM game this past weekend. She put on her lucky shirt and lacey headband for the big game before we headed over to Dustin & Ginger's house to watch the game.

UM got off to a fast start and OSU was in trouble right away.

But OSU wouldn't give up that easily! We are always up to a good fight.

As usual, OSU won the game and is on top of the collegiate football world.
The way things are shaping up Lauren may get to experience her second OSU-UM game on Jan. 8, 2007, in the title game of the Bowl Championship Series at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. Whether UM has the chance to get beat by OSU again or not, we know the #1 rated Buckeyes will be ready to play on January 8. GO BUCKS!

Week 8 - Daddy's home!

The pictures below show Lauren and I spending time together after being away from each other overnight for the first time in her life. In 4.5 days this week I had 8 events and drove over 2000 miles, but the most difficult thing was spending time away from the two special girls in my life. The events were fun and successful, thanks for asking. Hopefully, from this point on, Karen and Lauren will be able to travel with me on business trips. Lauren likes to travel and Karen seems to like me so it should be lots of fun spending more time together on the road.

Speaking of the road - we will be staying home over the Thanksgiving holidays for the first time in a very long time; normally we would be traveling to visit family. We miss all of our family and friends tremendously and look forward to seeing each of you as soon as possible.

Lauren's Week Seven

Week seven in Lauren's life was filled with a whole lot of first time experiences. Among the many "firsts" that she had she especially loved getting to meet her great uncle Dave, great aunt Cheryl, and cousin Shane.




Another one of many "firsts" for Lauren was getting to experience the IHOP in Searcy, AR. "Grammy" & Grandpa McMorries came by in their new motor home for breakfast last Sunday. We all had a good time. Lauren enjoyed her first ride in a motor home, but mostly just loved the attention!





Note for Heather Keene: Karen & Lauren love the customized homemade diaper bag you had made for Lauren. Karen asked me to post this particular picture to make sure you saw the bag in use. :)

Home Sweet Home

We all made it home safely. Texas is much better when I travel with my two girl's. We had alot of fun together. It was especially nice for us to visit with Dave, Cheryl, & Shane again; it's been a long time since we have all visited together.

It is late so I am going to bed, however there will be more information about our trip to come. Have I mentioned we have pictures too? :)

Hope to see you back here soon!

We aren't in Arkansas anymore

The girl's and I are traveling together this week in Texas. We are having a great time, and Lauren is already a pro at traveling. Pictures to come soon.

Lauren's Sixth Week

Lauren loves to cuddle.

She also loves to give kisses!!

Lauren is so well mannered...

MOST of the time!!!

Happy Halloween

Here is Lauren resting before her big night of handing out candy.

She is such a cute bunny! Lauren was so committed to her character that she even had a cold nose.

We had some guests this past week!

Grandma Denise came down from Ohio for a few days. It is always good to see her.

"Future uncle-in-law", as he put it, Rex Harsin stopped by while visiting town. He is the uncle of Jesse Odell, son of Joel & Kelly.

Lauren's Fifth Week

Here is a picture from Lauren's fifth week. She is growing alot already, she is still as sweet as can be. We love her so much!!


(Picture: The drool is easily explained by Lauren's intense desire for her first steak)

Happy Birthday!

State is 21 years old, Lauren is 4 weeks old, & mom acts like she's 14 years old today. :)
We love you all so very much. Thank you for making everyday a fun day.

Supporting our youth

So last night was my first trip away from Karen and Lauren. Luckily it was only a few hours, but it seemed like several days away from my two favorite girl's. Dr. Burks and I attended a Harding alumni reception that was organized and hosted by Waterview Church of Christ in Richardson, TX. The reception was very well attended by more than 70 people who attend Waterview church and have ties to Harding University. It is evident that this church cares about their youth and also firmly believes in higher Christian education. There are currently over 28 students at Harding from Waterview, more than any other church that I am aware of.

So here is a church that supports, encourages, and trains their youth and promotes higher Christian education. Why is it that they are the exception instead of the standard? Do you believe Christians: 1) see the benefits of Christian education 2) do enough to help our youth make informed decisions about secular & Christian universities?


Picture: Warren Shepherd, Harding alum, is the Junior High Youth & Family Minister at Waterview Church of Christ.

Introducing Lauren Olivia Young

Lauren Olivia Young was born on September 21, 2006. She weighed 6'15" and was 20 inches long. Lauren is very patient, sweet, active, loving. She loves to cuddle and especially loves to eat! We are all so thankful for the many many many blessings that God has bestowed upon Karen, Lauren and me through family through friends and family over the past several weeks. May God bless each of you 100 fold for your kindness.