Haircut Video

Tate's haircut video (watch it in HD on YouTube)

Bye Bye Baby Mullet

Given the current economic situation, people losing jobs at a record pace, and the value of the dollar shrinking every minute, Mel and I decided that this would be the perfect time to buy a house. Sure, I am not tenured and am going to get a pink slip in March and sure, we have baby #2 on the way, but hey...why not? We purchased a home in Dublin that we definitely could not have afforded had the economy not gone into the crapper. It is 1500 square feet, 3 bed, 2 bath. We are quite happy about it. We should be moving in sometime next month. Due to the fact that we are moving out of the canyon and joining the rest of civilization in town, we decided that we should cut Tate's mullet. It was a difficult decision, but after he was called a girl by some random stranger at the park, it was a decision we had to make. Below you will find some before and after pictures highlighting the whole event. He looks like a big boy now. It's sad/adorable. Enjoy.

Tate after eating PB&J

We haven't forgotten about you, #2

I feel like a neglectful father. Mel and I got the ultrasound for #2 a few weeks ago and I never posted the picture. Not that the picture is that exciting, but I suppose if #2 finds out that I posted Tate's ultrasound and not his/her picture, he/she will likely resent me forever.
So here he/she is. Mel and I will not be finding out the sex of the baby and yet again we will be keeping the name(s) a secret. We will be getting a 13-week sonogram so I will post those pictures when they are available. Tate is getting a lot better at walking (he's nearly as good as me now). He is saying a ton of words and we are enjoying his funny little personality. I am off to bed for now. Life is good. Exciting news coming soon.

Music-related news...
New mewithoutYou is called it’s all crazy! it’s all false! it’s all a dream! it’s alright and it will be out in April. I cannot wait!

Warm Like Summer

Mel, Tate, and I (Bauer too) took advantage of the warm winter weather and went on a hike yesterday with our fam and the Foster clan. It was splendid. I am excited to have a 3-day weekend. I will be ready for winter weather once school is back. I just finished my 2nd week as a full time teacher and am continuing to enjoy myself. The kids keep me on my toes but luckily, as one student put it, "{I} have a teenager's mind," which helps me keep one step ahead of them. I was told this after I caught a kid flipping another student off. I caught him when I had my back to him. Busted. Enjoy some pictures from the hike.

It's Alive

Mark your calendars for August 31st. Wait? That's the first week of school. Great timing. Perfect.

3 1/2 minutes with a 1 year old

Tate, Bells, & the Mirror from dan bowen on Vimeo.

Cheese

Big Brother

Tate is going to be a big brother. Melissa is due in August, but most of you already know this. We are both really excited to be adding another member t our family. Here is a fun video from Christmas morning as well as the picture that we showed everyone.

Christmas Morning Surprise from dan bowen on Vimeo.

Top Lists of 2008

Here are my lists of the year. Feel free to add your own in the comments section.

Top Albums of the Year
1. 4 Seasons EP's - Jon Foreman











2. Anti-Meridian - brave Saint Saturn











3. Even If It Kills Me EP - Motion City Soundtrack











4. Lost In The Sound Of Separation - Underoath











5. The Alchemy Index - Thrice










6. We Have Cause to Be Uneasy - Wild Sweet Orange










Bands of the Year

Brand New

Manchester Orchestra

Here are my top 10 songs of the year:
10. "Sour Milk" - Wild Sweet Orange
9. "Fell In Love Without You (acoustic)” – Motion City Soundtrack
8. “Point of Extinction (acoustic)” – Motion City Soundtrack
7. “In the Valley of the Dying Sun” – House of Heroes
6. “I Was a Lid” – Manchester Orchestra
5. “Wake the Sun” – The Matches
4. “Always Just Beneath the Dawn” – Brave Saint Saturn
3. “Come All You Weary” – Thrice
2. “Too Bright To See Too Loud To Hear” – Underoath
1. “Your Love Is Strong” – Jon Foreman

Honorable Mention:
“After Hours” – We Are Scientists
"No One Understands” – Bayside
“Paint & Picture” – Jonezetta
“On the Safest Ledge” – Copeland
“Breathe” – Anberlin
“The Beginning” – Showbread
“Desperate Times, Desperate Measures” – Underoath
“Northern Downpour” – Panic! At The Disco
“Homemade Valentine” – Children 18:3

Book of the Year
Rapture Ready - So good. One of the funniest books I have ever read. Great critique on Christian culture from an outsider's perspective.

Baby of the Year
Tate

Best of 2008

Over the past few days Melissa and I have compiled some of our favorite pictures representing our favorite moments of 2008. It took a bit to put this together but it was a fun way to reflect on what has transpired over the past 366 days (leap year) and it has helped to remind me of how fortunate we are. Mel and I have great friends, a great family, good jobs, and a loving and supportive church. We are pretty blessed.

Here are some of our favorite pictures from each month in 2008...

January

New Years in the Canyon
New Years dancing
VBC Leadership Retreat: Sleeping in the snow

February

Biggest Snow 2008 @ Hume Lake

March

MSM Service Project
Easter
Twain Hart

April

Melissa Foster's shower
VBC Anniversary Dinner

May

Mother's Day
Swimming lessons

June

My 1st Father's Day

July

Finished Master's and Credential
The fair
MSM @ the Pine's Ranch for the 4th

August

Deej & Emily's wedding

Mel's 27th
Rocky Votolato Show
Flory's cabin
MSM All-Nighter

September

Tate's first A's game

October

Las Trampas
Tate turned 1
Yosemite
Halloween

November

Neon Night @ the MSM
Turkey Bowl 2008

December

Chris popped the question

We have a lot to look forward to in 2009: Justin and Mandie's wedding, Chris and Ashley's wedding, Nick and Sheri's wedding, a new house (hopefully), and perhaps another little surprise. Have a great new year!