Passages

I know it's not as noteworthy as economic news or the Oscars, but I noticed that Audrey no longer has a diaper bag/backpack accompanying her to pre-school every day. Nope. No more lugging all that paraphernalia around. A small Dora The Explorer tote bag with a snack and container of juice. Her little butt hardly keeps her jeans up without a diaper. She's a little girl with a mind of her own- not a baby anymore. Last night's conversation at Gatti-town:
Me: Audrey, are you my princess?
Audrey: No, I'm Audrey Spiderman!
Me:I think you are Audrey the Princess.
Audrey: No, you are Cherie 'Colla and I'm Audrey Spiderman!

More Family Festivities

My great nephew Eric David was baptised this past weekend. This is my brother Eric's handsome family with wife Barbara, son David, Dave's wife Jenessa and two grandchildren. Also my Mom - she's always in the front row :) Very proud of my family!

Good weekend for Papa John!

This weekend was JP's granddaughter's - Ellie - 2nd birthday. Also, his 6 month old grandson Grayson was dedicated in their church. A Proud Papa John!

Audrey on a Saturday

Dressed in her favorite Wall-E tee shirt, galoshes, and playing with Scuba Steve. Audrey on a typical Saturday....I love you Audrey Anne.

There's an elephant in my living room...

stuffed that is. One of Audrey's favorite toys. It wasn't here when I left Friday afternoon...neither was the super-clean-just-got-a-bath-and-brush Ella the Dog. Left town after a conference on Friday and now back late Sunday with early class in the a.m. Will share more about the weekend when I can catch 10 minutes. For now...sleep. Maybe with an elephant :) I love you Audrey Ann. Sorry I missed you.

Happy Darwin Day!

200 years ago he was born, 150 years ago he wrote what is, and will continue to become, one of the most revolutionary publications in science. I shall not venture into the realm of 'the controversy of evolution' because my friend, this exists only in America where religion sometimes steps into places that are inappropriate - and against the Constitution. Yes, even our Pope (and the ones that preceded him), the Council of Lutherans, Presbyterians, Rabbis...you name it, advise teaching evolution (and not creationism/intelligent design) in our classrooms. What I DID want to bring to your attention are some amazing websites where you can tour the Galapagos (my dream vacation), hear and see the wonder that is in science and appreciate what we have been given on this planet and beyond. Total awesomeness:
My colleague, Don Berkich's web page:
The infamous and hilarious Darwin Awards:
Articles for general public concerning evolution by Scientific American:
and last but not least, for you teachers, a great website with classroom activities, video clips -- lots of goodies!
Enjoy! Bake a cake! Kiss a land tortoise! Ya have to wonder what Charles Darwin would think about how far we have come in understanding science -- and how far we still have to go!

Courtney is a STAR!

Perhaps you remember this post about Annie's really, really good friend (and my practically adopted daughter) Courtney. Well, it turns out that my prediction on her star trajectory is indeed true! She has been nominated for the very prestigous Helen Hayes Award, You can see a video of her work here. Courtney, we love you - you are SO talented and will undoubtedly move on to GREAT things!!!!!!!!!!!

Grandpa wins!

According to the American Kennel Club, the Sussex Spaniel was among the first ten breeds to be recognized and admitted to the Stud Book when the American Kennel Club was formed in 1884, but it has existed as a distinct breed for much longer. As its name implies, it derives its origin from the county of Sussex, England, and it was used there since the eighteenth century as a field dog. Its short legs, massive build, long body, and habit of easily finding scent made the breed ideally suited to penetrating the dense undergrowth and flushing game. You can read all about what the ideal Sussex Spaniel should have in terms of size, coat, confirmation and even disposition -- or, you can save yourself the trouble and take a look at Stump, the Best in Show Winner at Westminister's show last night:

The uncontested champion of champions is 10 years old - yes, that's 70 in dog years!. As he confidently lumbered down the ring, he had more personality and charisma than any of his younger challengers and was easily the crowd favorite. Stump nearly died several years ago of a bacterial infection that literally poisoned his entire body. The fine Aggie Veterinarians at Texas A&M University literally brought him back to life. What a story - and what a dog!Stump will now re-enter retirement, take lots of naps, and do some frollicking with the lady dogs. Wouldn't we all like to have a dog's life :)

Putting on the Dog!

This is Uno. He won Westminister Kennel Clubs Best in Show award last year at Madison Square Garden. I loved him - a real crowd pleaser, adorable, perfect and not a foo-foo dog -- a real dog! As a kid, my brother and I spent nearly every weekend at dog shows as we had long haired dachsunds and then an Old English sheepdog that kept my mom running around the ring, winning ribbons, having a blast. We had litters of puppies and kept a few. Many great childhood memories wrapped up around our dogs. One of our dogs entered Westminister - he didn't win but looked great. Tonight is the second night of the show and now that all the group winners have competed, a new Best in Show Dog will be selected from the best of the best. Very exciting! However, I have choir practice, and am digitally recording the results....keep it a secret please :)

I really dislike vindictive people...

I have a sign on my door: Wag More, Bark Less. It's a lesson I teach my students as they try to cajole their students into succeeding in spite of themselves. Vindictive people always learn they hurt themselves more than the other guy. A sad waste of energy, don't you think?

Early Signs of Spring

This morning was perfection in being on the road... running with Ella, not a sound as the sun was not yet up, fog laying over sleepy school yards and empty park benches and a few souls wandering out front doors in bathrobes and slippers to pick up their newspaper. I love this time of day - it centers me for what is to come. This morning though, I stopped short when I noticed an ornamental pear tree... in FULL BLOOM. Yes, beautiful white blossoms. Very early blooming for this tree - perhaps the earth's warming has fooled nature into thinking spring is here. That's what the scientists have been telling us for over two decades. All I know is my heart lifted at the thought that spring is, once again, on it's way....

Pit Stops and Ice Cream!

Annie drove me to San Antonio to pick up Little Mac last weekend. This was especially nice of her in light of the fact that she has so little time off and also because Audrey, now out of diapers, had not had a real road test before. We had to take a few pit stops -- and this one included ICE CREAM!

Introducing --- LITTLE MAC!!

After my 12 year period of loyalty to Saturn (more about that later), I've purchased a new car. I love it! It can SCOOT!!! Great sound system, 6 speed manual transmission, great dials and gadgets and all kinds of stuff I'm still playing with. Suffice to say, I got exactly what I wanted -- all thanks to CarMax! My second purchase from this company and I TOTALLY recommend them. Yes, Dr. Mac will be seen revving around Corpus Christi and having a blast!!!! Oh - and I still have my Saturn. Oldest friends are often the bestest friends :)