Super Proud Momma

This is my (very handsome!) son Scott. He starts classes on Monday at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine. He's made this happen on his own. Going back and repeating courses that he didn't care about in college to raise his GPA. Literally locking himself up for five months and studying for the Medical College Admissions exam (MCAT) - a hugely competitive process and very, very difficult examination. He's a veteran, was a Marine stationed in Iraq and slept in the sand during his tour there - discipline is not a problem. He will be Dr. McCollough in four years, God willing. That makes three Dr. McCollough's in our family. But this is my son...I can't believe it. I am so proud and so thankful - and just the thought of graduation brings tears to my eyes. I love you Scott - you have made your Momma so very, very proud!!!

Beach Day!

I was super impressed by my niece's photo montage of their vacation at a beach in Maryland. Then I realized I had not been to the beach all summer - I live 20 miles away from one of the prettiest beaches along the Gulf Coast and I haven't been. So, I texted Annie and we made a date for today.

Following an awesome lunch on Padre Island of freshly made guacamole and awesome burgers, off we went. Audrey was a little on the tired side -- it was naptime you understand. But, once we hit the water and she got busy with her shovel she was fully awake and singing - quite literally - and squeeling with joy. It was a great day!



Audrey and her favorite Spiderman cap -- and a smile that lasted allll day.


Annie looks great -- lots of Pilates and a great smile!


My favorite beach babes ---


Did I mention the smile lasted all day??!


Two red bottoms taking it in -- just beautiful!Thank you Annie and Audrey for letting Grandmomma get her feet sandy and enjoy the fun!

Out With The Old...

Spring cleaning in July. Hot, hot, hot! Clothes that are too big (yeah, cool huh!), things I've been holding onto for too long, dust that has settled in places where I've forgotten to look or have chosen to ignore. It's been a busy day. I think I filled a dumpster all by myself. On the last trip out, I saw someone left a really nice reptile/small mammal tank. Wood shavings were still inside. I remembered raising Guinea pigs and had a thought...but literally RAN away before the thought had too much room to grow. Still, they were awfully cute back then. George and Hershel. So fun...but no! Not today. Today is for cleaning out, packing away and hauling to Goodwill. Making room for upcoming trips, some new clothes, guests, a cool party in August and...no telling. Still I'm wondering if Goodwill would like a really nice reptile/small mammal tank complete with wood shavings....

Vacation!!!!!!!!!!

Yeah...that's me. Another lifetime ago.
I haven't been scuba diving in 8 years...in spite of the fact that I spent countless hours and money to become a PADI certified scuba instructor. Yeah,open water diver, rescue diver, advanced open water diver, divemaster, assistant instructor, and then instructor. I loved it all. Chalk it up to life changes and moving to places without water or...just didn't fit in with agenda. Well, I booked a trip today. Going by myself. CAN'T WAIT.

Bring on the corals, turtles, octupus, fish, the sponges, the jellies, the marine mammals, sharks, rays, thousands of fish swimming in formation. The cuttle fish, mantas, soft and hard corals that are struggling to survive. I want to see the eels, ghost shrimp, flamingos tongues, puffer fish. I have missed the zen that you get when you breathe from a regulator and float with incomprehensible beauty and fight tears as you take in the surroundings. You know about forests on earth? There are forests in oceans that are sooo beautiful, and are, sadly, disappearing. I cannot express how excited I am to explore the oceans after a way too long hiatus.

Ohhhh man. I will need two tanks I am SOOOOOOOOOO excited!

Thought for the Day

"All endings are simply preludes to new beginnings." - Anonymous

One day at a time....

Disneyland and Party at Jen's~!

I'm a little behind in blogging -- but here are some pics from a trip that Annie, Audrey and me made to California to see Aunt Jen in San Diego. A visit to Disneyland was followed by a party that Jen had at her place -- this girl does know how to throw a party!











Time to clean up and get ready for a paaaarrrtttyyyy!!! Jen had bunches of folks over and also sold a bit of jewelry as she does this on the side when she's not flying helicopters :)






Note Minnie Mouse resting on the couch :)
We had sooo much fun - can't wait to go back for another visit!!!

Summer Bridge Program

For two weeks, we had "rising" (going-to-be) 9th grade students from smaller districts join my preservice teachers to learn some biology. It was a LOT of work, but totally worth it for all involved. Here are some pics of biology at it's best:
Crayfish - in Louisiana these are crawdads and people are quite fond of eating them!
Close-up of earthworm. Can you tell if it's male or female?? hee hee Group earthworm dissection...love the looks on some of these faces. The (smelly) perch. More perch. Sheep's heart - just a bit smaller than a human heart. Not very fragile, they really don't break, but sometimes it sure feels like they do. Starfish - very cool critters.

When it was all over, reflections written by my students had them amazed at what they learned - not only about life science, but about high school students. It was an incredible experience!!

Happy Independence Day!

Remembering the cost of freedom and appreciating those men and women who work tirelessly every day, in the most God-forsaken places, to make sure we remain free. God bless our wonderful America!

Last class day ... and ...Elizabeth is in town!

My mom, my niece Elizabeth and my brother (Elizabeth's Dad) Eric. Yup, Little Bits as she hates to be called is in Texas from Northern California, hence the photo of three generations of Phillips. Oh, and of course there is Mom's dog Allie - she is so sweet. Such a handsome family!

And, today was the LAST day of summer session!!! Very exciting to think of spending time with friends and family, writing some publications with colleagues, and generally having some reflective time, including some beach time! This is my first summer session off in NINE years!!! Whoo hooo!