Steps

It's been an incredible week. First, Annie and family (Audrey and cats) have been moved into their new apartment. Best part is - it is exactly 100 steps from my door to hers!! We had quite a time:

Rudy and his team were hired to move the majority of heavy stuff (read - save the back's of JP and Cherie) so they deftly parked below Annies 2nd story balcony and then:

placed a ladder below the balcony, where things were passed from the truck to the apartment. Saved years of negotiating stairways and hallways! We were done in 2 hours and Audrey was doing the happy dance in her new living room: It's so great having Annie and Audrey for neighbors!

Christmas was within two days of moving. Scott stepped in from North Carolina, Jen from San Diego, Mom from Houston area and of course my new neighbors stepped on over:

A favorite - kareoke microphone with a side of milk.

One of the perks of being almost 3 years old is having dessert first.

My Mom (Grammie) explaining the intricacies of Miss Potato Head (yes, she comes with shoes, purse and hats)
Christmas Dinner - the best part was having my family here.

The cook, my mom and Scott (JP's in the mirror :)

Three beautiful McCollough girls - Jen, Audrey and Annie - helping with opening gifts.

After dinner and gifts, Jen played the piano I have just purchased - a step I never dreamed would happen and am so glad to have back in my life. It was awesome - beautiful Jen playing beautiful music on the beautiful piano. My heart was so full!



Audrey listening to the piano


There were steps that led to an amazing experience -- 53 steps up to the choir loft to sing midnight mass. A 21 piece orchestra accompanied us -- it was AMAZING. Outstanding on all levels. Today (Saturday) after singing in a wedding we learned that we will be having a CD of our christmas music produced over the summer. So, the choir will be working hard on that. I can't wait! It's been 10 years since this choir produced a CD -- our director simply said, "Our repetoire has grown so much, it's time. Several corporate sponsors have already contacted me." Wow.

A beautiful Christmas, full of friends, family, love and worship. I am so blessed and so excited as we take new steps in 2009!

Lest We Forgot

For all those who are not with their loved ones because they made the ultimate sacrifice....




Readers may be interested to know that these wreaths -- some 5,000 -- are donated by the Worcester Wreath Co. of Harrington, Maine. The owner, Merrill Worcester, not only provides the wreaths, but covers the trucking expense as well. He's done this since 1992.Also, groups of Maine school kids combine an educational trip to DC with this event to help out. Making this even more remarkable is the fact that Harrington is in one the poorest parts of the state.

Thank you to Scott for sending.

Sweetest Voices - Sweet Day!

The piano was delivered and tuned today! I was told what a great deal ('steal' was the quote from the experienced technician) I got - but more importantly, how beautiful it looks - a perfect fit in the alcove that was obviously meant for it. It has been tuned, and played - by myself and then Audrey came over. She played Happy Birthday and Jingle Bells while singing. I was so filled with happiness -- some things really do come full circle. My Grandmother taught me to play, and the painting above the piano in the alcove was a gift from her and the frame matches the oak (camera phone - digital at office) perfectly. Audrey singing. Audrey playing. My heart is so full.

Music in the House!

I've had a piano since middle school when we moved into a house in New Jersey and the previous owner remodeled the basement after the piano was there - they couldn't move it out. My Grandmother, who called it a 'rattletrap' taught me to play when I was young. I loved it. Then, she bought me a little Wurlitzer upright when I was in college. I loved that too. Jen learned to play on that, and play she did. She started in kindergarten and played all the way through high school. We moved on to a Yamaha Concert Grand - a beautiful instrument that took up the dining room. Jen played it beautifully, and we had choir practice in there -- it was awesome. Years passed and it was time for the piano to move on, so it did - Jen has it now in California. So, I've missed not having a piano. Singing in the choir has REALLY made me miss it as I would love to play some of these pieces and practice -- and just play. Well, today I went and looked at this after finding it on Craig's list:



The price was reasonable, so today I went and checked it out -- perfect condition! Felts are in GREAT shape, looks new, keys all clean and well maintained. Needs a tuning. So, I bought a piano! I'm so excited!! Going to try to get it here by Christmas so Jen can play. And maybe some day I will give Audrey some piano lessons!

I can't wait!

P.S. - It's being delivered and tuned TUESDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The First of Many

Audrey had her Christmas Program at her pre-school today. Her Mommy is doing her clinical shift at the hospital today, so I substituted. It was hilarious, bringing in about 50 toddlers in single file to their seats. All wearing red and white Christmas hats, wiggling incessantly. Audrey found me in the audience and giggled every time she looked my way. They sang Jingle Bells, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, and We Wish You a Merry Christmas/Feliz Navidad. Not that I remember all this -- I'm looking at the carefully constructed program :) It was cute. I found out Audrey's room (10) is officially known as the Teddy Bear Room. And I also found some information about child that shes always talked about, a buddy. When I asked for a name, she would always say "Taco". Well, on the program his name is listed as Tucker. Makes more sense now. I'm glad I didn't walk up and say "Hi Taco!". Here she is - Tucker/Taco is in front, Audrey rear center:
And the traditional "stand in front of the Christmas Tree" pose:

And of course we had the traditional punch and cookies afterward:
It was fun, much more so than all these meetings I have today. I'm really glad I got to meet Tucker/Taco the Fellow Teddy Bear.

A Lesson Regarding Peace on Earth

My Mom sent this and I loved it: The mayor of Santa Barbara California videotaped this and sent it as his holiday greeting. Thought I would share this video.

Last Class Day

Audrey at Family Science Night - she had a blast!!

It is sad and sweet to write this post. I have had some outstanding students this semester. They will affect much change where it is needed, and be teachers that will touch many lives. I am privileged to be a part of their training. I'll miss them.

We had three family learning events this semester - a capstone of my course in training our future science teachers. They work very hard to conceive, design and implement original, culturally relevant science activities with students and their families across the Coastal Bend. They were also involved in training teachers that are currently teaching -- a formidable assignment! Its a lot to organize, mentor, assist...did I mention organize? But, it is TOTALLY worth it. This semester marked my 15th family learning event. Over 1000 students, 200 or so parents, 150 teachers - and a professor who has grown with all of them. Enjoy the website I've been putting together - and many, many heartfelt thanks to my students for the material.

And now, time for the 2nd part of the semester before spring semester starts: two NSF grants to complete, two publications to write, final grades, conference proceedings to prepare, data tables to construct for spring analysis, 3 holiday concert performances, move Annie and Audrey to their new apartment and...Christmas. I think I'm gonna go home and think about all this tomorrow....

Music Moves the Soul

I've been really pushing at work and being pushed by deadlines and year-end reports, etc. I really wanted to sleep in and take a Saturday off, but The Corpus Christi Cathedral choir had to go to Kingsville Saturday to give a concert. We've been practicing with the piano as usual. Saturday, the 60 piece symphony accompanied us, and also the handbell choir. Rehearsal with them was hot (standing on stage under lights), several hours long and very tiring. We had the usual rehearsal -- jump in and sing/play this part, jump to another part. I really wondered how this was going to pull together. After lunch, the concert was scheduled to begin. When I questioned a friend about how she thought this was going to go - she has been a member for over 10 years - she said, "Don't worry. You will have moments when your soul is moved." I secretly thought my soul was too tired to move.

The concert began, and when we sang the first number my sweat was replaced by goosebumps. Then, The First Nowell - men singing with the plaintive French horns and sweet violins...I had to hold back tears it was so exquisitely beautiful. My friend - who was standing in front of me on the risers, turned around at the end and didn't say a word as we locked eyes and she shook her head. I understood ---our souls had been moved. It happened more times than I can remember throughout our 2.5 hour performance. It went so fast, the music was unreal, and I almost felt guilty as I am such a new member but invited to participate.

Sunday, at church, the choir master gave us a great talk about what we are doing, how much they want us to come back, etc. Just a bit of discussion. And then, up to the loft to sing advent hymns for mass - business as usual - and I was moved again.

As I did the grocery shopping, laundry, grading papers, cleaning and generally getting ready for the new week, I felt totally rejuvenated. Bring it on!

Dog Tired

The previous post talked about being in the Homestretch. I don't know if I'm gonna make it....

Homestretch

I have several tee shirts from the company's insignia that heads this post....

A week from Tuesday is our last class day. Then final exams. Then, work on things I want to get done while I have some breathing room. Articles to write, data to analyze, various retreats for planning next year's grant projects and department stuff. I love intercession as it is when I get to work on MY stuff, not "I have to do this" stuff, but "now I CAN do this" stuff. I can't wait.

This Thanksgiving was filled with more gratitude than any I can remember for a long time past. JP, my children and grandchild, family, friends, all the things that fill my life. And now intercession is coming, followed by Christmas and a New Year.

Life is so, so good.

My Wish For You

Roommates - well, almost

Annie has been doing an outstanding of being a Mom, working part time and doing her clinical rotations (12 hour shifts) as a nursing student. Its overwhelming at times, and I have noticed that things are getting to the point where she needs more help. We talked about renting or buying a house but I have been ambivalent about all that. Something about moving in together and raising Audrey...it didn't sit right with me. I have been praying for a solution, and as soon as my prayers became serious -- a solution was presented! A beautiful two bedroom apartment became available in my small apartment complex - complete with fireplace, 1500 plus sq ft, trees and balcony - literally right down the path from where I live. We looked at it tonight, and both loved it. My apt complex is not new, but that means SPACE, trees, wonderful people - some have lived here for over 20 years, and it's like a family. Now, Annie and Audrey are joining our family - Annie signed the lease! Someday, very soon I predict, Audrey will be knocking on my door...

Pre-Thanksgiving Turkey Tot!

Annie and I had "Thanksgiving Feast" at Audrey's pre-school today. The turkey was awesome, as were the mashed potatoes, green beans, dressing, pies...but Audrey was most excited about the candy corn! The worst part was going back to work, wishing for a nap.... Great times!

Happy Birthday Annie!

Twenty-five years ago I wasn't feeling so hot. After a full morning of labor (read - no drugs of any kind), thinking I had at least 2 hours to go before being close to delivery, everyone left for lunch. Always running on her very own clock, Annie decided to be born RIGHT THEN - no real warning or preparation. Scrambling to locate the doc, we didn't have time to get to the delivery room. Annie decided that was the time, and THAT was the time!
I love her more than words can say - working 12 hour hospital shifts to become a nurse, also working in a doctor's office when she's not in the hospital, and raising a 2 year old with grace and immeasurable patience. I don't know how she does it - or what I did to deserve such a wonderful daughter and granddaughter. Happy birthday Anne Marie. You bless my life!

A New Man in the Family

This is my nephew David, my Brother Eric and Eric's new grandson (and my new Great Nephew) Eric David - at their first meeting. Eric David was born yesterday! Yes, the name literally goes on. I look in my brother's eyes and I see my Dad all over the place. I see so much of Babs in her son - and my brother as well. Funny how little Eric's first two initials are ED - that was my Dad's name. Welcome to the world little Eric David. You have some big shoes to fill, and I have no doubt you will be a blessing to many. I am so proud of my brother, sis-in-law and their beautiful family.

The Worst Thing About Distance Relationships

...is distance. JP in Dallas, Cherie Mac in Corpus. It's cold here - we finally got some cool weather. It looks like my four legged companion, Ella, will be sharing the majority of it with me. Oh and some birdies and fish. While I love my pets, it doesn't make up for JP. Not even a trip to the mall. Not even a steal of a deal I found for a new purse. Nope. I'd trade it all in for JP. Well, maybe not Ella and the birdies... you get my drift.

Getting out the electric blanket...I miss you JP.

Fun Times from the Past

While Frog's Lilypad brought back memories of Dirty Harry, I was totally entertained recently by a 101 Best Moments on Saturday Night Live special. Scenes from the 70's and 80's with favorites such as Steve Martin, Dan Aykroyd, Adam Sandler, Mike Myers, Billy Crystal, Bill Murray, Martin Short, Gilda Radner, Chris Farley...the list goes on and on. I laughed so hard I cried. I did a little surfing and remember distinctly watching this skit in a 2 bedroom townhouse with a baby (who is turning 30 this year!) sound asleep upstairs.There's a good chance that Babs and Ric (alias FP Brewer) were over - probably drinking a Falstaff brew. This is a live version of what appeared on SNL. Good times!

Post-Script to Hope in America

I am always amazed by people's perceptions...Several different colleagues have come by my office today, all from different parts of the globe (Switzerland, Iceland, Soviet Union, Columbia and Africa) to tell me how thrilled they are with the election results. When I pressed them to elaborate they ALL said the same thing: That Americans have 'no idea how the perception of the United States is now changing in the eyes of the world.' Very powerful conversations, all different, but all with the same theme. I hope we use this new perception in a way that is for the best for ALL on this planet - not just us, but EVERYONE. It is SO empowering to think about what we are capable of achieving....

A New Day In America

With change, comes hope. "We've been warned against offering the people of this nation false hope. But in the unlikely story that is America, there has never been anything false about hope." - Barack Obama

A Shout Out to Aggies!

I'm a hybrid...working for the A&M system, having a doctorate from UT. Here is a shot that my son Scott's Citadel classmate (class of '05) shot from his F16 above Kyle Field.You can see his controls on the bottom of the frame.

A-W-E-S-O-M-E.

Halloween for Three

Audrey dressed up as Snow White - which is exactly how Annie dressed when she was 2!There was an Angel (in disguise!),a Tiger-or-Something and a block party complete with playground. Good times!!

Happy Birthday JP!

A special day! For those of you who may not know, I've known JP since high school as we were a couple back then for a few years and even attended prom back in the 70's:

While the sideburns are gone (and thankfully so is the bowtie) - he still has a way of making my heart race and my life so special. He is, quite literally, one in a million.

Here are some little known JP factoids:
*We spent many Friday nights at the drag strip - he still loves cars and engines. I watched him race a bona-fide race car and was petrified that something would happen to him. I still remember the "christmas tree" light and the smell of tires during a spin-out to "warm" them prior to racing. He is now a NASCAR enthusiast...number 88!!
*Patient to a fault. I mean...REALLY patient.
*Taught me to drive (see previous bullet) - in this car - exact model and color:

*When Audrey was asked to draw her favorite friends, she drew her Mommy, me, Jen, Grammie and Bebe - Audrey's word for "Grampy" that stuck. She will quite adamantly tell you - "That is MY Bebe!"

* Low pain tolerance - ask him about child birth and calf-cramps.
*Appreciates the freezer full of dinners I always leave - but watches his weight and exercises regularly. So proud of him!

*Can do a perfect imitation of Donald Duck. Here's mine:

I love with all my heart you JP - and wish you many, many more happy birthdays....

Living with Purpose

My department has nominated me for a really cool teaching award. There will only be fifteen winners across colleges in the great state of Texas, so I don't think I have a chance of winning, but being nominated shows they think I'm doing a good job of teaching - and that really means a lot to me. I have to complete the nomination forms, and the writing is extensive. One part asked for evidence of my teaching philosophy. Being a huge supporter of recycling, I went through old computer files and found the teaching philosophy statement I had to write for umpteen thousand applications several years ago. I used parts of that and added some new things.

Next, mail came to the office. The stack contained a letter of recommendation I had asked an esteemed colleague to write as five letters are required. I read the letter...and I cried. You see, the VERY THINGS she mentioned I was doing in the letter were EXACTLY the things I had written years ago in my teaching philosophy statement. It's coming full circle as I prayed it would -- what I wanted to accomplish, and what is being accomplished. She never knew what I wrote - only what I was doing.

My statement - then and now - began with this: "The future is not some place we are going but one that we are creating. The paths to it are not found but made and the activity of making them changes both the maker and the destination."~John Schaar.

I could not be more thankful.

The Air Blade - the COOLEST!

JP and I had dinner at one of our favorite places in Big D last night. I have to tell ya, the company was awesome (as always!) but a trip to the restroom revealed something that was TOTALLY awesome! The Dyson Airblade: Here is video created by the inventor and manufacturer. Dyson engineers and scientists took 3 years to create an entirely new type of hand dryer. This cool machine blows clean, unheated air through an opening the width of an eyelash at over 400mph (640kmph) to hygienically wipe hands dry in just 12 seconds. It uses up to 80% less energy, too, so it's better for the environment. Now for the cost: $1399.00. I love it when people take things that we use every day and make them significantly better through technology. Awesomeness.

I'm going back today to Gloria's - not so much for the food - but to go play with the Dyson Airblade!