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....