Yard Aerobics!

Yellow Knock-Out roses, Crimson and Salmon Encore Azaleas (Mom told me they bloom throughout the summer! Thanks Mom!), and pink Pentas. Not pictured: 6 white Indian Hawthorne, 2 other yellow rose bushes,  2 yellow Butterlfy Bushes, dozens of begonias, lantana and other assorted annuals - all of which have already been planted. Audrey helped and has been checking on the flowers every day. I love gardening. Lesson Learned? There is no such thing as a 'maintenance free' yard.  :)

Today Audrey is FIVE!

I can't believe that five years ago today Annie and I were sitting a very cold labor room - she getting all hooked up, me nervous but not showing it. She reminded me that I kept saying, "Let's get this show on the road". My lack of patience was showing once again. The show did finally get on the road and several hours later - and much work by Annie - a beautiful, baby girl was born. I was there to hold her, to see her entrance into this world and cried. I still cry when I think about it. What a beautiful gift God gave us that day. I love her so, so much!

We began celebrating last night with homemade chocolate cupcakes, presents from me and Annie and a wonderful time in my house.  It was a great evening! I am so glad she was in Corpus Christi so I could celebrate with her!

                                                                    Princess balloon!

                                                         Chocolate Cupcakes with homemade frosting!

                                               Soooo many presents!!!

                                                              A hand-made Ladybug Purse from her Great Grandma!

                                                               Modeling the purse - I also got her a book about Ladybugs -

                                                          Sketcher Light Up Shoes!!!

                                           Many more cards and gifts completed the evening - including
                                                    her favorite DVD - Tangled. We ended the evening
                                       watching Tangled and eating more cupcakes.

The next day, it was off to preschool with her friends, pizza and birthday party!

            In her new outfit, birthday ribbon and light up shoes! Big day!!

                                        Saying goodbye to Ella - I love this shot ----

                                                            Her cupcake princess cake!

                                                Group Picture~! Ready for pizza!!!

                                                    Yum! Check out the plates - Annie found them. So cute!

                                                 Happy kids eating pizza on a special day!

                                                  Singing Happy Birthday - getting ready to blow out the candle.

                                                                            Yayyyyyyyyyyy!

It is a special, special day for sure. One that gave us a gift that I thank God for every day. She is so precious, fun and smart! I love you Audrey Anne. May you live a long and happy life!!!!

A New Door - A metaphor

I recently had a new door installed in my entryway. You can see the old door - white, plain, and the worst part - it had no window. No light. No way of seeing the outside except through a small peep hole and a transom window above - no view.  I think a lot of the last decade of my life has been like that -- since divorcing 10 years ago (almost to the day), it's been difficult to find my way. To find the light. Always looking at the minutiae, worrying about the small stuff. Seldom paying attention to the big picture. Trying to control everything and everyone. And the worst part, often not being able to control myself. I've learned so many lessons in these 10 years. Some painful, many surprising, and all adding up to learning more and more about how my life should be lived.

In the past year and a half, amazing things have happened. Real Miracles. One after the other. It's like getting the lesson and moving on to the next and getting that lesson..and on it goes. The new door in my new house is perfect. I can see the light. I love the colors I chose - and chose purposively because I love them, not because I needed approval. I love the glass - the way it dances and shimmers and the graceful, simple design that is it's centerpiece. It looks like I feel. I can't wait to see the sunset through my door and the sunrise tomorrow, and every day thereafter.

My house is my home now - it took 10 years to get to this point. A real home! - not an apartment. I love the way it looks, the way it feels and it's mine - all the choices were my own. I will share them here soon - promise. Will post before and after photos- it's been awesome!!  Here is my friend Sam installing the new door:

And here it is completely installed - part of my home. Light streaming through the shimmering glass, a perfect hue of blue greets my guests and those who are invited to enter the peaceful space within.

My life feels that way now. No more fear or need to control. More secure in my own skin, confident of my own abilities, wanting to give to those that need it (vs. those whom I chose) my help, and so appreciative of simple attributes in others such as honesty, integrity and good character. I now seek those invaluable qualities in those I choose to call my friends rather than those who flatter and/or deceive, avoiding and/or denying the truth.. No more peep holes -  now seeing the big picture. Feeling the peace, the serenity that has eluded me for a very long time. I know who is in control now, and He is leading the way. I am utterly and completely grateful to Him for all He has done for me - even when I wasn't paying attention and took so much for granted, He was there, waiting for me to turn His way.

I love my new door, and my new life. I look forward to every day and pray that I can be a blessing to others as I have been blessed.

Weekend!

Returned from gorgeous Marble Falls to an empty house - Annie and Audrey are away for a while seeing friends and other relatives. I guess I have to share them. Gave a professional development seminar for teachers - that occupied us this morning (extra $ for doing what I love!) and now the weekend is mine. So, there's a bisque Pelican that just came in...needs some paint. A Roku player that has to be hooked up -- it downloads all kinds of things from NetFlix (I have been doing the old fashioned CD's and was told to update) for viewing - movies, documentaries, etc. etc. etc. Who has time for TV?? A movie with Matthew McConauhey that opened. Easy on the eyes, don't ya think? A dog that desperately needs a walk after being cooped up in the kennel and a half marathon to train for (in two months!). Oh! - and a some vinca's to put in my pots. Then there's a house to clean, groceries to buy and laundry. Did I mention the Matthew McConauhey movie? Time to get going....

A&M Board of Regents Meeting

...is today. They are voting on my promotion and tenure. Out of 12 candidates from my college, only 4 made it off my campus for consideration by the Board of Regents. 60% were rejected. I was, thank GOD, one of the four who was deemed elegible.I am listening to the live feed of this process via my computer as the Board of Regents makes their decisions on the applicants. 1200 in the A&;M University system were eligible to apply, 240 slots are available for Associate Professor. 91 individuals went up for promotion and tenure in the A&M system, 58 were selected for consideration. This is an excruciating process, one that begins the first day of your hire, and you hear that tenure clocking the minute you begin working. You are expected to publish, to bring in money in terms of grants and funding, teach well and in my case, do much service in terms of committee work, professional development and service to the community. You are evaluated each year. I had one year removed since I was hired in January -- that was a surprise I found out during my 3rd year, administration realizing it was my actually my fourth. I then had one year to get the things done I thought I had two years to accomplish. I was so, so, so stressed about it. I was frozen. Then, using words of advice from friends and family, I turned it over to God --"Thy will be done, not mine". I completely turned the situation over to Him. A friend told me, "When you ask God to move a mountain, be prepared to wake up next to a shovel." I got out the shovel and worked every extra minute....praying the entire time.

I got 4 publications written and published in one year. And a 2 million dollar grant came in, another 8 million pending. 32 international and national conference presentations were given during my 4.5 years. Service work out the wazoo....chairing over 15 University committees, working on 10 more, working, working, working and loving what I was doing - but working sooo hard.

I just heard Dr. Killibrew, my University President request my application for promotion and tenure...it was approved by the Board of Regents.

I can't express the relief and gratitude as I sit here in beautiful Marble Falls Texas at a retreat.

Also announced today were the new inductees into the Chancellor's Academy of Teacher Educators:

Texas A&M System Announces Inductees for Chancellor’s Academy of Teacher Educators

Posted on March 24, 2011 by tamus

NEWS RELEASE
March 24, 2011

COLLEGE STATION, Texas – The Texas A&M University System today announced the first inductees for the Chancellor’s Academy of Teacher Educators. The Academy recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of teacher education and highlights the role of the A&M System in producing K-12 teachers for the state of Texas.

This year’s inductees are Dr. Jauquita A. Cranfill Hargus, Texas A&M University-Texarkana; Dr. Marion Henry, Prairie View A&M University; Dr. Lance Kieth, West Texas A&M University; Dr. Cherie A. McCollough, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi; Dr. Dawn R. Parker, Texas A&M University; and Dr. Patricia Zelman, Tarleton State University.

“Teachers have shaped the past and now shape the entire future of our state and our nation” said Michael D. McKinney, chancellor of the A&M System. “The Texas A&M System is dedicated to producing outstanding teachers who will stay in this honorable field of endeavor. This initial class of inductees into the Academy all share a devotion to the teaching profession and a commitment to today’s students and tomorrow’s leaders.”

“The chancellor is a firm believer that as a land-grant system, it is imperative for the A&M System to improve K-12 education and teacher preparation across our 11 universities,” added Frank Ashley, vice chancellor for academic affairs.

Academy members each receive a $1,000 stipend, commemorative medallion, certificate, and recognition at the Chancellor’s Century Council annual meeting. The first class of the Chancellor’s Academy of Teacher Educators was selected by an A&M System committee and future classes will be selected by Academy members. University faculty, staff and students may nominate any full-time faculty member who has had a significant impact in the preparation of teachers.

The A&M System produced nearly 4,000 certified teachers in 2009 and has a 100 percent job placement rate for students completing teacher preparation programs in middle school, bilingual and special education.

About the A&M System
The A&M System is one of the largest systems of higher education in the nation, with a budget of $3.3 billion. Through a statewide network of 11 universities, seven state agencies and a comprehensive health science center, the A&M System educates more than 120,000 students and makes more than 22 million additional educational contacts through service and outreach programs each year. Externally funded research expenditures exceed $730 million and help drive the state’s economy.

 Next Friday I will be at the Chancellor's dinner. I am super humbled, and so ready to serve the profession that has given me so many opportunities. I am super blessed!!!

Thank you my Lord and my God. May I bless and serve you always, helping others as you have helped me.

Well Timed Retreat

In gorgeous Marble Falls, Texas for a few days. So named because you can find marble in the rock outcrops - spent many hours on geological field trips there. Love it! Some work, some play, much relaxation. Ahhh Texas Hill Country, I have missed you.

Audrey's Visit

Audrey has been here for over a week. I can't tell you what joy this child brings to my life...it doesn't matter what kind of a crazy, mixed-up, stressful day you've had -- hearing her run in the door at the end of the day and yell "Mommmmaaaa" makes EVERYTHING all better. Of course, I am loving seeing Annie too, though I must admit I have not taken very many pictures of her :)  I can't believe the time is going so fast -- but I am enjoying every minute!

                                                   Blowing bubbles in the backyard.

                                         At Target - one of our favorite shop-stops!

                                                 Dinner, or something....Sponge Bob placemat :)

                                             Her Mommy wasn't home...we could play with food :)

                                                Playing in the living room. Isn't she gorgeous?

                                              A work in progress...we are making a mosaic stepping stone
                                                 for the backyard featuring a favorite - butterfly.
                                            Audrey added the "eyeballs". I think they look quite authentic!

                                           Reading her online books at my computer. I wish we had
                                               these when I was her age!

                                                Playing in big tub at the end of day ALWAYS
                                                         brings giggles!

Much fun, more to come!

Bunnies and Angels

I've been painting a lot again - I love it. Whether its figurines, or the walls in my house, the feeling of self-satisfaction completely justifies the time it takes.  House photos will wait - some major projects are still in the works but are just about done. Here are some bisque Angels I found at Michaels for half-price:

I took them home and spent a few nights with my paints and this is what resulted:

I love them - and am happy to make a space for them.

Next, I had a black cast-iron rabbit-momma and her baby that I purchased long ago. It had been used as a door stop at my old apartment.  An ear had detached and was  kind of glued on -- crooked. So, first, I did some surgery on the ear and replastered/puttied the ear so it looked like part of the poor Momma. Then, I spent several nights applying many layers of paint to make fur coats and cotton tails. I was so pleased with this:

I am now getting ready to paint a bisque pelican and am seriously thinking of continuing to paint and selling some of my things. I love to paint -- but don't have room or the desire for tons of knick-knacks. A shelf at a consignment shop perhaps?  Stay tuned. I'm so glad to be back in touch with my creative side! I just get lost in the colors and time seamlessly passes....

Hot Ticket!

Will be receiving my Chancellor's Teacher Educator award and medallion. And...I'm going with the coolest Aggie ever! I wish I could bring my students with me -- they are the ones that make all this possible, along with my very supportive administration. This really is a dream come true. Can't wait!

Company's Coming!

Guess who is on their way?  The timing couldn't be better - for so many reasons including the fact that next week is our Spring Break! Annie will be working in the hospital here for the next month putting in her last hours required for her BSN - giving Audrey and I plenty of time to catch up and enjoy our time. Then...they leave and Annie will graduate. Wow! Life seems to change so quickly and I feel very, very blessed to have my family who is always there for me with unconditional hugs, love and blessings!

Sisters Skiing

Taken a couple of weeks ago...major smiles 'cause the powder was fresh and deep and wonderful!

And here's what happens when the powder gets a little too wonderful!!!

Love my girls!

Ella (and me!) --- ready for Spring Vacation!

Ella before her visit to groomer - nice, thick American Eskimo coat to protect her from the chilly weather we had this winter. And...
After! Ready for the beach, a visit to a resort, and fun times in the balmy weather we so love in Corpus Christi!

 Can't wait!

Audrey and Joe Willie

This is Audrey hugging Joe Willie. Joe Willie was Annie's favorite teddy bear, and is now about 20-something years old. Audrey and Annie - and maybe Joe Willie? - will be here in five short days for a whole month!! We will have time to sing our favorite pop songs (I've been practicing), see movies, go to the beach, read books, go shopping, eat ice cream, make cupcakes and maybe even go fishing. We will cuddle and hug and feel sorry for Mommy who will be working very hard during our spring break while we sing Tao Cruz and Lady Gaga. Oh and the new one by J.Lo! I CAN'T WAIT!

On a Wing and a Prayer

Our choir was a bit rattled this morning when our director was missing (late flight) and assistant director is just coming off the flu. Sunday morning rehearsal, usually quite focused and sometimes intense, was ... not. We practiced this piece for exactly five minutes. Someone posted it on YouTube - I couldn't believe it. It - sounds - perfect. Yes, the Holy Spirit was hard at work, creating good sounds where I doubted we would pull it off - no organ, no anything to accompany us. I love, I mean LOVE our choir. And I know our work is being blessed when I hear what the congregation is hearing....

click on the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1GKK2cL6QE

Exultate Justi by Lodovico Viadana

Translated from the Latin:

Just men rejoice in the Lord;
giving praise is appropriate for the righteous.
Proclaim the Lord on the lute;
sing hymns to him with the ten-stringed harp.
Sing to him a new song;
sing hymns well to him with a loud voice.
Just men rejoice in the Lord;
giving praise is appropriate for the righteous.

PSALM 32

San Antonio for AAHHE!

I recently attended a meeting in San Antonio -- the American Association for Hispanics in Higher Education. About 9 months ago I submitted three proposals for this conference, thinking that at least one would be accepted for presentation. Well, all THREE were accepted! So, I went with my colleague Jose Giraldo - a super professor of mathematics and statistics- and four of our students came to present work we do in a National Science Foundation funded peer mentoring program. These students are  undergraduate majors in math and science, and they are beyond wonderful --- I am so proud of them and the work that they do. We had a blast!

Brian, Nesreen, Kelsey and Shaun. Mark my words -- you will be seeing much productivity and success from the careers of these future professors/doctors/inventors/leaders.

Jose and I going over some technical details.

The interview panel of mentors. 

Taaa -daaaa!!

At the Rain Forest Cafe. I didn't accompany them (I had separate dinner plans) but Nesreen  borrowed my camera for the remainder of the evening. Now I know what they were up to!

The next day - a new presentation, and they were wonderful. It was an awesome trip, caught up with many friends and made some new ones. But the best part was spending time with these wonderful young people. There is a LOT of bad news in higher education these days. No money, no funding, no jobs, no....hope. It is not a good time to be an educator - from kindergarten to 16th grade, the news is dismal and in some cases, catastrophic. But when I talk to these young students and the doctoral fellows at AAHHE, I hear good ideas, positive thoughts, and ones that involve education for all - not just the privileged. They restore my faith in our future and re-instill that fervent, burning  desire to work hard and make a difference. Thank you!!!