Lots to Celebrate!

Well, again it's been a crazy few weeks! The nice thing is, we've had lots of things to celebrate! :-)

On MLK Jr. Day weekend, Adam led two adults and six of seven of our active Ship kid to Sea Scout Academy in Conroe, TX (near Houston). It was a very successful weekend, not only because of all of the learning our kids did, but mostly because our group of Scouts became a team. They became a cohesive unit, even deciding (in their own meeting, of which Adam wasn't even notified) to put off their high-adventure trip to the British Virgin Islands for a year so that everyone could go together. Very exciting weekend.

On January 20th, Agnes turned 80 years old - which, of course, required a party! We picked her up for the fun on Saturday, and she got dolled up in a blinking tiara and feather boa, enjoyed chocolate cake and chocolate ice cream, and chatted by phone or Skype (so high-tech!) with family who couldn't be in Dallas for the celebration. It was a wonderful afternoon of laughs.

The next week was also one of celebrations - thanking Tom for his tenure in the Provost's office at SMU, and sending he and Jeanne off on their adventures! (More on this in a minute...) Countless kind remarks were shared about Tom's great character, and he received two standing ovations in appreciation for his impact on the university. For those who may not know, Tom has been at SMU for 30 years, and served as Associate Provost for 12 years (including a year also as Interim Provost). The celebrations were well deserved and a wonderful way to send him off.

Tom & Jeanne then hosted one last hurrah -- their annual Mardi Gras party, albeit a little early. Costumes were wonderful, food was incredible, drinks were flowing, and the laughs were long and loud. It was a great way to say farewell.

Despite the crazy weather we've had this week, Tom & Jeanne were able to get out of DFW to head for Antigua, Guatemala - their home for the next six months! As both of them have leave from their universities (Tom will continue at SMU teaching in the music school), Jeanne will study mathematics teaching methods and Tom will relax, ponder and perhaps start writing a book or two, from now until the end of July. Then, they'll make a quick luggage drop-off in Dallas before heading to Spain for almost all of August before she starts teaching class again this fall. (Tom will begin teaching again in January 2012.) We are very much looking forward to our trip to see them in a couple of weeks - we'll spend a couple of days in Guatemala City and then head to Antigua to see their new home.

The only other big news we have is this crazy weather!! Monday night, the sleet began... covering all of DFW! Since then, the temperature hasn't climbed above about 22 degrees! I certainly don't remember this long of a cold spell... It's incredible. Both of us have actually been working through this. There are no snow days in 24-hour care; and Adam's company just acquired a new investment property, at which the power was out for 8 hours yesterday. We've both had plenty to do despite the weather. Roads are much better now... Tuesday was tough, but driving slow, things are manageable. We're being safe, and bundling up on the couch each evening. :-)

Hope you are all well, staying warm this winter, and enjoying life!