The day I flew in from Mom and Dad's house in Peachtree City I ran an 8K on Belle Isle to benefit United Way's 211 program. There were about 100 runners and I was almost the last one to make it in. I didn't really care, though, I finished in a good time for me - so it was a personal accomplishment.
The week before the kids came back to school, aka Teacher Week, my life was surrounded by many deaths. My friend Nate from Genesis the Church lost his battle against cancer - but I know that he felt the victory of walking into God's arms. He was an amazing man who left behind an incredible wife, Deb, and two children Morgan and Landon. You can read about his journey here - it will stir your heart.
Around that same time a well-loved middle school teacher in our district lost his daughter in a car accident.
Then my dear sweet Piggie started to not feel well. Her lungs started to fill with fluid and she was exhausted. She would rest and then try to "act peppy" to make me smile - but she just couldn't keep up. We brought her to the vet and had to have her put to sleep. I cried like a baby - she was so special to me. I still get choked up when I think about her. My house is not the same without her. Warren Woods Veterinary Hospital was such a wonderful place. They were kind, compassionate, knowledgeable, and understanding. They sent a beautiful card that week. Silly as it may sound, it was also so nice to receive the guinea pig stuffed animal from Aunt Linda. I had just brought the gift home from Atlanta where mom had been keeping it for me. Thanks so much Aunt Linda. It was perfect timing. The picture below was taken earlier this year. Piggy liked sitting in my winter hat all nice and cozy.
The weekend before the kids started a bunch of us went sailing on Lake Huron in Port Sanilac, MI - including Sailor Tim and Sailor Carrie. They had fun testing their skills in the scant wind. By the end, Bob sold Carrie and Tim his old Catamaran. (They worked on it last Saturday and it's ready to sail) It's cool cause it has an orange hull and a striped orange, red, and yellow sail. Do you have any ideas for what they should name it?
These are the first day of school pictures. I take them every year for a record. Berkley High School was named one of Newsweek's Top High Schools again which is great!!
Our dear friend Kim made Carrie and I a lovely dinner on Friday of the first week of school. She wanted to Celebrate Teachers! How awesome is that? What a friend!!! She is a Korean woman who was adopted into a wonderful family who is not Korean. Anyhow, she married a lovely Italian man and she learned how to cook the world's best lasagna I have ever tasted. It was SPECTACULAR - I was so thankful. Kim filled reusable goodie bags full of fun teacher supplies. I was absolutely THRILLED. I was also so tired that night and fell asleep by 10pm. Oh yeah - I also picked up cupcakes from Westborn Market that had "monsters" on top to remind us that we love the little "monsters" we are teaching. They were uber cute.
I am teaching biology and chemistry again this year. My students have been very busy. In biology we used the chemistry kits to make models of mono, di, and polysaccharides. I love this picture because it really is reminiscent of our new district logo which you can see on our web page.
The first weekend after school got started was super busy and included a "washers" party. I stink at playing washers but it was fun. I forgot my camera - and the only shots that I saw from friends were of the back of my head - my hair looked good - but really - you don't want to see that. The following weekend - which was last weekend (bringing this long post to a near end) I drove to Indianapolis to visit Pete, Emily Ann, and Alaina while they were partaking in Emily Ann's sister's wedding. By the way - Emily Ann was absolutely beautiful and adorable in her bridesmaid dress with her pregnant belly. Addison sure is cookin'. I had the privilege of watching Alaina all day Saturday. We had a great time - playing in the leaves, pretending like we were washing our hands, taking walks, and just having fun. Alaina has gotten really good at saying and signing "PEEEEEEEAS" (please) It's absolutely darlin'. The picture below shows her really sayin', signin', and meanin' it!
Alaina and I went to the church so that she could be in the family pictures. Look her beautiful smile. We were having fun playing peek-a-boo. I took a ton more pictures and I will post them in the next post. 
Well folks, that's all for now. This weekend I have a music seminar, need to grade a gabillion biology scavenger hunt assignments, and will lead worship Sunday morning with my friend Matt. I hope you are all doing well and will share your latest with all of us!!
