September 11, 2010...hard to believe nine years have past. I always think of my Aunt Amy and Uncle Frank on this date and the many friends, loved ones, they lost. The fact that I haven't blogged since May, my house is a mess, I have yet to mail long overdue baby gifts, I haven't read or graded my students first essay and at least 12 people passed me on my morning run...all of which seems very insignificant on this day. The blog is being posted (finally), my house will be straightened- probably not cleaned, I will eventually make calls and send presents, the papers will be graded (maybe not this weekend, but definitely this week) and they passed me...so what?? I
did make it two times around the lake (12 miles!)---next Sunday I will not be fast, graceful or pretty but I am ready. So after a day of some reflecting, I am going to continue on not sweating the small stuff, try to be better about keeping in touch with friends and family (many whom I REALLY miss) and
completely enjoy my boys, my new group of 32 sixth graders and the many moments that make up my busy days. It has been a wonderful summer and although I am amazed that we are already 11 days into September, I am thankful for the wonderful moments of our lazy summer days...Owen going down the slide by himself at the pool, Joey scootering down the street to go hang out at a friend's house, spending late nights (not worrying that it's a school night) talking with Joe and watching movies. Loving all the "Wow" moments...fantastic "Milestone" birthday blasts...days of fun with Findlay, Patrick and Chris... first Triathlon (998 women competing!)...demolition of our sunroom...visits to the zoo...crossing the finishline with my brother during my 2nd Triathlon (amazed that I didn't drown in that freezing bay)...waking to the sounds of Loons at the lovely Cowan cottage...cheering on Joey as he sang "Sweet Home Carolina" @Cove Karaoke...running alongside Owen in his first 25 meter race and screaming for Joey as he crossed the finishline in his first mile long race. So...although summer-to-fall is always a tough transition for me, I am excited about many more moments to come as Joey enters 4th grade, LV football season revs up, Owen is @ his most-favorite-school everyday, EAGLES games with Joe, gearing up for a half marathon next weekend followed by a 150 mile bike race in 2 weeks and all of the much-loved-fun-fall-holidays. Lots to look forward to...
The first weekend in December and a flurry of activities...Owen's angel breakfast at St. Paul's Preschool, Joey's first basketball practice, Christmas shopping, painting the new sunroom, Christmas carols and Santa at the Chalfont Firehouse...I figure before I start posting winter pictures I better catch up on the fall. Some Updates---Joey likes 4th grade, had a fun but long football season and on the morning of his 10th birthday woke up with his first shiner (he ran into a tree when Trick-or-Treating)---Owen LOVES school, is a completely loveable stinker and is finally giving into the whole potty training thing (which I now need to take back after Joe interrupted this posting because Owen had peed on his side of the bed while watching a Barney video). Some Fall Moments--- Joey plays at the Linc., Eagles home opener, first day of school, cycling 175 miles, running 13.1, ongoing construction at Churchville, ongoing construction at home, costumes!, Girls in Lake Placid, Alex runs a marathon, first flight w/kids "t-shirt time", seeing the Gulf of Mexico, Houston & the Hutchins, Thanksgiving!!, Foot Spas...ahh-a new love...thanks Aunt Amy, Hello Newman... 
