Hi there.  Above are my college friends from Aquinas (we get together each year at Christmas in Grand Rapids).  I have been thinking about them often today.  After yesterday's horrific tragedy at Virginia Tech, I have been reminiscent of my years at college.  I feel blessed my memories are good ones, and I pray for those people who will forever remember yesterday as part of their college life.

Also, yesterday, a kindergartener - same age as Natalie, was killed at Roosevelt Elementary School in Ferndale.  We had extremely high winds yesterday, and in a fluke accident - the school flagpole cracked in half and fell on her during recess.  She was pronounced dead on arrival to the hospital.

Too much bad news.  I find myself depressed.  Life is so precious, and at any moment things can change (I know that has been said a million times, but it is just so true) forever.  Things really come into perspective.  We have a saying when the kids are arguing - and I ask myself the same thing from time to time.  When there is a problem, the question is always asked - "is a big deal or a little deal?"  - Not being the first in the car is a little deal; it doesn't change the car ride.  Having what appears to be less caramel topping on your ice cream as your big sister is a little deal; it doesn't change the taste of the ice cream.  Most of life really is a little deal.  And when a big deal like yesterday happens, all the little deals are that much more insignificant.

On a positive note, Dave and I head to Myrtle Beach on Friday for a weekend getaway.  The weather outlook looks much better than the weather the coast has seen recently.  I'm excited to just get away for a couple days. 

The days are getting warmer, thank goodness.  Today was beautiful; Natalie and I rode our bikes when I took her to school this afternoon.  I love being able to be outside - it seems like we've been waiting forever for spring to come and stay.

I put in my job application for the education director position at our church.  I also have some ideas for supplemental classroom programs at both the elementary and the middle school (where Marisa will be next year) - I should still have plenty of flexibility to be as active in the schools (& with the City's Ethnic Issues Board) and community as I have been.  I guess I'll just have to see what 2007 brings...

I have a very close friend who underwent a double mastectomy last week.  She is doing well now, but what a scary ordeal.  She has a history of breast cancer in her family and treated her own cancer quite aggressively.  Please keep her in your prayers.  Julie is one of the strongest people I know, and I motivated by her courage and strength. 

I'd better get going - time to round up the kids for dinner.  Have a wonderful rest of the week.  Hug the ones you love a little tighter - and take care.  Always, Michelle