Happy September.  It has been a whirlwind of a week: school started Tuesday, Dominic's birthday parties are this weekend, my church kid-programs begin tomorrow, and next weekend is the Troy Daze Festival (I am co-chairing the EthniCity tent again this year).  I love being busy-  but having multiple nightly meetings, taking Marisa to PT for her knee every M-W-F & getting Dom & Natty to their sporting events each week is wearing me down.

Thanks.  I needed that - just to complain a minute before being thankful I have so much to keep me busy.    Things are good -- the kids love school (that's Marisa above on her first day, she rode to school with friends Shannon & Mika).  Dom and Natalie take the bus at 8am each morning and I'm off to work by 8:30am.  Next week we should have our schedule down, and I'm sure things will run much smoother. 

We also had some bad news recently.  My mother-in-law's cancer has returned.  She has months of chemo to look forward to as well as all that goes with it.  Glen & Jan are visiting this weekend, it's so nice having them here.  We are still waiting for results from an upcoming PET Scan to see exactly what her protocol will be, but just the thought of going through everything again really stinks.  They plan to stay in MI while Jan receives treatment, we'll be able to visit & check in more often which will be nice.  Please keep her in your prayers - she really needs the extra comfort.

Other things are good, though.  Marisa's knee is much better and after a few weeks of therapy - she'll be as good as new.  I'm feeling very good, heart-wise.  It's so strange to think about how well I am doing now to how poorly I was two years ago at this time.  It's also strange to think that a year ago now I was pretty much recovered and doing things "back to normal".  I still have muscle pains in my chest, especially when I use my weights.  The eeriest thing now is that my sternum (where they cut - gross!) pokes out differently now.  I'm convinced the wires they used to put it back together are jabbing through my skin.  Dave thinks I'm crazy and tells me I don't look/feel any different.  Ah, well - you know me.... always needing something to worry about.

Well - I've got bowling ball birthday cakes to bake.  Have a great Saturday & a beautiful beginning to a wonderful week tomorrow.  Always, Michelle