Team Angels of Hope Article in Gadsden Times

 

 

Natalie recently had an article written for the Gadsden Times Newspaper.  To read the article about her walk and our team.  Please click here!  Natalie and I are cousins and lifelong friends.  I am so proud that she is joining me this year on my 3-Day Journey!  She has met her fundraising goal and has been training hard!  Can't wait to walk with her on October 19!!

Stone Mountain Back to Back!! 35 Miles

The last weekend in September, I hosted this year's Stone Mountain Back to Back.  A back to back is two long distance walks usually 18-20 miles the first day followed by 12-15 miles the second day.  This walk is designed to let you experience two day of the actual 3 day event.  Since walking around Stone Mountain is a 5 mile commitment, we walked 4 laps on day one (20 miles) and 3 laps on day two (15 miles).  If you remember, I injured my knee during the Back to Back last year.  I am happy to report that finished all 35 miles with only a little soreness.  I am so proud of myself and all those who attended the training walk.  I got to see some familiar faces, some new friends, and reconnect with an old friend.  How honored am I to have my cousin, Natalie and long time best friend walking with me this year!!  Her and her husband and 1 year old son came up for the weekend.  It was great to spend time with her and her family.


We started out early on Saturday morning at 7:00 am.  Again, Stone Mountain is a beautiful place to walk.  Each time I go, I see something new and beautiful.  It's amazing to see God's glorious creation in the landscape there.  We saw many chipmunks, squirrels, and even stood close enough to touch a deer.  3 of them to be exact.  A mom and her baby crossed the road behind us.  Walking along the path, you see many different people.  Some walking, some running, some riding every kind of bike you can imagine.  I was particularly impressed with a man running barefoot and another riding his really tall circus style unicycle.  Wow!  There's no way I could do that.  You also have to remember this path is not flat, in fact it is full of hills and inclines.  Perfect training for the Atlanta 3-Day Event.  Us walking is not only good for preparing and training, but we also get to talk to many people along the way and promote Breast Cancer Awareness.  People were already cheering us on as we passed by.  It got me really excited to be participating again.


 I am so proud of each walker that came out that weekend.  Each one did a fabulous job and completed all 35 miles.  I was proud of myself too.  To be honest, last year was very difficult for me.  This year, I feel that I am in better shape and walked with ease.  I am happy to also say that I walked away with no blisters this year.  Last year, I kept blisters off and on the entire time.  Guess, my Road Runner Sports shoes and insoles were totally worth the money!!

I want to say thank you to all the women and men that attend my training walks this year.  I hope that I was able, in some small way to help you prepare for this incredible event!  I was blessed by each of your stories!  It's an honor to walk with and for you!  I am so thankful for the opportunities that I have had to help spread awareness through walking, leading and training others this year!

   

Who completed the Stone Mountain Back to Back 35 Miles?  These two girls did!!

Come Cheer Us On!!!

Cheering Stations!!

Cheering Stations are AWESOME!!  They come along just when you are getting tired and get you pumped up to finish the walk.  It's so encouraging to see friends, family, and total strangers reminding you that you can finish and thank you for taking a stand against breast cancer.  If you are interested in coming to see us check out when and where you can find us.  We would love to see you there!!

Public cheering stations are a great way to show your support along the route to encourage walkers and let them know that you are with them every step of the way. Seeing familiar faces can provide that extra burst of energy that gets a walker to take that next step or go the next mile. Create banners, hold up signs, bring some music and spread the love - anything to make them smile, get energized and keep walking.

On some portions of the route you may find areas that are deemed “quiet zones” which will be indicated by signage on the route. Please assist us in respecting our neighborhoods and communities during this time.

Friday, October 19

Mile 4.0
8:45 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Downtown Stone Mountain
Stone Mountain Welcome Center
891 Main Street
Stone Mountain,GA 30083

Mile 14.2
11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Downtown Decatur, Old Courthouse
101 E. Court Square
Decatur, GA 30030

Saturday, October 20

Mile 14.2
10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Lindbergh City Center
Main Street between Lindbergh Avenue & Garson Street
520 Main Street N.E.
Atlanta, GA 30324

Mile 18.3
11:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Peachtree Street between 3rd Street & 8th Street
Atlanta, GA 30308
* Do not park in church or other private parking lots.

Sunday, October 21

Mile 5.5
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
John Howell Park
833 Virginia Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30306
* Do not park at Inman Middle School or in church parking lots.

Mile 11.3
11:00 a.m. - 2:15 p.m.
Freedom Park, between Euclid Avenue & Moreland Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30307

Cookin' Out for the Cure

I am so blessed to attend such a caring church!  My church family is so supportive and loving.  Emily, Jillian, and I decided to have a lunch fundraiser following church a couple of weeks ago.  We served hot dogs, chili, and fixings.  Several ladies donated cakes, cookies, and cupcakes.  We had a wonderful time of fellowship, got to spread some awareness, and raised some money too.

We have 3 Breast Cancer Survivors in our church and we are gladly walking for them this year.  Two are pictured above.  Each of these ladies are special and have such strong faith!  It is such an honor to know them.

I set up a display of photos and items that I collected at the 3-Day last year.

 

 

Special thanks to my husband for grilling our hot dogs!!



 

 



 



 

Thank you to everyone at Grace for your love, prayers, support, and donations!!  We love each and every one of you!!  Can't wait to celebrate Worship in Pink on October 14.  We will be walking for you all!!  May God continue to bless our church and all that are a part of it!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

It's October!!  That means everything is turning PINK!

Today, I am standing in awe of our AMAZING God!!  A member of my team Angels of Hope received a donation of $2300!!! The exact amount to walk!! Another amazing thing... it was from a total stranger.   A total stranger that felt the connection.  Everyone knows someone whose been touched by Cancer!  Won't you take a stand with us?  Don't you want to do something bold and brave this month to honor your loved ones?  Don't you want to see the day when there is no more cancer?  I believe that we are closer to the cure than we have ever been.  I am proud that my team and I have contributed in a small way to help find that cure.

 

  I believe in angels, I believe in love 

I believe there’ll come a time you’ll find what you’ve been dreaming of
I believe in sunsets, I believe in prayer
I believe there’s hope ‘cause there’s someone out there who cares
Draw or win or lose, whatever road you choose
I believe in you!

Point of Grace
 

Through the experience of my Mom and the experience of walking God has truly showed me that "Nothing is too difficult for HIM!" Jeremiah 32:17  Whether it's healing someones illness, calling them home so they feel no more pain, or just simply donating to the cause or providing us a way to promote awareness.  In His time there will be no more pain and suffering.  That could mean us finding the cure or His return.  Whatever He has planned, it will be a glorious day! 

 

Today is the 1st day of October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month! I can't wait to walk the SGK 3-Day on October 19!! 60 miles in 3 days all to help find the cure!!

 

If you would like to donate, it's not too late, please click the link below and give to anyone on my team!!  Thank you for your prayers, love, support, and donations!

 http://www.the3day.org/goto/angelsofhope

Oh, the amazing people you'll meet...

Back in August, I hosted a training walk at Stone Mountain Park.  Jillian and I were ready to take on 15 miles.  I had noticed that no one had RSVP on the 3-Day site to join us on the training walk so I thought it would be just the two of us.  The day before I got an email from two ladies, Anne and Nelda saying they would be joining us.  To my surprise when we arrive early that morning at Stone Mountain we were greeted by 12 additional ladies!  Ten were from a team called the Cherry Bombs.  About half of these ladies were survivors.  AMAZING!!  These women are such an inspiration.  It was great to get to get to know them and an honor to walk with them for 15 training miles.  They have created a video to raise awareness for the cause.  Please watch it below.  They have a sponsor that will donate to the cause based on the number of viewers.

I look forward to seeing them all again and walking with them in October!

 
We will be having a really big training walk at the end of the month.  We will walk a back to back at Stone Mountain.  What this means is that we will walk 20 miles one day and then walk 15 the following day.  It will be tough...but I know we can do it.  This is a great way to make sure that we are all in shape for the 3-Day in October and to tryout our gear.  I have already had 3 sign up on the 3-Day site to walk with us.

Signing up for the 3-Day, I didn't realize how many friends I would make.  The 3-Day community is full of men and women sharing one common bond...the bond of having or knowing someone with breast cancer and doing what it takes to find the cure.  Each time I gather with these amazing people, I'm encouraged and filled with love, joy, and hope.  They are defiantly some of the most inspiring people I know.  I can't wait to see who I'll meet next! 

41 Days and Counting...How Can You Help??

As of today there are 41 days left before the 2012 Atlanta 3-Day Event.  I am getting even more excited (Not sure that's possible)!  Last year was an amazing experience for me and I can't wait to walk again!

I am getting closer to my fundraising goal of $2,300!  I currently have $1445 that means I still need $855.  If you can contribute click here.  Remember there's no donation too big or too small.  I must meet this goal before October 15, to be able to participate.  I'm not worried.  I know my God is faithful and is in this.  This cause is very important to me and I know that God is blessing all my efforts.  Though I am just a small part of this, I know with our efforts combined we are making a big difference in the fight again breast cancer!

Walking 60 miles in 3 days is not easy...your love and support means so much to me. Your prayers and cards/letters got me through last year!! Thank you to everyone who wrote me letters and sent words of encouragement last year (some even sent a card for each day).  I would love to get mail from you this year!! 



My mail at last year's event!!  I felt the love!!

Send letters to: Susan G. Komen 3-Day
ATTN: AMY RAINS

1025 Rose Creek Drive, Suite 620-373
Woodstock, GA 30189
 

Envelopes only, please. No boxes or large packages. Mail must be postmarked no later than October 9th in order to ensure delivery at the 3-Day Camp Post Office. Please note: This address is not the actual location of camp, but a PO Box for mail delivery only.

We will be starting off at Stone Mountain Park again this year!!  You are invited to join us at the Opening Ceremony on Friday, October 19, at 7:30 am.

Stone Mountain Park
1000 Robert E. Lee Drive
Stone Mountain, GA 30083



I BELIEVE!!  Do You??

I am so honored that this year I was asked to participate in the ceremony!!  I will be carrying the "For My Children" flag in both the Opening and Closing Ceremony.  Just thinking of this bring tears to my eyes.  I'm walking for my children Wesley and Graham, but also for all of the children that I teach...both past and present.  I am glad that Scott, Wesley, Graham, and my Mom and Dad will be there to see me walk across the stage and into the crowd of walkers and survivors carrying the message of hope.  The ceremony is simply amazing and very touching.  Especially, if you know someone who had or has battled cancer.  Join us...it's a free event!  Come out and see what the 3-Day is all about.  If the Opening Ceremony is too early for you come to the Closing Ceremony.  Imagine hundreds of men and women holding their tennis shoes in the air honoring their loved ones who have passed on and the survivors that have won their battles.  Imagine a sea of pink as survivors, participants, and crew members enter the stadium by 10s with locked arms spreading the message of awareness, love, and hope.  The Closing Ceremony is Sunday, October 21, at 5:00pm.

Turner Field
755 Hank Aaron Drive
Atlanta, GA 30015

60 Mile Complete!

Thank you again for all your love and support!
 

Save the Jugs! Road Block for the Cure

Fundraiser - Road Block

Recently, some of the girls on my team, Angels of Hope, and I had a road block in our hometown.  Krystle had seen the idea of taking milk jugs and painting them to collect money in.  Our road block lasted between 4 and 5 hours and we made around $300 for the Cure!!

It was a great day for the road block, not too hot and there was a little breeze blowing.  I was so amazed by the giving and kindness of the people from our town.  What a blessing it was to see people stop to give, search for change in their cars, or just pull out their wallets.  It reminds me again, how so many people have been touched by cancer.  One man tossed $10 into my jug.  He said, "Thanks for walking!"  Tears filled my eyes, because I knew, by him saying that...that he too knew someone that had breast cancer.  I wondered who it was, a wife, a mother, a sister, an aunt and wished I could have heard his story.  His words brought back to my mind of last years walk and the thousands of times I heard people along the route say to me..."Thank you for walking."  Those words are just so overwhelming to me.  I really don't feel that I am doing much or need a "thank you."  What I do is nothing compared to what cancer patients face.  I walk to celebrate my Mom and others. 

Another woman, stopped and asked what charity I was working with.  I told her and she said, "that's the one I was hoping it was for."  One woman shouted with excitement and told me how glad she was that we had a team in our town and wished us luck with the walk!  We got quite a few laughs at the jugs too!  Not just people in the cars were stopping to give, but a trash truck and a vending company truck stopped to donate as well.  People ran to us from the gas station near by just to donate.  It was so nice to see the "3-Day Camp Kindness" in my own town.

Again, I'm just so blessed to be a part of this...a part of something big.  A part of something that is saving lives!  As of today, there are 106 days before we take that 60 mile journey.  Please keep my team mates and I in your prayers and we prepare.  Pray for those who are fighting and those who are researching.  What an honor it is to help make a difference!

Krystle and I

       

Me and Lisa

Stone Mountain 10 Mile

Yesterday, I held a training walk at Stone Mountain Park.  There were four of us from team, Angels of Hope and four other girls who signed up to walk with us.  All of the girls did great!!  I am so proud of them.  We are going to have a wonderful time this October.  I am so honored to walk with them.  They all walk for various reasons, but we all have one common goal!  60 Miles, 3-Days, and to see the end of Breast Cancer!

Jillian, Me, Emily, and Krystle after completing 10 miles around Stone Mountain Park!

I will say that this year, training is easier for me.  I guess that I'm in better shape and a bit wiser since I experienced it last year.  My new shoes held up great!  Last year when I would walk I would get a blister around 5 miles.  I completed the 10 miles yesterday without a blister or hot spot.  I told Scott over and over that I completed 10 miles without a blister!!

It was so nice to meet the other girls too.  I love being a training walk leader and helping new walkers prepare for the 3-Day.  I love hearing their stories and why they are walking.  Year 2 for me is just as amazing and emotional as the first year.  I am so blessed to have a bigger role this year and to be able to help others.  I look forward to meeting the other people who will join our team and our training walks.

Our team is working hard to train and meet our goals in fundraising!  If you would like to contribute to me or one of my team-mates, click here.  Click a name and give a donation.  No amount is too big or too small.  Special thanks to all my donors so far this year!!  I couldn't be doing this again without you!!  Your love, prayers, donations, and support keep me going!!  Every penny helps get us one step closer to seeing the end.  Until then, I'll keep walking.  No one deserves to go through what Momma and so many others have.  Join me as we continue to fight for the cure!

I Love My NEW Shoes! I Love My NEW Shoes!

Being an elementary music teacher, I love adding children's literature to my music lessons.  One of my new favorites is the Pete the Cat books by Eric Litwin.  Pete the Cat steps into all kinds of things, but he doesn't let it bother him.

"Did Pete cry?  Goodness no!  He just kept walking along and singing his song.  I love my white shoes!  I love my white shoes!"

Two tired, sore, blistered feet after completing 60 miles in 2011!

Shoes are a very important part of the 3-Day!  You must have a least two pair during during the actual walk and rotate them.  Last year, I went through 3 pairs preparing for the walk.  Since New Balance was a sponsor I went fully with them last year.  Despite my training and learning about blister prevention, I still ended up with some pretty big blisters on my feet.  I fully believe it was my socks.

In preparation for my 5ks that I did this spring, I ended up at a store called Road Runner Sports.  It was the packet pick up location for the Color Run.  Scott and I picked up our packets and proceeded to shop at the store.  The store not only fit you for shoes, they video taped you running/walking on a treadmill to pick the best shoe for you.  They also offered custom insoles for the shoes.  After testing my feet out and molding my new insoles.  They brought out 5 different brands of shoes that would work well for my feet.  I tried on all the shoes with my new insoles and of course, I went with the New Balance pair.  Not because I had to pick them, but because they were truly the best fit!  The salesman that fit me for my shoes was from the store out in Chicago.  He was there helping the Atlanta store for a few days.  I told him that I walked the 3-Day and he told me that he had fit many people for shoes for the 3-Day in Chicago.  He also recommended some socks to try.  He asked me if I experienced any pain last year during the 3-Day.  I told him about my shin splints and my knee pain.  He assured me that he could take care of that with my new shoes.  Now, Road Runner Sports is hosting clinics, training walks, and discounts for 3-Day participants.

My new shoes and socks!

So far, I am 95 miles into my training walks and I am blister and pain free with my new shoes and socks.  I ran the Race for the Cure in them too!  This weekend I'll be wearing them on a 10 mile training walk.  I am so excited to see how they will do!!

As of now, I'm like my friend, Pete the Cat...I'm just walking along and singing my song!  I love my NEW Shoes!  I love my NEW Shoes!  I probably should include socks in the song too!! =)

Catching You Up...

Wow!  Life has been so busy, but I am loving every minute of it!  Our God is so good and I have seen him workout so many situations lately.  My faith is in Him!  He is in full control.  My youngest son Graham's surgery went well.  He has had some pain off and on, but has managed so well.  He is a very brave boy and I am so proud of him.  Wesley and I had a wonderful time at our church Vacation Bible School and now, it's time to enjoy the rest of summer and start to focus more on the 3-Day!

I am so excited about walking in October.  I have been to several training events and held some of my own.  I am currently working on the 24 week training plan provided by SGK 3-Day staff.  As of today, I have walked 95 training miles!!  I have walked alone and with friends...at the gym, at my church, my subdivision, my treadmill in the garage, and at Stone Mountain Park.

I am also excited about my team, Angels of Hope.  I decided on this name due to my Mother's love for angels.  She collects all kinds of angel figurines.  I just felt that this name was perfect.  I actually decided on it back during last years walk.  =)  I had a lot of thinking and reflecting time during those 3 days.  My team has grown from 1 to 8 members as of today!  I think it's neat because my team is spread out...Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Indiana.  My team members include...Marie, Natalie, Emily, Krystle, Jillian, Kristie, and Brenda.  There's still time to join us!!  Let me know if you are interested.

I am stopping here to ask for prayers for Marie and her Mother.  Marie's mom is battling breast cancer again.  Emily and Krystle both work for Premier Designs Jewelry and they have a fellow jeweler than is fighting too.  Everyone knows someone that has been touched by breast cancer.  This is just two more reasons to keep on walking and fighting.  I am praying for God's peace and comfort for them.  I pray for strength to fight the cancer and for the doctors to make the best decisions for each woman.  God is in control and He is bigger than cancer!  I pray that in His time, He will lead us to the cure!

 
This post is about catching you up as to what I've been doing to prepare for the 3-Day.  My fundraising is going well.  I am at 51% of my goal, that's just a little over halfway there!  Thanks to all my early donors!!  I love an appreciate each and every one of you.  Some gave last year and some are new.  I'll be remembering you all as I walk.  You are the ones who make it all possible!  You funds are what saves lives.  I would love to get my fundraising done as soon as possible so that I can help my teammates reach their goal.  Remember, if you would like to donate to me or a teammate click the donation box at the top left of this blog or you can go to my fundraising web page here.  If you would like to go to my team's fundraising page you can click here.  On my team's page you will see a list of their names and can click a name to donate to one of them.  You can read their personal stories of why they walk too.  I am so excited about sharing this experience with my friends.

As for training, I attended the 24 Week Training Kick Off at New Balance in Alpharetta, GA.  On May 5, we walked 3 Miles.  I met a few ladies that I really enjoyed walking and talking with.  These ladies were first time walkers and had many questions.  I love being a veteran walker this year and sharing my experiences and helping to answer questions.

Newbie and I!  Just finished shopping and ready for 3 miles!

 

I love New Balance because they give back to SGK and off us walkers a discount too!

The following weekend (May 12), Scott and I ran the Race for the Cure at Atlantic Station.  It was a great morning to run and it was misting on us a little at the end.  I was so proud of myself.  Last year, I was not prepared for the run at all.  I didn't realize how many hills were in Atlanta either.  Last year, it took me a little over 47 minutes to run the 5k.  I was happy that I finished it but disappointed in my time, because I had ran faster than that in other 5ks.  This year, I finished in 37 minutes!!  I was so proud of myself.  Scott was great support and encouraged me the whole way, even when I wanted to give up.

Running for my Momma!

Ready to run!

 

Me and Scott

I briefly mentioned in another post that I was selected to be a Training Walk Leader this year!  I was so excited about this and also nervous.  I have been doing training walks mostly with my team members at church, Turner Lake, and Stone Mountain.  I know the closer that we get to October that more people will be joining us to train, especially at Stone Mountain.  I love helping people and encouraging them!  I want everyone to know that finishing the entire 60 miles is possible and that you are not alone, we walk together.  I believe that each step we take is one step closer to the cure!

Jillian and I

Me and Emily

"Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence."  Helen Keller



Why walk 60 miles in 3 days...

Dear Friends and Family,

Once again, I have taken on an incredible challenge.  On October 19, 2012, I'll be walking 60 miles over the course of three days and camping out at night with thousands of other women and men taking this journey with me.

I had such an incredible experience doing the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the cure last year that I'm going back for more.  I'm so excited about this event, even though this year I really know what I've gotten myself into.  Not only am I walking this year, but I decided to take on a leadership role.  I have formed a team, Angels of Hope and currently have 8 others on my team.  I am also a training walk leader.  I get the opportunity to help others train to be able to walk the 60 miles in 3 days.  Just in case you missed my account of last year's event, follow the link below to visit my personal webpage, where I tell my story or visit my blog at www.amys3dayjourney.blogspot.com.  This event isn't easy, but I promise you, I wouldn't be doing it if I didn't believe 100% that it was worth every muscle ache, weary night, and training walk!  Net proceeds from the 3-Day for the Cure fund innovative global breast cancer research and local community programs supporting education, screening and treatment. Komen for the Cure® works hard to build a future without breast cancer, and I plan on raising $2,300 to help bring us closer to that goal.

Please consider making a donation. There is no donation too big or too small. If you can't give all at once, you can spread it out over four months, using the payment plan option, if you donate online at The3Day.org.  Please also ask your employer if they will double your donation with a matching gift.  Remember that your donation is tax deductible.  Whether you donate $5 or $100 your gift is appreciated and a step closer to finding the cure!  If you are not able at this time to donate your prayers and support are enough!  You can also help by sharing my journey through email or letter!

I decided to be a part of this bold event, last year, to honor the life of my Mother, Debbie Sauls, who celebrated her 25th year of being breast cancer free in 2011! I also walk in honor of my Grandmother, Betty Sauls, and the women past & present of the Woman to Woman Breast Cancer Support Group founded by my Mother. You can see the growing list of names of people I walk for on my fundraising page or my blog.  Each one is special to me or a friend of mine who asked me to walk on their behalf.  Though we are closer to a cure, one has not been found.  Walking this event is my little part in helping to find the cure. 

My Mother has worked for the last 25 years promoting awareness and helping other survivors and their families.  Her main message is to spread the word on breast cancer awareness and to tell others "that there is still life after breast cancer."  In 1989, she along with a fellow survivor organized the Woman to Woman Breast Cancer Support Organization.  This began as a resource center to educate women on breast cancer and grew into a support group that continues today.

Help me honor the life of my Mother and others who have fought and are fighting breast cancer!  Working together we can make a difference for future generations!

Somewhere in the world, a woman dies from breast cancer every 69 seconds. That's why I'm walking in the 3-Day for the Cure.  Because everyone deserves a lifetime.

Just follow the link below to visit my personal fundraising webpage (www.the3day.org/goto/rains) and make a donation. If you don't want to donate online, fill out the attached donation form or download and print a donation form from my webpage and mail it to the address on the form.  Or you can call 800-996-3DAY to donate over the phone.

I would like to reach my fundraising goal ASAP, so don't delay!

Thank you for taking the time to read this email and thank you for your support. Special thanks to those who have already donated last year and this year!  Don’t forget to share this email or letter with your friends and family!  Thank you for sharing my story!

Sincerely,

Amy Sauls Rains

You may follow my 3-Day journey at...www.amys3dayjourney.blogspot.com

You may donate to my cause at…www.the3day.org/goto/rains

P.S. Don't wait - donate today!

2011 - Day 3, Closing Ceremony

Life Happens...

Hi friends!  I know it's been a long time since I blogged about the 3-Day.  My only excuse is...life happens.  So much has gone on this spring.  Most of you know I am an elementary music teacher.  I have had a musical, 5th grade honor chorus, talent show, and...well the list goes on and on.

My principal at my school got a promotion and that left us with a vacancy...I had the honor to sit on the panel to find us a new principal.  What an experience...but also an honor!  We have had recitals, competitions, and honors ceremonies.

Wesley has had an amazing year in 6th grade.  Middle school was a new experience, but he accomplished so much.  I am so proud of his good grades and honors this year.  He was in 6th Grade Honor Band, was rated superior at his piano competitions, not only passed the CRCT...but exceeded in all 5 areas, he had perfect attendance, and had the highest score in ELA for the 6th grade on the CRCT (by the way, that's the subject he struggles in).  I am more than a proud Mother, I am truly blessed by my son and could ask for any more.

Graham completed his first year of school.  My baby graduated from PreK and is moving on to Kindergarten.  He sang beautifully at their end of year program and recited the poem Jack and Jill.  He was also a Star Student of the month for his class.  Again, this Mom couldn't be more proud of her boys. 

Graham, is also preparing for surgery on his leg.  Though I give this burden to God each day in my prayers, I'm still human and a worrying Mom.  Graham has a very rare bone disease.  1 out of 100,000 kids have it.  He will have surgery on June 1, please pray for us.  I know God is with us and that he has big plans for Graham.  Pray that the doctors know what to do for him and for us to stay strong to help him recover.  He is one amazing little boy and has a great attitude going into this, but he really don't understand what all is happening to him.  This week, we are trying to cram in a summer vacation for him.

One more boy to brag on...my husband, Scott.  He won AHS Teacher of the Year.  I am so proud of him.  He works hard at his job and has made a difference in the lives of the students that he teaches!
I am truly blessed with one amazing family!!

I have run in 3 5k's this spring.  I ran the Color Run with Scott and the Dirty Girl 5k with obstacles with my teacher friends.  Both were amazing and I can't wait to run them again!!

Dirty Girl 5k - 2012

Color Run 5k - 2012

Now, just because I've been busy doesn't mean I didn't have time to prepare for the 3 Day!  Scott and I also ran Race for the Cure in Atlanta.

Race for the Cure Atlanta - 2012

I'll tell you more about it in another post.  I have been to several get started meetings, began training walks, grown my team, and have met my 1000+ milestone in fundraising.  Yes, I'm still going strong preparing for my second 3-Day.  I am looking forward to sharing with you more in my up-coming posts.

Though life has busy moments...we must focus on those we love.  Share quality time with our family and do all we can to make memories.  Life is so short.  I am so thankful for my time with friends and family and though life happens...try to remain positive in all situations and focus on God, because He is the one that can get us through the good and the bad times.