Speed Racer
My son is so cool. I normally think that several times a day, but today he out did himself. His cross country team held their qualifier for the seven available spots for their first meet on Saturday. They raced two miles and the fastest seven would qualify to run on Saturday. Cole came in 6th with a time of 10:06 beating his PR by over three minutes. His good friend Forrest came in 8th and they were the only two freshman finishing in the top half. Their team has about 30 runners. So, Colton will run Varsity his very first high school race and will be the only freshman running for Woodland on Saturday!

Heidi Wheatley, MBA

That sounds so cool! I can't even tell you how incredibly THRILLED I am that I'm finally done with my masters degree! I took both finals today just to get them over with and it feels so great to know that I'm done with homework. Oh I pity my first class in October...they are going to have incredible amounts of homework! They say it's better to give than receive, right? WHOO HOO!!!!

Perfect Nights
If only it was possible to stop time. The past two nights have been so great. Last night cross country practice was moved back to 7 p.m. because of the heat, so I dropped off Colton and Forrest and then went and ran at a nearby park. We went for ice cream after and got to talking about how quickly the next four years will go by and I wondered out loud who I'd eat ice cream with after a run once they are away at college. They both agreed that since they are considering attending Georgia Tech, that I can meet them at Piedmont Park, we'll all run together and then I can buy them ice cream after. It made my heart ache a little bit how much I love Dude and Forrest. His friends are around so much that I feel like I've got the house full of sons I always wanted...them calling me mom helps too! I have been so blessed.
Tonight they both came to my group run and then I made pizza and chocolate peanut butter bars. Again, just an amazing night and I'm so glad I have the relationship with Colton that I do...I would miss out on so much otherwise!
I made a major decision several months ago, which I have shared with only a handful of people but am at a point where I'm more comfortable "announcing" it. I've decided to pursue adoption and will complete my last training class tomorrow night. Then there are home studies, home inspections, interviews with family and friends and so on but by October I should be approved. This is something I've thought about for years as I never intended Colton to grow up as an only child, but I have not been in a place where having a child was an option both for the obvious reason (I'm single) and because my career was so demanding there just wasn't room. While being in business for myself has been financially stressful at times, I have faith that God will continue to provide for my family just as he has done all the years I've been raising Colton. There is no guarantee that I'll ever find my child, but I don't want to get to the end of my life not having tried. The only qualifier's I have are age (0-2) and health, otherwise I have no preference for race or sex...just a little person to love and enjoy the way I love and enjoy Colton. It's strange to think that this time next year I could have a small person crawling around the house. So, there it is...out in the open. My heart is cautiously anticipating the arrival of another child. I try not to think about it too much because I don't know when or what to expect but I know that if my child is out there I'll find them. Please keep us in your prayers.

Baby Colton Michael

I was searching for a file and came across this photo of Colton. He was just one day old in this pic...seriously, what a cutest little! Oh how quickly time flies!

First Week of High School

Dude has had a great first week of high school! He's adjusting well to the new environment and has enjoyed catching up with his friends from middle school. He's discovered that there are a lot more hot girls in high school too, and I'm hoping that doesn't distract him from his studies too much! Cross country practice has begun and their first meet in on September 1.

Twas the Night Before High School...
Well I can't say that no creature is stirring because I can hear Hope playing with a toy in the hall while I'm updating our blog. I can say that I can't believe Colton is starting high school tomorrow. The summer has gone so fast and has dragged me, kicking and screaming, all the way to the first day of school.
Dude's ready though. He's got a fresh hair cut, some new clothes and found out that one of his best friends will be in his home room. Seriously, is that really a good thing? lol
At his open house on Friday we were able to meet his teachers and check out the school. There was only one error on his schedule which he'll address tomorrow, otherwise he's good to go.
The honors program completes one year of course work in a semester. His classes are 90 minutes each...good luck holding his attention that long! This semester his honors classes are government, physical science and spanish. He'll also take health and art. I'm relieved that honors lit will start in January so he can ease into the demands of the program without having a ton of reading and writing at the start...considering how much he loves both!


Nice haircut!

He graciously allowed me to snap this pic outside his high school after open house.

Waiting on our car. After nine weeks we finally got it back and thank God for warranties! If I would have had to pay for the repairs to my car...it would have cost about $12,000! Yipes!

Scout the Skater Dog

Colton took Scout for a walk tonight and decided to let him do all the work!