Hey Mom! How are things going with you? Silly question, I know. I just SO want to call you today and talk. It's Saturday and I'd love to come over w/ the kids and visit. But I don't want to go over there w/ just Dad there. I feel badly about that but it is the truth and I can't hide it.

I've been so busy at work! Next week is trial week and it should be exciting. We had to pull together an old 2005 case. It is an armed robbery and kidnapping. The defendant was arrested for the charges in Hall County and mistakenly let out of jail. He got out, fled to Oklahoma and tried to kill 2 cops. He shot at them both. He is serving 40 years out there. We brought him back to GA b/c he told his attorney that he wanted to plea guilty to the kidnapping and close his case. Well, he gets back to the Hall County jail this week and changes his mind! So we were scrambling all week to find our victim who no one has spoken to in over a year and to find our only witness who just happens to be a homeless man. We've found everyone and I think it will all come together. Our victim is flying up from FL on Monday w/ her 2 kids. I have to go pick her up at the airport. Our homeless man is going to meet us at a gas station at the Hall County/White County line on Tuesday morning to get a ride to the courthouse.

Did I mention that the defendant is nuts? Literally. We have is psychiatric files from the time he was about Jack's age. He was killing small animals, starting fires.. The deputies won't let him have a pen or pencil in court b/c they think he will stab someone. Yes, he's that nutty. He has no regard for human life. There will be extra security in the courtroom, don't worry. At the very least it will be entertaining. He can't seem to keep his mouth shut and like to blurt out inappropriate things.

Well, Serena just came in and told me that both the toilets are clogged. I better go. I miss you so much Mom. Hope to see you soon.

Anna

Nicholas

Hi Mom, Nicholas got his Black Belt tonight!! Wish you were here. Love you and miss you so.!!!

School

Dear Mom,
This Saturday was Serena's 10th Birthday. We got her an iPod and she seems to like it. Tomorrow she is starting 5th grade! We met her teacher last week...I like her. She is the oldest teacher Serena has ever had but I don't think that's a bad thing. There are several girls in her class that she knows and likes. I think it will be a great year for her.

Jackson starts Kindergarten tomorrow. I am having a hard time believing it! I have butterflies in my stomach for him. We met his teacher last week, too. When we left the class Jackson said, "my teacher is nice." That was all I needed to hear! He looks so small in the big school. I'm grateful for the time I spent on the PTA board and the times I had to bring Jack along with me to Silver City. He is already familiar with the school and hopefully not so overwhelmed by it.

This week has been hard for me and I really couldn't put my finger on it until a few days ago. I kept feeling like I was missing something, forgetting to do something. It was your involvement I was missing. You are always so interested in the start of school and Serena's birthday. Always anxious to hear about the teachers, asking what sizes of clothes you can buy the kids, what gifts Serena would like this year. I miss that. It makes me wonder if Christmas is going to be just as hard.

I know you will be there tomorrow as the kids get on the bus and will walk with them at school tomorrow. Do me a favor, keep them safe. When Nick starts middle school in a few weeks, please walk with him, too. It is such a big step for all 3 of them. Thanks.

Love,
Anna