Sunshine on Sandy

This Saturday, November 7th, I participated in a Memorial Walk to honor my co-worker, Sandy Bartenbach (a 5th grade teacher that taught at the elementary school I work at). She was found murdered in her home a little over a month ago. As you can imagine, this has just been devastating to our staff and her current and former students. Her death is still under investigation.

Here is a video clip I am attaching about the incident:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Exk7v0-Fs1o&feature=related

In honor of her life and contribution to education, a team at my school put together a Memorial Walk. The purpose of the walk was to collect 10,000.00 to establish a scholarship in her name. The fee to walk was $10 a person/$25 a family. Here is a pic of my co-workers Amanda (5th grade teacher who took over Sandy's class), Erin (Speech Therapist) and me registering people for the walk.
Over 400 people attended the walk. It was an absolutely beautiful day-sunny, warm and not a cloud in the sky. I felt as if she was looking down on us. This was so different from the day of her funeral- cold, grey and rainy ALL day (like the heavens were sobbing).

Here is a picture of me and my other friend Amanda (1st grade teacher) on the walk :)

It was so touching to see a community pull together like this. Sandy's family members were there, our school staff, her current and former students, even people that did not know her (but wanted to lend their support) showed up...

Before and after the walk, there was a Silent Auction to raise additional money. Some items up for bid were Colts tickets, rounds of golf, a set of 4-tires, an autographed Pacer's jersey just to name a few...

My friends Vicky (2nd grade teacher) and Erin (Speech Therapist):

Carol (Special Ed Teacher) with our school's facility dog, Hazel:

Jenn ( School Psychologist) and Carol:

Here is a video clip from the Memorial Walk:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_LfJzvfQYo

Our school ended up making well over 10,000 dollars! Sandy's walk was a success!!! Although her life was ended much too soon, I know her legacy will live on for many years to come.

On Sunday, I decorated the house AGAIN!!!! I think I have a problem- but all the Thanksgiving decor was 30% off and since we are having visitors for Thanksgiving this year, I just couldn't resist... My bowl o' gourds... Check out the Harvest tree that will reside in our downstairs bathroom for the remainder of November... I also broke down and bought this wall hanging at of all places, Kroger!!! Kroger is a grocery store... Those sneaky stores!!! They know people like me have NO self-control. My cutie pie Ryan hung it up in our front entry way. I love it! It has pictures of ALL our immediate family. Now every time we walk in the door mom, dad, Terry, Carol, Erin, Garrett, Alyssa, Danny and little Dilly will be there to greet us :) As I mentioned above, we have been blessed with some unusually warm temps this time of year. It actually reached 70 degrees today! Here is Sammy basking in the sunshine :) And Frodie barking at a Golden Retriever and its owner walking by... The leaves have fallen...but the signs of Winter are yet to be seen! Next week is the start of deer hunting season. Ryan broke down and bought a Remington shotgun with a scope. He has been wanting to buy one for a couple of months. He is soooooooo excited to go hunting with our neighbor Zach. His excitement about hunting makes me think about my dad. I have many fond memories of dove and quail hunting with him as a kid. Until next time...xo