The Start of Fall

My favorite season is the fall. The leaves start to turn, the air is crisp, we go apple picking and we get a chance to reflect on the past year. We are very lucky to be Jewish - there are many reasons. One of them is the opportunity to start new during Rosh Hashanah. This past weekend, you both helped me make 6 round challahs with raisins. You are fabulous bakers and the challahs will taste more delicious because you both used your hearts when you were baking. That is key!! Ella is starting school this Tuesday, September 3, 2013. You will begin kindergarten in a new school. I am so excited for this new chapter in your life. You will meet new friends and they will be with you for the next 6 years in elementary school. There will be people that will change you in ways you could never imagine. This summer you were at Camp JORI. You took the van with Carlos and Erin every day. You had sleepovers on Thursdays at the camp with many campers that were older than you. I am so amazed by how brave you are. You embrace life as a series of adventures - always excited about the next one. My wish for you this year is for me to help you be in the moment. I think I have started to teach you to always look ahead and while that is helpful in life, you miss out on so much when you don't celebrate the here and now. Sidney is starting Child's Play Toddler class with Ms. Debbie. Daddy is going to be in the classroom with you. This is such a fun preschool and you will also meet so many new friends that will teach you and help you as you continue to learn. This summer you were at the YMCA with Mr. Mark. You had a hard time separating in the morning from Daddy but in the afternoons, you were all smiles when we picked you up. And you always say at dinner time that being picked up by daddy was your favorite part of the day. And this summer, I finished my first unit of CPE. It was challenging, scary and incredibly rewarding. I am so grateful that all of you were so supportive of my desire to give back in a meaningful way to our community. The beauty of this work is that I am more fulfilled and hopefully, will pass this gift on to you. Always follow your heart. It will take you places that will transform your soul. I love you both. Happy New Year 5774. May this year be filled with sweetness and good health for everyone you know. Love, Mommy