Finally Fall?

 I think it finally feels likes Fall.  After last week (Jacob was away) when I turned the AC back on in the house, the heat is now on and we are feeling cozy.  We are happy to have Jacob back, and I just love love love these kids.  The four of us fully vibed with Jacob gone, and I am grateful every day for them.  Sender finished soccer, Hersh finished UF, and Lu is getting ready for her big Nutcracker Performance at the KC Opera House!  We had amazing PT conferences, where it was clear that each of our children is seen and honored for who they are by their teachers and classmates.  Hersh is a mensch and a leader.  AlteLu a kind, smart, and trustworthy community member, and Sender a brilliant part of the brotherhood that is his class.  As Thanksgiving approaches, we are excited for the parade and for all the family love!

Fall!

 Even though the temps remain warm (ugh global warming), it is Fall.  Beautiful leaves, Halloween, lots of raking, and less daylight hours.  We steadily chug along riding the waves that are our days, and the raising of three children.  I find such delight in my every interaction.  This morning Sender and I were talking about pets and he asked me if I liked dogs more then cats to which I said, "yes."  I then asked him if he knows the name of my dog from childhood....without missing a beat, he said, "Clifford!"  So silly!  Lu is loving all things ballet and I am hoping she does not get lice, which many of her friends currently have.  Hersh is deep in bnai mitzvah land, and navigated Halloween which was an intense social experience for both him and me.  Overall we are ok---looking towards what comes next, and squeezing in as many hugs as possible.

Ups and Downs

 The days are filled with ups and downs.  Lots of joy, laughter, community, meals, family, sunshine, and coziness.  Then there are some downs--all the house work, missing my mom, navigating Middle School parents.  I need to return to a practice of a focus on gratitude, a practice that has been very nurturing to me in the past, but has felt difficult during the past few weeks/month.  My mom has been gone for over a month now.  Yizkor/shul is helpful and painful.  Work is feeling more normal.  I hope that Hersh weathers the storm that is 7th grade trick or treating.  Savta was with us, and this weekend we will pumpkin pick.  Deep breathes and sunshine are my tonic.