Apple picking and painting

Yay for holidays off from school and long weekends! Rosh HaShanah has become our traditional apple picking holiday which I like because a significant symbol of Rosh HaShanah is apple slices dipped in honey which represent hope for a sweet new year and are traditionally accompanied by a short prayer before eating that goes: "May it by Thy will, O Lord, Our God, to grant us a year that is good and sweet. Here my girls are picking out some good apples and eating quite a few along the way. As soon as my new oven is here, since mine broke over the weekend, I'll be making some apple pie or apple crisp with all our yummy apples.

Now with school starting I have not been able to let the girls get crafty. I kept it simple and I'm sure you've seen these before. Using the handprint for the tree and then fingerprints for the leaves. Gillian couldn't quite understand the dots for fingerprints so I let her do her own thing. Very cute though still.

Then they let loose and let their creative juices flow :)

Time flies

This was taken on my birthday which was a week ago but it makes me think how quickly life goes by. I can't believe how big my girls have gotten. They are little ladies now with their own opinions and attitudes of their own. When did that happen? On that day I was really missing my mom. She's been gone for two years and I miss her everyday but especially on these occasions. I always miss her at holidays, birthdays (mine and any other family members) and the first of anything.

With Gillian starting school and not having my mom to lean on and ask advice, it's been hard. I miss her phone calls and her stopping by with a little something for the girls. I miss the things that you take for granted and don't realize how lucky you are to have. I know that I am lucky to have such a wonderful family and be so loved by them but I just can't help but think about how much my mom would have loved to be a part of that too.

Starting school and puppy love

Here's my big girl starting kindergarten. Getting back to work and starting school has been quite an adjustment for everyone and I know that we'll get there eventually, even me. I'm exhausted getting back to work, getting to know my own class, and getting back into my routine plus adding the new adventure of kindergarten in the mix. I know I've been neglecting my blog and my blogging friends, but I'll be back soon. Know that I'm sending you all much love!

Although, no matter what is happening with us we always have time for some love from Sonny. I love this picture!