Happy Rosh Hashanah !

For those readers, who are not familiar with this holiday, here is a brief description.

...In the seventh month, on the first of the month, there shall be a sabbath for you, a remembrance with shofar blasts, a holy convocation. -Leviticus 16:24

Rosh Hashanah occurs on the first and second days of Tishri. In Hebrew, Rosh Hashanah means, literally, "head of the year" or "first of the year." Rosh Hashanah is commonly known as the Jewish New Year. This name is somewhat deceptive, because there is little similarity between Rosh Hashanah, one of the holiest days of the year, and the American midnight drinking bash and daytime football game.

There is, however, one important similarity between the Jewish New Year and the American one: Many Americans use the New Year as a time to plan a better life, making "resolutions." Likewise, the Jewish New Year is a time to begin introspection, looking back at the mistakes of the past year and planning the changes to make in the new year. More on this concept at Days of Awe.

The name "Rosh Hashanah" is not used in the Bible to discuss this holiday. The Bible refers to the holiday as Yom Ha-Zikkaron (the day of remembrance) or Yom Teruah (the day of the sounding of the shofar). The holiday is instituted in Leviticus 23:24-25.

The shofar is a ram's horn which is blown somewhat like a trumpet. One of the most important observances of this holiday is hearing the sounding of the shofar {click on shofar to hear sound} in the synagogue.

This info was copied from :
http://www.jewfaq.org /holiday2.htm

Giving Cats Equal Time!

Madeline-Jillian




Joe Good




Ducktape




Abner




Sutty




Abbygail



I have posted pictures of our dog, Buddy, numerous times. Since, I was in a "picture-taking" mood yesterday, I decided that maybe I would share some photos of our cats. I admit...... some of them do have very unusual names!

Happy Birthday to Bruce!

On Saturday, my wonderful husband, Bruce, celebrated birthday number 43. We had a terrific day! Our day started with Sabbath services at shul, followed by a delightful afternoon spent with our dear friends the Cauthens. We went home with them and had lunch, at which time they surprised Bruce with a birthday cake.




Following lunch Alex, Clemmie, Ian, Chelsea and Faulkner played a rather "intense at times" game of monopoly. They had a really good time and would have certainly played longer, but we had to be back at shul by 7:30 for a special performance. If I remember correctly Ian was the winner of yesterday's game!



As a joint venture between both synagogues, the play "The Gates are Closing" was presented. Bill did an outstanding job as "Murray, the Hazan"! Ian, also, had an important part....as he was in charge of lighting and any other prop needs that came up. The programs for the production were done by Sandy and she too did a great job!
This play really made me think and actually shed a tear or two. After a short, but rather tasty nosh, we all gathered again for a Selichot service. This was my first ever Selichot service and it a was very moving.
We got home around 11:30pm .......it had been a very long day, but we had a total blast and would not have changed a thing about the day. For me, a day cannot be more perfect than spending it with my family and friends, worshipping G-d together, sharing a meal together, and playing and laughing together!
Yes, it was a perfect day! Thanks Cauthen Family!

Shavua Tov!

I'm Lovin' It!

I am absolutely LOVING this cooler weather! All, of you who know me, know that fall is my favorite season of the year. I woke up this morning and pulled a quilt up over me and Bruce. It felt so good! I almost made homemade biscuits for breakfast, but Alex and Bruce needed to leave quickly to go on an install job. I have felt so invigorated all day....I have cleaned my house and I have such a feeling of accomplishment. I know that the weather man says that this is just a taste and that it will heat back up, but I am going to enjoy ever minute of this taste of fall!

I was checking over on my friend Kelli's blog and she has inspired me to get out some of my fall decorations and start decorating my house. I have had some mums on the front porch for a few weeks now, but I think that it is time to put my fall wreath on the front door as well. I have a beautiful candle holder that I bought from "Partylite" several years ago that I want to put out this year...I just need to pick up some candles for it. I will post a picture of it after I get it out and placed somewhere in the house.

The cooler temps also make me think about Sukkot which isn't too many weeks from now. I already have so many ideas about decorations for the sukkah. I bought several new items at the end of the season last year and can't wait to use them on this year's sukkah.

One Very Busy Week!

Last week was one very busy week for the Croleys. Clemmie started dance classes and has them two days a week. She and I went Monday to an area homeschool group meeting. The meeting was at 2pm and the representative for the Alabama 4H came to help us get a 4H group started. The meeting lasted about one hour, so Clemmie and I were home by 3:30, but by 5pm we were on our way back to town for ballet class. I dropped Clemmie off at ballet and then I went to Fred's and looked around until time to pick her up.

On Tuesday, a local resturant owner, who is going to offer cooking classes as part of our 4H group had a general interest meeting. It was at 3:30, so off to Greenville, we went once again. I think that Clemmie will really enjoy these classes.....one thing that Ms. Jan is going to teach them is cake decorating. Clemmie and I went to the library before we came home....she has been wanting to go for weeks now. An hour or so after Clemmie and I got home, Bruce and I had to go to the funeral home. Our neighbor's daughter, Amy (who was the same age as Alex), was killed in a single car accident. As you might imagine, it was a terribly sad occasion. What can you say to a mother, who has just lost her child? There were so many people there that Bruce and I stood in line for about an hour.

Wednesday came and we didn't have to go any where until the afternoon. At about 4:30pm, Alex, Clemmie and I left for Clemmie's Tap and Jazz class that is at 5:30. I had managed to get Alex an appointment for a haircut, so I dropped him off and ran to drop Clemmie off at dance class. I drove back, picked up Alex and he and I headed for Wal Mart to pick up groceries. We got the groceries and were able to get back to pick up Clemmie by 5:30. This is quite an accomplishment for me...getting the groceries in under an hour!

Thursday morning arrived and we did school as usual, but by noon, we were on the road again.
This time we were off to Montgomery. Alex is on the communications committee for his Sr. class at Evangel and he had a meeting with the other two members. We met Deanna and her mom in Montgomery and then we all drove up to Prattville to meet with Janice. We met Janice at the McDonalds inside of the Wal Mart, but the kids soon decided to head over to the public library there in Prattville. Alex had taken his laptop and so the three of them were able to get a table at the library and do some brainstorming. I am so glad that I nudged him to get involved in this committee......he really needs to be around others his own age. Of course his very proud mom also thinks that they couldn't do this web page without him. I think that the kids and I got home Thursday about 5:45pm.

I was very, very glad to see Friday arrive. I knew that Shabbat was on its way! We did some school and then I cooked lunch and food for the Sabbath. We had planned on going to Shul, but I was just plain pooped. There was also talk on the news about the price of gas and about some stations running out, so we felt it best to just stay put! Bruce and I discussed it and decided to spend the whole weekend at home. I have really enjoying being home and hopefully I will be refreshed and ready to go again tomorrow. Things should not be as hectic this week......at least I hope not! LOL

Shavua Tov !

Mother-Daughter Day!

Today, Clemmie and I attended a "Mother and Daughter" conference, entitled "Growing Together...Connecting for Life", that was sponsored by Jackson Hospital. It was from 9am til 1pm and it was at the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel and Spa. There were over 300 people in attendance and Clemmie and I had a great time. When we arrived and signed in, we were given wonderful tote bags filled with goodies. Some of our goodies consisted of lipstick, nail polish, eyeliner, mirrors, mini sewing kits, journals, pens, many trial size products, small cosmetic bags and some items that were age specific. For example, I had "Poise' pads in my bag! How did they know that I could use those! LOL
Kim Hendrix from WSFA was the emcee and she is truly delightful. The keynote speaker was Dr. Karyn Gordon, Youth Expert from Canada. She spoke to the moms, while the girls were involved in smaller workshops that were just for them. The girls that were in attendance were from 9-12 years old and the topics discussed with them were "Being Strong against Bullying", "Finding your Healthy Weight", and "Living Green". While the girls were in their sessions, Dr. Gordon discussed with us about connecting with our girls, making sure that they are comfortable to come to us about any and everything and about helping them have a positive self image. It was really interesting and informative.
The morning sessions were over around 11am and we were free to walk around and visit some of the sponsor booths and take that always necessary bathroom break. At 11:30, we all gathered together again for lunch. We were served turkey wraps, chips, pasta salad, cookies, apples and bottled water. Following our lunch, Dr. Gordon came back to talk to both the moms and the girls. She is truly a dynamic speaker and is able to appeal to both adults, as well as, the younger ones. Everything concluded around 12:45 and we were given cards to take by, yet one more booth to receive lovely messenger bags. Needless to say, our arms were full of goodies and we were tired and ready to head home. It was a really awesome day spent connecting with my daughter!