Blessing of the Jewish Pets 10-30-2011

This morning, we went to the most fun religious ceremony EVER! The ceremony was for all the Jewish pets out there. The main thing we did was hug our sweet little dog and tell her how much we love her. We love you Porcher!

I did some reading about this ritual. Here's a great explanation of the tradition:

“We celebrate the wonderful variety of animals in our lives."

“The wonderful dogs and all their joy and energy, the amazing cats who rule us and are our masters, our gerbils and hamsters and bunny rabbits and fish, the birds that flap in the cages wishing they were free but loving to be with us, and from the ant farms and the earthworms to all of the animals that make our lives joyous, we celebrate them.

… We celebrate each of them and all the joy they bring to us and thank G-d for the blessing that they provide our lives."

• The Barking Blessed
  
• Jews Adopt Blessing of the Animals Ceremonies and Make Them Their Own
  
• Interview With a Vegetarian Who Attended a Jewish Blessing of the Animals Ceremony
  

Annabelle Passes Her Novice Moves Test - 10-29-2011

Annabelle passed her novice moves in the field test today and all three judges passed her! Go Annabelle!

This means that Joel and Annabelle will be able to test for their novice pairs test after this competition season. Pretty cool in my opinion!

Getting Ready For Halloween 10-29-2011

I must admit that this photo of my kids makes them look like models!

It's only Saturday and Halloween is two days away, but the kids are going to two parties tonight. I think this year's costumes are the most fun ever.

Happy Halloween!

Hike In Williams Canyon - Sunday, 10-23-2011

My daughter, Rebekah, and I, went on a fabulous hike this past Sunday with my friend, Bernice, and her daughter, Lila, and our new friend, Terri.

Being in the mountains and being outside with friends gives me so much joy!

Simcha Torah 2011

Last night, my family got to march around the synagogue with Torahs and wave flags! It was so cool. We also all got to go up to the bimah and do the Aliyah blessings. It is mind boggling to think that in synagogues all over the world people were celebrating! What a fun holiday!

• What Is Simchat Torah?
  

School Photos 2011-12

Who says homeschoolers don't get to have school pictures? These photos were taken at their "school" for homeschoolers!

Pikes Peak Classic 2011 Photos - Annabelle and Joel WON~

It was really exciting for Annabelle and Joel to win gold!