tales from a far-land

 August marked the start of a new school year and was filled with family time, celebrations, and opportunities for growth. Here’s a look back at the highlights of this memorable month: Back to School This month, Madilyn began her journey as a freshman (or freshwoman!) at Xavier College Preparatory. Transitioning from her district middle school to Xavier brought some adjustments, but she has embraced the change beautifully. Madilyn quickly joined several clubs, expanding her social circle and creating new friendships. She even enjoys wearing her school uniform, pairing it with her signature hoodie—a wardrobe choice she sticks with, no matter how high the temperatures climb above 100°F! Aiden returned to school as an 8th grader, ready to tackle the challenges of his final year at Mountain Sky Junior High. His enthusiasm and readiness for the new school year set the tone for success. A Visit with Mina and Lynsey We had the pleasure of spending time with Mina and Lynsey during their an...

May was a wonderful month filled with family celebrations, milestones, and moments of gratitude. Here’s a look at how we spent this memorable month: Key Challah Shabbat We kicked off May by enjoying Key Challah on the Shabbat following Passover. This special tradition symbolizes blessings and prosperity, and sharing it as a family in our newly renovated home made it even more meaningful. It was a quiet and reflective moment that set a positive tone for the month ahead. Mother’s Day in Our New Home Mother’s Day was especially sweet this year as we hosted it in our new home. We invited the Pattees over for a day of swimming, relaxing, and enjoying the beautiful Arizona weather. The kids went out of their way to spoil me, making it a perfect day filled with love and appreciation. It was a true blessing to celebrate in a space that has become a sanctuary for our family. BGA Employee Appreciation Event Josh and I attended the Black, Gould & Associates (BGA) Employee Appreciation event a...