the leaves they will be changing..

Not to long now and the little monkey returns to school , after an extended little summer break. She is so different from the little girl who started JK last year, now on to SK -- with hopes of wonderful discoveries, magical stories -- and hopefully a joy of learning... what am I dreaming????? lost snack containers, 5 backpack zippers to break and fingers crossed no major sickness, this is the reality of back to school -- oh but to dream of a peaceful September.

Fall is my favourite time of the year, I like nothing better then the sound of the leaves crunching under my feet, the brilliant reds and oranges that dot the trees along the DVP. The smell of freshness in the air -- oh and no more damn humidity! Hate the sticky heat that has been our summer - I know really I am the girl who love the mittens and the red tipped nose.

Fall is a signal in my mind of fresh starts, new beginnings and learning something new. This year will be no different. I can't wait to discover something new...

Enjoy the last couple weeks of childhood freedom, and say goodbye to lazy days .. in the schools the floors are being waxed, the desks wiped down, and books are being delivered.. think about how you will be supporting your local school this year.. your community,  your kids -- it takes a city to raise a kid, So get ready to help teach the next generation.... you know the ones who will be taking care of us when we get older.

Idea's on how you can make a difference to your local school:

• Go into your local school office - find out about their snack program and make a donation to the program about $60.00 a year per child for daily snack in the Kindergarten program.
• Drop off a case of Kleenex and sanitizer for the school
• Sponsor a program ( such as a gym equipment purchase)
• Go in and volunteer

Don't have the cash

• Keep the kids safe - on an early morning walk go to the school playground with a garbage bag and gloves and clean up the mess ( in some neighbourhoods it is wise to wear work gloves)
• Volunteer to cover lunch
• Be a reading buddy
• Offer to lead a fun event
• Participate in the festivals

Think Big

• Become a child advocate
• learn the laws and be a special ed parent buddy
• donate books to the library

or simply -- do the best you can to help the families around you deal with the craziness of September -- and be patient if your not a parent, because those of us that are -- we will be sane just in time to lose it over Halloween costumes!

Life is a gift -- make sure to share the joy