In recent years, I think about Margot as I navigate certain online communities. There are a few where I (and anyone of my political leanings) am decidedly unpopular. I see the way that mob bullying becomes hurtful and out of control, emboldened by a crowd. Cruelty becomes the norm when everyone is doing it and commenters are hiding behind the anonymity of fake names and cartoon avatars. It’s exhausting and heartbreaking and makes my community seem like a scary and hateful place. There is no empathy in those corners of the internet.

But then there is the genuine magic of a birthday on social media. Seeing messages from people across every chapter of my life: old friends and new, clients who have become some of my favorite humans, former students who are all grown up, acquaintances I have not seen or spoken to since the days of AIM away messages – they are all there today, giving me a virtual group hug. It is a reminder of the fingerprints we leave on people’s lives that we don’t even notice while we are just trying to navigate our own way through. I feel seen and celebrated and like part of a community who cares.

It is my community that cheered me on through my fitness journey this year; it is because of all of that support that I met and even *exceeded* my weight loss goal. Today, I am 62 pounds down and still going. I am wearing clothes that haven’t fit in decades and literally ridding myself of baggage. I feel better in my own skin and so much love from the friends who share my wins with me. I managed to make room to take care of myself this year and the encouragement I’ve received every step of the way is the best part of the journey.

I can’t celebrate wins without bragging the tiniest bit about my kids, and honestly, I could do it all day every day. Cole is a JUNIOR, you guys. I am so proud of him for navigating high school every day and for learning to manage the day to day his own way. And Lulu is just the most incredible human being. I am awed by her strength and resilience and maturity.

I am so grateful for the moments that make my life sparkle; connection with friends, family victories, personal milestones – they make the shadowy parts of the internet irrelevant. That’s not what I carry with me. So let’s celebrate together! What is making you feel proud and sparkly? Share a comment with some glitter!

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Let me tell you what I’ve been doing for the past few months:

Making sure the word AUTISM is clearly, unmistakably, unavoidably plastered across every piece of paperwork related to Cole. Medical records. School forms. Psychological evaluations. If there’s a box for diagnosis, I didn’t just check it, I practically lit it up with fireworks.

Why? Because I was applying for OPWDD – the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities. It’s a system in New York that provides services and supports to people with disabilities and to even get in the door, you need documentation. So. Much Documentation. You have to prove over and over that your child qualifies. That their struggles are real. That they’re “disabled enough.”

So I did the thing. I fought for the diagnosis. I gathered the reports. I made it loud and clear: My son is autistic.

I did this because he needs help. Because he deserves support. Because I’ve spent years watching him struggle in environments that weren’t built for his brain, and OPWDD could open the door to things that would make his life better: housing support, job training, respite services, long-term planning.

But now? I feel sick to my stomach.

Because RFK has proposed an autism registry – a government-run database of autistic people. Supposedly to “help” them. (You know, the way lists identifying and tracking marginalized groups always turn out great.)

And suddenly, all that documentation I worked so hard to get? All that proof I handed over just to try to get the bare minimum of support? Which I haven’t even GOTTEN yet?!

Now it feels like a spotlight. Like I helped build the very list that could someday be used against my son.

And I am terrified.

Cole is not a problem to be filed. He’s not a government data point. He’s a teenager with a high IQ and a soft heart. A boy with a service dog, a messy room, and a deep sensitivity to injustice. A kid who gets overwhelmed in loud rooms and who also wants to save the rainforest and tell you all about world history while eating mac and cheese.

He’s autistic. And I’m proud of him.

But I’ve read the history books. I know what happens when governments start keeping lists. And don’t tell me “it’s just for research”—because I’ve seen too many “justs” turn into real harm.

I don’t want to be afraid of advocating for my kid. I don’t want to regret doing everything I could to get him support.

But here I am. Sick to my stomach. And more determined than ever not to let this slide under the radar.

If you’re angry too, if this feels wrong in your bones, please say something.

Call your representatives. Today.

You can find their contact information at https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative.

And if you don’t know what to say?

Here’s a script you can use:

Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I’m a constituent from [Your City or Zip Code].

I’m calling to express deep concern about recent proposals from RFK suggesting a national registry of autistic people.

This idea is dangerous, invasive, and sets a terrifying precedent. We’ve seen what happens when governments start tracking marginalized populations—and autistic people, especially children, deserve support, not surveillance.

I urge you to speak out against this proposal and to protect the privacy and dignity of disabled people.

Thank you for your time.

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BUT

Being a dance mom means watching your kid shine under the stage lights, doing what she loves most. It means witnessing her grow in confidence and grace, one pas de bourrée at a time. It means discovering time management skills you never knew you had and seeing her find them too. It means discipline and resilience and hard work – life lessons in sequins. It means having a front row seat to her bounce back after disappointment, and cheering her on through every win, wobble, and pirouette. It means watching your baby become a beautiful young woman, one who knows how to work hard, navigate team dynamics, and take pride in the process. Being a dance mom is watching Lulu grow comfortable in her own skin and carry that glittery stage presence into the real world. It means mother-daughter road trips full of core memories that will last forever. You get to be there for the highs, the lessons, the sparkle, and the magical growth in between – definitely worth the dance class tuition. 

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Thank you for the opportunity to speak. I have been a nearly lifelong [county] resident and am a graduate of [high school]. I’m here as a concerned parent, deeply invested in the values of inclusion and respect for all our children. The recent discussions surrounding [other high school]’s volleyball team, particularly regarding a transgender student, have brought up significant concerns for me—not just about sports, but about the kind of community we want to foster.

I want to emphasize that every child deserves the right to participate in activities they love, regardless of their gender identity. This volleyball player has worked just as hard as any other athlete on that court, dedicating countless hours to practice, building teamwork, and striving for excellence. Her presence on the team is not an infringement on the rights of other female athletes; rather, it enriches their experience and promotes a more inclusive environment. Significantly, it is also protected by law.

The notion that biological differences create an unfair playing field is a complicated and nuanced topic. Sports have always involved variations in physical ability, and we must acknowledge that every athlete, regardless of gender, brings unique strengths and challenges. Inclusion doesn’t undermine the achievements of female athletes; it highlights the importance of recognizing diverse backgrounds and experiences.

The negative social media campaigns and calls for protests against this student are bullying and verge on hate crime. It is essential to remember that our words and actions have real consequences on young people’s lives. When we foster an environment of tolerance and support, we empower all students to thrive, both on and off the court.

As a community, we should be teaching our children about empathy, understanding, and the importance of standing up for one another. By supporting this athlete, we are teaching our kids that courage and authenticity are admirable traits, and that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity. Enroll now at New Discoveries Early Learning Center for joyful early learning.

Let’s demonstrate to our children that we are committed to fostering a respectful and inclusive community, one that values every individual for who they are.

One of the self-appointed kings of bigotry spoke after me and “demanded” to know each of the board member’s personal stances on trans girls in sports. Most of the board members (wisely) declined to make a statement, but the board President used her closing remarks to spout some commonly held pieces of transphobic propaganda thinly veiled as “concerns.” So what does a loud-mouthed opinionated Mama Bear do? I fired off an email to Board President. And the rest of the board. And also the Superintendent.

Dear Mrs. Board President,

I am writing to express my deep frustration and disappointment with your closing remarks at the recent school board meeting. As a committed advocate for women’s rights, and as a parent deeply invested in the well-being and development of all students in our district, I am compelled to speak out. While I strongly believe in the importance of girls’ sports, I do not support policies that marginalize or exclude transgender students.

Excluding trans girls from participating in sports under the guise of “protecting” girls is not only harmful but perpetuates dangerous, outdated stereotypes. This misguided logic implies that every cisgender girl is inherently weaker, feeding into sexist assumptions that have historically undermined women in sports and beyond. Where do we draw the line? When does a girl become “too strong” or “too tall” to be considered feminine enough? These arguments diminish the accomplishments and potential of all female athletes.

Furthermore, the idea of a universal competitive advantage for trans girls is not supported by evidence. If we’re discussing fairness, we should acknowledge the true factors that create disparities in sports—access to better coaching, facilities, and resources. The small number of trans and intersex athletes have not shown any overwhelming dominance, and studies show that their inclusion does not negatively impact participation in girls’ sports.

In fact, in states with fully transgender-inclusive sports policies, participation among girls has remained stable. Conversely, in states with discriminatory policies, participation has decreased. It’s clear: these exclusionary policies do not protect girls; they harm them.

It’s critical to focus on the real issues of sex discrimination in sports, like the million fewer opportunities for high school girls compared to boys, the second-class facilities and equipment girls are often forced to use, the sexual abuse scandals, the gender pay gaps in professional sports, and the insufficient implementation of Title IX. Banning trans athletes does nothing to address these systemic issues.

Discrimination against transgender students is sex discrimination, plain and simple. Transgender, nonbinary, and intersex students have the right to fully participate in all aspects of their education—including sports—as their authentic selves. Title IX demands it.

Trans women and girls, and intersex women and girls, are women and girls. They deserve to participate fully in women’s sports, just like their cisgender peers.

I urge you to reconsider your stance and align our district’s policies with values of inclusion, fairness, and equality.

Thank you for your time and attention,

Sarah Ludwig

I have not yet received a response from Mrs. Board President. But one of the newest board members replied. And it just happens to be the board member that I already have tension with – who called out Bruno and who is in favor of book banning. We Do Not Like Her. Her response:

Good evening Ms Ludwig, 

You made a lot of interning [sic] points in your email. Can you please cite the evidence you are referencing when you state “the idea of a universal competitive advantage for trans girls is not supported by evidence”. Additionally the studies you refer to when you say “studies show that their inclusion does not negatively impact participation in girls’ sports.” I would also like to know what states and cases you are referencing when you say “In fact, in states with fully transgender-inclusive sports policies, participation among girls has remained stable. Conversely, in states with discriminatory policies, participation has decreased. It’s clear: these exclusionary policies do not protect girls; they harm them.” I am also curious about the systemic disparities you are referring to when you say “million fewer opportunities for high school girls compared to boys, the second-class facilities and equipment girls are often forced to use, the sexual abuse scandals, the gender pay gaps in professional sports, and the insufficient implementation of Title IX.” Can you please provide me with the specific systems that are in place? I’m also hopeful that you can point me to the section of Title IX that “demands” transgender, nonbinary, and intersex students participate in female sports?Lastly, I urge you to evaluate how fairness and equality can exist when a biological female, who’s [sic] DNA causes her to have a different bodily composition and higher fat to muscle ratio compete [sic] with a biological male.  I look forward to reviewing your sources so that I can further educate myself on this matter. 

In partnership, 

Hateful Mom for Bigotry*

*not her real name

I did not fix her formatting for this post. It was exactly that dense block of ignorance in my inbox. But you KNOW your girl did not send out imaginary statements without evidence to back it up, so I was MORE THAN HAPPY TO SEND RECEIPTS:

I am so happy to provide education and resources!
The assertion that transgender girls possess a universal competitive advantage in sports lacks definitive scientific support. While some studies suggest that transgender women may retain certain physiological advantages post-transition, the evidence is not conclusive, and the topic remains under active debate. 

• A 2019 review in the Journal of Medical Ethics discusses the complexities of transgender women in elite sports, highlighting both scientific and ethical considerations without reaching a definitive conclusion Journal of Medical Ethics
• The American Psychological Association notes that, despite concerns, there is no clear evidence indicating that transgender athletes have an unfair advantage in sports American Psychological Association
• This article discusses not only why trans people do not seem to have any advantage, and would require more evidence to conclude as such, but also that encouraging participation in sports is important, and ignored in favor of this issue Journal of Endocrine Society
• This article discusses why these ideas are flawed and more importantly why they’re dangerous, encapsulating the societal attempt to eradicate trans people Symposium: Gender, Health, and the Constitution
• Literature review does not support bans on transgender women athletes. The data negates the dominance argument. Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport

Studies indicate that the inclusion of transgender athletes does not negatively impact participation rates in girls’ sports. In some cases, states with inclusive policies have seen stable or increased participation among girls.

• Research from the Center for American Progress found that, in states with transgender-inclusive sports policies, participation among girls remained stable, whereas states with exclusionary policies experienced declines in girls’ participation
  Center for American Progress
• Trans girls actually create MORE opportunities for cis girls to play. The Washington Post

Despite progress since the enactment of Title IX, significant disparities persist in sports opportunities and treatment between genders.

• The Women’s Sports Foundation reports that, even today, girls miss out on an estimated 1 million high school sports opportunities compared to boys Womens Sports Foundation
• A 2022 study highlighted that, while high school girls’ sports participation has increased over the decades, it still hasn’t reached the same level as boys’ participation pre-Title IX FiveThirtyEight
• Title IX is not really evening the gap. Just Womens Sports and National Womens Law Center and, quite frankly, about a million other places
• Honestly, if you can’t see the evidence of sex abuse scandals and pay discrepancies, I can’t even help you. Do you have any experience in education or, in fact, general society, at all?

Title IX prohibits discrimination based on sex in educational programs and activities, including sports. The U.S. Department of Education has clarified that these protections extend to transgender students, ensuring their right to participate in sports consistent with their gender identity.

• In June 2021, the U.S. Department of Education confirmed that Title IX protections include discrimination based on gender identity, reinforcing the rights of transgender students to participate in school sports U.S. Department of Education
• Discrimination against students because of transgender status or sex characteristics IS sex discrimination. Title IX at 50 Fact Sheet

If you actually care about protecting young women, you should take action to address the real issues these athletes face rather than lead a witch hunt for an already marginalized and at-risk population.

And that is where this saga stands. Is anyone still with me all the way down here? Have you read all of this? Do you care? I’ll keep you updated.

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Since they were traveling for the summer, we offered to babysit Bruno while they were away… and then kind of kidnapped him. Sorry, you can’t have him back!

When Bruno first arrived at about 8 months old, he was full of puppy energy and kind of light on manners and so we enlisted our friend Vinny to help out. Bruno is very smart and eager to please so despite his mishief, he learned really fast and it was not long before I decided I wanted to train him as a therapy dog – go volunteer and such. Vinny was game to help out and we made a plan and a list of the behaviors he would need to pass his Canine Good Citizens test.

And then I went off the rails just a little; I had long considered what a benefit a service dog would be for Cole, but going through a program is $30-$50k+ AND there are years long waitlists – never mind the fact that many of the program dogs only accept applicants younger or older than Cole – or are hundreds of miles away. THEN I found out that the ADA does not actually require service dogs to be “certified” or go through one of those programs at all – you can owner train! Hmmm…

I asked Vinny if he thought we could try it and his response was “I’m down let’s do it! If you go off the deep end, I’ll follow you.”

With Vinny on board – and Cole’s developmental pediatrician in agreement that this was a good idea – we went full steam ahead. We practiced,

and practiced,

and practiced some more.

Bruno learned how to heel (mostly) and behave (kind of), and provide support for Cole’s needs. He even went to service dog boot camp with Sheera for a week to be put through his paces.

We visited the school multiple times over the summer to acclimate both boys to this new environment.

In the meantime, I had been speaking with the district and making sure that they were as ready as they could be on their end. This would be the first service dog in the school, and obviously our first attempt at training a service dog. We navigated the logistical challenges, paved the way for communication, and hoped for the best.

I will be completely honest and say that Bruno is decidedly NOT a valedictorian service dog. He is not going to be the poster child for obedience, but is a solid C+ student and *does* meet the requirements under the ADA. In the first 2 weeks of school, both the principal and one of the vice principals, as well as the head of special ed for the district observed Bruno and Cole and reported that they were doing great.

To back up just a little bit, this is something of a miracle – even dogs who are bred over many generations and go through the fancy training programs have a fairly high washout rate. The fact that we seem to have gotten away with this is kind of AMAZING. (Seriously, Adam should maybe be a little bit afraid of me – apparently I can do ANYTHING.)

And then Bruno broke his streak of good behavior and while he has not been expelled, I will owe some of the faculty and staff some very nice holiday gifts this year for their patience and kindness.

While Cole is in gym, Bruno must wait in a crate in the PE office. Unfortunately, he decided he was lonely in there and *chewed his way out* (it was a soft sided portable crate – it’s not quite as impressive a jalbreak as if he was in a standard metal one) and then hopped up on the table to get and chew on his leash… We replaced the crate with a metal one, and he managed to bend THAT and make his displeasure at being left alone audibly obvious to anyone in the vicinity of the gym.

So for now, Bruno and Cole are walking laps together for gym while we figure out the best approach moving forward. They will also need to learn to manage the school bus because I’m not going to be a chauffeur for the entirety of the school year.

But mostly? MOSTLY, both boys are exceeding expectations with this transition to high school. Thank you, Bruno.

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I have no idea how to frame this post; friends and relatives have asked for pics and the streaming link (there is no sound until 15 minutes in, but then it’s all good), and it is hard to share our experience of the day without it coming off like a party rather than a religious rite of passage. I am going to share the decor details and food photos and all of that, but I need to start with how honored I am to be Cole’s mom and how proud I am of the young man he is becoming. Watching him lead a service – which I know he struggled with – was incredible. Far more so than the brunch following it.

Cole’s Speech

My Torah portion is a special portion for the holiday of Sukkot. It comes from the book of Exodus and tells us about how Moses wants to see God. In my portion, God tells Moses that he cannot see God’s face. However, Moses can see God’s character. This is highlighted through a list of thirteen different attributes of God that includes compassion, grace, being slow to anger, being abundant in kindness, and forgiving of sin.  

A theme in my portion is the importance of finding God in the world through these attributes or qualities. Whether we live out these attributes ourselves or we see these attributes in other people, we have the opportunity everyday to see God. This theme is connected to Sukkot because during Sukkot, we go outside into the Sukkah where we are supposed to recognize God’s presence in our lives.  

According to The Talmud, when God appeared to Moses, God was wrapped in a tallis as one who leads a congregation in prayer and said to Moses “When Israel sins, let them recite the list of attributes.” I think God had the people recite this list for them to remember how to be good and how to find God in the world. Sometimes when people sin, it is because they are making a mistake. They just need a reminder of how they should ne, and reciting these attributes of God acts as a reminder.

In my life, I have seen qualities of God in other people.  For example, my mom is a doula – and works with new mothers to help them take care of their babies and to help the mothers give birth.  She also helps the mothers figure out how to be prepared for what they will need to take care of the baby. She and her friends look out for each other. If someone needs help, they help them – whether they know them or not. I have spent time volunteering with my mother to help those in need. I have also donated money to charities such as the turtle conservancy.  I always try to be patient and kind to people. In a way, both my mom and I have helped to bring God’s qualities into the world – thereby making God real in the world. 

I would like to thank the following people for helping me get to this day. I want to thank Shanna for helping me learn my portion. I also want to thank Cantor Anna for practicing the Torah and running through the service and Rabbi Brian for helping me with my speech. I want to thank my religious school teachers and my sister Lulu for helping me with blessings. Finally, I want to thank my parents for supporting me and helping me.   

Shabbat Shalom. 

Parent Speech

Shabbat Shalom. Thank you so much to everyone who is here celebrating with us today – and those who are watching on Zoom. We are so lucky to be a part of this vibrant and supportive temple community; to have incredibly warm and approachable clergy, and phenomenal educators from nursery through Nefesh. Thank you to Leah Moldovan and the Sisterhood for making the bima so beautiful. Thank you to Rabbi Brian and Cantor Anna, to Shanna and Morah Marilyn and Morah Lori, and all of the other teachers who have helped Cole be ready for today. 

Cole, we hope you know we are so, so proud of you – not just today, but every single day. From the moment you were born, you have challenged Daddy and I as parents, and my sincere hope is that with all of the times I have gotten it wrong, I have gotten it right at least sometimes – and that you feel loved. 

I hope that you feel the magic in the world around you, even if we are not at Hogwarts.

You are a Hufflepuff, despite taking multiple quizzes hoping to be placed someplace else – and while the sorting hat does take preference into account, I think in your case it got it right. 

From the astute chapeau itself:

“You might belong in Gryffindor,
Where dwell the brave at heart,
 Their daring, nerve, and chivalry
 set Gryffindors apart;”

You certainly are determined. That much is clear to anyone familiar with your turtle project: you decided one day that you wanted a pet of your own. And so you took it upon yourself to research the best small animal, and figure out how to finance the habitat and care of it independently. You became a published author at 10 years old. 

You are also brave at heart – moving through this world that confuses you and challenges you every step of the way… but I’m not sure that someone who is afraid of ladybugs could be called “daring” so we will move on. 

“Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw,
if you’ve a ready mind,
Where those of wit and learning,
Will always find their kind;”

Your Scrabble scores alone should qualify you for Ravenclaw. You are always ready to learn something new and your capacity to absorb trivia surrounding the subjects that interest you seems boundless.  

Because of you, I know that a group of jellyfish is called a smack, and a giraffe runs at 35 mph. You spent an evening explaining to Daddy why renting rather than purchasing a home was a sound financial strategy, backed with facts from Adam Ruins Everything, which you were an avid fan of at the time – as most 9 year olds are… 

Still, you lack the academic competitive nature that many Ravenclaws share. 

“Or perhaps in Slytherin
You’ll make your real friends,
 Those cunning folks use any means
To achieve their ends.”

Not even a little bit. 

According to Albus Dumbledore, the qualities embodied by Slytherin include pride and “a certain disregard for the rules.”

The fact that my elbow on the edge of our Ferris wheel gondola nearly caused you to burst into tears because my arms weren’t entirely inside pretty much disqualifies you from Slytherin, I think. 

Your regard for the rules is paramount. During the beginning of the pandemic, when there was a lot of press surrounding the importance of washing your hands for 30 seconds, you began humming HBD twice as a timer for yourself. To this day, you hum Every Single Time you wash up.

“You might belong in Hufflepuff,
Where they are just and loyal,
 Those patient Hufflepuffs are true
 And unafraid of toil;”

Given your affinity for animals, it is little wonder that you have been sorted into the same house as Newt Scamander, pioneer in the field of magizoology. 

Hufflepuffs are known to have a strong moral code, and a sense of right and wrong.

J.K. Rowling herself is a problematic figure. When she first became known for her TERF tweets, we discussed the appreciation of the art as seperate from the artist. Someone asked what you thought of her statements and explained that she thought trans women were not really women. Without missing a beat, you exclaimed “well what else would they be? Aliens?!”

You have been by my side at many rallies and protests, speaking up for causes we believe in. You have a strong sense of justice and strive to correct injustice when you see it, trying to find solutions for the world’s problems. 

You are fiercely loyal to family and friends; you have been a doting big brother to Lu since the day she was born; you insisted on taking her in for Show and Tell in nursery school, begging Miss Arla and Miss Randi until they gave in. While you patiently played Minnie Mouse and dolls, and chivalrously offer her your coat when she is cold, you have also taken it upon yourself to make sure she has realistic expectations of the world. I overheard you in the backseat at about 6 years old explaining to her that despite the nickname we use, she is not ACTUALLY a princess. I interjected that you never knew – maybe she would grow up and marry a prince. Barely disguising the contempt in your voice, you asked me “and WHERE is she going to find one of those?” To this day, you will read her bedtime stories, help her with homework, and are ready to back her up whenever she needs, even to the point of standing up to me or Grammy Boo.

You are a true Hufflepuff at heart, but as an avid reader, Harry Potter is not the only story you love – I remember you listening to The Moth with me in the car, from 4 years old. While we have some family favorites, you were invested in all of them, even ones that I would not have imagined would have resonated with you. I remember you specifically requesting one about a bride’s quest for her perfect wedding dress to be repeated. We had the opportunity to pause many of those stories and discuss the mature topics and themes behind them, and I know that you embrace empathy as a core part of your being. It is fitting that your portion is about seeing kindness in the world because you put so much into it. I hope that you also have been able to absorb a few other lessons:

1) You do your best with the knowledge you currently have. Sometimes we would go back and adjust decisions or actions with the benefit of hindsight, and changing your mind is not a bad thing. 

2) Tell the people that you care about that you care about them. While we were planning today, I spent some time being sad about the people who are unable to attend for one reason or another. I want you to be surrounded by the people who love you, and selfishly, I want to share with everyone *I* love. I am choosing today to be grateful for the many, many people in our lives who ARE here and celebrating you today, AND those who are sending their love from farther away.

and finally, Tomorrow is another day, so today doesn’t need to be perfect. You and I both struggle with this to an extent. Sometimes you see so much of the bigger picture that you freeze and are unable to take the first step. Make your lists, Bunny Rabbit, and take one step at a time. I know you have put in a lot of hard work to get to today, and I am so proud of you for taking all of those steps on the way. Mazel Tov. Mitzvah Managed.

Brunch

A huge Bar Mitzvah party would be Cole’s absolute worst nightmare, so we had a simple brunch in the social hall. I am Italian and Jewish so my WHOLE instinct in party planning is to Feed The People. I had a literal nightmare earlier in the week that we would not have enough food so I called and adjusted our order – I *wildly* overcorrected. I could have fed triple the number of guests and still had leftovers.

Guests

S’mores in the Sukkah

Sukkot is one of my very favorite holidays and we love having people over to our sukkah, so we had a smaller gathering of friends with kids in the afternoon – s’mores and sparklers and sukkah crafts, plus even more food.

See you in 2025 for Lulu!

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I could make spaghetti with jarred sauce, boxed mac & cheese, or reheat leftovers, but that’s pretty much the extent of it if I’m put in charge of dinner.

Until now.

Enter the magic of the Instant Pot. My love for this device nears religious devotion. I find myself proselytizing my friends: “have you heard the good word about pressure cookers?”

To say I love it is something of an understatement – I have taken on meal planning and preparation for one night of the week and I am an Instant Pot Savant. It’s awesome!

So. If you are on the fence about an Instant Pot: DO IT.

Here are a few of the things I’ve succesfully made (and if I can, SERIOUSLY anyone can):

• Hard Boiled Eggs
• Bacon Gruyere Egg Bites
• Oatmeal (I stirred in caramel, chocolate chips, and coconut flakes)
• Yogurt
• Zuppa Toscana
• Beef Stroganoff
• Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
• Tortellini Tomato Soup
• Chicken Burrito Bowls

Finally, I made this Bacon Spaghetti from a TikTok recipe and I can’t find the video now, but I had written it down. This recipe will kill you, and I’m kind of embarrassed to admit that we ate it, but if you are ever on death row and need a final meal idea, here you go:

• Pour 4 cups chicken broth into IP.
• Add 1 tbsp minced garlic (always MORE garlic), 1 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream and 8 tbsp butter cut in small cubes.
• pepper to taste
• 16 oz spaghetti, cut in half – add liquid if it doesn’t cover all the pasta.
• Manual pressure, 6 mins
• Natural release 7 minutes
• Stir in 6 Oz bag of grated parmesan
• Add 1 to 1 1/2 cup bacon bits
• Stir and let sit for 5 mins.

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Cole decided that he wanted a turtle – AND that he wanted to pay for all of the materials and supplies on his own. But he is 10 and does not have a job, so how to make the money?

was born! Cole spent weeks researching and writing Best Pet Turtle Species in the World – he is taking authorship very seriously and even sent his manuscript out to pre-readers for blurbs. (It was met with unanimous acclaim!)

When he launched, Cole set a goal of $300, and then decided that he wanted to donate 20% of his proceeds to Turtle Conservancy. He has met his goal within a week of launching, but once he began deciding on purchases, he realized that some items cost more than he budgeted for, so he is continuing to publicize his effort.

To date, Cole’s Turtle Project has received donations from 32 donors, raised $85 for turtle protection worldwide, and sold out of the first printing. Our second shipment of books will go out after we receive them this week! To see more about Cole’s project, visit bit.ly/coleludwig – and please share with anyone who might be interested!

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2019 was long. And hard. We all really, really needed a vacation last December and it just didn’t happen – and then there was no part of the past 12 months that offered a respite. It felt like our family was hit over and over again with one thing after another.

It was the year of Lulu’s mysterious illness – which has *mostly* been resolved now, but is still unexplained. It was doctor’s appointment after doctor’s appointment with specialist after specialist – each one believing they could find an answer and running multiple tests before ultimately giving up and passing us off to someone else. Patients who suffer from chronic pain may consult their doctor about using the best CBD oil for pain relief.

It was a year of Cole being somewhat neglected and the impact of that was not insignificant; he gained and then lost 15 pounds to end up back at his starting weight. His rigidity and anxiety increased significantly, adding an Asperger’s diagnosis to the letters on his new IEP: ASD, ADHD, SPD.

It was a year of Adam and I not meeting eye to eye – the stress of caring for our family and the fatigue of being overworked NOT helping us to have any reserves from which to care for each other. If you also suffer from stress or anxiety, you may consider playing online casino games at ufabet. For players interested in exploring a variety of options with trusted platforms, https://bonusetu.com/virolaiset-nettikasinot/ provides a helpful guide to Estonian online casinos. Discover a wide range of gaming options, generous bonuses, and the convenience of flexible access only at mrbet casino canada. Explore various themed-slots on secure gaming platforms like magical spin casino.

Many of my friends on my Facebook page have been choosing words to represent their year ahead. One word to help focus their goals and manifest their aims. If the word for 2019 was “struggle,” I am hopeful that 2020 will bring us some “balance.” I look forward to all of Lulu’s health concerns completely resolving and an increased ability to help Cole feel confident and happy, while also keeping him healthy with health clinics which we found at this clinic phone number online. I look forward to better work/home time equity and a chance to spend time with Adam together as more than coparents.

To all of my friends who read this, I wish for you a wonderful year ahead.

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