Today is a day of firsts.
First day at a new school. First day she'll ride the bus home.
Definitely not the first day she has amazed me with her calmness, her inner strength, her beauty, her wit, and her smarts.
I cried as I walked to the car for many reasons. This is a new school and community for all of us. I miss the old so badly; our neighbors, our street, the school, and mostly my place in it. I think I am more confused and lost.
 As I volunteered this morning to lead students to their classroom, it was fate that Ms. Vierra's sign was still available. I got to lead Jillian and her classmates to her 3rd grade class! Although we took the long way, I was proud to lead on the little Leopards. We introduced ourselves, and I saw some of the anxiousness melt away. Ms. Vierra is kind, and reminds me of our friend Kira. I know she'll do just fine.
As for me, I'm off to find my place, work hard, try my best to be the best me, and create community in our new home. And I'll be waiting at that bus stop with open arms...

Strut Your Mutt

So once again, I will be strutting my mutt for all animals on September 13th, 2014. This year I have a mutt to actually strut. Beau will be joining me on Team PONGO. The Pongo fund is a pet food bank that has served thousands of dogs and cats in Oregon. I am fundraising for this event and have set a high goal. I'll most likely not make my goal, but I'm well on my way at $400

!!! Last year the Feral Cat Coalition was invited because it is a strut for spay&neuter groups as well. Last year I raised $750 for them... I'd love to beat that if possible!
If you are interested in donating you can go to this page: www.strutyourmutt.org
Simply type in Portland and search for fundraisers and type in Julie Toporowski!
Together you can help speak for those that cannot.

So its been a while since I've post on here...

These are just a few of the moments that have taken place over the last few days. On top, Jillian and I are hostesses at Momentum Alliances End of Summer Celebration. We had a great time at my work celebrating all the camps and hard work over the  last few months. We also entertained our friend Ward from South Carolina on Friday and Saturday morning. We took him to the Rhodedendron Gardens in Sellwood and to Saturday market and Jillian got a henna tattoo of a dog paw. We also visited our friends Doodlebug Duds that make all sorts of dog gear and toys and dog/cat beds... 

Beau has been a joyous addition to the family, and has bonded even more with us. Although, he is really attached to me. The cats are walking about the house more and will even walk by him. 

Jillian starts a new school on Wednesday and picture number 3 is her trying some of her clothes together to create new outfits!