Two weeks ago, I witnessed the most amazing, phenomenal, fantastic, beautiful, wonderful, incredible, breathtaking event. I watched a miracle happen right before my eyes! On one hand, I am speechless. I feel there is no way I can put into words what I saw. On the other hand, every time I try to repeat the story, people tell me "Ooh, that's gotta go in your blog!"
So, here I am. Blogging it. But there is no way I can give justice to it.
First, the history.
My first "meeting" with Ariella was online. She posted a funny little comment on the Ariel Aliyah Facebook group. Something about how her name is Ariella and she is moving to Ariel and isn't that funny? And she is getting married to Yisrael (who lives in Yisrael....) And she is available to babysit.
We tease her about that post to this day. Of course, we repeat it in a very blond, goofy voice. So, hello? My name is Ariella, and I am moving to Ariel, and isn't that soooo crazy? Heehee.....
Then we met Ariella and Yisrael when we were all registering for Ulpan and got to know them a little bit through Ulpan and at our various small Ariel Aliyah events.
Our next big interaction with Ariella was when I had to go to the hospital in the middle of the night while I as pregnant. We didn't know what to do with our 2 sleeping children. So, we called Ariella. We knew she wasn't working yet and hoped maybe there was a chance she was even still awake, watching a movie with Yisrael. At 3 am.....when Yisrael had to work the next day..... Well, she wasn't awake but she came over anyway, stayed with our kids, and took them to Gan and daycare the next day. And didn't even charge us for her babysitting services!!! It was REALLY helpful and gave a glimpse of what a good friend she would become.
Over the next few months/year, we became closer. While they lived near us, we had them over for many Shabbatot in a row. Seudah Shlishi became a regular happening. It was nice. Then they moved. That was sad. But we give them enough grief about it so I'll move along.
Ariella knew that I have dreams of becoming a doula. However, I have never experienced a natural birth - natural meaning the way the baby is meant to come out as opposed to a c-section. Granted, I am a mom 3 times over but all my children have been surgically removed. :) While that in itself is a miracle, it's not the way I grew up thinking I would deliver my babies. As much as my husband loves the "ease" and "convenience" of c-section births, I feel robbed of something. And I will never know if I would have been able to actually push a child out of my body....
But I digress....So, about 9 months ago, Ariella got pregnant. I was one of the first people she told - so you can see how close we had gotten at this point. Some time after that, I think I may have offered to be her "doula". It was my dream to be there when someone gives birth. I used to hope for it when I was an EMT, always hoped to be there for any of my friends, and was just waiting for the opportunity to present itself. She agreed and I think we both thought we were getting a great deal! She was thrilled to be getting a free doula. The fact that we are close friends and she trusts me and felt I could help her through labor was more important than the fact that I didn't have any training. And on my end, I was so excited that I might actually witness a birth!!!
We talked about it through her whole pregnancy and she did a lot of reading and I did some reading and we talked about how it would play out and how to make sure we incorporate Yisrael so he doesn't feel left out.
The last 3 weeks before she finally went into labor, I slept with the phone next to my bed. I must have woken up as many times as she did every night. I would grab my phone, to make sure I hadn't missed a call!!! Shabbas was really difficult and although they had gotten permission to call me (without me answering) to give me the signal they were on their way, I was sure I would miss a call.
I finally did get the call. Although not quite in the manner I was expecting.......
TO BE CONTINUED...................
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Goodbye Grandma
Marguerite Grossmann Malka bas Vilhem Died: May 15, 2010/ 2 Sivan 5770 Funeral: May 17, 2010/ 4 Sivan 5770 Bnai Amoona Cemetery (Buchholz Mortuary)
Beloved mother of Brenda DeLano and the late Rick Martinez
Dear sister of Frances Hyman and Art Grossmann and the late Joseph Grossmann
Dear grandmother of 6, great-grand mother of 11
Aunt, great-aunt and dear friend.
Dear family and friends,
We're here on this saddest of occasions as we say tzayschem b'shalom -- our final goodbyes to Margo Grossmann-- Malka bas Vilhem. Our presence today is a kavod and honor to the memory and the life of this wonderful woman.
I must point out that we find ourselves in the period of time known as Shloshet Y'may Hackable; the three festive days before the the major Jewish holiday and Yom Tov of Shoves. As such, a number of prayers that ordinarily would be said are omitted in deference to the sanctity and holiness of the holiday. Additionally, hespedim/eulogies are not recited at a funeral during this period of time for the same reason. However, given the unique personality of Margo and her life, I'd like to share some words of reflection about who she was and what she accomplished. And if through those words we find ourselves inspired to become like Margo even to a small degree, that would be the greatest kavod, the greatest honor we could give to her.
John Ruskin, a 19th century author and art critic, observed that you can tell the genius of a painting only at the end of the day. It's when the little details are blurred in the dusk that you can see the grand design of the painter. I think this is a metaphor for being human; the meaning of a who a person was is best visible at life's end -- particularly for one who has lived an exceptionally long life. The details of life fade in the dusk; what remains at the end is the impression of a whole person, and what they truly achieved and accomplished. In her 96 years Margo Grossmann achieved and accomplished many marvelous things -- not the least of which was the remarkable family which she left behind.
Jewish tradition teaches that one of the ways that a person's character is best judged is by the way they interact with close family members. We're well familiar with the person who is admired and highly thought of by strangers, acquaintances and even friends -- but those who know the person best -- the immediate family -- may have a less-than-flattering impression of who they really are. With Margo, the opposite is true. And while even a short visit with Margo would leave a person deeply impressed -- as I was in my one 45 minute visit with her the day before she passed away -- I've seen that you, Margo's immediately family love her, respect her, admire her as a wonderful mother and grandmother of exceptional character, and who was the Matriarch of your family. I could tell from my discussions with you, Brenda, and your family at your mother's home this past Friday and last night that you and your family adore your mother, place your mother on a pedestal, and consider your mother to be a great and important woman. What does that mean?
Our rabbis teach in Pirkei Avos/Ethics of the Fathers (3:13) "If the spirit of others finds favor with a person, that's a sign that the Almighty, as well, finds favor with that person." You who knew Margo best, have the highest opinion of her. According to Jewish tradition, the same, then, can be said about G-d. He has a very high opinion of her.
Margo had an insatiable thirst for knowledge. And it wasn't simply that she had a quest to understand obscure facts and information -- such as details about the life of the crocodile (learned from a park ranger in Florida), or hours spent carefully examining a Salvadore Dali art exhibit. Margo wanted to understand people and what made them tick -- like in the story you shared of her visit to the dentist, who she somehow peppered with questions while her mouth was filled with instruments as she was having dental work done. Margo wanted to understand the world, because it was her world. She was an explorer!
She explored the big things. When she was quite a bit on in life she traveled to England, stayed in a hostel and got a job there -- no doubt in large part to have an opportunity to get to know and explore life in England. Margo wasn't afraid to travel even very late in life -- traveling on her own to Israel, incredibly, just last year. What an independent, responsible woman.
And Margo explored the little things. Seeking mastery of the English language by conquering New York Times crossword puzzles. Seeking to master and conquer the games of bridge and poker. Using her great artistic eye and fine attunement to sensitivity to notice the tiniest details around her, and to create a beautiful, finely designed home.
In her 96 years Margo, in many ways, mastered the power of her own mind by forcing it to serve her, rather than being subject to it's own whims and desires. The glass, to Margo, wasn't simply half-full, but overflowing. An incredibly positive person, she understood, apparently at an early age, that the secret to happiness isn't wanting more, but appreciating and taking pleasure in what you already have. Margo exemplified the traditional Jewish approach of 'samech b'chelko' ; she was spiritually wealthy because she was able to count her blessings, and ignore unpleasant things and get on with life.
The 96 year journey of Margo Grossmann was a joyous one, filled with with laughter, dancing, and delight taken in that which meant most to her: her family. She was the big sister who fought the battles of her younger siblings, and later became an inseparable best friend of her sister Frances. She never gave up on being a Mom, and was always trying to guide and teach Rick and Brenda. The point of money, to Margo, was that it was a vehicle with which to help others through tzedaka and charity. The point of time, to Margo, was that it was a resource to be used to help others. Giving to others was her focus, and Margo took great joy in giving.
Although Margo wasn't raised in a traditional or Orthodox home, she clearly had a deep sense of the importance of Judaism, and obviously was successful in transmitting it to her offspring. I had the pleasure of knowing Rick when I first came to St. Louis in the late 1980's; he was a fine man, a wonderful man who was sincere and passionate about the Torah and a life of Jewish observance. Brenda -- the many years of your having lived in Israel is strong evidence of your mother's influence and evidence of both her own pride and your own pride in being Jewish and a commitment to our people and the land of Israel. And Margo's six grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren are, as far I can see, deeply and sincerely committed to the G-d of Israel and His Torah. Happy is the woman who leaves behind such a legacy.
On a final note, I must tell you that don't think I'll ever forget my brief and only meeting with Margo. She was 96 years old, the second-to-last day of her life, suffering with an end-stage illness. And while she seemed somewhat uncomfortable, she was completely lucid, sharp, pleasant -- even laughing, at times, curious, open and honest. And she exuded a grace and glow that I can only describe as being both regal, and spiritual. I'm so pleased, Brenda, that you gave me the opportunity to meet her. And I'm so honored, you that you have honored me to officiate at this very special woman's funeral.
As John Ruskin said, life, like a painting, is best visible at the end of the day. Marguerite Grossmann leaves behind the legacy of almost a century of years that were well lived. She was irrepressibly curious, independent, adventurous, intelligent, kind, giving, spiritual, and proud to be Jewish. Her greatest legacy is the ripple effects she has left behind in her many offspring, and the unforgettable memories those who had the privilege of meeting her will always carry with them.
May her soul be bound up in the bonds of eternal life, and may her memory be a blessing for us all.
Rabbi Ze'ev Smason
Nusach Hari Bnai Zion Congregation
St. Louis Missouri
Beloved mother of Brenda DeLano and the late Rick Martinez
Dear sister of Frances Hyman and Art Grossmann and the late Joseph Grossmann
Dear grandmother of 6, great-grand mother of 11
Aunt, great-aunt and dear friend.
Dear family and friends,
We're here on this saddest of occasions as we say tzayschem b'shalom -- our final goodbyes to Margo Grossmann-- Malka bas Vilhem. Our presence today is a kavod and honor to the memory and the life of this wonderful woman.
I must point out that we find ourselves in the period of time known as Shloshet Y'may Hackable; the three festive days before the the major Jewish holiday and Yom Tov of Shoves. As such, a number of prayers that ordinarily would be said are omitted in deference to the sanctity and holiness of the holiday. Additionally, hespedim/eulogies are not recited at a funeral during this period of time for the same reason. However, given the unique personality of Margo and her life, I'd like to share some words of reflection about who she was and what she accomplished. And if through those words we find ourselves inspired to become like Margo even to a small degree, that would be the greatest kavod, the greatest honor we could give to her.
John Ruskin, a 19th century author and art critic, observed that you can tell the genius of a painting only at the end of the day. It's when the little details are blurred in the dusk that you can see the grand design of the painter. I think this is a metaphor for being human; the meaning of a who a person was is best visible at life's end -- particularly for one who has lived an exceptionally long life. The details of life fade in the dusk; what remains at the end is the impression of a whole person, and what they truly achieved and accomplished. In her 96 years Margo Grossmann achieved and accomplished many marvelous things -- not the least of which was the remarkable family which she left behind.
Jewish tradition teaches that one of the ways that a person's character is best judged is by the way they interact with close family members. We're well familiar with the person who is admired and highly thought of by strangers, acquaintances and even friends -- but those who know the person best -- the immediate family -- may have a less-than-flattering impression of who they really are. With Margo, the opposite is true. And while even a short visit with Margo would leave a person deeply impressed -- as I was in my one 45 minute visit with her the day before she passed away -- I've seen that you, Margo's immediately family love her, respect her, admire her as a wonderful mother and grandmother of exceptional character, and who was the Matriarch of your family. I could tell from my discussions with you, Brenda, and your family at your mother's home this past Friday and last night that you and your family adore your mother, place your mother on a pedestal, and consider your mother to be a great and important woman. What does that mean?
Our rabbis teach in Pirkei Avos/Ethics of the Fathers (3:13) "If the spirit of others finds favor with a person, that's a sign that the Almighty, as well, finds favor with that person." You who knew Margo best, have the highest opinion of her. According to Jewish tradition, the same, then, can be said about G-d. He has a very high opinion of her.
Margo had an insatiable thirst for knowledge. And it wasn't simply that she had a quest to understand obscure facts and information -- such as details about the life of the crocodile (learned from a park ranger in Florida), or hours spent carefully examining a Salvadore Dali art exhibit. Margo wanted to understand people and what made them tick -- like in the story you shared of her visit to the dentist, who she somehow peppered with questions while her mouth was filled with instruments as she was having dental work done. Margo wanted to understand the world, because it was her world. She was an explorer!
She explored the big things. When she was quite a bit on in life she traveled to England, stayed in a hostel and got a job there -- no doubt in large part to have an opportunity to get to know and explore life in England. Margo wasn't afraid to travel even very late in life -- traveling on her own to Israel, incredibly, just last year. What an independent, responsible woman.
And Margo explored the little things. Seeking mastery of the English language by conquering New York Times crossword puzzles. Seeking to master and conquer the games of bridge and poker. Using her great artistic eye and fine attunement to sensitivity to notice the tiniest details around her, and to create a beautiful, finely designed home.
In her 96 years Margo, in many ways, mastered the power of her own mind by forcing it to serve her, rather than being subject to it's own whims and desires. The glass, to Margo, wasn't simply half-full, but overflowing. An incredibly positive person, she understood, apparently at an early age, that the secret to happiness isn't wanting more, but appreciating and taking pleasure in what you already have. Margo exemplified the traditional Jewish approach of 'samech b'chelko' ; she was spiritually wealthy because she was able to count her blessings, and ignore unpleasant things and get on with life.
The 96 year journey of Margo Grossmann was a joyous one, filled with with laughter, dancing, and delight taken in that which meant most to her: her family. She was the big sister who fought the battles of her younger siblings, and later became an inseparable best friend of her sister Frances. She never gave up on being a Mom, and was always trying to guide and teach Rick and Brenda. The point of money, to Margo, was that it was a vehicle with which to help others through tzedaka and charity. The point of time, to Margo, was that it was a resource to be used to help others. Giving to others was her focus, and Margo took great joy in giving.
Although Margo wasn't raised in a traditional or Orthodox home, she clearly had a deep sense of the importance of Judaism, and obviously was successful in transmitting it to her offspring. I had the pleasure of knowing Rick when I first came to St. Louis in the late 1980's; he was a fine man, a wonderful man who was sincere and passionate about the Torah and a life of Jewish observance. Brenda -- the many years of your having lived in Israel is strong evidence of your mother's influence and evidence of both her own pride and your own pride in being Jewish and a commitment to our people and the land of Israel. And Margo's six grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren are, as far I can see, deeply and sincerely committed to the G-d of Israel and His Torah. Happy is the woman who leaves behind such a legacy.
On a final note, I must tell you that don't think I'll ever forget my brief and only meeting with Margo. She was 96 years old, the second-to-last day of her life, suffering with an end-stage illness. And while she seemed somewhat uncomfortable, she was completely lucid, sharp, pleasant -- even laughing, at times, curious, open and honest. And she exuded a grace and glow that I can only describe as being both regal, and spiritual. I'm so pleased, Brenda, that you gave me the opportunity to meet her. And I'm so honored, you that you have honored me to officiate at this very special woman's funeral.
As John Ruskin said, life, like a painting, is best visible at the end of the day. Marguerite Grossmann leaves behind the legacy of almost a century of years that were well lived. She was irrepressibly curious, independent, adventurous, intelligent, kind, giving, spiritual, and proud to be Jewish. Her greatest legacy is the ripple effects she has left behind in her many offspring, and the unforgettable memories those who had the privilege of meeting her will always carry with them.
May her soul be bound up in the bonds of eternal life, and may her memory be a blessing for us all.
Rabbi Ze'ev Smason
Nusach Hari Bnai Zion Congregation
St. Louis Missouri
Sunday, April 18, 2010
A Letter to Yochai
March 7, 2002
Dear Yochai (z”l)
Hi. It’s me, your beloved troublemaker, Natalie.
It’s hard for me to believe that you are gone, that you have gone on to bigger and better things, higher and more important places. Hard to believe that in this lifetime, I will never again see your smile or hear you laugh. I won’t be told by you to “show up in full MDA uniform” and be scolded to close that silly top button. And I won’t be able to tell you, face to face, what I should have said last week.
So I write this letter to you. And I hope somehow you will receive this message.
First and foremost, I want to apologize. I want to tell you I am sorry for getting angry about things that seem so unimportant now. You mentioned once that we are very alike and that’s why we kept going “head to head”. I told you that you were wrong. But now I want to say that to be like you would be a great honor. To accomplish even half of what you have done and to begin to touch lives as you have is a goal I strive for.
The line between teacher to student and friend to friend was very thin. To let you down as a teacher was hard. But to disappoint you as a friend hurt me deep inside. I was looking forward to working with you next week in arranging a MDA course for students on my Overseas Program at Ben-Gurion University. I was sure it would make you happy. Yochai, I wanted to make you so proud.
As it says on our Magen David Adom certificates, “To save one life is like saving an entire world.” I can only begin to imagine how many lives you have saved and how many worlds you have created. So too, everyone in the courses you taught have gone on to save lives around the world and educate people about Eretz Yisroel and Magen David Adom.
The lessons you taught me on the course and the things I have learned about you since then have changed my life forever. You gave me a chance to give back to the country that has given me so much, an opportunity I have been longing for since the moment I stepped foot in Israel. You also reminded me that life is short and I must live every moment to the very fullest. And that when I find something I love, I should put my complete heart and soul into it. Not only that, but I should share it and spread the love to others. In the short time I knew you, I learned this is exactly how you lived. Yochai, you made a difference in my life and taught me that I, one person, can too change the world.
Thank you Yochai Porat (z”l).
May you rest in peace.
Dear Yochai (z”l)
Hi. It’s me, your beloved troublemaker, Natalie.
It’s hard for me to believe that you are gone, that you have gone on to bigger and better things, higher and more important places. Hard to believe that in this lifetime, I will never again see your smile or hear you laugh. I won’t be told by you to “show up in full MDA uniform” and be scolded to close that silly top button. And I won’t be able to tell you, face to face, what I should have said last week.
So I write this letter to you. And I hope somehow you will receive this message.
First and foremost, I want to apologize. I want to tell you I am sorry for getting angry about things that seem so unimportant now. You mentioned once that we are very alike and that’s why we kept going “head to head”. I told you that you were wrong. But now I want to say that to be like you would be a great honor. To accomplish even half of what you have done and to begin to touch lives as you have is a goal I strive for.
The line between teacher to student and friend to friend was very thin. To let you down as a teacher was hard. But to disappoint you as a friend hurt me deep inside. I was looking forward to working with you next week in arranging a MDA course for students on my Overseas Program at Ben-Gurion University. I was sure it would make you happy. Yochai, I wanted to make you so proud.
As it says on our Magen David Adom certificates, “To save one life is like saving an entire world.” I can only begin to imagine how many lives you have saved and how many worlds you have created. So too, everyone in the courses you taught have gone on to save lives around the world and educate people about Eretz Yisroel and Magen David Adom.
The lessons you taught me on the course and the things I have learned about you since then have changed my life forever. You gave me a chance to give back to the country that has given me so much, an opportunity I have been longing for since the moment I stepped foot in Israel. You also reminded me that life is short and I must live every moment to the very fullest. And that when I find something I love, I should put my complete heart and soul into it. Not only that, but I should share it and spread the love to others. In the short time I knew you, I learned this is exactly how you lived. Yochai, you made a difference in my life and taught me that I, one person, can too change the world.
Thank you Yochai Porat (z”l).
May you rest in peace.
Thursday, April 01, 2010
I love Israel because.....
Here are some recent reasons why I love living in Israel.
On our drive up to Maalot, we stopped at a gas station. I was looking at some candy bars to see if I could figure out which were Kosher for Pesach. Some guy next to me (may have been a manager) said "Oh, are you looking to see if they are Kosher for Pesach?". I said "Yes" and he pointed out which one was. Then he went to look in another section to see if there were any more there but there weren't. I realized we had meat for lunch so instead I just bought our Kosher for Pesach Cokes and Grape Juices. I loved that the gas station manager knew exactly what I was looking for and could help me.
But even better.....we stopped at another gas station later on. Way out in almost nowhere. I went in to use the bathroom and noticed plastic sheets covering a lot of things on the shelf. I thought wow, it looks like a grocery store kashering for Pesach. When I came out, I peeked and saw it looked like it was covering Chametz. When Shauli went in, he noticed a sign on the door that said "On Pesach, we won't sell Chametz". How cool is that in a gas station!!!!!!
We went on a nice hike yesterday and at the end, everybody stopped to eat. Most people buying from the snack cart but some people bringing their own food. I LOVED looking around and seeing everyone with their matzot or whatever creative food they could think of to bring for a hike. We're all in the same boat!!! (Well except for those of us who don't eat Kitniyot - it's a bit harder for us).
And another fun thing, Shauli and I went to a concert last night at the Agam (lake). They have a festival during Chol Hamoed Pesach and at night have free concerts. The singer was Lior Narkis whose song called "Lkol Echad" was a huge hit 10 years ago. I LOVED it then and still love the song now. We went to the concert basically so I could hear that song. He doesn't appear to be religious and the vast majority of fans of his at the concert did not appear to be religious either. Of course, we are all Jewish so he wished everyone a Happy Pesach too. But in the middle of the concert, he starts singing a song about believing in G-d. "Anachnu Maaminim maaminim" which is a popular song here at any religious events. Everyone cheered when he started singing that song and we all sang along. What an awesome feeling!! All of us standing there singing a great song abut believing in Hashem!!! It was pretty cool.....
So that's my wrap up for now on why I love Pesach in this country. :)
Next year may we all celebrate together in Jerusalem with Moshiach!!!!
On our drive up to Maalot, we stopped at a gas station. I was looking at some candy bars to see if I could figure out which were Kosher for Pesach. Some guy next to me (may have been a manager) said "Oh, are you looking to see if they are Kosher for Pesach?". I said "Yes" and he pointed out which one was. Then he went to look in another section to see if there were any more there but there weren't. I realized we had meat for lunch so instead I just bought our Kosher for Pesach Cokes and Grape Juices. I loved that the gas station manager knew exactly what I was looking for and could help me.
But even better.....we stopped at another gas station later on. Way out in almost nowhere. I went in to use the bathroom and noticed plastic sheets covering a lot of things on the shelf. I thought wow, it looks like a grocery store kashering for Pesach. When I came out, I peeked and saw it looked like it was covering Chametz. When Shauli went in, he noticed a sign on the door that said "On Pesach, we won't sell Chametz". How cool is that in a gas station!!!!!!
We went on a nice hike yesterday and at the end, everybody stopped to eat. Most people buying from the snack cart but some people bringing their own food. I LOVED looking around and seeing everyone with their matzot or whatever creative food they could think of to bring for a hike. We're all in the same boat!!! (Well except for those of us who don't eat Kitniyot - it's a bit harder for us).
And another fun thing, Shauli and I went to a concert last night at the Agam (lake). They have a festival during Chol Hamoed Pesach and at night have free concerts. The singer was Lior Narkis whose song called "Lkol Echad" was a huge hit 10 years ago. I LOVED it then and still love the song now. We went to the concert basically so I could hear that song. He doesn't appear to be religious and the vast majority of fans of his at the concert did not appear to be religious either. Of course, we are all Jewish so he wished everyone a Happy Pesach too. But in the middle of the concert, he starts singing a song about believing in G-d. "Anachnu Maaminim maaminim" which is a popular song here at any religious events. Everyone cheered when he started singing that song and we all sang along. What an awesome feeling!! All of us standing there singing a great song abut believing in Hashem!!! It was pretty cool.....
So that's my wrap up for now on why I love Pesach in this country. :)
Next year may we all celebrate together in Jerusalem with Moshiach!!!!
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Car Advice
Ok...one of these days I am going to get back to blogging. I have noticed my recent posts have been mostly questions and looking for advice. But before I get back to blogging, I need some advice again.
I know nothing about cars but we are getting to a point in Israel where we really need to buy once. Since we are quite poor, we are looking for something very inexpensive. The main things we will be using it for is driving around in Ariel, errands, etc and maybe heading to Petach Tikvah for some bigger shopping trips. We will also need it for occasional trips to Jerusalem, Modiin, Maalot, etc but those are more like monthly.
There is a company/guy who helps Anglos buy and sell cars and he sent me a list of what seem to be very affordable cars. First of all, has anyone heard of Zvika Cars? What are your thoughts?
Second of all, does anyone know anything about the following cars:
2000 Daihu Lanis
1997 Mazda Lantis
1996 Mazda 323
2002 Opel Corsa
Let me know your thoughts....................
I know nothing about cars but we are getting to a point in Israel where we really need to buy once. Since we are quite poor, we are looking for something very inexpensive. The main things we will be using it for is driving around in Ariel, errands, etc and maybe heading to Petach Tikvah for some bigger shopping trips. We will also need it for occasional trips to Jerusalem, Modiin, Maalot, etc but those are more like monthly.
There is a company/guy who helps Anglos buy and sell cars and he sent me a list of what seem to be very affordable cars. First of all, has anyone heard of Zvika Cars? What are your thoughts?
Second of all, does anyone know anything about the following cars:
2000 Daihu Lanis
1997 Mazda Lantis
1996 Mazda 323
2002 Opel Corsa
Let me know your thoughts....................
Saturday, March 06, 2010
Shabbaton In Ariel
Looking for that perfect place? Trying to find the best fit for you and your family?
Young, central, and affordable, these have made Ariel a very attractive city for those in search of a place they can call home.
Ariel is a city with stunning views and a great climate located in the center of Israel- half an hour from Tel Aviv and 20 minutes from a large Hi Tech area. With a population of 20,000 and a large university with over 11,000 students, Ariel is a microcosm of Israel with religious and secular, young and old, Israelis and immigrants. It is a model of Israeli society all embedded in a warm and welcoming English speaking and Israeli community.
If you are looking for the right place for your family- Ariel is the city to consider!
In a good location and with a wonderful community it can become your home in Israel.
To fully experience Ariel come join us for Shabbat on April 23 and 24th.
Interested?
For more information and to RSVP: arielshabbaton@gmail.com
(Please help spread the word and let folks know about this in your own blog... thanks!)
Young, central, and affordable, these have made Ariel a very attractive city for those in search of a place they can call home.
Ariel is a city with stunning views and a great climate located in the center of Israel- half an hour from Tel Aviv and 20 minutes from a large Hi Tech area. With a population of 20,000 and a large university with over 11,000 students, Ariel is a microcosm of Israel with religious and secular, young and old, Israelis and immigrants. It is a model of Israeli society all embedded in a warm and welcoming English speaking and Israeli community.
If you are looking for the right place for your family- Ariel is the city to consider!
In a good location and with a wonderful community it can become your home in Israel.
To fully experience Ariel come join us for Shabbat on April 23 and 24th.
Interested?
For more information and to RSVP: arielshabbaton@gmail.com
(Please help spread the word and let folks know about this in your own blog... thanks!)
Thursday, February 18, 2010
To My Cooking/Baking Friends
Couple questions....
I need a simple pasta salad recipe. Something yummy for Seudah Shlishi.
Since graham cracker crusts are hard to come by in Israel, I need an easy recipe for an equivalent crust. This is for a chocolate mousse type pie.
I have lots of leftover pieces of puff pastry dough (that we use for deli roll). What can I do with them? Preferably something desserty. Like cinnamon rolls or involving chocolate?
Last one, I need a good zucchini kugel/quiche/pashtida recipe. I was never into zucchini but I've tasted some REALLY good ones since we moved here!
Thanks to all my excellent cooking and baking friends!!!
I need a simple pasta salad recipe. Something yummy for Seudah Shlishi.
Since graham cracker crusts are hard to come by in Israel, I need an easy recipe for an equivalent crust. This is for a chocolate mousse type pie.
I have lots of leftover pieces of puff pastry dough (that we use for deli roll). What can I do with them? Preferably something desserty. Like cinnamon rolls or involving chocolate?
Last one, I need a good zucchini kugel/quiche/pashtida recipe. I was never into zucchini but I've tasted some REALLY good ones since we moved here!
Thanks to all my excellent cooking and baking friends!!!
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Olympics
Does anyone know when figure skating is supposed to be on? (In Israel) And what channel (on HOT)?
Or is there somewhere I can watch it online? I LOVE figure skating!!!
Also, any other suggestions on what to watch. There's no gymnastics.....
Or is there somewhere I can watch it online? I LOVE figure skating!!!
Also, any other suggestions on what to watch. There's no gymnastics.....
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Need Stroller Advice
I'm posting this blog for my friend who is going to have a baby in a few months, IYH, Bshaa Tova. She has asked me to be her "doula" for the birth, which as many of you know is my dream!!!
Anyway, she is a new mom-to-be and on the hunt for the Perfect Stroller. Remember that?
Her parents will be bringing it from the States - along with a car seat. So now I need your suggestions, recommendations, good points, bad points, all the stuff you can share about your stroller(s) experiences!
Here are the things that she is looking for.....
- Folds up nicely to fit in their teeny trunk.
- Basket on bottom
- Car seat can snap on stroller
- Lightweight
- Affordable (?) Give your suggestions either way on this one.
Thanks!!!!!
Anyway, she is a new mom-to-be and on the hunt for the Perfect Stroller. Remember that?
Her parents will be bringing it from the States - along with a car seat. So now I need your suggestions, recommendations, good points, bad points, all the stuff you can share about your stroller(s) experiences!
Here are the things that she is looking for.....
- Folds up nicely to fit in their teeny trunk.
- Basket on bottom
- Car seat can snap on stroller
- Lightweight
- Affordable (?) Give your suggestions either way on this one.
Thanks!!!!!
Sunday, February 07, 2010
Potty Training - Day #2
WARNING: This blog may contain some details that may be shocking in nature. If you have never potty trained a child, you may not want to continue reading. :)
We sent Sammy off to daycare today equipped with about 6 pairs of pants and 6 pairs of underwear.
On the way there (we drop off Jonah first at Gan and then go to Sammy's daycare), Sammy had an accident. So we changed him at Jonah's Gan.
We got to daycare and dropped him off with explanations to Sammy about how to tell them he has to go in Hebrew and with wishes of good luck and success to his teachers.
When I went to go pick him up, Shauli and I took bets on how many changes of clothes he had gone through. Gosh, aren't we supportive parents? I was dreading them handing me a bag full of dirty clothes reeking of pee and poop.
But when I got there, his teacher looked up and said oh, he was great. I said, what do you mean? Sammy ran over to me and he was wearing the same clothes I sent him in!! His teacher said he did not have a single accident but he also did not pee at the potty when they sent him. Basically, he held it in until naptime. When they took off his diaper after naptime, it was FULL of pee and some poop.
Later that afternoon, his teacher walked into the bathroom and saw Sammy sitting on the potty. He had gone in there all by himself, taken off his pants and underwear, sat down, and pooped. LOL!!!
So she cleaned him up, brought him out, and all the kids clapped and said "Kol HaKavod or Congratulations!!!"
No accidents the rest of the afternoon. When I asked Sammy why he didn't pee on the potty, he said there are no dogs on it. We have a potty seat at home with pictures of dogs. Ok......
So that was exciting and I thought to myself on the way home, wow that was easy.
I should have known better.
We got home and asked Sammy if he wanted to sit on the potty, he respectfully declined.
10 minutes later, asI was doing laundry and Shauli was about to leave, Shauli said, "It smells in here, I think one of the kids pooped." I said "Please don't let it be Sammy."
It was Sammy.
Thank G-d for my fantastic husband who stuck around and changed him (as opposed to running out the door, pretending like he didn't smell anything). Don't worry, I didn't make him do it all. I was lucky enough to wash off the poopy underwear while gagging. Ew.
And now he is back in underwear. At least until the next accident.....
Is it wrong to want to send him to daycare in underwear and put him in a diaper when he gets home?
Let me rephrase that. I know it is not wrong to want it but is it wrong to actually do it......?
We sent Sammy off to daycare today equipped with about 6 pairs of pants and 6 pairs of underwear.
On the way there (we drop off Jonah first at Gan and then go to Sammy's daycare), Sammy had an accident. So we changed him at Jonah's Gan.
We got to daycare and dropped him off with explanations to Sammy about how to tell them he has to go in Hebrew and with wishes of good luck and success to his teachers.
When I went to go pick him up, Shauli and I took bets on how many changes of clothes he had gone through. Gosh, aren't we supportive parents? I was dreading them handing me a bag full of dirty clothes reeking of pee and poop.
But when I got there, his teacher looked up and said oh, he was great. I said, what do you mean? Sammy ran over to me and he was wearing the same clothes I sent him in!! His teacher said he did not have a single accident but he also did not pee at the potty when they sent him. Basically, he held it in until naptime. When they took off his diaper after naptime, it was FULL of pee and some poop.
Later that afternoon, his teacher walked into the bathroom and saw Sammy sitting on the potty. He had gone in there all by himself, taken off his pants and underwear, sat down, and pooped. LOL!!!
So she cleaned him up, brought him out, and all the kids clapped and said "Kol HaKavod or Congratulations!!!"
No accidents the rest of the afternoon. When I asked Sammy why he didn't pee on the potty, he said there are no dogs on it. We have a potty seat at home with pictures of dogs. Ok......
So that was exciting and I thought to myself on the way home, wow that was easy.
I should have known better.
We got home and asked Sammy if he wanted to sit on the potty, he respectfully declined.
10 minutes later, asI was doing laundry and Shauli was about to leave, Shauli said, "It smells in here, I think one of the kids pooped." I said "Please don't let it be Sammy."
It was Sammy.
Thank G-d for my fantastic husband who stuck around and changed him (as opposed to running out the door, pretending like he didn't smell anything). Don't worry, I didn't make him do it all. I was lucky enough to wash off the poopy underwear while gagging. Ew.
And now he is back in underwear. At least until the next accident.....
Is it wrong to want to send him to daycare in underwear and put him in a diaper when he gets home?
Let me rephrase that. I know it is not wrong to want it but is it wrong to actually do it......?
Saturday, February 06, 2010
Thankful
I'd like to take a moment to be thankful for the good things in my life. Big and Small. Many of which I take for granted, or I don't see them for the blessings that they are.
One of my Facebook statuses last week was something about how I feel that all I do is work, take care of my children, and do laundry. After seeing some other friend's statuses or hearing some not such great news about others, I should have said - Thank G-d, I work, take care of my children, and do laundry.
One friend was just able to take her little daughter out of the hospital. She has health problems and was hospitalized for what they thought was a virus but it was an infection - scary stuff. I don't know many details because my updates were really through Facebook but when it involves little children and hospitals, it's scary.
I just got an e-mail that a girl I grew up with (who is a little younger than me) was recently diagnosed with cancer. I don't know any details - just that people were asked to say Tehillim for her. She is married and has a young daughter.
Another close friend of mine had a baby (as you probably saw on my Facebook) while she was visiting the States and only 27 weeks along in her pregnancy! She and her husband are now in Florida for the next few months dealing with all the issues that come along with having a preemie baby. They spend their days back and forth to the hospital and are overjoyed every chance they have to hold their baby.
I could go on and on. I am sure we all know people, or maybe are those people, going through those tough times in life. Or maybe we have had them in the past. Please G-d, let's hope not to face them in the future.
But this week I hope to have a new outlook. When I start to get stressed about no money in the bank (and why are we not allowed a "minus" like all the other Israelis), I have to remind myself - thank G-d, we can put food on our table. We somehow managed to buy the groceries this week- and even had Shabbas guests! When I am stressed about not paying the bills on time - well, according to a friend - many people are a month late, don't worry about it!! Not that I plan to always live like this. But we take it day by day. Step by step. We have a roof over our heads and food on the table. Those are the essentials.
Thank G-d Almighty, my kids are just battling colds here and there. Kayla may be small but she is VERY healthy and active as anything! Thank G-d for our health.
As I trip over the kid's toys or put in load after load of laundry, I need to say Thank G-d. There are people out there who would do anything to have kid's toys to trip over. And I am lucky enough to have 3 wonderful, healthy, awesome children.
Sammy started potty training this afternoon - and it was actually kind of amusing. He had 2 accidents but then he made it to the potty twice. And not only that, but Jonah and Kayla all trooped in with him when he sat on the potty. After he peed, we all did the potty dance (yes, we had Shabbat guests at the table but this was a big deal). And Sammy kept singing the potty song afterwards. I was SOOOO proud of him. His brother was so proud of him. Kayla was just happy that her brothers were happy. And Sammy was proud of himself! If the worst thing I have to wash this week are some peed on pants and underwear (I'm really hoping for no #2 accidents), life ain't too bad.
:)
I had some friends over tonight and we watched the movie "Motherhood". We are all either mothers or soon-to-be mothers. There were many times in that movie where we all nodded our heads or laughed in agreement. Been there!!! We ate snacks, ordered pizza, and just hung out.
A few of the girls stayed afterwards while we relived and laughed about our HORRIBLE birth experiences! Obviously, the mom-to-be's were gone by then. But if you had told me while I was going through some of the most emotional, painful, amazing experiences of my life, that I would be sitting around, laughing about it with friends - I probably would have slapped you. But that's what we did.
And I am thankful to have had tonight. I'm thankful that I have good friends here that are "on the same page" as me. I'm thankful to be living in Israel - even if it finally did get cold - at the beginning of February. I'm thankful for my awesome husband, who did the HUGE pile of dishes tonight, and hid away in the other room while I had my "playdate" with my friends.
I know I may lose my temper this week, and I know I will be stressed about money this week (week before payday - yikes!) and I know I may not enjoy cleaning up "accidents". But I hope I can remember tonight and the fact that when I really take a look at my life, I have it pretty good. I've got a great hubby, some awesome kids, a steady job, and I'm living in Israel!!!
May everyone who reads this be able to appreciate the good that they have in their lives. And may the ones going through hard times come through them quickly, and stronger than they were before. Refuah Shelaima to all those out there who need it!!
Please contact me for Tehillim names.
One of my Facebook statuses last week was something about how I feel that all I do is work, take care of my children, and do laundry. After seeing some other friend's statuses or hearing some not such great news about others, I should have said - Thank G-d, I work, take care of my children, and do laundry.
One friend was just able to take her little daughter out of the hospital. She has health problems and was hospitalized for what they thought was a virus but it was an infection - scary stuff. I don't know many details because my updates were really through Facebook but when it involves little children and hospitals, it's scary.
I just got an e-mail that a girl I grew up with (who is a little younger than me) was recently diagnosed with cancer. I don't know any details - just that people were asked to say Tehillim for her. She is married and has a young daughter.
Another close friend of mine had a baby (as you probably saw on my Facebook) while she was visiting the States and only 27 weeks along in her pregnancy! She and her husband are now in Florida for the next few months dealing with all the issues that come along with having a preemie baby. They spend their days back and forth to the hospital and are overjoyed every chance they have to hold their baby.
I could go on and on. I am sure we all know people, or maybe are those people, going through those tough times in life. Or maybe we have had them in the past. Please G-d, let's hope not to face them in the future.
But this week I hope to have a new outlook. When I start to get stressed about no money in the bank (and why are we not allowed a "minus" like all the other Israelis), I have to remind myself - thank G-d, we can put food on our table. We somehow managed to buy the groceries this week- and even had Shabbas guests! When I am stressed about not paying the bills on time - well, according to a friend - many people are a month late, don't worry about it!! Not that I plan to always live like this. But we take it day by day. Step by step. We have a roof over our heads and food on the table. Those are the essentials.
Thank G-d Almighty, my kids are just battling colds here and there. Kayla may be small but she is VERY healthy and active as anything! Thank G-d for our health.
As I trip over the kid's toys or put in load after load of laundry, I need to say Thank G-d. There are people out there who would do anything to have kid's toys to trip over. And I am lucky enough to have 3 wonderful, healthy, awesome children.
Sammy started potty training this afternoon - and it was actually kind of amusing. He had 2 accidents but then he made it to the potty twice. And not only that, but Jonah and Kayla all trooped in with him when he sat on the potty. After he peed, we all did the potty dance (yes, we had Shabbat guests at the table but this was a big deal). And Sammy kept singing the potty song afterwards. I was SOOOO proud of him. His brother was so proud of him. Kayla was just happy that her brothers were happy. And Sammy was proud of himself! If the worst thing I have to wash this week are some peed on pants and underwear (I'm really hoping for no #2 accidents), life ain't too bad.
:)
I had some friends over tonight and we watched the movie "Motherhood". We are all either mothers or soon-to-be mothers. There were many times in that movie where we all nodded our heads or laughed in agreement. Been there!!! We ate snacks, ordered pizza, and just hung out.
A few of the girls stayed afterwards while we relived and laughed about our HORRIBLE birth experiences! Obviously, the mom-to-be's were gone by then. But if you had told me while I was going through some of the most emotional, painful, amazing experiences of my life, that I would be sitting around, laughing about it with friends - I probably would have slapped you. But that's what we did.
And I am thankful to have had tonight. I'm thankful that I have good friends here that are "on the same page" as me. I'm thankful to be living in Israel - even if it finally did get cold - at the beginning of February. I'm thankful for my awesome husband, who did the HUGE pile of dishes tonight, and hid away in the other room while I had my "playdate" with my friends.
I know I may lose my temper this week, and I know I will be stressed about money this week (week before payday - yikes!) and I know I may not enjoy cleaning up "accidents". But I hope I can remember tonight and the fact that when I really take a look at my life, I have it pretty good. I've got a great hubby, some awesome kids, a steady job, and I'm living in Israel!!!
May everyone who reads this be able to appreciate the good that they have in their lives. And may the ones going through hard times come through them quickly, and stronger than they were before. Refuah Shelaima to all those out there who need it!!
Please contact me for Tehillim names.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Birthday Pics
I think I remember once reading in a magazine about how a mom used to take yearly pics of her daughter. But the special thing about these pictures is that she would put her daughter in her wedding dress. And every year - she would take a picture of her daughter as she grew. Obviously, she was swimming in it for the first number of years, then it looked more like a dress-up thing and then it got closer and closer to fitting her. In the end, she took a picture on her wedding day - wearing her mom's dress!!!
That idea stuck with me and now that I have a baby girl, I'm debating whether or not to start this little yearly "ritual".
What do you think? Is it cute - or weird and creepy? :)
That idea stuck with me and now that I have a baby girl, I'm debating whether or not to start this little yearly "ritual".
What do you think? Is it cute - or weird and creepy? :)
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Lift Space Question
For those of you who have sent a lift to Israel or have sent stuff on a lift to Israel - how much did you charge or were you charged per cubic foot?
Just trying to get an idea of the average cost. We were quoted something and it seemed really high.
We want to send a couple boxes on someone's lift......we just need to find that someone!! So I guess that is my other question. Do you know anyone sending a lift? It can basically be almost anywhere in the States. Although I am specifically looking for someone in Detroit, Cleveland, or Chicago for some of the heavier boxes.
Please spread the word.
Thanks for your help!
Just trying to get an idea of the average cost. We were quoted something and it seemed really high.
We want to send a couple boxes on someone's lift......we just need to find that someone!! So I guess that is my other question. Do you know anyone sending a lift? It can basically be almost anywhere in the States. Although I am specifically looking for someone in Detroit, Cleveland, or Chicago for some of the heavier boxes.
Please spread the word.
Thanks for your help!
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Another Sammyism
At last night's Chanukah party, Sammy came over to me and said:
Sammy: "Can I have some babysauce?"
Me: "What's babysauce"?
Sammy: "You know....babysauce"
Me: "Do you mean applesauce?"
Sammy: "Yah. Applesauce is babysauce...."
:)
Sammy: "Can I have some babysauce?"
Me: "What's babysauce"?
Sammy: "You know....babysauce"
Me: "Do you mean applesauce?"
Sammy: "Yah. Applesauce is babysauce...."
:)
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Jumbled Thoughts and Mad Love for Israel
It's been awhile since I've posted so I'll just try to write something that will be impossible to put into words but is something I wish I could make everyone understand.
Where to start?
Well, for one - one of my closest friends had a baby a week ago. And she is in Detroit. And I am here. And it's awful. I HATE being so far away. I hate not being there to take her to the doctor when she went into labor (like I did with her first child). And I hate not being there to visit her as soon as she even thinks about having visitors in the hospital. And I hate not being there to buy this and that for when she gets home from the hospital. I was really bummed the day after she had the baby because I really felt a million miles away. And I was reminded how this is the part of Aliyah that sux. There is no way around it. And I have no clue if it gets any better but if getting better means drifting apart from my friend, I don't want any part of it. And I was thinking of how it must have been hard for my close friends (and family) in the States when I had Kayla and how they were the ones who felt far away. And I wondered for a split second - is it worth it? Am I happy with my choice?
Despite all that sadness of being so far away, I am so confident and sure in my decision, and I am 100% positive I did the right thing. I love living here so much, it's almost unbelievable. I wake up every morning and I usually take my boys to Gan and daycare. And every single day, on my walk home, I look around and I think wow - I LOVE this country. I am happy simply walking through the streets. It just makes me happy to be alive. I am so proud to live in this country. I am so comfortable living in MY country. A Jewish homeland. No other place in the world is like Israel. No other place in the world accepts me and opens its arms to me the way Israel does.
I played basketball tonight and the man in charge of the gym was sitting in his office, playing over and over and over a song called Im Eshkachech by Yaakov Shwekey. Take a minute and look it up on YouTube or something. The chorus has this amazing haunting melody that just wraps it's arms around me. I had heard the man (his name is Gavi) listening to this song a few weeks ago and today I went in and I said, I HAVE to know what this song is! Can you play it for me?
He said that he listens to this song over and over again. He said his son went to the States a few months ago and all he wanted for his son was to find a match. He is 27 years old and he just wanted his son to be happily married. Someone randomly sent him this song and he started listening to it and thinking of the meaning. Israelis are lucky like that, they can understand ALL the words without even trying! He must have found some connection to this song, because he said he would listen and listen and listen to this and 2 days later, he found out his son was engaged. And now he has even more of a connection to the song. As he listened to it, I saw tears come to his eyes. It's neat to see someone have that connection to a song. A connection that I feel.
When we first started playing at the gym, I didn't know Gavi from anyone. And I certainly didn't have anything in common with him. He's an older guy, didn't "appear" to be religious, and was just the guy in charge of the gym. But over the past few months, I've gotten to know him a little better. A bit about his family, about his travels to the States, and now his love for Yaakov Shwekey's music and how it hits him "right here". He doesn't wear a kippah, but he is most certainly a religious man. And I love that about this country too.
We're all connected....we're all Jews....and this is our country. We "get it". A country we have fought for, died for, and will continue to do so until Moshiach is here. I am proud to be Israeli and I am proud to call this country my home.
I don't think this post came even close to conveying what I am trying to say or how I feel but maybe, just maybe, I was able to explain to all of your who don't understand (and to some who do), why we picked up and moved halfway across the world to start a new life. Miles and miles away to all those we held dear to us.
It is SO right here. It's so awesome here. This is the place where I belong, the place where my family belongs, and the place I can't wait to watch my children grow up in.
Now if only you guys would come here and make it complete!!
Where to start?
Well, for one - one of my closest friends had a baby a week ago. And she is in Detroit. And I am here. And it's awful. I HATE being so far away. I hate not being there to take her to the doctor when she went into labor (like I did with her first child). And I hate not being there to visit her as soon as she even thinks about having visitors in the hospital. And I hate not being there to buy this and that for when she gets home from the hospital. I was really bummed the day after she had the baby because I really felt a million miles away. And I was reminded how this is the part of Aliyah that sux. There is no way around it. And I have no clue if it gets any better but if getting better means drifting apart from my friend, I don't want any part of it. And I was thinking of how it must have been hard for my close friends (and family) in the States when I had Kayla and how they were the ones who felt far away. And I wondered for a split second - is it worth it? Am I happy with my choice?
Despite all that sadness of being so far away, I am so confident and sure in my decision, and I am 100% positive I did the right thing. I love living here so much, it's almost unbelievable. I wake up every morning and I usually take my boys to Gan and daycare. And every single day, on my walk home, I look around and I think wow - I LOVE this country. I am happy simply walking through the streets. It just makes me happy to be alive. I am so proud to live in this country. I am so comfortable living in MY country. A Jewish homeland. No other place in the world is like Israel. No other place in the world accepts me and opens its arms to me the way Israel does.
I played basketball tonight and the man in charge of the gym was sitting in his office, playing over and over and over a song called Im Eshkachech by Yaakov Shwekey. Take a minute and look it up on YouTube or something. The chorus has this amazing haunting melody that just wraps it's arms around me. I had heard the man (his name is Gavi) listening to this song a few weeks ago and today I went in and I said, I HAVE to know what this song is! Can you play it for me?
He said that he listens to this song over and over again. He said his son went to the States a few months ago and all he wanted for his son was to find a match. He is 27 years old and he just wanted his son to be happily married. Someone randomly sent him this song and he started listening to it and thinking of the meaning. Israelis are lucky like that, they can understand ALL the words without even trying! He must have found some connection to this song, because he said he would listen and listen and listen to this and 2 days later, he found out his son was engaged. And now he has even more of a connection to the song. As he listened to it, I saw tears come to his eyes. It's neat to see someone have that connection to a song. A connection that I feel.
When we first started playing at the gym, I didn't know Gavi from anyone. And I certainly didn't have anything in common with him. He's an older guy, didn't "appear" to be religious, and was just the guy in charge of the gym. But over the past few months, I've gotten to know him a little better. A bit about his family, about his travels to the States, and now his love for Yaakov Shwekey's music and how it hits him "right here". He doesn't wear a kippah, but he is most certainly a religious man. And I love that about this country too.
We're all connected....we're all Jews....and this is our country. We "get it". A country we have fought for, died for, and will continue to do so until Moshiach is here. I am proud to be Israeli and I am proud to call this country my home.
I don't think this post came even close to conveying what I am trying to say or how I feel but maybe, just maybe, I was able to explain to all of your who don't understand (and to some who do), why we picked up and moved halfway across the world to start a new life. Miles and miles away to all those we held dear to us.
It is SO right here. It's so awesome here. This is the place where I belong, the place where my family belongs, and the place I can't wait to watch my children grow up in.
Now if only you guys would come here and make it complete!!
Monday, November 02, 2009
A Toddler's Prayers
Sammy (while sitting on his little car): I'm going to Yerushalayim!!!
Mommy (that's me): What will you do there?
Sammy: I'm going to the kotel!
Mommy: What will you do at the Kotel?
Sammy: I'm going to daven to Hashem.
Mommy: What will you ask Hashem for? What will you daven for?
Sammy: Ice cream!
That's my boy.........
Mommy (that's me): What will you do there?
Sammy: I'm going to the kotel!
Mommy: What will you do at the Kotel?
Sammy: I'm going to daven to Hashem.
Mommy: What will you ask Hashem for? What will you daven for?
Sammy: Ice cream!
That's my boy.........
Monday, October 26, 2009
Censorship AKA Magazine Pics Part 2
I originally wrote this Note as a Comment on my Facebook Note titled Magazine Pics (see previous Blog). But it got really long so I am writing it as a new separate note.
I still haven't turned the magazines in yet so let me know if you think they need more censorship. I don't want to be known as the crazy American Mom who brought in all the magazines with inappropriate pics!
I have some Parenting, American Baby, Bon Appetite, and a Living and Loving magazine. Totally did not think they would have inappropriate pictures. But then I went through and ended up with a whole pile of pictures/pages I tore out.
Then I second guessed myself and wondered if I was being too extreme (I felt like someone in Iran censoring reading material!! Ok, I am exaggerating a bit....)
Here was my criteria - tell me what you think......
Took out all ladies in sleeveless or very very low cut tops. Left in ladies in short sleeve shirts and regular necklines and pants.
Took out all breastfeeding women because they generally were not very covered. I KNOW it's a totally natural thing, yada yada, but they were not feeding in the most tzanua way...
Took out all women's bare bellies. But left in the men in swimming trunks.
Unsure where they stood on naked babies (no frontal nudity just cute little tushies) so I think most I left in.....but I can just imagine a bunch of 4+5 year olds screaming TUSHIES!!!
Hmm.....what else? Left in young girls in swimming suits but took out ladies in swim suits.
Mainly, I thought of the more religious parents in the Gan and how would they feel if the pics came home to them on a poster or something....would it make them feel uncomfortable or would it be ok?
The strangest censorship I did was one of those Mirena birth control devices. I didn't think the Rabbi would appreciate it plastered on his kid's project because it was a "funny shape".
:)
So? What do you think?
I still haven't turned the magazines in yet so let me know if you think they need more censorship. I don't want to be known as the crazy American Mom who brought in all the magazines with inappropriate pics!
I have some Parenting, American Baby, Bon Appetite, and a Living and Loving magazine. Totally did not think they would have inappropriate pictures. But then I went through and ended up with a whole pile of pictures/pages I tore out.
Then I second guessed myself and wondered if I was being too extreme (I felt like someone in Iran censoring reading material!! Ok, I am exaggerating a bit....)
Here was my criteria - tell me what you think......
Took out all ladies in sleeveless or very very low cut tops. Left in ladies in short sleeve shirts and regular necklines and pants.
Took out all breastfeeding women because they generally were not very covered. I KNOW it's a totally natural thing, yada yada, but they were not feeding in the most tzanua way...
Took out all women's bare bellies. But left in the men in swimming trunks.
Unsure where they stood on naked babies (no frontal nudity just cute little tushies) so I think most I left in.....but I can just imagine a bunch of 4+5 year olds screaming TUSHIES!!!
Hmm.....what else? Left in young girls in swimming suits but took out ladies in swim suits.
Mainly, I thought of the more religious parents in the Gan and how would they feel if the pics came home to them on a poster or something....would it make them feel uncomfortable or would it be ok?
The strangest censorship I did was one of those Mirena birth control devices. I didn't think the Rabbi would appreciate it plastered on his kid's project because it was a "funny shape".
:)
So? What do you think?
Magazine Pics
There was a sign outside Jonah's Gan today that requested parents to bring in magazines or newspapers for the kids to use to cut up for projects. In parenthesis it said, Of course, all magazines should be appropriate for a religious Gan.
Now, what does that mean to you? Where do you draw the line? What pictures are considered okay and what pictures are not okay?
Please share your thoughts on this one........
Now, what does that mean to you? Where do you draw the line? What pictures are considered okay and what pictures are not okay?
Please share your thoughts on this one........
Thursday, October 15, 2009
ISO: A Good Night's Sleep
I have been totally exhausted every night this week. I don't know if it was because of the 8 hour work days I put in at the beginning or the couple days at home with Kayla trying to accomplish way more than is humanly possible or both of those in combination with fighting some kind of stomach virus. Or if it's just a general combination of trying to work as many hours as I possibly can and take care of a house and family. Either way, I collapsed every night at around 8 or so. Sadly, I didn't get to sleep the nice 12 hours straight I probably needed.
Let's take last night for example.......
It was 7:30 and the boys were doing their usual complaining about going to bed. Kayla had fallen asleep so I lay down with her in my bed waiting for my "turn" to sing to the boys and put Kayla in her crib when they finally decided to be quiet. I sang to them and lay back down with Kayla. I was trying to decide should I get up and work or should I go to sleep. I was so tired after a long day and in the midst of my debating, I fell asleep. At 8pm!!!! Of course Kayla woke up shortly after that but luckily Shauli (my knight in shining armor) stayed up with her. It was, after all about 9pm.....Well, I am glad I got in some good sleep then because the rest of the night was a disaster.
1am - Jonah woke up howling in pain that his ear hurt. We gave him some Tylenol but then there wasn't much else to do. I read him a few books to keep his mind off it and gave him an ice pack. It was so hard watching him in that much pain. He kept begging me to make it end. And there was nothing I could do for him except hope that the medicine kicked in. Eventually he went to sleep so I went back to sleep.
3am - Sammy wakes up and tries to sneak into our bed (his new trick). I think we would have let it go except he started kicking me in the head. So Shauli takes him back to bed where he starts crying and wakes up Kayla. Then Kayla is WIDE awake and no matter what I do (nurse her, bottle feed, lay down with her) she is ready and raring to go. That lasted until sometime after 4am. Ok - back to sleep.....
4:30am - And Jonah is up once again howling in pain. Sadly it hadn't been quite long enough to give him another dose of Tylenol but I stayed with him for a little bit and gave him another ice pack and eventually he fell back asleep.
6am - And Kayla is up once again so I feed her. She falls back asleep and I snooze a bit until Jonah climbs into my bed.
And that pretty much ended my night's sleep.
Is a Good Night's Sleep really too much to ask for?
Let's take last night for example.......
It was 7:30 and the boys were doing their usual complaining about going to bed. Kayla had fallen asleep so I lay down with her in my bed waiting for my "turn" to sing to the boys and put Kayla in her crib when they finally decided to be quiet. I sang to them and lay back down with Kayla. I was trying to decide should I get up and work or should I go to sleep. I was so tired after a long day and in the midst of my debating, I fell asleep. At 8pm!!!! Of course Kayla woke up shortly after that but luckily Shauli (my knight in shining armor) stayed up with her. It was, after all about 9pm.....Well, I am glad I got in some good sleep then because the rest of the night was a disaster.
1am - Jonah woke up howling in pain that his ear hurt. We gave him some Tylenol but then there wasn't much else to do. I read him a few books to keep his mind off it and gave him an ice pack. It was so hard watching him in that much pain. He kept begging me to make it end. And there was nothing I could do for him except hope that the medicine kicked in. Eventually he went to sleep so I went back to sleep.
3am - Sammy wakes up and tries to sneak into our bed (his new trick). I think we would have let it go except he started kicking me in the head. So Shauli takes him back to bed where he starts crying and wakes up Kayla. Then Kayla is WIDE awake and no matter what I do (nurse her, bottle feed, lay down with her) she is ready and raring to go. That lasted until sometime after 4am. Ok - back to sleep.....
4:30am - And Jonah is up once again howling in pain. Sadly it hadn't been quite long enough to give him another dose of Tylenol but I stayed with him for a little bit and gave him another ice pack and eventually he fell back asleep.
6am - And Kayla is up once again so I feed her. She falls back asleep and I snooze a bit until Jonah climbs into my bed.
And that pretty much ended my night's sleep.
Is a Good Night's Sleep really too much to ask for?
Monday, October 12, 2009
Percentiles
A funny story to share with you....
We all know Kayla is petite, right? That fact has been established. She was born smaller than my boys (but they were both a week overdue and she was at least a week underdue).
So she was born small (6 lbs) and stayed small. I think in the beginning she was in the 15th percentile for weight. At about 4 months she was in the 10th percentile. At 6 months, she was beneath the percentiles, and shortly after (when I started supplementing with formula) she climbed back up into the 3rd percentile. It certainly has saved me on buying new clothes!! She has been in the same clothes for much of her life. I guess by the time the cold weather rolls around, it will be time to graduate to a new size.
Well, we went to her most recent Tipat Chalav visit and she fell off the charts again. Oops. Luckily, we have a fantastic nurse and she doesn't yell or scold or anything. She just gives some suggestions and told me to come back in a month to weigh her again.
When we went home, I told Shauli about her weight and said how she used to be in the 3rd percentile and that even though she did gain weight now she is beneath the percentiles. He said, "So before, she was in the 3rd percentile. 3 percent of all babies were smaller than her and 97% were bigger than her. And now she is under the percentiles so 100% of all babies are bigger than her??" And I said, "I guess so...except for all the other babies that are also not on the chart". And he said "So she is a percentile. She is whatever percent bigger than those other babies."
Good point. I know my baby is not the smallest baby ever in the world! So there are babies that are smaller than her. So the percentages don't make sense. Right? Or are we missing something here....
We all know Kayla is petite, right? That fact has been established. She was born smaller than my boys (but they were both a week overdue and she was at least a week underdue).
So she was born small (6 lbs) and stayed small. I think in the beginning she was in the 15th percentile for weight. At about 4 months she was in the 10th percentile. At 6 months, she was beneath the percentiles, and shortly after (when I started supplementing with formula) she climbed back up into the 3rd percentile. It certainly has saved me on buying new clothes!! She has been in the same clothes for much of her life. I guess by the time the cold weather rolls around, it will be time to graduate to a new size.
Well, we went to her most recent Tipat Chalav visit and she fell off the charts again. Oops. Luckily, we have a fantastic nurse and she doesn't yell or scold or anything. She just gives some suggestions and told me to come back in a month to weigh her again.
When we went home, I told Shauli about her weight and said how she used to be in the 3rd percentile and that even though she did gain weight now she is beneath the percentiles. He said, "So before, she was in the 3rd percentile. 3 percent of all babies were smaller than her and 97% were bigger than her. And now she is under the percentiles so 100% of all babies are bigger than her??" And I said, "I guess so...except for all the other babies that are also not on the chart". And he said "So she is a percentile. She is whatever percent bigger than those other babies."
Good point. I know my baby is not the smallest baby ever in the world! So there are babies that are smaller than her. So the percentages don't make sense. Right? Or are we missing something here....
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