Shana Tovah-- Happy New Year

three years of Jena

It is hard to believe that it was three years ago today that Jena joined the family. It is even harder to believe that Jena is now older than Stefanie was when we traveled to China. She continues to look at the world thru her rose colored glasses, always looking on the bright side. Every so often she will test out her angry attitude and march off in a huff. It seems so out of character that it is hard not to laugh at her. She is suprising us everyday with things she has learned like "look- I wrote 'Mommy' on my paper!"Everyone is her friend and everyday is a party. The world would be a better place if there were more people like Jena in it.

2nd grade already? and one happy peacock!

First day of school for Stef and true to form the bus didn't come. Why should this year be any different? Stef is thrilled to have two of her best friends in her class this year. Jena is now in the peacock room. Her 'elephant' class from last year has been mixed with the 'fish' class. Some of her friends are with her in the peacocks and some are in the giraffe class. I carefully explained this to her before the first day, a little worried that she might be upset. Her response to me was "That's GREAT- I get to make new friends!" I love her always positive outlook on life.

back from the beach --time for school

we had a great time with friends in the Outer Banks, NC. Wonderful weather, the girls spent all day in the ocean or the pool. And, big milestone....it was the first time in 6 years that Mommy got to sit on the beach with a book! Now time to go back to school.

come and play......

...everythings A-OK....we had a visit from Julie T, Kacey and Nana Susan too and all went to Sesame Place for the day. The kids had a great time and I am happy to say the adults were pleasently suprised to have a good time too! Here are some pictures of everyone enjoying the day. Jena loved meeting the characters and Stef got her 'hair wrap' that she had been waiting for all summer.

summertime fun!

It was visiting day for Jena at camp and here are a few pictures of her having a blast! Stef was at free swim during my visit and came over for a quick hello. I've also posted a picture of our driveway chalk-artwork.

..and the years keep rolling by...

It is the last week of school already. Stefanie spent the week playing games and winning the first grade spelling bee, Hebrew bee and a coming in second in math. Jena was the proud winner of the friendship award because "she is a friend to everyone". A few pictures to compare to the first day of school. Camp here we come!

we're still here

we've been busy helping Zayde adjust to his new hip. the girls have been real troopers, putting up with multiple long drives and visits to the hospital and rehab. We are all happy that Zayde is now home and doing great. Here are a few new pictures of Stefanie from Authors Night at school. everyone in the class wrote books and read them aloud to the parents. The pictures of Jena are from her pulmonalogist appointment. All I had in my purse to play with was my camera, so she had a great time taking pictures of herself as we waited for the doctor. Two more weeks of school- yippee!

Mothers Day: part 2

We met Aunt Sarah, Uncle Dave and Rafi at Storybook land (our local amusement park) and everyone had a great time. The girls rode every ride at least once and Rafi did a lot of watching and pointing. Stef was especially happy to have her Uncle Dave there who agreed to go on all the crazy spinning rides that Mommy won't set foot on. We then had Amah and Zayde and our good friends Alisa, Dori and Kate over for a barbeqe. Fun, friends, family and food : everything a Mommy could want for a great mothers day!

Happy Mothers Day: part one

Stefanie and her class prepared a wonderful Mothers Day brunch. They made pictures and wrist flowers for all the mothers , as well as bagels and homemade kugel. I also brought home a beautiful flower in a handpainted pot. On sunday we are going to celebrate with a trip to Storybook Land and then Amah and Zayde are coming over for dinner. More pictures to follow.....

Party Like a Rock Star!

Stefanie celebrated her birthday with a Rock Star party and 17 of her closest friends. They all had hair, nails, and make-up then had a dance party. I'd say a great time was had by all.

this is what 7 looks like-

Happy birthday Stefanie! we love you! and a picture to let you know Jena is back to her old self.

this is jena---this is jena on steroids----

Good news no pneumonia, bad news bad 'asthma exacerbation'. My sweet baby is a demon child. There is no telling what will set her off.It is like the lion cage at the zoo- throw some candy at her and run the other way. Thankfully she is much better and only 3 more days of the evil meds left.

6 years already???

yep- 6 years ago today I was in China meeting Stef for the first time. 6 years went by in the blink of an eye. I am at work and she is out celebrating by doing her favorite thing- shopping for new clothes!

two new Roses

I gave in. We now have 2 fish in the house, Lemonaid and Orange Juice. It's been 24 hours and they are both still alive.Wish me luck.

Hag HaSiddur

a very special celebration at Stef's school tonight when she was presented with her own prayer book. The class put on a hour long performance of song for all the parents. Stefanie was very proud to have a solo part. The prayer book cover was needlepointed by out good friend Judy- it has Stef's hebrew name and a very Stefanie-esque picture of Jerusalem on the front, the China symbol for love on the back and hard candies and roses along the spine. Pure Stefanie style all the way. Everyone agreed it was a beautiful program.