Our almost- 7 year old

The mother of one of Xander's friends is a photographer.  He went to their house for a playdate, and look at what she sent back!

The little things

1) Finished the sermon procrastination book:  Unchosen: The Hidden Lives of Hasidic Rebels.  It was interesting, but it was published in 2006 at the beginning of the genre's explosion, and I feel like better stuff has been written since then.

2) Blacklist Season 2 was so much better than season 1.

3) I'm thrilled to be at the point in my career where publishers send ME free books!  I received a package of a book I didn't order and did a happy dance in my office.

4) A congregant gifted us with Disney on Ice tickets!  Jonathan and Odelia went, I was leading services.  They had an amazing time.

5) Jonathan's ankle is not broken, hooray!  "Just" torn ligaments.

Full recovery expected in 6-8 weeks.

Geek parent moment

Ari complained for the umpteenth time today, "It's not fair!  You're being mean!"

Jonathan replied: "Ari, you say something isn't fair when you don't get what you want.  That's not what it means."

And then Joanthan and I both chanted spontaneously, completely in unison, in full accent: "I do not think that word means what you think it means!"  And we cracked up.

(To my non-geek family: it's a Princess Bride reference!)





We watched the movie with Xander - he totally got it. :)

Shabbat star

When someone is the "Shabbat star" of their classroom for the week, they sit up on the bima with their families, bring the grape juice and challah to class, and read a story.

Two weeks ago, Connor was the star.  The preschool director gave an adorable speech about how Rabbi Loving wasn't on the bima today because Rabbi is also a Mommy, so we wave "Bye, Rabbi!" and say, "Hello, Mommy!"  So I sat with the kids like any other mom, and she and the Cantor led it all.  It was lovely.

The Loving family, sans eldest boy (he's at another school, remember).  Connor's attempt to "say cheese!" looked more like a pirate saying "aargh!"

Connor is getting his molars in, can you tell?

The Shabbat stars hold the Torahs during our "Torah service"!

Sitting at the snack table waiting for his plate, back in class.

Making Daddy better (by Jonathan)

(Note: Jonathan sprained his ankle yesterday tripping over a toy shofar)

So my son Ari, without my knowledge, has gained some training in voodoo healing. With great confidence he placed healing objects around me. Apparently blue and white objects (but not yellow! ) have powerful healing properties. But placement was also important. As I came to find out, it was critical for the airplanes to be on my nipples for them to work their magic.

For 10 minutes Ari, assisted by Xander, carefully selected and placed objects around me for his healing ritual. Connor meanwhile offered me his partially eaten English muffin.

They really know how to make me feel loved.

Healing ritual objects

Xander and Ari spontaneously giving my ankle kisses to make it feel better.  Connor watches, Osher cuddles.

Preschool pics

Connor making apple art

Ari making a color chart with Skittles

Ice cream with Doda (Aunt) Odelia

Cherry Smash: our boys are in the back.  Connor was napping at home with Jonathan.

Carnival mirror!

Fascinated.  Something is always moving and making noise everywhere you look.

So much to say, Ari.

It's a crazy place. 

Ice cream selfie.