Samantha gets a surprise from Papa and her first report card

Papa made Samantha's day today by surprising her for lunch at her school. When I asked Sam what she thought of it she said with a smile, "It was pretty cool". My girls and their cousins are very fortunate to have Papa. He adores his grand kids and shows it at every opportunity!

Samantha brought home her first report card today. It was as expected, a glowing report! We are incredibly proud of her. Sam has changed a bit since school started. I think the more relaxed morning routine from the later start in the day helps, she's got a great teacher and a great group of classmates. Samantha has successfully dealt with a mean girl/bully (asserting herself and walking away), learned that she should only worry about managing herself versus trying to control all the other kids, and most importantly she's having fun. She is smart and loves learning which Daddy and I will . Her class is diverse thankfully so she's learning about different cultures too!

A good night and good morning

Daddy was gone a couple of nights this week. The girls and I hunkered down for a night at home. They taught me how to play, "Tag Hide and Seek". Sam especially enjoyed demonstrating it for me. We were all active, but relaxed. It was a night without tempers or tantrums. No one lost their patience and I thoroughly stayed in the moment all night. I'll admit it's an ongoing struggle to be present consistently and ignore the distractions of housework, laundry and technology. I ignored everything and just played with my kids. I think they had as much fun as I did. We also had an amazingly smooth morning, again with no tempers flaring or crabbiness.


Watching my girls interact is always interesting. They are sisters - something I have no experience with. Samantha and Sofia seem to either really love or despise each other. From what I hear, that's standard behavior in the way of sisters. I think I'm okay with not knowing what having a sister is like, especially during my girl's epic battles!

Samantha's play

Drama club has culminated into a performance of their play, "Space Pirates". Samantha shined as usual, being out front and extremely poised during her song and dances. Her audience included Todd, Shelly, Dylan, Jordan, Nana, Sheila, Daddy and I. Papa stayed home since Sofie was still ill and Grammy wasn't feeling well either. Thanks to Todd and Shelly for the flowers!

At the end of the play, the teacher gave a few awards out. Samantha was incredibly disappointed that she didn't get an award. We tried to explain that not getting an award didn't mean she wasn't important or didn't do a fantastic job and she seemed to understand. Samantha isn't a kid that likes the chorus line - she wants to be in the center, if not the center. She is a leader. But life isn't always about leading and this is the lesson of the day.

The quality of the picture is horrible, but Samantha is the 4th from the right.

Hanukkah celebration

With the huge amount of fluffly snow that came down yesterday, I knew that some of our plans for the day may not happen. Here's what was planned: services and the annual Hanukkah celebration at our synagogue followed by some play time in the snow and then off to Nana and Papa's for the extended family dinner and present exchange.


Unfortunately, Sofia woke up with a fever and none of us made it outside to play in the snow unless you count Daddy and I shoveling and blowing the snow off the drive and walkways. I was exhausted and not feeling that well myself. Samantha and Daddy went to Nana and Papa's while I stayed home with Sofie. We kept it low-key, playing game after game of domino's and various card games. She helped me light her menorah and we said the prayer together. Sofie behaved very well in spite of her not feeling the greatest.


I guess the lesson here is life hardly ever goes the way you plan it. And that's okay. I was disappointed that we couldn't go to synagogue and that the whole family couldn't go to Nana and Papa's. But what I got today was time alone with my youngest daughter and that made it a good day.

Happy Hanukkah!

We wish everyone a wonderful holiday!

We started our Hanukkah celebration with lighting the menorah and some gifts. Our family is incredibly blessed and we practice gratitude. Every night we will light the candles and say the prayers. It is a crazy time and we love it!

A woman never panics! Even in the face of rodents!

It has a happy ending for us! The mouse was in the trap this morning, so no more mouse! The problem has been eradicated and prevention measures have been successfully applied. I will also remember the squeaking sound Samantha made for days afterward.

On Dec 1, 2010, at 12:53 AM, I wrote an email to my husband (who was in the last throes of a stomach illness) as described below:

I was just falling asleep when my peripheral vision caught something move by the entertainment center. I looked with the flashlight and stared into the eyes of a mouse. I'm seriously freaking out and you're thankfully asleep. After I calm down, I'm going to Sofie's room. I set a trap.

I just can't handle rodents in the house.

By the way, your dog never left the chair (next to the mouse on the floor) throughout the whole thing. I will gladly clean up the mess if he kills it. Protect us Fonz!

My 3rd (and final) Art Adventure

Today was my last presentation at Samantha's school. I showed 2 pieces today, including one sculpture and gave the kids some playdoh with a toothpick to etch their creation with. It was fascinating to see how each child interpreted the basic instructions! Some kids broke multiple toothpicks, others didn't use them because they were immersed in squishing the clay. For me it was another wonderful moment. I can't help wondering how peaceful the world would be if everyone had a experience where they taught kids about something. Granted, Samantha's class is a fabulous group of kids (a statement echoed by the teacher), but the innocence and enthusiasm is truly special to be around!