Home for the Holidays

Gingerbread Houses at Family Promise

I yi yi yi...almost a month of posts to catch up on!!!
I will try to back track and add some pictures quickly...
Dec. 21st - We had the opportunity to volunteer at Family Promise - we made Or  attempted to make  Gingerbread houses with some homeless families.  Great to remind ourselves how truly lucky we are.  I know it's not about the gifts but when you find the perfect gift for great friends, boy does it feel good.  Rosemary and Cliff brought us the driedel music box which will be with our family forever and perhaps in their family will be the roulette shot glass game gift that felt so great to give.  Dec. 22nd I think began some much needed REST. Then prep for a very fun evening of Fondue on Christmas Eve: So fun to relax, eat and enjoy the company of those you love the most!

10 Days of Much Needed Rest

Christmas Morning:  Great reminder about spending TIME is much  more important the spending MONEY.  Sahar really made the day!!! I am now addicted to the game Phase 10! A relaxing day most unusual from years past rushing to Tikun Olam Salaam - just too disorganized the last 2 years on their part.  I am so happy we participated in the Family Promise much more meaningful.  Then dinner at the Gleasons - Jews for Christmas.  Really lovely!! Siamak's birthday next and I am BEYOND proud of my accomplishment in the kitchen with a perfect Prime Rib! We will get to the hot springs soon.  Setareh got bangs - immediately reported and posted on Instagram the exciting news.  The next day we had the 7th grade jew crew girls for sleepover OY GEVALT was the yiddish word created for just such an occasion. No sleep wiped out Setareh for 3 days...I took the kids sledding the following morning AND then Setareh's soccer team was Ice Skating and I made that tired out pishi skate for 2 hours...right to sleep she went at 5:30.

Christmas @ the Howards

While Setareh skated Arian and I had a great time snowboard/sledding at the park. I am hopeful we'll get to the resorts next year together. Later, I think we watched another holiday movie.  The next day was soccer, Rachel Skolnick (i think should be Rachel Scowlnick) Bat Mitzvah. Cute theme and fun party for the kids but Oy Gevalt those 7th grade girls.  So, I would like to forget the 29th and 30th but remember to make changes, appreciate all the wonderful things we have in our lives and grow really really grow from that.  More growing needs to happen to make peace with our neighbors.  The Gledhills. One day I will make peace, one day. Until then, I resign the fact that Siamak is a much nicer human being than I, I hate their dog and Ruth should have quit while she was ahead with a simple I'm sorry. A good lesson for all. I do feel bad for Connie - I was pretty rude guest at the Holiday Party they were so sweet to host.  One little note...family games are really fun after dinner and glass of wine, "just sayin." Then the best way to bring in the new year with REJECTION FREE Ally, Jim and Ben.  Quiet and wonderful!!! Best way to bring in 2013 - the way I hope the year goes!!!

Boarding Boy

Back to work, school and running full speed ahead.  Oh Sahar is enrolled at the U another great way to start 2013.