holidays
« Previous EntriesLooking Back at Mother’s Day
Monday, May 13th, 2013Ten years ago in May, I was expecting my first son and looking forward to being a new mother. I had no idea how my life was about to change and the love that I would immediately feel for this new little life.
NHL changed the way that I forever see the world. This is nothing negative, but he has given me the inner “Mama Bear” moments where I will fight and advocate until I am blue in the face.
Six years ago, I spent mothers day, extremely pregnant with my second son. I was days from my due date and feeling so tired because I was also battling an infection during the last month or so. Little did I know that the very next morning, I would see my second little boy and fall head over heals in love with another child. At the time, I worried that I would not have enough love for both of my children. Of course, I quickly learned that it would simply expand to fit the needs of our growing family.
Watching the boys on the day that we took JSL home was amazing. The boys have grown so much over the last six years and are now such good friends. They have their moments as all siblings do, but the two will protect each other like nobody else can.
I rarely take photos with the boys because I am usually the one with the camera in my hands, but this mother’s day I asked TechyDad to get one of the three of us.
I always want to remember these moments because my babies are growing up before my eyes and each time I blink more and more milestones are gone forever.
Passover Ponderings
Thursday, March 28th, 2013Although our two Seders are over, Passover continues until early next week. During our second Seder, I took a few photos of the boys and other items. When looking back at them, it got me thinking.
Whine about Wine
I may be an adult, but I am not a fan of most wines. Sit me with the kids and pour me a glass of grape juice because that is my preferred “wine” for Pesach.
Charoset Bonds the Family
Charoset on the Seder plate symbolizes the mortar that the Israelites used to make bricks when enslaved in Egypt. It seems only fitting then that Charoset is the single item that everyone in our family enjoys. Nobody complains and everyone gobbled it up.
Acting out the Seder is Fun
Getting the kids involved the second night was important. We were more relaxed since the food was prepared and everyone could enjoy. This meant that the 10 Plague Finger Puppets came out. JSL helped us to pull them out and model them as they were recited.
Not to be outdone by the finger puppets, the first born males in our family reenacted the tenth and final plague of the Seder. We may have been a bit silly, but the boys were learning and we were sharing history and making traditions.
Our Seder may not have been fancy, but it was special both nights because of the loved ones with us and memories made.
Views of Passover Preparations
Tuesday, March 26th, 2013Getting ready for Passover can be a whirlwind. TechyDad is really in charge of most of it, since he is the stickler for the kosher for Passover rules. This year, we were having a Seder at our house the first night, also my parent’s 40th Anniversary. We seemed ahead of schedule on a lot and the pressure was off.
After all of the cleaning was done and the charoset was made and chilling, we started to peel hardboiled eggs and get vegetables ready for the Quinoa Pilaf.
Then, we got a little silly while putting the brisket into the oven. I think the fact that we are usually 95% vegetarian at home may have had something to do with this.
Once everything was in the oven and almost prepared, it was time to set the Seder table. We went with simple, easy, and not too fancy.
To all those celebrating with their families Chag Pesach Sameach.
Les Misérables for Passover
Thursday, March 21st, 2013For months now, people all over have been talking about Les Misérables taking over the big screen. While I have not had a chance to see it yet, I have watched the phenomenon take over. It isn’t new for Les Misérables to make a splash thanks to the success it has had on Broadway and traveling productions over the years. Even Shalom Sesame Street made a spoof a few years ago called Les Matzarables for Passover.
While this is a cute example of the long time popularity of the Les Misérables culture, there is now something new out for Passover. The Maccabeats just released a new Passover song that is inspired by Les Misérables. Once again, they show their amazing talent, sense of humor, and reach.
For those getting ready for Pesach, I thought you would enjoy a little break to get into the spirit of the holiday.
If you have other songs or family fun items for the holiday to share, I would love to hear about it in the comments below.
Tuesday Tales – The Passover Lamb
Tuesday, March 19th, 2013Spring time in Jewish households means that families are getting ready for Passover. This not only means ridding our homes of chametz, but also preparing for our Seders. Each year, our boys love to read about Pesach and get ready to sing songs and celebrate. Thanks to the PJ Library, JSL recently received a new book in the mail.
The Passover Lamb
The boys and I had story time to share this new Passover tale together. Before we began, I pointed out the fact that the book says it is based on a true story. This intrigued all of us as we began to read. We meet Miriam as she is feeding chickens. She is singing the Four Questions in Hebrew as she does her work. The boys loved that a line of the song was included in the text. This seemed to spur them into thinking about some singing before our Seder.
As Miriam is moving through the barn, she notices that Snowball the sheep is missing. When she finds Snowball, she can see that the sheep is in trouble. Of course, the great mystery is solved when Snowball gives birth to two little lambs. When Miriam’s family heads to the barn, they notice something else on the other side.
Yes, another baby lamb was found and Snowball is not accepting this poor little one. Miriam is quite upset and does not want to leave the baby lamb. Unfortunately, if they stay they will not be able to go to the Seder with their grandparents and other extended family. Miriam comes up with a great solution.
The story of Miriam and her love and need to help baby lamb Moses by Linda Elovitz Marshall is beautiful. The illustrations by Tatjana Mai-Wyss capture the tale in an inviting way. We instantly are part of Miriam’s world and want to cheer her on as she helps the baby lamb. The book has lessons that are great to start family discussions and possibly extended projects. My boys really enjoyed the story and were eager to read the author’s explanation about the real life even with her family and their farm.
What Passover books do you like to share with your family? Please share what you have read recently. Be sure to link up to your book posts in the comments below. Include something you read on your own, with a child, or someone else. Tuesday Tales are all about spreading the love for books.
Disclosure: My son received this book as a members of the PJ Library. Membership in our area is free and we are never expected to review/write about this, I simply wanted to share a new book with others. An Amazon Affiliate link is included in this post for the book mentioned. I will receive a percentage of money for the sale should you opt to buy the book through the links.
« Previous Entries
