Face Masks

Noah was assigned to make a face mask by his science teacher.  He constructed it out of Bounty Paper Towels and rubberbands.  He did a nice job creating this although he can't really wear it outside.  We are continuing to social distance, we are wearing face masks, and not going out.  It's been 11 weeks.  Is this our new normal???

Just keep swimming

Micah created this drawing and Jawsh had some fun animating it.  As we head into another month of distance learning, social distancing, and Zoom everything... we just have to keep on swimming.  When will this end???  

Night walk

We have been taking walks together throughout the day.  Night walks are especially fun because there are less people out and we can enjoy the sounds of the frogs from the creek.  Here are my guys...  we are lucky that we all get along.  How long will this last???

Rice Krispies ala Lucky Charms

The Tuesday tradition of Rice Krispy Treats continue.  Tonight the boys picked out the marshmallows out of their Lucky Charms cereal and added it to the mixture.  What will they think of next???

Beach antics

We are very fortunate that we live about 5-10 minutes from the beach.  We are still not going towards the water because there are just too many people without masks and not social distancing.  However, there is plenty of beach for everyone and we have enjoyed our time there.  Jawsh and Noah have been throwing the football around and Micah has been into digging holes.  I don't know why... he just really enjoys it.  So, as I sit and watch the waves roll by and breathe in the salt air, I am thankful that our family is healthy. Will we head into the waves next time???

2 Point Perspective

Noah and Micah both have Art class and have been working on different pieces but sometimes their assignments overlap.  The boys were both assigned a 2 point perspective piece and they drew their bedroom.  They did a nice job drawing and it doesn't hurt that their Dad is there to help them along.  What other art assignments will they complete this term???

Remote Teaching

15 years of teaching has not prepared me for this moment... teaching remotely is quite a challenge!  Zooming with my first and second grade students, lesson planning, and making sure that the curriculum is being taught well can be really stressful.  There are a lot of factors that we are all dealing with and it's hard to tell if I'm being effective.  While I am teaching, Jawsh is in the living room working, and Noah and Micah are working in their bedroom studying.  Micah has been Zooming with his math/science teacher daily, but Noah's teachers have not scheduled online classes so it can be pretty frustrating.  When will this end???

Venice Canals

As each Mother's Day passes, the less I want to have a day to myself but time with the boys.  Although we are still in full quarantine mode, we took some time to take a walk at the Venice Canals.  The Venice Canals are near Venice Beach and there are four canals that are about a quarter mile long.  There are beautiful bridges and homes.  I have never been and I was pleasantly surprised by the walk.  The paths were a little narrow which made it tricky if people walked past us so we would find ourselves on the steps of someones front yard to make sure we weren't too close.  All in all, we had a nice time and I was thankful that there were not too many people and that we were able to able to enjoy the beautiful weather outside.  When will we visit the canals again???

Purim Play

Before COVID-19, the boys were working on a play about Purim with their peers in Hebrew School.  We got to view it today over Zoom during Shabbat.  It was fun to watch the kids reenact Purim.  Micah played Moses and Noah was the narrator.  What play will they act out next???

Rancho Palos Verdes

Today we took a scenic drive down the coast in Rancho Palos Verdes.  There was so much marine layer that it looked like we were above the clouds.  It was a beautiful day to drive... we could see Catalina Island and Malibu.  When will we take our next drive???

Happy Earth Day

In honor of Earth Day, all of the cousins participated in an Earth Day contest.  Noah made Darth Vader out of a toilet paper roll and Micah made ObiWon Kenobi out of a Yoplait cup with Jawsh.  Sophie made a cactus plant holder and Daphne made various items out of a t-shirt (i.e. bracelets, dog clothing, etc).  Kaitlyn made a Timothy Chalamet doll and Emma made a flower out of paper.  Out of all of the recycled items, the Denver cousins won the first annual family contest.  What will they make next year???

Mofettas

In honor of Shavuot, a spring holiday known as the "Festival of the Giving of the Torah" the boys made mofetta. It reminded the boys of crepes. They participated with their Hebrew class and joined a Zoom with a Kosher chef. They had a great time and added whip cream and fruit topping. When will they make this again???

Halmoni's Chicken Tacos

We had quite the surprise when my Mom and brother dropped off groceries for us.  The boys were so excited to see that my mom dropped off her marinated chicken and we made tacos.  It's amazing how food connects us.  When will we get to share a meal with our family again???

Happy Easter

Although the boys were happy to receive their Easter baskets they were definitely disappointed that they did not get a chance to celebrate with their cousins.  Their cousins also felt the same way.  Throughout the day, they were calling one another but it wasn't the same.  We know that we want to keep everybody safe by keeping socially distant but it's also very hard to do.  When will we get to see the cousins again???

Pandemic Puzzles #2

The second pandemic puzzle has been finished. This is the puzzle of the world that the boys enjoyed so much more than Star Wars. They thought it was easier because there was so much color and they finished the puzzle within hours! Will they do the MC Escher puzzle next???

California Poppies

We have been home for three weeks now.  Mask wearing, socially distant, ordering groceries, and remote learning is our new reality.  We decided to venture out to the Antelope Valley to see the poppies.  It's been a while since we have been out and it was a good day trip.  It was extremely windy, so much wind, that my ears were hurting! The boys loved running through the fields without a mask (there was not a lot of people around) and we enjoyed looking at all the poppies.  They looked so beautiful, bright, and waxy!  When will we head back???

Star Wars Puzzle

The first puzzle of the pandemic.  This one was challenging with 1000 pieces plus all of the black from Darth Vader didn't help either.  The boys worked together and were happy that they finished the puzzle.  Since they have time, I am going to bring out the MC Escher puzzle out next.  How will they do with that puzzle???

Rice Krispies

Tonight the boys made Rice Krispies.  Although they wanted to make cookies, flour is hard to find at stores.  We were able to order Rice Krispy cereal and marshmallows so they enjoyed making that.  They did a great job.  Will they start making treats now???

Skateboarding

The boys have a few weeks to learn how to skateboard now that school is officially out for a break due to COVID-19.  We know that we have to stay socially distant from friends and family now.  What will the next few weeks bring???

Google inspired

These Google illustrations were drawn by Noah (top) and Micah (bottom) with the theme of kindness.  With all that is going on in the world, our hope is that we can all show kindness right now.  How will we show kindness to others???

Cousins are our first friends

The boys love spending time with their cousins. They have so much fun together and they always seem to find the fun in whatever they do. As the girls get older, we see the boys playing with Liam a little more but we can always find Emma giving the boys a makeover (and Kaitlyn on her cell phone).  What will they get into next???

New car

After a lot of deliberation...  we finally decided on a car that we both liked.  Jawsh wanted a Hybrid or Electric car and I wanted a SUV type car so we landed on the RAV 4 Hybrid Limited.  It took a few hours to go through the process but we are glad that we finally decided on a car together.  Our last car, the Honda CRV, lasted for 15 years and we hope that this car will do the same.  What will the boys think of the new car???

Noah's First Meet

Noah swam in his first swim meet today at Santa Monica College.  He swam with the Playa Vista Swim Team.  It was his first swim meet and he didn't know what to expect.  Jawsh and I split up... I took Micah to his soccer game and Jawsh went with Noah to his meet.  Noah did very well swimming the 100 years in 1:22.  This was a record time for Noah!  Will he want to swim in another meet again???

Happy Birthday Jawsh!

Happy Birthday to Jawsh!  We went to Scopa to celebrate so he could order one of his favorite meals:  Honey gem Lettuce Salad, Branzino, and Delicate Squash with a Negroni Bianco.      It was such a nice dinner and we hope that all of his wishes come true!  What did he wish for???

Region Champs

Congratulations to the Blue Jets for winning their Region!  They are headed to Sectional Championships and if they win the next match they will head to Arizona to The Western States Championship Game to defend their Championship from last year.  This is a great feat for our boys and I am so proud of their tenacity, heart, and grit!  Will they make it back to Western States???

Visiting with GA

Here is a great photo of the boys and Grandpa Art.  We are so thankful that the boys get to visit with him.  Noah and Grandpa Art have been writing letters since Noah was in first grade and they affectionately call each other "Penpal."  The last night we were in Reno, Noah and GA spent sometime talking at the table about GA's experiences growing up and living through World Wars I and II.  Will the boys remember these wonderful memories as they get older???

Fun in Reno

This weekend we ventured to Reno to visit family.  The boys loving visiting and staying at Bubbe's house.  It's almost a tradition to land in Reno and then to head to Sup for a healthy lunch.  The boys loved seeing the snow and hanging out.  We also went to a comic book/coffee shop (Jawsh's world colliding) and then we visited with Grandpa Art.  What will tomorrow bring???

Soccer mom

A lot of my free time is split between my responsibilities at home and my responsibilities as the team soccer manager.  I never thought I would be a "soccer mom" but here I am.  There is a lot of behind the scenes work but it makes it all worth it when the kids play hard and have fun.  This is a special team and they look like they are on a winning streak.  This weekend, The Blue Jets came in first place in the Hawthorne Holiday Smash tournament.  The final score was 2-1.  The boys were so happy and they really liked the medals (it had a snowman with a soccer ball) and the scarves they received.  Will they make it to Western States again???

HNY

Our family likes to head to the beach every new year... this year we headed to Manhattan Beach.  We had brunch, walked down the pier, and watched surfers and fishermen.  It was nice spending time with the family and looking forward to all of the wonders of the new year.  Going to the beach shows us how vast this world is... watching the waves and seeing how expansive the sea is reminds us to have gratitude for the new year.  What will the new year bring???

Mandoo

After sleeping in from last night's festivities, we celebrated the new year by making Korean mandu. Mandu are Korean dumplings filled with minced meat, tofu, green onions, garlic and ginger and usually served with kimchi, and a dipping sauce made of soy sauce, vinegar and chili. They are time consuming to make but worth it once you get to eat it!  The boys made a few then they lost interest and went to play with their cousins.  The mind was delicious nonetheless.  Will they remember these traditions when they get older???

Happy New Year

Happy New Year's Eve!  Our last day of 2019 was spent at my parents' home.  It's been a while since we brought in the new year with cousins.  My sister and brother were also there and I think the last time we were all together at NYE was over 10 years ago.  The family loved playing Catan.  What will the new year bring???

Merry Christmas

This Christmas, we had a delicious holiday meal which consisted of prime rib roast, green beans and bacon, sweet and mashed potatoes, four cheese mac and cheese (and a bunch of other tasty foods). The kids enjoyed opening presents and the adults had a White Elephant gift exchange.  Kaitlyn was sick this year so she was confined into her room and Atticus was upset that he was not sitting with his mom.  What will Christmas bring next year???

Graphic novels

I love the fact that the boys love to read graphic novels still.  They love heading to Dream World Comics and finding the latest book.  Is this something they will enjoy as they get older???

Happy Chanukah

Nothing says Chanukah like lighting candles on the menorah and making latkes.  The boys love this holiday because it's 8 nights of fried foods, presents, and Dreidel.  Will the boys continue these traditions as they get older???

Growing up

Micah is half way through his first year in middle school and we can confidently say  that he is doing well and has "figured" it out.  By that, he knows how much time to get to class in passing periods, he is understanding the expectations (and different personalities) of his teachers, and probably the most important thing... he knows that if he works on his homework at school he has less of it to complete at home.  Jawsh and I are  so proud of him.  Here he is with his favorite Chanukah gift- new AirPods...  what will the new year bring???

Post-it show

Jawsh's 3rd Post-It show is at GR in West LA.  It is such an honor to attend the show and fun to look for Jawsh's art!  Which post-it will be sold first???

Knotts Berry Farm

We love it when the cousins, Sophie and Daphne, come out to California to visit.  We headed to Knotts Berry Farm and the kids had a great time going on rollercoasters and hanging out all day together.  I had to put them in matching t-shirts because it's just too cute.  When will we see them again???

Happy 13th Noah

Happy 13th birthday to Noah!  This is the big year... the beginning of the teens... and we really wanted to do something really big but Noah knew exactly what he wanted.  He wanted to play sports with his friends.  We rented the soccer field and the basketball court and Noah had a great time with his buddies.  They noshed on pizza and chocolate cake from Susie Cakes.  We can't believe that he's already 13!  What will this year bring???

13

Noah is 13.  My chubby cheek boy is now 13.  He is in 7th grade and doing very well in school.  He is more confident and has good friends.  He is swimming much more and as you can see, taller than me!  He is working hard on his Bar Mitzvah studies and still a great big brother to Micah.  What will this 13th year bring???

Marina del Rey

The boys had a great time visiting Bubbe and spending time in the pool in Marina del Rey.  When will Bubbe come back and visit again???

Mom's weekend

This is our 6th Mom's weekend to Big Bear...  I can't believe that we still keep in touch with monthly dinners and keeping tabs with one another. I love my friends from the co-op and am so thankful for each and every one of them.  We have been through the toddler, elementary, and adolescent years with our kids, new home purchase, divorces, and now many of us are holding hands tight as we go through the teen years.  I'm so blessed to have these friends of mine.  When will we see each other again???

Addams Family

This Halloween we decided to dress up as the creepy, kooky, mysterious, and spooky, altogether ooky, Addams Family.  I can't believe this is the 13th year for us!  Will this madness ever stop???

"Finding Elsewhere"

Noah submitted this piece entitled, "Finding Elsewhere" for the Fine and Performing Arts Competition sponsored by the LA Arts Collective and Westchester Rotary.  Noah did not have a lot of time to work on his project.  He submitted his piece and was chosen as a semi-finalist.  He was interviewed about his work and was awarded a $%0 check as an award.  Will this inspire Noah to create more art???

School projects

Micah's English project was to read a biography.  Micah chose John Lennon and read a book, wrote a report, and then made a board about him.  Micah did a nice job with the project, so nice in fact, that the teacher chose to keep his project as an example and hung it in her classroom!  This is very exciting for Micah  because he knows that this teacher has very high standards.  What project will Micah work on next???

Atom-Phosphorous

Noah's school projects have started!  He had to create a model of the atom, Phosphorous.  It was laborious but hopefully Noah is learning how to manage his time.  He had to paint the spheres, then wait for it to dry, and finally construct the model.  Noah also learned the importance of reading the directions because his platform was the wrong size and it had to be adjusted.  Will Noah  learn from these experiences???

Skateboard

Micah thought he was receiving a cell phone for his birthday present but instead he got a cool skateboard!  He knows that he has to write a persuasive essay to get a phone but he is a reluctant writer.  He thought that if he held out to his birthday that we would gift him but he was wrong.  I hope that Micah enjoys his new skateboard and that he doesn't get hurt (knock on wood).  Will he learn any cool tricks???

Getty Villa

After Rosh Hashanah services, we went to Getty Villa for a few hours to enjoy lunch with an ocean view and to walk around the museum.  The boys did the Percy Jackson Interactive tour again and Jawsh enjoyed it too.  It was a nice day to spend together and to bring in the new year as a family.  What will this year bring???

Birthday Times

Micah had a fun filled bowling birthday with his friends.  They had a great time and he loved that his cousins were there too.  They played in teams, went to the arcade, and enjoyed a birthday cake from Susie Cakes.  At the end of the party, his friend M got hurt which dampened our spirits a bit but we were so happy that he recovered and will be fine.  Happy Birthday to Micah!  What did he wish for???

Happy 1st Birthday Atticus

Happy 1st birthday to Atticus!  He is such a blessing to our family.  Atticus chose the ukulele during the toljabee.  We thought he would choose the money!  What will this year bring for Atticus???

Happy Birthday Micah

Happy 11th birthday to Micah!  He woke up to streamers, balloons, and a birthday donut.  Micah is athletic, talented, funny, and smart!  He knows his way around  the city and he is always there to give me a hug.  He is my dimple cheek boy who I love so much.  What will this year bring???