Third Birthday is upon us

So, Sunday night is the birthday party. Sorry if we didn't invite you, but we know most of you are out of town that night. I am baking our traditional Anna's Chocolate cake -- but using a vanilla butter cream. I have even been practicing cake decorating and think it might come out looking nice. Anna was my mother's mother's cook/maid. Somehow it became a tradition for me to make it on birthdays - starting around age 7 for my mother. I always liked the dense chocolate layers more than the frosting. Additionally, we are making a lemon cake -- but using a recipe from Gourmet Magazine (may it rest in peace).

I am rolling out oodles of pasta and making the parents a lasagna and the kids noodles and a red sauce on the side.

Otherwise, should be mostly fresh veggies and fruit.

Oh, and the Tumblebus is coming. I can't wait to find out what it is!!!! The kids should love it. Pictures might follow if I ever become the organized person who not only takes pictures but also downloads them.

A trip home

Well Los Alamos was too brief, but lovely. Thanks for all who took the time to see Eileen and me. Sorry for all the inconvenience to my lovely host who played endlessly with Eileen while I had stomach flu on my return travel day (thus I spent one more day there than planned, but trust me -- no one missed seeing me).

It is good to be home, but of course in our house it is always seemingly something. We arrived home for one night with my husband before he went on travel. He'll be back Saturday afternoon. Ah...the traveling life for me POSH (hint...a reference to Chitty Chitty Bang Bang)

A Trip to Los Alamos

For those who are in the habit of reading my life here, let me proclaim that if the weather behaves itself, Eileen and I will be traveling to see friends in Los Alamos in a week.

I have been planning a T'u B'Shvat Seder for the synagogue and enjoying that part of life.

Eileen is doing great at school.

Meanwhile, I am feeling like I am still behind. If I owe you a letter, I worry that I will never manage to mail it. Please know that it is me and not you.

Being Tired

Hello my friends (and assorted random people who happen to read this blog);
It is time to admit what must be obvious from the outside. I am clearly exhausted. I don't know if it has anything to do with my wonderful daughter who has more energy than the sun. Or if it is the excitement of Eric's work and the life of an Air Force wife. Or if it is the excitement of 3 moves over the last 5 years. Or more than a month of discomfort as my new crowns settle in. Or if it is just living the good life. But the fact is that I am tired. So, if I have not been my chipper self, please do forgive me.

Eileen is thriving, though definitely confused, as she just spent a month learning the story of Christmas only to hear repeatedly that 1) we are Jewish and Santa doesn't visit most Jews, 2) while Jesus may indeed love her, historically we have in fact not seen that demonstrated to our people, and 3) if you want to tell a story about Joseph in the synagogue, it better have a multi-colored coat somewhere in it. We learned that this was a time of year that was special to our friends and extended family. That it involved a birthday. And that we are lucky to be able to celebrate with them.

We got to play with the grandkid in the end of December and that is good. Eileen was thrilled to have a pint sized playmate to push around...and started using the same nicknames that Tia and Nick (my step-daughter and son-in-law) use for their daughter. Cute photos abound and will be posted when they arrive here.

Meanwhile, if I have been an incompetent or uncommunicative friend, I apologize. I am sure that the second wind will come as the days get longer.