Category Archives holidays

Chanukah Candle Time 2009

Dear NHL,

This year, you really showed how grown up you were during Chanukah. Sure, you were excited about the presents, but you knew there was more to our celebration. You had learned about the story of Chanukah and why we celebrate the holiday for eight nights. It was so nice watching you take ownership in lighting our menorah. Not only did you help guide the shamash each night, but you would also say the blessings along with us (sometimes before us). This year, you have taken pride and ownership in being a Jewish child. You do not get jealous about Santa and Christmas. Instead, you have been eager to show your classmates at school how to write in Hebrew on their Chanukah math sheets. Go you! I hope that you always keep this love in your heart for your Jewish ancestry.

NHL Chanukah 2009

 Love,

Mommy

 

Deal JSL,

For months now, we have been "torturing" you with buying things and then telling you they were not for now, but for Chanukah. We think the wait was probably worth it since you loved carefully opening your presents and shouting "No Way!" each time you saw a familiar item. Of course, you also wanted to help us light the candles. You would run to get your yarmulke and beg Daddy to pick you up. He would hold your hand around the shamash and you would light some candles. Tonight, we were afraid you were going to protest no more menorah, candles and presents, but you were good and played with your new loot. Soon, you will also realize the true meaning of Chanukah like your big brother. For now, I hope you continue to enjoy the fun of it all.

JSL Chanukah 2009

 Love,

Mommy

_______________________________________

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Put on your yarmulke it’s time to celebrate Chanukah

Friday night was the first night of Chanukah. We lit our menorah at home, gave the boys their gifts from Bubbe and Grandpa and allowed them to play while dinner was in the oven. For the longest time, we had no clue what JL’s parents could get the boys for Chanukah. We thought about asking for money toward season passes to Six Flags, but knew that they would likely prefer something else.

One day, it suddenly dawned on me, so I called JL to tell him my thought. NHL had a difficult time using the Nintendo DS, perhaps we should look into the Leap Frog Didj or Leapster. We opted for the Didj because it was more age/grade level appropriate. Then, it was time to find something for the little guy. For some reason, we had never seen the Leap Frog ClickStart until this year. It has been around a while and is a first computer for toddlers. This seemed like the perfect early learning tool for him. It was compact and looked easy to set up.

We got an amazing holiday deal on the systems (package deals) and a few extra games. The boxes arrived minutes before we were going to light the menorah. The boys kept clawing (literally) at the boxes trying to get inside. NHL was even more eager when he saw that they were from Leap Frog – kids that can read take the fun out of things! Here they are just after they finally opened the boxes.

On the first night of Chanukah

We set the little guy up and he just "played" by clicking and pressing on keys. He really liked the Tree game because he could connect that by pressing on the keyboard it made the computer talk and the puppy move to catch the fruit. At first, NHL was really frustrated with the Didj. The machine kept turning off as it was getting set up. He was not happy about trying, learning and practicing something new. This quickly changed. By Saturday, there were huge spans of time that we would find his nose at the Didj playing away. Even the adults had fun testing out the Star Wars and racing game. Of course, we also took the ClickStart and JSL was able to show that to everyone. 

After dinner on Friday, we went over to Nana and Papa’s house. We lit the candles with them (see above menorah photo) and the boys got another present. NHL received Rush Hour Jr and loved it. He enjoys puzzles and this was a fun challenge for him. 

Chanukah fun time

We allowed the boys to play with their toys for a little while. Then, we decided to have my birthday cake that was postponed thanks to all of the events from Wednesday. Since I knew a storm was coming, I asked for an ice cream cake since it would not go bad if we did not have it that day. These were not the typical Carvel cakes, they were specialty ones. One was Strawberry Shortcake and the other Cinnabon. Both were quite delicious. 

B-Day cake time

Soon after the cake, we packed the boys up and went home. The little guy wanted to play his "Pup Pup Puter" before bed. We let him try it while big brother got ready for sleeping. Then, they both went to bed. They had to rest up for fun with Cousin S who was coming in for our family Chanukah party the next day. 

TheAngelForever

Disclosure: All items were purchased by us or relatives and are linked up to our Amazon affiliate to share with other people who may be interested in the items.

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Happy Chanukah and holiday shopping

This Friday night is special for two reasons this week. Not only is it Shabbat, but it also marks the start of Chanukah. All of the running around and getting things ready for our family has to be finished. Most items for the boys have been bought for a while (pre-Black Friday). We get them a little something for each night. Books factor into this a lot.

There are one or two items that I still need to get tomorrow. Hubby and I have also decided to purchase tickets to BlogHer ’10 as our presents to each other…at least I think that is the plan. Tonight the wrapping extravaganza will take place. While JL bakes something for gift giving (can’t say what since people read this),I will tackle project wrap and label. Saturday night we are heading to a Chanukah party with my parents, my brother and his family, grandmother, aunts, and an uncle. Right now we just hope the weather holds back on snow/ice for Uncle I, Aunt M and Cousin S can make it into town.

JibJab Hanukkah

So my question to you this week:

Have you finished all of your holiday shopping yet? If you have not – good luck!

TheAngelForever

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