A Real Update

OK, so I haven't been spending the 15 minutes per week I committed to posting this blog. But today I will.

As most of you know, we will not be making the trek to the US this year for Thanksgiving. We are sad...we look forward to it all year, and probably depend too much on connecting with loved ones during the visit. I say "depend too much," because we don't for the most part communicate enough during the year with many of you, and, instead, leave it all ------

Well, an hour later here I am. I was interrupted by some company. So much for my 15 minutes! I'll have to continue later.

OK, now it's tomorrow.

As I was saying, we leave too much catching up to be done in person. And this year, it won't happen. So, let's chat! On the phone (I have a vonage line that has a Miami telephone number), by email, we could even Skype with video. Email me at Kimberleiba@aol.com, and we can plan a chat date.

As for what's been going on...

Moshe and Eli love preschool. What's not to love? And they do seem to be learning Hebrew. But, now that they are away so many hours of the day, I am experiencing the lack of time with them here to do things that I believe are valuable. Chore time, and just plain old time with me, doing all kinds of things. Cooking, gardening, things that are fun and important for them to learn. And, of course, the outside influences of others who don't share our values regarding health (junk food given at school too frequently) and behavior are taking their toll. There is a reason I really wanted to homeschool. In fact, there are many. And I am looking forward to doing it again. I figure that they will finish this year, and possibly go next (of course, next year Zach will join them), and then after that, I will begin the homeschooling again, at least with Moshe.

In the meantime, we pushed back their entrance time from 7:30 to 8:00, and I have begun to go with them, with Zach and Yoni, and play and spend that time there from 8:00 until 8:30 most days. They have free time until then, and parents are welcome. Zach absolutely loves it, and is always sad to leave, and it is nice to spend that time with/near them, seeing what they do and participating a little. It's even good for my Hebrew to listen and try to speak.

Well, my time is up. Shabbat comes in so early these days!

Oh, I'm sure you're wondering what that scorpion picture is all about. I found it. Here, outside our house. YIKES! I was terrified; I had never seen a real one. I think it was injured, because it wasn't moving too fast, and I caught it. Chaim was not home, but I knew I had to, because I didn't want it walking around there. I know I need to get used to creepy crawlies--they really are all around, especially now that we live more out in the country.

That's all for now. Shabbat Shalom!

The Goldmans