Trip'n Up

Just Had to Share

2010-04-20T15:57:00.012-04:00

I know there are many of you wondering, "What happened to Trip'n Mommy?"

There is a very long and complicated answer to that. The short answer is - Trip'n Daddy has Lymphoma. We are fighting a strong fight, and the prognosis is excellent. The Trips are managing beautifully. Please add him to your prayers and Tehillim lists - Baruch Chaim ben Rochel Leah. I feel pretty strongly that I do not want this blog to turn into a cancer blog, so I guess I'd rather just stay away. However, I promise to check in periodically, when I feel there is something I MUST share.

The following video and lyrics fall into that category. The Hebrew is beautifully simple, but I provided the translation (via Lenny Solomon of Shlock Rock fame.)

אני יהודי/ המילים

"?כששואל את עצמי "מי אני

אני קצת ספרדי, קצת אשכנזי

קצת ישראלי, טיפ טיפה גלותי

אני אולי דתי ואולי חילוני אבל ביני לביני

אני יהודי וזה ייחודי

לא טוב יותר מהאחר לא רע יותר

פשוט יהודי

לפעמים חייל, לפעמים תלמיד

יש לי המון עבר וגם רואה עתיד

לפעמים מתנגד, ולפעמים חסיד

אולי גשמי, אולי רוחני, אבל תמיד תמיד

אני יהודי וזה ייחודי

לא רע יותר, לא טוב יותר, טיפה אחר

פשוט יהודי

פתאום חזרתי מרחוק, שנוכל להיות כאן ביחד

שיהיה לי בטוח, שאחזור לצחוק, שאוכל לחיות בנחת ללא פחד

כי אני יהודי, וזה ייחודי

לא טוב יותר מהאחר, לא רע יותר

פשוט יהודי

שום דבר לא יצליח לשבור אותי אחי

הנשמה שלי היא חלק מאור עליון נצחי

לתקן את העולם - זוהי מהותי

נולדתי ככה אני יהודי

פשוט יהודי כמו בשאר הדתות

יש לי חגים, שבתות, מנהגים ומצוות

למרות שכל אחד בטוח בצדקתו

בסוף כולנו יהודים, לפני כסא כבודו

אני מאוד פוחד משנאת חינם

אוהב את ארצי ואוהב את העם

הייתי פה ושם ובכל העולם

יש לי שתי דעות על מה שתשאל וגם דעה שלישית

כי אני יהודי, וזה ייחודי

לא רע יותר, לא טוב יותר, טיפה אחר

פשוט יהודי

Ani Yehudi - Translation

When I ask myself, "Who am I?"

I'm a little Sephardi, a little Ashkenazi,

A little Israeli, a tiny drop of Galuti (exiled),

Maybe religious, maybe irreligious, but between you and me,

I'm a Jew, and that's special.

Not better than the other, not worse - simply a Jew .

Sometimes a soldier, sometimes a student,

I have a lot of past and I also see the future,

Sometimes a Mitnaged (non-chasid), and sometimes a Chassid,

Maybe materialistic and maybe spiritual, but always, always,

I'm a Jew, and that's special.

Not worse, not better, a little bit different - simply a Jew.

Suddenly I returned from afar, so we will be able to be here together,

That I will be secure, that I'll return to laugh,

That I can live comfortably and not be afraid,

Because I am a Jew, and that's special.

Not better than the other, not worse - simply a Jew .

Nothing will succeed to break me, my brother,

My soul is a part of a high external light,

To fix the world, that is my motto.

I was born like this, I am a Jew.

Simply a Jew - Like in other religions

we have: festivals, Shabbat, customs and mitzvot.

To say that everyone is sure that he is right,

At the end we're all Jewish, before the chair of His Holiness.

I am very afraid of baseless hatred,

I love my land and I love my nation,

I have been here and there and all over the world,

I have two opinions on what you will ask, and I've also got a third opinion

Because I'm a Jew, and that's special.

Not worse, not better, a little bit different - simply a Jew.

~~~~~~~~~~Update~4/22/10~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Please read more about the creation of the video over here at aish.com's Jewlarious.

What Hump?

2009-12-31T00:05:00.006-05:00

C came down with Scarlet Fever (which is just strep with a rash) over last Shabbat. I found the whole thing sort of disconcerting, because Friday and Shabbat he had a fever but no other real symptoms. I kept asking him what hurt and he couldn't specify. He had no appetite though. Shabbat afternoon he started complaining about the back of his neck hurting. By Sunday, he was covered in a sandpapery rash and we were off to the doctor. Scarlet Fever was the diagnosis and he started taking amoxicillin right away.

Monday, he was at Saba and Savta's while I was at work. In the middle of the day, I get a call that his neck is stiff, he is holding his head at an angle and can't move it. I called the doctor who said "Motrin and warm compresses, and check in with me later." When I got home later, I saw why Saba and Savta were slightly alarmed. C's ear was almost touching his shoulder and he was moving his whole torso to look from side to side. Tuesday morning was not much better, so we went back to the doctor.

I tried to convince C that he had a very serious condition called NintenNeck which was caused by too much time on the Wii and DSI (not to mention the Leapster and Club Penguin on Mommy and Daddy's laptop), but he didn't buy it. Even the doctor got in on it, telling him no video games of any kind for a month. C is waaay to smart for that, and didn't fall for it.

Luckily, it really just seems to be an irritated muscle from the swollen lymph nodes. Since all the other symptoms responded to the antibiotics, we are sticking with the warm compresses and Motrin. The doctor also suggested some range of motion exercises. He is slowly improving.

Meanwhile, we are getting a kick out of own little Quasimodo...or Igor. I told him that if anyone should offer to help him with that hump, he should reply "What hump?"

So in honor of C and his hump, and one of Trip'n Daddy's favorite movies:

Lighting Up

2009-12-11T08:26:00.009-05:00

Chanukah is here!

Giving your children something they ask for is the most incredible feeling in the world. Not being able to do it is like ripping your heart out slowly.

This year has been a tough one financially in the Trip'n House. The fact the the Trips are getting older and more aware of material things has made it tougher. Last year, we were able to put the girls in dance classes. This year they asked for Gymnastics (A), Ballet (B), and Karate (C). We just couldn't do it. It really broke my heart. Since I have recently taken a part-time job, we are hoping that things are going to ease up a bit, but it might take a while.

Meanwhile, Chanukah has been on my mind for a few weeks. Philosophically, I believe in Chanukah Gelt, but the Trips are pretty young for that. They are just now beginning to get the concept of money, and that it is just not for giving Tzedakah. We are hoping this will help (a present from dear family friends):

So Chanukah presents it is. Since this year is tighter, I tried to plan a little more in advance. Watching the web for sales, I have had gifts arriving in bits and spurts for weeks. They have been sitting in their shipping boxes in the front room, waiting to be unpacked and wrapped. The Trips haven't suspected a thing.

People have been asking them what they want for Chanukah and the replies have been consistent:

1. A Nintendo DS(especially C)

2. A Wii

3. Things for their "collections" (the girls)

I was pretty sure that the first two were not going to happen, so I worked on #3.

A has started a collection of snow globes. She picked her first one in Sesame Place (Zoe) this summer and has been asking for a Cinderella and a Sleeping Beauty one. Thanks to a sale at The Disney Store, I was able to snag them, plus a few more for future surprises.

B has been talking about collecting Golden Retrievers ever since they saw the Buddy movies. Do you know how hard it is to find Golden Retriever toys that won't break the bank or take over the house? When I saw this one, I just melted and gave in. (I hope Trouble doesn't take issue with it!)

C already has an abundance of cars, Cars, and trucks, so I got him No Stress Chess. He loves playing Chess Titans on the computer and this one will help improve his skills. Maybe I can finally learn too!

Of course, there are many more suprises (including Up, which I just couldn't, well, pass "up") from us and UM & AM, Grandma & Zaide, and others.

But the most amazing thing has been the arrival of dream items #1 and #2.

My wonderful aunt and uncle gave the Trips a DS to share. Since they are about to be grandparents for the 5th time (B"AH) and we may not see them actually on Chanukah, the Trips got this one early. They have been waiting to play with it with eager anticipation, but honestly, Trip'n Daddy and I each wanted a turn first!

As for #2, we had received a gift certificate to Toys R' Us from old family friends. We were able to pair this with the incredible generosity of the S family, and Saba and Savta, and...it is in the house! The Trips have absolutely no idea that they are getting it, and I absolutely cannot wait to see their faces. Or play with it.

I wrapped up the presents last night with a full heart. They are going to be so happy. I feel so blessed that my children are going to get everything that they have asked for and want.

This is going to be a magical, light-filled Chanukah.

Speaking of collections and getting what you want, the always-spectacular-and-incomparable Trip'n Daddy has given me this (and I have yet to take it off):

It's been a while...

2009-11-29T12:49:00.003-05:00

But since 2 out of 3 Trips are running a fever, it is a lazy Sunday in the Trip'n House. If this isn't a good time for an update, I don't know what is.

We are having a rough season. C had THE FLU. You know, the one that sparked the jokes about pigs flying...

Luckily, it wasn't that bad. He ran a fever for a few days, but otherwise was in great spirits. The scariest part was that since Trip'n Daddy's major health scare last spring, any minor sickness becomes a bit tricky. In the end, Thank G-d, Trip'n Daddy was diagnosed with a very treatable auto-immune disease and not the terrible disease we really thought it was. He is being treated with steroids, which is an adventure in itself. But the combination of the disease and the medication make his immune system really weak. So our pediatrician did the flu test to confirm it, and Trip'n Daddy got a round of TamiFlu.

Next, we were struck with a stomach virus. It has gone around the house starting with B, to me, to Trip'n Daddy (who of course had it the worst of any us, poor guy) then to C. Even Trouble threw up this week! Only A has been spared, but I am still waiting. It seems to have gotten eclipsed by this newest thing...

Now, A and B are running a fever, have stuffy, snotty noses, and nasty coughs. I was going to run them over to the doctor for a Flu Test, but he has taken today off (the nerve!) A strange symptom of this one is extreme talkativeness, which we are used to in A, but is really different for B. The combo of both of them is enough to give any adult a pounding headache.

Also of interest is that I have started a new job. I am working in the administrative office for a sleep away camp for Yeshivish/Bais Yaakov girls. The irony of working for a place that would not accept my daughters as campers is not lost, and some of the things I am encountering have provided much fodder for open-mouthed wonderment, snickering, and just plain confusion.

I will leave you with just one little morsel and feel free to try to explain it, because I don't get it. (Disclaimer: I am usually very tolerant of tznius rules and respect what is asked of me. But when things go from machmir to ridiculous...)

The girls are not allowed to wear skirts with back pockets...or front zippers.

Tuition money well spent!

2009-09-15T16:05:00.009-04:00

First, I want to say that I met C's Rebbi and he is wonderful man who clearly loves his talmidim and teaching the important building blocks of learning to the boys.

Anyway...

C comes home from school today and turns on the stereo, blasting Shabechi by the Yeshiva Boy Choir.

(Press Next for Sample)

He calls out to me, "Hey Mom, look! I am playing the guitar!"

It was true. He was playing a mean air guitar.

Stunned that my 5 year old (who has never, according to my knowledge, played Guitar Hero) knew how to do this, I asked, "Where did you learn that?"

"Rebbi."

Shana Tova! Mah Nah Man Nah!

2009-09-13T11:54:00.004-04:00

This one is for A, who loves the original and will play it whenever she can.

Shana Tova from the Trip'n Family everyone!

Polish up that MOY trophy...I am back in the running!

2009-08-20T11:23:00.009-04:00

Today is the first day in the ridiculously long (3 weeks!!), post-camp/pre-school vacation. Since yesterday was the last day of camp, we celebrated this morning by sleeping in (me) and watching TV (the Trips.)

Somewhere in the midst of my blissful sleep, I heard the kids watching "Tasty Time with ZeFronk" on Disney Channel. All of a sudden, I hear "Can we have blueberry pancakes for breakfast?" Through my mind went the following stream-of-consciousness thought "they are asking for breakfast, it is time to get up - damn - blueberry pancakes? I can do that - I went to Costco yesterday and bought blueberries - it'll be a treat - what time is it? - maybe it'll be brunch..." Inspired by ZeFronk (must be said with deep, throaty French accent), I got myself out of bed.

Downstairs, I scour the internet until I found the following seemingly easy recipe for Blueberry Pancakes :

Ingredients:
2 eggs, separated
1 1/2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
3 tablespoons sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
3 tablespoons butter, melted
1 cup fresh or frozen thawed blueberries, rinsed

Preparation:
In a small bowl, beat egg whites until stiff; set aside. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, sugar and salt. Beat egg yolks in a medium mixing bowl; add milk and melted butter. Stir egg mixture into dry ingredients; mix until batter is smooth and stir in blueberries. Fold in beaten egg whites. Bake on hot greased griddle. Makes 12 pancakes.

The Trips called Saba & Savta who are by AM & UM in Israel while I cooked. In an effort to keep down the mess and the amount of dishes that Trip'n Daddy will have to wash, I whipped the egg whites BY HAND.

In the end, I produced these masterpieces:

You can see the yummy blueberries perfectly cooked inside!

The Trips ate this:

PLAIN pancakes with blueberries sprinkled on top.

Luckily, I had foreseen this possibility and made half the batter without blueberries. Trouble and I enjoyed the ones with the blueberries inside. They were awesome!

For those of you who want to be inspired, here is where you can see Ze Pancakes with ZeFronk.

Also HIS recipe:

Ze Pancakes

Ingredients:
• 3 cups whole-wheat pancake mix
• 1/3 cup blueberries

Directions:
• Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Make pancake according to package instructions on pancake mix Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet and cook until bubbles appear over entire surface of the pancake. Flip the pancake(s) and cook for an additional minute. Repeat until all batter is used. Place pancakes on plates and top with blueberries.Makes 6 servings.

Just a bit easier. Oh well, I don't have any pancake mix in the house anyway...

When is that awards ceremony again?

Out of the Running, Again

2009-07-12T00:52:00.004-04:00

Every once and a while, I have a (usually very public) moment with the Trips when I realize that my nomination for Mommy of the Year is going to be pulled. Sometimes it is letting them eat the wrong thing for breakfast, other times it is letting them listen to ABBA Gold over and over and over.

I have already written about the wonderful S family here. They have shared so much with our kids, not the least of which is their very special way of speaking. The Ss have a vocabulary all their own. I have to admit hearing my 2 year olds saying "nasty" was hysterical. Since the Trips spend so much time with them, some of their language has found its way into the Trip'n lexicon.

This week, C's bunk made a little book they called the Yellow Pages. In it, they had pages with titles like Favorite Color, Birthday, Favorite Camp Activity, Favorite Sport, Favorite Camp Lunch. Then they listed each boy in the bunk and his answer. So we learned (or confirmed) that C's favorite color is red, he loves swimming and hockey, and will always eat the camp's hot dogs and french fries.

I know you are dying to know what this has to do with MOY nomination and the Ss.

Trip'n Daddy gets to the last page of the book and says "OMG." (Well, he said the words, not the initials). I just knew this was not going to be good.

C's Favorite Food: Krapple.

Crapple (or Krapple, if you are C's Morah) = Cranberry Apple Kugel.

Great.

Yeah, no MOY award for me this year.

Words to the wise

2009-07-12T00:33:00.003-04:00

Some brilliant advice on How to Talk to a Triplet Mom from Multiple Bliss. I couldn't have said it better myself.

Sour Grapes

2009-07-02T22:16:00.007-04:00

C's camp has a canteen. They get a morning snack, lunch, and an afternoon snack, but this is not enough for most boys. They also need to have access to myriads of junk to eat throughout the day.

As parents, we are expected to send in $5-$20 so that our sons can have a canteen "account." Last year, I ignored it. I ignored the phone call from the Morah "reminding" me about the canteen. After camp was over, I found out the canteen is a scheduled activity at camp. Not regularly for the pre-school boys, but they did go periodically over the summer. Apparently, C's Morah had rachmanut on him and bought him a snack or two when she took the bunk.

This year, I was determined to ignore them again. But the Morah called me today (not about the missing shorts!) to tell me that C was the only boy without a canteen account. Could she lay out $5 and I would pay her back? She wants to take the boys, but only once everyone had an account. I caved. Told her to go ahead, and I would pay her back.

C comes home today to tell me that he went to canteen and got a whole package (1 oz or 3 oz? No idea.) of sour sticks. When I asked if he shared with his friends, he replied "No, they all got their own ones." Oh, and "And we got a SODA too!"

Grr. No 5 year old needs that much sugar.

Why should they have discretionary spending when they have no discretion??

P.S. C came to me a little later to say his mouth hurt. From the sour sticks. Grr.

Lost and Found x 2

2009-07-02T21:38:00.005-04:00

C has been in camp for 4 days. On Day 2 he came off the bus and I immediately noticed that his Tzitzit were missing. He wears them pretty long, so the sight of his legs without the strings hanging down to his knees was pretty jarring.

"Where are your tzitzit?"

"I don't know. We looked all over the classroom, but Morah couldn't find them."

I was extremely frustrated, because I was pretty sure they were a brand new, still white pair. Later that night, we got a message from a mother of another boy in the bunk. "Hi. This is Mrs. W, Boychik's mom. My son came home wearing your son's tzitzit." I spoke to her later and she said she would put them in a bag with our name on it. We got the tzitzit back the next day as promised.

Today (Day 4), C got off the bus in his rainy-day sweat pants. His poor little face was bright red and he was completely shvitzed.

"Where are your shorts?!"

"I don't know."

This time, I gave him the third degree. "Did you see the shorts in your bag?" "When did you lose them, before 1st swim or after 2nd swim?" "Did Morah help you look?" "Who gave you the pants?" I got nowhere (I later learned that this was due to a sugar induced coma, see here.)

Now, I was pissed. I understand how hard it is to keep track of the various camp parephenalia of 16 5 year old boys. Every day they each bring a towel, 2 swimsuits, a shirt, tzitzit, underwear, shorts, socks, a hat/kippah etc. Tzitzit and kippahs I can understand, especially since they are on and off all day for swim. But SHORTS? C'mon, people.

I actually abused my position as a former "employee" and texted the Camp's Office Coordinator while she was in a meeting. Usually, I am a pretty low key, non-complaining mom. This just seemed like something that needed to be brought to their attention. Soon, before they lose MY KID.

So tonight the phone rings, and Trip'n Daddy (previously known as H) looks at the caller ID and says, "Do we know these people?"

"It's C's shorts."

And behold, it was.

One of the greatest tips I ever got was to label the Trips' clothing with our phone number. I have a stamp from erubberstamps.com for underwear, socks, etc. and this year I ordered the adorable Tag Mates from Mabel's Labels. They both have our last name and phone number.

And they work!!

(BTW- since I was on a roll, I also called the girls' camp today. They have been in camp for 3 days and have gotten off the bus an HOUR after camp was finished each day. It is a big bus, and even though the camp is about 7 minutes away, I understand that it might take some time to get the run done. That was not my issue.

They are not allowed to drink on the bus. Not the frozen juice box or the bottled water I sent. Totally unacceptable. 5 year olds, on a hot bus, for an hour, after a day in the sun, with no water. No wonder they are so cranky when they get home.)

Redeeming Herself

2009-06-10T09:41:00.005-04:00

I know it has been a while, and for those who know me IRL, or follow me on Twitter, know that it is for a really good reason. I promise a longer post with a full update soon.

But I just couldn't pass this up.

During carpool this morning, we had the following conversation:

Me: (In response to another random piece of information about our family happenings that A shared with the entire carpool.) Thank you for the update. What would I do without my little news reporter?

A: I am NOT going to be a news reporter.

Me: Then stop practicing.

A: I am going to be a Vet!

B: I am also going to be a Vet.

Me: Wow, we are going to be a family full of Vets.

B: C is not going to be a Vet.

Me: Right, he is going to be a DaddyRacecarDriverPoliceMan

A: That's too many things.

Me: Why? I am a MommyWifeLibrarianMuseumPerson, or was...

B: I am going to be a LIBRARIAN! (Said with appropriate breathless admiration.)

Me: Really? That makes me really happy. Money isn't great though.

B: But first you have to teach me how to read.

Me: Deal!

Considering what happened a few months ago, I think she has redeemed herself.

(BTW - I am choosing to overlook the the part where she said "Morah Laurie is a Librarian!)

Needed Worldwide!

2009-04-21T09:32:00.001-04:00

This Is How We Do It! (or the Ss post)

2009-04-19T13:37:00.008-04:00

One of the questions people feel compelled to ask when they hear that we have triplets is "How do you do it?"

What I want to respond is "Do you really want to know?" I mean, the answer is so long, we'd be there all day. Sometimes I just smile and laugh. I used to joke and say "I work full-time!" (Can't say that one anymore) So here are a few ways we do it:

1. We try to have a sense of humor.

I remember the first time I was left home alone with the infant Trips. Of course the minute H left the house all three started crying at once. What can you do in that situation? Freak out or laugh. I chose to laugh. Then, I picked up the most hysterical baby and went from there.

Or this past Friday, when the Trips had their 5 year old check-up at the pediatrician and I had to take them by myself. The visit was going great and the doctor and I were using clever euphemism for the shots that were going to come at the end of the visit. Finally, we couldn't avoid it anymore and I had to tell the Trips that they would each need a shot. Well, they ALL freaked out. Screaming, crying, yelling, running away from us. I couldn't get angry. After all, they were having a normal, age-appropriate reaction, just times 3! So I laughed.

2. We have an amazing family.

Both Saba & Savta and Grandma & Zaide live within 4 blocks of our home. From the minute the Trips were born (even before!) they have been supportive and helpful. They care for the Trips and their parents. They are generous with their time and babysit and shop like the Champion Grandparents they are. We are so grateful for them and all they do for us.

Our brothers and their wives are a great part of our support system as well. They were all veteran parents by the time our Trips came around and are always there for us, ready to share experience, advice, and sometimes just an ear to vent to.

3. Volunteers

At the beginning, we had lots of different people who came to help with feedings, laundry, etc. Without them, we never would have made it through the first few weeks. As the Trips got older and the feeding schedule changed, the amount of volunteers slowly petered out. With 2 exceptions. The first is J, a friend from the school I worked in when I had the Trips. She still comes every Sunday morning to give the Trips their breakfast and read them stories. Her visits and H's benevolence allow me to sleep late most Sundays. Those few extra hours mean so much to me. I am incredibly thankful for her devotion and we all love her.

The next are the S Family and honestly, they are SO important that they get their own listing.

4. The S Family

I can't believe that this is the first time the Ss are getting mentioned on this blog (they can't believe it either!) They are so much a part of our lives and "how we do it."

CS and AS and their 6 children (S1-S6) live across the street from Grandma and Zaide. We really didn't know them before the Trips were born. Right from the beginning, CS was one of the volunteers who would come by to help with a feeding. She told me that her teenagers would like to come do feedings on Friday nights. Since that was not such a popular time for volunteers, we were thrilled to have them. First it started with just S2 and S3, the girls. Then S1 (a boy) started to come too. They each claimed a baby (A=S3, B=S2,C=S1) and would have feeding races, burping races, and other silly things. We will never, ever, forget the sight of C "riding a roller coaster" or "reading" Harry Potter.

The bonding with the Trips must have really stuck, because pretty soon they were asking if they could bring the Trips to their house. I figured that CS had 6 kids of her own, so if she was up for it, we could trust he with our precious Trips. (I have to admit that this was pretty hard for me and H, not only because we were letting our kids go on Shabbos, but because we loved hanging out with the 3 coolest, funniest teenagers we'd ever met! Now that they are all in their 20s they are still some of the coolest, funniest people we know!)

So the Trips started going over to the S's on Shabbos. The best part? The S children come and pick them up and drop them off when they are ready to come home. They eat there, play, go to the park, don't go on the trampoline...

Some of the Trips most important "firsts" have happened at the S house or involved the Ss in some way, including:

1. Their first taste of chicken, Pringles, ices, soda

2. A's first time vomiting on some one's bed

3. B's first pair of lost shoes

4. Bentching contests

5. First sugar highs

6. First teenage babysitters

7. First time breaking Mommy and Daddy's rules...

CS was incredibly helpful in teaching us how to give medicine to a fussy, uncooperative child. She also shops for the kids and gives them some of the funkiest editions to their wardrobes. The shoes she buys the girls are far preferred then anything I buy them.

Not to be left out, AS has also been extremely influential in the Trips lives. He is a real kibbitzer and loves to tease. The atmosphere in the S house is fun-loving, jokey, and happy. There are tons of nicknames and family jokes. The kids are the same way and the Trips are treated like members of the family. So, the Ss have also taught the Trips how to handle teasing and how to take a joke.

With 6 babysitters in the house, I know I can call there when I need one, and 99.9% of the time, someone will be available. (S4 never comes though, something having to do with Trouble). My kids love all of them and the biggest treat is a visit from one of the Ss.

The Ss are the best role models we could ever want for the Trips. Torah and Chesed permeate all they do. The men are all wonderful layners and know the entire Torah by heart. (Don't try to match them in Parsha knowledge, though S3 can really hold her own.) As I understand it, there is already great debate over who will be responsible for teaching C his Bar Mizvah parsha. It's Shabbos Shirah and a tough one, but I don't have to worry, I know the Ss have it covered. AS and S1 are members of Hatzolah and can be called on (and have been) to help with illness and injury for the entire extended Trip'n family. CS is involved with the girl's school PTA, and bakes her own challah every week (!!!!) All of the S girls are bright and personable, and models of tznius with and ease and comfort we should all feel. AS and CS are incredible parenting role models for me and H and with their help and influence we know the Trips are going to be as great kids as S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6 (but without the trouble with Trouble!)

People have asked me how they can get some Ss. My answer is "have triplets." Other then that, stay away, they are ours! We love them, thank them, and owe them sooooo much.

And that is "how we do it."

Busy, Busy, Busy...Pause

2009-04-02T20:24:00.003-04:00

I have said recently that I am the busiet unemployed person I know. It seems that I have been going non-stop. I haven't even had time to put my thoughts together and throw them up here. Doctors appointments, ParnasaFest, Library advisory committee, resumes, and job applications. Pesach is coming and the list is soooo long. Going, going, going...

Then, this afternoon, I see that AM has this as her Facebook status:

Upset that a nearby mother woke up thinking it was going to be a normal day and by 5 PM her teenage son was buried. She, like the rest of us was probably aggravated to have the kids home from school, now she'd give anything for that.

Huh? Wha?

So I go hunting and find out that and axe wielding Arab terrorist killed a 13 year old boy in Bat Ayin today. By the time I found out, he was already buried.

AM & UM live minutes away from Bat Ayin. Their oldest is a 13 year old boy.

This is just too close. It is too gruesome, too much to get my head around.

Imagine how his mother feels.

What if the Seven Dwarfs were Jewish?

2009-03-23T22:53:00.001-04:00

Well, SuperRaizy has figured it out.

Too funny not to share.

Pesach cleaning

2009-03-22T10:15:00.001-04:00

Well, I can no longer avoid it. Pesach is coming.

Let the cleaning begin!

(This is when I run, screaming, from the room and hide under my blanket.)

A laugh in honor of the season

2009-03-19T20:03:00.005-04:00

With a hat tip to my friend Susie for sharing this on Facebook.

You can't make this stuff up!

(Also note: it apparently take 2 Brits to be as funny as Jeff Foxworthy...)

Happy Birthday Mommy!

2009-03-06T16:53:00.003-05:00

I don't have much time before Shabbat, but I am so excited, I just had to post.

I have the Best Husband. In. The. World.

For my birthday (which was a stressful day, but more about that later...), he ordered me EXACTLY what I wanted. I hinted, nagged, negotiated, and harangued him publicly on Facebook.

But he ordered it with a smile on his face. Sort of.

Yay!

Third Annual Link to Jack Day

2009-03-04T08:49:00.002-05:00

Since I am brand new to the Jewish Blogspere, this is my first chance to participate in this annual event.

It is also a wonderful chance for me to both make friends AND influence people!

So here it is:

Meet Jack, who wonders Random Thoughts - Do They Have Meaning?

Is THIS why they are so smart?

2009-03-01T20:10:00.009-05:00

Every night (except Fridays, of course)for the last few years the Trips have gone to sleep listening to the Little Einsteins: Musical Missions CD. The CD features short vignettes based on different episodes from the first season of Playhouse Disney's Little Einsteins. Like the show, it also features classical music as background music for the narrative and also as songs with words sung by the always off key Annie.

This CD has Mozart's Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, Rimsky-Korsakov's Flight of the Bumble Bee, Bizet's Carmen Suite #1, and Brahm's Hungarian Dance #5.

Most people who meet the Trips think they are pretty bright. Just ask Savta! Could this really be the Mozart Effect at work??

Tiny Dancers

2009-02-26T20:46:00.007-05:00

Though you would never know it by looking at me now, I once was a dancer.

From the age of 2 1/2 to about 12 I took Ballet classes once a week at the local Y-JCC. I had the same teacher for all those years and her ability to teach little girls to express themselves through music and movement was extraordinary. I loved her, and she used to say that I danced "with my mind." I would visualize my movements and become very wrapped up in the music. The "free dance" part of the class was my favorite. She gave out light and floaty chiffon scarves and we used these as extensions of ourselves, twirling and flitting around the room.

I even danced in the summers after 4th - 6th grade. I was lucky enough to attend Usdan a creative and performing arts camp on Long Island. There I took Modern Dance, Jazz and Tap, Folk Dance, and more Ballet. I also explored my interest in singing and musical theater in the Junior Chorus. I loved it at Usdan, being surrounded by talented kids and artsy teachers.

For me, tomorrow is going to be a monumental day in the Trip'n household. You

see, I have two little girls in my house who seem to have inherited their mom's ability to get lost in the music and express themselves through movement. Ever since they "met" June on Little Einsteins we have been witness to Arabesques, Pliés, Grand jetés, and B's famous Reverence (or curtsy) which she offers after accomplishing any feat from putting away her Wormy to saying a word correctly.

I have been harboring a (not-so) secret desire that my daughters get the chance to try some formal dance classes so they can learn more about rhythm and movement. As a working mom this seemed impossible. I could barely get it together to get transportation to and from school covered! I certainly wasn't going to add after-school activities into the mix.

Then we got a notice that the girls' school's parent organization was putting together Friday afternoon classes at our local JCC. A bus would take the girls from school to the JCC and pick up is an hour and a half later. Included in the choices was Ballet and Tap. Now this was possible! I was home on Friday!! I think my girls may have been the first ones registered for the class. Now, the Friday thing is moot, because I am not working, but, what-ev-er!

My girls are taking dance lessons!! I am so excited!

They have their little bags packed with pink leotards and Ballet slippers, little black dance skirts, and those shiny little Tap shoes with the ribbon ties. (I never had those). They have been talking about it for weeks and can't wait to start. I hope they love it.

Ballerina, you must have seen her
dancing in the sand
And now she's in me, always with me,
tiny dancer in my hand

Melting the coldest hearts

2009-02-25T09:05:00.007-05:00

Planning how to get the kids to school this year was a challenge. Since district based busing doesn't kick in until Pre-1A (child must be 5 year old by Dec. 31 that year), most people with kids in Kindergarten (called 4 year old Nursery in many places) have to carpool. At the start of the school year, I was working full-time. Having 3 kids in 2 different schools, we knew this was going to be a difficult situation.

Luckily, there are other people in a similar situation, and a group of parents got together to arrange for a private bus for the boys' school. So since September, C have been going to school on a private bus.

I am pretty happy with the busing situation. The guy organizing it is great. The monitor, who is a teacher in the school, is responsible and nice. The bus driver is...prompt. However, she is not friendly. At all. We have yet to get a smile or a "Good Morning" out of her. This is a known problem, and was explained to us in an email the first week of school:

I will also mention concerning the bus driver, she is a nice lady, I do apologize that she does not smile, or greet you in the morning, I have made mention of this to the bus company. The reason she is the driver for this route is because she knows the neighborhood, and is an extremely safe driver, so she will get our kids to and from school in a safe and timely fashion. So please bear that in mind.

Okay, so I try not to let it bother me. But I do wonder, how she can not laugh when C's sisters follow him to the door shouting things at him like little mothers? "Slow down!" "Have a good day!" "We will miss you!" "Bye, C"

Or, when they open the door and scream "He'll be out in a minute, he's in the baaaaathrooom!!" I am, of course, in said bathroom with him, supervising wiping.

Not a grin, giggle, or gasp.

Today was the girls' school's Purim Carnival and they had to go to school in costume. Since the new Purim costumes have still not arrived from Hong Kong, I dressed them in their fairy costumes from last Purim.

I guess the site of 2 little girls in tutus, wings, and these on their heads really moved her, because when A waved at her...

She waved back!!!

Bodily Fluid Fiesta!

2009-02-22T22:54:00.006-05:00

****GROSSNESS ALERT****

Just a snapshot of how crazy life with 5 year old triplets and a dog can get.

One of the reason Trouble has earned this nickname is due to a weak bladder. She has been known to pee in fear, anger, happiness, change in weather, just because. Lucky for us, she is a small dog, so the puddles tend to be small. Along with this, she occasionally gets minor bladder infections where she looses control more often. Thank G-d these tend to be few and far between, but they happen.

Over the past few days, Trouble has had some tinkles that indicate to me she may have something going on. Tonight I am sure.

B came into our room a little while ago and just sat on H's lap. When pressed, she said she couldn't sleep. After sitting there quietly for about 15 minutes, H asked her if she was feeling okay. She responded, "No, my tummy hurts and I think I am going to throw up." At least she gave us warning! H grabbed the garbage pail and a second later, she did in fact vomit. Trouble had been asleep at the foot of H's bed. When the commotion started she jumped up and moved to the foot of my bed.

We quickly mobilized getting B cleaned up, throwing out the garbage bag, and giving her a little water to wash out her mouth. Then we all went to settle back into bed when H noticed a dark stain at the foot of his bed. We looked at Trouble who was guiltily cleaning her little rump.

Bodily fluids all over the place. Yuck!!!

This is my life. And I love it. And I laugh A LOT.

Purim Pandemonium

2009-02-18T23:22:00.017-05:00

C came home from school yesterday singing. It was adorable and sweet, and even on key with a little dance to go with it, but the song made me stop, listen, and panic.

You see, he was singing “Mi She, Mi She, Mi Shenichnas Adar, Marbin, Marbin, Marbin Besimchah.” Adar? Now? I mean, I know it is coming, but they are already teaching the songs in school?? I ran to the calendar to see when EXACTLY it was that Adar was starting. Because if Rosh Chodesh Adar is here, then Purim is only a few weeks behind! But I have no plan for Purim! I have no costumes, no theme, nada, NOTHING!

For a normal person, this is not really a problem. Purim is really like a month away. This should be plenty of time of to get together three costumes and a couple of Shalach Manos. When it comes to Purim, I tend to lose all sanity. I take it a little too far.

A little history to the madness:

Purim has always been MY holiday. I was born on the 24 of Adar and very often Purim falls on or close to my English birthday. My Bat Mitzvah party was a costume party/ Purim seudah. We got married about a month before Purim (Happy 11th Anniversary Honey!) and Shalach Manos was one of the first things we did together. That first year we picked a theme and we have a theme ever since.

It seems that since that year, it has become “Can you top this?” I am my worst competition. This is when the crazy, perfectionist, creative part of me takes over. Since the Trips were born, it seems to have been taken to a new level, as we added a costume tie-in. Did I mention that most of them feature a poem as well?

Don't believe anyone could be quite that nuts about Purim? Well, let me convince you. Here is a rundown of our previous Shalach Manos with some examples of the contents. Sorry I can't give you a complete list of contents, but there are a lot of them! Also, for those of you who have been on the receiving end of one or all of these, enjoy the trip down memory lane...

Under the Sea – Water, pasta shells, gummy fish, Dolphin crackers in a little case with fish stickers on it.
'Orange' You Glad it's Purim – Everything was orange and in an orange pitcher.
Penguins – This is the year it really started to get out of control. I found these white bowls. What you can't see in the picture is that they have a spout. So when turned upside down, they look like little igloos. I decorated the outsides with snowflake stickers and glued a little penguin figurine at the "entrance." Inside were penguin cookies, snow caps, and I can't remember what else, but it had to do with cold and ice.
Over the Rainbow - Simple concept, ridiculously difficult execution. One food item for each color of the rainbow. Easy! In a basket with a helium filled balloon attached so it looks like a hot air balloon. Insane!
Harry Potter - This was the year that indicated to me that I had too much time on my hands and may even need serious attention from a mental health professional. I got plastic trumpet vases and decorated them with star stickers. I copied the letter that Harry receives from McGonagall welcoming him to Hogwarts, changed some key words, and printed it on parchment. Inside were green chocolate frogs WITH Famous Wizard Card, a "Snitch" - a clementine with golden wings glued on, a treacle tart, a bag of "Bertie Bott's" Every Flavored Beans, a candy stick "Magic Wand." Once the vase was filled I attached a plate to the top, turned it over so it looked like a wizard's hat, and put a pair of Harry Potter glasses on it. It was awesome. One of my great-aunts didn't want to take it apart and eat the stuff. It was really that incredible.
Tea with Milk and Honey - This was a year when the matzav in Israel was particularly bad. Almost everything in the package came from Israel including boxes of shelf stable milk personally imported by my cousin. People either got a teapot or teacup with milk, honey, tea, a honey cake, and an Elite Milk Chocolate bar (These will make an encore appearance in #9.)
Baby, Baby, Baby - Having just given birth to triplets, this would've been the year to scale back and do a simple, basic Hamantaschen, wine, and fruit Shalach Manos. But, no, no settling for me. We got these little bottle bags (kinda like these but A LOT cheaper! Thanks Amazing Savings!) Inside was baby carrots, a little baby bottle filled with candy, Three Musketeers, and other things punning three or baby.
Around the U.S. - This was the last year before the theme consumed the costumes and the Shalach Manos. The girls were flowers and C was a bumble bee. Together, they were a garden! Shalach Manos was completely unrelated. A little Stars & Stripes tote filled with goodies tied into famous places all over the U.S. Corn bread, Hershey Kisses, The Big Apple, you get it. The card had a map of the U.S. on the front with a star on each of the locations that had a corresponding treat inside the bag.
Cows - The kids have Sandra Boynton's Philadelphia Chickens book and CD set . (Highly recommend it!) The first song is called Cows and since it was constantly playing, I guess I had bovine on the brain. I got cow costumes, ordered plates with cows on them, bought all things milk and black and white, and voila! The cards had a picture of the Trips in their costumes with no poem (*gasp*) Instead it said something like "Hope you have a MOOving Purim" and "From our Herd to Yours." The card was attached to the package with a ribbon and a teenie tiny cowbell.
M & Ms - Missing UM & AM and their M & M collection must have been the underlying inspiration for this one (They had just made Aliyah). The Trips were dressed as M & Ms and all the stuff inside was M related. The containers were cardboard cylinders with covers, and had a collage of the kids in their costumes and of course, a poem.
Fairy Tales - Last year the girls were little fairy princesses and C was a prince. I am not going to describe this one. You figure it out. Here is the poem to help you:

Once upon a time in a land far, far away,
Lived two Fairy Princesses and a Prince – who was charming, they say.
"Purim is coming" said the fanciful Queen,
"Let's prepare a Shalach Manos the likes of which has never been seen."

So they gathered the Royal Court to think and prepare,
Even the practical King and Fairy Godcousin were there.
It was decreed to gather treats from favorite children's tales,
To bring loved ones joy, and laughter in gales.

So they borrowed baskets from a lass whose hood was red,
And uncovered some peas 'neath a princess' bed.
Some sauce for a duck with pretty bad looks,
Sticks from a house a wolf overtook,
Magic pixie dust that can make you fly,
A whistle taken from a piper who's pied,
A kiss for a frog that's been badly cursed,
To lead you home, some crumbs in a purse,
Straw that a small man can spin into gold,
Porridge that's "just right," or so they'd been told,
Some magical beans for a tall stalk to grow,
A long braid from a high locked tower to throw,
Leather for elves to secretly stitch into shoes,
A bewitched apple that may cause you to snooze,
A gingerbread man, who by a fox has been caught,
These were the items collected and bought.

They sent out the baskets with a Chag Sameach cheer!
(And the Queen wondered "Now, what's for NEXT year?")
But their clever plan helped avoid a holiday disaster,
And of course, They Lived Happily Ever After.

Have an Enchanting Purim!

That's all folks. I try to keep the theme and stuff hush-hush so people get the full effect Purim day. All I am going to tell you about this year is: I have a theme (Thanks UM!!), the Shalach Manos are going to be super, and the kids costumes are just going to be incredible!

********Update********

1. The costumes that I originally ordered were discontinued, so I had to find plain, old super ones. They are coming from Hong Kong and BETTER be here for Purim. They will NOT be here for the girls Purim Carnival in school, however, because it is 2 WEEKS before Purim! So, add to this Purim some Mommy Homework to come up with 2 extra costumes. Grrr.

2. I have actually had a few requests to see some of the Shalach Manos poems. So I searched the archives, and have posted the ones I was actually able to find here. I love how my insanity is now on display for the entire world to see.

Miracles and Heroes

2009-02-08T17:28:00.020-05:00

This past Shabbat was one of those times when you know you are experiencing something truly unique and rare. Reminders of Hashem's presence and His goodness were everywhere.

Friday was the Trips 5th birthday. When speaking about my children, the pregnancy, birth, and growth, I really try to be Makir Tov to Hashem for all of the true miracles associated with these children. First, their conception after many years of yearning. Second, the amazing pregnancy. Yes, it was high-risk, fraught with concerns and fears. But looking back on it, it was a dream multiple pregnancy. I had great medical care and passed each milestone with flying colors. Even at the end, I was able to walk the stairs, down in the morning and up to bed at night. I went into labor in my own bed at 35 weeks. At the time, the national average was 32 weeks and my hospital's was 34.

The Trips' birth went smoothly and all three were over 5 lbs, which is huge for triplets. They all had to stay in the NICU only because I had not had a Strep B test and because it is standard operating procedure for triplets. Even so, they were only put in the "Feed and Grow" rooms.

We were all discharged from the hospital together on Day 4. All the books and articles you read during a multiple pregnancy prepare you for leaving your babies behind in the NICU. The nurses and doctors were all astounded to be sending us all home together. Miracles at every corner.

In the 5 years of their lives, the Trips continue to be little miracles (Bli Ayin Hara, Poo Poo Poo!) They have had none of the complications usually associated with multiples. There has been no RSV, OT, PT, feeding therapy, speech therapy, etc. They hit all of their developmental milestones and are right on target on their growth charts. All three are doing wonderfully in school, socially and academically.

On their birthday, I am again reminded of these miracles and express thanks to the One Above for what he has done.

~~~~

Shabbat Day we attended a Bar Mitzvah that might never had been. This little boy was born with an extremely rare genetic disorder. The only reason the disorder was diagnosed at birth was because his older brother was lost to the disease a few years before, so the doctors knew to look for it. His only hope for survival was a bone marrow transplant within a small window of time. Miraculously, after a huge search, a donor was found in the nick of time.

This child has grown up with challenges we could never know or try to understand. He is severely visually impaired and of short stature among tons of other things. Once again, in His great goodness, Hashem granted this child miracles time and again.

Hashem placed him in a home that would not only care for him through his illness but enhance and promote his growth and success. His parents have an attitude and approach to their lives and challenges that is to be admired. His siblings, 2 healthy and another (surviving) with the same condition, are outstanding children. The community they live in provided care and support for the family's every need. They held bone marrow drives and parlor meetings, volunteered, and also gave them space when it was needed.

This boy is blessed with incredible strengths, including a gifted mind. After some slight delays mostly caused by his visual impairments and recovery from the transplant, by the time this child was in school, he was able to hit all educational milestones and more. He is fully mainstreamed in a black hat Yeshiva day school. He reads Hebrew and English braille. He has the makings of an incredible Gabbai, with a talent for knowing the tefillot, their halachot and pronunciation perfectly.

For his Bar Mitzvah, the expectations were a little different then for a sighted boy. Since the halacha is that you must actually read the Torah, he was not allowed to layn. So instead he:

1. Davened Kabbalat Shabbat
2. Had the Maftir aliyah
3. Layned the Haftorah (without a single pause or error!)
4. Davened Mussaf
5. Made a siyyum
6. Gave an incredible pshetl (d'var torah) that he wrote himself
7. Had the incredible poise and presence of mind to stand, shake hands, and thank each speaker, seeking them out if they mistakenly forgot to go over to him.

~~~~

As if this all this was not enough for me to have an astounding, awe-inspiring weekend, I also had the chance to meet a real hero. What makes a hero? Well, Merriam Webster defines it as such:

1 a: a mythological or legendary figure often of divine descent endowed with great strength or ability b: an illustrious warrior c: a man admired for his achievements and noble qualities d: one that shows great courage

This man has served 2 Tours of Duty in Iraq and currently works in a position that is involved in the protection of our great nation. 12 years ago, he got a notification that he was a near perfect match for a little baby boy who desperately needed a bone marrow transplant. He did not know this child or his family, but he went forward with the painful donation without hesitation.

Since he lives about halfway across the country, he had yet to meet the boy, or his family, but he had spoken to them and had some written communication. A few weeks ago, he got an invitation to the boy's Bar Mitzvah. Not being Jewish, he showed the invitation to some Jewish friends. They told him that a Bar Mitzvah was a pretty big deal. So he responded that he would attend and flew in for the event.

Now, I am not sure even his Jewish friends could give him real insight to the particular Bar Mitzvah he was to attend. This was no glitzy, Hollywood affair. This was a very religious, modest, weekend event with only family and close friends attending. There was no band, sign-in board, candle lighting ceremony. There was a lot of davening, divrei Torah, rabbis, and kids. He and his ponytail were going to stand out.

When he was introduced Friday night by the Bar Mitzvah boy's father, he received a standing ovation. The Bar Mitzvah boy thanked him in front of the whole community for saving his life. I am sure this weekend he was hugged by more men (and no women!) then ever in his life. And yet, he hung around until the bitter end. Saturday night and as we said goodbye and thanked him for coming, he was still smiling and said "This was something else. I would not have missed it for anything."

Clearly, a hero. I was honored to meet him.

~~~~

מה רבו מעשיך ה' כולם בחכמה עשית מלאה הארץ קנינך
Mah Rabu Maasecha Hashem Kulam Bechachmah Asita Malah Haaretz Kinyanecha
How great/many are Your deeds Hashem, All of them You have made with wisdom –the earth is full of Your creations.

Happy Birthday!

2009-02-06T09:37:00.004-05:00

Happy 5th Birthday my precious, adorable Trips!

The past 5 years have been full of trials, tribulations, long nights, long days, tears, shouts, and whines. But more importantly, they have been filled with health, blessings, hugs, kisses, cuddles, joy, genius, precociousness, giggles, and nachat.

In the next year, may Hashem grant you good health and growth both physically and emotionally. May He increase your learning and your hunger to learn. He should fill your lives with love, happiness, harmony, and all the joys of childhood. May He grant your parents strength, patience, and the ability to provide for ALL of your needs.

Thoughts on Thursday the 5th

2009-02-05T13:05:00.007-05:00

Thursday, February 5th 2004 was a day pretty much like today.

I woke up, had something to eat, spent some time online, took a nap, and hung out with the dog. Just like today, I was standing at a bend in life's road. Something big was about to happen, something that would change the course of my life forever. I was full of anticipation, excitement, plans, and ideas. I had no idea what tomorrow would bring.

I should also mention that I was achy all over, could barely move, and had a HUGE tummy.

When I tried to go to bed that night I noticed that the aches and pulls of my poor over-stretched muscles seemed to be coming less sporadically and in a more rhythmic manner. In the middle of the night, (after H had a shower!) we left to go to the hospital.

Friday, February 6, 2004, at about noon, three miracles entered our lives. They were HUGE (for triplets) each weighing over 5 lbs. They were tiny. Perfect. Healthy!

While I know it won't be triplets, I can't help but wonder what tomorrow might bring...

Babies and Dogs...Is There Anything Cuter?

2009-02-04T14:10:00.003-05:00

Just saw this clip on The Bonnie Hunt Show. Too cute.

Winter Wonderland Workshop

2009-02-04T13:25:00.006-05:00

This morning the girls had a Mommy & Me workshop in their class. Each child was able to bring a parent to school to see the class in action, do some projects, and schmooze with other mothers. The instructions we received were to bring your daughter(s) to school at 9:30. We were a bit late (shocking!) due to the snow on the van, parking, and us just being the Trip'n Family.

First on the agenda was davening, which was very cute. Each girl had a little siddur that they made with the different tefillot and songs that they sing each day. The girls sat on the shatiach (carpet) where they have ma'agal (circle) time. The parents formed a circle around the girls and had the choice to sit on the tiny little kindergarten chairs, kneel, or stand. Thank G-d we were late! Those chairs are awful and I was just as happy to stand.

The girls' Morah is a wonderful, dynamic, and engaging teacher. Even though she has years of experience, you can tell that having all these adults in the room throws her off her game just a bit. My heart went out to her as she tried to get through the morning routine and keep the girls focused on impressing us.

After that there were four stations set up for us to do projects with the girls.

1. Snowman Station: Each girl got a little bag of Crayola Model Magic to mold into a snowman. This stuff has a really interesting texture. It is not sticky and kind of spongy. Then there were all types of trimmings to decorate and dress him up. Beads, felt hats, mittens, scarves, little sticks for arms, red macaroni for mouths. B put her macaroni in upside down, because her snowman was sad, and dressed him all in purple.

2. Cookie Station: Pretty similar to the Snowman Station but with cookie dough and edible fixings. Instructions were for the girls to do some sort of winter themed creation. A made a butterfly, carefully considering the placement of each piece of candy and licorice rope. B made an abstract piece with candy mashed into it. When I asked her what it was, she said "A smiley face, Mommy. With a lot of candy." I am sure that is why he was smiling.

3. Snowflake Station: This one was a parent favorite (right!). On the table were a handful of dice and 9x13 tins of flour with foamie snowflakes hidden in them. The instructions were for the girls to roll the dice, count the dots, and then sift through the flour to find that many snowflakes in the tin. Let me tell you, I was REALLY happy that I didn't have to go to work after that! (You could tell which mommies had to go straight to work, they stood a few feet back from the table.) My girls really couldn't care about counting, they just wanted their hands in the flour.

4. Matching Mittens: Each girl got a sheet of card stock with eight mittens on them. Each mitten had a little snowflake type icon on it, make 4 pairs. The girls were supposed to cut out the mittens, match them, and color them. Then they would have a cute little memory game to take home. What was really interesting with my girls was the different ways they tackled this project. A was more interested in cutting out the mittens and writing her initials on the back of each one. She didn't care about matching them or coloring them. B cut them out in pairs and then colored them so that the mittens matched EXACTLY. She has 4 perfect pairs.

The there was what A called the 5th station: Refreshments! Chips, pretzels, corn pops, fruit, rugelach...quite the spread.

I really do love the chance to see the girls in their classroom environment, schmooze with the teachers and other mothers. I can't wait to go back next week for their in class birthday party.

When Mommy Gets Sick

2009-02-01T21:31:00.005-05:00

Last week was my first week since becoming unemployed that the kids were back in school. We also got the laptop back from HP, with a working shift key! I know you are all wondering then why didn't I get it together to blog some interesting and funny things this week.

Well people, Trip'n Mommy was sick. Quick Strep positive, electric blanket totin', swollen glands, shivering, shaking, tea, soup, frozen yogurt (and that's it!) kinda sick. Thursday it got really exciting (I will spare you the gory details), with an emergency run to the ENT and a Mono test added to the mix.

You might wonder what happens in the Trip'n House when Mommy gets sick.I am here to assure you: It does NOT all fall apart.

First, the Trips are really old enough to understand the idea of not feeling well and also have some concept of germs. So I got lots of blown kisses from the doorway, lots of "get well" pictures, and lots of wishes for "afuah sheleimah." (We are trying to get the RE in there, but it is really cute.) What we didn't get was extra good behavior, extra cooperation, and sibling harmony. In the end, they are all just 4 and 51/52 year olds. (Can you tell I am not ready for them to be 5? It is happening this week, whether I like it or not...)

Second, we have an incredible support system. The babysitter, Savta and Saba, and Grandma and Zaide are always there to do anything we need. This week they took care of carpool, shopping including a Shabbos Abba snack, Shabbos meals, and anything else we called on them to do.

Most of all, H is an extremely active father. It is not a matter of him having to step up or step in. Since day one, he has been equally or even more involved in the mundane tasks of parenting. From diapers and feedings, to tushy wiping and bedtimes, H is at the front lines. Sure there are tasks that are left to Mommy like temperature taking, outfit picking, or girls ponytails. But other than those few things, H does it all. So this week, I got sick and the house did not fall apart. H worked his rear off, and then lost sleep because of a sick and snoring spouse. But the routine was pretty regular and the Trips didn't feel like their world was out of whack. He also did an early morning airport run, and accompanied me on my panic ridden trip to the specialist.

What can I say? I know how to pick 'em. H is an outstanding father, an amazing partner, and an overall stupendous human being. I thank G-d every day that I have him in my life.

I love you H.

(For those of you who are wondering, the Mono test was B"H negative, and I am finally beginning to feel better. Hopefully, this week will be filled with plenty for me to blog about.)

I <3 Twitter!

2009-01-23T12:01:00.004-05:00

Gee, maybe my luck is changing...

First the Cork Menorah and now this!

I just started following Rubbermaid on Twitter this week. (You can too! Just click here.)

This morning, he tweeted the following:

Time for Fun Friday! 14th person to DM me wins six 5-cup Rubbermaid Premier food containers - http://tinyurl.com/5kh4f9

Since I happen to be at the computer, I figured, "why not?" and sent a DM (Direct Message) that read:

I'll give it a try. Did I win?

And surprise! I got the response:

You win! Please email me your contact info.

YAY! You can never have enough Rubbermaid!!

I love Twitter.

False Alarm

2009-01-21T20:12:00.005-05:00

My kids don't get out much.

I think it is mother of triplets thing for me. Taking out all three kids at once can be overwhelming. At first, it was just a physical impossibility. I mean, how is one person supposed to take three infants/toddlers shopping? Where are you supposed to put them? Even if they all fit in a cart, nothing else will! So I got into the habit of going without them. In the rare circumstance that I HAD to take them, I took another adult.

Since they have gotten bigger, I have been more willing to take them into stores with me. It is still a challenge, with a constant chorus full of "Mommy, I want...," "Mommy, can we...?, "Mommy, look at that!" I feel like I need a few extra set of eyes, ears, and hands.

Savta and I took the kids to Michael's today. Nothing is more exciting to my kids then arts and crafts, so they were in heaven. The chorus was louder with stickers, markers, paint, foamies, and flowers enticing them. We had a mild bumper cart session, 3 trips to the bathroom, and a stroll down the cake decorating aisle for birthday inspiration (no good ideas yet.)

Finally, it was time to checkout. I went to one checkout, Savta went to the one across from me. A was hanging out with me, B and C with Savta. For the record, Savta had a clear view of the exit, but lacks the experience (or belief) that the Trips can get themselves into loads of trouble. Anyway, as I am joking with the cashier about how the kids gang up on me to get in trouble, you know, one distracts me while the other two make mischief, the fire alarm goes off.

I hear Savta exclaim "Did you touch that?" and turn to see B and C standing near the exit, next to the fire pull-box. B is already in full "shut down" mode. This happens when she does something wrong, someone insults her, or she gets hurt. She pouts, goes silent, and refuses to look at the offender or reprimander.

Yes, it is true, B pulled the fire alarm.

While the Michael's management tries to figure out how to turn it off, A is asking why no one is leaving. After all, "in my school, when the alarm goes off, we all have to leave, so why is no one leaving Mommy?" Savta and I are apologizing to everyone, C is strangely silent, and B is indulging in lip-quivering, sulking embarrassment. (I did try to get her to apologize, but she wouldn't talk to me, no way she was talking to anyone else!)

Needless to say, we high-tailed it out of there immediately. Driving out of the parking lot the chorus became "Look Mommy, a fireman!," "Hey, a police car," and "See the flashing lights!"

Like I said, we don't get out much.

Unemployed?

2009-01-21T19:43:00.006-05:00

I have been officially unemployed for three days. By unemployed I mean that I am not working outside of the home. As a working mother, I used to joke that I have 3 other full-time jobs: wife, mother, and domestic manager. Now that I am concentrating on those positions, I can really see how true this is!!

This has been a particularly busy week since the Trips have midwinter break. Even so, I am not at a loss of things to do. (Notice I am not blogging with any more frequency!) The kitchen is cleaner, more laundry is done, and the house has food in it on a Wednesday!! I have also changed cell phone plans, filed for unemployment, negotiated a severance package, and made arrangements for new health insurance. Did I mention that 2 family members have been in the hospital? Even though I am not the one running to and from the hospital, I have been providing support, worrying and davening. B"H it looks like both of them are going to be okay. One is home already.

Tomorrow, I am dedicating the entire day to the Trips. They have been asking all week to go to Fun Station, which is only open Thursday through Sunday. So we are waking Savta up early and heading out. But they have not been wanting for adventure this week! They have been to the library, Amazing Saving, pizza, ice cream, Slurpies, Michael's (see next post for this particular adventure), and Carlos & Gabby's. A pretty full week for a trio of almost 5 year olds (and their mother and Savta!!)

I have stocked up on crafts projects to do with them to make up for lost time. I am planning on baking Challah with them Friday morning.

I may be unemployed, but I have plenty to do!

Today I...

2009-01-16T16:10:00.006-05:00

1. Was finished cooking for Shabbos before 11 am, even WITH the girls helping.
2. Baked and frosted a cake with the girls
3. Made cookies with all 3 Trips
4. Took a nap by myself
5. Didn't yell (that much)
6. SWEPT THE FLOOR

Who would've thought I would've gotten into SAHM mode quite so fast? The pressure is clearly off.

Have a wonderful Shabbos!

Take This Job and Shove It?

2009-01-14T20:14:00.004-05:00

Every day this working mother makes an inner Cheshbon (calculation).

Every day I think about my children getting home and my not being there. I thank G-d that they have no "real" homework and that they are not really going to suffer academically because I am not there until bedtime.

I think about the missed baths, cuddles, stories, snacks, projects, opportunities.

I wonder if the rush in the morning is worth it. Would I care about the girls fighting with me not to wear a particular shirt, skirt, pair of tights if it didn't mean another few minutes that I would be late for work.

But then there is the flip side:

Tuition

Camp

Mortgage

Food

Health Insurance

Also, I do love where I work and the people I work with. I admit I love the prestige of my job and the complements I get when people hear where I work.

But lately, I don't love WHAT I do. And some of the sacrifices AT work don't seem worth it. I am being backed into a corner and being asked to look at a future there that has a lot less appeal.

There are also the little factors of my health, well-being, and happiness to consider.

Lately, the scale of Cheshbon has been much more wobbly, much more tilted in favor of leaving this job.

But what about...

(I guess Camp would not be an issue.)

Tuition

Mortgage

Food

Health Insurance

THE ECONOMY??

It makes it harder to get up and go every morning.

I am faced with what is perhaps the biggest dilemma of my life so far.

Knife in my Heart

2009-01-09T09:39:00.004-05:00

This morning B was in a particularly b**chy mood

Yes, I know that's a terrible thing to say, but the kid is 4 going 14 lately! Permanent PMS, beyond cranky, it is really the only way to describe it. I know there are mothers out there who get what I am saying! Even Savta used the word to describe her lately!

Anyway, so this morning was really rough. 2 time outs and other assorted threats weren't getting through. Since mornings are pretty crazy in general, I was swallowing it the best I could and working on getting all the Trips out the door.

Everyone was ready, and I asked the girls how Show and Tell went this week (see above). B started complaining that she was the only one who brought a book and "I HATE BOOKS!"

Kid, your mother is a full fledged, Master's Degree toting Librarian!! Ouch!

Preschool (Mommy) Homework

2009-01-09T09:27:00.004-05:00

So this is a pet peeve of mine, but probably because I am a working mother and don't have hours in the afternoon to brainstorm WITH MY KID, get the items together, and be ready on time.

From an educational standpoint I can make a ton of arguments in favor of most of these activities. As a former teacher, I know how hard it is to get your act together and send this stuff home with more than a few days notice. However, in my life, it is just ONE MORE thing this Trip'n Mommy has to do.

Here are some highlights of Mommy Homework:

1. Show and Tell - In Kindergarten it is themed by letter of the week. So we have it EVERY WEEK! At least the girls have the same letter because they are in the same class. C's class in doing Aleph Bais in order and ABC's out of order, so I never know what letter will be the next week. This how I handle S&T. IF I have time, I discuss the letter of the week and brainstorm with them about different items that start with the letter. If I don't have time, I brainstorm with H, Savta, co-workers, anyone who'll listen. After the kids are in bed, I search the house for different and varied items that start with the letter of the week, including at least one book. Then in the morning, the kids get to pick an item from the pile. (Then I leave the pile for the babysitter to put away...)

2. Shabbos Ima, Abba, Saba - Mommy has to go and by either a Parve, nut-free snack for the whole class or a Challah or two as per the Morah's instructions. (water, egg free, no seeds, large, medium, unsliced, etc.) Never mind the stress of trying to come up with a snack that is Parve, nut free, cool for the kids, and not so sugary, expensive, or inappropriate that the other mothers will hate you. (Special shout-out to the mom who sent in a Fruit by the Foot for each kid! That's like 4 boxes!)

This particular assignment is usually given on Wednesday, due on Friday. Since I usually don't see these notices until after 8pm on Wednesday (or even worse Thursday morning!) that means I only get one night to prepare. In an effort to squeeze a little more time, I am constantly asking the kids if they have a note from Morah. Honestly, I may be more Shabbos Party obsessed than the Trips.

3. Recycling, toilet paper rolls, grocery flyers, OJ containers and other project items - At start of the year, the girls' morah sent a note with items that she uses throughout the year and a request for us to send them in regularly. Great! I try to do this. It is her unanticipated requests and the requests from C's Morah that throw me.

First of all, these requests come in the Classroom OR Preschool newsletters on Friday. For the uninitiated, these are wonderful little weekly PR pieces where the Morahs and Preschool Directors share what has been happening in the Parsha, the class, the school, other classes, the world at large, etc.

Yes people, I have 4 newsletters to scour for information and Mommy assignments!!

THEN I have to remember to prepare the items for Monday. THEN I have to remember how many I need and which kids need them!!

4. Family Pictures - Seriously, in the digital age?! I have to sort through files to find the right one, get the damn photo printer to work, and print a copy. This week the girls needed ONE picture with EVERY member of the family in it. Yeah, right. The only one I had was a portrait from 2 summers ago. So then I had to perform copyright infringement, scan and digitize the image, fight with the photo printer and get 2 decent copies.

5. Aleph Beis Machberes - C's class is making a really lovely notebook throughout the year. At the start of the year they made a stick puppet for each member of the kid's family (with a separate picture of each, see #4) that live in the machberes. It is filled with activities, songs, stories, etc for the puppets to do. Most Fridays, C brings home his machberes and puppets for us to see what he's done, review, and play with the puppets.

It is Mommy's job to make sure that A, B, and Trouble do no harm to the precious notebook or and of the 5 puppets, and ensure that all 6 items are returned to school Monday morning.

6. Costumes - Okay, so these are fewer and further between and you usually get a little more notice. This week, C came home on Monday with a note that for Friday's siyyum Sefer Bereshit. He needed not only to bring in a Parve, nut-free snack for the whole class but also needed to dress up in a costume as a character or item from all of Bereshit.

Luckily, I was on the phone with the brilliant and more experienced AM, who said "put a robe and sandals on him and he could be anyone!" Since C shares a name with one of the Shevatim, and has a blue bathrobe with his name in Hebrew, this gave us a platform to really jump off. We added a laundry bag for a sack, and hyped it up for C. It worked. He really looked cute getting on the bus today.

Now I must stop, because I must tend to another crucial Mommy assignment - providing nourishment for the family through shopping and cooking!!

Sticker Sentiments

2009-01-08T12:45:00.006-05:00

With thanks to West Bank Mama :

This is a new bumper sticker in Israel in support of the war in Gaza. The play on words is amazingly appropriate!

Sometimes you just need a reminder

2009-01-07T23:20:00.003-05:00

I had a particularly rough day at work today. Actually, it has been a rough week. I have been sick and under stress.

Tonight I came home distraught, disturbed, and faced with rethinking my life and my priorities.

I did not get a chance to see the kids before they went to bed, so when I came up for the night I went to give them kisses in their sleep.

They were all together in C's car bed. B and C laying next to each other with their "friends" tucked in next to them. A was laying across the top of the bed, with her head touching C's and B's head in her belly. They looked so sweet, so loving.

Boy, nothing like a nest full of ducklings to get all those ducks in a row.

Winter Blues, Blahs, and Blechs

2009-01-04T20:26:00.004-05:00

We have been home from Israel for a whole month, and life is just not back to normal. Just to highlight some of the major issues:

1. The house is a mess. Don't get me wrong, the house is usually a mess. However, every once and a while the mess builds and builds and gets completely out of control. Packing 5 people for a 3 week vacation and then returning from that vacation has created a situation that is just out of control. It is going to easily take a month of Sundays to fix...What's that? Pesach is coming?

2. We are sick! We came home with 2 sick kids, and all 3 have been rotating being out of school and on antibiotics for 4 weeks. If I see another runny nose, fever over 103, cup of Omnicef, or kid in their pajamas at noon, I might seriously lose it! Add to that my sinus infection that won't go away and poor H is ready to run screaming for the hills!

3. Work stresses. Mine bad, H's good.

4.Money Stresses. On our head: the economy, food prices, tuition payments, camp registration fees, the house not falling apart (poo, poo, poo) and so on...

5. The war in Gaza. Okay, this really needs a separate post, and I will get to is as soon as I can. Let me just say, we are worried. Very, very worried. Personally, I'd rather be there then here.

What a grumpy post. I could really use a funny Trips story. I'll let you know as soon as I get one.

My Life as a Movie

2008-12-29T17:50:00.003-05:00

Every once and a while I like to think about what my life would be like as a Hollywood blockbuster film. Okay, maybe a little Indie one.

What would the soundtrack be like?
Who would star?
What would be the budget?
What would it be rated?

Well, today my friends, I think it would be rated R. This morning, my darling, precocious A dropped the F-bomb, or at least something that sounds awfully like it. Either way, since it was used in an expletive manner after she dropped something, we all know what she meant.

When I (calmly, I thought) asked her to repeat what she said, she burst into tears. She is much like me in that way. I hate getting caught doing something wrong!! So I took her away from B & C,(no need to embarrass her further) and tried to talk to her about it. When she still wouldn't tell me the word, I told her "If it is so bad that you don't want to tell Mommy, then you should never say it again."

Everyone keeps asking me where she heard it. Now, I take full responsibility for teaching them "Shoot!" And we had a babysitter who taught them "J****S C****T!" (That one was easy to un-teach "Those aren't words for Jewish people") This one however is not me!!

I am open to suggestions.

An Open Letter to the Insurance Company

2008-12-28T15:07:00.004-05:00

To Whom it May Concern:

First, we want to thank you for the manner in which YOU have been managing our family's health care. Just in case our DOCTORS weren't doing such a great job, we know that you will keep them on their toes. Due to your regulations and ridiculous drug formulary list, they are forced to take creative care to a new level. Please continue to be last word in our care, after all, what to those doctors know anyway?

The reason we are writing today, is to officially put you on notice regarding the following:

1. People get sick on Sunday. People have emergencies and accidents on Sunday. Also interesting to note, banks, stores, movie theaters, and libraries are all open on Sunday. Even liqueur stores are open on Sunday. However, we would like to commend you on your stalwart commitment to NOT be open on Sunday, and only supply your subscribers with a Phone-a-Nurse who is not authorized to approve anything regarding our care. In response, my family has been committed to get sick and have emergencies on Sundays.

2. It IS possible for 2 (or more) people in one family to share the same last name, ID number (which you assign), and birthday! It sounds crazy, like something from science fiction, but believe us it happens. Your computer system does not seem to understand this phenomena and therefore has no override for such situations.

3. Regarding item # 2: Sometimes, said people need the same prescription. Especially for antibiotics. When they can't fill the prescription because your system won't recognize a different FIRST name, the pharmacist must then resort to creative care (see above.)

4. We have been informed that as of January 1, 2009 we will be enrolled in with another insurance carrier. It is our sincere hope that this company is as controlling of our care, as inflexible, and as unhelpful as you have been for the last four years.

Good Riddance,

Trip'n Mommy, H, and the TRIPLETS: A, B, & C

But I Never Win Anything!

2008-12-23T12:13:00.002-05:00

I just won this!

From The Chosen Blog and PopJudaica!!

All I had to do was tell them my favorite Holiday beverage.

My answer:

New favorite beverage for Shabbat, holiday, a rough day, or any excuse I can come up with is Gamla White Riesling.

Yum.

I think we need to get a bottle and celebrate!!

Happy Chanukah!

Hanukkah Hullabaloo

2008-12-21T21:13:00.004-05:00

Gave the Trips their first present tonight after we lit the Chanukal Licht.

Needless to say, any game the plays funky music, tells them to "crawl to a square," and screams "FREEZE!" is going to be a hit with 4 year olds.

But the BEST part!! It has four purple tiles with the Cranium characters. You know: Data Head, Creative Cat, Star Performer, and Word WORM!! A game with a purple wormy! You should have seen B's smile.

Things I've Done

2008-12-18T15:01:00.004-05:00

Stolen from Trilcat

The idea is that you color or cross out the things you've done.

I am kinda embarrassed about #85, and not really sure if it's true. I mean, front to back? No. In pieces, very possible.

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang/played a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables.
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Gotten flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Made a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

The Report

2008-12-18T08:59:00.004-05:00

Okay, so the Parent Teacher Conference wasn't ALL that surprising. Here is the summary:

1. My girls really look alike and sometimes the Morahs call them by the wrong name.

Our reaction: NO, they don't! We also call them by the wrong name all the time. At least she never calls them by the dog's name (we do!)

2. They are VERY close and loving, and the Morah has to make an effort to make sure they go to different work centers and sit separate at Ma'agal (circle time.)

Our reaction: Awww. We didn't realize they love each other so much. It makes us feel so good as parents. Thank G-d she separates them!

3. When one is absent, the other really shines. She recommends splitting them up next year.

Our reaction: Damn! It makes it MUCH harder on us, but if it is best for the girls....

4. A is very verbal.

Our reaction: Really?!

5. B is very, umm, determined, opinionated (insert any nice word for stubborn and bossy)

Our reaction: You don't say?! Actually, we see her as a bit Type A... But how is it affecting her socially?

Morah's answer: B is doing fine socially. She is not so bossy that the other girls don't want to play with her. She is also open to mediation when then Morahs step in.

Our reaction: Baruch Hashem!

6. A is more easy going, has a generous nature (will give things up if someone else wants it)

Our reaction: We see this at home (have for some time) and are trying to teach her siblings not to take advantage.

7. B needs practice writing her name, and give positive encouragement and don't let her become frustrated.

Our reaction: Oh, is she easily frustrated?! No problem, we will work on this.

8. The Morah sees no issues for them academically.

Our reaction: Baruch Hashem!!

We also heard how well-adjusted and sweet they are from the Preschool Director.

The entire experience was humbling, encouraging, and generally painless.

We really do thank Hashem everyday for the multitudes of blessings that he has bestowed on our family. We pray for his goodness and blessing to continue and our children continue to grow and flourish and follow in His ways and the ways of Torah.

Shh...Don't Tell

2008-12-16T21:15:00.002-05:00

The Chanukah presents have started to arrive!

I am trying not to go overboard, since I know they will get from the grandparents and great aunts and uncles.

This is what has come so far:

Since our trip to Israel, A has really been into taking pictures. I thought about getting her a cheap digital camera, but then I saw the The Vtech Kidizoom Digital Camera She's going to have to share it, but I think after the initial novelty wears off, that won't be a problem. If it is a really big hit, their birthday is just around the corner. Funny, the price has skyrocketed since I bought it! I hope it goes down again...

I wanted something that they could all play together, so I was on the lookout for some board games. Zingo is a great game for Shabbos and came recommended by another parent. It's always good to have something to help them burn all that extra energy (x3!!!) and Cranium Hullabaloo seems like just the thing!

There's more coming...from here.
But more on that later. H is waiting for a belated dinner.

Parent Teacher Conferences

2008-12-16T18:26:00.001-05:00

Tomorrow is going to be a historic day in the Trip'n house. H and I will be attending our very first official Parent Teacher Conference.

We have two appointments, scheduled consecutively, to discuss A and B with their lovely Morahs.

I am a pretty in-tuned, realistic mother. I think I know my kids with all their pluses and their faults. I am pretty sure I know what is going to be said.

So why am I so nervous??

Savta & Saba are Home!

2008-12-12T09:20:00.001-05:00

And the universe is back in balance...

I know I shouldn't begrudge UM & AM any time that Savta & Saba are there because we have them the rest of the year. However, my life is so much easier, so much more right, when they are only 4 blocks away.

Don't get me wrong, Grandma & Zaide step up and help out as much as we ask them to, but it is just not the same.

My heart's doing a little happy dance.

Nachas Alert

2008-12-11T08:10:00.002-05:00

Every once and a while, one of the Trips says or does something completely out of the blue that makes us think that we are getting some value from the exorbitant tuition.

Last night, I was looking for a smaller pocketbook to take to a shul sisterhood event (instead of the monster mombag that I take to work, etc.) I asked A to "Do a Mitzvah" for Mommy and see if it was hanging on my closet door. Usually one to be happy to help on tasks like this, this time A dawdled, hemmed, hawed, and basically didn't do it.

C says to me, "Mommy, I have something to tell you." He make me lean down so he can whisper something in my ear. On the first listen, I knew he was telling me that A needed something, but I couldn't decipher what that thing was! I was thinking "Yeah, a fire under her little tush..."

Well, in a manner of speaking so was he. We were finally able to figure out that C was saying that A needed Zrizus (Zrezut)!!

I asked him if he had it, and he RAN upstairs and got me my bag.

HUGE nachas.

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

2008-12-09T20:11:00.002-05:00

One of the hardest things about returning to the US from Israel has been the return to the "holiday" season. When we left, there were whispers of Thanksgiving. We came back to full-on Christmas assault. Needless to say that we didn't really notice it was December in Israel.

As the Trips get older, they notice more and more. We needed to discuss Halloween this year, and I actually turned off a couple of Noggin shows. Santa is MUCH harder to avoid. A few of our neighbors are actually (gasp!) non-Jews, and generally put up tasteful decorations. Yesterday, the Trips were watching the lights go up as H was coming home from work. He was greeted at the door by them declaring "It's Christmas!"

Oy.

It is a great story to help me in my Aliyah campaign though!

The fight of the 18

2008-12-09T15:43:00.004-05:00

Thanks to treppenwitz for sharing this!

From the website:

We look to the hero of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising for inspiration. In April 1943, a young Jew named Mordechai Anielewicz showed that a fearless handful of committed men and women can make a rebellion and he forever laid to rest the myth of the passive Jew.

All I can say is...It's about time!

(Anyone know who the speaker is?)

Uh Oh! Jetlag!!

2008-12-03T18:33:00.002-05:00

Just finished the last post and called home to check in with H...All 3 Trips are asleep on the couch. It's 6:30pm. They have not had dinner yet.

Not Good.

We're Baaack!

2008-12-03T18:20:00.003-05:00

So we've been home for a couple of days, and you would think things would be back to normal. I guess that depends on your definition of normal. A has not been to school yet, due to a funny little bug that starts with vomiting, moves on to a fever and congestion, and ends with a croup like cough. C had it too, but went back to school today. B is fine, if you call whining, kvetching, and beating on siblings fine. Ah, life with 4-year-olds. Oops, I mean 4 and 3/4...

Eruv Shabbos last week I received an upsetting email from my boss that included a list of all the projects that I was supposed to complete in the past year, but have not. I have never been one to deal well with failure, and this one hit especially hard. The fact that the email ommitted all the extras that I have done, and the real causes for the delay in the completion of those projects made it tougher to swallow. The advice I have received is "Don't respond, just get them done." It has made my return to work very hard.

The Mumbai Massacre reminds me that Jews are not safe ANYWHERE in the world. Aliyah is on my mind all the time.

Boy, this is a kvetchy post. Maybe I caught it from B! I guess I need 8 unpacked suitcases, a clean house, a stocked fridge, a good meal, feverless kids, and a full night's sleep...when is Shabbos?!

Living Up to Her Name

2008-11-16T22:21:00.002-05:00

One of the biggest dilemmas we had planning this trip was figuring out what to do with Trouble. There is a local open boarding establishment that we, and she, love. However, the cost for the extended amount of time that we are going to be away was staggering.

We were able to find another frum dog lover who was willing to exchange dog sitting. So we watched her dog over the Yomim Noraim, and she now has Trouble.

Big Trouble.

Apparently, Trouble is having a hard time adjusting, and is using their ENTIRE house as a toilet. I am embarrassed, upset, frustrated, and feeling awful. But I am also thousands of miles away!

Thinking about how confused and angry she must be is breaking my heart. But thinking about cleaning up those messes is just terrible. It's a sacrifice that's hard to ask someone to make.

I have to give her credit though, the woman watching her is being a trouper. She just wants some ideas on how to deal with it.

I have no idea.

Trouble.

Jet Lag & a Quiet House - A Chance to Update!

2008-11-16T00:20:00.005-05:00

Wow. We are really here. It has been such a whirlwind since we landed that I am actually savoring the peace and quiet now, even though I have been up since 6 am. Hey, with a house full of 7 kids (most of whom are under the age of 5) and 6 adults, you take it when you can.

Israel is amazing. UM and AM live on an absolutely beautiful Yishuv with a warm and friendly community. AM always says that since Olim very often do not have their own family here, their friends become their family and support system. You can really see how this is true, and how much they care for each other.

My nephew did unbelieveably well on his layning, even though he only learned the last 2 aliyot in the past few days, and apparently was being fed his Haftorah line-by-line. He reminded me so much of UM at his Bar Mitzvah. You know, he has always been musical, even as a tiny boy when he hit the "star" in "Twinkle, Twinkle" with perfect pitch.

At Shabbat lunch, I was able to regale the entire crowd with funny stories of my nephew as a precocious todder. I was a big hit...maybe I have a career in comedy...

Little people have started to stir and A has just appeared with the cat. In typical A fashion, I am getting a full report on the status of the house, and hit with a ton questions. Uh oh, here comes C...

Better go. But will blog more on Israel, Yishuv life and more, when I get a little more quiet...

Leaving on a Jet Plane

2008-11-11T12:32:00.002-05:00

All TEN bags are packed,
We're ready to go...

I don't have time to continue with a witty little version.

What is El Al thinking?? Their in-flight entertainment includes not ONE animated or little kid friendly movie. But I am really excited that I am going to finally see Mamma Mia!!

Emergency addition to our entertainment plan, 2 portable DVD players and any DVDs we could find in the house.

Kids are getting bathed, then lunch, and out the door!!

Next post will be from the Holy Land!

Bear apprehended!!

2008-11-07T16:23:00.001-05:00

The missing "friend" bear was found today with just minutes to spare before candle lighting.

He was hanging out on the wrong side of the hamper indulging in his dirty laundry habit.

After Shabbos, we will be sent to detox to rid him of the smelly residue of this addiction.

C is said to be relieved.

APB: Bear

2008-11-07T09:22:00.005-05:00

The Trip'n house is in a state of serious alert. Trip'n Mommy and H have issued an All-Points-Bulletin.

Bear is missing.

Suspect is a blue bear head with white arms and a blue blanket (with satin trim) attached. Known to be fuzzy, cuddle, and a little bit ratty.

Looks very similar to this photo (a twin?) but has no moon tattoo:
His absence had terrified a little boy, to be named here as C. C has been crying himself to sleep and fears Bear will miss his flight to Israel if not aprehended in time.

Anyone with any knowledge of Bear's whereabouts is encouraged to contact Trip'n Mommy immediately.

Thank you.

Okay, We're Going Already

2008-11-07T00:28:00.002-05:00

Parshat Lech Lecha has the "moving" story of G-d telling Avraham to get up and leave his homeland, his father's house, and all that is familiar to go to a foreign land (Eretz Yisrael.) Well, this week there have been a number of things that have made me think about moving, going, traveling, growing.

1. C's school took up the theme and the boys were asked to bring in a transportation related item for Show and Tell. Now for a boy like C, this is a real challenge. How to choose from the plethora of cars, trucks, boats, roads, tracks, planes, and books? I was preparing myself for a long discussion and heart-rendering decisions. Once again, my Mommy radar was off. C walked into the playroom, picked up "Mr. The King" and was done. Being the Mommy Librarian that I am, I suggested on of his transportation books (Freight Train! Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!! My Big Truck Book!) Alas, to no avail. Mr. The King was already in his Cars backpack. I think the coolness factor has already taken hold of my precious little boy. *sniff*

2. We are leaving for Israel in matter of days and the house looks it. The fridge is empty (Thank G-d we are invited out for both meals this Shabbat!) There are empty amazon.com, target.com, and drugstore.com boxes piled up to be thrown out. There are 3 packed suitcases (yay!) and many more empty ones. There are mounds of clothes that seem to have a life of their own and are growing. We are definitely going somewhere.

3. The election of Obama this week shows that country is certainly moving on and moving in a completely different direction. I have serious reservations and concerns, but am hoping for the best. May this move be a good one for the world.

4. I have been reading Jasper Fforde's Thursday Next Series and listening to The Big Over Easy. Been fantasizing about traveling in and out of books and nursery tales. I know, weird librarian stuff.

5. Filling up my ipod with all types of music to keep me calm and serene on the trip. Today was Grateful Dead download day. So of course on my mind are Casey Jones, his train, and "what a long, strange trip it's been..."

Packing It In

2008-11-05T21:42:00.002-05:00

I am now faced with the task of packing clothes for 5 people for 3 weeks, including formal wear, PLUS gifts, wedding paraphernalia, hand-me-downs from C to his cousin, Bar-Mitzvah stuff, shoes, toiletries...the list goes on...

Truth be told, we have plenty of room. We are entitled to 10 suitcases - 500 lbs!! But the logistics of pulling it all out, planning where to put it and actually putting it there are a challenge.

Quite frankly, it is daunting.

But the trip is less than a week away, and I CAN'T WAIT!!

Insomniac Ramblings

2008-11-04T04:41:00.006-05:00

It's 4:30 am and it appears that I have insomnia. This is not surprising given all that is going on in my world and in the rest of the world.

Firstly, it's Election Day! Whoopee! Today we find out what the people of the United States are really thinking, and in what direction they want this country to go. Some would argue, myself included, that the overwhelming popularity of Obama, and even the mere fact that he is a nominee is an indicator. Since I have been voting, the Presidential elections have been pretty exciting, but I have a strange feeling that this one is going to provide tons of stories for my grandchildren. Certainly, just the race and gender issues alone make it historic. Then there is the idea that an unpopular war and bad economy can make people so desperate for what they feel is "change," that they want to go in as far an opposite direction as they can from the current administration. It astounds me that the Cold War, the USSR, Cuba, China, etc. don't come to mind when people hear phrases like "redistribution of wealth" and a government health plan for "universal health care."

Now, I don't vote based on policies towards Israel alone. I don't think that is fair to the country of my birth and the one in which I live and pay taxes. However, as a student of Jewish history (my college major), a Zionist, and a Jew, I do take notice. How a candidate feels about Israel MIGHT be a good indicator of how he feels about Jews in general. It seems that even the most pro-Israel, well-meaning President and State Department (Pro-Israel State Department? Okay, that's an oxymoron...) can do great damage. It terrifies me what someone with ties to the PLO could do. Alright, I am selfish, I just want there to be an Israel left for me to move to when I want or NEED.

That's something to lose sleep over.

Next, is our trip to Israel. We leave in a week, and while I have begun packing, it is just in the beginning stages. We have a Bar-Mitzvah Shabbat and party, Wedding, Sheva Brachot, trips to the North and Eilat all squeezed into the three weeks we are there. Given the rate the Trips go through clothes (I think my girls are convinced that they are award show hosts who need to change after each commercial break), I feel like we could bring 5000 lbs of clothes and it would still not be enough. We are only entitled to 500 lbs...

Then I am worried about the dog. Trouble is going to stay with a new friend who's dog we watched over the Yomim Noraim. Funny how she already knows something is up. She gets weird whenever suitcases come out. Intellectually, I know she'll be fine, but emotionally, I know she doesn't understand what is going on. She is going to feel abandoned until we come back to pick her up. Then she'll pee on the floor, wag her tail like a helicopter propeller, and all will be good again. Also, how am I going to sleep for three weeks without her warm little body on my feet and her snoring like a freight train?

Next, I am a little worried about my general well-being. I popped something in my neck last week and have been suffering pretty badly. The doctor gave me a cortisone shot, steroids, and muscle relaxers to try to help me get better quickly. Later today I am going for an MRI and I am supposed to fit in a couple of physical therapy sessions before we leave. Right.

Finally, work has become incredibly stressful. I am so thankful for my position and my ability to work for an unbelievable institution that does really important work. My position there has evolved into a senior management position and I love most of it. Unfortunately, a huge part of my job has become finances and development. This is never where I expected to see myself! Let's just say I am more of a humanities person. Nonprofits suffer tremendously in economies like this one, and ours is no exception.

You know it's funny (Baruch Hashem! Bli Ayin Hara! Poo-poo-poo! and all that) that none of the Trips are on my list of current worries .

Maybe that's something I should be worried about...

Air Tripping with the Trips

2008-10-29T13:50:00.009-04:00

In a few short weeks are going to Israel for the first time as a family. We have a number of simchas to attend and it will be the first time that we will see UM &AM's house since they made Aliyah. We are all very excited, probably with the exception of Trouble, who has noticed the suitcases and realizes she's not coming.

The idea of an 11 hour flight with 4 year old Trips is daunting. I am trying to plan various ways to entertain and amuse them so they don't make the entire airplane crazy. (Although knowing my kids, they will likely be amusing and entertaining the entire plane!)

So here is what I have gathered in my amusement efforts:

1. Music: SanDisk Sansa Shaker for each of them filled with all their favorites like Uncle Moishe, Sandra Boyton, YBC, Sesame Street, Laurie Berkner, Ralph's World (like B could live without The Mighty Worm), and Yisroel "Wiggiler."

2. Toys: I went to a local closeout store and got a Matchbox Car Wash Playset for C, and little Barbie Elephant Playset for the girls. I am happy to report that I paid waaay less than Amazon's prices for either of those.

3. Games: I could give my kids each a deck of cards (no need to be a complete deck or even match!) and they could play "Coconut" for hours. Don't ask what it is, or how to play, it is one of those games only the Trips get. The idea of picking up a million cards from the floor of the plane, or worse, trying to get the kids to do it, is terrifying. So I ordered a Melissa & Doug Travel Memory Game and Magnetic Travel Tangoes.

4. Crafts: For the Trips last birthday, someone gave them these really cool 8 In 1 Crayon that seem perfect for a plane ride as crawling after rolling crayons is a worse prospect than cards! Luckily, I had some sort of prophetic moment and put them away, and now they are available and intact for us to take on the plane. I bought cheap coloring books and small sketch pads for each of them.

In case they tire of that stuff, I also have Crayola Color Wonder Glitter Coloring Kits and Magnetic Sketch Board for each of them.

5. "Friends" - A will likely bring her Abby Cadabby, B her Wormy, C his Bear.

So that should keep them entertained for about an hour. With the in-flight movies, maybe we are up to three.

Help!

Rain, Rain (Don't) Go Away

2008-10-28T10:50:00.006-04:00

I was on the phone with UM this morning. (Funny how we speak more when Savta and Saba are by him then when they are home.) He was observing on G-d's greatness; I believe his exact words were: Ain Od Milvado. He was specifically referring to the amount of rain Eretz Yisrael has received within days of Tefilat Geshem. Apparently, the Kinneret, which was at severe levels, is replenishing pretty quickly.

Of course, UM being UM, he saw a direct correlation between this and the fact that Obama is going to lose the election. The typical UM logic goes like this: G-d loves us and is giving us rain, so therefore there is no way he going to put us in the danger we would be in if there is a President Obama.

On this side of the world it is also raining.
All this rain on the week of Parshat Noach.

Hmm...I wonder.

Heredity

2008-10-27T14:41:00.002-04:00

B tripped up the stairs this morning.

It was hard not to laugh.

I need a wife!

2008-10-26T19:38:00.007-04:00

One of the biggest areas of tension between me and H is the management and pay of our domestic help.

We do agree that we need help, certainly to watch the kids from the time they get home until one of us gets home and to clean the bathrooms (which neither of us will do).

I need a (part-time) wife, domestic manager, homemaker, whatever you want to call her. I need someone who is going to help keep my house clean, do my laundry, keep a current shopping list (I will shop), load/run/empty my dishwashers, keep the scary things from growing in my fridge (I will cook.)

This seems reasonable to me. I work 32 hours out of the home (not including my commute!) and I am "on call" constantly. My blackberry is next to me all day Friday and Sunday (when I am not on site) and trust me, no one hesitates to call me with the most mundane, ridiculous of requests. When I get home, I want to have quality time with my kids and go to sleep. Honestly, there is not much time for much else.

Most important is that whomever we hire be exceptional with the Trips. Listen, I know how hard it is to deal with them. When people ask me "How do you do it?" I answer "I go to work." From the first time I gave three baths in a row, I knew that in order to be the best mother I could be, I was not going to be able to stay home with them full-time. Not to mention the fact that we could never afford that.

So right now we have exceptional childcare. AND she is a great cleaner as well. I think we could have a treasure on our hands. I know she needs more hours to be my "domestic assistant" and keep the house, laundry, and kids in check. She knows she needs more hours. Even H knows she needs more hours. The problem? We don't have the money to pay her for those extra hours! So H and I fight about it. I think we have to stretch to get those extra hours in so we don't live in a pigsty, or (as my girls say "Chas Ve'Shalom!") lose her. H says..."we don't have it."

I know he's right. The three yeshiva tuitions are wiping us out.

But must we be doomed to live in squalor?

Purim Poems

2000-02-20T09:36:00.001-05:00

5 - Over the Rainbow

Rainbows arrive when grey skies disappear,
Only to bring happiness, smiles, and cheer.
You are invited to come up, up, and away,
Given a balloon on this Purim day.
Be filled with joy, 'cause long ago, it's true
In Shushan, "ora, simcha, sasson, ve-yikar" had every Jew,
Ve-kayn teheye lanu, and Chag Sameach to you!

6 - Tea with Milk and Honey
On Purim we remember the destruction of evil,
Which is especially important in this time of upheaval.
Eretz Yisrael’s current situation,
Has torn at the hearts of our Jewish nation.
So we wanted to offer some “tea and sympathy,”
By soothing our souls with milk and honey.
Our Mishloah Manot is filled with nosh,
In honor of Eretz zavat chalav u’devash!
Products from Israel this package contains,
With hopes of their economy we can help to sustain.
May this Purim be happy and filled with joy,
And may we see once again our enemies destroyed.
Chag Sameach!

7 - Baby, Baby, Baby!
Oh baby, baby, baby! That’s all we seem to see,

We guess that’s what happens when babies come in threes.

Our idea for this year’s theme was really quite plain,

As you can see by what the package contains.

In our Mishloach Manot we are happy to provide,

Three “Baby” items, Three Musketeers, & Hamantaschen with three sides.

Now we can guess you are seeing triple too,

So we end with Happy Purim to You!

8 - Around the U.S.

Ready for a trip around the U.S.? We've included some snacks for you to ess.
Every item links to a state on this tour,Some are easy, some more obscure.
We've included a map to help you out,So you'll get them all - without a doubt.
Good luck, enjoy, and have lots of fun, We hope your Purim is a happy one!

9- Cows
Enjoy the MOOshloach Manot! Chag SaMOOach!From Our Herd to Yours

10 - M & Ms

Many Mini _______s as “M”s attired,

Made our Minds Mull the Menu ‘till Mired.

Multitudes of Mini “M” Munchies Mob our

Mishloach Manot for you,

Much Mighty wishes for a

Most Merry Purim too!