In fact, we may be at one of the more demoralizing stages in the process right now. We’ve moved all of the children’s belongings (other than beds) into the dining room to make the final wall rehab and... Read more »»]]> We’re still plugging along with the remodel, in case you were wondering. I think it’s hard to see significant progress until the work is nearly done. So, it’s challenging to keep up the momentum when there is little pay-off at each step.

In fact, we may be at one of the more demoralizing stages in the process right now. We’ve moved all of the children’s belongings (other than beds) into the dining room to make the final wall rehab and painting easier. So, we no longer have access to the dining room; and the chaos of kids rummaging through boxes to find clothing, books, and other precious items is reminiscent of photos I’ve seen of refugee camps. Well…refugee camps in tastefully decorated dining rooms, that is.

Thankfully, we’ve had a real boon of forward momentum with Gilad having been on “vacation” for three weeks. Between the occasional sci-fi movie, he framed and sheetrocked frelling shiploads if wall and ceiling. And all at warp speed.

Special thanks to friends who have also recently pitched in to help shlep materials, hang sheetrock, or do math homework with the kids so we could continue working in the evenings! There’s some of your blood, sweat and tears in these walls, too.

So much for the blogging this morning. Today’s tasks begin with extending heating ducts. Wish us luck!

You just never know what kids will bring home from camp!

But ever since we started planning this NY trip, I’ve been gripped with fear about maneuvering through a busy subway with four children, my parents, and “Wrong-Way-Gilad”.

Will they be able to get on and off fast enough?

Will we get separated?

Will they annoy other passengers to the point of violence?

Much to my relief, the whole trip was a pleasure. It was... Read more »»]]> I was once an avid subway rider in Tokyo. I loved the precision and reliability of the whole Japanese railway system.

But ever since we started planning this NY trip, I’ve been gripped with fear about maneuvering through a busy subway with four children, my parents, and “Wrong-Way-Gilad”.

Will they be able to get on and off fast enough?

Will we get separated?

Will they annoy other passengers to the point of violence?

Much to my relief, the whole trip was a pleasure. It was a far superior experience compared to the drive to New Jersey.

And most importantly: no one was lost or beaten up by fellow passengers.

One to wear the shaitel. One to hold the shaitel down. One to trim the shaitel. And one to photograph the whole terrifying experience.

First stop: Brighton Beach to pick up Aunt Gloria. (Thank G-d for GPS.)

Next stop: Tinton Falls, NJ! What a beautiful drive over the Verrazano Bridge and Staton Island! The entire route was lushly green and expansive.

We spent a fantastic day with cousins (and their sweet puppy), catching up and talking politics, of course. (These were Gilad’s relatives obviously.) Only nightfall forced us back... Read more »»]]> At risk to life and limb, the Ehven family rented a van and ventured out on the road.

First stop: Brighton Beach to pick up Aunt Gloria. (Thank G-d for GPS.)

Next stop: Tinton Falls, NJ! What a beautiful drive over the Verrazano Bridge and Staton Island! The entire route was lushly green and expansive.

We spent a fantastic day with cousins (and their sweet puppy), catching up and talking politics, of course. (These were Gilad’s relatives obviously.) Only nightfall forced us back on the road to Crown Heights.

Next time we’ll make every effort to get to Six Flags, Sabrina!