Monday, December 22, 2003

'tis the season to eat latkes
Here on the third day of Hanukkah, we've had latkes three nights in a row (hat trick!). Friday night there was a family dinner at the synagogue before Ellie's class participated in services. They sang one song by themselves (Ellie was Simon Maccabee) and one song with the adult choir. I watched their final rehearsal before the service; when the cantor told them that while they were singing one part, the adult choir would be singing something different, one of the students remarked, "That's annoying!"

[ The student was one of the Garrett Zitos. Ellie came home from the first day of Sunday School, telling us she had two Garrett Zitos in her class. Mallary and I laughed and said it must have been a clerical error on the attendance sheet. Ellie insisted, and we soon found out that in a class of a dozen kids, there is one Garrett Zito and one Garrett Szeto, pronounced identically. ]

Saturday night we took latkes down to Amir's house. Mallary has known Amir since grad school, and she currently works for the company he founded. When he and his family were on vacation recently in Arizona, he broke two bones in his pelvis while riding a horse. His wife is out of the country on business, so we took dinner down and had a very enjoyable evening with Amir and his boys.

And last night we went into Manhattan for a Hanukkah party at the apartment of our friend Laurie from Timberlock. She had games and a Middle Eastern meal (plus latkes!), and we got to meet her sister and some friends we had heard a lot about.

Today we travel to Arkansas to help my family celebrate Christmas. Liz will be hosting their annual family brunch, and she contacted me to ask about latke recipes. I think Mom may be stocking up as well. We are so appreciative that they are making the effort to include Hannukah traditions in the midst of all the Christmas excitement.
posted by Tom 7:36 AM

Tuesday, December 02, 2003

The Power of Words - Part 2
Clara just finished a book that Mallary brought home from the library. "A Single Shard" chronicles the life of a well-cared-for orphan in 12th century Korea, as he apprentices under a master potter. Mallary and I read parts of this Newberry Medal winner with Clara, as we like to keep abreast of her comprehension.

When Clara finished the book last night, she came running downstairs to Mallary, her face full of tears. A much-beloved character dies at the end, while other more uplifting events are occurring. This was the first time I remember seeing Clara reduced to tears after reading, though I remember her laughter after finishing "The Indian in the Cupboard." I asked her this morning if it was worth the tears to read the book, and she nodded vigorously.
posted by Tom 10:45 AM

The Power of Words - Part 1
This weekend, Ellie got mad at Clara for a no-longer-remembered infraction and ran to Mallary for comfort. Here is a transcript of their conversation:

Ellie: I don't like the word "sister."

Mallary: But I really like the word "daughter."

Ellie: I don't like the word "two daughters."
posted by Tom 10:37 AM