L'shanah tovah! (Happy New Year!)

Today was the Jewish New Year. L'shanah tovah! The kids and I decided to take our spiritual journey outdoors with the animals at the Yellow River Game Ranch. We had a wonderful time. Being with the animals, especially being able to be that close with the beautiful deer, put me at peace. This was especially important because yesterday I learned that my 31 year-old cousin, Rachel, passed away. She battled cancer for over a year and was diagnosed right after she had her baby, Adina, who just celebrated her first birthday last month.

May this year bring health, happiness, and peace!

Zach's Birthday Party

In the afternoon, Zach's friends met at Laser Quest. Although the boys had a wonderful time, I think Hannah, Tim, and Scott had just as much fun. Uncle Scottie was first in line to get in to the actual laser room. Dana and I played air hockey, and I think the pregnant lady actually beat me...at least once. It was a little loud in the place, so Big Bub, Little Bub, Auntie Dana, and I went for a walk while the boys and Hannah played. All in all it was a wonderful, exhausting day!

Hannah's Birthday Party

Yes, I'm a little behind on my posts. On Aug. 25, we had a two header birthday day; Hannah had her birthday party in the morning, and Zach had his birthday party in the afternoon. Above are pics from Hannah's party at Build-a-Bear. It was truly fun and all friends and family were in attendance, including Big Bub, Little Bub, Grandma and Papa, Auntie Dana and Uncle Scottie, Aunt Amy and Uncle John, and Kelly and Jaden.

Zach's Belt Ceremony

Zach being helped by a higher belt to change his green belt to high green

Zach taking off his green belt....It's time to move up!

Master Choi hands Zach his certificate for completing all requirements to earn his high green belt.

This past Tues., Zach participated in a belt ceremony for his high green belt. It is a very nice presentation that follows a belt test that includes bowing, drum beats, and a person with a higher belt helping with the changing of the belts. We are very proud of him!

A New Addition

Snickers, making herself at home....

It's strange having a kitten after having cats for so long. Snickers will eat heartily and play and play. Then, she will sack out and take a nap.

Yes, I'm crazy. After Zach's belt test and getting my hair cut on Sat., I meandered over to PetCo to gather some pet supplies for our current four-legged brood. Well, of course, the Humane Society of Lawrenceville was there adopting out dogs and cats of all ages and breeds (mainly mixed). They had many kittens up for adoption. I held a couple of small kittens, but they just did not seem right; they were more interested in escaping than playing with me. I also looked closely at some of the adult cats. Since we have three other animals, I wasn't sure how "adaptable" they would be. Then, one of the "foster" parents directed me over to the cage of Sara Begonia. She was between 3 and 4 months and was supposedly very affectionate. I took her out and held her. Amid all of the chaos of dogs barking and people walking around, she was content to sit on my lap and play. She also purred really loudly. That was it; I called Tim and the kids to make sure it was okay, and I brought her home.

Well, she has only been here for a day and she rules the roost! She is not afraid of the dogs and does not want Oliver around her. (Yes, she does remind me of Katie.) She has definitely made herself at home. Because of her unusual markings (I was initially attracked to her personality and not her beauty.), we named her Snickers.

Belt Testing

Zach, preparing to do his palm...notice the concentration.

Zach did a fabulous job breaking the board with a jump, spinning reverse kick.

Saturday morning, Zach tested for his high green belt. He did a wonderful job, really putting effort and force into each and every move. We are so proud of him! Notice his black uniform. He committed himself to the black belt club which basically puts him on a faster path towards earning his black belt.

On Tuesday, he will have his belt ceremony and receive his high green belt.

Thankful....

This week I am very thankful that my friend and colleague, Rebecca, is okay. On Sunday night she was car jacked and assaulted. The assailant either pushed her down or hit her on the head. Regardless, she went from her feet to her head in seconds. Then, he punched her in the face and held her down by the face when she tried to scream and kick him. He then tore her pocket off and grabbed her keys. She was able to save her fabulous Coach purse as her attacker fumbled with the keys (maybe not the smartest move, but a victory none the less). The scary thing is that she was in a well-lit parking lot in Buckhead.

She had to get 5 staples in her head and had some swelling and bruising, but there was no internal bleeding. Plus, on Tuesday night, she learned that they had found her car with two men in it! They arrested the man that fit her description. On Thursday, detectives visited her at home and she was able to identify her assailant from a lineup.

Although she has some physical and mental healing to do, she is going to be okay. When I talk to her each day, she amazes me with her strength and positive outlook.