Making this a quick one, but I don’t want to miss it.

I celebrated my birthday this past week. Jason and the kids made it special and, still, I’m glad this one is behind me. My mom so badly wanted to be here for another birthday and it was on my mind all day. But it was still a very good day.

Every night at bedtime, at her request I tell Amaya a story about my childhood. On Monday night, I told her how Nana would put a card at my bedside every year, the night before my birthday, while I slept. On my eighteenth birthday, I woke to a card. Then one in my car. In my locker. Through the day I got cards from friends and teachers. Eighteen in all. It’s a very special memory.

Later that night, after bedtime, Amaya found me to tell me she couldn’t sleep. What it was, though, was a ruse to sneak the card below under my covers. What an amazing, empathetic daughter.

Tuesday afternoon, Amaya and Sammy had their class Music Informances—thirty minute presentations where they show what they’ve learned in music class through the year. They did great! (And Amaya’s class sang happy birthday to me before they got started.)

Afterward, the Cline 5 went out for birthday dessert at The Cheesecake Factory.

For my birthday, Amaya got me candy. Sammy got me reed diffuser oil for my office. Steven got me a star trek t-shirt and key chain and made me the card below. He knows his mama’s interests! These kids spoiled me.

I also got this text before bed <3

Thursday morning I joined the kids at school for Breakfast with a Buddy.

And Thursday night was Steven’s turn for his class’ Music Informance!

We’re very proud of Amaya who, with her friend Leah, participated in the Thornton Creek talent show. We’re eagerly awaiting video of their dance.

It was a quiet weekend which included a shopping trip for Amaya and Jason and then dinner out as a family.

Have a great week!

It was beautiful week! Gorgeous, warm weather and, even though it will be a high of 52 tomorrow, it’s still a needed transition into spring.

The kids ate outside most nights this week.

On Tuesday, after school and art and dinner, I took the kids out for ice cream in Northville.

Even my orchid is reblooming!

This week Amaya devoured Are You There God, It’s Me Margaret and we’re so excited to see the movie together on April 28th.

Look at this gorgeous morning on the way to the bus stop.

It’s bike riding season! On Friday afternoon, Sophia and Amaya went out for a ride.

Grandma Sunshine and Aunt Annette came for a visit on Saturday.

Amaya’s in a big pomegranate phase. She looooooves them.

My turn to bike ride with Amaya. We did a four mile ride on Sunday morning.

In other news, the boys started baseball practice this weekend. They’re on the Brewers and, this year, they’re going to learn to slide, and the rules are amped up. (Last year, for example, batters couldn’t run on an overthrow. This year they can.) Steven has been practicing nonstop in the yard. It’s been really cool to see. And both boys are very excited for the season.

That’s it for us. Have a great week!

After the kids’ spring break trip to Iowa, they got on a plane again on Tuesday and we headed to NY for Passover. This was Nana’s holiday through and through so there was a lot of significance to celebrating this year. In fact, shortly after Nana died, one of the first things the kids asked was how we’d have our Passover Seders. Sara and I planned and worked to try to make the Seder’s as special as they’d be if Nana was with us and, even though it’s not the same, I think we all came away having had a great family holiday. I know my mom would be thrilled. This is what she wanted.

Sister-Cousins <3

Charlie, Amaya, Sammy, Chase and Steven with Savta at the first Seder

Sammy loves dipping his parsley in salt water. He always has.

Aunt Sara in Nana’s matzah apron

Allen and Syvia joined us for the first Seder

Kids table!

Nana was famous for her desserts and they take a lot of time so Sopha (our amazing nanny) helped out and spent hours baking to help us out. I traveled from MI to NY with 20+ pounds of food!

The weather was so nice! I feel spring!

Day two! Amaya loved any opportunity to read aloud.

Our family friends, Laney and Steve Honig, always joined our Seders and we were lucky to have them with us this year, too. Another thing I know my mom would have loved.

Plague masks from the Honigs lol

Sammy & Chase – thick as thieves

This year the kids had The Great Passover Water Balloon Fight. Girls vs Boys with Steven as referee

Steven, watching his video replay to tally up the score

Both nights, Auntie, Nicole and Dalia came for dessert. (Dod Shuki, Joe and Eli were all in Israel.)

A pre-happy birthday to me 🙂

Amaya, ready to make eggs on Friday morning

Aunt Sara and I took the kids to Dave & Busters and Amaya was excited to get this Spock card

We wrapped up Friday with dinner out with Papa

On Saturday, before our 5pm flight, the kids, Aunt Sara and I went into the city to the slime museum – Sloomoo. Some of us were there with Nana in July 2019. It was a fun place to revisit and full of happy memories.

In the booth where slime flies at you

My view from the booth. You can see that ball of blue slime on its way

Today I had a fantastically relaxing day. I slept in, got stuff done, and the kids had a blast at the Tigers game with Jason!

That’s it for our week! Happy Passover & Happy Easter to those who celebrate.

It was spring break this past week, and the kids had the opportunity to visit Grandpa Homey and Grandma Betsy in Iowa!! (And I had my first nights alone in the house since the kids were born.)

Seasoned travelers!

Even seasoned travelers get tired when you board your plane and have to deplane bc of a mechanical issue and transfer to another airplane. But eventually they made it to Minneapolis and then made the 2 hr drive to Mason City, IA.

Safe and sound, and ready for bed at midnight.

Chess with Grandpa Homey

Steven showing Grandpa Homey his book on Easter Island

The kids got to spend time with Alana, Jason’s first cousin. (Grandpa Homey’s sister Bonnie’s daughter.)

More books to share

On Wednesday afternoon, they all made the trip back home to me. <3

This boy was happy, happy, happy to see his mama.

Sammy and Amaya worked with Sophia to start on desserts for Passover. Nana worked so hard every year, mostly on her own, and Sara and I are doing our best to fill the (very big) gap so it’s amazing to have helpers.

Cuddles with Daddy

Curls! (This boy is engrossed in Star Trek: TNG which is amazing. The kids love it!)

Steven and Jason put this net thing together, which bounces balls back to you and lets you practice fielding. It’s very cool.

A family that watches ST:TNG together makes their mom’s heart very happy.

Today was a busy Sunday for the kids after a very quiet Saturday. Sammy and Jason went out for lunch together while Steven’s friend Ben came over, and they they all played together. Amaya had her friend Leah over to practice for an upcoming talent show.

Now we’re getting ready for Passover in NY!