M*A*S*H

Took a ride out to the old MASH site, and saw some new stuff.

Mother's Day 2011

A little late, I know.

The boys and I made a pancake breakfast for Emily and Andrea(and us), then we headed off to Malibu Wines in the Santa Monica Mountains. Great day.

Here is a picture of Andrea and her best friend, Shy. 

 

 Mack now towers over everyone.

As is often the case, Zeke's hair is defying gravity and any sense of styling. 

 Two of the Boys.

The Mommies at Malibu Wines

Happy Mother's Day!

Why Can't I Own A Canadian?

In her radio show, Dr Laura Schlesinger said that, as an observant
Orthodox Jew, homosexuality is an abomination according to Leviticus
18:22, and cannot be condoned under any circumstance.  The following
response is an open letter to Dr. Laura, written by a U.S. man, and
posted on the Internet. It's funny, as well as informative:

Dear Dr. Laura:

Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's Law. I
have learned a great deal from your show, and try to share that
knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the
homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind them that Leviticus
18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination ... End of debate.

I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some other elements
of God's Laws and how to follow them.

1. Leviticus 25:44 states that I may possess slaves, both male and
female, provided they are from neighboring nations. A friend of mine
claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you
clarify? Why can't I own Canadians?

2. I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in
Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair
price for her?

3. I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her
period of Menstrual uncleanliness - Lev.15: 19-24. The problem is how do
I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.

4. When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a
pleasing odor for the Lord - Lev.1:9. The problem is my neighbors. They
claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?

5. I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2
clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill
him myself, or should I ask the police to do it?

6. A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an
abomination, Lev. 11:10, it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality.
I don't agree. Can you settle this? Are there "degrees" of abomination?

7. Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God, if I have
a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does
my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle-room here?

8. Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair
around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev.
19:27. How should they die?

9. I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me
unclean, but may I still play football, if I wear gloves?

10. My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev.19:19 by planting two different
crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of
two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to
curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the
trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? Lev.24:10-16.
Couldn't we just burn them to death at a private family affair, like we
do with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14).
I know you have studied these things extensively and thus enjoy
considerable expertise in such matters, so I'm confident you can help.
Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging.

Your adoring fan.
James M. Kauffman, Ed.D. Professor Emeritus,
Dept. Of Curriculum, Instruction, and Special Education
University of Virginia PS (It would be a damn shame if we couldn't own a
Canadian.)

Aquarium of the Pacific(with Bo)

Took a trip to the Aquarium in Long Beach today with the Bo. We got to pet sharks and rays, and touch starfish and sea anemones. To quote the great poet, Boden Scott, "It was awesome!"

Mack's Graduation from the 8th Grade

At times this year, Mack's academic progress felt like "one step forward, two steps back." If Mack decided that he wanted to do well on an assignment, he did well. If he didn't want to do well, he just wouldn't turn it in. Very frustrating. Happily, most of Mack's teachers really liked him, even though they all recognized his issue as an "effort" issue. Onto high school.......

Andrea and I agreed that Mack's graduation was one of the best we've ever been to. Unfortunately, we only have iPhone pics. Mack had a great time. While passing Mack his diploma, the principal, Mrs. Adams, whispered something in Mack's ear and gave him a hug. Andrea thought they might be withholding his degree.
When he walked back to us, we asked what she said. Mack said she asked him if he was finally ready to admit how much fun he had at Pinecrest School.

Mack and his buddy, Sun Kwan. Both were Jocks.

 At the end of ceremony, they had a student/parent dance. Mack was the first to wave his sobbing Mom up to dance. I was so proud of him.

Bodie's Last Day of School

We just received Bo's report card in the mail, and...he passed the first grade! We were a little worried, but with gushing comments on his report card like, "Bo has met the first grade standards," we couldn't be prouder.

He will always be a Momma's boy.... and I couldn't be more proud.

In all seriousness, the final section of Bo's report card covers Work Habits and Social Skills with ratings of U-Unsatisfactory, N-Needs Improvement, S-Satisfactory, and O-Outstanding. There are 19 skills, and Bo received O-Outstanding in all of them. We'll keep him.

Mack and Zeke - 2011 Pinecrest Sports Banquet

Mack and Zeke received many accolades and awards at the 2011 Annual Pinecrest Sports Banquet. They also ate many hot dogs. Zeke even brought one home in his shorts pocket.

Onto the awards:

Zeke played Flag Football and Basketball, and received the Coaches Award for the 6th Grade class - awarded to the athlete who always shows up with a positive attitude and has a never-give-up approach.

Mack played Flag Football, Basketball, and Volleyball. He received the MVP award for Flag Football, Defensive Player for Basketball, and the Best Athlete award for the Middle School.

Zeke, so young, so pensive.

Mack shaking hands.

Mack stealing an extra hot dog.

 Two of Mack's awards.

Zeke's Coaches Award.

Mack receiving his Best Athlete award.

 Mack shows off the Best Athlete trophy.