Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Viva Las Vegas!


The highlight of our month was Mitzi's inaugural trip to Las Vegas...we stayed at the Monte Carlo and our trip resolved around dining and the spa, truly a winning combination. Speaking of winning, weeeellll....unfortunately we didn't win, but we had a lot of fun. Mitzi had a body wrap, rode a mechanical bull, met Elvis, visited Madame Tussard's wax museum, discovered a love for Wolfgang Puck and much to her delight, saw Celine in her third to last show (despite Michael's initial chagrin, he turned out to also enjoy the concert. It was quite a spectacle with over 60 dancers and amazing special effects!) Here are some pics from our adventure:

























Wow--did this month go fast!!!

Between the holidays and our trip to Vegas, December has been flying. A ho ho ho to all who celebrated today and a dreidel, dreidel, dreidel to all our fellow Jews who were celebrating earlier in the month....I think it's the first time we have done anything early! Despite the fact that we do not celebrate the holiday, we enjoyed the warmth and comfort of family. Brittany came in yesterday, which is always a treat, and we enjoyed dinner tonight at our cousins' house.

In other news, Seussical will be here before we know it. Due to the timing, it has been a bit daunting (but Mitzi has been giving me all her usual love and support which has made things a bit easier.) The show runs January 18, 19, 20, 25, 26 and 27 and February 1 and 2 at the Grand Theater in Williamstown, New Jersey. For more info on the show and how to reserve seats, click here

Next week, we are headed back to the Big Apple to celebrate Michael's big 3-5!!! We are going on a tour of the Sopranos set and off for some retail therapy at Woodbury outlets...certainly something to look forward to.

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Hot Off The Presses!

Our engagement hit the Jewish Exponent this week! Read all about it by clicking here .

I'm Marrying Mrs. Clause!



Our office is being taken over by gift wrap, ribbons, shiny bags, colorful bows, and presents, presents and more presents. This pic is just a small glimpse into what's going on in Mitzi's workshop.

Monday, November 26, 2007

We ordered our invites!

In all the holiday hubbub, I almost forgot to mention that we ordered our invitations and they are magnificient! We could not be more excited. Of course, you will have to see them for yourselves. Another item off the list!

A great holiday weekend--some gobble gobbling and then off to the Big Apple!




Happy Post-Thanksgiving. Hope your holiday went well.....we enjoyed a great dinner at our cousins Ronnie and Lisa's house, "gobbling" up quite a feast. More importantly, we were able to hang out with the family, including Michael's junior groomsman Aaron. And remember Mitzi's chocolate cake from the last post....well, it may not have looked spectacular, but it was a big hit with the choco-maniacs in the family, who were no doubt bouncing off the wall the next day from all the sugar!

Friday, we were off to our annual post-Thanksgiving pilgrimage to the Big Apple (Mitzi was working so she hopped a train and met us there.) Black Friday, Mom, Moe, Birttany and I pounded the pavements looking for bargains and Friday night, we laughed our butts off at Gotham Comedy Club. Much shopping and eating commenced throughout the rest of the weekend, including our annual seafood feast at El Quixote. I am still suffering a bit of indigestion, but we had an incredible time, as did Moe who always enjoys his trips to Manhattan. He is quite the metropolitan canine.

Hope your schedule is getting back to normal....it seems like our calendar is a whirlwind, and we are counting the days until our Las Vegas adventure!

Thursday, November 15, 2007

It's Newvember...A New Car & A New Show

I can't believe Thanksgiving is around the corner...less than six months until the big day and we are certainly excited. We'll be celebrating Turkey Day at our cousin Ronnie's house and Mitzi is excitedly prepping to bake a chocolate ganache cake for the dinner (of course, the ingredients cost more than three normal chocolate cakes, but I digress.) She is really getting into the holiday spirit...she is biting at the bit to get the latke recipes, chocolate gelt, dreidels and menorahs out, but I told her it was too soon. We did start our shopping this week and she has been wrapping up a storm, with all sorts of ribbons, bows and fancy gift wrap (which we bought last year at a post-holiday sale.) As I write this, she is curled up in a blanket next to me on the sofa, taking a well-deserved nap.

As the title says "It's Newvember," as we have a new car....an awesome hard top Volvo C-70 hard top convertible, which Mitzi has already named "Bloo" based on it's metallic blue hue (note the unusual spelling.) I fell hard for this car when I saw it pop up a billboard more than a year ago, and now I am driving it. It is spectacular, with every single feature you can think of. Now, you may be asking "Michael, you are saving for a wedding. Why would you splurge on a new car?" Well, after 58,000 miles and three and half years, Lexus bought back my SUV under the Lemon Law. Yes, you heard me right....they bought the car back because of repeated problems I had with the air conditioner, molding, and other minor components. Being that I practice what I preach, once I brought my car in for the same thing three times, I submitted all my paperwork and filed a claim! And I got the maximum recovery...how cool is that? Wait until you see my new ride...pics to come.

I am also in a new show...let's see
I am excited to play a new role
It's a musical with lots of heart and soul
I play the Mayor of Whoville in a show based on Seuss
The script is great; the music is a pain in the caboose.
When it came to creating some more rhymes, I certainly tried.
But it's 10pm on a Thursday and my brain is fried!

Big weekend coming up....our first wedding cake tasting, a birthday party for our friends' two year old, a production of Oliver and our synagogue's Chanukah Bazaar...I know we are going to have fun, but when did we get so old??? Hope whatever you do is lots of fun.

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

If this is the prelude, we can't wait for the real deal!


When Michael's parents told us they wanted to throw a luncheon for some of our closest friends and family to celebrate our engagement, we were thrilled. After all, who doesn't love a party? But this proved to be more than a beautiful afternoon, it was an event which illustrated how lucky we are to have such awesome people in our lives.



It was an affair to remember....There were animated bears singing the song "Love & Marriage;" big bowls of M&Ms on every table, coupled with centerpieces created by our super-creative cousins Joy & Ron; overflowing glasses of wine and really amazing food (I could eat nothing but that cake for a month and be more than content.). Plus, we were able to have those closest to us meet each other. Many of our guests were meeting Mitzi's family for the first time.

Both moms spoke from the heart about what our marriage means to them; Michael and Fay showed off a comedy routine which seemed rehearsed but wasn't; our favorite Floridians Julie and Jeff provided some wonderful advice on sharing (Michael was taking notes); and our pals from North Carolina, Sammi, Jacob, and Jennifer reminded us that once we are married, it's time "to hurry up and have a baby;" (That left Michael with a perplexed look his face). To top it all off, Mom-Mom surprised us with one of her trademark poems which left us tearing up one minute and giggling the next:

I remember it was December and it was very cold
When the telephone call came with the best news over told.

Pam had delivered her first child; a bouncing baby boy.
Nothing else in all the world could create such joy.

He was named Michael Jarrett Sacks and he soon came to be
The greatest gift that G-d above could ever give to me.

He is not just my grandson, but also my best friend as well.
There was never anything in my life to him I could not tell.

And now my Michael has grown into a young successful man.
It seems that life for all of us has provided a new plan.

We got the word somehow that Michael met “the one”.
Although we found it hard to believe, in fact, we were all stunned.

But then we got to know Mitzi and soon understood why.
She won over Michael’s heart and brought a twinkle to his eye.

Mitzi is a truly remarkable and very special girl.
One in a million, or maybe a billion, the most precious pearl.

The two of them have so much in common I really must admit.
It’s as though they were for each other they’re such a perfect fit.

She will make a wonderful addition to our family tree.
And I know how happy it will make her to share Michael with ME!

I wish you two a lifetime of love and joy and harmony.
Another blessing G-d has given me.
The female copy of Michael---our magnificent Brittany (we love that Mom Mom wanted Brittany to know she could never forget her adorable granddaughter.)

We had an amazing time. Thanks so much Mom & Dad, and everyone who attended.

Sunday, Mom & Mitzi were off to florist with Mitzi's Aunt Barbara on the cell providing helpful advice and suggestions along the way. I could tell you what they are planning but I would be risking my life. :) You will just have to wait to see, but I am certain that the room will be almost as beautiful as my bride-to-be, and that is a tall feat.

Tomorrow, we are off to NYC to see Les Miserables with Brittany. Hope your week is going well.

Monday, October 15, 2007

New Hope and a New 2 Year Old....

I can't believe it's Monday already. Where did the time go? sigh....so much to do, so little time to do it. Mitzi just reminded me that we only 6 1/2 months away from what I am sure will be the best day of lives. (Brittany, stop gagging.)

Saturday was the first time in a while that Mitzi and I had the chance to take a romantic excursion...so I surprised her and we went off to New Hope, a quirky town full of fun restaurants, shoppes, art galleries and unique people.

Eating food that isn't good for us and spending as though we don't have to save for a wedding, we trekked through the town recklessly and happily. It was "Second Saturday" and we had the chance to meet up with several artists, including one who looked just like Jerry Garcia. The leaves were crisp, the air was brisk and the company was perfect.

Mitzi made a new friend:


and the mojitos at the Cuban restaurant put a smile on my face:


Sunday we spent the day at a birthday party for 2-year-old Ilana, daughter of David and Meredith. We are so happy to have our friends so close. They recently moved two blocks away after living way too far. The birthday girl looks like the spitting image of Strawberry Shortcake and most importantly to Mitzi, she knows Mitzi's name. If I heard "what's my name?" one more time, I thought I was going to scream!

I would have taken pictures if I was not busy eating birthday cake and chocolate covered pretzels.

Man, did this girl get a lot of toys...a bike, dolls, a huge easel, games...the list went on. Mitzi almost stole her new Tickle Me Elmo, but I convinced her not to. Maybe we should register for one....

And speaking of registry, I know it's tacky, but many people have asked to alert them when our items on our registry is on sale. Bargain-hunters rejoice! There is a big sale this week at Macys. (Mitzi is now screaming....."HUUUUUUUH----NEY! Take that off." I love her twang...I would call her my hee haw honey but she'd be pissed.)

Have a great week.

Tuesday, October 9, 2007

What a weekend!



A big steak dinner at the Borgata, Kathy Griffin, a great shore day with fun people and to top it all off, Dr. Ruth! After spending most of our Summer weekends soaking up the Margate Sun, it was time to once again get out and about.

Both Mitzi and I are fans of Kathy Griffin...she's brash, trashes on everyone and has a lot of great Hollywood stories. The four of us (Mom, Dad, Mitzi and I) trekked to the Borgata for a fantastic, red-meat filled dinner at Old Homestead. Such extensive dining left us full and somewhat exhausted. But, Kathy's concert woke us up...from the rowdy audience who was ready for fun to the colorful anecdotes, we spent 90 minutes laughing non-stop. She insulted almost every celeb you could think of, but her imitations were by far my favorite part of the show, including her robotic Paula Abdul and her poised yet stammering Barbara Walters. We also liked the fact that she had no problem laughing at her own misfortunes, including a really class-less story about her work at a children's charity auction. You will have Mitzi about the "wah wah wah" story. We ended the evening winning $25 in multi-strike video poker (my favorite slot).

Saturday took us to Long Beach Island to visit our friends Jen and Patrick for their annual shore hang. This was Mitzi's first time in LBI and she convinced me to stop at a couple shops along the way....where she shopped until she dropped. There were some great sales, so thankfully we still left with a little cash in our pockets. We had an awesome time visiting old friends, and we were thrilled to see our pal Trish back on her feet following surgery earlier this Summer, and her pug Rosa.





Dinner was terific (Risotto and pasta!!!!--BRING ON THE TREADMILL) and we loved the conversation, covering everything from politics, to dieting, to funny commericials and most importantly to Mitzi, bridesmaid dresses. (The thought monopolizes her mind most days.)

And just when we thought the weekend couldn't be any more fun, we caught up with the one and only.......


DR. RUTH! Both Mitzi and I remember secretly watching this pint-sized dynamo with a very thick accent discuss the foreign topic of sex when we were kids. Her accent is still thick but man, is she funny. She covered everything...and we mean everything. She was speaking at the senior expo at our synagogue, so here we were, with my mom mom on one side of us, and my parents on the other, in the room we are getting married in. Many words and terms were thrown out with reckless abandon...I would include them, but this is a family-friendly blog. Needless to say, there was a bit of discomfort on my end. The best was when my fiancee asked my grandmother if she wanted Mitzi to buy her a "massager." You can just imagine the look on my grandmother's face. It was a scene right out of sitcom. I swear I heard a laugh track. Add to that, it was a senior expo, so we were the youngest in the room by a long shot, and the loud hum of a hearing aid went off somewhere in the middle of the speech. But, Dr. Ruth was very sweet and it was an experience we will always remember. And my mom-mom, like always, was a great sport. I think she enjoyed the talk (even though she told me later she didn't understand a word Dr. Ruth said...I told you she has a thick accent.)

Later that day, I visited my grandmother's new apartment. It is spectacular...huge, luxurious, comfortable and impeccably furnished. I am so thrilled for her. The neighbors were all introducing themselves. I know she will be very happy and we are so forutnate that she will be so close. We ended the weekend with more fantastic food when my grandmother treated us all to dinner at Redstone. (and everyone wonders why I do so many stomach crunches each night!)

I am tired just writing this! Hope your weekend went just as well and you are enjoying a productive week.

Friday, October 5, 2007

The Best Gift My Parents Gave Me....





Happy Birthday to my baby sister and Mitzi's maid of honor!
We hope your 31st year is the best one yet! xxxxoooo

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Two years ago today....

Michael: I was on my one billionth j-date...or at least it felt that way. Every picture looked the same, one profile ran into another...Surfing the site became a wonderful cure for insomnia. But, there was something about this one that stood out....maybe it was her warm smile, or her sweet screenname "Joy in Philly," or the way she giggled during our two-hour phone conversation where we discussed our childhoods, our families, and most importantly our love of candy and ice cream. We must have spent twenty minutes talking all about "nutty buddies." I let her choose the restaurant....El Vez...overpriced food, but great mojitos. And we laughed and laughed and laughed. It was an evening that forever changed my life...and two years later, I am a better man. I indeed found my "Joy in Philly."

Mitzi: I can't say that I was nearly as experienced with the j-dates as Michael was (he has quite the stories!), but I did experience my own level of cynicism and doubt while hoping to eventually meet someone I could share my time with. Quite honestly, I just wasn't meeting people I felt as if I had much in common with, but I was still trying to give fate a chance while not getting too discouraged. Thank G-d I kept my membership going! I had seen Michael's profile before, so when I saw an email from him I was really excited....there was something "interesting" in his profile and picture. I immediately responded to the sweet introduction he threw out to me and was hopeful that we would connect. After a couple of days of emails, we ended up talking on the phone. It was truly the best conversation I've ever had with anyone.

I've heard people describe these types of situations as unique and so easy and familiar that it feels as if they had known the person before---and this was exactly what took place. It was a very special moment and during that call, I could hardly wait until our first date. It was then that it happened again....I can see it as clear as if it just happened....Michael walked around the corner with a bouquet of gorgeous sunflowers and it was if I already knew who he was. I'll never be able to fully understand or describe this.

Of course, we know it was a wonderful evening that made history in our lives. To sit here this evening in our beautiful home, as we plan our wedding and our future together----all I can think of it the amazing gift that G-d miraculously wove into my life that started with one email. You all know the amazing man Michael is. To become his wife is the most precious honor that I will ever hold. I love you, honey....

Michael: Look at this...I ask if she wants to write a few words and all of a sudden, there is this novel....It has been the best two years of my life...To the woman who rescued me from an amorous squirrel, battled the banana republic over the quality of my leather blazer, introduced me to the magic of meringues, cheers me on, consoles me, laughs with me, vents with me, debates with me, and coddles me....thank you. You are all I need to get by. ILY.

Sunday, September 23, 2007

Introducing Sweet Bea....



After much anticipation and suspense, here is the apple of Mitzi's eye (next to her lovable fiancee of course....) Her new car, aptly named "Sweet Bea."

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

New Year Wishes

Tonight marks the beginning of the 10 holiest days in the Jewish religion. Starting with Rosh Hashanah, the "head of the Jewish year" we thank G-d for his many blessings, atone for indiscretions we have committed in the past year, and pray that we are inscribed in the Book of Life for another year. The 10-day period ends when the shofar is blown at the end of Yom Kippur (the day where we fast). The book is closed and our fates are sealed for the year ahead.

This year has been a wonderous one for us, full of new beginnings, love, laughter, and excitement. Having someone to come home to, to share thoughts, debates, dinners, conversations, hugs whenever wherever is the best gift I could have been given. Mitzi has touched my life in ways I can not even describe and at one of the darkest times in my life, the loss of my grandfather, she was there...not just for me, but for my parents, my sister, my uncle and my grandmother. And tonight, as we sat around the table for holiday dinner, it was obvious that she is no longer Michael's girlfriend, she is now a valued, trusted, and loved member of my family.

The year ahead promises to be even more exciting, spectacular, amazing, nail-biting, nerve wracking....putting a wedding together is quite a project, but we are working together to make this this milestone the best it can be and thankfully, our parents have proven to be both nurturing and tremendously supportive.

Mitzi and I wish all of you a L'Shana Tova Tikvatanu, sweet wishes for a wonderful new year. May you laugh more than you cry, celebrate, achieve, follow your goals and find your way. We hope all of us are inscribed in the Book of Life for a sweet, enlightening new year.

Wednesday, September 5, 2007

The Summer Sun Is Setting....

Labor Day has come and gone....where did the Summer go? Time is flying at an incredibly fast pace and May will be here before we know it.

Mitzi spent Labor Day weekend in North Carolina with her family and she had a wonderful time. Every minute was accounted for, from taking her brother to the beach, to shopping with her mom, and gossiping with her sister Nicole. She was spoiled with steak dinners and crab imperial and most importantly, she spent quality time with her parents, who she misses very much. It was a lovely weekend....she said only one thing was missing....I wonder what that was.

I spent the weekend in Margate with my folks, Brittany, her boyfriend Danny and my friends Judy and Craig. We really lucked out with the weather, but sadly not at the casino. We'll be trying to get down the shore as much as possible in the weekends ahead, soaking every last drop of the beach.

Our tennis game is also really coming along. It has become quite addictive and a wonderful way to relieve steam. Between my forehand and Mitzi's amazing backhand, we are a force to be reckoned with. (Here's a fun fact--Did you know Mitzi was ranked fourth in the state in high school? She was a regular "Mitzi McEnroe.") Special thanks to my mom, who has made a fun opponent on the courts while Mitzi was away.

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Random Ramblings

Things are getting back to normal slowly but surely....While Mitzi is upstairs getting her beauty sleep, I thought I would take a few minutes to share some thoughts and updates.

**Words can't express how grateful I am to all who reached out after my grandfather's passing. The calls, cards, e-mails, donations, and visits have helped me and my family deal with one of the most difficult times in our lives. We are so blessed to surround ourselves with such incredible people. Thank you for being there. I will never forget it.

**To those who have been waiting in suspense for news about Mitzi's new ride, it's a beautiful snow-white BMW 328 sedan with beige leather interior--a beautiful car for a beautiful woman (and thankfully, we got a beautiful deal on it.) Pictures will be posted shortly of the new addition to our family, aptly named "Sweet Bea" by Mitzi "I am not Southern" Joy.

**We are finally finished our registry! I had no idea how labor intensive registering was. I am exhausted just thinking about it. The final touch was these awesome square everyday dishes which we are very excited about. Also, most of the items we registered for at Macy's are now on sale at great discounts. You can check out our registry by clicking on the link on the left. (I hope it's not super corny to mention a sale on the blog. Macy's suggests we e-mail everyone and I can assure you that will never happen.)

**Out of towners should have received information in the mail pertaining to hotel accomodations for the weekend of the wedding. We have secured a block of rooms at the Doubletree Guest Suites, right near our house in Mount Laurel. The hotel is offering us a special rate of $109 a night for 2 adults and 2 children, available May 2 through May 5, 2008. The rate includes free breakfast. If you need more information on reserving a room, please e-mail me at michaeljsacks@comcast.net.

**We hired a videographer to capture all the fun we will be having. The company, Core Productions, was recommended by our friends Jen and Jarod. Our videographer's name is Ash Habashi. Try saying that ten times fast.

Wednesday, August 1, 2007

He'll still be there...



Growing up, my pop pop could do no wrong in my book. He was a superhero of sorts, always involved in many community organizations and events. He was a 33rd Degree Mason and President of his condominium in Margate for more than a decade. He brought me snowglobes from around the world, introduced me to the Phillie Phanatic, jumped the waves with me and Brittany, and made me laugh with his 10,000 jokes and yiddish sayings. He took me with him to visit family in Baltimore and Chicago, shared with me my first sour tomato, and showed me around the Italian Market, where we watched in amazement as the man behind the counter sliced a fish like a bagel and you could still see its working organs fully in tact (quite cool for a 12-year-old boy, or a 34-year-old for that matter.) I always looked forward to my time with him, whether it be sitting on my sofa as he let my dogs chew on his thumb, or praying next to him in temple during the high holidays. He had a grand laugh, a grand presence and a grand love for life. He was my pop pop, and I was so blessed to have him for as long as I did. In his presence, I always felt a warmth, a very special bond.

Today, we lost him, one month shy of his 87th birthday. And as I am writing this, the reality is hitting me very hard. One of my grandfather's wishes was to see that I was married....not just to anyone mind you, but to an incredible woman who would make my life complete. My grandfather had the chance to meet Mitzi on several occasions. They shared conversations and laughs. I could see a special relationship forming. I know how happy he was. And while we won't be able to hear his toast, pose with him for photos, or watch him walk down the aisle May 4, I know he will be there....and I will feel his warmth.

So long Pop Pop. Your tutila loves you and always will.

Friday, July 20, 2007

Our happy home....












It's official! We are now living in sin. But in comfortable sin as you can see from our pictures....It took a lot of blood, sweat and tears, but we have combined our resources to make our home as amazing as possible. Visitors are always welcome....Just call first and bring something good to eat!

A Mess In The Name of Love!






"What doesn't kill you makes you stronger." That's what Michael kept telling himself as he tore his beloved house apart to prepare for Mitzi's big move in....The closet builders came Tuesday, which means everything had to be taken out of the closets Monday night--and I mean everything!!!! Shoes in the bathtubs, suits hanging on shower rods, rooms stuffed to the gills with stuff.....It's a neat freak's nightmare, but Michael held his breath and trudged through...shirts piled on top of shirts piled on top of shirts..suitcases, boxes, pants and pants and more pants..where the heck did he get all these clothes? Like bunnies, they seemed to multiply. But in the end, Michael knew that all his hard work would pay off. For the first time since college, he pulled an all-nighter to put him home back in decent shape, and as you can see from these pics of Mitzi and Michael's closets, it was sooo worth it!

Monday, July 9, 2007

Zoom Zoom Zoom

Mitzi's move-in is just weeks away, so it was imperative that we found her a car. Tonight, after numerous visits to various dealerships, searching automotive websites, spending hours on the phone with salesmen, and taking several test drives, we have found our Mitzimobile....Of course, we are very excited. Rather than give anything away, we will post pics when we pick our new ride up Saturday, 7/21!

Thursday, June 28, 2007

Love is in the air in Huntingdon Valley


They say there is a lid for every pot...I don't know who exactly came up with this corny phrase, but I heard it more than a few times during my dating career. "You never know when she is going to walk into your life," "It's when you least expect it..." "You can't plan love..." yada yada yada. After meeting Mitzi, I have to agree with all this mumbo jumbo. I never imagined that I would meet and fall for such an incredible woman who shares my dreams, loves me unconditionally, and tolerates my overly aggressive desire to be neat and organized. But even if I never met my Southern Belle (and my life was once again hollow g-d forbid), Sunday was proof that there is someone for everyone.

Richie is my cousin Ron's best friend and without a doubt, one of the sweetest people I know. A big laugh, a big hug, a bad joke....he always leaves you with a smile on your face. He has been through tremendous obstacles and yet always kept his sunny disposition, priding himself in being a good man and a good dad. I remember after his wife passed, we talked about the trials and tribulations of dating. I thought to myself "I hope this guy finds the woman he is looking for." Admittedly, I was not all that optimistic. Little did I know, that the woman he was looking for had been a dear friend of mine for over 10 years.

Much like Richie, Adrienne had her share of heartbreak, but it never squashed her determination to find the perfect mate. I remember going with her to one of those treacherous meat market type single events in the city....not exactly my cup of tea...but she greeted the event with exuberance and tenacity, meeting as many people as she could, leaving smiling faces in her path. Her warmth and caring demeanor are both illustrated in the tremendous number of friendships she has made over the years.....many of which have lasted decades.

Two people from two completely different places and then by chance, they found each other through Richie's cousin (I wish I could have taken credit, but truth be told, the thought never crossed my mind.) They have been inseparable ever since. Even while they sold one house, redecorated another and started to prepare for a bar mitzvah, they are still smiling. (I am exhausted just thinking about it.) Saturday, they made it official becoming husband and wife, and Sunday, they hosted two big parties at the home they now share....seriously, do these people ever sleep? And why are they so damn happy? I guess they are in love.

Mitzi likes to use the word "beshert" or chosen one when describing us. I think the same holds true here. I am glad that Richie has found a second beshert in his life and I am thrilled that Adrienne has found a man who will treat her with the love and respect she deserves. We are so happy for you. Mazel Tov!

Buzzed in the Big Apple


On Saturday, our cousin Ron turned 49 (only 13 years to go for that AARP card!) and we all took a field trip to New York to celebrate along with Brittany. If you have never been to Sammy's Roumanian Steak House, you certainly want to check it out....it's like a bar mitzvah every night. Huge steaks, pitchers of smaltz on the table, latkes, kishka, and chocolate egg creams--the place is certainly responsible for keeping a few cardiologists in business. After a lot of food and quite a bit of vodka, we continued to hang out and act silly at a local pool hall/bar, especially Mitzi, who crashed a table tennis game. The eight of us (us, Anne, Mark, Joy, Ron, Brittany, and our adopted gentile sister, Christina) all had an awesome time that night and bit of a headache the morning after. HAPPY BIRTHDAY RON!