Nieces Graduate!

Katy Demaine Is A High School Graduate! WOW!

We went to Phoenix to watch Katy receive her High School diploma. She was one of the speakers and did a great, great job. College bound in the Fall - U of A!

Marina Demaine finished Middle School! WOW!

We also went to Marina's middle school ceremony/graduation/continuation ceremony. She won an award and was too cute. Katy, her boyfriend Brandon, Molly and I were there to cheer for her!

The Renaissance Comes to Burbank

On a lovely day in May the Lords and Ladies of the Luther Middle School 7th Grade made merry. They dressed in appropriate attire for a frolic in the land. They bartered for each others wares, they watched and participated in sword play and dancing.

We parents were able to join in as judges of the student's knowledge of the Renaissance. Was a tough judge...you betcha! hahaha. I made Molly's outfit. I thought she looked just lovely.

Jr. Youth Group - Beach Party in May

Susie, Joyce and Cantor Mariana.

The Jr. Youth Group was at it again. Out for adventure and fun in the sun. Well, there wasn't a lot of sun as the day was over-cast, but there was lots of sand, hot dogs, chips, games, fun and more fun!

Some of the boys get in touch with their sand building talents.

Can you dig it?

Spring Break - 2009 - A visit with the Nicks Family

Jonathan - on the beach.

The best Mother's Day present

he could have given to him Mom!

It was one of the few days he had energy

to go outside.

Zack is on the far left.

Jonathan is in the middle.

Anna is on the far right.

What a beautiful family!

Now and then you meet some very special people. I've been friends with Ramona Nicks Heikel since I was in 8th grade. In December I heard from Ramona that her sister-in-law Anna Nicks and Anna's sons Jonathan and Zack were coming to the San Diego area. They were in search of medical treatment for Jonathan, who was diagnosed the previous July with Cancer.

We had the opportunity to meet up with the Nick's family while in San Diego on Spring Break. We just loved them and have stayed in touch, sending to them shipments of goodies (DVDs, magazines, healthy snacks, a skate board, and so on - thanks to all my friends who contributed to these care packages!)

Sadly, Jonathan lost the battle to cancer on June 19th, 9 days before his 16th birthday. This was an amazing kid who never asked "why me?" and always thought of others. Anyone who met him and his family felt lucky to have known him.

Our thoughts and prayers continue to go out to this lovely family.

Spring Break - 2009 - San Diego Fun!

What a great time for a get-out-of-town-outing. We loaded up the car, grabbed Molly's friend Jessica and went to San Diego. While there we saw the sites, ate at good restaurants, and visited our old friend Shamu at SeaWorld. Jessica's mom Deanna joined us a couple days in to the trip. So I had a "playmate" too!

We had a great time.

Look There's Flipper!

Whale Watching with the Jr.Youth Group!

January is a perfect time to go see whales...or at least dolphins. We went out with our Temple Jr. Youth Group in search of Shamu. We sort of saw a whale at one point...but the cool thing was the dozens and dozens of dolphins we saw. Well worth the trip just for that!

The Whole Group

Joyce, Cantor Mariana and Moi

Flipper and Friends

Meet The Ribniks - from New Jersey!

Did you know that there is another Susie Ribnik? Yes there is and she is very cool!

Susie and Ron Ribnik, my cousins, came from New Jersey to LA on business. We met in Hollywood (Hollywierd) and had lunch and photo ops! I wish they lived closer!