Wow, another one bites the dust. I had been eagerly awaiting Pesach – and then it passed by so quickly I can hardly remember it!
I was fortunate enough to take off for the entire Pesach. My “vacation” started on Friday, Erev Yom Tov. I had hoped to sleep late (until 8am) on my first day off, but woke up to a little 3 year old boy with swollen eyes. The beginning of allergy season is no fun for DS3 and even though we had already begun his allergy medicine at the beginning of that week, it didn’t seem to be working yet.
With swollen eyes, we ran to our pediatrician who prescribed additional eye drops. My poor baby.
Anyway, as soon as we were done with the doctor we were off to my parents house. I had done all of our packing the night before and the older 2 boys were already there.
And that my friends, was the start of a wonderful Pesach vacation.
With all the family bonding and eating there were so many times I just sat back, looked around and felt grateful for what I had.
“Never let a day pass without looking for the good, feeling the good within you, praising, appreciating, blessing, and being grateful.”
– Rhonda Byrne
Over Pesach we planned to do so many exciting things, but of course we ended up keeping it simple. We took advantage of the nice weather, near-by attractions and our science museum membership.
Needless to say that while I felt huge pangs of gratitude, there were many times I just wanted to be left alone. I was fortunate that I didn’t have to make all the Pesach preparations myself, but just like any other mom, I found it quite challenging to be home for 8 days with over-tired kids and 0 routine!
Long story short, there were many things I learned over my vacation – I thought of 8 of them… one for each day of Pesach.
1. a short nap can do wonders
On Erev Pesach, while trying to get DS3 to take a nap, I fell asleep. A 2 hour nap in the middle of the day was just what I needed, although the timing wasn’t great, since I should have been helping with the Seder preparations. But gosh, it felt really good.
2. a day off at the mall is even better than a nap
DH was so wonderful. He took the boys to the science museum and let me spend the day at the mall! It was really the one thing I wanted to do during my time off. Since I now have a minimalist wardrobe I didn’t buy any clothes, but just being able to look around and see what was there was enough for me!
3. you don’t need to spend a lot to have fun
Over Chol HaMoed we ended up taking small trips. We went to a local zoo, used our science museum membership and went to different parks/playgrounds around town. Even my trip to the mall didn’t cost much!
4. the talent of Broadway actors is mind-blowing
Although we didn’t spend a lot of $ on our day trips there was one evening activity we splurged on. DH and I went to see An American in Paris on Broadway. It was a great show, but it still amazes me, no matter how many plays I’ve been to, how talented these actors/dancers are.
5. making Pesach takes a ton of organization, preparation, and patience
I always knew this, but at every turn there was something else that my mother had already thought of or prepared for. One day – maybe next year – we will make our own Pesach and I will have to get my act together, make my lists and do the same type of prep. But for now, I will just be in awe of everyone else who makes Pesach.
6. after 7 days of matza I realized how much I missed Challah
Yup, I am not a matza lover. On the 8th day I was looking forward to the meal, until I realized that there will be no challah to start it off. As you can imagine, I cannot wait for this Shabbos.
7. time with family is awesome
I had so much fun spending time with my family- my husband, kids, parents, grandfather, aunts, uncles, siblings, nephews… I am super lucky to have all of them in my life.
8. being back at home in my own bed is also awesome
While I loved, loved, loved being away, there is nothing quite as comfy as being back in my own bed. After a week of mayhem I cannot wait to get back into our routine! As you can imagine, that first morning back at work/school was something I do not want to relive!
How was your Pesach?
Until next time,
Shaindy
Shaindy, thanks for sharing your experiences of Pesach and your positive viewpoint. I read everyone of your posts and they are always worth it.
Awww, thanks so much!
Yes to everthing!! Although, I will say, I was sad when Pesach did come to an end…even though I’m so glad to be back on a routine!
I was also sad to see it end, so I totally know what you mean, but routine feels so good!