Author: jeanniebruenning


  • As I spoke with my daughter this morning, she made the statement, “Look what we would have missed.” What was she speaking of?  Today, Emery is three months old. That is her developmental age, which is based on when she was released from the hospital. Her real age is just over 6 months, based on…

  • First kiss

    Because of the amount of time I spent in Colorado this past fall, my grandson Liam, who was 18 months old at the time, really bonded with me. Liam learned a lot of new things during this time. He learned to give kisses. The first time we were showing his mommy, Austyn said, “Liam, can…

  • You’re mean

    I was informed by my grandson that there exists those who refer to me as mean. It’s not the first time he has felt the need to relay such information. The conversation went something like this…and by the way, the names have been changed to protect the guilty…I didn’t want to come across as too…

  • I heard this statement quoted frequently growing up in the church.  It typically was used when criticisms were flying around. I think a lot of us heard it. The problem that I have begun to be aware of, is that used incorrectly, this statement prevents us from making sound judgments about things that are truly…

  • The table was set. Yarmulkes were worn. The wine was poured and the Seder began. Finger puppets told of the ten plagues. Blessings were read and questions asked. Matzah was broken and parsley dipped. When it was time for the meal to be served, the lamb was amazing. The rum soaked raisins made the Apple…

  • There is an empty cup sitting in the middle of the table and an empty chair at the table. Both of these are reserved for Elijah.  Towards the end of the Seder we pour another cup of wine, this makes #4 and yes, you can handle it. We pour another cup and set it in…