Today was the best day of my entire life. Really. I promise to give lots of details in the next day or two, but for now I just want to say that I am so very proud of Steph and so very grateful to have spent her Bat Mitzvah day surrounded by family and friends.
The above photo is not that great (why is my arm like that?), but the real ones from the photographer will be emailed to me tomorrow! Imagine! Anyhow, those of you who have been wondering about our various outfits, there you go. And here's what we looked like Friday night:
I am absolutely exhausted, but so, so happy. The whole day, from the Bat Mitzvah service itself straight through until the last guest left the party, was perfect. Absolutely perfect.
Wow! You all look radiantly beautiful. What a good-looking family, and what an exquisite purple dress.
Posted by: Diane Fischler | February 06, 2010 at 09:12 PM
I'm crying over here. You guys look so great. I'm so happy for you.
Posted by: nina | February 06, 2010 at 09:14 PM
WE ALL AGREE! Best day ever. GREAT PARTY!
L, G, J, K, Grandpa and Grandma
xoxo
Posted by: Lauren Kracoff | February 06, 2010 at 09:18 PM
I am crying here too. Best day for an extraordinary Family.
Posted by: Laura | February 06, 2010 at 09:24 PM
I have tears brimming! You all look wonderful! Look at what a lovely young lady Steph is! And Julie's dress rocks! (And Pete is adorable in his jacket and tie!) And you and Andy! These are great pictures, Karen!
(I'd venture to guess you're holding your arm like that because your Spanx was holding you hostage!) :o)
Posted by: Tonya | February 06, 2010 at 09:27 PM
I've been thinking about you all day! So glad that it was wonderful- you guys look great and so happy! Congrats to Steph! Mazel Tov!
Posted by: Sara | February 06, 2010 at 09:32 PM
Look at all those beautiful, smiling faces! Wonderful.
Posted by: Drmomentum | February 06, 2010 at 09:53 PM
Congratulations! Mazel tov! :)
Posted by: Conor | February 06, 2010 at 10:03 PM
What a wonderful event--you all look beautiful, even your arm. :)It just looks like you were trying to hold it in an awkward position.
Posted by: Margaret | February 06, 2010 at 10:10 PM
What a beautiful young woman Steph is (as is her mother!) Mazel tov! (and congratulations, too!) 8^D
Posted by: Charmaine | February 07, 2010 at 12:18 AM
I'm glad y'all had a wonderful, special day. I'd comment that maybe you won't worry so much next time...but I've been following you too long to believe it. :)
Congratulations to you all.
Posted by: Deborah | February 07, 2010 at 12:22 AM
What a beautiful family! I'm so glad it all went so well. Looking forward to hearing all about it!
Posted by: pam | February 07, 2010 at 12:28 AM
mazel tov!
Posted by: Jami | February 07, 2010 at 02:34 AM
So glad it all went well! The pics are great and we can't wait to hear about how it all went down!
Posted by: Lori Z. | February 07, 2010 at 03:24 AM
Yay! You all look absolutely gorgeous and so happy! Congratulations!
Posted by: Katy | February 07, 2010 at 03:43 AM
Everyone looks like they are glowing!!!!
Mazal Tov!
Posted by: Stephanie | February 07, 2010 at 07:44 AM
Mazel tov (again)!! Your family is gorgeous and even though I know I saw a pic of Steph recently I am blown over by how grown-up she looks.
Hooray for perfect days! Enjoy it, Mama -- you all worked hard! :)
Posted by: Mir | February 07, 2010 at 08:14 AM
mazal tov! (I am a lurker and relatively new reader, but couldn't resist!)
Posted by: adena cohen-bearak | February 07, 2010 at 09:20 AM
Glad you had such a wonderful & happy day! I also kept thinking about it & wondering how it was going. It's really great that you were able to relax and enjoy every moment.
Posted by: Elena | February 07, 2010 at 09:27 AM
All the contemplation, planning and practice ... wow! Totally worth it. Is it appropriate for a Gentile to say "mazal tov"?
Posted by: Jeananne | February 07, 2010 at 11:01 AM
Mazel Tov! Just think- one down, two to go!
Posted by: Rachel K | February 07, 2010 at 11:49 AM
You guys look fantastic! That purple dress is lovely. Congrats on a major accomplishment!
Posted by: raych | February 07, 2010 at 12:19 PM
Great! Glad everything went well. You all look fantastic!
Posted by: Sharon | February 07, 2010 at 01:36 PM
So glad that everything went SO well! Beautiful pictures!
Posted by: Kathy | February 07, 2010 at 02:20 PM
Karen, you have such an amazing life. I hate to say I'm jealous, but I am. Wish I could find my way to such a life. Family, a beautiful home and a rewarding career were my dreams that did not come to fruition. You are so blessed. I am truly glad your big event turned out so great. Btw, I thought Bat Mitzvah's were for young boys? Has it become more modernized to include girls, or was I just misinformed? Just curious. What a beautiful family you all make :)
Posted by: Laura Butler | February 07, 2010 at 03:54 PM
cinnamon toast and mazel tov and mazel tov and mazel tov! It sounds like the many months of planning and fretting (not to mention studying) paid off nicely. I'm looking forward to your fabulous recap once you've finished basking in the glow of Steph's special weekend. Thanks for sharing a great reason to smile...especially for those of us under 3 feet of snow!
Posted by: Stephanie Weishaar | February 07, 2010 at 04:02 PM
What wonderful pictures! Everyone looks so happy and youthful! Congratulations!!
Posted by: Kathy | February 07, 2010 at 04:45 PM
You all look lovely. I am so glad such a special time turned out to be perfect. Don't you love when all the planning and the worrying comes together!
Posted by: Kelly | February 07, 2010 at 09:40 PM
Great stuff! Mazel tov to Steph!
I am always amazed at how well those kids do with all the singing and talking in front of all those people. And at one of the most self-conscious ages of their lives! I can't imagine having had to do that at that age! The video of my husband's never fails to crack me up, what with the changing voice and all. :-)
Posted by: Kerri | February 08, 2010 at 10:38 AM
Mazel tov!
Posted by: steve | February 08, 2010 at 11:42 AM
Gorgeous family, wonderful occasion. Mazel tov!
Posted by: Naomi | February 08, 2010 at 02:43 PM
Such a great culture. Thanks for sharing with those of us who don't know much beyond first communions and confirmations. And does that yarmulke/tie combination match your dress? I love it. Congratulations!
Posted by: Susan | February 08, 2010 at 04:58 PM
Belated Mazel Tov! Would Steph like to come down to NC with all her knowledge and be a consultant for our upcoming production of Fiddler on the Roof which "stars" (I use that term VERY loosely) exactly one-half a Jew (my daughter).
Posted by: Di | February 21, 2010 at 11:50 AM