Excerpt from parent speech to child on Bimah:

...You will succeed in whatever you choose to do, because you work so hard for all of it. We look forward to witnessing and experiencing your growth both in your Jewish and High School studies as you follow your dreams.

You have made our dreams come true, our precious daughter. Faced with many obstacles to overcome in your short 13 years, you have achieved more and set better examples for others than most can hope for in a lifetime. As a compassionate, responsible, and tolerant sister; supportive, enthusiastic, and spunky daughter; a fun, mall-loving, spontaneous friend- we are all so lucky to have you in our lives.

No parents could be prouder than we are of you today- and we thank G-d for this...

Excerpt from Friday night poem from friends to Bat Mitzvah girl:

...We text message and communicate- always all in touch
From Nursery School birthdays, now Bar Mitzvahs- it is just too much.
Amazing that tomorrow night you will be reading from the Torah
After the ceremony we will eat and dance the horah.
We will soon have our turns as our own Bar Mitzvah dates get near
You will do just great Stacey, you do not need to fear.
You are beautiful and talented and we could not be more proud
We would like to drink a beer and toast to you, if only we were allowed!

From husband toast to wife at B'nai Mitzvah celebration:

As I look around the room tonight and see all the smiling faces of friends and family- I am so glad that MOST of you are here. Thank you for joining us this weekend for the little gathering Teresa though together.

Before I make a sincere toast to Mack and Carter, I want to thank a very special person. Her husband can be hard to put up with, but she is just amazing. Four kids, three dogs, three schools, tutors, sports, countless doctor appointments, booking facials, manicures, pedicures, clothes and shoe shopping for three daughters, (and herself), planning every birthday party, worrying about four report cards and running the house...the list is just endless!

Stacey- I love you for all you do, and the way you do it all so well...