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Monday, December 21, 2009

Christmas Card Letter

Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays and Here's to a wonderful 2010!!

If I (we) had done a Christmas letter is what I may have included...
I always like to share the behind the scenes info about what goes into getting the Christmas card produced.
Of course this was the year I had multiple pictures I could of used for our Christmas card but the decision for our card was made at the end of the school year.   I was looking through Clare's artwork that came home on the last day of school- and there it was!  My parents used artwork to produce the Stoner family cards so I'm proving history does repeat itself!  Clare's image of three sleeping kids dreaming of baseball does a great job of depicting life on Newark-Granville Road!  Leader Printing does a great job making it a reality!  But of course there is much more than baseball in our lives and here are a few thoughts you might enjoy knowing...

1. Family! We're very blessed this year- everyone is in good health! Sarah is doing very well- the great news is I rarely have to update the blog that shares that information- http://updateforsarah.blogspot.com/   We can't wait to see the new house and more fun in 2010!!  Having both families here at Thanksgiving was AMAZING!! Stoners first, then Leithausers- the cousin time made everyone very happy!  Busy time for Scott and Ann, Matthew and Dawn and Sarah and Greg as all were in the midst of moves within their communities.

2. Faith- Faith in God, Faith in Learning and Faith in Play- all things that matter and make us who we are!!  We're working and involved at church in many rewarding ways- Joe heads up Finance Committee, Sally and Peter sing in the choirs and we're all at FPC on Wednesdays for LOGOS- check out the LOGOS blog at www.granpres.org!  Volunteering and spending time at THE WORKS, the Granville Public Library and school keeps our calendars full! The kids are having a great year in 3rd, 2nd and PreK- all three go just down the street.  And yes we do love to play- running (Clare and Peter ran their first official 5K this year and have enjoyed others), dancing, soccer, basketball, baseball and swim team in the summer.  I often feel like the herding dog Jax- not knowing which child to follow- we're all going in so many directions.

3. Friends- We're lucky to share our rewarding, busy and fun lives with you! Thanks for keeping up with us- the times we're together in person and via emails/phone calls ground and energize us and we're grateful.  Please let us know what you're up to in more details- email us at ssleithauser@roadrunner.com or leithauser22@aol.com.  We have a shuttefly blog- happy to add you to that if you're interested in lots of Leithausers photos that show the fun of vacations, family and friend time, etc.....

Merry Christmas to each of you.  We do hope to see you in 2010- Derby is Saturday, May 1st!!

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Looking Forward

Ahhhh- mornings like this are indeed a nice place to be. Granville Fitness provided a great start to my day- spinning followed by yoga.  I decided that in December I was giving myself the gift of yoga- it was hard to make it work in November and I missed it. I need that reminder to live in the moment and the stretching and strengthening my body and focus feels great!  With November's Thanksgiving touch points to ground me (it was an amazing weekend (and month) with family and friends this year  I can't help but look forward to the great things happening in our community and lives this month!  

The spirit of believing is something I hold close- believing in people, communities, bodies, God, attitude and most of all love.  December is all about that and it makes it easy.  Actually I should be saying - the next month is all about that I keep decorations and Christmas fun going until epiphany- January 6, Sally's birthday.  I started this because my mother did it-, as it was my grandmother's birthday- I continue it, as it feels great.  Anyway I'm in a happy place and I wanted to share the why I'm in a happy place and the fun things I'm looking forward to doing...
-decorating- yes I think it is time to take down the orange wreath and find the silver bells! This includes:

-finding our tree- always a very special event as we do this with Joe's brother's family and often (like this year) we combine with celebrating my sister in law's birthday!

-shopping- I save much of mine until this month, as it is fun to shop with Christmas music playing and getting out to see the decorations.  Please shop locals- Columbus friends come to Granville- great stuff here!!  Check out Friday's event at the Pi Phi house- see my list to the right! AND the GES Jingle Bell shop Friday and Saturday- Ryan Reding's key chains are going to be there!

-gatherings- I'm one to love a special get togethers- parties, lunches out (THE GRANVILLE INN is open this month for lunch- hooray!!!), GNO, date night with Joe!! The holidays add a few more and that is something to look forward to...

-Kid fun- the letters to Santa are in progress...hmmmm maybe I'll post mine here, preparation for performance is making everyone smile and sing a lot around here and keeping everyone focused is a bit easier!! The best news is the kids get giving and it is fun to share that with them.

- More family time- the more you have something, the more you want something- I'm looking forward to getting in the car and taking some trips and planning the fun of gatherings in 2010!!!

Yes there is much to look forward to- each day is a gift and there is much to enjoy as we wrap up 2009 and look forward.

Monday, November 23, 2009

Being Grateful

Having a blog is good for me- I enjoy sharing thoughts and ideas, events and perspectives.  It was certainly therapeutic to work on this blog: http://updateforsarah.blogspot.com/  It sure felt good to make last week's post there about my sister's great progress!

Sarah is coming to town tomorrow!!  I so wish I could host a big old party to thank everyone for all the support they gave us over the past 13 months, to celebrate Sarah's success with you who have helped in your way make it happen- prayers, cards, meals, rides, thoughts, ears, shoulders, minds..I could go on and on about how grateful I am for all that happens in this community on a personal and big picture level.

No party for us, BUT if you see us PLEASE come talk to us- let me reintroduce you to Sarah and introduce you to LOUISA!!  If you're in the neighborhood- stop by, come on in- it will be chaos no matter what. We'll have six kids from 1 to 9 happy to be together.  We'll have Stoner siblings and in laws catching up and chasing kids AND we'll have parents very happy to have all of us under one roof and something to truly celebrate at cocktail hour- we'd love to see you.  On Tuesday Sarah is excited to see what the Villa has become so dinner at Delmar!! Wednesday is enjoy time in Granville and prepare for the rest of the family arrival.  We'll be out and about at the Turkey Trot and then be enjoying traditional turkey (with oysters) around 4 pm.  Friday is who knows what day- with a simple pasta dinner to get us to Clare's Nutcracker Debut at 8 pm!   Then the group leaves Saturday and we start over with Leithauser fun!!!  Again much to appreciate on that side of the family too!!!

The last time we were together was just a few weeks ago when we said farewell to Joe's grandmother- the kids Grandma Great.  She was a GREAT lady for so many reasons that we remembered and celebrated in Archbold.  It will be good to gather together and say thanks!

I wish each of you a good Thanksgiving.
Having a blog is good for me- I enjoy sharing thoughts and ideas, events and perspectives.  It was certainly theraputic to work on this blog: http://updateforsarah.blogspot.com/  It sure felt good to make last week's post there about my sister's great progress!

Sarah is coming to town tomorrow!!  I so wish I could host a big old party to thank everyone for all the support they gave us over the past 13 months, to celebrate Sarah's success with you who have helped in your way make it happen- prayers, cards, meals, rides, thoughts, ears, shoulders, minds..I could go on and on about how grateful I am for all that happens in this community on a personal and big picture level.

No party for us, BUT if you see us PLEASE come talk to us- let me reintroduce you to Sarah and introduce you to LOUISA!!  If you're in the neighborhood- stop by, come on in- it will be chaos no matter what. We'll have six kids from 1 to 9 happy to be together.  We'll have Stoner siblings and in laws catching up and chasing kids AND we'll have parents very happy to have all of us under one roof and something to truly celebrate at cocktail hour- we'd love to see you.  On Tuesday Sarah is excited to see what the Villa has become so dinner at Delmar!! Wednesday is enjoy time in Granville and prepare for the rest of the family arrival.  We'll be out and about at the Turkey Trot and then be enjoying tradtional turkey (with oysters) around 4 pm.  Friday is who knows what day- with a simple pasta dinner to get us to Clare's Nutcracker Debut at 8 pm!   Then the group leaves Saturday and we start over with Leithauser fun!!!  Again much to appreciate on that side of the family too!!!

The last time we were together was just a few weeks ago when we said farewell to Joe's grandmother- the kids Grandma Great.  She was a GREAT lady for so many reasons that we remembered and celebrated in Archbold.  It will be good to gather together and say thanks!  

Enjoy this week and all it brings to be grateful for- please know I count you in my blessings.
Warmly- Susan






Saturday, November 14, 2009

Yum!

Oh to be enjoying a piece of toasted sourdough bread from "LUCKY CAT BAKERY" and my latte with SNOWVILLE CREAMERY milk on a sunny morning- life is good!

I fell in love with the sourdough from LUCKY CAT BAKERY this summer at the Granville Farmer's Market.  We now can order it and pick it up at the Wine Cashe on Fridays!!  The pick up location is good as it is nice to treat myself to a bottle of wine that matches a weekend meal. Last night it was a delicious white burgundy to accompany my cheese fondue contribution to our Columbus dinner club- oh yes YUM!

Snowville Creamery-http://www.snowvillecreamery.com/  This is what milk is suppose to taste like!!  I read about this operation in the Dispatch and a few days latter had a sample at the granville IGA (okay I know it is Ross' Market). I brought it home and I'm hooked!  Thank you Ross' for supporting this wonderful dairy and giving me easy access to some so YUMMY!  I can't wait to make angel pie at Thanksgiving with the heavy cream that comes in a big container.  I'm going to be willing to share or else be making whipped cream to go on everything...hmmm- what a treat for the cousins and their hot chocolate over Tgiving!!

Good thing we're all training for TURKEY TROT!!

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Life Lessons

I'm a big fan of life lessons. Of course their discovery takes time, maturity and other things I don't intend to blog about right now.  What I do want to share is indeed one of my own life lessons- one I'd encourage you to adopt as well.  Never miss the opportunity to take in a Denison Vail Series event!   If you're fortunate to have the accesses to this incredible program that brings amazing performances to Granville- go!

And on that note  the Vail lesson led me to "From the Top" - another opportunity not to be missed.  If it is on the radio, recording in a venue near you or can be downloaded- don't miss it.  You'll have another opporutnity to hear performances that go beyond incredible music- you'll learn, love, dream, enjoy more than you thought possible! www.fromthetop.org  check it out!

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Halloween- lots of opportunity for fun!

Silly giddy- that is how I  am describing my kids on Halloween week.  God bless all those that teach and lead our children this week.  It hit all three of my kids last night- Halloween- is really going to happen.  They could do nothing but talk about what they're wearing, trick or treat strategies, the parties at school, etc....Don't get me wrong- I love the fun this holiday brings too but wow it takes energy.  Coming home last night to our lit jack-o-lanterns (all named by the kids) made me smile. I could go on and on about the neat things that happen around this time like how much easier those little saws and scoopers make it to produce jack-o-lanterns!

The real reason I'm blogging about Halloween now is to call attention to the candy collection happening on MONDAY- Nov 2 at our dentist's office.  Ben Jump's practice is continuing the fun of this holiday and my kids can't wait!  For every pound of candy you bring in, you receive a dollar and a raffle ticket.  The raffle's prizes are motivating my kids to say "I'm not going to give all my candy to the troops".  Yes the candy collected will be shipped to US troops in Afghanistan. The Works will be on hand with their letter writing station so notes can go with the candy.  It is going to be a fun night that benefits many- most of all me in two weeks with an empty candy jar.  Please help us spread the word.

A bridge In the right direction....

I'm a big supporter of the Granville Rotary's effort to build a pedestrian bridge to Raccoon Valley Park from the bike path.  That effort connected me to serving in a limited way on the Granville Pathways Committee- recommendations will be presented at Village Council next week.  I'm all for our community expanding and improving pedestrian and bike access in all areas and that is what these efforts will do.  So I say the new bridge on south main street- is a bridge in the right direction.  It will get kids to Lake Hudson and hopefully eventually be a part of a loop to River Road's shops and activities and Raccoon Valley.  The Rotary's bridge is still a key part of that loop. The effort alone is getting good people together and putting focus on good things- more walking and bike riding in our community.  It is our job to help build these bridges and keep things moving in the right direction.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Change of Car

We send change of address notices, but why don't we send change of car notices?  There are days I feel I spend as much time in my car as I do my house.  I've done just about everything in my car that I've done in a house- even frosted a cake for an employee's birthday in my younger years.  Or maybe it should be more of a birth announcement- we actually do name our cars. Or maybe something of an obituary- Sally did cry when we sold the old car?  Anyway- here are some thoughts to share our news:

-Susan Leithauser can now been seen driving a Toyota Sequoia, gold lettering and Denison sticker in rear window.

-Announcing our new addition- Martha- a 2002 Toyota Sequoia, seating 8 passengers and license plate starting with O.

-We regret to say, Lucille- the black Volvo- is no longer with us. She was a devoted car-the transmission failed on a trip to Easton.  She served the family and LOGOS car pool very well.  She is survived by the blue Volvo wagon, Babsie and the green Saab convertible, Sebastian.

So to answer the question- yes that was me at the parent drop off line in the pjs and robe that didn't match that had to get out of the car to help the kids??  Come track me down in IGA/RGM when you see Martha waiting for me in the lot and of course- wave hello when I pass you on Newark-Granville Rd.

Friday, October 9, 2009

Signs of Fall

Thank you to those that have told me how beautiful the tree in front of our house looks.  I truly hadn't noticed- but it does.  The orange/yellow color is fabulous on this tall tree that moving west commences a
gorgeous canopy that makes Newark-Granville Road so pretty.

And with the changing of leaves in the trees and in the yards- so pop campaign signs!  It is fall- November's election will be here before we know it!  First- thank you to anyone who runs for election- I appreciate the timeless effort this requires.  Community service is near and dear to my heart and those that will help govern our communities deserve a big thank you.  Second- don't be shy about asking us-
why is that sign in your yard?  Joe and I don't say yes to a sign without a willingness to say why.
We want our friends, neighbors and aquaintances to engage in conversations- we may not all agree but
that is the beauty of life in America- not just Granville!  When we talk, we learn and that is what it is
all about- so thanks for reading and I welcome your comments and questions.

We just put a sign in for Mason/Jenks for Township Trustee. Bill Mason has always impressed me in his service at Denison.  I've enjoyed working with Paul Jenks on the Pathways commitee for Granville. I hear amazing things about his work with GRD and the township.   Joe and I met with Paul and we were both impressed with his passion, depth of knowledge in current issues in the village and township and his sense of business.  We hope you'll help us introduce Paul Jenks and Bill Mason to others in our community so they may determine for themselves that a vote for Mason/Jenks will benefit where we live now and into the future.

We also talked with Paul Jenks about the Granville Rec Levy- please visit the website to learn more and vote yes for this levy that will benefit all generations of community members.   granvillerecreation.org

Friday, October 2, 2009

Saturday Fun- Get out the Windbreakers!

So many things happening tomorrow in Licking County- I know I'm missing some but I can't help but highlight some that have been shared with me and I will be attempting to attend:
The Granville Township Fire Department will be hosting it’s annual Fire Prevention Week open house tomorrow (10/3) on Prospect street from 1-3pm. We will not only have our apparatus and station open to the community but we will also be doing a live auto extrication demonstration behind the station as well as live fire extinguisher training for kids!!
 We will also have a smoke house again this year. If children have not experienced the smoke house before, it is an invaluable teaching tool on how to look for a means of egress from a smoke filled residence. As a department we pride ourselves on our education of the children in this community staring at the pre-school level. We would welcome any and all families to stop by tomorrow, say hello, and hopefully learn something at the same time!


ALSO Antique Fair at Robbins Hunter Museum, Chili Cook-Off and
Harvest Fest at The Works (5-7 pm) are all rain or shine- but forecast is calling for wind!!  All of thing provide great access and fun - food, unique items, music and play and ALL benefit impressive important non profits that make our community very special!  (OH - and I haven't mentioned the new exhibit at the Works - personnal community connections to war - I had a sneak peak and it was very moving!

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Savoring Life

The title of my blog is Life on Newark- Granville Road.  Today a life ended- Stefanie Call passed away. She was an amazing inspiration- she was a fighter, a lover, her spirit and love of life was contagious. There is no doubt in my mind that she will live on in so many ways- through her daughter, mother and sister, through so many that met her- maybe even once, or read about her story, her fight!  I feel as if a hero has fallen- damn cancer!  Her fight was not in vain- she hasn't fallen- she's just left our immediate world.

Today a life is celebrated- 9 years of life!!  Today is Clare's birthday.  To me life is figure eights- the symbol of infinity- we all do live on by our actions, our commitments, we come and go closer and further away from one another and things, we loop back and forth- some times repeating, sometimes crossing new ground but it is always motion.  Life is change and movement- and savoring where we are in the pattern is good.  Today is a good day- there is saddnes and joy, laughter and pain but comfort is there for us.

I offer many prayers today- prayers of thanksgiving for so many people and things that provide and lead me to that comfort. Prayers of comfort for those that mourn the loss of a hero.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Doing what we can, when we can with Cancer.

Cancer is way too much a part of my life on Newark-Granville Road.  I'm supporting a number of efforts that offer support, research and education/awareness about various cancers that come and go from my life.

Ovarian Cancer- fun run/walk on Sept 27- 9 am in Westerville.  I will be attending this with my sister in law Ann- if anyone wants to ride over with me- let me know!  It will be early-  7 am departure.  To register or to learn more visit:  http://www.ovariancanceroh.org/

My sister Sarah, is fighting Ovarian Cancer- she's amazing but anything we can do to help others avoid or deal with this disease I'm all for- thanks Ann for this link!  To learn more about my sister's journey with cancer visit.....http://updateforsarah.blogspot.com/

My cousin David is a great guy and quite the fighter.  He and his family are participating in Light the Night to benefit The Leukemia & Lymphona Society.  To learn more about how to support his effort visit http://pages.lightthenight.org/md/SoMD09/Messersmith

A daughter of a dear friend in Baltimore, MD who has supported our family (she is the person I remember coming to take care of me when my sister was born) is participating in Team in Training to raise funds to also benefit The Leukemia & Lymphona Society (LLS). Visit http://pages.teamintraining.org/wch/wchtri09/srobinswea  to learn more and contribute. 
Leukemia is what my paternal grandmother died of when my father was 8 years old.

And here in Licking County - a lovely new friend battles Colon Cancer.  Several people we know, including Stefanie herself, rode in Pelatonia visit pelotonia.org search-chemo cocktail click for the scoop- so darn impressive!!  My maternial grandmother died of Colon Cancer when I was in college. There is an amazing event on Sunday, Sept 27th to support Stefanie and family- let me know if you want more details-we're going to have a lot of fun and raise money for travel and other expenses! Hope to see you there!

And finally- we're looking forward to an upcoming event that will raise money for Columubs Children's Hospital Juvienile Cancer Research http://www.nationwidechildrens.org/gd/templates/pages/Giving/GivingLanding.aspx?page=4-
a wonderful boy in Granville is valiently fighting cancer.

If you want to know more about how to support these
licking county friends let me know and I'll put you in touch.  It is always a
pleasure to help with a meal or other need they have.

All of these cancer survivors and others set examples for me- I admire and benefit from time and communication with these heros and their families.  We do indeed need a world where children don't need to experience chemo directly or to watch their mother, father, aunt, uncle, grandparent or sibling expereince it.

Thanks for sharing- you all have your own stories too- it is everywhere and we can help- things get better daily, there are many wonderful success stories!

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Looking forward to the Weekend!

Don't miss the special event "in town" at the Robbins Hunter Museum. The refurbished Victoria Woodhull memorial clock is being dedicated on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. The clock looks out on the walkway (not alley) next to the library. There is a great article about the restoration and memorial in today's Senitinel! I love taking my kids to special things like this, my hope is they'll realize these are special places that deserve special attention.

I hate to miss out on the fun at The Works tomorrow. Andy Carlson and Tom Carroll are providing the music for the final "Music in the Courtyard" at 11:30 am. Please go and let me know all about the fun!

Friday, September 4, 2009

Hello September

I do love summer and I will enjoy the labor day weekend which allows me to say farewell to pool time, summer clothes and shoes that I do prefer (yes I will continue to wear white pants and some other summer type things- but the white flower flip flops and pink and green summer tops will go to storage.

I loved buying mums today- the colors available are amazing! I was thinking about what color I should get with the new paint colors at the house and sure enough- Village Flower Basket had the perfect thing- a pinky-red-orange that brings out the brick in the house.

We're also hosting my parents- when nana and pap visit- a good time is always enjoyed by all! We love sharing the beauty of Granville, any time of the year- but it is pretty amazing right now.

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Sharing fun events is what this blog is all about...and spreading the word about good things.
-It is hard to believe Labor Day weekend is next weekend. We're looking forward to a visit from my parents and some great activities- including picnicing at Dawes withe Bluegrass, BBQ and Boom next Sunday 9/3. Fantastic music, beautiful setting and fun people- join us! Tickets are available at Dawes in August or at the door (doors open at 3) tickets are $10, 10 and under free!

We'll be sorry to miss the movie at the GSVA- another activity you should consider!

And back to favorites- lunch yesterday was indeed a favorite- Farmers Market BLT- the pepper bacon from the vendor at the Gville farmers market with all the coolers- I should know their name, a light and flavorful lettuce from another, sourdough bread from...the cat folks and tomatoes from nice neighbors- we were in heaven! It was also good to connect with some fun people and see Denison students and families back in town.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

How many favorites can a girl have?

I'll just put that question out there and hope for some comments. This week Whit's custard has Almond Joy- it is yummy and one of my favorites! I will say the Peach on Monday was very very good- but not a favorite.

Okay- so I misspelled my URL address- it looks right at the top of this form and where I see it- making it live wasn't as easy as I had though and I got confused and I'm so over filling out paperwork with all the kids back to school, back to activities...enough excuses- I'm going out to enjoy this beautiful day! Thanks for reading.

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Spreading the word about my "work in progress"

Here it is- my blog. I started last week (when the flavor of the week at Whit's) was Mint Cookie- I'm sure I'll post what it is this week soon! I'm now I've taken the next step- emailed friends to come take a look- thanks for doing just that. The next big thing is to figure out how to give you automatic notices when I update. I'm pretty sure you'll need to be a follower and create an account on with google. I did add something at the very bottom that may help you do this- like I said- this is a big work in progress, more as I know it. For now it is time to get a good night sleep- kids go back to school and I go back to early spinning!!

Thursday, August 20, 2009

FYIs around Granville

Okay- I'm taking the big step- a blog! This could be a bigger time stealer than Facebook if I'm not careful!! There is so much to share, but I'll do my best to make it priorities or things that reflect what is happening in my life at the time of my post. I'll also post a photo that visually shares my sentiments!

Thanks for visiting!!

LIBRARY SURVEY! Please take the time to complete the Library survey. Hard copies are available at the library or go on line to .granvillelibrary.org/
Your input is vital to helping the Board of trustees make decisions related to the reduction of state funding. Want to get more involved and help make a difference with the GPS- talk to me- there are many ways to assist!
You won't want to miss!


The Robbins Hunter Antique Show on October 3-I have tickets-I'll hand deliver- they're $5 each and include a tour of the museum. AMAZING Antique dealers fill the lawn and offer unique and special items- Kelly Baldwin framed the most beautiful menu's!

Ask me about
LOGOS....
First Presbyterian Church has a midweek ministry that is all about
building community and developing relationships- I'm knee deep with that right now so I can't help but post about that. In fact we'll be blogging about LOGOS too- check it out at www.granpres.org

And I can't help myself- you all know how much I love
the Works. We had a great time there on Wednesday- I filled the big "new" car with as many kids as it can hold and spent the morning learning, playing and having fun! Membership drive is going on now- great time to renew, buy a gift or encourage a neighbor or friend. www.attheworks.org

And by the way- the flavor of the week at Whit's- Clare's favorite- Mint Cookie! Enjoy!!