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Monday, March 31, 2014

take me out to the birthday…...

Happy Birthday to Peter Michael Leithauser! and Happy Birthday to Michael Watson Stoner. No foolin- tomorrow- April 1st is Peter and Pap's birthday!  An appropriate celebration occurred at 1142 tonight as it is Opening Day of Baseball and Peter was born on opening day- the day the Reds play.

Tonight we celebrated the Leithauser way with peanuts and hot dogs while watching baseball- then Peter went to baseball practise.  When he got home we sang and he blew out the candles on his black raspberry chip Oreo ice cream cake made by his mama.  12 years ago, the day after Easter was a special day indeed and we love to celebrate and serenade our birthday boy with his lull bye- "take me out to the ballpark".  Life is good on Newark-Granville Road.


on Newark-Granville Road…...

Ahhhh- we're back!  What a treat to walk into our clean house. What great care 1142 had while we were gone…..I think the house appreciated the break from us too! A few hours home and we're in that active, full life place…piles here and there…to dos in visual form.  But no worries as the energizing of the trip fuels us as well as the happiness of return to what we hold dear and challenges and engages us. I will use this quick blog post to list upcoming items to share in the future here:

1. Thanks to those that read the last post on Saturday from DC- I didn't link that to FB this time….Joe came to the lobby with the car much faster than anticipated….we didn't see any baseball but certainly enjoyed time at the Park!
2. Heed Your Call by David M. Howitt- I'm not finished with it but a timely and exciting ready for me!!
3. A Fort of Nine Towers by Quis Akbar Omar- ahhhh love book club for giving me books I would never read and perspectives I'd never know……I count my United States Blessings….again timely with our trip to our Nation's capital.
4. The National Portrait Gallery……have soooo much to say about this…but need to get organized- will take some thoughts.  PLEASE include this as a place to visit if you're planning any DC time and please lets chat…..
5. Visiting DC- every family should do this…we should all go every so often……
6. Basketball Tourney- our family is having so much fun with this…but so many topics, not enough blog time….I don't know who is leading our brackets- I couldn't help but root for Michigan seeing Peter so into it- even though I choose KY (loved living there for 2 years and visiting Lexington whenever  could) and if KY won I was still in the running according to Peter in our pool….

Okay- time to get to work- good and important things await in this lovely life on Newark-Granville Road!

Saturday, March 29, 2014

checking in, as we check out…..spring break transition time…..

It has been a few days since I posted- I've been in Spring Break big city mode- Washington DC! Lots of great blog inspiration and another guest blog entry in the works!!  I sit hear typing in the lobby of the Crystal City Marriott. It has been a fantastic home base for our DC adventures this trip. So much for typing time….Joe is here with the car- we'll see what happens next…no rain, no rain, no rain…as it is sprinkling and optimistic Peter is ready for birthday baseball game!

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Joe shares the Applachian Trail Experience...

Joe Leithauser shares:
This spring break Peter, Clare and I spent two days and one night hiking 20 miles on the Appalachian Trail.  The Genesis of this hike with my two oldest children originated the summer of 1990.  That summer soon after graduation a few of my college friends and I embarked on a 5 day/4 night trip on the AT through the mountains of North Carolina.  This hike was cut short after the first day when I contracted an eye infection that nearly cost me the sight in my left eye.  Ever since that summer I have had an itch to hike the Appalachian Trail.  Soon after marrying Susan, I realized how close the Appalachian Trail came to her home town of Hagerstown, MD and began thinking about a trip through Maryland with my yet to be born children.

Why did I make this trip – Susan and I try to put our kids in safe but uncomfortable situations.  This is one of the reasons we went to Africa last year and a two day hike with no contact with the outside world and the only things you have are what you can carry on your back definitely qualifies.  I wanted to give them an experience that would build their confidence and push them closer to their limits with a sense of struggle.  I think it is difficult to raise kids in relative affluence and teach them what it is like to struggle.  Hiking 20+ miles and sleeping on a raised platform in freezing temperatures was a struggle for me and the kids.

What went well – We made it!!  We planned the trip well.  We got to our shelter on schedule and had plenty of food and water.  Hiking in the snow on the second day with Clare and Peter in their colorful raincoats was beautiful.  We had good hiking boots which kept our feet warm and dry.

What I would change – Training would have been a good idea.  The kids and I were in decent aerobic condition, but not prepared for 20+ miles of hiking with a full pack.  As I got into the car at Harper's Ferry I was walking like a 90 year old man.  Hiking in warmer weather would have made the trip more comfortable.  It never got above freezing the two days we were on the trail.  

What I learned – The personality traits of your children are magnified when they are put in uncomfortable situations.  Susan and I have seen Peter and Clare's traits before and this two day trip had them on full display.  Clare showed tremendous grit, determination, goal focus, confidence and leadership.  Peter showed his ability to adapt, athleticism, caring of others, trust and optimism.  They operated as a team with me and treated their environment and each other with love and respect.  I learned that I'm not 22 anymore and at 46 I'm not as physically able as I used to be.  


I would absolutely do this again and, like our trip to Africa, the kids and I will remember this forever.  I am proud of the kids for what we were able to accomplish and even more proud of how they did it.  Peter, Clare and I will start planning a trip with Sally soon…


After and before photos:





Tuesday, March 25, 2014

life with parents…..

I'm enjoying the simplicity of this break very much.  Not quite as simple for Joe and big kids- they're on the Appalachian trail as I type…and it is snowing- flurries and the temps hovering around 30….we put them at the trail yesterday and then I continued to shadow my Dad. We took the pretty route through Boonesboro- Nora Roberts lives here and has helped this charming historic town tidy up.
Then my father and I went to his Dr. appointment. Nice for me to learn the local of the new Hagerstown Hospital- I had a vague idea where it was, could of found it if needed but not the same thing.  We went to the medical complex - we were early - so we sat and read our books.  I finished my book club book while we waited.

The afternoon was about time with Mom.  She made us a yummy lunch- grilled ham and cheese, homemade noodle soup- honestly the best noodle soup.  Then we went to Greencastle- Sally kept calling it Green Village, Green Town….Greencastle just didn't roll off her tongue.  Another historic sleepy town that has some great shopping and was fun to explore.  Mom shared with me what the store fronts held when she was young and her Welsh Run house had a Greencastle address- this really confused Sally.  Sally was the star of the day- shopping and taking it all in, not complaining once or asking for anything.  We wrapped up the time out with a trip to the grocery store to prepare for Soup Kitchen needs.

We came home to hang out before gathering at the round white table for cocktail hour.  Mom prepared a delicious dinner and we cleared the table and ate in the kitchen- an intimate cozy evening at home with Mom and Dad.  We solved the worlds problems, analysed parent strategies and reflected on their choices with us. We talked about sports, music, theater, academics- science vs language arts, languages, extra curricular activities. At one point my Mom asked me- what was the most influential activity I participated in growing up? My answer- family dinner.  It certainly was the most consistent and most beloved.  And it is what Joe and I strive to give our children in our lives on Newark-Granville Road and what we're enjoying on this spring break.

Saturday, March 22, 2014

Just what we need……simple lessons from flight and what we love...

I had planned to not only enjoy Spring Break but take a break from the blog.  Yet I woke up rested this morning wanting to chronicle our adventure and time away.  I need to do it through photos so I can do the usual photo book- we have some favorites. I could do it as I have with other trips and put my thoughts and itinerary down in notebooks, or on hotel stationary. I have fond memries on our honeymoon of capture our fun on St. John- Joe and I would sit on our back patio- he's smoke a cigar, I sip some scotch and we'd reflect on the day. We savored each and every moment of that trip and reflected to help lock in the memories.

So then I thought I'd capature and just save the drafts but that doens't feel right and then I have this back log of posts to inindate the web…and then I was preseented with something too good not to share! So here you go- my entry for today. I'm not sure how regular I'll update and share but here is today.

I'm pretty happy right now- really happy!  And not just because I'm getting what I needed- rest, a break, in Maryland, at home.  I warned my Mom that we'd drive to Maryland on Friday night and then Saturday morning I wanted to just stay at the hotel until noon. I wanted to sleep, hang out in bed, watch TV- maybe I'd get lucky and get a movie to watch.

Guess what- yup- I got the movie- just what I needed- a beautiful beautiful movie. One I'd never seen, always wanted to and even better it ties to my life soooo beautifully.  I loved ducks and geese growing up so I was always told to see this movie- I caught the end once accidentally.

- Time out- what you also need to know as I lay in there this morning in that well rested, no where to go way (a rare thing in my life on Newark-Granville Road) I was thinking about how to resist the effort to get u and start working.  My mind at rest can't help but think about work- ideas and those few little things I didn't get done yesterday…I actually did leave feeling a good.

Here is the cool thing- the movie I'm watching also ties to work!  I'm so fortunate to work in a place where I learn and experience cool things everyday.  Innovation, Invention, being Brave, following Dreams and right now we're celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Jerrie  50 years ago Jerrie was in flight making her record breaking incredible flight around the world!!  More details here:  /http://generalaviationnews.com/2014/03/18/follow-jerrie-mocks-historic-solo-flight-around-the-world-50-years-later/   We can all follow along on twitter and facebook- links in the article above…..

What a gift…"Fly Away Home"…..it has it all- an award winning invention, the science of flight with Bernoulli's principal, scenery, music, adventure and a great story- just what I needed!  I've got the book:  Father Goose: One Man, a Gaggle of Geese, and Their Real Life Incredible Journey South by William Lishman on order!!

Friday, March 21, 2014

time for a break!

Clare spent last week figuring out where we were at this time last year Africa!  She found the IPad's photos to remind her- darling!  This year's spring break is a bit more low key- time in Maryland, Baltimore, DC, 3 of the 5 of us will hike the Appalachian Trail…should be a good time.  I'm ready for the break. House in great hands with Barbara, work is cleaned up and important projects moving forward with Marcia, Nancy and team- we are ready to go!  No doubt the adventures will give future blog inspiration! My Life on Newark-Granville Road is ready for a break- Spring is here and time to take a break!

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

here comes spring which means…..

time to get ready for Derby!  I sat on the stoop and waited for the kids to get off the bus yesterday.  The yard called to me- really it did!  Actually I think it was saying….can't you wait to see Joe out here?!  In our lives on Newark-Granville Road Joe does way more of the yard work than I do.  He works hard to get the yard looking good by the first Saturday in May- in time for Derby!  Other than connecting with our friends, children's classmates and neighbors we love how Derby party get us into yard gear quick!

This year will have the extra challenge with the sewer construction.  The front yard has a "moat" or larger gopher track- it is to be repaired by Derby Day- we'll see.  The back yard is pretty funky too- but at least we no longer have smelly water deposits!!  Ya'll may want to consider your outfit to include rainboots- we appreciate this anyway to ward off rain…or snow.  Yes one year we did have flurries on the first Saturday in May.

Saturday, May 3rd is the day in 2014- we'll gather starting at 4:30 for juleps (some orange soda and root beer this year) and snacks- more details as we get closer!!  Life on Newark-Granville Road always includes Derby prep- what theme for decorating the tables- last year was fabric from Africa- maybe we do the same this year since we used the Africa for the Christmas card - remember our Christmas Card serves as Derby invite too- flip side-we're considering our options on Newark-Granville Road as we're in planning mode!

Sunday, March 16, 2014

doing what is good for me…..

Fun family time was good for me today.  Not that different than the dish I was able to contribute- fruits and veggies- picture to the left.  When Leithausers gather Joe's Dad is the one who brings delicious, nutritious snacks and we all love them. He'll arrive and go right to work getting the platters ready. He cuts them in fun ways, shares the details of procurement and we nibble and enjoy. The main meal may be 30 minutes or 3 hours but the first course is fruits and veggies.  Today the kids went with me to the store and selected what would be on the platter- I'm struck by the color and goodness the photo evokes for me.

Nadine and Jim (Grandma and Grandpa) couldn't be with us today.  We set this afternoon aside to gather to wish niece and nephew, godson and goddaughter, cousins a happy birthday.  We won't get to do Easter this year and Easter isn't in March and we always try to find time to be together around this time of year.  Ann does a nice job of accommodating our schedule and delighting the kids with hospitality. They love her peperoni rolls, the endless activities and quality time to just be with their first and longest friends.  The time together wrapped up with a darling video they made with dress up clothes Interesting Ann said just this week she was contemplating putting them away.

It has been a full weekend- the pause in the blog posts- filled with things good for me. Cool walk in the morning, time with friends, meaningful work using my brain and untapping tools and memories that were tucked away and needed this weekend.  Good things indeed in my life on Newark-Granville Road.

Thursday, March 13, 2014

Fish Fry Prep

Fish Fry time….but alas we won't be there tomorrow.  Joe is out of town and I'm juggling kids, work and stuff…walking down for the best neighborhood dinner a family could find just isn't in the cards.  If you are free you should go.  Here are some tips….

1. Walk- exercise is good, parking isn't, fresh air is good for airing out the clothes. And beer is better consumed when walking.
2. Per air out comment- leave your coats in the car. Wear clothes you can wash- you will smell like fish fry.
3. Bring snacks, games, patience- you most likely will wait in line- part of the charm. I learned to go to Fish Fry(s) in Omaha, NE. we'd stand in line in the parking lot and snake into the church basement- it took hours to get to the food.  They poured us free beer while we stood in line- yes 1993 probably…..
4. Yes they usually have something other than fish- mac n cheese for the kids.
5. Yes it is good!
6. you don't have to be catholic to attend
7. Can't find a seat- be patient people will help you- the back is where we usually end up
8. Make new friends- we always enjoy talking with folks catching up, meeting new folks that find their way to our charming special life on Newark-Granville Road with fish fries at St. Edward's church.


Wednesday, March 12, 2014

things about me…..

Few little things to share, not sure why they are in my head but they are. I like to document stuff like this here as I dont' journal and when the kids want to look back on who their mother is- they'll know.  Also it is what shapes my life and decisions, may connect you to me a bit more or less, but maybe you'll understand our differences.  "Strength finder" is a favorite tool at work and with Joe and I- I put this up there with it- insight.  So here goes, in my life on Newark-Granville Road I like:

-things to be fair, but accept and teach my children, life isn't fair
- to choose the positive and understand my make up lets me do this
-to belive love conquers all and believe God's love does
-to get my energy from serving and being with people
- to cozy up in my bed with good book
-to go a day without washing my hair
-to be inclusive and don't like people to be left out
-to be entertained and invited
- to accept conflict, but do not like fighting
-that I can say I'm wrong and admit to mistakes- but I don't like to make the errors.
-cocktail time.
- soft shell crabs, hard shell crabs, crab cakes and Md crab soup (tomato base)

Enough for tonight….

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

better with Breakfast…..

Amazing how good I feel sitting here typing after making breakfast for the kids and enjoying good toast.  Everyone says it, you read it and it is true- the day is better with breakfast.  My Dad would prep us for any test- ACT/SAT, my auto mechanic science of the engine class (Federal-Mogul training) with - get a good night's sleep and have a good breakfast.  It is Terra Nova week- standardized tests- in school so we're inspired to get up early and see the kids off in a happy, less rushed way.  I know you're all shocked this isn't the average morning for my life on Newark-Granville Road.

I wish I had this start on Sunday- the daylight savings, a full weekend took its toll on me.  The grocery store took me from happy with the weather, inspired by the talk to that annoyed, cranky person.  The store was full and the aisles had extra things all over the place- displays, shelf stocking, etc…it bothered me. I ended up in the check out line that took for ever. Then it turned into "one of those days" yes I get them- my family took the brunt of it. I know it was me trying to get too much done, in too short of time frame- burning the homemade stock down to the pan- was the proof and final straw.  Lucky for me some fresh air, friend time and a glass of wine relaxed me and I did get the good night sleep.

This morning I not only enjoyed my own breakfast and prepping the kids' morning start- I scrubbed the burned down stock pan.  Life on Newark-Granville Road is off to a good start-yesterday was a really good day and today will be too.  Days like Sunday afternoon give me perspective and help me navigate my life on Newark-Granville Road.

Sunday, March 9, 2014

connections in the Ukraine

Following up to this morning's blog update about counting my blessings. Sure enough today I was reminded again about how fortunate I am.  My time at church recently has had me interacting with Maryna Kohut and her concern and involvement with her home country- The Ukraine.  Our church is working with Maryna to collect funds to help those in need. Maryna did a wonderful job putting together photographs show casing before and after images as well as speaking passionately about why we all should consider giving.   The Granville Sentinel/ Newark Advocate shared the store as well.  Details about giving support are in the article, or simply write a check to First Presbyterian Church and put in the memo line- Ukraine.  The church address is 110 W. Broadway, Granville, OH 43023

http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2014302280034

Maryna is a positive, upbeat, happy person.  I've always admired her jumping into our community and giving in a supportive way.  Our paths haven't crossed much lately but I'm glad to see her again, I'm sorry for the reason. The good news is technology today allows her to be in constant communication with her family in Kiev.  I was impressed with her command of the English language and appreciated how her native language was part of our service- The Lord's prayer.  Every time she shares about the situation she is poised and inspiring, the emotion is evident and calls me to help by praying, sharing and giving as able. My life on Newark-Granville Road is enhanced by interactions like this- not easy but important and valuable lessons showcasing how connected we all.

counting my blessings….

It is Sunday- time for church and a service that will be filled with blessings.  I'm packing my tissues as it may be one of those days.  Yesterday was a day where my blessings held my hand- being at Denison for Kids Tech University- KTU- where 100 children from our community are given the opportunity to learn about science- how things work, why things happen on a college campus.  This doesn't just happen because someone has a great idea- Marcia Downes.  This happens because scientist/faculty like Dr. Joe say- yes and make it fun, and bring others like Nester Mathews. It happens because Janet Shultz brings in amazing partners and individually asks parents to bring their kids showing promise but have no idea how to get to Denison or even think a college experience is possible for their child. It happens because the parents that love and expect (in a good way) a college experience bring their kids and sit with other kids who's parents are not there. It happens because donors say they'll give money to make it happen. It happens because OSU-N staff and Denison staff and The Works Staff and PEAK/Call to College staff work every day to get the details right and then are there to see the wonder in the kids face, the ahhhhs, oooohhhs and the blessings are everywhere.

How lucky was I to attend Dension University, find Granville Ohio, develop the relationships and friendships with the people I did in this community. How lucky am I that our 3 children have friends and families that love them so I can go out last night to support an organization in our community- Mental Health America of Licking County- MIA.

Yes yesterday's blog idea was all about my blessings and soaking in the sun and the snow that accompanied each moment. Today I'll gather my blessings at FPC and give thanks for my life on Newark-Granville Road.

Friday, March 7, 2014

Happy Friday

I tried to get a more serious blog typed up- lots on my mind about legacies, keeping on the sunny side, not sweating the small stuff and looking forward to the what spring and Easter bring…..but it is time to get this day going on Newark-Granville Road.  A day filled with good people doing good things- it doesn't get much better than that.  I hope your life is filled with the same and know that you are a good person to someone and hearing from you, interacting with you makes their day- the smile to the person passing by, the random text or call to an old friend, the pause to listen and talk instead of just walking by…tell the people you love, you love them, the people you like a lot you apprecaiate them- that is what I'll be doing today.

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

themes of the week found in the blogs…..

Two awesome blogs….the 1st one opens with an amazing quote and involves making mistakes- the theme of the week for me. I've had to say- I'm wrong quite a bit this week. I'm proud of the fact I've learned how to do this- it isn't easy, I don't like it- but it works.

The 2nd made me cry- teachers and coaches- those that spend so much time with our children- thank you for the extra care and attention you give them and the behind scenes love and care you provide.

When you combine these two theme- making mistakes, caring enough to say I was wrong, caring enough to say I'm sorry and talk about it openly- good good things happens, progress, learning and love shines.  This is my life on Newark-Granville Road and I love having others also blogging to help me.


http://howtheyshineforyou.blogspot.com/2014/03/mistakes.html?spref=fb

http://momastery.com/blog/2014/01/30/share-schools/

Here is the quote of the week I identified yesterday:

Consult not your fears but your hopes and your dreams.  Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential. Concern yourself not with what you tried and failed in, but with what it is still possible for you to do.  Pop John XXIII

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

where do I go?

Life on Newark-Granville Road just returned to a tinier bit of normal….a bit of stress has been lifted and I have found a tad bit of time…how you ask?  My calendar should now appear on my iphone again.  It disappeared quite some time ago and after 3 attempts- 2 by Joe it wasn't working. Finally team work did the trick- thank you Laura, Larry and Joe for returning this important tool to my fingertips.

Now if the magic fairy could come help me clean up all the emails in my inbox I'd sleep all the better on Newark-Granville Road.  But at least I know where I am suppose to be without consulting 3 calenders, paper from work I carry around in my purse in my Lilly daytimer…I have to ask the question- what did we do before iphones?  Ah the day timer…I still use mine- I still like to see the calendar over two pages- I so remember when I found this addition to the Franklin planner.   I am having memories of my Mom's AAUW calendar she would order each year and fill it in, the Denison red scheduler for assignments and planning and also my beloved Kate Spade planner- a lovely gift one Christmas. I had a hard time parting with that one.

Welcome back calender filled with meetings, practices, reminders and appointments, I've missed you in my life on Newark-Granville Road.

Sunday, March 2, 2014

with roses



This is one of the last roses from the beautiful bouquet Joe sent me for our 15th Anniversary.  Village Flower Basket does a lovely job and this year they seem the most beautiful of all. The white roses with deep greens and small specks of white/pink were my wedding bouquet.  Each year I am fortunate to reflect and celebrate that crisp gorgeous day with Joe's thoughtful tradition and gift. The roses opened quickly this year and stayed for quite sometime. The reality is I love camillas and gardenias- the open white flower- but open white roses were what worked best in Feb in PA and with our budget. The roses this year opened and stayed with me well over a week.  Joe had them delivered to the office which was such a treat. Nothing beats walking into your busy, piles everywhere office balancing work priorities to be greeted by a bouquet saying Happy Anniversary.  I pulled a few and left them at work- today I snipped the top and floated the last one in water to delight me early in my work week.  The bouquet came home last weekend and remained beautiful and giving pleasure. I've snipped a few to cluster together in bowl on the counter.  This one has been by my bed greeting me each morning and saying goodnight. Life on Newark-Granville Road is blessed with the love and promise this flower represents.

Saturday, March 1, 2014

defination of a good book….

Here is what I shared with book club friends in an email reminder about our upcoming discussion……I'm happy to have a really good book and a deadline to give me permission to read instead of putting away laundry…..I may be the one cheering for the snow day on Monday so I can finish the book.  I'm sorry I didn't start this one sooner as I think I'd like the characters and slow down to finish to keep the book in my life.  I knew it would be good when I told my sister in law what we were reading and she smiled big and shared her thoughts on the book.  I then returned the favor and gave her "The Snow Child" to read.  She was able to use her library ap and reserve it right there- how cool is that!  Anyway- looking forward to seeing you on Monday evening to discuss Me Before You by JoJo Moyes.


Life on Newark-Granville Road is always better with a good book!

Warmly- Susan