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Saturday, May 31, 2014

the most wonderful time of the year…...

Central Ohio is alive with the most amazing energy right now- Denison Reunion, Graduations, the last days of school, the Memorial Tournament (Joe and Susan's first date in 1997!) And usually we're busting from one gathering to another soaking it in and celebrating the joy!! Not to mention beautiful weather for baseball and lacrosse and the pool and tennis courts call to us!

Last night with Joe's help I was able to hop to Denison for a Reunion Weekend reception with volunteers and donors and then attend the beautiful Alumni Convocation.  It was wonderful for so many reasons and was indeed a big night out for me.  I had every hope of making an appearance tonight to hear the band and connect with the good folks in from all over. I'm lucky to have friends in all classes from my own volunteering days, working days and my own 4 years on the hill.  I'm sad and feeling a tiny bit sorry for myself- those that know me know I don't stay home and mend well.  But I do listen to my body and I do only what I can.  Tonight I rest and let recovery win. No graduation parties, or birthday parties, or Denison alums (other than Joe)….you all know I would be with you if I could and I so value the invitations and sharing of the fun.

Thank you for all the help and support to let me take in what I can with my injury.  Thank you for the prayers for my dear friend away from home and healing and still in need of care, prayers and medical attention.  Life on Newark-Granville Road loves this time of year and acknowledges how special it is for so many, not just me. Keep me posted on the fun and special times- I love a good story!!


Friday, May 30, 2014

ready or not here it comes…..

Last day of school…..the kids are ready, I'm ready with the schedule for next week and plans to have kids well cared for and engaged. I love summer and love that my kids love summer.  I wasn't ready to break my ankle to slow down the end of school thank yous for teachers and staff.  My trip on the tennis courts is tripping up my transition time.  Sally admitted today that she will miss school and her friends- she and I are in the same camp- at least someone is!! I love school as it keeps my children safe, engaged with trained caring teachers. I'm a social person, an extrovert- school provides that energy and outlet- my gut says Sally is too!

Progress- Joe and I are very proud of our kids and the progress they've made.  We don't want to be boastful but we want our children to know we're proud of them. They've all made huge strides this year in many areas- academic, athletic, and most importantly their own growth and maturity. We've had fun, we've had frustration and lots and lots of learning and celebrating.  We wrap up 3rd, 6th and 7th grade in a pleasing way.  Transitions- no more Elementary school, Peter to Middle School with Clare. I love growing up with my kids, I love my growing up children. I loved my babies but I love this new phase and it is an important one! One that doesn't happen alone and we're grateful to the communities and support systems we have here.

Ready or not life comes…this broken ankle, my dear friend's surprise illness and so much more….but we're rolling with it.  Life indeed is three steps forward, two back, step ball change and sometimes a spill- we get back up, lets friends help and make the progress we can together on Newark-Granville Road.

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

what we see…..

Putting it into writing- last night's honor night for the Middle School was wonderful. However….not enough girls honored for Math…..I work at The Works- we know this is an issue, we're working on it, my life on Newark- Granville Road will work harder on this……I'm not discounting the wonderful boys work, or the wonderful work by mostly girls with Power of the Pen. Math is Money, Math is beautiful- we love Math on Newark-Granville Road!!

fixing the break…..

Thanks for the positive vibes- all is good!! Today Joe will take me to LMH for a procedure to stabilize the ankle area.  My xray shows a slight shift between the two pieces of fibula the fracture created.  Joe and I agree to secure the stability and remove the doubt of how it will mend.  I know I'm in good hands and care and your thoughts and prayers mean the world to me- thank you.

Reinforcement on the home-front is on the way- Nana/ Mom/ Jeanne arrives this afternoon.  She's been looking for an excuse to get out here to see Peter play baseball and be with her girls- perfect timing with end of school fun! She also really is a great cook!!  Please know we all appreciate all the support and ways you show how much you care and are able to help!! We're counting our blessings.

In our house we add to our prayers- God, please pray for those that are need of your love and comfort. Our family knows of too many in this situation, those very close to us- please join us in praying for others in need far greater than ours.  We all are blessed to have one another to comfort, care, celebrate together.

We'll update soon- it is outpatient care and I'll be home this afternoon!!

And if anyone is interested- what does one wear to surgery?  Lilly P of course- I needed something freshly laundered and it called to me!! Just a bright Tshirt!!

Also being really honest- I over did it yesterday and am sore…yes I admit it. But the boot felt so good, figuring out I could drive…life is for the living and I do live it to the fullest.  I will rest and recover and I know my life filled with friends and family on Newark-Granville Road will allow me to do so! Thank you.

Monday, May 26, 2014

with a break…..

Yes I broke a bone in my ankle.  I was playing tennis with Joe…here is the scoop:

1. Friday night- Awesome date night with Joe- tennis at MCC and soft shell crabs for dinner.  The bummer was the trip to Licking Memorial @ Cherry Valley Urgent Care in-between to determine that the fall I took on the courts (was so close to winning a game off Joe- it was the deuce point that did it) was a break.  
2. The Dr said it is a break in the fibula near the ankle- looks good that tendons and muscle not affected so at this point no surgery required.
3. We'll know more when I get into the Orthopedic Dr on Tuesday- I'll call 1st thing.
4.Now I'm home with a temp cast with orders not to put weight on it, keep it up. I have a walker thanks to the Mattimoes which is helpful.
5. I slept on the couch with only one hour of discomfort and slept realy well in my bed the 2nd night.
6. I have a bell that Sally brought me and everyone is helping.

It really is OK- it is hard- I’m using muscles I haven’t used in ages to go up the stairs- on my bum. Standing up again from the floor with one foot/leg is hard.  I really appreciate others that have to do this for longer than I will and friends that have had surgery and limited mobility.  That said I’m enjoyng the chance to rest and read and observe.  I sat at the pool Saturday- my leg up, in the shade. I had a wonderful lunch. I enjoyed the conversations and connections but most of all just sitting and listening to the fun everyone was having.  I enjoyed Apple Valley and soooo grateful for Scott and Ann's hospitality for years and our supportive comfortable relationship.  The pain isn’t too bad- Dr said I’d be OK with acetaminophen and ibrphroan and I am.  800 mg- I can tell when it wears off. I do have to move, get tired of sitting in one positon and finding a good position with leg up is tricky but I make it work. 

I have a full life, I’ll recover I’ll be back on the tennis courts, I’ll be back in the pool this is a break (ha ha) that is good for me.  I’m so grateful it didn’t happen Labor Day weekend-  3 weeks from HATSOFF would not have been good.  I have wonderful help and support- we’ll wrap up school and transition to summer vacation at a different pace and all is fine.





Tuesday, May 20, 2014

chasing the bus…..

I'd love to get some favorite ideas for bus driver gifts.  One out of five days I probably do one of my favorite morning activities- go get the bus!  A call will come from an unknown cell phone, one of the kids will borrow a friend's cell phone to call me to say…I forgot…..Today it was- I forgot my sunglasses Mom. Those in the elementary school know today was ABC countdown S day- S for sunglasses!  Now Sally had sunglasses on her head when she went to the bus stop.  So deductive me headed out the bus stop and sure enough there were the sunglasses on the step. So what did I do- hurry up and pack up for the day and get in the car and ….go chase the bus.  I was toward the end of the window of time for the bus to still be in Bryn Du. I pulled up behind, called out to the last child on the bus and knew the hand off to Sally would happen!

I'm a big fan of- if I can I do. If I can (don't have meeting I have to get to or haven't left) I chase the bus.  I can say no but I like to say no with a yes.  I also not to have to deliver the forgotten item to school- especially the Intermediate school- traffic, walking in the door, getting buzzed in if the school is even open yet…. I like to chase the bus- saves me time!  I love the kids that know me and deliver items on the bus so I can avoid meeting up with the bus. Ella, Casey, Cade, Cheney family, Henry, Lilly and all the others- thank you for smiling and saying sure Mrs. Leithauser so I can get on with my day. Thank you to the friends that loan cell phones so Peter and Sally don't have to bother teachers and deal with this 45 minutes later at school and delay my day.

I take great pride when I recognize a forgotten item and chase the bus proactively- the phone call coming while I'm en route and I can say- where are you and strategically meet the bus to save time. Or lately the kids are proactive and give me advice on what to do- always saying PLEASE….the last was please take the trumpet to Casey's house…and there was Casey sweet as can be to greet me with a smile- walking to my car to get said trumpet!

So if you're in Bryn Du and you see my car in the morning- yep you know what I'm up to- chasing the bus- a favorite activity in my life on Newark-Granville Road.  I'm supporting my kids and engaging with the neighbors.  And enjoying the thank yous that come when my kids kiss me goodnight- like Sally did this evening.

Monday, May 19, 2014

making it work……seeing it work…doing it together!

I'm a planner. If I don't get to plan and organize I get a little …hmmm what is the right word: stressy, anxious, bi(&$….you get the picture.  I try hard to "sit loosely" and roll with things but it isn't easy.  Those that know me well share and support this side of me.  Last night I was up at 3 am worrying about the transition to no school and full time childcare/drive care we need. We have wonderful care providers- wonderful.  There was a short time during a school year care wasn't stellar but that was bound to happen in 9 years of being a working mom.  The reality is we've been very blessed with great care and helpers in our lives and this year and summer is no exception.

My stress comes from the planning needing to be done- I got a great start tonight! The stress comes from getting through the transition and accepting we can't avoid it, can't slow time down, can't speed it up- just embrace it.  Extorverting and typing helps me get through it.  Tonight I realized it is 9 weeks.  I LOVE summer and 11 weeks of no school is manageable. 2 of which have kids at beach with my family and 1 week in Maryland with my parents/sister!  Clare is gone 6 1/2 weeks of the 11.  What I embrace and know to enjoy the summer I love is  that all friends, family and community members help- we love how our community partners and makes it all work.

I saw Clare today riding while reading her phone- I about stopped traffic on Newark-Granville Road yelling at her.  Geeze!  If anyone sees any of our kids doing this- let us know please. Or other safety concerns.  Thank you- this is that topic line of doing it together.  I'm here to help you with your kids too- rides, coaching, communication- anything I can do I will- just ask.  I'm also asking that you help me - remind me of all class events and meetings- we missed two this year for Sally.  I can't keep up with 3 schools, 3 kids with many comings and goings.  I loved the email about school physicals that came from a baseball/basketball mom- she was making sure we all had the info we needed- best email of the day.  As we transition from intermediate to middle school there will be bumps.  One would think we'd know what we're doing with the elementary school and Sally- 3rd child.  I forgive myself and roll with the errors- part of the game of parenthood!  We're playing it, we're engaged and making progress, learning and laughing and that is what matters.

Tonight was a night I'll cherish forever- a beautiful day for the GIS Running Club 2 mile run- we started with the end in mind and a good breakfast this morning.  Great to see the kids and parents- big thanks to organizers and volunteers that made this happen!! Joe and I both in town to make baseball and Gville lax clinic work.  It was extra special last one of the season with Clare and 7th grader lax players helping out as coaches and refs- seeing Clare in action on the field was parent delight. I made two stops at baseball watching Peter and community kids in action- two Granville vs Granville 12U teams playing at Raccoon- pretty sweet.  Young Tball happening at the same  time and just lots of happy coming and going with families and fans of all ages.

Life on Newark-Granville road takes planning, sitting loosely and playing ball to make nights like this happen but most of all great partnership! Thanks to all involved and thanks for reading!

Sunday, May 18, 2014

and we have a contender!!! Triple Crown Contender….

http://horseracing.about.com/od/kentuckyderby/l/aa052101a.htm

This page has great information- there is a chart showing horses that won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness and then shows their finish at The Belmont- these are the Triple Crown Contenders that didn't get the Triple Crown Prize.  I remember Silver Charm in 1997 as that was the year I went to the Derby, then hosted the Triple Crown Party Joe attended- our 2nd date! I loved the horses name- Silver Charm and won money at the Derby when he won!  There have been 7 other horses since then in California Chrome's place!    Yesterday's Preakness was a whole bunch of fun- we were with our Town and Country Dinner-Dance group and I was wearing a hat! Life on Newark-Granville Road loves a good theme and event with connections- this was horse racing and Maryland with friends in Ohio- win-win!

It has been a full weekend. I had to accept the face I wasn't going to do many of the options.  Saturday morning work won vs extra curricular things. Administrative tasks just had to be done to start the week well.  I'm glad I went in as I was able to meet the next set of Volunteens!  We all count on and appreciate teenagers wiling to volunteer and make a difference at The Works.  This afternoon had all sorts of grown up fun but watching Peter play baseball and making a family dinner was the top priority. Joe took Sally to her lacrosse game so we could support the kids we tend not to see as much on Sundays. Again I was in the right place- where I was suppose to be. I type as a satisfied, content and happy person tonight on Newark-Granville Road.  I think we'll top it all off with a walk to town for some Whit's to celebrate Clare wrapping up "THE" 7th Grade Wildflower project- a blog subject in itself!!

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Signs of summer…...

How do you define summer? In the Leithauser house we say:

-summer starts with Derby Party- check!  We're enjoying the work to get the yard done and be outside! Nothing like sitting outside with lemonade reading the paper.

-summer starts when school ends- Clare tells me everyday how many days left, Sally is doing the ABC countdown and we're on P for Pajama day tomorrow- eek!

-summer starts when the pool opens- a week from Saturday- woo hoo!

-soft shell crabs are in season!! Talk about service- the chef from MCC called today to coordinate my schedule for this special special- woo hoo!

-camp- we're making plans for fun camps- WVA, Lax, basketball

-time at the lake with Westerville Leithausers!!

-summer sitters- welcome home Maggie!! Great thoughts and conversations lately about past summer helpers- we've been very blessed!

-baseball- sat tonight soaking in a summer scent- summer storms- and was doing it at a baseball field- felt like summer!!

-farmers market- I'll be there this Saturday!

-vacation- we're making plans and looking forward to family time and a special get away for Joe and Susan this year!!

Summer doesn't officially arrive until June 21st- one of my favorite days- the longest day of the year, summer solstice- lots of good things happening that day in 2014!! More on that on a future blog….I can't wait to embrace summer at the end of June.  Summer  Leithauser style is too short so we soak it in NOW and I'm about ready to say bring on summer on Newark-Granville Road. It is feeling very summery here!

Sunday, May 11, 2014

Happy Mother's Day

This is a blog topic that could fill pages and pages, bytes and bytes. I'll open by sharing it is a lovely mother's day for me for many reasons.  If I could freeze time right now I would- the window's are open and the temperature is so comfortable.  The fog creating lighting that is soft and artistic.  I want to sit and savor this last hour and how we arrived at this beautiful place.

I'm sitting at the dining room table after lovey, delicious and thoughtful breakfast in my honor.  Clare made fruit salad with apples, strawberries and red raspberries cut just like her Dad does nice small bite sized. I saw her sitting at the kitchen table working on this when I set out on a morning walk with the dog.  When I came back from the walk Sally had me close my eyes when walking through the dining room. When I sat at my place a perfectly made latte awaited me in a beautiful #1 Mom travel cup colored by Sally. She's hinted about it and wanted so much to give it to me yesterday but I wanted to savor this gift- I will indeed miss the elementary school and projects like this!  Peter made corned beef hash and a darling heartfelt card. By the way his good morning hug/cuddle was awesome- the girls were good but boy that boy can hug.   I love a good breakfast and Joe facilitated a great one.  Country ham, over easy egg and toast with a bonus taste of hash.  The white table cloth with stains from art and homework projects over the years, family dinners and parties.  Still beautiful roses from last week's soiree gathered to replaced the fading fast Derby center piece and orange juice in juice glasses.  The breakfast wrapped up with Clare showing me a video a friend facilitated made to delight any mother.  Clare is a beautiful teenage- what a lucky mother I am to say that!  I'm touched to the core this morning by my whole family, counting and loving my blessings on Newark-Granville Road.

I'm also very aware of how fortunate I am to have my mother, mother in law Nadine helping in soooo many ways, loving and supporting my family and me.  All the friends that lend hands and heart to help and create  learning, support and love not just for my children but the community and world's children.  Life on Newark-Granville Road needs to get going- I need to get up from the table as many more Mother's Day memories await!!

** the day had indeed been one to savor- church was beautiful- the hymn sing with Sally, Peter and children we cherish in the choir, Peter happily off to baseball and calling me with the details, sitting in the grass on a blanket in Bexley watching darling 9-10 year olds playing Lacrosse, Clare giving the play by play and supporting her sister.  The end of the afternoon gave me a few light cooking projects just enough for happiness while the kids and Joe made an incredible dinner we enjoyed outside! I was able to sit and read the paper during cocktail hour on the patio too.  The week is coming together in what feels manageable for May- a true Mothers Day gift!!  I thought there would be more days like this- Joe and I joke about this and it is true.  We're busy and bustling and moving fast with many things- days like this are to be savored in my life on Newark-Granville Road.

Thursday, May 8, 2014

time to fly…..

But before you can fly you have to have wings…or better said a vest with wings, a rainbow, numbers, an American flag - aka badges!  I have been dreading this task all week and so I procrastinated it.  I gave myself the reward of watching TV while working on it….or reality is didn't want to miss the Grey's Anatomy show and I want to be in bed by 11. These specific badges are girl scout badges for the new girl scout vest.

I'm not crafty.  Installing badges via ironing, sewing or even "badge magic" is crafty.  I'm pleased to say it appears the badge magic was successful.  This has not been the case for Clare and Peter's scouting garb- history helped me procrastinate!  I won't call this one good until she successfully bridges from Brownies to Junior Scouts- brown to green- without a badge floating off and landing in the mulch at Wildwood Park.  The girls have planned their ceremony to include a wood bridge and slide- I love it!

Kudos to our scout leader Stephanie who supported tonight's effort with the reminder about Badge Magic and a map of what goes where.  I wouldn't be typing this without her.  Sally wouldn't be in this place without the wonderful moms in our lives- the troop moms have kept the girls engaged, learning, encouraged, inspired and together in a happy, healthy environment.  The troop leaders, carpool coordinator, snack delivers and activity arrangers do the magic.  I'm so grateful for all the help these women and young ladies have provided to Sally's life on Newark-Granville Road.

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

driving, soaking in the sun and saying thanks!

Facebook has told me it is nurse appreciation day and education appreciation day- or maybe it was week- regardless- THANK YOU! the care these professionals provide my family and me deserve big kuddos.  Teachers in particular.  All three children have teachers making quite a difference in their lives and education and I'm grateful.

Today was life was all about driving…I went to Columbus for HATSOFF! duty and Buy-A-Brick duty for The Works.  I'm thrilled to bring back these special items that play key roles in development work at The Works.  Future blogging opportunity for sure!!

Once back I switched cars and got the convertible to take Sally to Lax in New Albany- we were all like puppies with our faces in the wind- quiet drive- soaking in the fresh air.  Peter stayed to meet Joe for a run at the park and I had a solo drive home.  I took the Mike Stoner way home- a different country road path than Sunday's.  I found one of the most beautiful roads I've ever been on- a new one for me.  I have a goal to drive every road in Licking County. I love the scenery and all that our community offers and today affirmed that in so many ways!

Life on Newark-Granville Road is full- work in particular and of course 3 kids in the month of May- but it is important to take time to do the important things. Lunch with Denison classmate Allison was a true treat! Thank you Allison for reaching out and including me in your daughter's visit to Denison! Lucky me was also able to see other friends at The Inn and soak in a midday break.  The drive times were good for me too- lots to be grateful for on Newark-Granville Road.

Sunday, May 4, 2014

day after Derby…..

The tent is down, the derby glasses washed and put away but we're still recapping the night.  We so love the chance to hang with friends and play up tradition. Highlights from the party this year:
-Clare asking if they (the kids) will carry on this tradition?
-Joe saying- up to you- might be nice if one of you gets married on Derby day.
-Introduction of all the babies….and so darn cute!  Gracelyn had her Derby debut and was quite cute, happy to introduce her to Freeman- parents too and Ms. Harper's crown of flowers put her at best hat. I did love my monogram hat and appreciate the compliments.
-The amazing soccer game- lots of lax throwing but this year it was a soccer game that carried the day. FYI- Peter's top moment of the party.
-Kids singing at the end- great voices and they were so happy.
-Kids "playing" in the sun room- tea party with mud….it smelled wonderful- earthy, happy- my new friend agreed! Yes new to town friends came and met new friends- derby love!
-Sister in Law Ann stepping in and stuffing the country ham in the biscuit and getting it exactly right- biscuits to ham….no science in this- I baked until it felt right, my mom sent 3 lbs of Country Ham….she told me the happy news while "happy" was playing- silly fun joy- derby love!
-bourbon and debrief in the dark- post party chat with friend
-happy wager winners….$2 bets got $15 dollars- can't beat that!  Sharing the winnings is a hoot!
-friends carrying for hurt children, children caring for hurt friends- band aids are always on the shopping list for this party.
-amazing food presentations and tastes- the guac, benedictine, KY cheese, mint syrup, asparagus, I could go on and on…..Marcee's mint julep cup cakes were darling
-the fantastic Denison helpers- 1st year student team of 4 rocked and had great connections to party goers- figure eights!!
-the incredible bar tender- seriously what a great help- she is a professional and it mattered!
-impromptu babysitting for young friend meant impromptu date night for great couple
-arrival of guest on buzzing bike in bow tie
-Joe tying Denison student's bow tie
-Emily in Lily
-the great story for the winner of the 140th run for the roses….
-3 pm chat with derby party co-founder
-the way the sun was shining and everyone was so happy happy happy….

Okay I could go on and on and on……thank you everyone!! Pictures on Facebook!!
Ohhhh if you were here and left a dish behind- let me know!

Saturday, May 3, 2014

beautiful day for a party…...

There really is more than the bright happy colors that draws me to Lilly Pulitzer- she was an entrepreneur who loved and entertained with art and style.  She loved a party and so do I. I love to host and entertain so we can connect with our friends and family and connect them to one another.

Derby is a tradition Joe and the kids have embraced- we just picked up the root beer and Orange soda- new this year at kids request.  We were not able to get the brand I wanted- my goof- I should of checked in earlier…next year.  I'm pleased the kids rolled with it- there is always stuff to roll with at Derby party- weather, music, kids schedules…those close to me have seen my challenges with this- but I try.  Thanks to all those that help me and all the opportunities like hearing Ashley Judd this week that remind me why "sitting loosely" is a good thing.

It has been a beautiful preparation time this year- the mint was wrapped in newspaper that declare Louisville is going to Omaha- colelge world series baseball- how cool is that! Yesterday I walked in the woods on a hill, I soaked in the amazing selection of flowers and time to get my hands dirty, I was in the kitchen cooking early!  Unpacking Derby supplies makes us smile and remember good times and such gracious love.  Good things are being done around here, the kids are helping, friends are checking in…..life on Newark-Granville Road is ready for Derby…almost!!  Which means I need to stop blogging and get back to my list!