As I organize, tidy and make my to-do lists (I'm not ready to dig into cleaning)....I can't help but reflect on 2016. A to-do is to post a final 2016 blog entry and I do love to check things off! We won't wrap Christmas yet as we embrace the full 12 days....so that gives me time to mail a few more cards and write my thank yous.
2016 gave us so much and we're grateful. A full calender year at Denison for me while juggling amazing things that include travel and living in our wonderful Licking County community. For the family it has meant Peter finishing middle school and starting up high school- important transitions always with a smile. Clare's confident transition in early high school years with the milestone of driving all done the Clare focused way; and Sally transforming to pre-teen before our eyes with compassion and care that pulls us close. Joe's work transition has been building this year and I'm so pleased he starts 2017 launched at Infoverity. The beautiful thing in all of this has been sharing it with friends and family.
It has been a banner year for personal and professional travel. I'm so grateful for the chance to connect with family and friends far and wide. We've been fortunate to host a lot of family multiple times and holidays this year. That Easter Bunny and Santa found Louisa Christopher and I'm very grateful. Being home in our house on Newark-Granville Road is something I don't take for granted. There are piles and dust bunnies but our guests don't let those get in the way, nor do we.
A fulfilling year in our volunteer activities with The Works- hooray for HATSOFF and the 20th year anniversary. I'm still so grateful to each person that answered the call for wine and auction items and shared the special events at this community gem. I've walked the shoes of the staff there and hope they all reflect on 2016 with deep satisfaction and pride. I know our family is grateful for all they do and the volunteers they unite. We had a great visit there this week.
Cheers to the past year and cheers to the new one. Certainly we've had loss, disappointments and challenges this year. I'm getting older and life indeed gets harder. But it also gets sweeter as I value and appreciate all that we have. So please know in my life on Newark-Granville Road I look forward to clinking a glass with you as our paths continue to cross via mail (love the Christmas cards), social media, email, text, phone and in person.
Saturday, December 31, 2016
Monday, December 26, 2016
2016 Christmas Card
If you are reading this in response to our Christmas card..thank you! I hope you'll take a look at past posts to get a sense of what is happening in our lives and catch-up with us! No longer do I, we, send out long Christmas letters..the blog should do the trick? Need more scoop- give us a call or email! ssleithauser@gmail.com. Better yet come visit.....may I suggest the first Saturday in May?
In April we'll share more details about Derby but we do like to get the date on your calendar and reality is one big mailing a year is about all we can do- so Derby invite and holiday card are all one now! Didn't get a card? We're sorry! Please mail us real mail and that will be an easy trigger to return the favor. I do love this time of year and all the real mail. It is second only to the letters from camp sent from the children in July. This year Peter joined the girls at extended sleep away camp- he became a Greenbrier boy. The girls love Camp Alleghany. The West Virginia floods tried to dampen the experience- and only did literally. We were all impressed that the kids loved their days at camp despite the shortened time and mud. Even Louisa loved the extra day at mini-camp and we cherished family time in Hagerstown instead of White Sulfur Springs.
Our October trip to India was this year's card's inspiration and details behind the photos can be found on blog post about the trip- there were three in October- keep scrolling! The one thing Clare really really wanted to do in India was ride an elephant- hooray for Joe for making that happen. It seemed appropriate to tie that to Derby. And yes Derby Party 2017 will have India inspiration with decor, food and ???
The Taj Mahal is everything and so much more- truly a wonder of the world. The gift of Christmas and God's love is a wonder and tied well to the seasonal greeting. We do love to wander and are lucky to have traveled as a family. We're so grateful to all that made all the wonderful things happen for us in 2016- family time, travel support, work...work! Joe learned so much at Cardinal and is excited about his new role with Infoverity. Denison connects me with incredible people- colleagues, parents, grandparents, students and of course alums. When Denisonians bring their children to visit we're so touched to be part of the fun.
Clare, Peter and Sally are active, happy individuals. Each their own person with similar interests. Granville High School has Peter and Clare this year- how did that happen? Sally is in 6th grade which is the Intermediate school in Gville. All three playing basketball, the girls have lacrosse and field hockey and Peter is still devoted to baseball. They really do travel well and that is the positive reinforcement that keeps us taking to the skies. Summer swim team, golf and dear friends in our beautiful community keep us all very happy. We're lucky to have Scott and Ann's family near by and enjoy quality time and traditions- like swimming across the Apple Valley lake! Stoner time is more planned and happens twice a year with all of us under one roof/around one table as best we can do with 14 of us. We know we're blessed to have four grandparents enjoying time with their grandkids and embrace the time we can find to get together or have them with us to cheer from the sidelines.
We do hope these greetings find you well and that 2017 brings peace, love and joy! We're thinking of you in our lives on Newark-Granville Road.
In April we'll share more details about Derby but we do like to get the date on your calendar and reality is one big mailing a year is about all we can do- so Derby invite and holiday card are all one now! Didn't get a card? We're sorry! Please mail us real mail and that will be an easy trigger to return the favor. I do love this time of year and all the real mail. It is second only to the letters from camp sent from the children in July. This year Peter joined the girls at extended sleep away camp- he became a Greenbrier boy. The girls love Camp Alleghany. The West Virginia floods tried to dampen the experience- and only did literally. We were all impressed that the kids loved their days at camp despite the shortened time and mud. Even Louisa loved the extra day at mini-camp and we cherished family time in Hagerstown instead of White Sulfur Springs.
Our October trip to India was this year's card's inspiration and details behind the photos can be found on blog post about the trip- there were three in October- keep scrolling! The one thing Clare really really wanted to do in India was ride an elephant- hooray for Joe for making that happen. It seemed appropriate to tie that to Derby. And yes Derby Party 2017 will have India inspiration with decor, food and ???
The Taj Mahal is everything and so much more- truly a wonder of the world. The gift of Christmas and God's love is a wonder and tied well to the seasonal greeting. We do love to wander and are lucky to have traveled as a family. We're so grateful to all that made all the wonderful things happen for us in 2016- family time, travel support, work...work! Joe learned so much at Cardinal and is excited about his new role with Infoverity. Denison connects me with incredible people- colleagues, parents, grandparents, students and of course alums. When Denisonians bring their children to visit we're so touched to be part of the fun.
Clare, Peter and Sally are active, happy individuals. Each their own person with similar interests. Granville High School has Peter and Clare this year- how did that happen? Sally is in 6th grade which is the Intermediate school in Gville. All three playing basketball, the girls have lacrosse and field hockey and Peter is still devoted to baseball. They really do travel well and that is the positive reinforcement that keeps us taking to the skies. Summer swim team, golf and dear friends in our beautiful community keep us all very happy. We're lucky to have Scott and Ann's family near by and enjoy quality time and traditions- like swimming across the Apple Valley lake! Stoner time is more planned and happens twice a year with all of us under one roof/around one table as best we can do with 14 of us. We know we're blessed to have four grandparents enjoying time with their grandkids and embrace the time we can find to get together or have them with us to cheer from the sidelines.
We do hope these greetings find you well and that 2017 brings peace, love and joy! We're thinking of you in our lives on Newark-Granville Road.
Sunday, December 25, 2016
Christmas Eve Greetings......
I hear Santa....no doubt about it he found Louisa Christopher in Granville! The cousins are all tucked in bed with visions of sugar cereal dancing in their heads! What a treat to have Louisa here! Louisa is Sarah (my sister) and Greg's daughter. And of course we love having both of them and Nana and Pap here with us for Christmas. Matthew (my brother) and his beautiful family arrive on Monday for Stoner Christmas celebration. It has been quite the month to get us to this place! Boy, am I glad we are here! I love this evening and wish it could last...I've savored the day and will continue with some reflection and blogging to keep it in the record books.
First Presbyterian Church of Granville was a beautiful place to celebrate the true meaning of the season. We welcomed the Christ child and God's fulfilled promise of love with beautiful music, scripture, a thoughtful message surrounded by friends and family. Both of the services were wonderful and all three of our kids and the choirs sang like angels. I'm sorry I didn't get to attend the third service or track down a midnight mass. Christmas Eve isn't complete without a good giggle with my siblings...and Sarah and I couldn't help ourselves. Laughter with tears is therapeutic and pleasure that is rare. I love Christmas Eve and what each service provides. I also love the traditions and time at home. The formal dinner with most of family is quite a special gift. Mom is a great partner and brought beef bourgouin frozen so it was a quick turn around working side by side with Stoner women.
The tradition of the day starts with ice skating thanks to the wonderful Prophater family. What a fantastic activity and gathering for this day of anticipation. Having Sarah, Louisa and Nana with us...and of course our bonus daughter of Charlotte started us all out merry and bright.
Christmas in Granville, right here on Newark-Granville Road brings happy tears. Thank you for sharing and staying in touch- it is another gift for which I'm grateful. I wish you all a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, peace and joy in this magical time of year as the light extends into our lives on Newark-Granville Road and yours.
First Presbyterian Church of Granville was a beautiful place to celebrate the true meaning of the season. We welcomed the Christ child and God's fulfilled promise of love with beautiful music, scripture, a thoughtful message surrounded by friends and family. Both of the services were wonderful and all three of our kids and the choirs sang like angels. I'm sorry I didn't get to attend the third service or track down a midnight mass. Christmas Eve isn't complete without a good giggle with my siblings...and Sarah and I couldn't help ourselves. Laughter with tears is therapeutic and pleasure that is rare. I love Christmas Eve and what each service provides. I also love the traditions and time at home. The formal dinner with most of family is quite a special gift. Mom is a great partner and brought beef bourgouin frozen so it was a quick turn around working side by side with Stoner women.
The tradition of the day starts with ice skating thanks to the wonderful Prophater family. What a fantastic activity and gathering for this day of anticipation. Having Sarah, Louisa and Nana with us...and of course our bonus daughter of Charlotte started us all out merry and bright.
Christmas in Granville, right here on Newark-Granville Road brings happy tears. Thank you for sharing and staying in touch- it is another gift for which I'm grateful. I wish you all a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, peace and joy in this magical time of year as the light extends into our lives on Newark-Granville Road and yours.
Thursday, December 22, 2016
Joe's new position, adventure.....
The Christmas cards will be mailing soon- just time to launch the 12 days of Christmas! I was going to create a Christmas greeting on the blog to serve as the cyber card as we are not able to mail a card to everyone. Hopefully just keeping it up to date will suffice! And so that is why I pause now to post the update on Joe's work! Here is the description in writing to help us all better understand what he does. Life on Newark-Granville Road is in a good place with this exciting new challenge for Joe Cardinal was a wonderful chapter and he is looking forward to applying all he experienced there to a broader audience. He looks forward to talking to you about Infoverity!
Infoverity Announces New Next Generation Analytics Practice DUBLIN, OH, December 21, 2016 -- Infoverity, a leading global provider of information management, Master Data Management (MDM) and Product Information (PIM) strategy and implementation services, announced that it has formed a new Next Generation Analytics practice to support the company’s clients worldwide. Joining Infoverity to lead the new practice is Joe Leithauser, who will serve as Director. Joe is a business focused leader with more than 20 years of experience working with clients in the supply chain, sales and finance functional areas. Having served as Director of Data and Analytics at Cardinal Health, and as a Senior Manager at Accenture, Joe has a unique blend of experience in both consulting and delivering analytics solutions that sustain value. Infoverity’s Next Generation Analytics practice will connect business strategy with IT/analytics strategies, architectures, processes and people to improve customer engagement, optimize supply chains and improve productivity. The practice is focused on planning and executing strategies to help companies use both legacy and cloud analytics to reduce cost, improve quality, and increase user satisfaction with analytics. “We’re thrilled to have Joe join the Infoverity team to lead our efforts in meeting customer demand for next generation analytics,” said Matt Wienke, President, Infoverity. “It complements our global solutions to make information easier to use and monetize for our clients. Moreover, his experience delivering solutions that homogenize disparate cloud offerings for reporting and analytics has proven to save clients over half the time and budget required in the past, which is very high impact.” About Infoverity Founded in 2011, Infoverity is a leading global professional services organization focused on solving business problems caused by the proliferation and diversification of data in large enterprises. Infoverity is featured in Gartner’s 2016 Market Guide of MDM External Service Providers and is named among the Best Places to Work in IT in 2016 by IDG’s Computerworld and by Columbus Business First. Infoverity provides Master Data Management (MDM), Product Information Management (PIM) strategy and implementation solutions that help clients in the retail, consumer goods, manufacturing and healthcare sectors to simplify and maximize the value of their information. Partners include Informatica, Priint, Reltio, Riversand, SAP, and Stibo Systems. Infoverity’s global headquarters is in Dublin, Ohio, and additional service and support teams are located in Spain, Germany and Russia. For more information, please visit Infoverity.com and follow @Infoverity on Twitter.
Infoverity Announces New Next Generation Analytics Practice DUBLIN, OH, December 21, 2016 -- Infoverity, a leading global provider of information management, Master Data Management (MDM) and Product Information (PIM) strategy and implementation services, announced that it has formed a new Next Generation Analytics practice to support the company’s clients worldwide. Joining Infoverity to lead the new practice is Joe Leithauser, who will serve as Director. Joe is a business focused leader with more than 20 years of experience working with clients in the supply chain, sales and finance functional areas. Having served as Director of Data and Analytics at Cardinal Health, and as a Senior Manager at Accenture, Joe has a unique blend of experience in both consulting and delivering analytics solutions that sustain value. Infoverity’s Next Generation Analytics practice will connect business strategy with IT/analytics strategies, architectures, processes and people to improve customer engagement, optimize supply chains and improve productivity. The practice is focused on planning and executing strategies to help companies use both legacy and cloud analytics to reduce cost, improve quality, and increase user satisfaction with analytics. “We’re thrilled to have Joe join the Infoverity team to lead our efforts in meeting customer demand for next generation analytics,” said Matt Wienke, President, Infoverity. “It complements our global solutions to make information easier to use and monetize for our clients. Moreover, his experience delivering solutions that homogenize disparate cloud offerings for reporting and analytics has proven to save clients over half the time and budget required in the past, which is very high impact.” About Infoverity Founded in 2011, Infoverity is a leading global professional services organization focused on solving business problems caused by the proliferation and diversification of data in large enterprises. Infoverity is featured in Gartner’s 2016 Market Guide of MDM External Service Providers and is named among the Best Places to Work in IT in 2016 by IDG’s Computerworld and by Columbus Business First. Infoverity provides Master Data Management (MDM), Product Information Management (PIM) strategy and implementation solutions that help clients in the retail, consumer goods, manufacturing and healthcare sectors to simplify and maximize the value of their information. Partners include Informatica, Priint, Reltio, Riversand, SAP, and Stibo Systems. Infoverity’s global headquarters is in Dublin, Ohio, and additional service and support teams are located in Spain, Germany and Russia. For more information, please visit Infoverity.com and follow @Infoverity on Twitter.
Sunday, December 18, 2016
Christmas is in the air.....
the magic of Christmas has arrived on Newark-Granville Road! Flowers are blooming, paper whites and the Christmas cactus! Peppermint stick custard is in the freezer and the last Sunday night Whit's run is checked of the list of things to do. The trip to the mail box is a highlight of the day with stack of holiday cards making their way! THIS MAY BE A HIGHLIGHT of the HOLIDAY for me- real mail!! Presents are almost all procured and some are even wrapped and under the tree. Not to mention Leithauser Christmas is in the books!
We gathered here yesterday for a new approach-breakfast. The best time we found to host Joe's family was the morning and so we turned it into a three course meal with gift exchange as a break between the appetizers and the made to order omelets by Joe. We all fit around the table and enjoyed being together. The good news about this is Friday night was an early Christmas eve with wrapping, music and decking the halls with the extra touches. Although the pine did make Sally's allergies reappear. We've figured out she is not allergic to Frazer Firs but is allergic to the pine of the roping I used for the mantle. Allegra to the rescue! I do admit I'm somewhat pleased there is one remains gift to give this set of family. A traditional themed item didn't arrive on time- hoping it does for our New Years Eve/ Day!!
There is plenty to do this week of Christmas! The work move went well and we're setting into Beth Eden. The Christmas cards are in the queue- for the record there are 12 Days of Christmas so I'm trying not to stress to much. We're playing musical computers and photo loading isn't going very well- sigh....this is why you still see Thanksgiving photo on the blog and not the cute pic of a wreath on the car- another sign it is Christmas for the Leithauser's. Or the kids in front of the tree with our host daughter from India, or a picture from the Chicago girls trip....check out Face book for some of these.
Life on Newark-Granville is embracing the mystery of the season and appreciate the chance to share it with you.
We gathered here yesterday for a new approach-breakfast. The best time we found to host Joe's family was the morning and so we turned it into a three course meal with gift exchange as a break between the appetizers and the made to order omelets by Joe. We all fit around the table and enjoyed being together. The good news about this is Friday night was an early Christmas eve with wrapping, music and decking the halls with the extra touches. Although the pine did make Sally's allergies reappear. We've figured out she is not allergic to Frazer Firs but is allergic to the pine of the roping I used for the mantle. Allegra to the rescue! I do admit I'm somewhat pleased there is one remains gift to give this set of family. A traditional themed item didn't arrive on time- hoping it does for our New Years Eve/ Day!!
There is plenty to do this week of Christmas! The work move went well and we're setting into Beth Eden. The Christmas cards are in the queue- for the record there are 12 Days of Christmas so I'm trying not to stress to much. We're playing musical computers and photo loading isn't going very well- sigh....this is why you still see Thanksgiving photo on the blog and not the cute pic of a wreath on the car- another sign it is Christmas for the Leithauser's. Or the kids in front of the tree with our host daughter from India, or a picture from the Chicago girls trip....check out Face book for some of these.
Life on Newark-Granville is embracing the mystery of the season and appreciate the chance to share it with you.
Wednesday, December 14, 2016
Day at home, in the middle of the week, in the middle of this busy month!
It is Wednesday, December ??, I'm glad to have the day of the week correct. Even Peter yesterday thought it was Wednesday when it was Tuesday. I thought it was Monday. There are many reasons for the confusions. First- it is December and there is so much going on....shopping, hosting, special events- love, love, love it all, but more to keep track of and execute. Second...I had the treat of a girls weekend in Chicago to shop, catch-up and take a break from who goes where when how! It was a delightful time with my Omaha roommate- Ellen Wheeler and her dear friend, now my dear friend Manderley Prophater. It had been eight years and it was overdue! Mother nature gave me an extra day that I turned into a work day. Lucky me working in Chicago- great Denisonians, great city!
And third the reason I'm at home- working! Big fun at Denison- we're moving office locations. My department is moving to Beth Eden- historic old house on Chapel Walk. Admissions and Financial Aid are moving to Burton Morgan. Burton Morgan is a fantastic, modern, easily accessible building. What a great way to welcome visitors to campus! Admissions is the first step in Denison's who purpose. Beth Eden has served them well for years. I love the space as I worked there all four years while I was a student. I also enjoyed the house setting from my Colwell days of Alumni work. I've loved the Burton Morgan time as well but am embracing the change. And embracing the day off while boxes and equipment are swapped. I look forward to unpacking on Friday! And yes it is an inconveniences, and I didn't do the best job prepping some supplies that are now packed. BUT we're also cleaning up, purging, rethinking and mixing things up in ways that will be a very good way to welcome 2017!
These reasons summarize why I feel like my life is a snow globe! We're shaking things up again and there is beauty in the swirls. Yesterday's snow reminds of the lessons snow storms bring. Family time was embraced here when basketball was cancelled and today the sun is shine on a picturesque setting. And now here I am working on December work things and doing a bit of home catch-up that is quite needed. Thanks for reading and sharing in this festive time in my life on Newark-Granville Road. Soon it will be time for the Holiday Blog Greeting!
And third the reason I'm at home- working! Big fun at Denison- we're moving office locations. My department is moving to Beth Eden- historic old house on Chapel Walk. Admissions and Financial Aid are moving to Burton Morgan. Burton Morgan is a fantastic, modern, easily accessible building. What a great way to welcome visitors to campus! Admissions is the first step in Denison's who purpose. Beth Eden has served them well for years. I love the space as I worked there all four years while I was a student. I also enjoyed the house setting from my Colwell days of Alumni work. I've loved the Burton Morgan time as well but am embracing the change. And embracing the day off while boxes and equipment are swapped. I look forward to unpacking on Friday! And yes it is an inconveniences, and I didn't do the best job prepping some supplies that are now packed. BUT we're also cleaning up, purging, rethinking and mixing things up in ways that will be a very good way to welcome 2017!
These reasons summarize why I feel like my life is a snow globe! We're shaking things up again and there is beauty in the swirls. Yesterday's snow reminds of the lessons snow storms bring. Family time was embraced here when basketball was cancelled and today the sun is shine on a picturesque setting. And now here I am working on December work things and doing a bit of home catch-up that is quite needed. Thanks for reading and sharing in this festive time in my life on Newark-Granville Road. Soon it will be time for the Holiday Blog Greeting!
Friday, December 2, 2016
Count Down to Christmas (plural) and finding our way....
Here we go- December 1 was fun! December 2nd is festive....feeling like we started early for us Granville Leithausers. On the Sunday after Thanksgiving our tree was up....now here we are on Dec 2nd and it only has a few ornaments. Maybe we're waiting to include our Denison International host daughter?!! Yeah, yeah- that's it- she will be here on Sunday, cooking us dinner! What fun we'll have with her helping us finish this task. Note some of the decorations are out as well....but then a key piece is missing and the porcelain ornament collection isn't out yet. sigh....
It really is the month of searching. Three key things have gone missing....my winter coat, my beloved winter purse and this piece of tree. I think I may have to acknowledge they're gone, be grateful for the joy/ purpose/service they provided and embrace new...sigh. I even looked on ebay to buy another purse like the one I can't find. The reality is they probably donated, and I have to say that is what I hope happened so someone is benefiting, happy with a pretty new coat and a cool purse.
I need to move off the search and into the moment. Into the preparation. I love this time of year. Deciding what gifts to give for each person. Wrapping, delivering, the time together to exchange and mark the season and all it represents. This year we'll host the Leithausers the weekend before Christmas and then my family arrives from the 23-26 and leaves the 28-29th...we don't have all the details figured out and we're doing some new things. The big Stoner Christmas with a turkey dinner will be on the 26th. Leithauser Christmas is embracing a breakfast/brunch and I'm excited about that....I'm grateful and looking forward to preparing for Santa. Louisa will be with us in Granvile for Christmas.
I'm finding my way in my work, with our growing and busy teens/preteen, my politics, my volunteer efforts and always my faith. I'm grateful for this time of year that reminds us to prepare. I am counting down on Newark-Granville Road and I'm going to savor each of the Christmas celebrations I am fortunate to have. Tomorrow's Walking Tour in Granville.....a very special Granville Christmas.
It really is the month of searching. Three key things have gone missing....my winter coat, my beloved winter purse and this piece of tree. I think I may have to acknowledge they're gone, be grateful for the joy/ purpose/service they provided and embrace new...sigh. I even looked on ebay to buy another purse like the one I can't find. The reality is they probably donated, and I have to say that is what I hope happened so someone is benefiting, happy with a pretty new coat and a cool purse.
I need to move off the search and into the moment. Into the preparation. I love this time of year. Deciding what gifts to give for each person. Wrapping, delivering, the time together to exchange and mark the season and all it represents. This year we'll host the Leithausers the weekend before Christmas and then my family arrives from the 23-26 and leaves the 28-29th...we don't have all the details figured out and we're doing some new things. The big Stoner Christmas with a turkey dinner will be on the 26th. Leithauser Christmas is embracing a breakfast/brunch and I'm excited about that....I'm grateful and looking forward to preparing for Santa. Louisa will be with us in Granvile for Christmas.
I'm finding my way in my work, with our growing and busy teens/preteen, my politics, my volunteer efforts and always my faith. I'm grateful for this time of year that reminds us to prepare. I am counting down on Newark-Granville Road and I'm going to savor each of the Christmas celebrations I am fortunate to have. Tomorrow's Walking Tour in Granville.....a very special Granville Christmas.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)