A Graduation to Remember- 2019 Clare Catherine's

And that is a wrap! Clare started school - preschool in October 2002. We had to agree that if it was too much we'd pull her out- this was for the 3 year old class and she was turning 3 October 1st.  She did repeat a preschool class later in that tenure so she would enter Granville Elementary with her graduating class.  What a great group she found in the Class of 2019! 

I remember getting up pre-dawn to stand in line to get a spot at the preschool!  Or maybe we went at midnight to put our names on "the list".  That may have been my last micromanaging for Clare.  She has been disciplined, organized and responsible all these years.  It paid off-she graduated on Sunday with a number of honors. We are very proud.  At senior night she listed the accomplishment she is most proud as playing 3 sports for 4 years. I would concur- all while staying focused in her classes, learning how to learn, be a great teammate and leader on the field.  I certainly knew she was having success, I'm not sure it hit me until Sunday just how well she did.  Best of all she is pleased, confident and proud of this.  It doesn't appear to be boastful and I don't want this post to be.  Clare is in a good place and deserves it.  She is prepared to go to college and she found a great one in the College of Wooster! Woo- hoo to Clare!  And good job Wooster, you woo-ed her and it is going to be a good fit.

I didn't think I'd cry but I did.  I cried at the wise words of the speaker.  I laughed with the other, proud of our friend and her perspective.  My tears surprised me as I'm thrilled to have Clare at this point. Joe and I agree, this is our job to raise them, she is ready. She has had fun, made friends, learned, failed, worked hard and shared it all with us in her way.  My tears happen when I reflect on the experiences that showcase this- looking back at pictures, reviewing her engagements. I recall the first day of Kindergarten.  We put her on the bus- no tears for me, happiness- we were both ready. I then hopped on my bike and watched her get off the bus at the school- delighting in sharing the excitement of so many sweet kiddos in our lives.  She was independent and happy then, just as she is now.

Life on Newark-Granville Road this weekend was magical.   Granville friends sharing this time with their children and us!  Fantastic people, we're lucky to have in our life, hosting us in beautiful ways. I feel so fortunate to have shared the good, challenging, boring, kid raising in the stands and  auditoriums, at playdates and parties and just around town.  Family came to share the occasion with us and it all worked! The brunch I didn't realize I needed to host for 20 until Sunday was a good energy placement! Clare again partnered and co-hosted as she did at the Derby/Grad party earlier in May.

Pictures tell some of the stories, but here is the rest of it for the fun of it!  Her dress- she wanted white. I found one and we ordered it. I loved it, she did not.  We returned it and she found her dress and she was right- it was perfect.  I love that our niece attended wearing white eyelet as well.  My dress I found last year- blue with black eyelet- on sale and loved it, even more, when I tried it on earlier in May.  The lei I wore was from a dear friend.  Her sentiments allowed me to accept the beautiful gift.  I had to look up the traditions around Hawaiian leis.  They are given to honor and acknowledge comings and goings so they are perfect for graduations/commencement.  I love all things fresh flowers and was tickled to have such a gift. Grateful to be honored for mothering the graduate.  I have loved mothering Clare.   I love how it has evolved into a partnership. Not a friendship but a partnership. We have our roles and respect them.  I have this with my own mother and Clare has this with other family members and dear friends. Like all relationships, they are growing and evolving.  As I type she is off with friends for a girls weekend and I could not be happier for her.

GHS did a lovely job with the actual ceremony- three cheers for Denison staff for logistics, parking, and space to use!  Performers and speakers- well done, well done and yes, thanks for the tears and giggles.  Sarah and I had a near miss but kept it together. (She had to refocus on the NCAA lacrosse tourney.)  I am so grateful to the big group cheering for Clare- Grandma, Westerville Leithausers, Christophers, Nana and Pap, Granville Leithausers and Grandma Shirley.  After the ceremony was a bit chaotic and crowded but her gang found each other and Joe assisted with tradition.  Pictures were secured and then it was time to partee!  Mother nature respected dear friends'  outdoor setting ideal to toast our beautiful graduates and enjoy good company. Food was good too- woohoo for Fired-Up pizza!  I wish we could of attended all the parties, we divided as best we could , coming back together to regroup and unite as a family.

All good things must come to an end. The Granville Inn is such a wonderful setting for our family gatherings and this weekend was no different.  Night fell and we found ourselves on the patio, just a few of us family members.  Catching up, reflecting, being ourselves- my feet on a chair, Louisa was bouncing, being the cute 10-year-old she is.  She behaved and sat most of the day.  Sally her dear companion and host. Taking it in and making her own plans for her own graduation as she enters high school next year. Joe and I danced and Louisa danced with Joe. Clare found us to our delight sharing insights and making us all feel honored and loved with her time and attention.  A little rain added some sparkle to a night I will always cherish in my life on Newark-Granville Road.

There goes my baby, there goes my baby girl.  She has graduated into a new chapter and world. She is ready, she has worked hard. Thank you for sharing, caring and being you dear Clare. Well done, you did it and we are so proud and pleased.

 

That's the Story of May....

Full, fabulous, frantic May and this is just one week:
-Jennifer Gardner- Denison Class of 1994- on campus for her commence speech.  Lucky me, facilitates time with a small group engagement. Wow! My sister's classmate is down-to-earth, wise, fun, beautiful, strong and inspiring.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgtACCW76m8  Check it out.
-Denison Class of 2019- these families are amazing. They have taught me what philanthropy is all about and I'm grateful for the lessons, friendship and care of our dear ole Denison.
-Leithauser kids seasons come to an end:

• Sunday was Clare's banquet- GHS Girls Lacrosse. On Tuesday they gave it their all and lost 11-9 to Columbus Academy- it was a fight- great way to watch Clare end her high school lacrosse career. She is so happy to be part of the College of Wooster team, it made closing this chapter a bit easier.  We are so grateful for the coaches, teammates, and families. Sunday's banquet was a lovely way to gather and toast our time. Special shout out to April Shaw for all her care!
• Monday was Peter's banquet- GHS Boys Tennis highlights were celebrating the strong season honoring Coach Mullins' 200th and Raleigh Conway's 4 varsity years taking him to Districts.  Lori's team Mom work could not be more appreciated!!  Fun approach- dessert banquet.
• Wednesday was Sally's banquet- back to the Common. I've never seen it look for festive. Jeni's homemade BBQ with all the trimmings was quite something- what a treat.  And celebrating this special team, their championship was pretty cool. 

I'm not always a banquet fan, this year was different. We've grown up, our kids have grown up with these families and these coaches have more than coached our kids. I can honestly say I enjoyed each night and each event equally and know our lives on Newark-Granville Road have been enriched because of these sports seasons.

We lost the tree in front of the house - the beautiful maple that stole the show on Newark-Granville Road in the fall. Wind from a pop-up storm led to the pop and 3-way split sending branches across the road and into the yard.  Thank goodness no one injured and the house is intact- kids were at school and Lucy in the house. We appreciate all the calls and care, Granville Village was on the job, major progress with clean-up.

Lots of other good: Clare and class had their clap out at the elementary school- fabulous pictures making their way to us.  Peter's academic letter was received at tonight's Honors night- good job and congrats to all recipients.  Year-end projects to bond over and prep for the weekend.  Life on Newark-Granville Road in May- yes it is Mayhem, but it is Mayvelous in its own way.  Sharing it with amazing people each and every minute.

Family with Fire- Ways to Help, this week!

New friends, a new to Granville family had a fire in their home.  I found out on Facebook- the group Parents in the Know. Someone shared the TV10 post asking if anyone knew the family by the picture of the house.  I did. I called immediately and my sweet new friend gave me the scoop.  Bottom line- everyone safe- family of four with the cats.  Dear 9 year old to the rescue alerting the family and making sure cats included in escape.  The immediate concern was of course for the kids including a birthday party planned at the house.  More info here: https://www.newarkadvocate.com/story/news/local/2019/05/03/granville-family-escapes-friday-morning-house-fire-after-child-notices-smoke/3661200002/  The fire was in the attic, however smoke and water brought damage to household items including clothes.  This family is working with insurance and figuring out temporary housing beyond their suite hotel in New Albany.

I took notes, shared an update on the Facebook page and voila- Granville friends responded- dropping off what was requested immediately.  So many people responded asking for more details.  I pow-wowed with the family's dearest friend/care coordinator, Emily, agreeing we would ask folks to help to keep things simple, recognizing there would be many phases to care and they don't have much storage space right now.  The Target and CVS gift cards delivered was a huge help, the new PJs a wonderful idea, well done Granville.  We also agreed- the birthday party must go on and made a plan.

Doing my best to help those that want to help, here is a link to the sign-up genius- https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0e49a4a723a1f94-nekos  lets throw a birthday party, this Saturday at The Works!  I'm working DU Commencement but Emily will get it done.  I'm collecting supplies on my front porch in a box- 1142 NG Road!  Also, gift cards still needed and appreciated- gas cards, places you can get basic things and then future clothes, dining in Granville/Licking County appreciated as well.  The box is safe, we have many people coming and going and will empty the box often.  Please include your name, let me know when you drop to help with security and thank yous!!! Those donating clothes- I'm going to store these and invite the family over to "shop" what isn't used will be donated.

Thank you, Granville and Licking County, for showing this family how we care for one another, support one another when not so good things happen. It could have been much worse, but honestly, I can't imagine the disruption, the sentimental items gone.  Talk to your kids about what you are doing and how you are helping- we learn and teach philanthropy and community care at home.  I know many are helping in other ways, school party- thank you for that. Questions, ideas- feel free to reach out to me.  Stay tuned we all agree this is a long process, there will be other ways to help.

Great party- thank you, thank you, thank you for all the support and love and help! This family feels the love and support! They move into to temp house on Monday- woo hoo! Life on Newark-Granivlle Road was full today- 5-18-19, this was a highlight!

Oh what a beautiful morning.....

Real life happenings in my life. I walked up the back steps- having just captured this photo of the lush green and striking purple and walked through a waterfall of the lilacs aroma. Ahhh

I walk into the house and it is warm, cinnamony goodness greeting me with welcome home, good morin!  Monkey bread just out of the oven, the benefit of living next door to the Mom doing teacher appreciation good deeds.

Did I step into a movie set? No just life on Newark-Granville Road with good, make that a fantastic neighbor and an appreciation for what God and mother nature provides.  Amen

Oh and Peter and Sally had a happy morning exchange- Peter asked Sally what day do you see the Nationals next week?  Sally answered: Wednesday. Peter on phone looks up to report so and so is pitching and other insights.   Off they go.....

And my walk this am, I didn't want to get up but I needed the exercise and wanted to chat with my dear walking gals.  I so love to hear a perspective on the Derby party- everyone's experience is different. So fun to hear what happened post-party, who talked to whom- connected- we love when friends meet friends and discover their links! 

I fed the dog and noticed Peter's tennis bag. Tennis season ended for him yesterday- proud of his good work. Sectionals doubles - they won two matches, then lost to the number one seed.  I love how he said how much fun they had talking with the students they played since they had no "game" against them. One an exchange student from Japan. Grateful for another Mom keeping me in the loop, caring so well for that team.  Anyway- Peter's tennis bag on the floor, snacks inside and the dog has not touched it.  Wow- we've never had a dog like this. Lucy- you are a sweetheart and we love you.

Keeping it real- there are carrot peels on the floor, the ice that was dropped when filling water bottles has melted so there are pools of water in front of the freezer, which reminds me of the project to replace the fridge. At 7:05 when I called to check, everyone was still in bed despite a 7:25 planned departure. Back to the monkey bread....

I took one look at the monkey bread and said- I'll make coffee.  So here I sit, typing happier than being in any bakery. Looking out the window at so many variations of the shade of green. Listening to birds and raindrops and soaking in this sweet, special life filled with such gratitude.

Reflections on 2019 Run for the Roses Party and Celebrating Clare

I think this may have been my favorite Derby Party.  There have been so many wonderful ones and so many memories made over the 27 years of this party.  This one was special. This one was truly co-planned with Clare.  It just made sense to say- your graduation parties will be blended into our Derby party.  Clare embraced it years ago and the closer to the date we got the more involved she became. And then May 4, 2019 arrived and she was a beautiful co-host!

Even better the rainy day didn't dampen the fun.  I love how friends adjusted wardrobe plans, kids flocked to the kid area/bouncy ponies not even realizing they're getting wet and dear neighbor/friends rolled with the mud pit we created in the yard.  The party brought amazing people together and we're grateful to everyone that joined us to share in the fun of the traditions and helped us make it a special night.  The fantastic food, favors, errands, offers and extra touches.  Extra thanks for the care for Clare, helping her and us honor this amazing stage of her life.  She has worked hard and is on a wonderful path leading to the College of Wooster- Go Scots!  (If you left a dish- we have it on the dining room table- stop by. I'll move these to the green house and will leave that door open this weekend.)

The party also felt like a true family event. A friend said it was fun to see so many families from our sports world attend and that was nice.  We've spent years together cheering on our girls as families and these senior year milestone events are wonderful.  Peter and Sally had their friends, each gathering in different spots making their way through the party more gaggle like than gang.  Peter's entrance with the Whit's Cooler was one I hope to always remember.  Sally's desire to wear Wooster colors was appreciated.  Our new neighbors becoming more like family every day and all of extra helpers and touches happen because friends are family.

Another factor to win favorite status was my hat!  Not just a beautiful hat, one procured during an incredible girls trip celebrating my 50th birthday to Louisville! https://formemillinery.com Official Milner of the Derby- her hats are amazing, fun to follow her on Facebook! Last year's theme was 50th birthday for both Joe and me- the connection and hat evoked memories of the trip- smiles, giggles and good times southern style! 

Really the beautiful thing about the party is the friendships- all of ours, all ages, all evolving, growing in their ways and sharing such a special time in our lives on Newark-Granville Road.

Joe is a great co-host, Clare a fabulous addition in 2019!

from FB- love these big kids in the rain!

Fun times captured!

cookie decorating moved to under the tent!

who brought these? LOVE THEM!

banners instead of bunting- worked!

Grandma Shirley with Clare- Blue Ace dress inspiration

Special touches- Wooster colored julep and sweet gift of flowers. I have dear friends and one is a talented bartender!

Never enough photos, thanks to those sharing others with us!!

Derby 2019- Midweek Status

 The Wednesday before Derby and here is the behind the scenes scoop!  Easter decor out and Derby in- that was step one.  Every other evening I go on a hunt for what we have in the house that is needed.  This is to have it at the ready when it is time to execute true decoration time.  I've also been procuring new supplies like the Wooster banner and flag- look closely and you will see it!  Clare was so pleased! Roses in the house- although may be a bit early....I keep thinking it is Thursday, not Wednesday.  As I type the Maryland Country Ham is in the oven.  Rolls have been ordered, Friday it gets sliced.

New this year is the graduation component which is adding fun.  If I think too much about it though I added stress. Clare is good at thinking and asking for what she wants.  Will be interesting to see how many pictures make it into the Clare shrine.  Look for this in the kitchen.  Roses party regular- you'll want to look for the cookies outside, or weather impact may move them to the sun porch- we'll see.

I appreciate the folks that ask how they can help- thank you.  It is a process, often it is errand running.  Or sometimes it is helping out when plans go funky- the year we lost the pony rides and I wanted a horse- wagon rides thanks to a friend.   There are traditions in the set-up: breakfast with Joe, the fun of picking up the key.  History lesson- Yuengling use to come from MD- I'd take 3 kids to my parents, leave them there, come home with kegs. Yes, a two keg party.  My parents would return with the kids on the weekend, giving Joe and me a whole week to prepare, do projects and use the excuse to be without kids.

Weather- I wasn't going to look as it doesn't matter.  Those that have been looking have given a variety of reports and report it has changed every day.  I just looked and wish I hadn't. Oh well- it is what it is, we go on rain or shine. I already plan to wear my rainboots.  Let's just hope we don't get snow this year- the flurries one year were a blah....but didn't stop the party!

Everything is better with the help of Emily our amazing bartender friend. She takes a big load off and I'm much less stressed with her partnership/friendship. Plus she really does make incredible juleps and other treats. This year- themed mocktail to honor our grad Clare!

I love this party- the prep, planning, traditions, assistance, partnership and all it represents.  I love hearing who is coming and am excited to see who shows-ups. I still think no one will come, that is because the regrets are top of mind. We are sorry to hear folks can't share this special day. The party is all about the people. The friends, coaches, neighbors, fellow committee members we want to thank. We're grateful to live and share our lives on Newark-Granville road with you and our Run for the Roses party attendees!  Now back to work....