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Good morning- lots weighing on me today as I type.  Yesterday was one of those up days- so many good things going on, even hard things were on the table and progress being made.  But there are never enough hours to get it done the way I want it done or worked out so I continue to learn how to focus on the good and keep moving forward.  This is the way I live my life on Newark-Granville Road.  I won't go into all the nitty gritty details of why it was up- part of it was kids were safe and engaged on a non school day, much had to do with work, some had to do with giving to others…and some was getting to curl up in bed with the i-pad and watch a TV show I missed with the dog keeping my toes warm.  Some was the warm walk in the 30s- despite the icy rain making today's plans unclear but it felt good not to be freezing walking the dog.

Then this morning- a school delay- darn. The  "No school" can be easier to deal with- I had that plan.  The delay just delays and I don't do well with delays…delays at work, home, schedules make me go argh…I get over it and I work with it…letting kids sleep-in today- they need it- Sally has a cold she needs it.  But my "crispiness" shows with delays….but I reflect I think I've progressed- I use to be much less patient with delays- I think about my reaction to traffic in the mid 90s in Detroit- not pretty.

So a bonus of the delay is a little facebook time!!  I'm still amazed by this technology- how much I value the opportunity to say happy birthday to my sorority little sister in Greece so easily- that is how we reconnected.  And now I will say Happy Birthday to my true little sister Sarah- she has joined facebook- woo hoo! She is overwhelmed with it and I get that.  It will be interesting to see how she utilizes it.  I'm fascinated by the technology and algorithms- who sees what when how- why do some things pop and others don't.  I'm grateful for the Granville Rec post today- I need those kind of reminders (See Sunday's post). I'm grateful links to blogs like the one below show-up a few time as when I see it I may not click the first time-often that is the case.  I do the quick look over FB but don't spend much time out there- more frequent peeks than in depth reads.  This blog link was something I needed- the topic although not directly on my mind has points that have been up front and raising their hand in my life on Newark-Granville Road.  I also want others to see this blog- it is a goody.

I know I couldn't of survived without those mommy talks and play group moms.  My friends are the ones that lift me up and connect me in ways that keep me in happy places like yesterday.  Life is indeed figure eights with our moods and our connections, factors of where we are "on the motion of the 8" are infinite but people and relationships are the wind for the sails of that journey.  Things shift and move all the time and being able to sit loosely and enjoy the ride is key.  Im' learning thanks to posts and support, conversations in person and on-line and I'm grateful. I hope you will read this blog- it is a good one and thanks to Facebook for bringing it to me.
http://www.homesanctuary.com/rachelanne/2014/02/dear-lonely-mom-of-older-kids.html

making plans….

I always benefit from hearing how others help navigate the fun of a busy home- stay home or working mom- we've all got things to do and not enough time to get it done.  Organization and planning is key, as well as teamwork and collaboration. I'm always grateful for the friend that says- remember we have X meeting. Remember sign-ups for X sport are this week- it is always sooner than I think it is- kind of like those buyers for the retail stores- they have the spring line complete when I'm just ready to move to boots vs open toed shoes.

I don't mind sharing the little things that help me - you've all heard the big picture food planning that was huge for me when kids were younger- Monday pasta, Tuesday food fetti like tacos- things that made mess, Wed we ate out as previous mentinoed food was cleaned, Thursday casseroles and Friday pizza.  Sunday was something big that would be good for leftovers or took more time to cook, family favorite like salmon cakes-mac n cheese.  Now the planning for meals includes- which day is crock pot meal and what do the kids want.  Chipolte Pork is a favorite, chicken with salsa a close 2nd. Roast Chicken on a salad is 3rd place right now.

So how do I even think about the meal planning- it all comes from "this week at the Leithausers" a document I update on Sundays and the sooner the better.  Lately I've updated early in the morning and I feel all the more ready for church and the day.  The grocery list and meal planning is directed by this document saying who goes where when how showcasing our needs- sitters, rides, eating at home.

It also builds excitement- this week we're all looking forward STEMFEST!! It is here-it is here- it is here! The event that has grown to be the anchor to STEM programming at The Works. The inspiration to inspire amazing people and companies to engage with us and bring other good things year round to our community. STEM skills need attention and growth in the US.  Manufacturing is alive and well in Licking County- I've seen it live and in person - and there are jobs that go with this- good jobs.  There are companies that offer training and careers.  Licking County needs this tax base and economic system in place but it won't thrive without a workforce. The Works is in partnership to prepare that workforce.

STEM fest is FUN!  Make your plans to visit The Works this Saturday and Sunday. Cheer on the teams competing- Middle School is Saturday, High School Sunday.  3 programs- civil engineering with toothpicks and glue bridges, bio-fuels in partnership with Denison's Chemistry Dept and Boeing and their wing design and wind tunnel.  Fun hands-on learning that teach and promote 21st century skills- presentation and communication is a key to success!  I could type and type and type about this…but know as I put "this week at the Leithausers" together that was the first thing that went into the plan. Saturday is Joe's birthday and Thursday we celebrate our 15th Anniversary so you'll here more the good things in my Life on Newark-Granville Road!!

favorite gift on Valentines Day….

So when we go to The Fish Fry….for us it is the St. Edwards in Granville. We love to have a cocktail here, invite friends, walk down…this doesn't always work- snow, rain…but I have fond memories and am thinking positive now and visualizing that light spring weather to accompany this beloved activity.  Anyway- when we go to fish fries often extra "beer" tickets make their way to us.  It started when I went pregnant and Joe received my tickets and then people would be walking out, having not used theirs and give them to us- we love it! We love enjoying this wonderful community event where people linger and catch-up and support this parish.

So today I realized we've grown up, now when people have Scotch they don't want, or receive and won't consume- they give it to us. I received a beautiful bottle today- best Valentines gift received on Newark-Granville Road. Joe recently received a peaty single malt for above reason. this makes me smile.

St Valentines Day on Newark-Granville Road…there are indeed saints in our world…the ones who give scotch and so much more, Rotary Roses- these lead to service above self, the cake pop baker/delivery driver, the volunteer who coordinated Valentines Tea at Kendal for two darling girl scout troops….Life is filled with love of good things on Newark-Granville Road.

and now time for a commercial break…..

We interrupt this blog for a commercial……Moundbuilders Friends!  Please join the Leithausers for Friday Night Fun!!

Not a member of Moundbuilders?  Want to get a taste of the club's good times- you can be our guest!

The next two Friday nights will find Susan and Joe at:

2/14- MCC Live Music- Dancing to the Majestics!  This is a bonus band- GM Joseph Moore and the Social Committee have arranged for members and their guests to wrap up this heart holiday with live music- no charge, no cover….just come enjoy the evening.  Dinner reservations were accepted before/ during the evening.  Leithausers are coming after a 7 pm commitment for some beverage, friends and grown up get away….hope to meet up with a good group!

2/21- Family Game Night!! Buffet Dinner, all sorts of fun board and table activity games for all ages!! Make your reservation now and join us- 6-8 pm!

Now back to your regular blog post…..


Life in Newark-Granville Road is filled with happy ball players! Clare's team has secured their undefeated season and the LCL 7th Grade Championship- woo hoo! Great group of girls- Clare worked hard and did really well!  Peter's team (coached by Joe) won their game tonight too.  The other team played hard - next games Saturday- Sally too!

mesmerized and warm!

Yes I found a way to be warm today!!!  Actually I was quite cozy, toasty in my bed this morning. Our beautiful old house did well earlier in this extreme cold snap but this week was tough on her.  Upstairs kept the cold out and we all slept well.  We had a good morning with homework being finished, hot breakfast and a ride to school for Sally and Peter- it was nice but it was still cold.  The -11 degree dog walk not only fogged my glasses it froze the fog to the glass.

Driving to work and even being in the museum still had me chilled.  I found my way to the glass studio and put myself in front of the furnace- it felt good. As soon as I stepped a few feet away- cold cold cold again.  A productive day warmed the spirit and kept me moving. I admit I didn't sit at my desk much- I wanted to be in motion to ward off the chill.

Around 3 pm I found myself back in the glass studio.  I started to watch the exciting project of remaking the goblet in a bottle project and I couldn't leave. I tried a few times. I tried to join the team building art project- no go- I was totally mesmerized by the glass blowing. I was so impressed with their teamwork. The high school student's comfort to jump in and assist, the experts comfort with the high school student. These artist are professionals- they know the science and the art- they respect the history- it is awesome.  The temperatures they work with are amazing and I smiled as they referred to things as cold- it is all relative.  They protected one another, juggled- it was almost like watching a puzzle be put together by teamwork.

I enjoy the warmth I have in my Life on Newark-Granville Road - the oven, brownies for the pot-luck at work, the glass studio's furnace, the passion we have under this roof- it is serving us well this cold winter night.

valuing other blogs….this one connects to my life on Newark-Granville Road!

http://ecotheo.org/2014/02/homecoming/

I love this blog….of course I do- picture of Newark-Granville Road!  The writer gave a sermon at church a few weeks ago- I LOVED IT!  I laughed, I cried, I watched my children listen and engage.  This piece speaks to me as I miss my  hometown at times, yet feel my roots growing deeper as my children's take foot here on Newark-Granville Road.

Enjoy another perspective…life on Newark-Granville Road enjoys blogging and reading blogs!

progress on the court…..

The basketball goddess is smiling…..Clare's game at 6:30 tonight, Sally's at 8…Sally played a team that had a Dad at Clare's game so she was able to get a ride…I was able to stay and watch the team win and see Clare play and score- woo hoo!  Then Peter I made it the Intermediate School in time to watch Sally's team battle it out for a one point win- woo hoo!

So Sally's team- Sally's in 3rd grade. Last year it was just 2nd graders playing one another back and forth up and down the court- fun, skill building, fun love of game development, exercise, active happy girls- great coaches, lots of encouragement and fun on the side lines waiting turns- cheers, gymnastics, chitter chatter.  This year- the real deal and the 3rd graders had some catching up to do.  We have some great little players but they didn't look at all like a team.  Big shout out to the great Dad coaches who based on tonight's game have really taught the girls plays, developed their skills all while keeping it fun.  Competition is in there to and that is great for all of these girls.  The "Lean In" movement tell us our girls need this- they need to want to be part of the game, be competitive- and our girls looked great on the court tonight. I'm also happy they still have fun, show lots of enthusiasm and passion- all of them.  We played an outstanding Granville Team tonight. They all have shown tremendous progress in this season on Newark-Granville Road and I'm a proud mama.

So Clare's team.  Clare is playing with a team that is quite impressive.  Many of these girls have been together on travel team and are really really impressive- the 3 point shots, the drives, the ball handling, from day 1 I've been impressed with the speed/pace of this game.  I'm so glad Clare made the team and has had this opportunity. She too has grown and progressed, developed her game and is having fun being with this team. She is staying active and that is good for all of us.  The team moves on to the championship game- they are undefeated and have had quite the season. Thanks to the coach, parents, players for making this such a great experience for my "baby girl"!

Thursday will be another basketball focus day….Clare plays in Utica against Watkins, Peter's team, coached by Joe plays in Granville- unfortunate scheduling for Joe.  Life on Newark-Granville Road is truly about progress and fun to see it happening in the classroom, the court, the house and most of all in all of those that live here.