A few pot-lucks in my life this week. Just down the road we had a fun pot-luck at church. It really was a special evening. Super nice group of people, happy kids in costumes, some adults in biblical inspirations- the old penguin costume with Harold (my stuffed penguin from my 21st birthday) took a ride. Joe made a delicious Asian Slaw salad and I took chocolate mint penguins to round out the theme. I don't think there was much chocolate on the arc.
Tomorrow we pot-luck at work! I have very fond memories of work pot-lucks from my URPA/Colwell House days...that group could cook! I picked up some yummy recipes from those days...Lyn's grape jelly/bbq sauce meatballs come to mind. Janice is keeping us festive- she brought in the Frankin-berry, Boo-Berry cereals to use for inspiration. I accepted and tonight put together these treats: shttp://hubpages.com/hub/Boo-Berry-Marshmallow-Treats They're a little too sweet for me but they're festive.
I'm also taking a salad with roasted pumpkin seeds to balance and offer a healthy contribution. Speaking of healthy and festive- at church someone did the clementine pumpkins- peeled with a tic-tac as the stem- tooo cute! I'll remember those for sure!
Pot lucks are something I do love as it is about sharing, and breaking bread together, and being around the table as family. I'm lucky to have great places this happens in my life on Newark-Granville Road.
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
High 5!
Here is a cyber high 5 to my sister Sarah- 5 years have past since your diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer and your amazing fight! Sarah met with her Dr this week and is doing great- she is thriving, not just surviving! Woo Hoo! High Five about posting this happy joyous update on the blog we started five years ago to keep the positive energy and communication going- THANK YOU for the prayers, positive vibes and all the cyber high 5s out there as you read this! http://updateforsarah.blogspot.com
Peter gave Clare a darling sincere High Five hand slap when learning the news that his big sister made the 7th grade Middle School Basketball tame- woo hoo!
Clare's expression as she walked out the of the school....she tried to act like she was sad...head down...she couldn't do it- she was beaming. Love that smile...not an everyday occurrence with Clare...real and glowing.
So Life today I say- oh yeah, woo hoo, high five.....life on Newark-Granville Road is in a good place.
Peter gave Clare a darling sincere High Five hand slap when learning the news that his big sister made the 7th grade Middle School Basketball tame- woo hoo!
Clare's expression as she walked out the of the school....she tried to act like she was sad...head down...she couldn't do it- she was beaming. Love that smile...not an everyday occurrence with Clare...real and glowing.
So Life today I say- oh yeah, woo hoo, high five.....life on Newark-Granville Road is in a good place.
Monday, October 28, 2013
celebrate good times....
Tonight the celebration is good grades...woo hooooo! Clare is very pleased with herself and the results of studying, keeping organized and testing well. She asked to go to Josie's and I said yes. Bonus was Peter remembering that Josie's gives 4 oz free yogurt for 3.0 and above....and guess what- Peter qualified too- woo-hoo! Sally is progressing- the new rating for elementary school- no more 1-2-3-4s...I think that is what it was...it wasn't A-B-C...now we get P for making progress, N for needs improvement, M for mastering and E for exceeding. Sally even rated an E in one skill/concept....Economics! My sister in law asked if Joe has been reading the Economist to her? Reality is the teacher did an awesome job in using real life lessons- making and selling popcorn and products- and Sally embraced it. I'm fine with this as it does align with what the kids hear on Newark-Granville Road- make progress. We're also big on- try your best, work hard. Clare also is trying out for the Middle School Basketball team. She had a good day- feeling good about what she was able to do on the court- doesn't get much better than that. It feels a little like Xmas eve- anticipation. They're all winners right now- trying out, going for it. Life on Newark-Granville Road loves to celebrate.
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Hello Blog..It's Me Susan.....
I've not given this blog much attention this week....the reality is I've had a very rich week and there is almost too much to blog about, and then the reality of not taking the time to reflect- too busy being in the moments and resting from and for the moments!!
Highlights since we were last together:
-The Ohio State School for the Blind Marching Band. WOW! Thursday night was a big rival game- Granville vs Newark-Catholic at Granville. I don't feel the need to attend the school football games, but my kids like to go. I signed up to work the Levy tent to give the kids the opportunity. The bonus for me was to experience this half time show with these beautiful students on the field and our band students cheering them on....bonus was talking last night with musicians that have worked with this group- amazing for sooo many reasons- too many to explore right now.
-FAMILY MATTERS- the art exhibit at The Works: Ohio Center for History, Art and Technology in downtown Newark. This is an incredible show for so many reasons- art, history and science all showcased and the collective effort. PLEASE come see me or someone at The Works and learn more behind the scenes about this show. It started with two artist friends and family photos....if you value family, art, vintage, creativity, the 50s, cool art science you will appreciate this show! The opening was particularly special for me as we embraced it under Janice's leadership and dressed the part and entertained with 50s inspiration that aligned beautifully with the evening. Being part of the family celebration for the opening was an honor. This morning a friend noted the memories of her own family that were inspired by the show....me too!
-Celebrating 50th birthday of dear friend: Kelly Baldwin turned 50 and it is a busy month...the only time I truly had to share her day was the morning and it is appropriate as much of friendship has been spent in the morning running/walking at The Campus or on Newark-Granville Road. I miss having and attending Saturday morning coffees...going back to my Omaha days and coffee chat. So the fun run/walk-coffee open house was the event to celebrate this special friend and her special birthday. Other friends embraced too and helped me execute...hence the balloon arch in our front yard! Life on Newark-Granville is bright and cheery and celebratory- filled with joy! What a lovely morning we had for many reasons. I wish I had more time to dig into the details but the kids embracing preparation Friday night and the signs they worked on touched me. Peter's run with us touched me.
-Earlier in the week many STEM work events- too many to list here but a full worthwhile week producing great pride in the work of The Works under Marcia Downes and Rick Platt's leadership.
-Pearly Vine- Heidi Halliday Ackley- this Denison friend is so talented and fun to be with- loved supporting her. Wednesday evening was a treat.
-Gatsby Affair- Rotary Auction. Service Above Self is Rotary's motto. I've so valued this new outlet for service and admire the local and international accomplishments and impact (NO MORE POLIO). I've heard about the Newark Rotary Auction for years and this was part of the committee to help. However my time commitments made it difficult. Lucky for me I paired up with a veteran of the event and I partnered with her on an idea to provide make up for the Gatsby era. We learned a number of lessons and only had a small impact but it worked beautifully. The time with these women was very special for me and I'm grateful. Being out with Joe in his white dinner jacket, supporting and helping in our small way made for another highlight of my week.
Last Sunday I wasn't quite sure how all the important to-dos were going to happen. Thanks to friends, prayer, Joe and passion I'm able to reflect now on the joy it brought. All of these things and so many more were joyous moments for me. Today's sermon and theme for our week with everyday faith- joy and rejoicing! I love the point that joy is beyond happiness- it is hope, optimism- it is living out God's will. And now we go into this week...ready for the other joy that awaits on Newark-Granville Road.
Highlights since we were last together:
-The Ohio State School for the Blind Marching Band. WOW! Thursday night was a big rival game- Granville vs Newark-Catholic at Granville. I don't feel the need to attend the school football games, but my kids like to go. I signed up to work the Levy tent to give the kids the opportunity. The bonus for me was to experience this half time show with these beautiful students on the field and our band students cheering them on....bonus was talking last night with musicians that have worked with this group- amazing for sooo many reasons- too many to explore right now.
-FAMILY MATTERS- the art exhibit at The Works: Ohio Center for History, Art and Technology in downtown Newark. This is an incredible show for so many reasons- art, history and science all showcased and the collective effort. PLEASE come see me or someone at The Works and learn more behind the scenes about this show. It started with two artist friends and family photos....if you value family, art, vintage, creativity, the 50s, cool art science you will appreciate this show! The opening was particularly special for me as we embraced it under Janice's leadership and dressed the part and entertained with 50s inspiration that aligned beautifully with the evening. Being part of the family celebration for the opening was an honor. This morning a friend noted the memories of her own family that were inspired by the show....me too!
-Celebrating 50th birthday of dear friend: Kelly Baldwin turned 50 and it is a busy month...the only time I truly had to share her day was the morning and it is appropriate as much of friendship has been spent in the morning running/walking at The Campus or on Newark-Granville Road. I miss having and attending Saturday morning coffees...going back to my Omaha days and coffee chat. So the fun run/walk-coffee open house was the event to celebrate this special friend and her special birthday. Other friends embraced too and helped me execute...hence the balloon arch in our front yard! Life on Newark-Granville is bright and cheery and celebratory- filled with joy! What a lovely morning we had for many reasons. I wish I had more time to dig into the details but the kids embracing preparation Friday night and the signs they worked on touched me. Peter's run with us touched me.
-Earlier in the week many STEM work events- too many to list here but a full worthwhile week producing great pride in the work of The Works under Marcia Downes and Rick Platt's leadership.
-Pearly Vine- Heidi Halliday Ackley- this Denison friend is so talented and fun to be with- loved supporting her. Wednesday evening was a treat.
-Gatsby Affair- Rotary Auction. Service Above Self is Rotary's motto. I've so valued this new outlet for service and admire the local and international accomplishments and impact (NO MORE POLIO). I've heard about the Newark Rotary Auction for years and this was part of the committee to help. However my time commitments made it difficult. Lucky for me I paired up with a veteran of the event and I partnered with her on an idea to provide make up for the Gatsby era. We learned a number of lessons and only had a small impact but it worked beautifully. The time with these women was very special for me and I'm grateful. Being out with Joe in his white dinner jacket, supporting and helping in our small way made for another highlight of my week.
Last Sunday I wasn't quite sure how all the important to-dos were going to happen. Thanks to friends, prayer, Joe and passion I'm able to reflect now on the joy it brought. All of these things and so many more were joyous moments for me. Today's sermon and theme for our week with everyday faith- joy and rejoicing! I love the point that joy is beyond happiness- it is hope, optimism- it is living out God's will. And now we go into this week...ready for the other joy that awaits on Newark-Granville Road.
Friday, October 25, 2013
education, global world, friends......
http://naplesgirlblog.com/2013/10/24/interesting-facts/
Not much time to blog this week- one of those weeks and I love them but it all can't get done and the blog is an easy thing to pass on when I'm tired. Luckily I find other awesome blogs to share on weeks like this and I encourage you to take a look. We're very much in a global community and need to be. My work and passion is about preparing my kids and our communities children for this faster, broader world....and my friends...because we can't be successful without our friends. That is it for today- I hope you'll read blog of interesting facts that connect to my life on Newark-Granville Road!
Not much time to blog this week- one of those weeks and I love them but it all can't get done and the blog is an easy thing to pass on when I'm tired. Luckily I find other awesome blogs to share on weeks like this and I encourage you to take a look. We're very much in a global community and need to be. My work and passion is about preparing my kids and our communities children for this faster, broader world....and my friends...because we can't be successful without our friends. That is it for today- I hope you'll read blog of interesting facts that connect to my life on Newark-Granville Road!
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
with the return of the crock pot!
Dinner tonight was a whole chicken put into the "slow cooker" as I was rushing out the door- a cup of water, some seasoning....poultry, salt and pepper....I admit it wasn't my best meal. It was all starch- corn, rice and peas were served with it....but at least we sat around the table and had meat and potatoes...well rice- kids like rice better than potatoes. Last week it was pork in the crock pot and the week before that- Joe found the Italian Beef recipe and got us restarted with the crock pot. We even did a test with the old one- figured out it wasn't getting hot enough. Joe bought a new one for his dinner. Yay Joe!
I really do best with routine. At work I try to give myself the same "to do list" in general terms. Answer email, work on a project, walk to the floor, check in with co-workers, telephone calls, project, repeat.....A saving grace for dinners was at one point- Monday- meat, Tuesday-Tacos or food-fetti or pasta (things that could easily make a mess), Wed was go out- cleaning person on Wednesdays (hence messy food night prior), Thursday casserole, Friday pizza or ?....This really worked and I need to get back to it.
What I am back to is using the crock pot early in the week. I love my Sundays when I update "life at the Leithasuers this week" and then meal plan accordingly, make the list, go to the store. Meat on Mondays provides left overs and base for other meals- like the fajitas with the pork.
Yes exciting life on Newark-Granville Road huh....pot roasts in the slow cooker! A good friend bought me a crock pot cookbook for Christmas...I need to dig it out- have the kids help me identify and prepare some meals! The reality is we sit down around the dining room table with these meals and that is what really makes me happy on Newark-Granville Road.
I really do best with routine. At work I try to give myself the same "to do list" in general terms. Answer email, work on a project, walk to the floor, check in with co-workers, telephone calls, project, repeat.....A saving grace for dinners was at one point- Monday- meat, Tuesday-Tacos or food-fetti or pasta (things that could easily make a mess), Wed was go out- cleaning person on Wednesdays (hence messy food night prior), Thursday casserole, Friday pizza or ?....This really worked and I need to get back to it.
What I am back to is using the crock pot early in the week. I love my Sundays when I update "life at the Leithasuers this week" and then meal plan accordingly, make the list, go to the store. Meat on Mondays provides left overs and base for other meals- like the fajitas with the pork.
Yes exciting life on Newark-Granville Road huh....pot roasts in the slow cooker! A good friend bought me a crock pot cookbook for Christmas...I need to dig it out- have the kids help me identify and prepare some meals! The reality is we sit down around the dining room table with these meals and that is what really makes me happy on Newark-Granville Road.
Monday, October 21, 2013
what does the...crab..?...say....
Tonight was fun- we started our quest for the Halloween costumes/outfits. I asked the kids on the way - what do you all remember being for Halloween? Clare rattled off the most and fond memories came rushing back to me! We talked a bit about this earlier and Peter said..I guess I was a crab once. Yes that was my favorite- Clare was the fisher girl with the cutest yellow rain coat and round floppy hat ever- I found it on line and they've all worn that coat for years and years...Peter was in all red and a crab hat in the wood wagon- the crab trap! Peter remembers being Cookie Monster- we got (or Nana got Clare Cookie) when Peter was Elmo. He was a rock star- kids came at him from all over, jumped up and down, pointed, ooohed and ahhed, pulled at their mother's skirts - so much fun. That was the year it was 90 degrees and the poor kid asked for water instead of Candy or "trick or treat" we kept him going....I laugh out loud remembering that fun evening. It worked well for Sally and Peter was my favorite when he donned Cookie to match her. Clare recalled Nerd, Iphone..I remember her first costume as a ladybug- I was so proud of the fact I bought it at the IGA - crossed it off my list and it was sentimental- she arrived in October with the lady bugs. Sally hmm I'm going to need to go back to my photos...she replied in the car "witch"...and she is right she's been a witch many times. We usually just find something fun for her in the costume pile downstairs...I did buy her a new hat and some accessories for the witch one year. The year we did a fun Charlotte's web with friends was pretty awesome. We talked Peter into doing something fun that year..need to dig out the pictures.
My usual m.o. is to be practical, get things for the costume we can use again or find at the house. I LOVE partner and groups. My own Halloween memories on Forrest drive are good- Sarah was a ghost once and we led her around...it was the year my parent had friends visiting and we went out on our own. Mom had mouse costumes made so yes one year we were the three blind mice. Later a friend and I were country and city mouse....I got to be city with a cigarette and champagne glass and pearls....hmmm I think I've blogged about this before..oh well....fond memories....We had great success with practical things for Peter's costume and have some ideas for Sally...she is "sleeping" on one...a girl can change her mind for a costume in the next 10 days. Clare probably won't dress up this year..need to keep it festive for her.
Life on Newark-Granville road- never dull and always filed with stories and things to share- thanks for reading! Blog title tonight- we're singing "what does the fox say" all the time...I begged Peter to be a fox...he was so good as it in the Kindergarten Gingerbread man play....but no- when we finalize their costume's we'll change the words to be "what does the ?" say.....always guessing on Newark-Granville Road!
My usual m.o. is to be practical, get things for the costume we can use again or find at the house. I LOVE partner and groups. My own Halloween memories on Forrest drive are good- Sarah was a ghost once and we led her around...it was the year my parent had friends visiting and we went out on our own. Mom had mouse costumes made so yes one year we were the three blind mice. Later a friend and I were country and city mouse....I got to be city with a cigarette and champagne glass and pearls....hmmm I think I've blogged about this before..oh well....fond memories....We had great success with practical things for Peter's costume and have some ideas for Sally...she is "sleeping" on one...a girl can change her mind for a costume in the next 10 days. Clare probably won't dress up this year..need to keep it festive for her.
Life on Newark-Granville road- never dull and always filed with stories and things to share- thanks for reading! Blog title tonight- we're singing "what does the fox say" all the time...I begged Peter to be a fox...he was so good as it in the Kindergarten Gingerbread man play....but no- when we finalize their costume's we'll change the words to be "what does the ?" say.....always guessing on Newark-Granville Road!
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