lets hear it for the parents.......real life Saturday morning....

Real life snap shot......Saturday morning sleep in...woo hoo! So rare and special- nothing scheduled this Saturday morning. And if there was I and I missed it- don't tell me!  I'm LOVING my morning.  I didn't get out of bed until I heard the coffee grinder.  I'm like a cat and the can opener.  I just looked out the front window- perfect timing- here rides Peter (helmet on!!) from town- he wanted coffee shop and we said no.  He whined and we still said no. He said can I ride my bike?  I said- not to River Road but to town...and he said OK.    He walked in the door- "HELLO EVERYONE, THAT WAS A GOOD BREAKFAST"...I saw the Millers, and Sam and the Kurtz.....

I'm also smelling yummy waffles Joe made for Sally.  Clare is sniffly with a cold so I will run out to get her some OJ and isn't happy about walking Griffey.  Sally - not sure what Saly is up to- I had an early morning hug- she is our earliest riser.  Laundry is on the to-do list as is basic catch up with Blogs, email.....and maybe a quick run with the dog for me.

Oh- so my topic- lets hear it for the Parents.....quick review of highlight of yesterday- my last Elementary School Halloween Party!   These parties happen because of the parents and awesome teachers that create a classroom atmosphere and coach the parents.  I've come a long way....

I remember the awkward Valentines Party I signed up to help with when Clare was in Pre School.  It was a disaster.  I spent way too much time prepping a play list for the CD (Ok I still love to run to that play list.)  There was miscommunication all around with the teacher. I took time off of work and ended up sitting in the hall most of the morning....and I don't remember much else.   And I just asked Clare- she remembers nothing about it.  I remember leaving saying to myself...I plan successful events all around the country, yet I can't execute a party for 4 year olds.

Fast forward to yesterday.  I've learned some things.  And I've learned these things from my fellow parents and friends. 1. Don't take responsibility for the whole party unless you really want to and know what you're doing with this age group and have a good relationship with the teacher.  2. Find an activity that you really like to offer- offer it and if they say yes- do it.  For me it is the "potions/experiments"beverages.  I saw a mom present this as a witch with potions- she was dressed up and had all sorts of bottles with powders-she was excellent!  The next year I borrowed it and had fun.  The next year I transformed it to "Mad Scientist" since I worked at The Works.  What fun!  I was so pleased yesterday when setting up a classmate of Sally's said- are you doing that again? with a happy expectation tone!  And Sally being pleased and grateful I was part of the fun.   Of course anyone that saw me at Walmart at 1:10 was shaking their head..I was getting those powders and Sally's panda tummy....but that is me and my life on Newark-Granville Road!  3.  Be OK when it doesn't work....it doesn't work for everyone.  Some class chemistry isn't the party thing...I've heard this from other friends and experienced it myself.  I lucked out this year.  I don't get to be in the classroom much and I value the chance to walk the halls and see the interactions happening.  I love this Granville Elementary tradition of the parade and greeting friends and seeing all the kids- kids I see at the pool, on the bus, on the playing field, at church...in their costumes.  I'm so impressed with the control Sally's teacher has in the classroom and the respect she has from the students. She playfully teaches and bonds with them in impressive ways.  I'm thankful to the parent that brought the good toilet paper for the mummy game.  The kids had a blast wrapping one another up...but the highlight was the team effort and smiles as they made Ms Browning into a Mummy.  Lots of parents chipped into make it fun- crafts, games, snacks galore- happy energy yesterday in that classroom.  And the take-home favor really made me smile...good ole PCA!  PCA helps soooo much at The Works - the corrugated puzzle/cut-out activities help make STEMfest and other events extra special.  Sally lucked out and took home a coffin....see the picture- very cool!  Lets hear it for that Dad linking work and school!

My life on Newark-Granville Road is rich and I'm grateful for the time this morning to reflect, share and soak in the joy.

pot luck yummies!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.