P365 - 2013 - Day 272 - Soccer Mom

P365 - 2013 - Day 272 - Soccer Mom

This weekend tested my "soccer mom" resolve....we had 4 games - one Friday night, one Saturday morning, and two today.  Travel soccer has us running all over the place, but I wouldn't trade a minute of this for anything in the world.  I am a soccer mom (I even have the necklace to prove it ;-)) and I LOVE to watch my kids play.  I love that they love it and play for the joy of the game. 

*May you always see the world through the eyes of a child. - C.J. Heck*

P365 - 2013 - Day 271 - Roof top fist pump

P365 - 2013 - Day 271 - Roof top fist pump

When we came home from The Boy's soccer game, there was quite a bit of progress made on the house.  So of course I grabbed my camera.  I think these guys are getting used to me as the paparazzi...I even got a roof top fist pump. ;-)  These guys are working super hard and doing a great job getting our addition all framed in just a few days.  I just keep smiling!!!

*I've got nothing to do today but smile. - Paul Simon*

P365 - 2013 - Day 270 - progress

P365 - 2013 - Day 270 - progress

Day 2 of the framing is going very well. Lots of banging and early morning noise... thankfully we have kind and understanding neighbors:-).   This morning, before heading out for a run, I was taking pictures of the progress.  Our neighbor kindly offered to take our picture in front of the house and I am so glad that he did!  I can't wait to see a completed house behind us in the next picture. 

*Progress is rarely silent.  Now go make some noise today! - Stephen Luke Fitness*

P365 - 2013 - Day 269 - It must be fall

P365 - 2013 - Day 269 - It must be fall

It must be fall, because I am back to being a brunette.  :-) 

*Brunette is the new blonde. - Unknown*

P365 - 2013 - Day 268 - and awaaaaayyyyy we go!!!

 

P365 - 2013 - Day 268 - and awaaaaayyyyy we go!!!

After the kids got home and just before the end of the "work day"  our contractor showed up along with the framer.  He parked his trailer in our driveway so they would be ready to start first thing the next morning.  This is it - and awaaaaayyyyy we go!!!  Right now, this is the best view ever

*A place where you can see a good view is also a place to dream! - Mehmet Murat ildan*

P365 - 2013 - Day 267 - Tuesday through his eyes

P365 - 2013 - Day 267 - Tuesday through his eyes

It may not be an ocean view, but the view that My Wonderful Husband had while grading at work was pretty as well.  I was so happy that he took a picture so we could see Tuesday through his eyes.  xo 

*As time passed, the stars looked over the earth for another place to meet. They finally agreed upon a lovely valley through which a winding river ran... The stars were so joyous they placed the brightest jewels from their crowns in the river where they still lie and sparkle. And ever since that day, the river and its valley have been called....Shenandoah, Daughter of the Stars"- Native American Legend*

P365 - 2013 - Day 266 - no matter the time

P365 - 2013 - Day 266 - no matter the time

I was always a 5 o'clock dinner person...then our kids got older and busier.  With three nights of soccer practices, dinners are not until about 8 o'clock these days.  But regardless of time, I think it is important to all sit down together for dinner.  It's more than time for a good meal, it's time to stop and talk about the day.  So even though it is a race against time lately, especially on the nights that it is just me and the kids, it is still important to me that we have a dinnertime - no matter the time. 

*There's camaraderie and the family bonding that goes into sitting down and talking about you day over dinner in the evening. - Nadine Burke*

P365 - 2013 - Day 265 - Happy Fall!

P365 - 2013 - Day 265 - Happy Fall!

It was a day of soccer with The Bear and The Boy - The Bear and his Strykers had another win and The Boy and his Loose Cannons had a tie.  Once we were home, the kids and a couple of friends went up to the beach to play.  I can not think of a better way to spend a Sunday afternoon, tie up a great weekend, and welcome a new season.... Happy Fall!!

*Autumn, the year's last, loveliest smile. - William Cullen*

P365 - 2013 - Day 264 - extra

P365 - 2013 - Day 264 - extra

The Pooch gave some extra goodnight snuggles to his girl....she had another great winning soccer game with her team of Superstars - so I guess The Pooch thought she deserved some extra smooches.  Or he wanted to sleep in that comfy bed.... one or the other.  ;-)

*Dogs do speak, but only to those who know how to listen. - Orhan Pamuk*

P365 - 2013 - Day 263 - long time....

P365  - 2013 - Day 263 - long time....

We went to lunch today and then took a walk up to the beach with The Pooch.  Just a quick walk to check the waves before My Wonderful Husband went to pick up my brother for a doctor's appointment and the kids got home from school.  We sat on the bench together for just a few minutes...and I couldn't help but hope that we are lucky enough to still walk up to the beach, sit on the bench, and watch the waves together for a very, very, very long time....

*Come, let's be a comfortable couple and tale care of each other!  How glad we shall be, that we have somebody we are fond of always, to talk to and sit with. - Charles Dickens*

P365 - 2013 - Day 262 - Inspiration

P365 - 2013 - Day 262 - Inspiration

As another phase of the addition was being done today, I became more hopeful that this project would someday be completed.  With that new hope came my itch to decorate.  I can not wait for this addition and new kitchen to be completed.... I have a vision for the finished product - and this is part of my inspiration.  

*I'm building sand castles in my dreams. - Unknown*

P365 - 2013 - Day 261 - Happy Hump Day

P365 -2013 - Day 261 - Happy Hump Day

Wednesdays are quickly becoming a crowd favorite day.  My Wonderful Husband is happy to be back home and the kids and I are happy to have him back home.  They wasted no time this Wednesday after dinner convincing him to play outside with them.  He didn't even change from his work clothes...:-)  Happy Hump Day!

*Guess what day it is? Hump day.  Whatttt, what!!! - camel from the Geico commercial*

P365 - 2013 - Day 260 - afternoons

P365 - 2013 - Day 260 - afternoons

This is what the afternoons look like right now.  The kids come home, have a snack, and work on homework before heading off to soccer practice.  It's a tight schedule that keeps us all busy but it's working...the kids are happy and in turn so am I. 

*Whoever is happy will make others happy too. - Anne Frank*

P365 - 2013 - Day 259 - September Flashback 2004

P365 - 2013 - Day 259 - September Flashback 2004

The September Flashback picture is from 2004.   The Bear and The Princess were just under 20 months old and we had just recently found out that we were expecting a third.  I can not believe that this was 9 years ago!  We had just moved to PA a few months before this picture was taken.  It seems when we change things we go all in...go big or go home...  Start a family?  sure - make it two at once.  ;-)  Get a  new job?  Sure- move, not once but twice all within one year with twin babies.  Get a new house?  Sure, now add another child to the mix!  haha!  That's just how we roll... so here we are 9 years later and these two sweet little babies are 10, their younger brother 8, and we decide to change it up again...sell and move back to NJ?  sure, now live through construction.  We like to keep things interesting. 

*Time does not pass, it continues. - Marty Rubin*

P365 - 2013 - Day 258 - last customers of the season

P365 - 2013 - Day 258 - last customers of the season

Today was a whole day of soccer - The Bear and The Boy's teams both brought home a second win of the season.  After many hours traveling around for both games, we came home to see The Skipper Dipper closing up shop for the season.  The kids and My Wonderful Husband all ran over just in the knick of time and they were the last customers of the season.  The sign went up as they were leaving with their ice cream.  See you next year Skipper!!! 

*I scream, You scream, we all scream for ice cream! - Unknown*

P365 - 2013 - Day 257 - Mr. Boyle

P365 - 2013 - Day 257 - Mr. Boyle

After The Princess' soccer game (another win for her team), I went to see my brother in his current acting role in The Circle Players Theater's production of Prelude to a Kiss.  He did a great job in his role as Mr. Boyle. 
I remember when I was little (there are 5 years between us) I would sometimes "watch" as he studied for a test.  I can still remember the "production" he would put on to remember whatever facts he needed to remember for that test.   Years later, I would try to make "stories" when I studied just like I saw him do then.  I remember his first play in high school - I guess that was when he caught the acting bug.  It was pretty cool to see him sing and dance in Anything Goes.   I saw a play or two when he was in college.... not to mention his "performances" in body building competitions...but it has been years since I have made it to one of his plays.  I was really happy to make it to this play and get a chance to watch my brother demonstrate how far his acting bug has come since those days of studying.  Great job Big Brother - super proud of you:-) xo

*Everything is acting. - Marilyn Manson*

P365 - 2013 - Day 256 - to die for

P365 - 2013 - Day 256 - to die for

Apparently the surf today was pretty good - I don't know if the word "epic" was tossed around, but it was good enough that My Wonderful Husband set out with his board right after getting the kids on the bus.  He met his friends and they surfed for hours.  I went for a run and we met up for lunch.  We have been wanting to try the Bluewater Café for awhile and today we finally got over there.  The crab nachos were to die for but the company was the best part. xo

*After a full belly, all is poetry. - Frank McCourt*

P365 - 2013 - Day 255 - lived up to his name

P365 - 2013 - Day 255 - lived  up to his name

Today when the pilings started going in, The Pooch was terrified so I decided to take him up to the beach with me while My Wonderful Husband surfed.  He was in heaven - the sand, the water, the random pieces of driftwood...He was so happy to run and play and finally just collapsed on the sand next to my chair while I soaked up some rays and watched My Wonderful Husband ride the waves.  The Pooch lived up to his name today - he is a beach dog..... He is Jersey Shore.

 

*Live like someone left the gate open. - Unknown*

P365 - 2013 - Day 254 - Some days

P365 - 2013 - Day 254 - Some days

Some days are just good from start to finish.  After getting the kids on the bus, I went for an 11 mile run (I am still cautiously optimistic about the 18 mile run on Oct).  After getting back, a truck pulled up and for the rest of the afternoon the men worked to install the "batter boards" to prepare for the pilings to go in tomorrow.  As if the day wasn't going well enough, when the kids came home from school, we grabbed a snack, put on bathing suits and walked up to the beach with friends.  To top it all off, as we started the walk back home from the beach, I saw My Wonderful Husband had gotten home from work!!!  Some days are just good. 

*Today is yours to shape, create a masterpiece. - Steve Maraboli*

P365 - 2013 - Day 253 - my second day

P365 - 2013- Day 253 - my second day

On my second day with the kids in school all day, I decided to once again use my time wisely.  A friend came with me to Lowes and Home Depot to start the task of shopping for appliances.  She was a great help and we rewarded ourselves with some seriously yummy sushi for lunch.  What a great day!!  Thanks to my friend for the help, the company, and the lunch conversation. 

*Friendship multiplies the good in life and divides the evil. - Baltasar Gracian*

P365 - 2013 - Day 252 - beautiful

P365 - 2013 - Day 252 - beautiful

Today was the kids' first full day of school and My Wonderful Husband left for work around 5 am.  So when the kids got on the bus, I was left with an empty, quiet house and the luxury of time.  I got to work cleaning (thrilled that my cleaning would not be undone immediately) and when I finished I hopped on my bike and rode down to the southern end of the island to Holgate. I had not gone all the way down there since the storm and I have been wanting to bike down all summer.   It was a beautiful day and despite the damage that the storm left behind, progress is being made and the view is as beautiful as ever.   I don't get down to that end of the island often ( as a matter of fact, the last time I was there was the last time I ran the 18 mile run).  Hopefully I will be back at the starting line in Holgate this October.... 

*Exhale into the sea. - Unknown*

P365 - 2013 - Day 251 - Pre-soccer surf

P365 - 2013 - Day 251 - Pre-soccer surf

On several occasions since we have moved, My Wonderful Husband and I have felt confident that we made the right decision.  It felt right to come back to NJ.  It felt right to be near the ocean.  With the start of school this week, we felt once again validated in our decision to move our children from a school district we had no confidence in to this school district where we already feel more comfortable.  With the start of the soccer season this weekend, we were once again thankful for our decision to leave central PA where we felt land locked all fall and longed for the ocean.   The Bear and The Boy each had their first soccer games this afternoon, but when the waves beckoned, the kids and their Daddy all grabbed their boards for a pre-soccer surf session.  After some salt air, sun, sand, and surf with friends we went our separate ways (for the first time) to get the boys to their games.  Technology kept us in touch for each of their wins. 

*Life, like surfing, is all about wave selection and balance.  Never let the best waves in life go by. - Unknown*

P365 - 2013 - Day250 - Superstar!

P365 - 2013 - Day 250 - Superstar!

The Princess played her first game with the Stafford Superstars today.  She played a beautiful game and the team did a great job together.  They won the game 6-1 with this superstar scoring 4 goals!!  What a great start to this season!

*Somewhere behind the athlete you've become and the hours of practice and the coaches who have pushed you is a little girl who fell in love with the game and never looked back...play for her. - Mia Hamm*

P365 - 2013 - Day 249 - How to end a week

P365 - 2013 - Day 249 - How to end a week

Today marked the end of the kids' first week of school on the island.  They had a fantastic first week.  They were thrilled with their new school, met new friends, and loved their new teachers.  They came home happy and excited each day and for that I am happy and grateful.  To celebrate a wonderful first week, My Wonderful Husband took the kids and their friends out surfing this afternoon.  Surfing after school...that is how to end a week. 

* *

P365 - 2013 - Day 248 - Demo

P365 - 2013 - Day 248 - Demo

My Wonderful Husband and I got a call from our contractor while we were out for brunch today.  "We are starting the demo on the deck today."  he said.  I was over the moon excited!!!  If they demo the deck, I have confidence that at some point the actual construction will be starting.  (At least I hope so, because we can no longer use our front door....)  In a matter of a few hours, the deck was gone, the door was boarded, and my level of excitement went through the roof!  Here we go....let's hope this goes smoothly:-)  "Operation renovation" is underway!!

*Where there is will there is a way.  Where there is a way there is progress.  And where there is progress there is change.  - Amit Abraham*

P365 - 2013 - Day 247 - The First Day

 

P365 - 2013 - Day 247 - The First Day

 

It was a beautiful September morning for the first day of school.  The kids were so excited to start their new school.  When the bus dropped them off in the afternoon, they were all smiles and full of tales of their day.  Happy first day of school and here's to a great year!!

 

 

 *Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all. - Aristotle*

P365 - 2013 - Day 246 - The Last Day

P365 - 2013 - Day 246 - The Last Day

Today was the last day of summer vacation.  Tomorrow, I send two fifth graders and a third grader to a new school on this island we now call home.  But today was still summer and what better way to celebrate that then a surf session with friends!  These surfers had a blast together in the water and caught some awesome waves!  This was the perfect end to a wonderful summer.  A summer  full of big changes, new friends, old friends, sun, sand, surfing, skimming, soccer, fun, and happiness.  As we bid goodbye to this summer, we look forward with excitement to a great year!!

*Life is a lot like surfing.  When you get caught in that impact zone, you need to get right back up because you never know what's over the next wave. - Bethany Hamilton*

P365 - 2013 - Day 245 - Cheers!

P365 - 2013 - Day 245 - Cheers!

Summer is coming to a close so as a celebration we headed over to Skipper Dipper with the neighbors to "toast" the end of a great summer and the beginning of a great school year.  Cheers! 

*Every end is a new beginning. - Unknown*

P365 - 2013 - Day 244 - Tournament

P365 - 2013 - Day 244- Tournament

Today was the boys' first soccer tournament.  Their teams played in the Lacey Twp. Labor Day Tournament.  The Bear's team won first place in their division - winning all three games.  The Bear had two beautiful goals and four assists.  The Boy's team tied for first, won two of the three games, and placed second in his division.  The Boy had a great assist.  So proud of both of my boys!!

*Soccer is a magical game. - David Beckham*

P365 - 2013 - Day 243 - taco dinner

P365 - 2013 - Day 243 - taco dinner

After an afternoon relaxing on the beach, we came home and had a taco dinner (the margarita was for me;-)).  It was an early night of sleep to get ready for the boys' first soccer tournament. 

 

*Never underestimate how much assistance, how much satisfaction, how much comfort, how much soul and transcendence there might be in a well-made taco.... - Tom Robbins*

P365 - 2013 - Day 242 - sacred Friday

P365 - 2013 - Day 242 - sacred Friday

After another week of the work schedule under our belts and soccer practices Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday nights, Friday nights are now the new sacred day.  On this sacred Friday, we spent a late afternoon at the beach with the kids.  The air may have been chilly, sweatshirts may have been necessary, but the time together was heartwarming.  This picture just says it all to me. 

*Make each day of the week like Friday and your life will take on new enthusiasm. - Bryon Pulsifer*