P365 - 2014 - Day 365 - Happy New Year with love...xo

P365 - 2014 - Day 365 - Happy New Year with love... xo

Another year is about to draw to a close and here I sit at my computer again trying to sum it all up in one blog post.  But how do I sum up 365 days?  A house renovation that seemed to never end (and really hasn't completely ended yet) sport accomplishments, summer days, great report cards, high honor roll, an 18 mile run, a State Cup final, a Disney trip, a finger saved, surfing, soccer, basketball, more soccer, friends, family, love, laughter, health, happiness.... Some days were good, some days were not, but I am thankful for them all for while the days pass by slowly, the years move swiftly.  In less than 30 minutes we will usher in a new year full of new promise and hope - another 365 days, a blank book waiting to be written, a photo album waiting to be filled in, a life waiting to be lived.  My wish for this new year is that we take advantage of every moment, live every second, drink it all in, and appreciate every single day.  I wish for another year of health, happiness, and time spent with family and friends.  The minutes are ticking away - I need to meet my family on the sofa to close the door on 2014 and open up 2015.  I can't wait to see what this year has in store. Happy New Year with love.....xo

P365 - 2014 - Day 364 - holiday beach badges

P365 - 2014 - Day 364 - holiday beach badges

With 2014 coming to a close, it was time to get the holiday beach badges for the 2015 season.  I love the reminder that summer will, in fact, be here before we know it.... and I love the reminder, in the summer, of our winter on the island.  With that being said, the holidays are coming to an end....now I'm ready for summer!!

P365 - 2014 - Day 363 - pretty stinkin' cute

P365 - 2014 - Day 363 - pretty stinkin' cute

To say that The Boy likes hats is a vast understatement.  He loves hats.  He is growing quite the collection....favorite teams, favorite places, and let's not forget the sorcerer Mickey Hat he just got from Disney.  Sometimes I find two or three in his backpack and another two in his soccer bag....he likes options.  With his long hair hanging out the bottom, he does look pretty stinkin' cute..... ;-)

P365 - 2014 - Day 362 - Happy kid

P365 - 2014 - Day 362 - Happy kid

Steelers jersey - check.  Steelers hat - check.  Terrible Towel - you bet.  Staying up late to watch his team - check.  And they won their division! Happy kid.

P365 - 2014 - Day 361 - gift

P365 - 2014 - Day 361 - gift

This beautiful sign was a Christmas gift from our friends, Stacey and Dale.  I love it and found the perfect spot to hang it!  It was so nice having them here for Christmas this year!

P365 - 2014 - Day 360 - instead of making resolutions

P365 - 2014 - Day 360 - instead of making resolutions

This year instead of making resolutions, I decided to make a list of things I want to learn, new things to try, places to go,etc.....  With the help of Pinterest, I have turned this into a "board".  I plan to follow up on the board with my progress and outcomes and add new things and places as the mood strikes.  I want 2015 to be a year of new adventures, challenges conquered, and exciting experiences. Here's to a new year!

P365 - 2014 - Day 359 - Merry Christmas

P365 - 2014  - Day 359 - Merry Christmas

My Christmas wish is that as the years go by, these three always spend their Christmas together.  I hope that the memories of their childhood Christmases are always full of family, love, laughter, good food, and magic.  Mostly, I wish them a lifetime of magical Christmases full of all of the same.  Merry Christmas from our hearts to yours. xo

P365 - 2014 - Day 358 - quiet, still eve

P365 - 2014 - Day 358 - quiet, still eve

Even though today was a little rough for The Princess... she spiked a 103 fever after a night of throwing up.  She spent most of the day in bed, although she did come around just before bed after a bath and some new pjs.  Her temperature went back down and she is now sound asleep....as are her brothers.  And as I sit here typing this I am reminded how much I love this night.  The cookies and beer are left out for Santa, we have said our goodbyes to the elves, and It's a Wonderful Life is on the television.  I've said before that I love the stillness and the quiet of this night.  The anticipation.  The joy that is simply in the waiting.  The lights.  The time spent together.  The love.  It's a day that my heart is full and heavy at the same time.  It's a day that brings up memories of Christmas Eves past....the loved ones that are no longer here...the time that we had with them and the time we still wish we had.  While my heart is heavy with nostalgia and missing loved ones, my heart is full for the traditions that we have passed on to our children as well as the traditions we have built with them.  As I sit here on this quiet, still eve I am thankful for my Christmases past, hopeful for my Christmases future, and happy with my Christmas present.  xo

P365 - 2014 - Day 357 - final ring

P365 - 2014 - Day 357 - final ring

The final ring on the Christmas chain....only one day left.......

P365 - 2014 - Day 356 - good day

P365 - 2014 - Day 356 - good day

It was a good day from start to finish.  I woke up feeling much better and took My Wonderful Husband to have his cast removed.  His finger may not look pretty but it looks so much better than it did a few weeks ago.  The doctor was happy with his progress so far and he was happy to have freedom for his other fingers - just a splint for now.  We ended the day with a family game night of Disney Cranium.  After an initial butt kicking from our kids, Team Mom and Dad came back for the win in the second round.

P365 - 2014 - Day 355 - Ho Ho Ho

P365 - 2014 - Day 355 - Ho Ho Ho

After seven days in Disney World and coming home to a fever, it was easy to forget that Christmas is actually right around the corner.....  Our special visitor tonight was a good reminder though.  Santa showed up in front of our house on the fire truck bringing candy canes and holiday cheer.  Ho Ho Ho...only a few more days to go!

P365 - 2014 - Day 354 - basketball game

P365 - 2014 - Day 354 - basketball game

We too a late flight home the night before and didn't get home until the early morning hours.  But The Boy was determined to still make it to his basketball game.  I woke up sick and The Bear and The Princess were still sleeping so The Boy and My Wonderful Husband went together.  He may have been tired, but he was sure excited to get this orange jersey and his team won the game!

P365 - 2014 - Day 353 - seventh and last day

P365 - 2014 - Day 353 - seventh and last day

It was our seventh and last day in Disney World and our final do over day was Magic Kingdom.  One last walk down Main Street...we got there in time to see the opening which is one of my favorite things.  We went on lots of rides...even got stuck on Pirates and had to be rescued through the cast member exit.  It's always hard to say goodbye - so instead, like Mickey says....See you real soon!

P365 - 2014 - Day 352 - sixth day

P365 - 2014 - Day 352 - sixth day

Our sixth day was another do over day - this time in Hollywood Studios.  We met characters, took on Tower of Terror again and finally got to see Fantasmic!

P365 - 2014 - Day 351 - fifth day

P365 - 2014 Day - fifth day

On our fifth day, we started the "do over days" with Magic Kingdom being the first do over.  We did some things that we never did before... the Swiss Family Robinson House and the Jungle Cruise (or Jingle Cruise this time of year..)  We left the park by boat and went to the Hoop Dee Doo Review.  It was a warm and beautiful day and oh so much fun!

P365 - 2014 - Day 350 - fourth day

P365 - 2014 - Day 350 - fourth day

On our fourth day, we hit Animal Kingdom.  We started the day on the safari, climbed Everest, went back in time to see Dinosaurs, saw characters, and four out of five of us braved the rapids....  Another day full of Disney Magic. :-)

P365 - 2014 - Day 349 - third day

P365 - 2014 - Day 349 - third day

On our third day we went to Hollywood!  Hollywood Studios, that is:-)  From Rock and Roller Coaster to Tower of Terror and an amazing Christmas light display, this was an amazing day.

P365 - 2014 - Day 348 - second day

P365 - 2014 - Day 348 - second day

On our second day we went to Epcot - one of my favorite parks.  One of the things I love about Disney is the special touches - the magic moments.... as we were walking through the park, we ran into a custodian using his mop to draw this Minnie!  So cool!  We spent this day soaking in all that Epcot has to offer - we drove cars in Test Track, flew over California with Soarin', visited countries, ate in Italy, and saw a great light and fireworks show.  I love Epcot!

P365 - 2014 - Day 347 - first day

P365 - 2014 - Day 347 - first day

It was our first day in Disney World and these feet set out from our room on a sunny, crisp morning.  We started off in Magic Kingdom because we all like to start our trip with a walk down Main Street.  The park looked amazing all decorated for the holidays and we had a lot of fun!  

P365 - 2014- Day 346 - we are off

P365 - 2014 - Day 346 - we are off

And we are off.... Disney World, here we come!

P365 - 2014 - Day 345 - a little nose twitching

P365 - 2014- Day 345 - a little nose twitching

Somehow, with all of our planning, I still left all of the packing until the last minute.  After a a minor bag crisis and a few more loads of laundry 3 of the bags were packed by about 11pm.  The rest will hav eto get done in the morning.  This is one of those time when I wish I was Samantha from Bewitched.  A little nose twitching would go a long way right about now.

P365 - Day 2014 - Day 344 - found some time

P365 - 2014 - Day 344 - found some time

I still need to finish the packing but The Princess and I still found some time, while the boys had practice, to go get our nails done.  The packing will get done... I think....  but either way, we have happy fingers and toes that are ready for some sunny weather.  (fingers crossed on that one too)

P365 - 2014 - Day 343 - sure one handsome trumpet player

P365 - 2014 - Day 343 - sure one handsome trumpet player

Today was the 4th grade concert and My Wonderful Husband and I got to see our "Littlest Leonard" play his trumpet in the band.  I might be biased by that is sure one handsome trumpet player. xo

P365 - 2014 - Day 342 - Appreciation Committee

P365 - 2014 - Day 342 - Appreciation Committee

I, along my co-chair of the Appreciation Committee, completed the holiday gifts for teachers and staff and set up the PTA holiday breakfast for tomorrow.  Another thing erased off the chalkboard today.. :-)  But seriously, I am happy to be able to do my small part to thank the teachers and staff that do so much for my children.  xo

P365 - 2014 - Day 341 - I was ON IT!

P365 - 2014 - Day 241 - I was ON IT!

I think we should plan a Disney trip every year around this time because it really makes me get things done!  Every year, I say I am going to start the Christmas cookies right after Thanksgiving and every year that never happens.  I am usually baking cookies right up until the last moment.  But this year, I was ON IT.  I stocked up on butter during sales and made a plan to start baking right after Thanksgiving and stuck to it.  Add to that the fact that my head elf was out of commission and unable to help in any way....  I am slightly impressed with myself.  I made two batches of butter cookies (thanks once again to my neighbor's cookie press since my mom's and my replacement one are both broken).  I managed to get through those two batches with no muffled curses being mumbled under the sound of Christmas music.  That alone is a Christmas miracle because every year without fail, the butter cookies either bake too fast or break or some other catastrophe.  Then I made two batches of thumbprints, one batch of mocha butter balls, and two batches of M&M cookies leaving just the batches of chocolate chip to do tomorrow.  I have made gifts for teachers and neighbors, a special tin for my cookie press provider, let the kids and My Wonderful Husband have a few tastes, and now the tins stay closed until Christmas.  :-)  We'll open them on Christmas Eve, leave some for Santa, enjoy them with friends on Christmas Day and share them as gifts.  It's less about the cookies for me and more about the process and the memories that go with the process.  I cranked the Christmas tunes as I mixed and baked, reminisced about Christmases past marveled at how long I have been making these recipes and missed two important people that taught me all know.  But I am pretty sure they were here in this kitchen with me and that is why the butter cookies came out perfect and required no cursing, every other cookie looks delicious, and I managed to finish all of this with days to spare until Disney and even longer until Christmas.  :-)

P365 - 2014 - Day 340 - "Operation Teacher Gifts"

P365 - 2014 - Day 340 - "Operation Teacher Gifts"

Today was "Operation Teacher Gifts".  With the threat of rain in the forecast and the fact that My Wonderful Husband shouldn't get his cast wet, we decided against going to the Ship Bottom Christmas Parade.  That gave me the whole day to work on the teacher gifts.  This year I decided to make everyone mini pumpkin breads.  The kids' classroom/homeroom teachers got a little extra with a chalkboard mug, a stocking and some extra cookies..... The tin is for the office and is filled with a pumpkin bread and cookies.  The rest of the breads are for the other teachers and staff that are a part of my children's day at school.  I like to be able to remember everyone but the idea of buying a gift or gift card for every.single.person... is just too much.  I believe that it's the thought that counts, homemade is always best, the way to everyone's heart is through their stomachs, and pretty wrapping makes the gift!  That being said, I think these gifts came out great...well worth the day spent doing this.  Because now I can erase this from my command center chalkboard. ;-)

P365 - 2014 - Day 339 - cookie tasters

P365 - 2014 - Day 339 - cookie tasters

I baked my third variety of cookie tonight and my cookie tasters had some hot chocolate to go with their "taste subjects".  Christmas music was playing, Christmas movie on the TV, and I am working my way through my "to do list"..... 'Tis the season... :-)

P365 - 2014 - Day 338 - One the bright side

P365 - 2014 - Day 338 - On the bright side

I took My Wonderful Husband for his follow up with the hand specialist today.  They removed the dressing that was on since surgery, removed the stitches, and took an x-ray of his finger.  Everything looked good....as good as it could look two weeks after almost cutting off his finger and having emergency surgery.   Because we are going to be in Disney and because he has two pins and a wire holding his bone together at the moment.... the doctor opted for putting him in a cast for now.  (He chose this orange color ;-))  Once she removes the cast, she will splint the finger until the bone fuses and the finger heals.  Once again, I am thankful that there are 5 fingers under this cast even if one of them is pretty battered right now.  On the bright side, we probably won't lose him in Disney. ;-)

P365 - 2014 - Day 337 - feeling yucky today

P365 - 2014 - Day 337 - feeling yucky today

With our Disney trip looming and about 567 things to do, I sighed deeply when The Princess woke up this morning and said she felt sick.  After a trip to the doctor and the pharmacy, I got her back home to rest, start her antibiotic, and hopefully heal quickly so she is ready for a magical time in Disney.  My poor baby was really feeling yucky today...here's hoping she gets some rest tonight and feels better in the morning.

P365 - 2014 - Day 336 - silver lining

P365 - 2014 - Day 336 - silver lining

Due to his injury, My Wonderful Husband is unable to drive so that means no going to campus for at least the end of this semester.  Luckily, with the power of technology he is able to still hold classes and today he was even able to video conference with his students about their senior papers.  I am certainly not happy that he almost cut his finger, needed emergency surgery, and can't drive.  But the silver lining - because you need to find them - is that is working from home until the end of the semester.  While I was busy making the last batch of butter cookies, I was able to listen in as he conferenced with his students and "see him action" so to speak.  This isn't a side of my husband that I get to see often.  I see him working at home, but I rarely, if ever, see him with his students.  I know how cool this guy is and all of the things that he does at home.  He is a great husband, and awesome father, an amazing coach, a cool surf instructor.  In my eyes and the eyes of our kids, he can pretty much do anything!  So it was pretty cool to get to get to see the professor side of him today as well... I was like a fly on the wall.... and I can say he is a pretty fantastic professor too.  No wonder his students love him! xo

P365 - 2014- Day 335 - These cookies

P365 - 2014 - Day 335 - These cookies

Now Christmas can really begin.... I have begun making the cookies.  After dinner tonight I started the first batch of cookies.  And all is right with the world.  These cookies - more than any others - these butter cookies are my childhood.  The process of making them, the smell of them, everything about them remind me of Christmases spent watching and eventually helping my mom make these cookies.  It makes me both miss her and feel like she's right here at the same time.  Thanks for teaching me how to make these Mom!  Wish you were here to enjoy them. xo

P365 - 2014- Day 334 - We're going to Disney World!

P365 - 2014- Day 334 - We're going to Disney World!

Tonight was the BIG REVEAL.  My Wonderful Husband and I planned this trip in July and have kept it a secret since then.  We wanted to give the kids a little time to get ready and be a part of the packing so tonight was the night.  I wrapped up our magical bands.... in four layers of boxes.... and stuffed the present under the tree earlier today and waited.  The Bear was the first one to notice the box but still we made them wait.  Then the conversation at dinner turned to the box.  What was in it?  Can they open it?  And the guessing and silliness began.  After some guesses and lots of excitement we let them open the present....slowly...to prolong the suspense.  :-)  Their reaction was priceless when they saw the bands.  Disney? We're going to Disney?!  Yes, we are.  We're going to Disney World! :-))

P365 - 2014 - Day 333 - date night xo

P365 - 2014 - Day 333 - date night xo

With three kids sleeping over  at friends' houses, My Wonderful Husband and I got a much deserved (and rare) night out just the two of us.  After dropping everyone off, we went to see The Monkingjay and then went to the Old Causeway for dinner.  Love this guy and so happy to have had a date night.  xo

P365 - 2014 - Day 332 - my scrapbook tree

P365 - 2014 - Day 332 - my scrapbook tree

We never put up our tree this early but for one thing I have been in the spirit and for another it's easier to put up an artificial tree earlier with no fear of it drying out before Christmas.  That right there is what you call a "silver lining". :-)  I have been busy "pinning" Christmas ideas on Pinterest for the past month at least and while I couldn't make all of the decoration changes that I wanted to make (because I am a creature of habit that has a hard time changing things that have memories and meaning... and because changing everything all at once would send a red flag to our credit card company ;-))  I did, however, manage to make a few small changes that gave the tree and the house a bit of a different look.  My neighbor gave me this great burlap tree skirt that she made and I exchanged my usual ribbons for a garland of burlap.  I kept the angel (The Boy is also a creature of habit and has known no other tree topper so requested that she stay) but I still would love a starfish tree topper.....  Some new ornaments this year include a beautiful blue "glass float" ornament that I found and three chalkboard ornaments that the kids were able to write messages on.  We spent a couple of hours going through the ornaments, remembering who made them or where we got them....that is my favorite part of Christmas.  I think I said it before... but a friend of mine described her tree as a "scrapbook" and I love that analogy.  While a beautiful tree of similar themed ornaments looks lovely in pictures (and I am certain that I pinned a few), I wouldn't trade my scrapbook tree for all of the beautiful ornaments in the world.  My tree tells a story....of two people who fell in love and started a family... of the places we have been, the families we came from. Our tree is full of our children's hand prints and faces - they are literally growing on our tree with every passing year.  Our tree is full of memories and I cherish each and every one.  xo

P365 - 2014 - Day 331 - Happy Thanksgiving

P365 - 2014 - Day 331 - Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving 

2014 

xoxo

P365 - 2014 - Day 330 - lights

P365 - 2014 - Day 330 - lights

I love Christmas lights.  I think everything looks better with sparkly lights.  So I was super happy when I drove home from my hair appointment to see the lights on on the island.  I love that I live somewhere that has anchors lit up for Christmas! :-)

P365 - 2014 - Day 329 - sweet treats

P365 - 2014 - Day 329 - sweet treats

Some sweet treats were delivered today from near and far to cheer up the patient. :-)  First our neighbor brought My Wonderful Husband some yummy oatmeal cookies and then we got a delivery sent from my sister in law and brother in law - a "Get Whale Soon" cookie bouquet.  Whether friends and family have sent food or good wishes, we feel pretty lucky to have so many people that care.  xo

P365 - 2014 - Day 328 - my first year on "lights duty"

P365 - 2014 - Day 328 - my first year on "lights duty"

Decorating is my sanity....it makes me happy and I can get lost in it.  I can shift things in the house and create a new look...  Sometimes I picture something and have to just start moving things around.  My Wonderful Husband has gotten use to my decorating over the years and has learned to not question me much.  Normally he is my manual labor.  He hangs, I direct.  He does the heavy lift, I supervise.  I am the "idea man", he gets roped into carrying out my plans. ;-)  Since he was injured "on the job", he has been spared my weekend of decorating.  I enlisted the kids' help to bring stuff up and down from under the house.  My weekend of Christmas decorating turned into a Monday of continued decorating.....because it makes me happy and keeps me sane and after the events of the other day I was in need of sanity and Christmas cheer:-)  Now normally the lights are My Wonderful Husband's job, but since he is down the use of one hand and I was in full on decorating mode, I went outside and got to work.  Not to shabby for my first year on "lights duty".

P365 - 2014 - Day 327 - Fall soccer season is over

P365 - 2014 - Day 327 - Fall soccer season is over

The day has finally come... the Fall soccer season is over.  The Princess and her team had a two day tournament this weekend to wrap things up.  They finished third in their flight - MOSA National 2.  The Bear and his team played their last EDP league game, winning 4-2 and clinched first place in their division.  The Boy was actually done last Sunday after his two day tournament.  They finished the season in first place for their flight - MOSA National 2.   With these very cold temperatures the past few weeks, it has been quite chilly sitting on the sidelines so my toes are pretty happy that the season has come to an end....even though I love to watch my kids play.  :-)  An additional bonus is that my porch won't be littered with dirty cleats for awhile....until Spring soccer.  Bring on indoor soccer! :-)

P365 - 2014 - Day 326 - beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

P365 - 2014 - Day 326 - beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.... even though it isn't Thanksgiving yet.  I never decorate this early but given the week we had, I thought some Christmas cheer was in order.  So after The Princess' soccer tournament this morning I came back and got to work cleaning and decorating.  I really do love Christmas and decorating just makes me happy.

P365 - 2014 - Day 325 - He's home!

P365 - 2014 - Day 325 - He's home!

He's home!  It was a rough 24 hours...a day I would care to not ever relive but it is over and My Wonderful Husband is home.  The surgeon did an amazing job but he does have quite a bit of damage.  He has some healing to do but he came to the right place for that.  There is lots of love therapy coming his way while we have home for the next two months.  He's ours until the start of the spring semester.  It's onine courses from now on and then winter break to get him back in shape. xo

P365 - 2014 - Day 324 - the world turned upside down

P365 - 2014 - Day 324 - the world turned upside down

Day one of being home for break started off normal.... My Wonderful Husband got work done, I went to the gym before heading out to deliver fundraiser wreathes.  While I was gone, he got started on completing the trim in the house.  When I got back, things were looking good - the trim was just about done.  So I grabbed myself a yogurt before getting ready to get the kids off the bus.  That's about the moment when the world turned upside down.  My Wonderful Husband yelled once and then shouted - "I need to go to the hospital right now - please get me a bag full of ice."  In a blur of nerves and adrenaline I grabbed a bag of ice, grabbed my keys, and we jumped in the car and rushed to the emergency room.  He was using a circular saw and it slipped.  Just like that.  It slipped and the world turned upside down.  I got him to the emergency room where they ushered him right past triage and into a bed where they quickly examined and assessed the situation and told us that he would be rushed into surgery immediately.  I believe in the power of angels - I have first hand experienced the difference that angels have made.  This time was no different.  There was an angel certainly holding back the blade of that saw from doing the ultimate damage that I thought had happened at first.  There were angels carrying my car to the emergency room as I sped and swerved through traffic and got there in record time without being pulled over and, if I recall, without hitting one red light on Rt 72.  And there was an angel or two or three or more.... when they told us that the hand specialist was actually on call and would be able to do surgery immediately.  Believe what you want... but I choose to believe that there were angels with us.  They can't stop the bad things from happening.... but they can do their best to make it go smoother.  I am certain they had their work cut our for them in that operating room.  The good thing is that there are angels right here in the flesh as well.  Friends that took our kids, got their homework done, fed them, and kept them safe until I could get back home, family and friends that checked in, sat with me, called, sent texts, and kept me sane through the hours of waiting.  There were the nurses and doctors at the hospital... they were quick and efficient and mostly, kind.  There was the surgeon who I am so thankful was on call - she did an amazing job and was able to save My Wonderful Husband's finger.  Thank you angels.

P365 - 2014 - Day 323 - a much needed Wednesday night dinner together

P365 - 2014 - Day 323 - a much needed Wednesday night dinner together

Some weeks feel longer than others....usually the days that My Wonderful Husband is away for work tend to fly because we are all busy.  But this week, even though we all had more than enough to keep us busy, the three days seemed like three times that amount.  So when he came home from work and The Boy came home from basketball practice, we all sat down to a much needed Wednesday night dinner together.  Ahh...welcome to Thanksgiving break! xo

P365 - 2014 - Day 322 - Washington DC

P365 - 2014 - Day 322 - Washington DC

I love when My Wonderful Husband sends me pictures of the day.  It was a cold and blustery day Tuesday when he took his students into Washington DC.  They toured the International Spy Museum (that is an actually thing...not a punch line to a joke) and then the Capitol.  He didn't get in the picture - instead he took a photo of his students in front of the Capitol.

P365 - 2014 - Day 321 - my two "officers"

P365 - 2014 - Day 321 - my two "officers"

Today was the installation ceremony for the LBI School Student Council.  I am [so glad that the kids' school gives them the opportunity to learn about student government and I am super proud of my two "officers" - The Bear is The President and The Princess is the Secretary.  I am so proud of them for running for office and taking advantage of all of the opportunities their school offers them.  I see big, great things in their futures!! xoxo

P365 - 2014 - Day 320 - friends and soccer

P365 - 2014 - Day 320 - friends and soccer

It was another cold day of soccer.  This time The Princess had her last game of the MOSA season and The Boy had his second day at the MAPS Fall tournament.  (it didn't feel very fall-like with frigid temperatures and even some sleet!)  My Wonderful Husband and I went in two directions - me with The Boy and him with The Princess but when we came together I noticed that the thought behind our photos were similar.... The Princess and her bestie hugging after a tough loss and The Boy and his two best buds who all play up front together and have become quite a force.  :-)  It may have been cold but friends and soccer warm my heart. :-)

P365 - 2014 - Day 319 - chock full

P365 - 2014 - Day 319 - chock full

Fall soccer seems to be lasting a long time this year..... This weekend is chock full of games and important ones at that!  Yesterday The Princess' team won which means their next game tomorrow decides their first place standing in MOSA National One.  Today we went in two different directions - The Bear and I went to his game two hours away - his team won putting them one step closer to a first place finish in EDP - MAPS Elite North.  My Wonderful Husband took The Boy and his friend and teammate to their MAPS Fall Challenge Tournament at McGuire Air Force Base.  This is The Boy's teams' first MAPS tournament and even though they lost their two games today they played great and really fought!  Tomorrow My Wonderful Husband and I will swap and go in two directions again - I will take The Boy to the second day of his tournament while My Wonderful Husband takes The Princess to her last game of the season!

P365 - 2014 - Day 318 - fun night

P365 - 2014 - Day 318 - fun night

A fun night for a good cause!!  I "gambled a little" with friends and tried to win at the auction while My Wonderful worked as a volunteer bartender for the night.   I won a bottle of wine and a gift card to Surf Taco.  It was a great time supporting the Long Beach Island Schools and PTA!  Unfortunately we missed The Princess' soccer game - but we were getting updates the whole time and cheered her team's win when we heard!

P365 - 2014- Day 317 - nearing the end

P365 - 2014  - Day 317 - nearing the end

We are nearing the end of Fall soccer.... the nights are dark and cold for practices.  Shorts and t-shirts have been traded for training pants, jackets, and hats.   Instead of beautiful sunsets and rainbows, there were snowflakes.... I love my soccer players and enjoy watching them play.  But with temperatures dipping down into the 30's, I am looking forward to these last few games and tournaments so we can get inside for the winter. :-)

P365 - 2014 - Day 316 - "lunch in"

P365 - 2014 - Day 316 - "lunch in"

With My Wonderful Husband working from home this week, we decided to have a "lunch in" instead of a lunch out.   I was so excited to have sushi since it has been awhile that I ordered more than I could eat. So for two days in a row I was able to "lunch in" on delicious sushi and I enjoyed every.single.bite.  Yum