P365 - 2014 - Day 304 - Happy Halloween 2014

P365 - 2014 - Day 304 - Happy Halloween 2014 

Happy Halloween from "Nico Man", "Medusa", and "Micheal Jackson".  

P365 - 2014- Day 303 - 11th hour

P365 - 2014 - Day 303 - 11th hour

It's the 11th hour and as usual I am still working on costumes.  It's not about planning... I planned.  It's not even about procrastinating... It's more about the creativity hitting me and that usually happens when there is no time left.  I have been like this for as long as I can remember so there is no changing me now.  I come up with my best ideas on the fly and at the last minute.  I started the headband for The Princess's costume weeks ago.  It looked good, but it just wasn't "finished".  I went with pipe cleaners to simulate snakes because a head full of snakes was bound to be rather heavy....and after the "Bride of Frankenstein" fiasco of a few years ago, I was more aware of the weight of costume head gear.  Live and learn.  ;-)  But I had two snakes.  And she is going to be Medusa after all... pipe cleaners were cool but she needed snakes!  After two trips to two stores today for last minutes costume needs, the creative mood struck and I figured it out!  I am pretty proud of this masterpiece....Now I am ready for tomorrow.  Three costumes are complete and pretty cool if I do say so myself. Bring it on Halloween!

P365 - 2014 - Day 302 - this October morning

P365 - 2014 - Day 302 - this October morning

October is flying by and with daylight savings time around the corner, I have been waking up to darkness.  But the plus side is that by the time I take the dog out, I am greeted by the sunrise.  On this October morning, I was greeted by an amazing sunrise.  It stopped me in my tracks.... (unfortunately I didn't have my phone to snap a photo...so this photo is borrowed)  It was truly spectacular - the sky was beautiful shades of red, orange, and purple... it took my breath away and left me with a feeling of peace and gratitude.

P365 - 2014- Day 301 - quick and early

P365 - 2014 - Day 301 - quick and early

With one practice and one game, we needed to have a quick and early dinner/snack before heading out the door.  I had made cookies the night before so to balance that yummy snack, I made a veggie and cheese platter for the kids as well.  It was a mad rush to finish homework and get out the door but at least their bellies were full and happy. :-)

P365 - 2014 - Day 300 - All Mondays....

P365 - 2014 - Day 300 -  All Mondays....

I started the day with an awesome barre class at the gym and then had lunch with a friend.  After lunch, we took Jersey and walked up to the beach.  It was a gorgeous beach day... I almost wanted to change into my bikini and jump in the water.  It was completely calm.... it was sunny and warm and even Jersey was just soaking it all in.   Well... and sniffing it all up by the look of his nose.  All Mondays should be like this....

P365 - 2014 - Day 299 - to celebrate

P365 - 2014 - Day 299 - to celebrate

Today was a big soccer day for all three Leonard kids.  The Bear and his team played the State Cup finals.  They lost 4-1 but should be very proud of the accomplishment of making it to the finals.  They came up against a team that was ranked 1st in the state and 5th in the nation....special congrats to The Bear for scoring the one goal in this game.  It was the first goal scored against this team in the entire State Cup!!  The Princess and her teamed played a game today that was a big factor in deciding their first place finish in National 1.  They suffered an unfortunate 4-1 loss - making first place a little trickier but not unattainable.  The Boy and his team played their second to last game of the season and won 1-0 putting them closer to a first place finish in National 2.  To celebrate this big day of soccer and our three soccer superstars, we went to The Chegg for dinner.  One last time before they close next week for the season.  So proud of our soccer superstars!

P365 - 2014 - Day 298 - NJ State Cup Semifinals

P365 - 2014 - Day 298 - NJ State Cup Semifinals

The Bear and his team played the semifinal game of the NJ State Cup today.  They played an amazing game and won 4-1 beating a team that is ranked 29th in the nation and 7th in the state!!  The Bear scored a beautiful goal in a the first few minutes of the game...he hammered it in the corner of the net and there was a tense moment when we all thought it didn't count - it went right through the net!  But it was good and within the first few minutes The Gunners were up 1-0.  The Bear had two more free kicks that resulted in two team mates knocking the ball in the net and we were then up 3-1.  Finally with about a minute left to play another team mate made a fantastic goal and with that The SSC Gunners won the semifinals and are off to the State Cup finals tomorrow!!!  So proud of these boys.  They have worked hard and played with all their hearts today.

P365 - 2014- Day 297 - There they are

P365 - 2014 - Day 297 - There they are

Pictures came home today.  There they are...my two 6th graders and one 4th grader.  Where does the time go???

P365 - 2014 - Day 296 - "Crazy humans say whaaaattttt?"

P365 -  2014 - Day 296 - "Crazy humans say whaaaattttt?"

The Pooch had his yearly check up and while he is healthy and good...he was topping the scales a few pounds too much according to the vet.  We broke the news to The Pooch when we took him home that while he can still eat twice a day (there is no way we are changing that habit now...you know new tricks..old dog yada yada yada) he will be getting less in his bowl during those meals.  This was the indignant look that greeted that conversation.  "Crazy humans say whaaaattttt?"  He is standing in front of the food cabinet and if he could top off his bowl himself, he surely would.

P365 - 2014 - Day 295 - awesome classes

P365 - 2014 - Day 295 - awesome classes

The colder temperatures are approaching and while I am determined this still run outside this winter it is nice to have a schedule of awesome classes to choose from at the gym.

P365 - 2014 - Day 294 - heeee heeee!

P365 - 2014 - Day 294 - heeee heeee!

With the days dwindling down before Halloween gets here, I spent the afternoon working on The Boy's costume.... heeee heeee! We are just a sparkly pair of socks and a perfected moonwalk away from being done. ;-)

P365 - 2014 - Day 293 - Guess who got glasses?

P365 - 2014 - Day 293 - Guess who got glasses?

Guess who got glasses?  Dr. Leonard:-)  and he even sent me a Monday morning selfie from his office.  Looking handsome Dr. Leonard! xo

P365 - 2014 - Day 292 - PURE JOY

P365 - 2014 - Day 292 - PURE JOY

It was a big soccer day for two of the Leonard kids.  (The Princess' team had a day off of games today) The Bear and his team won the quarter finals of the NJ State Cup and will be moving on to the semi finals next Saturday.  It was a great game today - exciting and well played!  But before that, The Boy and his team played a hard fought game that ended in a 1-1 tie.  The game tying goal was made by The Boy.  It was a beautiful shot made right in the corner of the net after a great pass from his team mate.  I am so glad that one of the parents on the team is a photographer and was able to capture this amazing photo of what happened after The Boy's goal.   To say that he was happy with himself may be an understatement based on this picture.... :-)  What I see is PURE JOY - just what I want to see from my kids on the soccer field.

P365 - 2014- Day 291 - resumed our annual tradition

P365 - 2014 - Day 291 - resumed our annual tradition

After a year of not making it, we resumed our annual tradition of going to Hershey Park in the Dark.  (although we missed our friends who usually join us...)The Bear is now taller than a Joller Rancher, The Princess is finally a Jolly Rancher, and The Boy is a very close Twizzler.  It was a log day of driving back and forth but totally worth it to spend time together riding the coasters and having fun.

P365 - 2014 - Day 290 - two lunch periods

P365 - 2014 - Day 290 - two lunch periods

It was National School Lunch Week and My Wonderful Husband and I got to spend two lunch periods with our 4th and 6th graders and their friends.  It's always fun to see the "natives" in their own environment... haha.  I can't believe this is the 7th lunch we've shared with The Bear and The Princess and the 5th with The Boy!  Time is moving so fast....I wish I could just hit pause for awhile and enjoy a few more of these lunch dates.

P365 - 2014 - Day 289 - Thank you for noticing! ;-)

P365 - 2014 - Day 289 - Thank you for noticing! ;-)

It's that time of year again.... time to flex my creative muscles.  Time to bring Halloween visions to life.  Yes, I take this quite seriously.  This year, The Bear "designed" a costume idea that he wanted and after a trip to the craft store, I am almost done making it a reality.  It's still a tightly kept secret....but suffice to say he will be wearing that mask.  The Princess asked for something unique and scary but not gory and not "like everyone else".  Her wish is my command - I have hers almost done...she will be the envy of the Gods. ;-)  The Boy also came up with an idea....and after much discussion we came to an agreement.  He will surely glitter and pop!  I only got started on his tonight and he is still doubting me.  I can not understand how he can doubt the self proclaimed "Queen of Halloween Costumes"  - after all of these years and all of the costumes.  But he is young and I will cut him some slack.  The Bear, on the other hand, came in to the kitchen while I was busy working and said "Wow Mom you are good at this!!"  Thank you for noticing!  ;-)

P365 - 2014 - Day 288 - that's me in the paper!!! :-)

P365 - 2014 - Day 288 - that's me in the paper!!! :-)

I made it into The Sand Paper!!!  That's me at the starting line in the yellow top and sneakers, purple shorts, and white visor.  I finished 4th in the female "islander" division!!  Full disclosure, there may have only been 4 of us in that division...but nonetheless, that's me in the paper!!!  :-)

P365 - 2014 - Day 287 - "The Amazing SharkDuck"

P365 - 2014 - Day 287 - "The Amazing Sharkduck"

The Boy had to create an animal for a science project on animal adaptations.  He created "The Amazing SharkDuck" -  A terrifying animal that lives in the bay.  Scary.  ;-)

P365 - 2014- Day 286 - made me smile

P365 - 2014 - Day 286 - made me smile

After three glowing parent/teacher conferences, I took the kids to the book fair.  When we got back, it was unusually quiet upstairs and this is what I found... The Bear had gotten a Mythology book and he was reading it to The Boy.  I haven't seen this in quite some time and it made me smile.  Then they heard my phone take the picture and they said.... "Moooommm... realllly??"  Are they new around here?

P365 - 2014 - Day 285 - I ran the LBI 18 mile

P365 - 2014 - Day 285 - I ran the LBI 18 mile

Today was awesome.  In 2008 I ran the 18 mile and promised myself that I would do it again.  Year after year that never happened for a variety of reasons.  Then last year when we moved here I was planning to do it but just couldn't finish the training and sadly sat and watched the runners from the window.  I decided then and there that I was doing it this year.  But first some things had to change.  I needed to start feeling better and I needed to get in better shape.  Fast forward a few months later when I finally decided to try the solution that was smacking me in the face for months.  I made a change.  I did a nutritional cleanse and continued on a path of good health and nutrition.  I set my sights on this run and didn't look back.  I have mentioned before that I am competitive and stubborn (to a fault) - mostly competitive with myself.  I told myself I could do this, I would do this, and I did.
This morning when I woke up I was feeling good - nervous but good.  I was getting texts and Facebook messages from family and friends, near and far, and along with the encouragement from My Wonderful Husband and kids, I was feeling confident and loved.  Unfortunately the kids all had soccer tournaments today so they and My Wonderful Husband were out of town for the day.  But friends and family stepped in as my cheerleaders along the route and I was so appreciative of the support.
Today I ran the LBI 18 mile - I finished in 3 hours and 22 minutes and I could not be prouder of myself for making a decision, forming a plan, and sticking to it.

P365 - 2014 - Day 284 - sooooo ready to do this thing!!!

P365 - 2014 - Day 284 - sooooo ready to do this thing!!!

Hopefully the sky got all of the rain and wind out of its system today because.... this is it.... I got my number and tomorrow is the 18 mile run!!!   I can't believe it's here.  I am slightly nervous.  But I am sooooo ready to do this thing!!!

P365 - 2014 - Day 283 - guest player

P365 - 2014 - Day 283 -  guest player

The Princess was asked to be a guest player with a Boca team this weekend for a tournament.  She was pretty excited tonight as she headed out for the first game.  I had the boys for The Bear's practice but I was getting the updates via text from My Wonderful Husband.  I was so happy to get the text that said she scored and they won!

P365 - 2014- Day 282 - jammed in the backyard

P365 - 2014 - Day 282 - jammed in the backyard

Now that The Boy is in 4th grade, he is able to play an instrument and he chose the trumpet.  Most days, along with the alto sax, I am also serenaded by the sounds of the trumpet floating down the stairs.  Today, The Boy's friend came over after school and before soccer practice and the two of them jammed in the backyard with their trumpets.

P365 - 2014 - Day 281 - "the most expensive run I ever took"

P365 - 2014 - Day 281 - "the most expensive run I ever took"

So I can not lie, my knee and my shoulder hurt.  Like a lot.  But as much as they hurt, it was way more painful to bring my three month old phone to be fixed and be forced to pay more for the repair than I paid for the actual phone.  I almost felt like I fell all over again when I paid the bill.  So to wrap up what I now call "the most expensive run I ever took", I bought myself an armband phone holder to avoid future mishaps (and some good running socks)....along with the new screen I am now out about $175 but I am ready for Sunday.  As long as my knee heals before then....who am I kidding... I am stubborn determined.  I am ready.

P365 - 2014 - Day 280 - serenaded

P365 - 2014 - Day 280 - serenaded

The Bear chose a new instrument this year - he is now playing the alto sax.  Most afternoons, I am being serenaded by the sound of this sax drifting down the stairs.

P365 - 2014 - Day 279 - I fell

P365 - 2014 - Day 279 - I fell

With less than a week until the 18 mile run, I had one more 8 mile run to do.  I set out after getting the kids on the bus, phone in hand, Pandora in my ears, ready to knock out this 8 mile run.  At just about the half way mark I had a mishap.  I hopped onto the sidewalk for a bit because the road narrows down there and there were cars and a cyclist.  After that, I am unclear what the heck happened, but I fell.  I don't remember the last time I fell and skinned my knee but I remember it hurting and this time was no different.  Since I had my aforementioned phone in my hand with Pandora in my ears, my hands were compromised which didn't allow me to react with my two hands out in front of me to break my fall.  Instead, I hit my shoulder and my knee and oh yeah, dropped.my.phone.  :-(  I was more upset about the phone at first but then realized that I was somewhat beat up.  A sweet couple stopped and offered me some first aid which I accepted but I declined their offer for a ride home because I am stubborn determined.  I still had a little more than half of my run to complete so I patched up my knee, put my ear buds back in, carefully held my shattered phone, and finished my run.

P365 - 2014 - Day 278 - more Autumn nights like this one

P365 - 2014 - Day 278 - more Autumn nights like this one

Last Sunday we were sweating at socccer games.  Last Saturday we were on the beach.  Today I was wrapped in blankets and wearing my Uggs watching The Princess' game and My Wonderful Husband even wore a jacket to The Boy's game.  What a difference a week makes!  With the chilly soccer Sundays upon us, we decided it called for a night out to dinner at the Chegg and a fire to end the night with some hot chocolate and roasted marshmallows.  I miss my Summer days, I am not crazy about being cold, but I could get used to more Autumn nights like this one. :-)

P365 - 2014 - Day 277 - move on to the Quarterfinals

P365 - 2014 - Day 277 - move on to the Quarterfinals

The Bear and his team won another State Cup game today  (4-2) which qualifies them to move on to the Quarterfinals.  They are the first Stafford team ever to make it this far in the NJ State Cup.  Super proud of these boys for a job well done today up in Bridgewater...especially proud of my boy who scored two goals to start the game! xo

P365 - 2014 - Day 276 - my country beach style

P365 - 2014 - Day 276 - my country beach style

The back splash in our kitchen was completed today and I could not be happier!!!  It turned out beautiful.  It is the perfect way to complete this kitchen ..cream colored crackle subway tiles with  blue sea glass is the perfect match for my country beach style... I love it!!

P365 - 2014 - Day 275 - a perfect date

P365 - 2014 - Day 275 - a perfect date

We are still working on that gift certificate... so after a morning of having our tile back splash done, My Wonderful Husband and I went out for a late lunch.  I love our lunches...a short little break in the day to sit and talk and enjoy a meal.  Catch up on our week...what happened while he was on campus...what happened at home,  Just time to be together.  Add to that some seriously delicious seafood bisque and Maryland crab soups and you have a perfect a date.

P365 - 2014 - Day 274 - "counter nights"

P365 - 2014 - Day 274 -  "counter nights"

Some nights are "counter nights".  That is what I love about this big island.  There are some nights that I just set the island for the kids and serve up dinner diner style.  :-)