P365 - 2015 - Day 120 - "I'm Batman"

P365 - 2015 - Day 120 - "I'm Batman"

We took The Boy for a second opinion on his pinky.  It was a much better experience than the traumatic one The Boy and I had on Monday.   It was decided that he get a custom splint and we will go back in two weeks for another set of xrays.  He will likely have this on for several weeks after that... but hey, it's purple so he's ok with that. :-) Add to that the fact that My Wonderful Husband said it looks like something Batman would wear....  so now The Boy says "I'm Batman!"

P365 - 2015 - Day 119 - a date with delicious

P365 - 2015 - Day 119 - a date with delicious

I don't know about other houses, but in this house after school snack is beginning to look like a seven course meal.  The kids come home famished!  I swear I give them good breakfasts and pack good lunches.  But these are growing kids and they.are.hungry.  So after school snack is no longer a simple affair.  They scavenge through the kitchen like hungry lions and I have to be sure they don't eat the ingredients for the night's dinner!  Cereal, fruit, toast, protein bars, hard boiled eggs, and any form of left over are fair game.  And the ship has sailed on me telling them not to spoil their dinner.... these active kids are hungry for dinner too.  Maybe they have a tapeworm?  I'm not sure.  But I do know that every time I look at them they seem to have grown taller so that may have something to do with this new phenomenon.  So today on the menu for The Boy was leftover taco meat with cheese and salsa, in a bowl.  He called it "cereal tacos" and took one look at it and said "I have a date with delicious!".  True story.

P365 - 2015 - Day 118 - problem solving

P365 - 2015 - Day 118 - problem solving

It was one of those days again - continued from the day before....  I spent the better part of the day on the phone with our insurance company and more doctors than I care to count.  Then add to that some house stuff that got thrown at us at the last minute...more money... and I was one stressed out mama.  I started the marathon session of phone calls right after the kids got on the bus and I had my shake.  As I told My Wonderful Husband via text.. "I'm problem solving.  All over the place."  But when I looked at the clock and realized that it was now afternoon and I had not even changed out of my pajamas yet, my stress level hit an all time high.  Where did my day go?  I have so much still to do!  And I never ran!  The only logical solution was to get changed and go for a run.  Running is my exercise but it is also my therapy.  It was late so I didn't get much of a run, but any run is a good run.  I came back with a clear head ready for more problem solving.

P365 - 2015 - Day 117 - some days

P365 - 2015 - Day 117 - some days

Some days stink.  I took The Boy to the orthopedic and we were blindsided by his recommendation of a possible surgery for a little pinky fracture.  The Boy ended up in a new splint... a much bigger splint.  I hate watching my kids hurt in any way.  It makes me physically hurt as well.  It took a lot of deep breaths to get through this day.

P365 - 2015 - Day 116 - these three

P365 - 2015 - Day 116 - these three

Love these three soccer players.  xoxoxo

P365 - 2015 - Day 115 - the night before

P365 - 2015 - Day 115 - the night before

This is the scene at ten o'clock the night before a day of soccer.... Two coolers are being packed and we are getting ready to start a marathon day of soccer.  My Wonderful Husband has a game at 9 am, The Princess has a game at 1:30, The Boy has a game at 4:30, and The Bear has a game at 6:30.  Oh and they are all at different away locations.  So we need to make sure we have lots of healthy food to keep us going.

P365 - 2015 - Day 114 - fractured

P365 - 2015 - Day 114 - fractured

We are not having good luck with fingers in this family .....  I got the dreaded call from the school nurse today.  The Boy had fallen at recess and his finger was hurt..."you need to come and get him".  I sensed the urgency in her voice and knew it wasn't good.  The Boy was so upset... he had seen what his dad went through and was panicked that he "really hurt his finger".  We assured him he would be fine and off we went to the doctor then on to x-rays.  It turns out that he fractured his pinky when he landed on it.  He handled the diagnosis well... it is swollen and still hurts a bit but he is splinted, had some motrin, and now he's relaxing with some SpongeBob.  I even got a little smile from him so things are looking up.  :-)

P365 - 2015 - Day 113 - ready to rock their band concert

P365 - 2015 - Day 113 - ready to rock their band concert

The days are numbered..... not really numbered - I have no count down chain this year.  Not at this school.  I will be sad when this year ends.  Don't get me wrong, I am so happy that my kids had the chance to experience what I expected all along from their elementary school.  Just the simple things that were missing at the old school.  A principal that attends events, thanks parents, and talks to kids.   Teachers who attend events as well and are always excited and engaging with the students.  A welcoming environment.  I feel like we were robbed of the basic parts of an elementary school the years that we spent in our old school.  But I am so glad that my kids got to experience what I expected all along - I knew I wasn't asking for too much.   But all of that being said... the days are numbered now for The Bear and The Princess.  They are in 6th grade and quickly (far too quickly) they are approaching the end of the school year, graduation, and time to move on.  Now, I know that they will have a great experience in middle school -  I have heard nothing but good things.  But I am sad that they will be leaving this school that took us in when I had lost hope and gave them an awesome experience - great teachers, student council, projects, band, art club... you name it.  With sixth grade graduation looming, I am getting sentimental.  So pardon me if my posts get emotional over the next few weeks.  But tonight as we watched The Bear, The Princess, and The Boy in their band concert, I realized something.  This is the last band concert they will be in together in elementary school.  This is the first of many lasts.... because this is the last time the three of them will be in the same school until The Boy starts high school!!!  That is crazy to me.  There were two years that The Boy wasn't in school with his brother and sister before he started kindergarten, but it seems like forever now that they have been a package deal.  The Leonard kids.  All three.  In one place.  So here they are... captured in a photograph - my two sixth graders and my fourth grader - ready to rock their band concert.

P365 - 2015 - Day 112 - Earth Day

P365 - 2015 - Day 112 - Earth Day

In honor of Earth Day the kids came home from school with "trees".... ok they look more like sticks at this point but everything has to start somewhere right?  Given the fact that we still need to do some landscaping, it looks like we have the start right here...

P365 - 2015 - Day 111 - grading and Islanders

P365 - 2015 - Day 111 - grading and Islanders

I got this photo from My Wonderful Husband the other day.  He was in his office grading  when he remembered that there was a big screen TV down the hall.... After moving a comfy chair from another room, he had quite the set up to continue his grading AND watch his Islanders play.

P365 - 2015 - Day 110 - subbing

P365 - 2015 - Day 110 - subbing

This was my classroom for the day... I was in the kids' school subbing for the TIPP teacher.  I haven't been in for awhile and it was nice to get back to "school world"....  I had the added bonus of having The Bear and The Princess in two of my classes today.  They managed with "Mom" as a sub and I got a glimpse into their school world which was fun. :-)

P365 - 2015 - Day 109 - this one

P365  - 2015 - Day 109 - this one

Before my three soccer players, there was just this one.....  My Wonderful Husband.  It has been many years since he was out on the soccer field.  Plagued with knee issues, he threw in the towel when the kids were babies thinking that his time in cleats was over except to coach his kids someday.  But this summer, he took my advice and started using the super food nutrition that I was using and he started seeing a difference in his energy, weight, and muscle.  He started feeling better which lead to exercising more which led to more strength in the knee that had prevented him from playing the game he loves.  So this Spring he got back out there and besides the fact that he looks great in his uniform ;-) he had so much fun playing soccer again.  That makes me truly happy.  It is amazing how the simple decision to take better care of your health can change your life in big and small ways for the better.  So for the first time in a long time, but certainly not for the last time, the kids and I went to his game and cheered him on before we all went in separate directions for The Princess and The Boy's games.  Soccer weekends now include all four of my loves. xo

P365 - 2015 - Day 108 - "hey we are in your neck of the woods.."

P365 - 2015 - Day 208 - "hey we are in your neck of the woods.."

Today The Bear had a game in North Jersey... a two hour drive...  My Wonderful Husband's "quick conference trip" became a bit... less quick... with him getting stuck in Dallas overnight.  So that meant that the kids and I were on our own for the two hour drive today.  With my three and an a teammate along with us, we were a full car and ready for a road trip.... there was lots of loud music, silliness, and laughing on the way there and back.  But the really cool thing about the day... besides an amazing goal by The Bear and a win for his team... was the fact that we were nearby to friends and family and had several visitors during the game.  My cousin and her family came to root on The Bear and his team.  While I didn't get a photo of all of them, I did get a photo of her sweet wee one with The Princess and The Boy hanging on the sideline.  A friend of mine stopped by with her daughter too and My sister in law and niece also came by to show their support.  As it turned out, while My Wonderful Husband was stuck in Dallas, my sister in law had actually flown in from Texas for the weekend.  The one thing I hated about living away was never being close by to anyone to say "hey we are in your neck of the woods.." .  We never had family at any events.ever.  So to be back in NJ and have family and friends that show up when we are nearby is a nice feeling and one I am thankful for.  Add to that the fact that it was about 85 degrees and sunny and today was fairly perfect.  Even with four hours of driving....

P365 - 2015 - Day 107 - Liberty Science Center

P365 - 2015 - Day 107 - Liberty Science Center

One of the things that I love about our kids the most is their willingness to try anything, give everything their best shot, and never miss an opportunity.  You miss every chance you don't take... so try for everything and see what happens!!!  They all three really embody that sentiment and make us proud every day for their willingness to put themselves "out there"...they win some and lose some but do both with grace.  Today I was able to join The Bear at The Liberty Science Center where he presented his first place project for Project Converge.  I am so proud of the hard work that he put into this project and the maturity and grace that he displayed while fielding questions from students and scientists about his project.  I am so proud of him for trying his best always and taking every opportunity that is offered to him.  xo

P365 - 2015 - Day 106 - dreaming big

P365 - 2015 - Day 105 - dreaming big

While My Wonderful Husband's office was in the clouds yesterday... mine was in my comfy bed tonight.  I love that I can do my job in my jammies and under my cover if  want to.  I was on a conference call with some pretty amazing business partners, learning, collaborating, taking notes, and dreaming big.

P365 - 2015 - Day 105 - "office"...in the clouds

P365 - 2015 - Day 105 - "office"...in the clouds

My Wonderful Husband's "office" was in the clouds today..... he left for a conference in California and used his time in flight to catch up on work.  His desk was a bit cramped, but the view was pretty cool....

P365 - 2015 - Day 104 - a pretty perfect Tuesday

P365 - 2015 - Day 104 - a pretty perfect Tuesday

Normally My Wonderful Husband isn't home on Tuesdays, but this Tuesday he came back early from work because he was leaving for a conference this Wednesday and flying out from home.  Normally, there are practices on Tuesdays, but this Tuesday it rained all day and practices were cancelled.  Those two things called for a special dinner.  I made a new tomato soup recipe and some grille cheese sandwiches to go with.  A rainy Tuesday with everyone home and a yummy soup is a pretty perfect Tuesday.

P365 - 2015 - Day 103 - Mondayness

P365 - 2015 - Day 103 - Mondayness

Mondays start early with My Wonderful Husband leaving in the early morning hours....this Monday was no different and usually by the time the kids go to bed, I am pretty worn out myself from a full day of Mondayness.  The same can be said for The Pooch.  When I finally found some time to sit and unwind for a few minutes, he plopped down next to me and his face begged the same question I was thinking... Is it bedtime?  Yes, I think it is.

P365 - 2015 - Day 102 - soccer day

P365 - 2015 - Day 102 - soccer day

The Princess and The Boy had their first games of the season. Sadly, I didn't get "action" shots of them both or a photo of them in uniform (ahem... for reasons out of my control ;-))  so The Princess "staged" this soccer day pic as they were getting ready for bed.  "Grab your soccer ball" she told her brother and this is the shot she sent me.  :-)  Here's to the rest of the season!!!

P365 - 2015 - Day 101 - share my love of running

P365 - 2015 - Day 101 - share my love of running

Today was the Ship Bottom Sprint 5k race - The Bear and I both ran it.  First, I have to say, I look at these pictures and I think a) I can not believe that this is my 12 year old son...towering over me - this handsome young man!  and b) I am so exciting to share my love of running with my kids and have one of them join me in a race.  The Bear was at the top end of his age group today and was bound and determined to come away from this race with a medal and that is just what he did.  With an official time of 23:16, he was 1st in his age group, 24th in men, and 31st overall!! I am super proud of him!!  I am also super proud of myself.... In case I needed further proof that nutritional cleansing this past year as changed my life and my health...I just compared my race results from the Get Sandy 5k Nov. 2013 and today's Ship Bottom Sprint 5K.  In Nov 2013 my time was 35:02.  Today my time was 27:43!!! I shaved OVER 7 MINUTES off of my time!!!!  I also compared my results from the LBI 18 Mile  2008 and the LBI 18 mile 2014.  In 2008, 35 years old, my time was 4:01:58.  In 2014, at 41 years old, my time was 3:22:28.  I shaved close to 40 MINUTES off of my time! BOOM! I know that I feel better that I have in YEARS>  I know that I have maintained my weight and my health with a simple maintenance plan.  I know these products are amazing.  But to see the numbers is REALLY COOL!!! :-) I am so glad that I can share my love of running with my children, but I am also so glad that I am setting an example for good health and physical fitness as a lifestyle.  So today, I cheered for The Bear and I cheered for myself!!! 

P365 - 2015 - Day 100 - Happy National Sibling Day!

P365 - 2015 - Day 100 - Happy National Sibling Day!

Happy National Sibling Day!  My Wonderful Husband and I are lucky to have these three and these three are so lucky to have each other!!  My wish for them is that they are always there for each other, always have each other's backs, always laugh together, always root for each other, and never forget that they are family by nature and friends by choice.  xo

P365 - 2015 - Day 99 - win

P365 - 2015 - Day 99 - win

I am pretty sure the kids have developed some type of tapeworm recently.  They.are.always.hungry.  So I got proactive!  I woke the kids up with a yummy, filling breakfast of ham and eggs and toast.  They devoured them!  On the bright side I didn't have anyone tell me they were "starving" for several hours.  That is a win if I ever saw one.

P365 - 2015 - Day 98 - anything but

P365  - 2015 - Day 98 - anything but

This Spring break has been anything but spring... rain. cold, and more rain....  With The Bear's soccer practice cancelled for the weather, we decided to have a relaxing movie night.

P365 - 2015 - Day 97 - sweet surprise

P365 - 2015 - Day 97 - sweet surprise

What a sweet surprise!!  After having our friends over for Easter dinner, they sent us these beautiful flowers as a thank you.  Totally unnecessary because we love having them here... but such a sweet surprise!

P365 - 2015 - Day 96 - one big raccoon

P365 - 2015 - Day 96 - one big raccoon

Every Monday when My Wonderful Husband leaves for work in the wee hours I tell him to drive carefully and worry until he arrives at work safely.  So when I heard the text about an hour after he left this morning, my eyes popped right open and I took a deep breath.  The text said, "I hit a raccoon and I am leaking something under my car.  Heading back home."  A raccoon?  ugh.  He hit the raccoon not far from home but thought he was ok until he stopped for coffee and saw that the car was pretty banged up and leaking fluid.  He came home and called the insurance company who quickly came and towed the car and called with the estimate (which thankfully is covered)....Mr. Raccoon caused close to $2000 worth of damage!!  He was one big raccoon.

P365 - 2015 - Day 95 - Happy Easter!

P365 - 2015 - Day 95 - Happy Easter!

It was a beautiful day on the island for Easter... baskets were filled, eggs were hid and found, we got our feet in the sand, and our friends came over for Easter dinner.  Happy Easter!

P365 - 2015 - Day 94 - Happy Easter Eve

P365 - 2015 - Day 94 - Happy Easter Eve

Happy Easter Eve... the cookies were sprinkled by the kids with care, we dug into the pizza gain with some left to share, we colored the eggs and watched an Easter show.  Now it's off to bed to see if the Easter Bunny will show.... ;-)

P365 - 2015 - Day 93 - the things that keep me tethered

P365 - 2015 - Day 93 - the things that keep me tethered

Next up in the Easter cooking extravaganza was the Pizza gain and the knots.  It's hard to believe how many years it's been since My Wonderful Husband and I took on the task of the pizza gain... but we seem to have it down to a science now.  This is Easter.  The smell of these pies bring me back to Easters past, people no longer with us, and many good memories.  I love that the kids love these as much as I always did and as much as My Wonderful Husband does.... (he may or may not have married me for these very pies...)  The first stage of the knots were finished before I went to bed - they are cooled and ready for the anisette frosting and sprinkles.  Food holds so much significance for me at the holidays... the smells, the taste, the process of the cooking and the baking are all as much a part of the holiday as anything else.  These are the things that keep me tethered to who I am, where I came from, what I know, and now who I miss......  I hope that they serve as the same tethers for my children as they go through life.

P365 - 2015 - Day 92 - labor of love

P365 - 2015 - Day 92 - labor of love

Let the Easter cooking begin..... last year we changed up our holiday traditions a bit.  Instead of making my manicotti for Christmas, we now make it for Easter.  I like this new tradition since I was never a big fan of ham at Easter... there is so much meat in the Pizza Gain anyway.  So Thursday is now the day set aside to make the shells.  This project is all me... I suppose it's just about time to start teaching the next generation how to make these.  I was armed with my cast iron pan and my music on Pandora....these are really labor of love for me.  :-)

P365 - 2015 - Day 91 - Read Across America Day

P365 - 2015 - Day 91 - Read Across America Day

Today was Read Across America Day at the LBI Grade School and the Student Council out on a play called Seuss's Stone Soup.  The Bear and The Princess are President and Secretary of the Student Council and they played The Cat in the Hat and Sam I Am.  The Boy dressed for the day as Thing 1 and... Thing 2! :-)  Love these three.