P365 - 2015 - Day 181 - beach besties

P365 - 2015 - Day 181 - beach besties

These pretty girls are pretty inseparable during the summer... beach besties.

P365 - 2015 - Day 180 - another year

P365 - 2015 - Day 180 - another year

Another year has passed and after a long, cold winter the crew is assembling once again... our Summer friends... our Summer family... we are so lucky to have a such a great crew of kids (and adults) on our beach.  Some we see through the year - but with all of the hustle and bustle of the busy school year, we really look forward to the slow days of Summer.  Some we don't see through the year and look forward to reuniting with when the temperatures rise and school lets out.  We are so lucky to have these lazy summer days to play, swim, talk, laugh, and soak up the sun and salt air.

P365 - 2015 - Day 179 - the recipe

P365 - 2015 - Day 179 - the recipe

Days at the beach followed by showers, dinner, pjs, and a good book.  That is the recipe for a perfect summer day in my opinion.  I'm glad that my kids agree....I didn't get a photo of The Princess but you can bet she was reading too... She's already on her second Summer reading book.  I just missed the photo op.

P365 - 2015 - Day 178 - rainy reading day

P365 - 2015 - Day 178 - rainy reading day

It was a rainy day so it was the perfect time to go through all of the school papers that we hadn't gone through yet and go to the library to get summer reading books.  Everyone got a few books and used the rainy day to start reading.  I love a sunny beach day - that is a given.... but sometimes I love a rainy reading day just as much.

P365 - 2015 - Day 177 - dinner and the...game

P365 - 2015 - Day 177 - dinner and the...game

The Bear's friend stayed through the day and they along with The Princess and her friend and My Wonderful Husband went to the movies to see Jurrasic World.  The Boy went over to his friend's house for the day and I got some time for a run and grocery shopping.  After picking up The Boy from his friend's house and dropping the other kids off, we all met back home for dinner and the US Women's soccer game.

P365 - 2015 - Day 176 - they had fun

P365 - 2015 - Day 176 - they had fun

The Bear had a friend over for the day - they hung out at the beach, went to a birthday party for a neighborhood friend, and then talked me into a sleepover to extend the day.   When I agreed, they asked if they could camp out.... without a tent or anything to use to successfully camp out, they did the next best thing and built a fort.  Not just any fort though... they drew plans and took this whole hing quite seriously.  There were dowels involved to hold things up, tape was used.... I have to hand it to them, it was a well thought out plan even if it all fell and they ended up just sleeping on the blankets...  they had fun either way.

P365 - 2015 - Day 175 - NY Red Bulls game

P365  - 2015 - Day 175 - NY Red Bulls game

We celebrated the end of the school year and three great kids with a trip to a NY Red Bulls game.  It was a fun night. :-)

P365 - 2015 - Day 174 - Last day of 6th and 4th

P365 - 2015 - Day 174 - Last day of 6th and 4th

Today was the last day of 6th and 4th grades for these three awesome kids.  The Bear and The Princess are officially 7th graders and heading off to middle school next year and The Boy is officially a 5th grader and for the first time since preschool he will be the only Leonard in this school next year.  These three won't be together again until The Boy goes to high school... that is crazy to me.  On that note... it has been an amazing year for all three - we could not be more proud.  Now, bring on summer!!!

P365 - 2015 - Day 173 - Congratulations to our 6th grade graduates!

P365 - 2015 - Day 173 - Congratulations to our 6th grade graduates!

The photo on the left seems like just yesterday and a million years ago at the same time.  I remember the details of that morning very clearly.  Even without the photo, I can picture what they wore, their new backpacks, The Princess' long pigtails.... My first babies started kindergarten 7 years ago and started their school journey.  They were nervous and excited and above all determined.  They walked in to that school, ready to be students, eager to learn, excited to meet new friends, happy to meet their teachers.  They started kindergarten the way they do everything - they were all in.  I remember The Bear's teacher that year telling me how he coordinates all of the games on the playground... and everyone listened.  Even then he was a leader and a kind one at that.  I helped in their classes that year and watched them learn to write through "kid writing" - I watched The Princess develop her love of reading and writing that she still has today.  Then I blinked.  I swear that was all I did.  And now they graduated from 6th grade.  We moved and they started a new school at the beginning of fifth grade and they entered that first day with the same nervous, excited, determination that they had all those years before.  They were all in.  They took advantage of every opportunity that was available to them - The Bear became Student Council President, The Princess became Student Council Secretary.  They earned awards in academic achievement and excellence and citizenship.  They excelled in sports as well.  Like I said, when they are in, they are all in and for that I am not only proud of them - I respect them as well.
The photo on the right was tonight... my two "babies" graduated 6th grade.  They are about to move on to middle school and start a new chapter in their lives, another first day is approaching... As their principal said in her speech tonight, they have created "vignettes" - moments in their lives, snippets of memories, accomplishments and they will go on to create more.
As I look at these two photos, my heart hitches a bit.  I can't believe so much time has passed and I sometimes need to take a deep breath and try not to cry.  I look at these two photos and I can play all of those vignettes in my mind like a movie.  All of the moments that were in between these two milestones.  While I watch this movie in my mind, I am proud beyond words of all of their hard work and accomplishments, my heart is full watching the people they are becoming, and I wait with baited breath for all they have to come.  Congratulations to our two 6th grade graduates!!  We love you more than you know and wish you all that the world has to offer. xoxo

P365 - 2015 - Day 172 - Happy Father's Day

P365 - 2015 - Day 172 - Happy Father's Day

We started the day on the soccer field - The Princess had her last game with the SSC Lady Gunners and they won! - and ended the day on the beach.  Two of My Wonderful Husband's favorite things - so a perfect way to spend Father's Day.  The kids and I are so lucky to have this man in our lives - Happy Father's Day to my best friend and the awesome father of my children.  xoxoxoxo

P365 - 2015 - Day 171 - because we could

P365 - 2015 - Day 171 - because we could

For the first Saturday in, what feels like forever, we had no soccer.  No where to run to.  No major plans.  My Wonderful Husband did have to work the surf board swap meet and do lessons, but that is a few blocks away... and I think he was having fun over there.....  So, to reiterate, I had no where to go and nothing pressing to do.  I didn't have to pack 10 meals to send three kids and two adults traveling across the state for soccer games.  Don't get me wrong, I love the games, but the rushing and prep have lost their luster as they do by the tail end of the season.  So when I work up, early but still at my own pace, I rode my bike down to the beach for yoga, then came home and took.a.nap.  Yes, you read that right - I had my shake and started reading my book and took a little cat nap.  Simply because I could.  When I woke up, I got the kids lunch and we went up to the beach.  A little drizzling rain sent us back home in time to shower for dinner and ice cream at the Dipper.  On the way back from the Dipper, My Wonderful Husband and sat in the backyard and put our feet up for awhile....simply because we could.

P365 - 2015 - Day 170 - super proud

P365 - 2015  - Day 170 - super proud

I am one super proud mama today!  It was the awards ceremony at the kids' school and these three earned their share......
The Boy earned High Honor Roll the entire year - straight A's all year!  He earned a Blue Presidential Fitness Award.  He was also awarded certificates for participation in the Science Fair, band, and the dissection club.  He had a fantastic year in forth grade - he set a goal to be on high honor roll for the year and he achieved that goal.  We are so proud of him and his accomplishments and look forward to his 5th grade year!!
The Princess earned honor roll for the entire year - missing high honor roll by a hair each time... She was the Student Council Secretary this year as well Safety Patrol and earned awards for participating in Science Fair, Dissection Club, band and Art Club.  She earned an award for participating in the ROV club and having the fastest ROV as well as a recognition award for her keyboarding skills.  She earned the Blue Presidential Fitness award, the Highest Reading Average in the 6th grade and the Physical Fitness Award for best female athlete.  She was also awarded the Daughter's of the American Revolution Citizenship Award - an award based on Honor, Service, Courage, Leadership, and Patriotism.  She had an outstanding year in 6th grade and we can not wait to see all there is to come! We are so proud!!
The Bear earned honor roll for the entire year, with one marking period on High Honor Roll.  He was the Student Council President this year as well as Safety Patrol and earned awards for participating in the Science Fair, dissection club, band, and Art Club.  He earned an award for participating in the ROV club and having the best navigating ROV.  He earned the Blue Presidential Fitness Award, perfect attendance for the marking period as well as recognition for the Best Independent Science Investigation.  He was awarded the "Prefontaine Award" for breaking a 20 year school record for the 1 mile run which he ran in 5 minutes, 47 seconds.  He was also awarded the Kiwanis Club award for Outstanding Citizenship for portraying leadership, maturity, kindness, sportsmanship, and humility.  He had a fantastic year in 6th grade and we can't wait to see all there is to come!  We are so proud!!
Today at graduation one of the police officers from the DARE program spoke and left the children with this thought... "It seems that the harder I work, the luckier I get."  These three kids worked their tails off this year and always.  While they earned many accolades today, they didn't simply get lucky... they worked hard!  My Wonderful Husband and I are so proud of their hard work, we celebrate their awards, and we look forward to watching them continue to grow and achieve their dreams in life!  xoxoxo

P365 - 2015 - Day 169 - he scored

P365 - 2015 - Day 169 - he scored

He played his last game of the season tonight and he scored.  Even though his team lost, they played their best game of the season.  He came home exhausted, a bit sad that they lost, but overall happy.   This kid loves soccer and I am happy to see him happy.  Now for a little break before summer training..... :-)                                  

P365 - 2015 - Day 168 - Stage three

P365 - 2015 - Day 168 - Stage three

Slowly but surely, we are getting the front landscaping done. It will be a work in progress and we still need to get our crepe myrtle tree but we finished the dirt and got a few plants, so we are moving along.

P365 - 2015 - Day 167 - Student Council

P365 - 2015 - Day 167 - Student Council

The Student Council went to the board meeting tonight to thank the board for reinstating the student council this year and presented each board member with an LBI Student Council shirt.  I am so happy that The Bear and The Princess had the opportunity to take part in student government while in 6th grade.  They had so many great opportunities this year and they learned so much!!

P365 - 2015 - Day 166 - a late night

P365 - 2015 - Day 166 - a late night

The Bear and his team had the final State Cup Consolation Bracket game about two hours away on a school night.  There was rain, lightening and thunder threatening in the area but they managed to play the game.  They won 1-0 clinching the bracket.  I got the game updates from my Wonderful Husband since I stayed home with The Princess and The Boy.  It was a late night and The Bear dropped his bag, quickly told me about the game, jumped in the shower and went to bed.  Congrats to The SSC Gunners for winning the NJ State Cup Consolation Bracket!!

P365 - 2015 - Day 165 - Sunday morning yoga

P365 - 2015 - Day 165 - Sunday morning yoga

Our weekends have been super packed and busy with soccer, so we haven't seen much of the beach that is a mere block away.  But this morning after My Wonderful Husband left with The Princess for his game and then her game and before I left with The Boy for his game, I rode my bike up to the beach for some Sunday morning yoga.  It was beautiful and HOT this morning - a true summer day, just like I love them.  I breathed in the salt air as I worked on my practice and got some zen before rushing back home to jump in the car for over an hour drive.  I am counting down the games this season and I am ready to get my feet in the sand, sea breeze in my hair, and sun on my face.

P365 -2015 - Day 164 - community

P365 - 2015 - Day 164 - community

Today was a soccer tournament to benefit a local woman... mom, teacher, coach...  who is battling cancer.  We met this family through The Princess' first soccer team when we moved here and we have had them in our thoughts and prayers since hearing about her illness.  I am looking forward to seeing her kick cancer's butt!! I am proud to be a part of a community that comes together for one of our own and my heart is happy that our kids were able to participate in this amazing community event.

P365 - 2015 - Day 163 - Hawaiian Day

P365 - 2015 - Day 163 - Hawaiian Day

The theme days at school ended with Hawaiian Day and since I was subbing again, this flower was part of my morning routine.  I think I might just start wearing a flower in my hair every day.

P365 - 2015 - Day 162 - Class of 2021 LBI Crew

P365 - 2015 - Day 162 - Class of 2021 LBI Crew

It was 6th grade Bay Day - a fun day at the bay beach, hanging with friends, paddle boarding, kayaking, and eating.  They had so much fun and made so many fun memories.  I am so glad that The Bear and The Princess finished these last two years of elementary school as part of the "LBI Crew"...  and now onto Southern Middle School.  Watch out world, here comes the Class of 2021 LBI Crew!

P365 - 2015 - Day 161 - smart

P365 - 2015 - Day 161 - smart

I am so happy that I have a smart daughter who is proud to be smart.  And the shirt makes me laugh.....

P365 - 2015 - Day 160 - field trip

P365 - 2015 - Day 160 - field trip

The sixth grade went on their field trip to Liberty Science Center and Medieval Times.  The Bear and The Princess had a blast with their friends and even got pictures since I wasn't there to take them.  I can't believe this crew is headed to middle school soon... the days are winding down in 6th grade and I am still wondering where the time went.

P365 - 2015 - Day 159 - science fair

P365 - 2015 - Day 159 - science fair

Tonight was the science fair at the kids' school.  The kids worked super hard on their projects and it was great to have the chance to share them with other kids and parents.  All of the kids that participated did a fantastic job and it was a lot of fun to get to see all of the projects, hard work, and creativity that was on display tonight.  The Bear and his friend tested the effect of shoe size on kick strength and distance.  The Princess and her friend (who was unfortunately home sick tonight) tested the effect of gum brand on bubble size.  The Boy and his friend performed an experiment to make a "rubber egg" by submerging it in white vinegar to dissolve the shell.  Great job scientists!!

P365 - 2015 - Day 158 - this and a great big smile

P365 - 2015 - Day 158 - this and a great big smile

My Wonderful Husband had a soccer game this morning and this was the text I got... "I am beat up.  Young team but we won.  Just sore and a little blood on my arm...I played a nasty physical game."  This is what he came home sporting... this and a great big smile.  I am so happy that my first soccer player is back out on the field....even if I don't like to see him come back with cuts and bruises, I do love to see him happy.

P365 - 2015 - Day 157 - a lifetime of love...

P365 - 2015 - Day 157 -a lifetime of love...

Congratulations to my cousin and her new husband!  We wish you a lifetime of love, laughter, health, and happiness.  Thank you for letting us share your special day with you! xo

P365 - 2015 - Day 156 - TRFC

P365 - 2015 - Day 156 - TRFC

Her new jerseys arrived!  The Princess is officially a TRFC Lady Gunner. (ironically she was a SSC Lady Gunner as well....) And she got to keep her number 5!!    EDP (Eastern Development Program) here we come!

P365 - 2015 - Day 155 - Super Hero Day

P365 - 2015 - Day 155 - Super Hero Day

Today was Super Hero Day at the kids' school.  Last night the kids decided that they wanted super hero shirts.  "Mom, can you draw a super hero emblem on my shirt?"  In my typical last minute fashion, I managed to make all three of them super heroes for the day.  The Bear had bought himself and The Boy super hero capes during his trip to Great Adventure, so we were halfway there.  Three t-shirts, some markers, and a cool package of socks later and we were in business.  I made The Princess a Supergirl shirt, The Boy a Green Lantern shirt, and The Bear The Flash.   Not too shabby for free hand with sharpies on a tshirt.  All of my Halloween training has paid off.  My husband came home, took one look at the shirts and said - "Wow you are talented."  The Bear said " I see where I got my creativeness from." and all three thanked me for making them.   That is all high praise and all the thanks I need for doing what I do.  There are times that I wish that my "talents" were able to earn me an income... times that I worry that I am not "contributing"...times that I question whether or not anyone cares or appreciates it.  Then there are times like this when three superhero shirts made me feel like one.  xo

P365 - 2015 - Day 154 - I was the first...

P365 - 2015 - Day 154 - I was the first...

I was using Shoprite from Home this year while our neighborhood Acme was under construction.  While the new Acme is very cool...big and clean and more selection... the prices are still slightly better at Shoprite and frankly I really like doing my shopping online and just picking it all up.  You just can't beat that!  When I heard that our closer Shoperite now had the shop at home option, even better so this week I made my online order.  As it turned out, I was the first order at the this new ShopRite from home location and as a gift I received these flowers and this $100 gift certificate!!  So cool!!  I rarely, if ever, win things so I was pretty excited!!  Thanks ShopRite from Home!

P365 - 2015 - Day 153 - rainy night off from soccer

P365 - 2015 - Day 153 - rainy night off from soccer

It was a rainy day and as soon as we got the word that The Bear's game and The Princess and The Boy's practices were cancelled, we both had the same thought.  I was on my way back from my hair appointment when My Wonderful Husband texted me simply.. "Chegg?"  My response was "Yup".  What better way to spend a rainy night off from soccer than with dinner at the Chegg?

P365 - 2015 - Day 152 - This handsome guy

P365 - 2015 - Day 152 - This handsome guy

Guess who got groomed today??  This handsome guy!! xoxo  He is one happy, relaxed pooch.

P365 - 2015 - Day 151 -Sunburst Soccer Tournament

P365 - 2015 - Day 151 - Sunburst Soccer Tournament

The Princess and her team, The SSC Lady Gunners won their first game of the day and made it to the final round of the Sunburst Soccer Tournament.  The second game was tied when they had to stop the play for thunder and lightening in the area.  When they resumed the game, they went to a penalty shoot out to decide the game.  Unfortunately, they lost in the shoot out and came in second, but I am super proud of how well the team played this weekend and super proud of The Princess for making a perfect penalty shot.