P365 - 2016 - Day 152 - the beach life

P365 - 2016 - Day 152 - the beach life

This is something unique to leaving near the beach....While waiting for the bus in the morning, The Boy was shooting hoops when My Wonderful Husband came home from a morning surf session.  So he jumped right in to the game....wet suit and bare feet and all.  This is one of the reasons why I love the beach life.

P365 - 2016 - Day 151 - Just because

P365 - 2016 - Day 151 - Just because

Just because....  Happy Memorial Day!

P365 - 2016 - Day 150 - second day

P365 - 2016 - Day 150 - second day

It was the second day of the weekend of soccer tournaments.  The Princess and The Boy and their teams didn't make it to the finals, so we headed home with a bit of time to get up to the beach and say some hellos and get sand in our toes.  The Bear made it to the semifinals and unfortunately lost.  After getting back from the beach and realizing that the cupboard was quite bare and I was not going to Acme on Sunday of Memorial Day weekend, we just made do with what was in the house and The Boy and The Princess went outside for the first backyard dinner of the season (even if it was just plain macaroni.... haha!).  Meanwhile, I got a text from My Wonderful Husband with a photo of these "local" Maryland donuts that he and The Bear treated themselves to before heading home.

P365 - 2016 - Day 149 - feet in sod instead of sand

P365 - 2016 - Day 149 - feet in sod instead of sand

I remember a time when Memorial Day weekend meant time to get out of dodge (meaning PA or MD or WV) and go home to Jersey and the shore.  It was a weekend spent soaking up the sun and salt air. These days, this weekend is spent on soccer fields at tournaments instead of the beach.  This year, not only were we in three different locations with the kids, we were even in two different states.  While I was at Tuckahoe Farms with The Princess and her team, I sent The Boy to Fort Dix with friends for his tournament, and My Wonderful Husband and The Bear were in Maryland for the weekend.  While I do miss the carefree beach days when the kids were little, I know how much they all love soccer and we do love to watch them play.... So while I was watching The Princess and keeping updated on The Boy and The Bear via text, I was soaking up the sun from the sidelines and with feet in sod instead of sand.

P365 - 2016 - Day 148 - Field Day

P365 - 2016 - Day 148 - Field Day

Today was the activity day picnic for The Bear and The Princess... but as they are now in middle school, the days of us joining in the festivities are over.  But not to worry.... it was also Field Day for The Boy.  This was the first field day since The Boy was in kindergarten that we didn't have all three of them there which was slightly strange....  I was subbing at the school, so I was already there and My Wonderful Husband was able to come and help out with one of the stations.  The theme this year was The Superhero Games and each of the students and teachers broadcast their super power (or super trait) on the backs of their shirts.  I love that The Boy's power was "Perseverance" - I couldn't agree more!  It was a fun afternoon with my 5th grader!!  I get a little choked up when I think about the fact that there will only be one more Field Day with any of our kids.  As we are nearing the end of 5th grade with The Boy and getting ready to enter 6th grade in the Fall, I am realizing that we are starting to experience the "last of things"....bear with me as I become weepy and nostalgic.  I'm just giving fair warning that it's coming.

P365 - 2016 - Day 147 - competition day

P365 - 2016 - Day 147 - competition day

Today was "competition day" at the SRMS which pitted these twins against each other.  Teams competed against each other in a variety of physical and academic events.  I got this picture as they were leaving this morning....each sporting their team colors.... Go Riptides! Go Seahawks!

P365 - 2016 - Day 146 - perfect day

P365 - 2016 - Day 146 - perfect day

It finally felt like summer!!!  I started my day with an awesome outdoor boot camp class.  I came home and ran with My Wonderful Husband and then we went up to the beach to soak up some sun and salt air.  That is pretty much my definition of a perfect day.

P365 - 2016 - Day 145 - moments like these

P365 - 2016 - Day 145 - moments like these

The Bear was at a friend's house after school, so it was just these two sitting at the counter, having snack, and doing homework.  I was in the living room when I heard them talking about a book they both read and The Princess helped The Boy with some math homework.  I stopped what I was doing to just listen....(and snap a photo)  I love moments like these... -)

P365 - 2016 - Day 144 - his biggest fan

P365 - 2016 - Day 144 - his biggest fan

The Boy was shooting hoops after school and I caught The Pooch keeping watch.  He is his biggest fan.  :-)

P365 - 2016 - Day 143 - our island

P365 - 2016 - Day 143 - our island

It was a quiet Sunday at home - ahhhh....  The Princess had a friend over while the boys hung out playing basketball and video games.  After the girls walked up to the beach, The Princess sent me this awesome photo she took of a shell she found.  I thought it was beautiful and a perfect photo for a quiet day home on our island.

P365 - 2016 - Day 142 - another soccer Saturday

P365 - 2016 - Day 142 -another soccer Saturday

It was another soccer Saturday when we had to "divide and conquer".  I took The Boy to his game - they won, he scored, and the rain held out until we were on our way home!  My Wonderful Husband took The Bear and The Princess to their consecutive games.  The Bear and his team unfortunately lost but The Princess and her team tied.  The rain did not hold out for them, so they got a bit wet...

P365 - 2016 - Day 141 - even better

P365 - 2016 - Day 141 - even better

What's even better than a quick, after school orthodontist appointment and new colored bands?  Running into your bestie while you're there.  :-)

P365 - 2016 - Day 140 - super handsome

P365 - 2016 - Day 140 - super handsome

It was long overdue but this guy finally went to the groomer ...for an all day spa day.  He came back looking super handsome!

P365 - 2016 - Day 139 - Meet of Champions

P365 - 2016 - Day 139 - Meet of Champions

It was the Meet of Champions for all of Ocean County.  The Bear ran the 400 and the 4 by 4 relay.  He brought his relay team back from 5th place during his leg and they finished second and SRMS finished first overall!  This was one excited runner.

P365 - 2016 - Day 138 - last trip

P365 - 2016 - Day 138 - last trip

It was the last time that this cooler would be packed for a work trip this year.   My Wonderful Husband left for his last trip down to Shenandoah this semester.  When he gets back, it is officially SUMMER!!!

P365 - 2016 - Day 137 - as bright as their smiles

P365 - 2016 - Day 137 - as bright as their smiles

It is almost the end of their 7th grade year.  I can hardly believe how quickly it went!!  They made us so proud - starting 7th grade and middle school is not easy but they made it look like it was.  Soccer, basketball, track, honor roll, high honor roll...they worked so hard!  Their futures are as bright as their smiles. xo

P365 - 2016 - Day 136 - Sunday run days

P365 - 2016 - Day 136 - Sunday run days

This morning I met my friend for a Sunday long run.  We had trained through the winter months for our different marathons and hadn't seen each other since we ran them so we had some catching up to do....8 miles later, I think we covered most of it. ;-) It was a chilly morning (again) but the 8 miles felt great, my shake tasted delicious when I got back and when I clocked my miles in my 1000 mile challenge, I realized I am pushing up on 450 miles and I was greeted with this awesome message!  I love Sunday run days!

P365 - 2016 - Day 135 - this rolled in....

P365 - 2016 - Day 135 - this rolled in....

Thankfully, all three kids got their games in before this rolled in.... It was a rough day of games - a tie and two loses but it was nice to all come home at the same time and just relax and wait for the storm.

P365 - 2016 - Day 134 - going to the EDP Open Cup Semifinals

P365 - 2016 - Day 134 - going to the EDP Open Cup Semifinals

It was a late Friday night game in the foggy weather after a rainy day.  But The Bear and his team, The SSC Gunners beat Matchfit Montclair and won the EDP Open Cup Quarterfinals.  They are going to the EDP Open Cup Semifinals!!!!

P365 - 2016 - Day 133 - jumping for joy

P365 - 2016 - Day 133 - jumping for joy

Maybe my sign worked!!!  It was a beautiful, sunshiny day!  Warm enough that after school, The Princess walked up to the beach to meet a friend.  She was jumping for joy that it was warm and sunny!

P365 - 2016 - Day 132 - here's hoping

P365 - 2016 - Day 132 - here's hoping

After a month of subbing, I finally had a day to catch up on things around the house.  After getting bills, laundry, and cleaning done, along with another run, I printed out this new sign for my seasonal frame.  Here's hoping there are some more sunshiny (and warm) days ahead!

P365 - 2016 - Day 131 - Invitational

P365 - 2015 - Day 131 - Invitational

The Bear ran in the Invitational Track Meet and earned two medals.  His relay team was in fifth place when he took the baton and closed in to finish second and earn a silver medal.  He and his 4x4 team finished first with a gold medal.

P365 - 2016 - Day 130 - a treat

P365 - 2016 - Day 130 - a treat

I took the week off after the marathon, so today was my first day back out there.  Mother Nature gave me a treat and ordered up some warm, sunny weather for my run.  It felt so good to get back out there and to be sweaty instead of soaked from rain and cold, was an added bonus!

P365 - 2016 - Day 129 - eleven years ago

P365 - 2016 - Day 129 - eleven years ago

Eleven years ago, I spent Mother's Day in the hospital as we welcomed this boy into our lives and family.  This Mother's Day, I once again, shared the day with this smart, funny, athletic, handsome, caring 11 year old!  Eleven years ago, he completed our family and he continues to add something special to every day.  Happy Birthday to my "Littlest Leonard" We love you!! .... and thank you to all of my "babies" for making me a Mommy.  xoxoxo

P365 - 2016 - Day 128 - one handsome devil

P365 - 2016 - Day 128 - one handsome devil

Once upon a long time ago, this kid was terrified of getting his hair cut.  Yes, he was two years old...well truth be told, he may have even been 4 and 5 years old.... It's the stuff of legends in our family.  I even tried taking him to see his Daddy get his hair cut one day, thinking it would get rid of his fear.  Alas, that did not work.  He was beside himself thinking that his Daddy was getting hurt. But, just like so many fears and hangups of childhood, eventually we just grow up, get over it, and move on.  Now it's a funny story ....but it was not so funny then.  Fast forward a decade and this kid loves to get his haircut and was pretty happy with his latest one.  I agree... that toddler grew up up to be one handsome devil.

P365 - 2016 - Day 127 - Skipper Dipper is open

P365 - 2016 - Day 127 - Skipper Dipper is open

The rain stopped, the sun tried to come out, and even if it was still far too cold for May, the flags were out and the "open" sign was on... Skipper Dipper was back for the season and these three wasted no time heading over there for an after school snack.  Now if Mother Nature would just get herself together and warm up, all would really be right with the world.  Skipper Dipper is open.  Summer is coming.

P365 - 2016 - Day 126 - 9-11 museum

P365 - 2016 - Day 126 - 9-11 museum

The Bear and his 7th grade team had their field trip today to the 9-11 museum.  It was an amazing trip.

P365 - 2016 - Day 125 - The Sand Paper

P365 - 2016 - Day 125 - The Sand Paper

The Boy made it in to The Sand Paper again.  It was "LBI is Alive" day at school last week and the whole school wore shirts of local businesses.  It was a day to bring awareness to and support local businesses.  The Boy and a couple of friends were sporting their Jayson's Pancake House jerseys from St. Francis basketball and they made it in to the paper.  I got my copy today.

P365 - 2016 - Day 124 - 26.2 and it's pink

P365 - 2016 - Day 124 - 26.2 and it's pink

Months ago when I decided to start training for the marathon, I told My Wonderful Husband that if I followed through I wanted a 26.2 magnet for my car.  Today it came in the mail.  And it's pink.

P365 - 2016 - Day 123 - ready to rock that math test

P365 - 2016 - Day 123 - ready to rock that math test

The Princess had a ton of studying to do so she decided to stay home from soccer practice to get it all done.  We ended up using the "phone a friend" option to make sure she was on the right track with all of the formulas... 7th grade math may not be my strong suit but it's good to have teacher friends ;-)  After going over notes and checking problems, this girl was ready to rock that math test.

P365 - 2016 - Day 122 - I DID IT!!!! 26.2

P365 - 2016 - Day 122 - I DID IT!!!! 26.2

The weather was awful.  But I DID IT!!!! 26.2  My first marathon and I finished in 4:31.