Sunday, December 31, 2017

P365 - 2017 - Day 365 - Another year


P365 - 2017 - Day 365 - Another year

Another year has come and is almost gone.  Three hundred sixty five days.  Fifty two weeks.  So much has happened and in so many ways we are not the same people who posed for a New Year's Eve photo last year.  We have all grown and changed.  Last year, as we do every year and did once again this year, we set goals to achieve.  As we looked back on those goals tonight, some we brought to fruition and some we are still working on.  This was a year of big changes - middle school, high school, sabbatical, graduate school, and a new job.  This was a year of big accomplishments - State Cup games, Varsity soccer, high school soccer goals, middle school soccer, honor roll, marathons, a 70.3, countless races and triathlons and soccer games, first jobs, and so many little victories along the way. This year required commitment, resilience, hard work, team work, patience, and sometimes, a sense of humor.  This blog sometimes suffered and I even considered giving it up.  In the end, I made it work and documented our year in the way best suited to this crazy year.  As we turn our eyes and hearts and minds towards 2018, I wish for what I always wish for......a year of health and happiness and time spent together.  I look forward to the story that is waiting to unfold.   I am thankful for the year we are leaving behind and hopeful for the one we are about to welcome! xo

Saturday, December 30, 2017

P365 - 2017 - Day 364 - snowy fun


P365 - 2017 - Day 364 - snowy fun

The day started with snow showing up earlier than expected.  So my last run of 2017 was a little snowy, but I got it done and reached 1200 miles!!!  The rest of the day was Operation Holiday Clean Up - the tree came down yesterday and the rest of the house got cleaned up today.  These three took the opportunity to get out of dodge while I was in clean up mode and headed to the beach for some snowy fun.  We are all ready to reflect on 2017 and ring in 2018.

Friday, December 29, 2017

P365 - 2017 - Day 363 - new watch


P365 - 2017 - Day 363 - new watch

I finally took the time to sit down and set up my new watch.  I have been wanting this watch forever and it was an awesome surprise from My Wonderful Husband.  I mostly wanted it for the color and look of it but as I started discovering all of the cool things this watch could do that my old one could not...I was even more excited.  It took me a while but I finally figured out how to make different watch faces - so much fun!!  As if I wasn't already looking forward to a new year of running...now I am really looking forward to it!

Thursday, December 28, 2017

P365 - 2017 - Day 362 - holiday visit


P365 - 2017 - Day 362 - holiday visit

Time goes by too quickly and too much time passes in between seeing family.  So it was nice to have Penny, Gordon and Elisabeth here for a holiday visit.  Hopefully we will see them again soon!

Wednesday, December 27, 2017

P365 - 2017 - Day 361 - commitment


P365 - 2017 - Day 361 - commitment

The Princess' soccer team shut down for the month of December to give all of the girls a much needed break.  At first, she was happy for the time off to catch up on school work and Netflix.  But within a week, she was looking to get back at it.  So she has been using her time to do workouts each day.   She and her brothers were at the field here on the island for the past couple of weekends, she has been running sprints, and today she set up the cones for some skills training.  I love her commitment. 

Tuesday, December 26, 2017

P365 - 2017 - Day 360 - new bone


P365 - 2017 - Day 360 - new bone

This is the face of a very happy puppy.  He loves his new bone that he got for Christmas.  He hasn't been without it for a minute since yesterday morning.

Monday, December 25, 2017

Sunday, December 24, 2017

P365 - 2017 - Day 358 - another Christmas Eve


P365 - 2017 - Day 358 - another Christmas Eve

Another year, another Christmas Eve.  It's really my favorite part of the holiday.  The time together, the anticipation, the quiet....well not always so quiet but at some point, there is a quiet stillness....the kids still ask to all sleep in the same room and I still hear their stifled giggles as I pass the door.  Everything about this day makes me smile.

Saturday, December 23, 2017

P365 - 2017 - Day 357 - last minute things


P365 - 2017 - Day 357- last minute things

I was happy that this year Christmas fell on a Monday because that gave me Saturday to get the last minute things done.  I had to make meatballs - which I did with the help of The Bear and The Princess and we had to get our family/sibling gifts wrapped.  The Bear and The Boy may have started out using the wrapping paper rolls as light sabers but in the end, the all got the wrapping done and by the end of the night we were all done and ready to enjoy Christmas Eve.

Friday, December 22, 2017

P365 - 2017 - Day 356 - Cheers!


P365 - 2017 - Day 356 - Cheers!

It was finally the end of a long week and the start of a much needed holiday break.  The kids all ate their dinners at the counter while I whipped up a little something different for me and My Wonderful Husband.  So when they all when up to their rooms to chill and enjoy the start of their break, My Wonderful Husband and I poured two glasses of wine and sat down by the light of the Christmas tree and toasted to a great few months, a new job, a semester of sabbatical, a grad class "A", and keeping it all together!  There's no "I" in team... and we do make a pretty good team.  Cheers!

Thursday, December 21, 2017

P365 - 2017 - Day 355 - hysterical impression


P365 - 2017 - Day 355 - hysterical impression

What do we do when we have no where to go during the week?  Hang out in the kitchen and act silly I guess.  This one had me really laughing... The Bear did an impression of his Dad that was fairly spot on which prompted his dad to do a pretty hysterical impression of him.  We might have had too much time on our hands tonight... but these moments are the ones that fill up my heart with love and laughter.

Wednesday, December 20, 2017

P365 - 2017 - Day 354 - his painting...just ducky



P365 - 2017  - Day 354 - his painting...just ducky

The Bear sent me this photo today of his painting from his Painting and Drawing class.  I think it's just ducky!

Tuesday, December 19, 2017

P365 - 2017 - Day 353 - "A"


P365 - 2017 - Day 353 - "A"

My first semester of graduate school is finally over and I am pretty excited to see this "A" on my report card.

Monday, December 18, 2017

P365 - 2017 - Day 352 - all ready


P365 - 2017 - Day 352 - all ready

This handsome guy had a day at the spa and is now all ready for Christmas!

Sunday, December 17, 2017

P365 - 2017 - Day 351 - get back


P365 - 2017 - Day 351 - get back

The kids soccer teams have gone on a short hiatus for the month and the holidays.  At first, they were happy for a break in the crazy schedule that has kept everyone running for months.  But not after too long, they were jonesing to get back to the pitch.  So today, they asked me to drop them off at the soccer fields next to the EJ School, so they could train.  They were happy to have a ball at their feet and I was happy that they all wanted to go together.  I was even happier when I picked up three happy, laughing siblings.

Saturday, December 16, 2017

P365 - 2017 - Day 350 - Sleep In Saturday


P365 - 2017 - Day 350 - Sleep In Saturday

Sleep In Saturday was enhanced with the arrival of some fluffy white snow and no where to go!  It was a lazy day of snuggling to stay warm.  Even The Pooch found a new comfy spot....

Friday, December 15, 2017

P365 - 2017 - Day 349 - perfect start


P365 - 2017 - Day 349 - perfect start

I came home from work to the start of snowflakes falling.  What a perfect start to the weekend.  Since I had already declared tomorrow Sleep In Saturday, I grabbed my running shoes and went for a snowy run to end my week.

Thursday, December 14, 2017

P365 - 2017 - Day 348 - Christmas lights run


P365 - 2017 - Day 348 - Christmas lights run

Running is always fun for me but when you add friends and Christmas lights...well it just doesn't get better!!!  Tonight was our Christmas lights run which meant Santa hats, fun socks and lots of laughs.

Wednesday, December 13, 2017

P365 - 2017 - Day 347 - It's official


P365 - 2017 - Day 347- It's official

It's official....My Wonderful Husband's second books has hit Amazon!  So, if you are a professor looking for a great text book for your Political Science class...this is your lucky day!!!

Tuesday, December 12, 2017

P365 - 2017 - Day 346 - new recipe


P365 - 2017 - Day 346 - new recipe

Another day, another cookie.  But this one was a new recipe.  I think it's a keeper!  Cranberry and white chocolate chip - YUM!

Monday, December 11, 2017

P365 - 2017 - Day 345 - couldn't be Christmas without them



P365 - 2017 - Day 345 - couldn't be Christmas without them

Let the cookie making begin! Today was Operation Butter Cookies and they came out perfect!  I don't really eat these cookies but it really couldn't be Christmas without them.

Sunday, December 10, 2017

P365 - 2017 - Day 344 - Sparkle Season


P365 - 2017 - Day 344 - Sparkle Season

I finally got the front lights done.  I kind of wish it was acceptable to have Christmas lights up all year....but then I guess the Sparkle Season wouldn't be so magical.

Saturday, December 9, 2017

P365 - 2017 - Day 343 - "perfect" hot chocolate


P365 - 2017 - Day 343 - "perfect" hot chocolate

During the week, I had declared today "Sleep in Saturday".  So when the reports of snow started rolling in, they were welcome.  Bring it Mother Nature, a snowy Saturday is a perfect back drop for Sleep in Saturday.  When we all woke up, however, there wasn't much if any snow....bummer.  But as the day wore on, the flakes fell and blanketed our world in just enough white to be quaint and Christmasy.  So, of course, that meant that there needed to be some hot chocolate consumed.  I caught this photo of a discussion of the "right" way to make the "perfect" hot chocolate....everything is a learning experience after all.

Friday, December 8, 2017

P365 - 2017 - Day 342 - Fridays in December


P365 - 2017 - Day 342 - Fridays in December

Fridays in December are made for fun holiday shirts.  I love this one!

Thursday, December 7, 2017

P365 - 2017 - Day 341 - winter temperatures


P365 - 2017 - Day 341 - winter temperatures

Winter temperatures are here - bring on the layers for running.  I set a goal for myself to run 100 miles this December so that I can end the year with 1200 total miles.  So, cold or not, those miles won't run themselves....

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

P365 - 2017 - Day 340 - a little love and encouragement


P365 - 2017 - Day 340 - a little love and encouragement

I can home from work a little early today because I wasn't feeling the best.  But I also still needed to finish my final project for my class...  I think The Pooch sensed that I was under the weather and slightly stressed so he gave me a little love and encouragement to get things done.  After some rest on the couch that is....

Tuesday, December 5, 2017

P365 - 2017 - Day 339 - a vehicle for whipped cream


P365 - 2017 - Day 339 - a vehicle for whipped cream

Yes, there is pie under there....but really what is pie except a vehicle for whipped cream?

Monday, December 4, 2017

P365 - 2017 Day 338 - North Pole


P365 - 2017 Day 338 -  North Pole

My classroom has transformed into the North Pole so it was only fitting that my door represent that as well.

Sunday, December 3, 2017

P365 - 2017 - Day 337 - medals


P365 - 2017 - Day 337 - medals

The Boy and his team suffered an unfortunate loss today and ended up going home without a medal.  But The Bear and The Princess and their teams brought home second place medals this weekend.

Saturday, December 2, 2017

P365 - 2017 - Day 336 - can officially begin


P365 - 2017 - Day 336 - can officially begin

After getting the tree last night, today began with the five us going in two directions to soccer tournaments.  The Boy and I drove two hours out to PA and The Bear and The Princess were with My Wonderful Husband at Fort Dix.  After two games each, we got home and finally decorated this year's tree.  So, Christmas can now officially begin.

Friday, December 1, 2017

P365 - 2017 - Day 335 - As the sun was setting


P365 - 2017 - Day 335 - As the sun was setting

With no time last weekend or this one coming up, we needed to go to the tree farm tonight.  I rushed home from work so we could pick them all up at school and get out to the tree farm with enough time and daylight to pick a tree.  As the sun was setting, we found the perfect tree and marked the official beginning of Christmas 2017.  Even on Friday night, this is my most favorite part of the season.  The whole thing... the ride there, the conversations, the laughing, the kids pulling each other in the wagon, the arguments over trees, all of it.  I treasure these moments. 

Thursday, November 30, 2017

P365 - 2017 - Day 334 - Be thankful 2017 Day 30


P365 - 2017 - Day 334 - Be thankful 2017 Day 30

Today and everyday I am thankful that I get to be a mom to these three amazing kids.

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

P365 - 2017 - Day 333 - Be thankful 2017 Day 29



P365 - 2017 - Day 333 - Be thankful 2017 Day 29

Today I am thankful to have gotten in a longer run and made it to 1100 miles so far for the year.  The way the rest of my week and weekend are shaping up, this may be the last chance I get to run for a few days....

Tuesday, November 28, 2017

P365 - 2017 - Day 332 - Be thankful 2017 Day 28


P365 - 2017 - Day 332 - Be thankful 2017 Day 28

Today I am thankful for hair dye...I say that every year.  But this year I am also thankful that I am no longer highlighting my hair...  I was never meant to be a blonde.  I am a proud brunette and I think I rock that brown hair. ;-)

Monday, November 27, 2017

P365 - 2017 - Day 331 - Be thankful 2017 Day 27


P365 - 2017 - Day 331 - Be thankful 2017 Day 27

Today I am thankful for a warm and cozy beach house that is filled with peace and love.....

Sunday, November 26, 2017

P365 - 2017 - Day 330 - Be thankful 2017 Day 26


P365 - 2017 - Day 330 - Be thankful 2017 Day 26

Today I am thankful for my friend and running partner and for a PR of almost 3 minutes on the Navesink Challenge 15K.

Saturday, November 25, 2017

P365 -2017 - Day 329 - Be thankful 2017 Day 25


P365 -2017 - Day 329 - Be thankful 2017 Day 25

Today I am thankful that this island is starting to look a lot like Christmas.  It is my favorite time of year on this sandbar.  


Friday, November 24, 2017

P365 - 2017 - Day 328 - Be thankful 2017 Day 24


P365 - 2017 - Day 328 - Be thankful 2017 Day 24

Today  I am thankful for this helpful elf who gave me a hand decorating.  This tree has become his job each year.

Thursday, November 23, 2017

P365 - 2017 - Day 327 - Be thankful 2017 Day 23


P365 - 2017 - Day 327 - Be thankful 2017 Day 23

Today I am thankful for us.  I love these people (and pooch) with all of my heart and soul.

Wednesday, November 22, 2017

P365 - 2017 - Day 326 - Be thankful 2017 Day 22


P365 - 2017 - Day 326 - Be thankful 2017 Day 22

Today, as we prep for Thanksgiving, I am thankful for teamwork.  This guy and I were born to be together and have made a great team from day 1 - B Floor.  He's my ride or die.

Tuesday, November 21, 2017

P365 - 2017 - Day 325 - Be thankful 2017 Day 21


P365 - 2017 - Day 325- Be thankful 2017 Day 21

Today  I am thankful for my pretty new glasses... my first new pair in 2 decades!!!

Monday, November 20, 2017

P365 - 2017 - Day 324 - Be thankful 2017 Day 20


P365 - 2017 - Day 324 - Be thankful 2017 Day 20

Today, as I look back at my year, I am thankful for all of the beautiful places that running took me to see.  This one took the cake.

Sunday, November 19, 2017

P365 - 2017 - Day 323 - Be thankful 2017 Day 19








 P365 - 2017 - Day 323 - Be thankful Day 19

I am thankful to have finally been able to make it to one of The Princess' Storm games.  I was especially thankful for all of the layers I had to protect me from the cold and crazy wind.

Saturday, November 18, 2017

P365 - 2017 - Day 322 - Be thankful 2017 Day 18


P365 - 2017 - Day 322 - Be thankful 2017 Day 18

I am thankful for a functioning fireplace once again.  Ahhhhhhh

Friday, November 17, 2017

P365 - 2017 - Day 321 - Be thankful 2017 Day 17


P365 - 2017 - Day 321 - Be thankful 2017 Day 17

I am thankful for all of our traditions - ones that we carried on from each of our families and ones that we created ourselves with our kids.  But I am especially thankful for this tradition and so glad that we are doing it another year.  I look forward to reading these on Thanksgiving.

Thursday, November 16, 2017

P365 - 2017 - Day 320 - Be thankful 2017 Day 16


P365 - 2017 -  Day 320 - Be thankful 2017 Day 16

I am thankful for three smart and hard working kids who started middle school and high school with a bang this year!  All three made honor roll for the first marking period!

Wednesday, November 15, 2017

P365 - 2017 - Day 319 - Be thankful 2017 Day 15


P365 - 2017 - Day 319 - Be thankful 2017 Day 15

This was a photo from our 20 year anniversary so I thought it was perfect for this thankful post.... I am thankful to be married to my best friend.  More than 20 years married and almost 24 years together.  I can not imagine my life without him.

Tuesday, November 14, 2017

P365 - 2017 - Day 318 - Be thankful 2017 Day 14


P365 - 2017 - Day 318 - Be thankful 2017 Day 14

I am thankful to be able to walk up the block and see this whenever I want to.

Monday, November 13, 2017

P365 - 2017 - Day 317 - Be thankful 2017 Day 13


P365 - 2017 - Day 317 - Be thankful 2017 Day 13

I am thankful for the adorable little "turkeys" that I get to teach everyday.

Sunday, November 12, 2017

P365 - 2017 - Day 316 - Be thankful 2017 Day 12


P365 - 2017 - Day 316 - Be thankful 2017 Day 12

I am so thankful for this sweet boy.  He is nutty and neurotic and likes to eat trash.  But I love him anyway.