Absent Blogger

I clearly needed a break from blogging. A pretty long break in fact - six months! I am not sure how that happened but I do know that I needed to just step away completely. I have never been good about keeping a diary of any kind and blogging had been a great way for me to take pictures and document our family life. But somewhere along the way I let blogging get in the way of family. I might be wrong but I think my family needed a blogging break just as much as I did!

When I took a step back from blogging myself I also stopped reading other blogs. I have not read any blogs until a couple of weeks ago when I started checking in again with some of my favorites. It has been nice seeing what fellow bloggers have been up to over the past six months. Seeing what everyone else has been up to has made me miss blogging.

The things is that I am just not sure how to start again. Maybe it is writers block? Maybe I just need to start and get back into the habit? Whatever it is, thanks for bearing with me as I try to get my blogging groove back!

The Art of Fielding

My book club has done it once again! One of the members picked Chad Harbach's novel The Art of Fielding, which is a book that I would have normally walked right by without a second glance. College baseball set in the mid-west is not a plot that speaks to me yet I really loved this book. And in fact it might have been one of my most favorite book club discussion!

Goodreads says: At Westish College, a small school on the shore of Lake Michigan, baseball star Henry Skrimshander seems destined for big league stardom. But when a routine throw goes disastrously off course, the fates of five people are upended.

Henry’s fight against self-doubt threatens to ruin his future. College president Guert Affenlight, a longtime bachelor, has fallen unexpectedly and helplessly in love. Owen Dunne, Henry’s gay roommate and teammate, becomes caught up in a dangerous affair. Mike Schwartz, the Harpooners’ team captain and Henry’ best friend, realizes he has guided Henry’s career at the expense of his own. And Pella Affenlight, Guert’s daughter, returns to Westish after escaping an ill-fated marriage, determined to start a new life.

As the season counts down to its climactic final game, these five are forced to confront their deepest hopes, anxieties, and secrets. In the process they forge new bonds, and help one another find their true paths. Written with boundless intelligence and filled with the tenderness of youth, The Art of Fielding is an expansive, warmhearted novel about ambition and its limits, about family and friendship and love, and about commitment—to oneself and to others.

No matter what your plans are for the weekend, I hope you all have a little bit of time to read and relax!

First Day Of School 2014

I not sure how we got here so fast but we did. Another summer in the books and a new school year has already started!

This is a year of many "first's". B starts her first year as a middle schooler. Personally I have never seen a child more excited to start middle school. All I can say is that I hope she is this happy for all three years. Our other "first" is that L is starting kindergarten this year! He is just over the moon that he will "finally" be in the same school as M.

May all of their days this year be filled with smiles!!!

Not The Way I Wanted To Say Goodbye To Summer

Ever since we got back from the Cape, I feel as though I have taking on a full time job. This "job" has been the task of making sure that our youngest child to start kindergarten and have us feel that he had a good allergy plan in place. (If you have been reading for awhile you know that he needs one!) Unfortunately, I am getting no where fast!! And I will do a post on all the details soon...promise!

So I am sure that I would hear me when I said that I needed more summer. More time to just hang out with my kiddos and feel like everything was ok because we were all together. I need more time in control. (Yes, I know I need to work on "letting go".)

All of that stress aside, I am happy to report that all we did this past weekend was be together with a nice date night too. I took this weekend as my chance to hold on to family as much as I could and I don't even care that mother nature wasn't going to work with me. I didn't let any thunder storm get in my way!!!

Cape Cod {Brew Run}

If you knew Hubby in real life you would know that he loves to run. So much so that a few years ago he decided that he needed to find a race while he was on vacation. Something about not slacking just because we were on vacay...yada, yada, yada!

Honestly, it is hard being married to someone so fit. But as luck would have it, Hubby found a race perfect for runners and spectators alike! 

The Brewster Brew Run is a 5.2 mile run in scenic Brewster, MA that has been held for the past 36 years. I think its popularity might have to do with the fact that The Woodshed, a local watering hole, provides cold beers for all after the race.

The weather was perfect for the race this year. Only the top finishers get free race t-shirts, so Hubby was in it to win it! And I am happy (plus proud) to report that Hubby once again finished in the top ten.

After he ran that hard, I was more than happy to be the DD and let him enjoy the party. Maybe I need to find a 5K that hands out wine at the end of the race?

Cape Cod {Paddle Board}

I had really hoped for an easy transition when we returned from the Cape but that was not to be. When we got back home I really needed to hit the ground running! But now that things have settled down a little bit I finally had time to go through all of our pictures from vacation and I thought I would share some with you.

Two summers ago my mother and brother rented paddle boards for a day and when they were done my brother took the kids out for a short "ride". Well fast forward to this summer and they are still talking about how awesome it was to ride a paddle board with Uncle Tom. So we rented one for the day. I may or may not have done it simple because I feared a revolt if we don't!

After L had a couple of "rides" with Hubby, the older two tried it for themselves this year. While it was a beautiful day there was a strong breeze that I thought was cause them to fall a ton. But they did a great job and were clearly proud of themselves.

B might have already started talking about asking Santa for a paddle board. Personally I am ok with renting again next summer. Do any of you own a paddle board? If so, is it worth it?

Back To Reality

I am totally surrounded by laundry. I have way too much school paper work to fill out. There is no food in our fridge. But fear not I will persevere!

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!!!

Sand Between My Toes

I might be in need of a pedicure but I think spending time at the beach with my kiddos is a much better use of me time.

Don't you agree?

Sunshine!

The sun is finally working with us and we plan to make the most of it!

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!!!

Disney Junior Field Hockey Tournament {Part 2}

I think it is normal for players to be nervous before a big tournament but is it normal for parents to be too? I might be abnormal but mad was I stressed. It had nothing to do with how B and her fellow teammates would play. It had ever thing to do with the "unknown"! So I thought I would share with you some lessons learn on our first Disney Tournament.*

The first lesson that I learned was that while ESPN's Wide World of Sports is a Disney park, it is not easy to get to if you are using Disney's complimentary resort transportation. Especial if your child is playing in one of the first games of the day! I can not tell you how happy I was that I made the last minute decision to rent a car.

The second lesson I learned was the importance of water breaks for parents too. As a mother of three active kiddos I always am reminding my little athletes to drink plenty of water but I don't think about my need for water. Well all I can say is that water on a super hot July day in Florida is not just your friend but a totally necessity!!! I know understand why there are stories of parents being sent to the hospital from this tournament. 

ESPN Wide World of Sports will let all who enter their park bring in a water bottle. All I can say is do it! If you don't take care of yourself, how can you take care of your child!?!

I already knew this but it is such a joy to watch your child play a sport that does nothing but make them smile. But when they play at Disney their personal joy is just over the top! B's team was treated like super-star athlete and they played like them too.

And the last lesson is kind of sad one....the only thing that is wrong with children's sports is the adults. I was heartbroken over the way some coaches yelled at their player. I have yet to find an example of when it is ok to belittle a child in public. My own daughter walked off the field more than once filled with worry for the opposing team due to the way their coach treated them; not the score of the game. I think that is saying something.

So the take away for me is that it does not matter what place B's team came in. What mattered the most is that B's coach did nothing but her best to help these girls play their best and have fun. If B stops playing field hockey tomorrow she will still have a love for the game thanks to her coach. And for that I am forever grateful!!!

***I am totally not a Disney Sports expert as this was our first time there but hopefully not the last!***

Rainy Day On Vacay

Rainy day do happen on the Cape. Hard to believe I know but have no fear the kiddos and I are making the most of them!

I hope you are all making the most of any rainy summer days that head your way too!

Long Ride Up

Finally the sports teams that had ruled our lives have ended. Mom and I had packed the car and the kiddos and head out on the open road.

We all tried our best to keep our sense of humor. But L did start asking "are we there yet" before we had even left Virginia. Poor boy keep asking the same question the whole trip. Meaning we hear him ask the same question through seven states.

It was a long trip but I would do it ten times over. Nothing could keep me from the Cape!!!!

A Week Of Projects

My sweet mother has been coming down to Virginia in July to help me out with home projects for at least the last seven years. No project is off the table! We have painted. We have sewn. (Ok, mom has done most of the sewing.) We have going shopping for furniture and always found a deal or too. Really, my mom has been a godsend when it comes to having someone to bounce ideas off! And when I say I have a goal for the week, I know it will get done. 

This year was a little bit different since my mom came down more to watch the boys than complete projects due to B's tournament. However my mom would not be my mom if she did do something! So thank you mom for helping hang the kiddos bathroom hooks!!!

You can also find me at A Stroll Thur Life

Disney Junior Field Hockey Tournament {Part 1}

As you might remember, if you are a long-time reader, B was picked to be a part of her field hockey club's "elite" team back in early spring. Even since making this team, B and her teammates have been working non-stop to improve their game for the last tournament of the season. Why were they working so hard - because their finally tournament was the Disney Junior Field Hockey Classic! 

So last Thursday B and I got up at an ungodly hour and got on a flight to Orlando. (If you knew me in real life you would understand that getting up before 5am was partially a miracle for me!) We had a nice flight down and got to our hotel before lunch. Which was great since I wanted to get B settled in before her big day on Friday. 

This was the first tournament that B has ever been in that had three days of "play". Three games on Friday and Saturday then Sunday was a "sudden death" round. If you ask me the fact that this was the longest tournament at the nicest facility these girls have ever played at means there was a lot of pressure put on these U12 girls. Luckily B and all of her teammates rose to the challenge!

They had a great first day; 2 wins and 1 loss. Due to how well the girls played the first day they were placed in a higher pool the next day. An honor and challenge rolled into one!

The second day was definitely harder with 1 tie and 2 losses. But since the girls kept all of the losses close they finished in the upper half of all teams combined.

I would be lying if I said that I was not stressed about the last day. The first game was close but they won! Unfortunately they did not win their second game but they played so well. The fact they never gave up was wonderful to watch as a parent!

B is such a competitive girl that she has definitely been bitten by the "Disney Tournament" bug due to its higher level of play. So I have a feeling this is not our last time at Disney Field Hockey Tournament!  

Wiped Out!

B and I are finally back from her tournament at the ESPN's Wide World of Sports. We had a wonderful time. The girls played their hearts out and it was a joy to watch them.

I sure you are not surprised to hear that B is wiped out from three solid days of games under the Florida sun. What I am counting on is that you also understand that I am wiped out too! Please give me a day to get back to normal (plus go through over 250 pictures) and then I will tell you all about the tournament.

A Night At The Fair

How did you spend your Thursday summer night? Well my family spent theirs at a county fair while B and I were away! I hope you enjoy Amy's, my SIL, guest post.....

I'm so happy to be guest posting on my beloved sister-in-law's blog. During the school year I teach kindergarten, but in the summertime I get to do things with my own kids I wouldn't normally have time for...like a rodeo! The clouds cleared away just in time to enjoy a beautiful night with my daughter and nephews. The kids had so much fun looking at all the prize-winning pigs and chickens, but the best part was the professional bull riders.

One look at those massive animals and you could not PAY me to ride one! I think I'll leave it to the cowboys! The stands were packed, but we managed to sneak the kids to the front. It was pretty amazing to hear that one of the cowboys had received ten stitches in his jaw the night before, but would still be riding this evening. Ouch!

Of course, after spending money on admission, the favorite activity of the night was good old-fashioned tag and hanging out by the tractors. You can't beat a beautiful night at the fair with family!

Happy Summer to all you Lobster Meets Peach readers! 
Amy

Southern Welcome

Hello Lobster Meets Peach readers!  I’m Amie (aka “Former Blogger A”)... a daughter, wife, mother of two, former blogger, and lucky local friend of our dear Eileen.

Ei recently asked me if I would write a guest post for her lovely blog, and I couldn’t be happier to oblige.  Since this is my first entry to Lobster Meets Peach, I first want to say a big Thank You for welcoming me to this beautiful little corner of the internet.  It might be a virtual one, but it’s a neighborhood all the same and I am honored to be a part of it! 

To carry on the welcome theme, I thought I’d share how our family recently welcomed our new next door neighbors to the community. I always love taking fresh baked goods to families who are just getting settled in their new homes.  This time though, we took a different route.  We still included sweets, but they were provided by our favorite local shop, Joy’s Dream Bakery.  Joy makes the freshest, yummiest confections.  We picked her white chocolate raspberry and tiramisu cupcakes. 


  
My sweet almost nine year old son made handmade a card, which my sassy little six year old daughter decorated with a picture inside. 

We capped off the gift with fresh wildflowers from our backyard garden, placed in a mason jar that we filled with stones to anchor the delicate flower stems.  Truly, is there anything a mason jar can’t do?!

What’s your favorite way to welcome someone to the neighborhood?

The Wonderful World of Disney

B and I are off to the wonderful world of Disney but not for a vacation. We will not go on a single ride. We will not see a single show. We are going for one reason only - field hockey. When B made her travel team back in March we knew that they would be attended a national tournament at the very end of the season at the ESPN Wide World of Sports. 

Our bags are packed and we are ready for this big event. B and her teammates are all so excited, as they should be! They have all worked so hard and I really hope no matter what happens, win or lose, they enjoy this tournament.

While B and I are away I have some wonderful friends who will be guest blogging for me. Then I will be back on Tuesday to fill you in with all of the details. 

Go Rapids!!!

"One Plus One"

Our library does a pretty good job of keeping up with bestsellers from the New York Times. Being the clever people that they are, they knew that everyone wants to read "it books". So they started the "Hot Seven" category which is so genius. If  book is new and a bestseller it can only be checked out for seven day and may not be renewed. In other words, if you want to read this book you better read fast!

When I saw Jojo Moyes' latest book on the "Hot Seven" shelf I knew I had to pick it up. I had never read any of her previous books but I have heard nothing but praise for her works. 

According to Goodreads:

Suppose your life sucks. A lot. Your husband has done a vanishing act, your teenage stepson is being bullied and your math whiz daughter has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that you can’t afford to pay for. That’s Jess’s life in a nutshell—until an unexpected knight-in-shining-armor offers to rescue them. Only Jess’s knight turns out to be Geeky Ed, the obnoxious tech millionaire whose vacation home she happens to clean. But Ed has big problems of his own, and driving the dysfunctional family to the Math Olympiad feels like his first unselfish act in ages . . . maybe ever.

 One Plus One is Jojo Moyes at her astounding best. You’ll laugh, you’ll weep, and when you flip the last page, you’ll want to start all over again.

If you are like me you read what Goodreads had to say and are still not sure. I mean it does sound a little out there and it is, but this book is so worth your time! It is a fast read because you will really come to love all of the characters, faults and all. By the end of the book you will have laughed and cried. And if you are anything like me you will love this novel since the main character is always optimistic. 

At the end of the day if we all kept our chin up the world world be a better place!

Plain Jane Ice Cream

My sweet mother-in-law bought me a lovely ice-cream maker for my birthday maybe seven or eight years ago but I am ashamed to admit that it was not used for years. I wanted to use it but I was letting our food "issues" get in the way. B was allergic to dairy until after her sixth birthday. Plus she was allergic to eggs and when she outgrew her egg allergy we found out that little L was highly allergic to eggs. 

Most chefs will tell you that you need cream and eggs to make a proper ice cream so my poor ice cream maker just sat and sat for years. Then I just went for it! Maybe it is because I am an "allergy mom" or even just a mom that I decided that I could care less about "proper ice cream" and more about home-made ice cream. It might not be fancy ice cream, in fact it is just plain vanilla, but it is good!

Plain Jane Vanilla Ice Cream

1 cup whipping cream

2 cups half & half

3/4 cup sugar

1/8 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon vanilla extra

Combine the whipping cream, half & half, sugar and salt in a sauce pan. Heat the sauce pan over medium heat. Stir until all of the sugar has dissolved. 

Take the sauce pan off the heat and stir in vanilla.

Place mixture into a seal-able container and place in the refrigerator. It is best if mixture can sit over night to chill.

Pour mixture into your ice cream maker and follow its instructions. (I left my machine running for about 35 minutes but each machine is different.) Then freeze your ice cream until hard, at least two hours.

Enjoy!