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Sunday, October 25, 2009

SECTIONAL CHAMPS...NOW ON TO DISTRICTS!



Lady Monarchs capture sectional soccer title with emotional shootout win over Cardinals
By TIM MILLER, Journal-Tribune

After 110 minutes of regulation and overtime play, Marysville High School girls soccer coach Joe McSwords was left pondering another number .... five.

“We hadn’t practiced it (a shootout) since two-a-days,” said McSwords. “I really wasn’t even sure which five players I wanted to put up for shots.”

That was McSwords’ situation Thursday evening after two full halves and a pair of overtime sessions left the Lady Monarchs and Thomas Worthington stalemated at 0-0 in a Division I sectional final game. While McSwords and his captains were meeting with the officials at center field in Worthington, assistant coaches Neal Shaffer, Allen Hinderer and Katie Tracey were writing down some names.

“Those were the ones I thought,” said McSwords after seeing Taylor Spears, Sam Fisher, Casidy Jaggers, Ashley Wilson and KyLee Tuchfarber on a list of shooters.

That quintet came through in big fashion, as the Lady Monarchs outscored the Cardinals, 4-3, in the shootout to advance to Tuesday’s district semifinal game at Upper Arlington. After regulation play and overtime sessions that featured both teams missing on scoring opportunities, the season basically came down to which shooting lineup and which keeper would persevere. Somebody was going to win and somebody was going to end the campaign empty-handed. Soccer games can finish in ties during the regular season but not so during tournament competition. If two, 15-minute OTs are exhausted and the deadlock still stands, teams go to a shoot-out format. Both teams name five shooters who line up against the opposing keeper. Teams alternate shots. The Cardinals took the first opportunity and Hailey Reeb gave her team a 1-0 lead against MHS keeper Hannah Zacharias.

“It’s definitely a pressure situation,” said Zacharias. “It’s tough when you have to face so many kicking styles.”

Spears lined up her shot against TW keeper Rachel Chizever and tied the game at 1-1.

Rebecca Sheldon ripped the ball in for a 2-1 Cardinal lead and Fisher followed suit to make it a 2-all battle. With tension mounting, Zacharias came up with perhaps one of the biggest plays of the season. Meagan Endsley rifled the ball toward the upper part of the goal but Zacharias swiftly got an arm up to block the offering.

“I felt on top of the world after that,” Zacharias said.

Jaggers’ shot failed to hit the mark, leaving the game tied. Nikki Appel put the Cards ahead 3-2 but Wilson scored for yet another tie. Kristen Taylor was the final Worthington shooter and her effort failed to hit the mark. It appeared as though a second set of shooters would be needed when Tuchfarber’s shot went wide to the left. A whistle blew, though, and an official signaled that Chizever crossed the white line before Tuchfarber took the shot. That’s a no-no in soccer and it gave Tuchfarber another opportunity.

“On my second chance, I felt I had to get the ball to the back of the net,” she said. “I wanted to work it to the back corner on the ground.”

Tuchfarber’s mowing job was better than a Lawnboy and when the ball skipped past Chizever, the Lady Monarchs (9-5-4) had claimed an emotional sectional title.

“This was a huge win,” said McSwords as his eyes watered and his voice cracked. “For the past four years, we’ve been working to put this program on the map and I think this win may do that. The girls worked very hard to win this game.”

Monday, October 12, 2009

MONDAY MOSAIC

Something new ~ words, thoughts, quotes, pics ~ all around an idea or theme floating through my mind today ~ let's see how it goes...
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"One doesn't discover new lands without consenting to lose sight of the shore for a very long time." ~ Andre Gide


kipepeo ~ If nothing ever changed, there'd be no butterflies" - Anonymous

"Where there is great love, there are always miracles." - Willa Cather





Friday, October 9, 2009

Yummy Oatmeal & Friends Across the World

First, let me say that when I logged in today I found the most wonderful comment waiting to be moderated. It was from a former Peace Corps volunteer who had served with Andrew at the neighboring village -- and who had been his best friend and "his sis" for many, many months until she returned stateside this past late spring. She told me that she had been trying unsuccessfully to reach Drew for over a month (he has a new cell phone due to an "incident" in Dar a while back, lol! and she also didn't have his current email addy) and was hoping I would be able to connect them. She found my blog through the spectacular world of internet search and left her email address for me (so, no, Jessica, I won't post your comment, lol!). I'm so very excited to re-connect the old friends, the "brother and sister" back together as I know how much Drew has missed "talking" with her and they have much to catch up on!

Now, on a completely different note....weather has changed here, heading us directly into a chilly fall and the perfect time for this great recipe I just received for "Baked Oatmeal" - a perfect dish to prep the night before and mix together and bake in the morning (and, if you're a "small" crowd, eat off all week long!)

Baked Oatmeal

3/4 c. brown sugar
1 t. salt
1 t. cinnamon
3 1/2 c. old-fashioned oats

2 c. milk
1/2 c. oil (can use all olive oil, all canola, or 1/2 & 1/2)
2 eggs beaten
1/2 c. applesauce
1 t. vanilla

1 fresh apple chopped
1/4 c. chopped dried fruit (cranberries, etc.)
1/2 c. ch. nuts (pecans, walnuts, etc.)

Preheat oven to 375 (350 for glass pan). Mix dry ingredients. Add wet ingredients and stir well. Add fruit and nuts. Pour into greased 9 X 13 inch pan. Bake 25 minutes.

Some more TIPS for this yummy oatmeal:

* Night before prep dry ingredients, wet ingredients (refrigerate), and chopped fruit/nuts except apple (wait til morning to chop apple to prevent turning brown).
* I have tried this with all olive oil and it is good, but a little "heavy" - I'm probably going to do the 1/2 & 1/2 next time.
* An easy way to do the applesauce is if you have snack packs - they are 1/2 c. each :)
* Might be interesting/healthy to try this with egg whites/egg substitutes, too.
* I've been told this can be made with Splenda instead of the brown sugar.
* Makes a great breakfast...as well as a simple supper later in the week, lol!

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY





Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Birthday Girl

27 years ago this morning, my oldest daughter, Sarah Elizabeth was born...Goodness, where have the years gone? Years of smiles and laughter, tears and traumas, drama and joy, celebrations and challenges, moments and milestones...it goes so quickly.

Sarah is now a first-time mother herself ~ and a wonderful one, of course, to Abigail Elizabeth, enjoying every blessing and at the same time in awe at how quickly the months are passing. Ah, yes, they do slip by days, months, years...and a little girl now has her own little girl :)

Happy birthday, my dear Sarah! Love, Mom

Monday, October 5, 2009

It's time! The stunning OCEAN THEME bracelet, "Sea of Hope," will be auctioned off beginning MONDAY, October 5th! Bids can be placed - frequently! - in the comments section of the Artisan Beaders blog.

Bidding will continue for two weeks through Friday, October 16th so be sure to check often (and bid again!). This beautiful sterling silver (and more!) creation has been handcrafted by the members of the Artisan Beaders team. All monies raised through this auction are being donated to RAINN. Details of the bidding process are posted at the ABSTEAM blog.

RAINN's Mission Statement: "The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network is the nation's largest anti-sexual assault organization. RAINN operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1.800.656.HOPE and the National Sexual Assault Online Hotline at rainn.org, and publicizes the hotline's free, confidential services; educates the public about sexual assault; and leads national efforts to prevent sexual assault, improve services to victims and ensure that rapists are brought to justice."

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY..."Last First"

Monday, August 3, 2009

WHOA, A NEW MONTH!

August already? Where has the summer gone? Well....here's an idea of what I've been up to ~

~ Being "Soccer Mom"



~ Preparing for Hannah's senior year of high school...helping her research colleges, making some visits, prospect camps for soccer ~ lots of road-tripping :)

~ Playing with the beads :)

"Turquoise Dreams" Necklace


"Playing with Fire" Bracelet


"Mint Juleps"


~ Enjoying my Mimi time with Abby




~ Falling in Love :) :)






Well, it HAS been quite a summer! Here's to a great August!

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY


Monday, July 13, 2009

MONDAY REFLECTIONS


FOR TODAY, July 13, 2009

Outside my window...there is a beautiful morning sun already climbing high, a sign that I enjoyed a late morning sleep ;-)

I am thinking...of what a long day yesterday was ~ quite the trek ~ but so much fun watching Hannah "do her stuff" all day and "wow" the coaches :-)...definitely worth the trip!

From the learning room...would love to find time this week to continue working with wire and want to check out the other bead shops I've heard about as well.

From the kitchen...had such fun cooking a great dinner Saturday night after the show.

I am wearing...my pj's and summer robe.

I am creating...with the turquoise necklace and earrings complete, it's time for the bracelet now!

I am going...to make another "soccer Mom" road trip this weekend :-)

I am reading...Conversations with God (II), John Adams, A Year in The World...and lots of magazines :-)

I am hoping...that Sarah is feeling better soon.

I am hearing...MSNBC as I try to catch up a bit since I was on the road the last 24 hours.

Around the house...time to tackle the bedrooms for a bit of midsummer's streamcleaning, I think.

One of my favorite things...was finally reconnecting with Andrew by phone and seeing Mamma Mia on Saturday with Kevin ~ so much fun!

A few plans for the rest of the week:
shop photos, FB shop page (still not done!!), "Miriam" work for Hannah (it is nonstop right now!) :-)

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

Monday, July 6, 2009

MONDAY REFLECTIONS

FOR TODAY, July 6, 2009

Outside my window...the afternoon sun is warming and skies are blue, a beautiful summer day.

I am thinking...of Andrew, grateful to have word from him and looking forward to chatting in a short while to catch up and get the full story on his harrowing encounter!

From the learning room...enjoying the wire wrapping and looking over the new schedule of classes being offered in chain maille ~ interesting!

From the kitchen...the couscous salad for the 4th was wonderful (and still is!) :-)

I am wearing...brown and white "batik" print shorts, white tee and my new cross necklace ♥

I am creating...turquoise necklace is laid out, ready to be put together ~ bracelet and earrings to follow.

I am going...to see "Mamma Mia" on Saturday! What fun!

I am reading...John Adams (finally getting into it, I think!), A Year in the World...and still be sorely tempted by Breaking Dawn!

I am hoping...that Mom has a great trip, that Hannah enjoys these summer days.

I am hearing...the lawn mower as it makes it passes and rounds.

Around the house...things are quiet but Hannah is popping in and out which is nice. :-)

One of my favorite things...are smiles from sweet Abigail.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
shop photos, FB shop page, "Miriam" work for Hannah :-)

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

Saturday, July 4, 2009

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY



"You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence ...with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness."
~ Erma Bombeck



Friday, July 3, 2009

FRIDAY FRANCE PHOTOS



Thursday, July 2, 2009

PURE JOY!

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY (Thanks, Andrew!)

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

PREMIO MEME AWARD


I recently received the "Premio Meme Award" from my dear friend Donna of CtbyDonna, an extremely talented artisan jewelry designer whom I admire greatly. Thanks much, Donna, for passing this on to me, and I encourage you to stop by Donna's shops where you'll find beautiful "Creative Treasures by Donna" ~
ctbydonna.etsy.com
ctbydonna1000markets.com

The rules of this award is that I am to give 7 facts about myself and pass it on to 7 people. So, seven "interesting" (well, we'll see...) facts about me:
  1. I used to be an elementary school music teacher.
  2. I once broke my leg while in the hospital....riding a food cart while volunteering as a "candy striper" aka "fooling around on the job."
  3. I can sing....well, at least I used to be able to sing....and used to be able to play a fairly mean keyboard and piano. I still enjoy music very much.
  4. I used to be a high school English teacher.
  5. I used to be an office manager, a church music director, a Director of Christian Education, a chief of staff/administrator....how do you spell "career ADD"? :-)
  6. I have no sense of direction ~ seriously. But, it doesn't deter me from finding my way.
  7. I once slammed my head in the car door while arguing with my mother ~ ah, yes, a teenager trying to get the last word AND be dramatic by slamming the car door at the same time....hmmm, not a good combination!
And now, the "Premio Meme Award" is passed on to....
  1. brokenteepee
  2. maugustawoodland
  3. crysalliscreations
  4. merigreenleaf
  5. Christelle van Lingen Karooart Designs
  6. A Rose by Name
  7. Beneath the Rowan Tree

Monday, June 29, 2009

MONDAY REFLECTIONS


FOR TODAY, June 29, 2009

Outside my window...a cooler summer evening is rolling in, a welcome break from the heat we've been having.

I am thinking...of Hannah down at her goalie camp and hoping she is having great fun.

From the learning room...more fun to come with the altered pendants and alcohol inks and time to "play" with the turquoise this week.

From the kitchen...it will be a few weeks of learning to cook for one ~ should be interesting!

I am wearing...denim capris and a blue & white striped tee, comfy after my car ride home today.

I am creating...plans to finally get busy with the turquoise creation that's been busy in my head since the beads "found" me in Toronto.

I am going...to relax tomorrow after the go, go, going of the weekend and "road-tripping."

I am reading...(finishing) Conversations with God (1) and looking forward to beginning Book 2 - still finding time for John and Abigail :-) and escaping through A Year in This World ~ also have the last Twilight book waiting for me :-).

I am hoping...that Hannah has an incredible few days at camp and a great trip back to Ohio; that we have a wonderful 4th of July celebration at Mom's.

I am hearing...the wind rustle the blinds at the windows ~ so nice to have them open and feel/smell the fresh air!

Around the house...oh, it does feel good to be home!

One of my favorite things...will be sharing Saturday with someone very close to my heart.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
looking ahead and making plans, continuing to work on the shop photos, new listings.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...



Friday, June 26, 2009

FROM THE RIGHT SIDE...WAITING FOR THE LEFT SIDE...

Oh, I have been busy "playing with the beads" lately ~ always designing, creating, "playing" away...the problem arises in that I'm one of those right-brain individuals who finds such joy, passion, and sheer delight in the creative process that once I'm done....well, to be honest, it truly takes a swift personal self-kick in the seat (or at least a good wake-up call to the left-side of my brain!) to get "the rest of the story!"

You see, once the jewelry is "created" there's still the pricing, the photographing, the editing of photographs, the listing and descriptions to be written (well, at least that part can spark my right side again). Suffice it to say, sometimes, I'll get a stockpile of finished items due to my inevitable procrastination with this necessary left-brain activity. Consider this my personal confession...wish I could tell you'll do better in the future, but I know better...but I will give you a sneak peak at what will be showing up soon! Pics are done - just need to work on listings, etc...it will get done! :-)

"Playing with Fire" ~ carnelian, red sardonyx, red aventurine, sterling silver




"Soft Bouquet" Necklace ~ rose quartz, crystal quartz, cherry quartz, crazy lace agate, white jade, Czech glass, Swarovski crystals, sterling silver

"Red Velvet" Necklace ~ altered glass pendant, rhodonite, crazy lace agate, Czech glass, sterling silver


"Breakfast at Tiffany's" Necklace ~ Swarovski pearls, snowflake obsidian, sterling silver

FRIDAY FRANCE PHOTOS



Wednesday, June 24, 2009

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

Monday, June 22, 2009

MONDAY REFLECTIONS


FOR TODAY, June 22, 2009

Outside my window...bright summer morning sunshine is streaming in, promising a glorious day.

I am thinking...of Andrew and hoping that his PCV training film project is going well ~ looking forward to hearing more about it today when we hopefully chat.

From the learning room..."playing" with the new alcohol inks and glass, wire wrapping has resulted in two new pendants.

From the kitchen...we are keeping it "simple" after a weekend of eating out with friends and family :-)

I am wearing...my yoga gear.

I am creating...going to work with the carnelian and turquoise that I brought back from Toronto ~ definitely a couple of necklaces "brewing" and earrings....hopefully a bracelet or two as well.

I am going...to finally meet another dear friend who've I known for several months but it feels like forever :-)

I am reading...Conversations with God (1) and am still amazed with the connections being made...still enjoying John Adams, A Year in This World.

I am hoping...that we enjoy more "pool" time with Abby this week, that Anne and Mike's multiple moves are going smoothly, that our next road trip later this week is fun and safe ~ and brings Hannah what she's looking for in training and her goals.

I am hearing...PS 22 Chorus sing "Don't Stop Believing"

Around the house...you can tell we're home again - LOL!

One of my favorite things...seeing Abby experience her first "big" pool ~ she LOVES the water :-)

A few plans for the rest of the week:
finalize arrangements for Hannah's trip to Vanderbilt; coffee(s) with two wonderful friends; re-doing photos in the shops (a long, ongoing project)

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...