Frandtastic!

Last summer when I worked nights, Paul would go out in the field by our house with a camping chair and book, and enjoy the beginning of night.

He invited me to join him in this ritual last night, and as we walked towards the field I saw the little tiny light hovering above the grass that made my heart jump. The fireflies have arrived.

There is something so magical about those little creatures. Maybe it's because I grew up without them, and the novelty of them hasn't worn off, but I think there is something more to it.

I've noticed that the most powerful images in nature are often very difficult to capture and preserve. A shooting star, a perfect reflection, a foggy morning, and those fireflies - the film doesn't do them justice. You have to see them, experience them, and be in that moment to get the full impact.

So, I have no evidence for this magical first night of fireflies - but I can tell you this...

Summer has arrived.

 Two deer! And plus, if you will notice, off to the right had side, a ground hog! Oh what delight was brought to my heart. We inched in for a closer look, and that deer just decided to be so cooperative as well!

Before he skuttled away into the brush, he looked back one more time, just enough for a slightly blurry shot - silly tree taking all the focus!

But can you blame that hog for running away into this? New Jersey is just being a green delight lately. So lucky to have this right next to our house and all around. Animals and plants abounding.

11-year old scouts is the place to be. Building fires & eating s'mores is how it went this past Wednesday.

I like sharing a calling with Paul. It is great working together. Plus, no one looks as good in a scout shirt as that guy.

We had a lovely day together yesterday. Let me tell you why:

Paul made us oatmeal for breakfast.

I worked from home, and Paul went into his lab then took my bike in to the shop for some upgrades.

Paul made us chicken quesadillas for lunch.

More working then lacrosse game time, and guess who was the best fan? Paul cheered me and my team on to a double win over Union Catholic. 


Quick stop for a dinner date at Texas Weiner (it really was delicious!).

Paul then took me on a date to a This American Life live show broadcast. So much good stuff including crowd involvement in which we played iPhone hand bells with Ok Go! (against every movie theaters normal policy) and loved Ira Glass, dancing by Monica Bill Barnes & Company the awesome photograph collection of a memory hoarder (which I often times feel like), beautiful illustrations, stories and more.

He really just gave gave gave all day. I'm so glad to have him.
(Thanks Paul!)

This morning I spotted 4 groundhogs! Being that they are my favorite animal due to their waddley, skiddish, and largely obese nature, I'd say that it was a very successful early morning adventure.

And look! One finally let me take a picture of him (even though it was through a chain link fence and obviously quite zoomed in and blurry). Really, these guys just hate the camera and waddle quickly away whenever they see one (much like my husband)!

PS on our drive to church Sunday I spotted one of these friends and yelled Hoggie! Paul definitely thought we were about to get in an accident and may have swerved slightly due to my overexcited nature. That's just what these squatty things do to me!

Some of his races are in the prettiest places - who knew Jersey could look so rustic and nice?




Our car hit 100,000 miles - mostly my fault due to my multiple commutes. It mad me so sad but my dad gave me good advice about a car enabling you do some the things you love and need.

The Goates have visited us a few times, and Reuben is being the cutest.

He loves our bed and the mirrors, and on this particular night, he also enjoyed tackling me.
 The first day of Spring (yes, I am 2 months behind), Rita's has free Italian Ice. It was delicious and any summer visitors to New Jersey this summer will be treated to some.


Here is it - the cause of my absense - so much lacrosse, on the nicest turf in New Jersey.


This is me feeling happy about spring and color and all that jazz.

We've been diligent 11-year old Scout leaders, and on this particular night or luck was amazing. We were going to take them to identify their 10 plants, and hurried to a park, got lost, went to another park -which happened to have most the trees labeled, by none other than the Boy Scouts of America. The scouts thought we were the bomb... but mostly because of the WaWa milkshakes they got afterwards.



 One day on my way to practice, I happened upon the most handsome cyclist on a training ride. It was a real delight and fun to see him in action. I pulled over the car and he gave me a nice cyclist smooch.

A few months ago I bought a Groupon type deal - mostly for the movie ticket section (yay Hunger Games!) but we eventually used the dinner part, and bad news - we got ripped off. Lesson learned, but please enjoy these shots in the most New Jersey-esque restaurant I have ever seen. A mix of Italians, trying to be super fancy but ending up on the cheesy side.

 At least it had giant mirrors to entertain me (and embarrass Paul).

We stop by Paul's lab a few evenings a week and I always take pictures of how sciencey his life is.

Another bike race, with teammate Adam.

When we have time at work, Pat and I like to take walks around the neighborhood and love all the blossoms.


Look at Momma Donna being so nice and sending treats and Easter surprises!

Another example of New Jersey's "high class", a Diner with lights to the bathroom that lit up as you walked through them. And the biggest booth, yet Paul pulled up a chair.

One of my favorite things about living where we live is all the animals that wander right around us. I see deer, squirrels, and (my favorite!) ground hogs almost daily.

Easter Sunday Paul looked so great, and we had potatoes right from the source.
 This is the fancy private catholic school I coach at, looking especially ominous on an April afternoon.

Many of me evenings include bus rides with 40 teenagers. You've never heard Taylor Swift songs sung louder.

Those patriots didn't stand a chance.


Our seniors have started "theme days" to keep practice interesting. You know I had neon day covered.

This pretty hill reminded me of Lord of the Rings, Celeste came through with the almost accurate quote (as usual). "Simbelmyne. Ever has it grown on the tombs of my forebears."

One night Paul was looking dream as an entomologist ghost. (Caddis fly shirt, and ant pants)

Look how pretty New Jersey was being!

My real job with Talksoft has also been a big part of my life. One day I got to go to a Medical Practice Management Conference at the prettiest Villanova Conference Center.

And look! This is the ad I created!

And I felt all businessy and nice.




 And you know I took advantage of the complimentary valet parking.

I'm the worst and accidentally hit my goalie during warm up and the next day she came with a giant bruise. Don't worry, I did 10 pushups, just like I make the girls do when they hit their own goalie.  Soorrrry!!!!!

Hey leaves! It's so nice to have you back!!!

Just a 1/2 marathon that circled and closed down every road around our house and caused us to park 1.5 away the Saturday night so we could drive to church and I could speak. At least this banana man kept things interesting.

Passion puddle is right next to Paul's lab, and it's a dreamy spot for an evening walk.

 And look! I spotted Carrie's bike outside Paul's lab! (And I know Carrie and Adam - Rutger's cycling friends - stalk this blog, so hi guys!)

Bring your child to work day was a big success. If you want to see more pictures just head over to Facebook and like our page.

 And the nature walk part of the day was really grand.

I drove myself to the game that day, and following the bus home was quite the treat.

One morning (yes, just one) I woke up real early and went for a nice run before work. It's going to start happening a lot more. I love long shadows in the morning and evening.

I just love shooting on my goalies.

Go Mount!


Rutger's Ag Field Day was such a success this year! Paul is the president of the Entomology club and he did a great job organizing. They even invited some of their arachnid friends - including the creepiest huge tarantula.





Maggot art...


The pres himself.


Cockroach races



Cricket suckers. ewwwww

And Marian helping out with the giant tent at the end of a successful day!

The nicest minty shed!

Some Sunday afternoons I take walks and watch the various lacrosse games happening on the campus we live on. Mostly they are mens games, but I enjoy them nonetheless.

We had a game on grass and my little turf divas didn't appreciate it like they should've.

Pre-game dinner

Including a skit which mimicked me, the other coach and the athletic trainer. They even got my hot pink shirt right!

Happy Cinco de Mustachio yesterday! Paul and his brothers have a competition every year and text each other pictures and have their mom judge. Paul won Most Likely to be on America's Most Wanted.

I had a nice drive through Watchung Hills yesterday on the way to our County Tournament. The green really does take my breathe away sometimes. I miss the openness of Utah's skys, but how can you not love these green green trees everywhere too?

This afternoon I found aspirators and dead caddisflies in my fridge. hahaha