Visit Fort Wayne

A few weeks ago we planned a trip away for the weekend, and then we decided ... do we really need to spend the money? So today we "visited Fort Wayne." We went and parked downtown and went to the Barr Street Market. I question why I haven't been visiting this place each Saturday? Fresh veggies, fruit, music, smoothies and crafts for the kids...how fun! We then just started walking with no where particular in mind. We visited the Courthouse, which both girls really liked. Carlie seems to have a love for old buildings like I do...wonder how long that will last? We then visited - where else - but the Fort Wayne Visitor's Bureau! We sat outside on their funky chairs and even visited the Fort Wayne gift shop! Then a downtown visit isn't complete without Coney Island. We sat at the counter, had coney dogs and baby Coke's. Just what do they put in those baby Coke's to make them taste so good?? After all that fun we headed to Headwater's Park for some splash fun. Unfortunately, Miss Lucy started crashing and the splash park visit was cut short. I must admit .. we only spent $20 this morning (on fresh veggies and lunch), and we had a really good time. Maybe we can get creative with this budget thing :)

"Miss Jeanie Is Mean"

Today we visited the preschool that Lucy will be attending two mornings a week. Let me preface by saying Lucy has been having some separation issues, in church, in the mornings, when I take the trash out....some say it is because she is adjusting to Carlie going to school. But in my heart, I know she takes after her daddy more than what we think. Carlie is social and has no problems adjusting to her new environments (like her mommy); Lucy is a little bit more hesitant around new people and settings, but once gets acclimated is the life of the party (like her daddy).

So we visit her classroom, play in the play house, play farm, Miss Jeanie gets down on the floor and plays cars with Lucy, she colors with Lucy - at this point, I really like Miss Jeanie and I think she is going to be great for Lucy! After leaving the preschool, Lucy gives Miss Jeanie a hug, tells her she'll see her in a week or so, and we head out to the van. On the way I was stating that "Miss Jeanie was so nice, this is going to be so much fun," to which Lucy states, "Miss Jeanie is mean." What? Were you in the same room as me?? She goes on to say, that "she is scared to go to school" and that everything in the room was "not fun," and "thinks we should go back to Grandma Barb's now." Sigh. First day of school here we come. I am expecting tears. Counting on them. Will be ecstatic if they don't appear, but who are we kidding here?

"Drop Me Off"

Last week, I walked Carlie to her class each day, watched her get her school box out of her locker and sit at her seat. Today she said, "you can just drop me off." Scrreeecchhhh...halt! What? You mean, drop you off in the line of other mini vans and watch you walk BY YOURSELF into the school? Yes, mommy. Are you sure? (the real question is...is Mommy sure?) So "we'd try it." Pulled up with many other multi colored mini van's, she kissed me, half hugged me and was gone. Soon the parking patrol was waving me on...I sat there and watched her....parking patrol waved me on....I sat there......I could read one of those little squirts lips say, "come on lady, move it..." Okay, okay already. Yes, I sat in the parking lot and made sure she made it the whole 100 yards. Sigh...another step to being a big girl and not needing me. Silent proud mommy of indepenence, another silent sad mommy of my baby growing up.

Lucy, on the other hand, has been taking steps backwards. She has cried for Sunday school the last two weeks, and this morning revolted me leaving. And may I remind you, my MOM watches her on Mondays! That means shopping, snacks and hopefully fast food...how could Lucy be upset about that? Heck, let me stay home from work and I'll do that!! We meet with Lucy's preschool teacher - Miss Jeanie - on Thursday. Say a little prayer for my Lucy. Oh, and her mommy too.

Brick Wall

The idea of the first day of school and adrenalin high has worn off. Carlie hit a brick wall this morning. She was tired, wasn't very excited about going to school, and cried for the silliest reasons this morning. She also requested that we "do nothing" this weekend because "she misses her house." I think this is what they call an adjustment period. Hopefully over the next few weeks we'll figure out our morning schedule, weekend nap schedule and everything else that goes along with it. I guess mommy is learning too. Pray for strength for Carlie today. Yes, I know she'll be fine, but she is still my baby, and I still worry about her daily.

Isn't Kindergarten Enough???

What did they do to my baby at Kindergarten? She has been kind to her sister all night (almost eerily), she decided FINALLY that she wants to attempt two wheels on the bike...which she did (see video), she also decided that she didn't want to take a bath tonight, but instead a shower...which she did, all by herself, lotioned herself up afterwards, came down and got HERSELF a drink. Umm, okay...do you want mommy to help you with something?? Please...mommy NEEDS to help you with SOMETHING!! Although as most of you know the first day of school was a huge success, and I can't keep smiling with all the stories she has told me. Except for the one fact that she made only one friend today, and it was a boy named Riley. Couldn't her first friend be a girl?? And to think...we have 179 more days to go :)

First Day of School

Well, as you all are painfully aware, today was Carlie's first day of school. She was bouncing off the walls this morning. She "gave a little talk" to Lucy about having a good day without her, and promised her she'd be home this afternoon. One of the above pictures was her first day of preschool three years ago....my how she has grown. Still in dresses, please note. She found her seat, and school box and was off an playing with the kids by the time Jeff and I (holding back tears by this time) start heading towards the door. By the parking lot, I was happy for sunglasses, as I stopped holding back the tears. Although I am ready for Carlie to be in school, I miss her dearly as I sit here and type this. Lucy has informed me that we will have fun today..."you know, mom, we'll eat Popsicles and relax on the couch..." I think she will miss Carlie just as much as I do. Lucy will be starting preschool the first Tuesday after Labor Day. I already gearing up for more tears. Tell me, when did I get so emotional??

Last Day of Freedom

I took the day off of work today to enjoy Carlie's last day of freedom before her all day Kindergarten starts. We visited the Zoo, rode the Safari Ride, met daddy for lunch and ate too much junk food. Am I nervous about tomorrow? I am scared to death and tear up at the thought. But we'll get through this phase, just as we got through so many other phases. We are to teach our children in the home and as we go about our daily work and responsibilities, from dusk to dawn. We are to teach them God's truth in action. Have I done that? When she enters this phase of her life, is she prepared to walk tall and confident in the Lord? At times I analyze my life and wonder if I am not just a "hearer" but not a "doer." We are going through a study in HC called Protecting Your Family - it has been an eye opener, or should I say a good looking-at-yourself-in-the-mirror-eye-opener. Be prepared for First Day of School pictures tomorrow!! (sniff, sniff)

If Lucy Had Hair

Lucy was born with little hair, and at age 3 1/2, my poor girl still doesn't have much hair. And what she does have is so lilly white that you can hardly see it.

Can you imagine my Lucy with this much hair??

New Additions To Our Family

Ha! Fooled everybody by that post title, huh? Attached are the newest members of our family. Pearl the horse is on the left, and Sparky the dog is on the right (Old family member Sparkle is in the middle). If case you haven't been blessed with the Webkinz world yet, this is your introduction. Welcome to caring for pets, without actually having pets. Although the Webkinz website has already taught Carlie patience through gardening, reasoning through Checkers (the little stinker beats me every time!), and the value of money through "working" to buy her pets clothes and food. Interesting concept, huh?

My Life with Princesses

Quiet children. Normally the sound of trouble or messes for us experienced parents. This time I walked into a room with two princesses. The Ariel top (which no longer fits) has been replaced with a blanket wrapped around my princess no. 1 and Princess no. 2 has every piece of jewelry on that she could find. Now they want to go outside and ride bikes .. without changing their clothes. Oh well, our neighbors already think we are crazy...why not add fuel to their fire?

First Tomato!!

Grandma Ringger took Carlie "Flower Shopping" early this Spring, and instead of the pink, girlie flowers Grandma expected Carlie to get...she picked two tomato plants. I think this secretly made Grandpa Ringger proud. Well...FINALLY... after watering, and each morning checking our tomato plant, at last - a RED tomato prevails! We have many more that are green on the vine, but she was ever so excited to pick the first RED tomato. Carlie devoured the tomato herself, drenched in Ranch dressing, of course (she is half Ringger you know). We're proud of our future farmer :)

Lake Life

Take me back 25 years, and you'll find me at "The Lakes." Times of skiing each morning, tubing each afternoon and playing games with my cousins and grandparents at night. Once a laker, always a laker they say...and I believe them. This weekend we had the opportunity to visit Charles, Heather and Miss Vivian, and FUN was had by everybody. Lucy got to drive the boat, Carlie tubed for the first time (thank you Charles for being kind!), and Mommy (i.e., me) got up on ski's for the first time in YEARS. Funny how my arms have grown so much weaker over the years. Skiing is hard work!! We ate too much, stayed up too late, got a little sun burn and everybody is wiped out tonight. Now...does anybody want to contribute to the "future-Gongaware-lake-cottage-fund"???

Reflection

18 days and counting. Carlie - my baby - will be starting Kindergarten in 18 days. What concerns me the most? Carlie's heart is enormous, and so very soft. And quite simply, girls are mean. I don't necessarily look forward to some of the changes that lay ahead of my daughter. The attitude we so consistently correct, the manners we have worked so hard to be habit, and the attitude of servitude and putting others first. Those are great when you are surrounding by loved ones, will they be acted out once she is away from us? And who will take advantage of her huge heart? Time will only tell. Once I get Carlie in Kindergarten, I can then move onto the worrying for Lucy and preschool. Lucy will be starting in September. My girls are growing up right in front of my eyes. I know I wished away their babyhood - mind you I am not the baby lover - but I sometimes pray to God, can I please freeze them now? Can I keep their huge hearts and love for their parents that they have now? Right now, next to Jesus, I am the most important person in their lives. Just looking at this picture melts my heart. The innocence of childhood. Once it is gone, you never get it back, do you?