GO UPWARD!

Wow. That is the word I want to use to say just how impressed I am with this children's ministry. When a fellow PTL mom asked me if I would be interested in coordinating the Upward Cheerleading Program at Central, I hesitated. Already too much on my plate, I don't really know much about it, and quite frankly, I wasn't sure I wanted Carlie involved in cheerleading at such a young age. I attended a introduction meeting out of curiosity, and conducted my own research (isn't the Internet wonderful?). All of my research showed that this program is 100% pure and Christ driven. After attended the Leadership Conference in Columbus, Ohio with over 600 other Upward leaders, I am in - hook, line and sinker. I am sure it was the multiple motivational speakers we heard over the two days, but every message was the same...children make their decisions about Christ between the ages of 5 and 13. Studies show that by age 14 if your child doesn't know about Christ and has that part of their lives, chances are very slim they ever will. That as Christian parents we need to quit using the excuses, "I don't have enough time" "I don't know how to coach" "I can't handle the parents " That as parents and servants to Christ, we no longer should look at the I, but instead ask what we can do to serve Christ. And what a better way than to introduce kids to Christ through sports and fun activities. Both Jeff and I walked away motivated and ready to do this! Early on I knew God was tugging at my heart for this ministry, and I kept pushing it aside. But now I am at a point where I am saying, just take me...I'll follow.

And of course, we couldn't visit Columbus without going out to EAT! We were recently watching Man vs. Food (Travel Channel) and they were in Columbus. Well, to the Internet I head again, and we ended up at Thurman's Cafe in Columbus. Famous to the Thurman Burger, which if you eat you get a free T-shirt. You should have seen the size of this....we did not order it. The place reminded of O'Sullivans with writing all over the walls, and not a clean spot to walk, but everybody was laughing and having a great time. Including us!

Shaoff Park Splash Park

Carlie and her friend from CLS, Lauren K.

Notice Lucy's face here...clearly not happy her sister joined in on the picture....

Carlie and her friend from school, Lauren...showing off their climbing abilities!

During each summer, I long for the stay at home mommy occupation. I love taking my girls to splash parks, pools, zoo, picnics, parks, walks, bike rides, you name it - I love summer. Now...winter is a different story, can't stand staying home (quit rolling your eyes mother!). Today we were invited to the Shoaff Park splash park with another family from Carlie's school. Although Carlie had an absolute blast, Lucy never entered the water park for fear of "getting her face wet." Seriously? So most of the time we watched the kids run around, laugh and have fun while Lucy sat on my lap in 94 degree heat. That was comfortable. Luckily, they had a nice park/play area next door which was housed in the shade, so I spent most of my time with Lucy in the shade. Sigh. Maybe next summer, right? She can't ALWAYS be so afraid of the water....right?? Overall, we enjoyed a nice picnic and lots of fun in the sun today. After Carlie's Tball game tonight (last one!) the coach treated all the players to Dairy Queen. It was so fun to see all the girls all sweaty enjoying their ice cream. This stay at home mommy thing is pretty sweet. Too bad I have to go back to work tomorrow....boo hoo.....

1:45 a.m.

"Momma, Momma!" Daddy immediately jumps out of bed and meets Lucy in the hallway with giant tears and telling him, "she just needs some lovin' "(as this is her stand by saying = interpreted as I am hurting). I then tear myself from sleep, get the ibuprofen, go into her room and she is still crying pretty good and telling us her throat really hurts. Ibuprofen given, temperature taken (low 100 degree temp) and I lay down with her in the little twin bed. I lay with her for about five minutes while rubbing her back and singing to her to calm her down. She turns around and faces me..."you can get out now." What? Do you want mommy to lay with you awhile longer? "No, go back to your own bed now." I just had to laugh, at 1:45 a.m.

Tonsils Are Gone!

First smile of the day at 6:00 p.m. after a GIANT puke. Her headache is suddenly gone, and her tummy is feeling much better. Lucy's surgery lasted about 1/2 an hour this morning (eternity if you ask me...). Once we got in the recovery room, she looked so tiny on that giant cart with so many wires hooked up to her. I couldn't wait to hold her in my arms. I didn't even wait for the nurse to ask me, I just swooped her up, and held her the entire time we were in recovery. She did extraordinarily well. No puking in the the recovery room...nope, she saved that for the privacy of our own home. We got home around 11:00a and we made her nest on the couch downstairs. Still weary of the puking (Carlie had episodes of puked with her T&A) - we had (and have) blankets draped everywhere. As soon as Jeff left to get Lucy some Sprite, the first puking episode began. Now, need I remind everybody that this isn't my strong suit as a parent? Since she had nothing to eat all morning except for clear liquids, this one wasn't that bad. She finally fell asleep at 1:30p and woke up around 4:00p wanting chips! Good sign! After many "orange chips" (her favorite), she started complaining of a headache. See where I am going with this? Well, we have "puke bowels" strategically placed all over the living room, and Lucy tried her hardest to get in one, but no avail. We now have a bright orange stain on own living room rug. **sigh** Didn't I just mention to Jeff that I thought it was time we re-did our living room? Anybody have any stain suggestions? I have tried dish soap, vinegar, baking soda, blotting...but I think we may end up with a new rug. Thank you for all the prayers, calls, dinners and email concerns, I have such great friends and family!

Canal Days Parade

On Saturday we participated in the New Haven Canal Days Parade rolling out our brand new Upward Cheerleading Program. I had to laugh when the girls got onto the float for the first time, a comment was made (by a little boy) -- "eww...we don't want GIRLS on our float!" Once we reassured them that the girls will be walking handing out candy, they were much better with the idea. Wonder how much longer that sentiment is going to last? Hopefully...lots and lots and lots longer. The parade was a big success, praises to God for the sunshine and beautiful weather, and I think everybody is very excited to see what this new program has to offer for our young girls. What a great ministry God has laid in my lap!

Braces Here We Come!

Today Lucy had her first dentist appointment. The good news is that the good brushing habits have worked, and she has no cavities and no signs of decay! The bad news, is that she will definitely, 100% have to have braces. This is the same information we have been receiving with Carlie. So either out of stupidity or just simply curiosity, I inquired how much braces were going for now a days......anybody? anybody? Around $5,000. Yes, my friends, $5,000 PER CHILD. It is no wonder there are so many people with crazy teeth walking around. I am chalking this up to another "con" on the list of pro's and con's on why or why not we should have another child. Kids are just simply expensive!!