I'm Back...

First off, let me explain my prolonged absence. Several months ago, our computer got a virus. I took it to get fixed and the IT person who "fixed" it put on special super duper spyware....which made our computer incredibly SLOW. So...not wanting to blog during working hours, my blogs were not being done. Still no new computer, but I finally got smart and removed this gentleman's "spyware" from my computer...guess what? It runs about 80% better. A new computer might be in the saving budget for the Gongaware's...but its about #6 on the priority list.

And so it goes on...at this point eight years ago, I was understanding just how unselfish my life was about to become. I was exhausted after laboring and pushing for over 18 hours to birth my first born, Carlie Jordyn. Celebrating Carlie's birthday is always fun. Her excitment and joy for life is simply contagious as her laugh and smile. After scheming on what exactly to do for her birthday this year, we decided to do something a smaller (i.e. cheaper) scale this year. She invited three of her closest friends to Chuck E. Cheese. Yes, you heard me right folks. Chuck E. Cheese. After two hours of children screaming, Chuck E. singing, game bells ringing...I began to wonder to myself...why did this place STOP selling alcohol? It would sure make it much more tolerable. But seriously, the "game package" was well worth the money we paid, and Carlie had an absolute blast. The highlight of the day for me was watching Carlie in the "Ticket Blaster." Be prepared to "ROFL" after watching this! (sorry about the sideways shot...can't rotate...)

Happy 8th Birthday Baby Girl...mama loves you to the moon and back.

Happy Halloween!

Once again, Grandma Barb worked her magic with Halloween costumes. How many kids actually have their own tailors to costume make a costume? Not many. Add the fact that this Grandma even makes matching costumes for the American Girl dolls. Spoiled? You could say that.



Carlie with Clara Bell ... all matching!



We spend Halloween doing the "hillbilly" trick. My best friend Shelly is building a house on Sorrento. A very nice addition out North...and we decided to pretend we lived there too and tag along! I must add that the candy hand outs were much, much better than what we have in our neighborhood. And the bonus? I got to spend time with my best friend while our kids went door to door and collected their goodies. I think I hear tradition?

Kids Against Hunger

Saturday afternoon we got the privilage of having our kids fight against hunger. Not just international hunger, but hunger right here in New Haven. We volunteered for a two hour session working with Thrivent Financial held at our church. Each child got an opportunity to fill thousands of bags with dry goods. One child was in charge of the soy protein, another the chicken stock powder, yet another with the dried veggies, and finally rice to top it off. These bags were then weighed, sealed and boxed to be shipped. Over the course of the day, 50,000 bags were prepared ... and we were told 20,000 were to stay with the New Haven Food Bank. 20,000. 20,000 hungry families right here in New Haven. My neighbors. That fact makes me sad. What more can we do for these families? What other ways can my family make an impact? The video they showed during the break of the project truly touched my children. In Lucy's words, "Mommy, that video made me cry. Those kids were so hungry." Yes, Lucy. Not just those kids in the video, but possibly kids you see everyday in the grocery store, at church, and maybe even school mates. This project has spurred some great conversations in our home. My children seem to have a passion for the hungry. And think I do too.

My Future Running Partners

This year I signed my girls up for the Fort 4 Fitness Kids Marathon. The goal is for the kids to run 25.1 miles over the course of 3 months, and the last 1.2 mile is ran together as a group the night before the Fort 4 Fitness race. Last year I watched dozens of orange shirts run, and I thought...I want my girls to do that. We didn't quite make the 25.1 miles, but we did get some good runs in, and even had some Wednesday afternoon after school running partners. Over the summer while training, Lucy consistently ran further and harder than Carlie. So I had Jeff run with Carlie during the race, with the promises that she would walk most of the way. Well, the very opposite was true. Lucy ended up walking towards the end of the race, and Carlie got determined, and didn't walk the entire way! I was so proud of her. I did feel sorry for Jeff...running 1.2 miles in old running shoes without one day of training. Let's just say this wasn't his favorite daddy moment. Both girls are excited to continue this tradition, and one day...run the actual 4 mile race with me!

Adding Soccer Mom to My Resume

Lucy decided this winter to forgo dance class and play soccer. OOOOKKKKK....don't know where that came from? So I found a great league close to New Haven that is only a six week introduction to soccer. One half an hour practice, and One half an hour scrimmage. Now, how would I describe this....ummmmm.....comical? Lucy refuses to get close to the ball because "too many kids are around it." Well, my lovely Lucy, isn't that the point? She prefers to sit on the sidelines with the coaches while they braid her hair. LOL....I am not crossing soccer off our list quite yet, but I don't think we'll be on a travel soccer league anytime soon.

Field Trip!

I got the honor of accompanying Lucy's class to the field trip to the Zoo. I enjoy field trips for a multitude of reasons. One, I get to spend time with my daughter. Always good. Two, I get to meet and interact with Lucy's class mates. Three, I get to meet and interact with Lucy's class mates parents. All of which I think are important. Over the next nine years, Lucy will spend more time with these kids than she will with her own family. Isn't that hard to believe? I got to spend quality time with Lucy's BFF, Emily. Emily is a very bright (talkative) and energetic (think sugar rush) young girl. But Lucy and her have just clicked and so goes the friendship for her Kindergarten year. I have a confession. I am a hesitant mother. I don't let my girls just go over to just anybody's house for a play date. I admit, I am an overprotective parent. So, it is time for us to invite the Barrett family over for our initial play date. Yes, the whole Barrett family. Call it overprotective, or call it hospitality to a fellow classmate's family. Or even more simple, call it striving to be a little more like Jesus.


Miss James' Kindergarten Class ... Class of 2023


Emily and Lucy....being "monkeys"

End of Summer 2010

Labor Day Weekend. The official "end" of summer, and begin of fall ... and (shhh) winter. What a summer. As the girls grow, I find that we having more and more fun. Lakes. VBS. Water parks. State Fair. Festivals. Swimming. Sleepovers. It seems like we've done them all at least twice this summer. With both girls in school this year, I now understand (of course - I "thought" I understood) what mom's love about summer. The sleeping in, the late night camp fires, the catching of lightening bugs. The simple things of summer.

We ended summer the right way. On an impromptu trip (not my style, mind you..thank my mom for that!) we headed to Merrillville for a overnight stay and water park adventure. With the 90 degree heat and humidity - great idea...right? Well, who would have predicted that 3 days before we head out the temperature drops to mid 60's and cold?? Did I hear somebody say..Gongaware luck? Well, we was not going to let cold weather...and even colder water stop us. Thankfully my Dad, Jeff and Carlie tested the waters with the first water slide. Lots of squeals (think little girl) came from all three :) Words like "numb" "can't feel my legs" and "we are never doing that again" was possibly said. Not to mention that Carlie literally scaled a cement wall to escape the cold water. Have you seen a cat after it's been thrown into water? Yes, that was Carlie trying to escape the water. I thought "well, this is going to be a short day!" But after several attempts of different water activities, mom and I decided we were going down the big slide. The Dragon something-or-other. It should heed as a warning that when you are winded climbing the stairs for a water slide, that the water slide is REALLY TALL. After suffering our way to the top, ready to slide, and the water flow breaks. The nice young man (he looked about 10) told us just to wait..so we waited...and waited...well, it didn't get fixed. Back down 10 flights of stairs. By then, I was ready to get wet and cold. Perhaps this was due to the lack of oxygen from the high altitude of the Dragon slide. So back up we went another slide called "The Vortex." And the fun began. Thankfully, this slide only had 4 flights of stairs, because...and no exaggeration...we did this slide probably 20 times. After literally forcing Carlie to ride it, she loved it. So the day went. Toilet bowl slide, Vortex, Cyclone, Lazy River, Kid Slides, more Lazy River....what a fun day. Pondering the day, I believe that it being low-80's and freezing water was a blessing. We never waited in line for a slide and had our pick of thousands of lawn chairs. Summer memories. They don't get much better.

Dinner Night Before...Rare Grandpa smiling Picture!

When I am a Grandma, I hope I look like my mom...we could really be sisters in this picture...

Yes, please act like you like each other....


Still "considering" getting wet...so cold!!!


Lazy River water was a little bit warmer...Daddy was brave and took the girls...


Cute family pic....


A bunch of drowned rats...with smiles on our faces and lots of love in our hearts...

First Day of School

Today is the first day of school. Today marks a new "milestone" in my parenting career. Today is the day that during my modest one day a week off, I do not have any children at home for six and a half hours. *sigh* I have mixed feeling about this. On one hand I am sad that my babies are growing so quickly, but on the other hand I am bursting with pride for those two little blessings. Drop off went uneventfully and at one point, Jeff had to demand a hug from Lucy. She was so happy sitting in her seat and meeting her friends. Carlie leaped right into her seat, only to find out her BFF had the flu and was missing the first day of school. If that is the low point of her day, we are so set! Below are pictures....tears form when I look at these pictures. Not necessarily tears of sadness, but tears of happiness and pride.

Lucy First Day of Preschool 2008

Lucy First Day of Pre K 2009

Lucy first day of Kindergarten 2010

Carlie first day of Preschool 2005

Carlie first day of Kindergarten 2008

Carlie 1st Grade 2009

Carlie 2nd Grade 2010


I did NOT make them do this...their idea! I promise!!



On a side note...Jeff took off the day to spend with me. I think he knew it would be a hard day for me. We enjoyed a leisurely breakfast, played 9 holes of golf and then had lunch at BW's. I told him I think he should start taking Wednesday's off too...we could just hang out together, with no kids!!

Before Picture

Carlie lost tooth no. 8 tonight. Lost is a loose term. I had to hold her down and twist it out of her mouth. Sounds horrible doesn't it? We have been told by Carlie's dentist that her mouth isn't big enough for her adult teeth. Clearly obvious, as they are growing in far behind her regular teeth. We meet with the dentist in January for impressions and braces in March. I call this picture Carlie's "before" picture. One day soon, and many dollars later, I will look back to this picture and smile. Carlie has that type of smile. She smiles with not only her mouth, but her entire face. Her happiness and love of life exudes from her. I love that little girl!

State Fair 2010

This week we visited the Adams Hotel a/k/a my sister's house in Indy. We started the weekend the Adams' boat with lots of food and fun. Although with four children under the age of 7, we have learned that fun can be found in increments of no more than 4 hours, especially when heat is involved.

We headed out for our second year to the Indiana State Fair. The year of the Pig! Lucy (our little swine lover) was so excited to see pigs at every turn we made. We were so excited to eat fair food, but it was so hot...the hit of the day was the Dairy Barn and the yummy milkshakes. Three servings of dairy a day right? So with milkshakes being our first, our second was fried cheese! Yum...now if that doesn't give you an upset stomach, I am not sure if anything will. We saw all types food...even chocolate covered bacon!! Jeff would have loved this!!

This year we were able to sign up for the DNR catch and release. I think this was the highlight for the boys. And actually Carlie and Lucy caught several as well! Although Lucy refused to touch anything that came from the water. Yes, I have little girly girls.

We very much enjoyed this last hurrah before school starts next week. Late nights and lots of giggles with cousins, and time spent with my sister. As we joked, we will continue this tradition for many, many more years. Or at least until our kids refuse to go the Fair with their mommies.

The Cousins "Pre-Fair"....see the happy smiles?

Lucy petting her first pig of the day...see the hesitation, this pig was big!

We love the Dairy Barn!!!

Again, Lucy posing with yet ANOTHER pig.

One of the catch and release fishes...notice no touching is going on here thanks to the nice DNR man.

I had to take a picture of this pose...I believe somewhere in this world there is a picture of me this same age, doing the exact same thing...

Pierced Ears for My Baby

Lucy has been asking and asking to get her ears pierced. Carlie too, but not nearly with the earnest that Lucy has been asking. I finally said, "Okay, let's go this week and get them done" thinking that she may rethink her decision. Nope. She said, "when this week?" So today we traveled to the mall to get my baby girl's ears pierced. Daddy wasn't 100% on board, but at the end of the decision, he wasn't objecting. I think I saw a tear or two in Jeff's eyes when he met us for lunch after it was done. I know it is just earrings, but it really does make her seem SO MUCH older. Carlie was on the fence on whether or not to get her done. After watching Lucy...she decided she wasn't ready yet. We purchased some cute earrings for her to wear after the six weeks of the starters. So cute. She is so proud of those earrings, every mirror she walks by, she looks at herself. Funny, I remember doing the same thing. Maybe somebody Carlie will decide she wants too...maybe not. I told her that it is her decision and that mommy doesn't care either way. Its funny when you put decisions like those in their hands. I think it gives you glimpes the young adult they are becoming.

A little nervous...as she explained to me..."I have butterflies in my stomach mommy!"


A few tears afterwards....


Tears turned into smiles after she got to see her new bling bling in the mirror...


And pick out new earrings...


The "starter" earrings have come a long way...aren't these little flowers cute??

Chi-Town

Ten years of marriage. So much has changed in ten years. When we got married, although we weren't young in society's eyes, I feel like we were immature in so many ways. I feel like a "real grown up" now. I am just thankful God has a plan for my life. I told Jeff I feel like a completely different person than what I was 10 years ago. A person who goes to Chicago for four days, and enjoyed sitting quietly by the river holding hands with her husband, reading a book in her hotel room, and sitting at a coffee shop just simply people watching.

On Thursday we went with the Lacey recommendation. We had dinner at Banderro's and enjoyed probably one of the favorite food items of the trip. The prime rib sandwich. It was delicious, and we seriously thought about going back a second time! But we were in Chicago, and so much to see - so many places to eat...so little time.

On the late night walk back to our hotel, we found out that they were going to be taping the Transformers 3 movie right outside our hotel. It was fun to watch them turn Michigan Avenue into a war zone. Crashed cars, explosions, sky divers...all for about 10 minutes of movie. We also visited the American Girl store and the Hershey's store. Oh my...I can't wait to bring the girls back to this store!




Day two we had tickets to the Cubs game. We headed out early in the morning with a quest to have breakfast via recommendation from Rachel Ray. Warning: The maps they give you in Chicago are deceiving. I - wanting to look cute - wore flip flops to the Cubs game. I had no idea the restaurant we were going to have breakfast at was 20 blocks away!! Perhaps I should have planned better. But we got to enjoy a llloooonnngggg walk around through some old neighborhoods. I loved seeing the old condo and houses. Some have "For Rent" signs, with 2 bedrooms for $1,400...wowser. Although living there while single would have been ideal, living their raising a family would be nearly impossible. After the game, we enjoyed a great dinner with Rich - Jeff's brother. He always has the best restaurant recommendations...I enjoyed a couple great Chardonnays and Lobster Mac and Cheese. Okay....roll me home to bed now!!




Saturday we had no plans. Imagine that folks - Micki...with no plans! We walked along the river and ended up on Navy Pier for awhile. We also went into some great trendy grocery stores (think Fresh Market on steroids). I can't imagine having all those food options right around the corner. Every time when turned the aisle, we were amazed with all the options...virgin oil, balsamic, honey, cheeses, olives...the list goes on and on....





My husband truly loves me. I know this because for our anniversary dinner he agreed to a Brazilian Sushi restaurant - Sushi Samba!! This restaurant was close to the theater district of Chicago, and albeit...I felt a little Ma and Pa Kettle there (as my mother in law would put it). The hostess and waitresses were dressed in 6" heels and dresses out of movies. And when we went to eat at 5:00p, we were still considered the "lunch crowd." I don't think the "dinner crowd" starts until 9:00p. Yes, we are getting old and I am okay with it! Jeff has a Brazilian rum drink, and I started with a grapefruit martini. The dinner was so good, even Jeff enjoyed it! But as Jeff pointed out later ... sushi does not stick with you long. So after watching a movie in our hotel room, around 9:30p, we ventured out for dessert. We came across a giant Brownie Sundae, which we joyfully ate at 10:00p at night. Yes, this is an anniversary I will remember.




I am going to start planning my 20 year anniversary....when I was thinking about that on the way home, I realized Carlie will be 18 years old...a senior in high school. Ummm...we won't be leaving her at home alone. No, she is my daughter...and I know what I would have done had my mom and dad left me. Maybe 20 years calls for a family vacation to Hawaii....or Ireland. Yes...I like that idea a bit more!

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Today my best friend turned 40 years old. I may need to remind you that I come from a family that birthdays are not simply remembered, but celebrated ... with cards, gifts, dinners out and much more! Now Jeff's family is just as happy to let a birthday come and go without acknowledgement. Sorry honey, you married into the wrong family. Knowing I could never pull off a "surprise" anything...as my husband's intuition is uncanny. In the first year's of our relationship I would get frustrated and mad and even try to scheme better (is that saying?). Finally I have given up. I know when I have met my match. So now, I simply let him in on the planning and leave the surprising up to him (you might be surprised just how clueless I am when it comes to people planning things). Yesterday we kicked off Jeff's birthday with a dinner at Munchie's with his family. Today continued to celebration with the TinCaps game. Although it was hot, I was a smart mommy and packed swim suits for the TinCaps fountain. Jeff got to watch the end of the game from the outfield seats and my girls got to cool off. Jeff's birthday dinner tonight was Taco Bell...yes, my friends, he picked Taco Bell. That's my husband, never wanting anything fancy or attention drawn to himself. God probably knew that someday he'd have three needy women in his life, three women whom he loves to give attention to and dress fancy.