The Four Of Us: September 2010

Sunday, September 26, 2010

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!

Saturday, September 25, 2010

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"

Monday, September 6, 2010

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!