Fuel

For the past few months during the "Kids Service" at our church we have started a new program called "Fuel." What exactly is Fuel? It's unique that it is challenging our kids to grasp God in their own way. Not the ways of their parents, but THEIR way. Each month families are challenged with new scripture, ways to worship and different ways to pray. This month is focusing on different ways to pray. I thought it was interesting as the leader explained to the kids that talking with God was just as easy as talking to their parents or their friends. We were each given sheets of paper and asked to draw something we will pray about throughout this week. I drew Cheerleaders, as we starting to organize our 2011 Upward Season, Jeff drew our family, as he feels he should pray for protection and strength, Lucy drew Carlie and Jeff playing basketball and prayed God make help them. But it was Carlie's picture that instantly brought tears to my eyes. That girl has so much love and compassion in her. As you will see from the picture, she is praying for the pregnancy of my sister, Ginger. If you look real close, you will see a small baby drawn in Ginger's tummy. Yes, Ginger, know that you are not only being prayed for by your parents and your siblings, but you have prayers going up to God via an eight year old innocent, beautiful heart. I say...that's priceless.

St. Patricks Day....Gongaware style....

We love St. Patrick's Day at the Gongaware's House. Jeff had corned beef in the crockpot, I had marbled rye, sauerkraut and swiss cheese standing by to heap on top of it. Complete the meal with green milk...which creates - of course - a green mustache! What a fun day to celebrate ... and I am sure someday my girls will tell their kids, "Your grandma Gongaware was so crazy on this day...she always made us drink GREEN milk and dressed us crazy!"

St. Paddy's Day...Nicodemus Style...

If you have been following my blog over the years, you will know that my St. Patrick's Day celebrations have become somewhat...tame. But you won't hear this chica complaining. My dearest girlfriends and I have been rotating houses and hosting a "family celebration" each year around St. Patrick's Day. This year we got to head to the Nicodemus household. And it was no different than every year. The food was good, the projects were great and the fellowship was outstanding. I love that my girls will grow up with the love of St. Patrick's Day that Jeff and I so much have. I hope that when they are mommies, they will make green milk for their kids and say, "My crazy mom made green milk every St. Patrick's Day...." Yeah...I am a crazy mom that way.

Look at all our GREEN FOOD!

Our kiddy table....

My girls and all their girls....whew....that is a lot of estrogen!

Operetta

Pirates of the "I Don't Care"-ibbean was the name of Carlie's first Operetta. What is an Operetta you may ask? Simply put, it is a musical performed by the 2nd and 3rd graders of CLS. But it goes way beyond that. Without the kids even knowing, the teachers are instilling confidence and pride in these 8 and 9 year olds beyond their years. To have a 9 year old boy sing a solo, have several 8 and 9 year olds dance and sing in front of large audience, having kids memorize lines that are well beyond their years...that, my friend, is an example of God's work. This was my first Operetta at CLS, and I already can't wait for next year. Next year, Carlie will be in 3rd grade and will be able to audition for a singing and acting part. Is it crazy that I am already excited and nervous for her? After weeks of painting background scenery for the big event, I am glad to admit that it was all well worth it. As I pack my paint clothes away for next year, a smile crosses my face with anticipation.

Love that smile!

This was the fruit of many nights of painting....

...and more painting....

My future star!