Can She Really Be 7??

Today we are starting the celebration of Lucy's 7th birthday, with a "friend" sleepover.  Girls = drama.  I love the laughter, the giggles, the excitment, but you also get the leaving someone out, not getting my way, and "I don't want to do that" attitude.  Girls.  But I found the trick!  Keep.  Them.  Busy.  After school we had snacks, then McDonalds Play Area, then Kreager Park, then Presents, then Cupcakes, LPS Villages, then Movies & Popcorn...waaa laa - bed time! 

But while on Lucy's field trip today, I sat and thought how much I love watching my daughter interact with her friends.  I see which ones are going to be the leaders, which ones will be the followers, I can see which ones have faith deeply settled in their lives, and which ones come from child centered families.  And I often times find something silently praying for these little ones.  It's hard for me to grasp what the future may hold for them. I pray for their purity, for them to grasp a deep relationship with Christ, I pray that they are good friends to each other, support each other when making good decisions....awww heck, I just pray that we make it through first grade! 

Don't Let the Pigeon Be The Teacher

Today we were able to celebrate Lucy!  Lucy's book was picked for a Young Author Award.  This is quite an accomplishment (only 15 from the school were picked), and every more exciting (at least for Lucy) is because Carlie's books were never "picked."  We attended the Award Ceremony at Northrop HS and Lucy got to read her book in front of 9 of her peers.  She was so polite and quiet...I truly think she gets that from me. *cough, cough*  This was something that siblings could not attend, which made the morning all the more special for Lucy.  I was so excited to see her flourish in something OUTSIDE her sister's footsteps.  We were so proud of her!!

Blessed

I felt blessed this weekend. That is the only word that I can use to explain the peace that I have as I sit here tonight. On Saturday we took my grandparents dinner. Yes, at the age of 38, I still have three of my four biological grandparents. I was not only blessed to have them growing up, but I now have them at an age when I can appreciate them. I can listen to their stories, and soak up the legacy they are one day going to leave behind. My grandfather will be 90 years old this May. He is still golfing, and keeping up the house as my Grandmother's health slowly starts declining. Now...I say that, but Grandma still beat all of us at Rummy-Q on Saturday night. I still laugh out loud when I remember all the games of Spoons at the lake cottage, and all the nights of cut throat Rummy Q at their kitchen table. Now, my girls and my husband got to experience the Ringger Rummy Q. I don't think they knew it we were such a competitive family. Obviously they never had to fight my Grandma or Grandpa for the "smiley face." Or see my Grandpa's sly smile just moments before he goes out and leaves all of us with dozens of tiles to count. Yes, blessed. Blessed that they are prepared to celebrate their 60 year anniversary....60 years! What a legacy to be inherited to me and my family.

Today is Palm Sunday. The beginning of Holy Week. Now...we are not Lutheran, nor Catholic, nor Protestant, nor Methodist...well...what are we then? I'll tell you...SAVED! I got to spend time with my girls today explaining the true meaning behind Palm Sunday, and we plan to take time this week to practice communion as a family, and prepare ourselves for the celebration of Easter. The Israelites were waiting for their King. They were waiting on the one sent from God to arrive in Jerusalem on a horse, with chariots and an army to rescue them! And behold....um...a carpenter on a donkey? Um...who are you and where is this King?? Jesus came on a donkey to show his humility ... and yes, he was there to rescue them, but not with armies, but with healing - physically and spiritually. I can picture the scene where the villagers are waving their palms signing "Hosanna! Hosanna!" while whispering to their neighbors saying...really? Is this guy it?? Yes, my friends...that guy was IT. My girls love hearing this story each year...and I will continue telling it to them...year after year.

No Longer A Baby

Tonight my baby lost her first tooth. No tears, no drama...she pulled it on her own. A big difference between Carlie's first tooth and Lucy's. Just yet another trait that defines the two of them. I am just not ready for my baby to have a toothless smile. And I don't think it's the actual tooth missing - I think that is quite cute. It's what comes AFTER that. The big, giant, over sized adult teeth. I am not ready for those. The memory Carlie metamorphosing from little girl teeth to adult teeth - gulp - wasn't very cute. But I don't think I'll fret about it like I did with Carlie, as I know with expensive orthodontia, her smile will once again be beautiful. But tonight, I get to play tooth fairy and wake up to a happy little girl who still believes in Santa and the Tooth Fairy. And I will hold onto that ... as long as I can.

We're Back!!!

After months of no computer....we finally have a new one! And to add to my delight, a new camera that takes GREAT PICTURES! Okay...at a record speed, let's catch you up since my last blog...

• October: Halloween, Woodlan Basketball Camp, Notre Dame Game, Marengo Cave Trip, Trunk or Treat
• November: Maddie Birthday Party, Girls Weekend Away, Thanksgiving at the Adams'
• December: Ringger Christmas; Just Come Dinner; Colts Game, Elves Closet; Carlie's 9th birthday; Braces for Carlie
• January: Upward Basketball, KidStuf Acting & Dancing
• February: Softball Sign Ups, Painting and Prep for Operetta
• March: Casting Crowns Concert, Softball Tryouts, 5Kilt, St. Patrick's Day, FAME festival, Operetta

Those were just a few of our highlights!

Let's work backwards....Carlie's Operetta (think musical) was this past weekend. Many hours for the parents of painting and stage prep, and many hours of rehearsals and memorization of lines. Carlie hit the ball out of the park with this drama. She and her co-part Ava brought laughter to everybody in the seats, and Carlie relished in the compliments and attention. I do believe she gets that for her father...you know...liking to be the center of attention...

Moving backwards a little more...both of the girls had their artwork nominiated for the FAME festival in Fort Wayne. This is a big deal...at least that is what I have been told. I truly think it is a ruse to get parents to pay $3 a person to view their child's artwork in the Grand Wayne Center, which comes home the following week. But..like any good parent, I forked out the money and we went and saw their pictures on display!

My vow is this...I will try to keep my blog updated through this season of my life...but I also have made the vow to have quality time with my children and not sit at the computer all the time. Oh...the dilemma...

Many Updates

Life as a working mother of two busy little girls is an exhilarating, exhausting, rewarding roller coaster. As most of you know, I truly feel God has given me a passion for little girls. Of course my own little girls, but I have a true passion for teaching other little girls about virtues and more importantly, God. I see this as an opportunity to bring my girls along side my ministry and show them, instead of tell them, how to serve God and others.

Our Upward season is almost finished. We have two more games...each year I have this overwhelming feeling of "how am I going to do this??" And each year God gives me the time, energy and love to get through. Love the picture below of me and my two most special cheerleaders.



We had company for the recent ND v. MSU game...and finally the girls had something to cheer about - an Irish victory!!!

And as if we are not busy enough, Lucy is doing soccer again this year. She love it. And I love the idea that this is hers. Not her mom's sport, not her dad's sport, not Carlie's sport, but Lucy's sport. I love that about Lucy. So each weekend after I hang up my cheerleading hat, and my Sunday School teacher hat, I put on my soccer mom hat. I may need to get another hat rack pretty soon!

Lucy playing goalie....not a ball got by her!!

First Day of School

Everybody tells you that they grow up fast. You don't really believe it when you are in the midst of changing diapers and trying to figure out sleep schedules. But don't blink, or even look away briefly, because before you know it, you are dropping your kids off for school. And then blink again, and they are in 3rd and 1st grade. I am propping my eyes open with toothpicks, because I refuse to blink again. I wish "they" weren't always so right.

Carlie - First Pres First Day

First Day of CLS Kindy

First Day of CLS 1st Grade

First Day of CLS 2nd Grade

First Day of CLS 3rd Grade

Lucy 1st Day NHM

Lucy 2nd year of NHM

Lucy 1st Day - Kindy

Lucy 1st Day - 1st Grade

Pieced Ears!

After almost a year of hesitation, Carlie decided to get her ears pieced. Well, I have a confession...I decided to get Carlie's ears pierced. She has talked about it, talked about it and talked about it. But being the worrier she is -- she was just simply scared. So on Saturday, while Lucy was at a birthday party, Jeff, Carlie and I hit the mall. Unbeknownst to Carlie, I had every intention of getting her ears pieced on that day. As we were in Claire's "shopping for earrings" she was able to watch a few people get their ears pierced. Thankfully, they did well. After second guesses, walking around he mall to think about it, she decided she was finally ready. I love her faces in these pictures. The fact that she wears her emotions on her sleeve so readily is a trait I just love about her. She will never be good at poker, but she sure is fun to be around.

This is pre-piercing. She is hugging the non-existent life out of this teddy bear they have....

Eyes closed and saying her favorite bible verse....over and over and over....

This was the smile she wore for the rest of the day. She kept saying, "I can't believe I did it!" "I have earrings!" "I keep thinking I am going to wake up from a dream!"

Braces and earrings all in one summer. *sigh* They grow up fast.

Adams Hotel

Well, our July wasn't busy, so we decided to invite ourselves to the Adams Hotel. Our favorite place to stay! Our afternoon started with a boat ride to swim and enjoy the hot weather and sunshine. Even Jeff enjoyed the weather and water. Need I remind you that my Jeff is not a water or boat person? He was on Saturday! The kids were doing great...and we even had a couple of "potty" experiences on the boat. I must say, Lacey is raising some pretty adventurous boys. All of our fun came to a halt with Caden tried to "cut his carrot" using a large Pampered Chef knife. We all kicked into action - You have never seen adults clean up and get a boat going so fast in all of time! Luckily, Caden's mishap turned out to be a $150 band aid trip to the emergency room. We were all happy to see his smiling face when they returned from the hospital.

On Sunday...it was going to be HOT again. So we decided to venture to the Children's Museum. Our last experience at the Children's Museum (which I must admit, was our only) wasn't very good. There were lots of people, and Lucy just didn't deal well. THIS TIME, it was perfect! Lacey got us in for free with her super sneaky pass, and the had a ball. The Adams' family packed up and left early for Millie's nap, but the girls were being so good, we decided to stay. And stay. And stay. And stay. We visited exhibit after exhibit and shared many laughs. What a great day for just a spontaneous decision!

Our little explorers...

Carlie and Eli doing their best to impersonate the jelly bean painting....good job kids!

The underwater exhibit...one of Caden's favorites....

Carlie decided to attempt the "rock climbing" .. this is her and daddy before the big climb.

This is Carlie climbing the wall! There were no foot steps...she really had to "scale" the wall. I must admit, she did much better than two older boys who went before her!

In Egyptian wear... to end our trip...tired parents...tired kids....good sleep by all!

Braces

Well, remember my August, 2010 post? That my adorable little (then) 7 year old would need braces? That day has come. Our dentist decided to not bond (or glue) expandables onto Carlie's teeth, but instead use the appliance (i.e. retainer) expander. She leaves them in 24/7 with exceptions of immediately after eating (she rinses them off) and if she swims in a lake (I thought this one was weird, but didn't ask...). She did better than I expected. No tears, and only a few gags as the dentist shoved these GIGANTIC pieces of plastic and wire into my daughter's petite mouth. We will be wearing these expanders for 6-8 months....think Christmas....New Years. I pain with her. Often I feel as if it is unfair that parents feel the physical pain on their children. I would gladly wear these braces for her...but that's just not the way it works. Hopefully next year at this time....I'll have an update and a picture .... with straighter teeth :) Oh, and I much emptier wallet.

This picture doesn't clearly show the top retainer, which is twice the size of the bottom one. With three different screws to slowly mid-evilly stretch her upper palate. Ugh...sound gross, doesn't it?

Canal Days

Think Bluffton Street on a Vera Cruz level. That is the New Haven Canal Days. Yes, there is fried food. Yes, there are rides. And yes, there are carnival folks creeping you out everywhere. Carlie has graduated to the "big" rides. I - being the chicken that comes with adulthood - can no longer ride the rides without being sick. So insert Samantha. Carlie's little BFF from church, dance class, softball team, not to mention I run with her mom three mornings a week....our paths cross often. Samantha enjoyed the festival with Carlie, with both of them riding each ride a minimum of 8 times. Their loud giggles and ear to ear smiles just melted my heart each time. I remember my Bluffton Street Fair Days...I don't remember the creepy carnies, but I do remember laughing so hard that each year I couldn't wait to go back. I hope Carlie has those memories too.

T-Ball

This is our last year of T-Ball for the Gongaware household. I am assistant coaching this year. Let me describe T-Ball for you. It is a collaboration of 4 to 6 year olds...some of which want to be playing ball. Some of which do not. There is a lot of coaxing to run bases. A lot of reminding that we don't play in the dirt. A lot of telling them no, you can't go get a drink in the middle of an inning while you are in the field. And some directing to first base...instead of running to third base. This is Lucy's second year of T-ball....and I can clearly tell she is ready to be moved up a division. Now there are some other girls on the team...not so much. Lucy appears to be having a good time, and she can really sock that ball off of the Tee. Looking forward to giving up my coaching title next year and sitting in the stands to be a fan.

Notice Lucy's great throwing form...

If there was audio to this picture, you would hear me saying...look at the batter Lucy....watch the batter Lucy.....watch the ball!!

Great form off of the Tee too :) Thanks Daddy for teaching them....

Awards Day

Yesterday was the last day of school. As I sit here and type this...both girls are still zonked out in their beds. I am slowly getting glimpses of what lies ahead. Me drinking coffee, reading the paper, checking on them..(still sleeping)...unloading the dishwasher, having breakfast, checking on them (still sleeping)...devotions, watching some TV, check FaceBook, checking on them (still sleeping). Okay...now I am ready to start poking them! Although this week has been exhausting with ball games each night at 7:00 p.m....which puts them into bed nearly an hour and a half past their normal bedtime. It really took the toll on Lucy yesterday in the form of tears for the littlest things. So I decided since it was my birthday today, I would go into work a little late and just enjoy a slow morning. I had no idea that they would also take advantage of this morning!

Carlie was recognized at the Awards Banquet yesterday for her Accelerated Reading (AR) points. She broke all kinds of records, and they got to 6th grade before anybody reached her point level. She was so proud...and we were proud of her too! The school has a "1,000 Point Club" and there have only been two people in Central history to reach it. The girl yesterday was awarded this, and she got a Barnes & Noble gift card. To which Carlie immediately looked at Jeff across the gym and mouthed, "I want that!" She reached 436 points by the end of this year. If I was a betting gal, I'd be betting she'll make that 1,000 point club someday.

Carlie and her "besties."

After school, we swam, ate lots of sugar and just kicked off summer in a great fashion. Summer is hard for working parents. I want to stay home and play every day too. I'll just make an intentional effort of making the most of every minute that I do get to spend with them. I know this may sound silly...but I can't believe I am going to have a 3rd and 1st grader next year. And Carlie will be NINE this year?!? Doesn't NINE just sound old? Does to me...

Meet Kinani

As "tradition" in our house...Lucy and I went to Chicago this weekend for her birthday American Girl visit. Long ago, she had her doll picked out. Meet Kinani. She is only at the AG store for one year. She is Hawaiian and very pretty. We made it to Chicago on Friday afternoon and spent about two hours "shopping" for her clothes, braces for Carlie's doll and gifts for our friends. I've said it before and I'll say it again. I am not really a doll person. But this store is just the best place if you have little girls. To see all these little girls walking around the store with their dolls and the smiles on their faces. Priceless. First business...we walked into the store...and bought Kinani. They took her out of the box right at the register....THEN we shopped for the clothes. I don't think Lucy has put her down since we purchased her.

I think this smile says it all.

Right after purchasing her, we went and got her ears pierced...at an extra cost...of course.

Directly outside the store on Michigan Avenue.

We had lunch at the Cheesecake Factory. Lucy thought they only served "cheese" and wondered why we didn't get any with our meal. Love that girl!

Our hotel's pool was on the 30th floor...heated indoor with hottub! This was the view....so pretty at night time.

Since Kinani is the doll of the year..they had Kinani stuff.....everywhere.

This was taken at the AG Luau we went to on Friday night. We made flower clips for our hair and drank out of tiny tea cups.

Let me tell you about Kinani's hair. Within 2 hours of Lucy brushing her thigh length hair...it was a tangled mess. So bad, in fact, that we made Kinani a "salon appointment" for Saturday morning. For a mere $20 they comb and style the dolls hair. Now know that you must get there early, or make reservations ahead of time...or you will wait....hours. You have many styles to pick from, and I convinced Lucy the piggy tail braids was best...because this would eliminate combing/rat nesting in the future. I must admit...it looks adorable....for a mere $20. This is Kinani in her salon chair getting her done. LOL...as I said...this place is over the top.