Easter

Time goes by so fast. I hear that statement all the time by parents. But sometimes I sit back and wonder how big my girls will be if I blink twice? The annual Easter dress pictures this year took my breath away. Yes...because my girls are beautiful, but it was more of the absence of the baby faces. The grown up dresses and the slimmed down faces. I blinked. Now my girls are 8 and 5. How did that happen? I chuckle when I think of 5 years from now. Dresses will probably be replaced by mini skirts and stylish shirts...I'll admit, I'll miss the Easter day dresses. I think they are a ritehood of sort for little girls. Or at least for my little girls.

Wonderful shot of the girls with Gram & Gramps...is Grandpa actually smiling???

Service Project

Carlie's Sunday School Teacher gathered a few willing girls and showed them how to say "thank you!" The girls worked hard preparing a poster to the local New Haven Fire Department saying "thank you" for their courage and kindness (two of the recent virtues they had learned). They met at our house and made homemade chocolates and put together a basket full of bread, cookies and goodies and brought them to the fire department. All three girls were so nervous walking into that fire station, but I was so proud of them explaining that they recently learned about kindness and courage and that they thought firefighters showed both. The guys at the house were a bit taken aback, but I could tell were touched. One more reason why I love our church...I think it is taking these 8 year old girls and stretching their faith in ways they don't even know and hopefully someday will embrace.

Kalahari

Well, three days of wet swimsuits, loud arcade games and lots of laughter. That was Spring Break 2011 for the Gongaware family. We were lucky to win a Kalahari gift card at Central's back to school picnic. What a better way to use it than go during Spring Break? Oh...yeah...that means 2,346,983,304 other families had that idea too. It was packed! Although Carlie enjoys the slides, she doesn't very much enjoy standing in lines for the slides. So most of our vacation was in the swimming pool, wave pool and lazy river. I am surprised at how far Lucy has come with her swimming this year. If I was a betting woman, I'd bet during Florida she is going to turn into a regular fish. Great time away. But now I need 13 hours of straight sleep and lots of ibuprofen...boy I am getting old!

Look at Lucy's long legs...those are NOT from her mama!

Duck Pin Bowling...which Daddy killed us at!

Carlie with her long awaited hair wrap/braid....

Lucy with her long awaited hair wrap/braid...

Lucy and I playing night-black-light mini golf while Daddy and Carlie went back to the Water Park for late night sliding...

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!