Sometimes I steal my babies!

Sometimes I steal my babies! Ever since Lucy was a newborn in the crib, I'd sneak into her room when Ron wasn't looking and steal her and cuddle with her. I broke every rule from every book and Ron would say, "Kerri..did you steal the baby again?" I still do this because I don't get a lot of cuddling time from either of my rascals when they are awake. Does my mom want to steal me when she visits or does she by pass me and go right for the grandkids?

Are we ever too old to want to cuddle with our children? I'd tell Ron, "I carried this child in my womb! I can do whatever I want with her!" Tonight Ron found me with Ruby in my bed...just smiling...loving on her like she's a "Ruby Doll." It's like instant therapy: all is well in the world. Mamas and Daddys, don't let the world pass you by...hold your babies no matter how old they are. Nothing will ever give those moments back once they are gone--and we know they are so fleeting.

A Very Special Story about comedy, cupcakes and miracles!

Hi guys,

I wanted to share this story with you because so many of you pray for miracles in my ministry. My friend Jeanenne put it so beautifully. When we question whether God is doing miracles today, it's stories like these that really minister to my heart.

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"God At Work"
by Jeanenne Adams

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God has been showing up in my life in dramatic ways the last few months. I love how He puts people in my life that together we encourage each other to grow in the Lord in mighty ways.


My dear friend, Kerri McGehee, is a Christian comedian who travels the country. We have encouraged each other to grow in the Lord and to walk in our spiritual gifts. We both have a healing anointing and have seen God show up in powerful ways, especially when we pray together.


A few days ago I traveled to a women's conference to pray for people along with her. We were at a Methodist church and she felt in her spirit that they would not receive her usual ministry message. I prayed that the Lord would anoint her with wisdom and revelation so she may speak the words that God wanted her to share, which would touch their hearts in a powerful way. We both had visions. I had a vision of the Lord, and she saw angels.


The Lord gave her scriptures about healing the blind as she was sharing. That was the first time He had done that. She had me come up on stage and together we shared about some of our healing testimonies as well as my personal healing testimony about my visit with her and her family in March.


I have prayed for people and had seen great miracles of healing both here and in Thailand; yet, for the last 20 years, I have had severe gluten intolerance which would cause migraines. It would take a few minutes to a few hours for the migraine to come on; and, I have spent days in a hospital with an I.V. of pain killers. I even had a gluten migraine during that visit with them. Along with the gluten intolerance I also had an intolerance to MSG which caused many problems for me in Thailand.


Kerri's husband, Ron, led me through a simple prayer casting off the spirit of worthlessness that had attacked me since I was a small child. The next day the Lord kept repeating Kerri's words to me. "You have believed me and have had faith for great miracles, but you won't just receive healing for yourself, and go in there and eat a cupcake!" I finally did and have been free of both the gluten and MSG intolerances ever since. We also shared about the miracle healing God did in my body the next day, which included asthma, allergies and others.


Kerri encouraged people to have faith to receive healing from the Lord and to be free of their infirmities. As we were laying hands on people for healing, Kerri pulled me aside. She said this is Phyllis, and she is blind in one eye. We are going to pray for her, and she is going to see. I quoted scripture to her (Romans 8:11) that the same power that raised Christ from the dead is in us. She said "I believe it! I know that you are going to pray for me and I am going to see again." She had great faith with no unbelief.


We laid hands on her, and as Kerri rebuked the infirmity and commanded the macular degeneration to leave and for her eyes to be made whole, I saw in the spirit, angels around her and the vessels in her eyes being reformed. I shared what I saw, and she opened her eyes and began to cry, saying "I can see 45% better". We laid hands on her again, and she said it was continuing to get better. We told her if she wasn't at 100% before she left, we would pray for her again.


After lunch, I taught her how to take authority and command the healing in her own body. I said to her to command your eyes to be whole, and all disease to be gone. After a few minutes, she understood my teaching and was at 98%.  Another woman walked over and she was blind in one eye and wanted prayer too. I asked Phyllis to pray for her, and as we laid hands on her I could tell the woman had so much unbelief that she could not walk in faith to receive it. Even after rebuking the unbelief, she wouldn't let go of it and was not healed. Unbelief can stifle our faith and make it impossible to receive (Matthew 13:53-58).


Before Phyllis left, she was at 99% and could see the cracks in the painted brick wall. Crying, she left saying, "I have to go home and tell my husband." We prayed for several others that day. I know I prayed for 2 people with aneurisms and many other diseases and anxieties. Some felt immediate healing, and some we may hear about after a doctor's report. Some did not receive. But, the Lord is there to give to all who can shed the unbelief and walk in faith.


It's not easy, I know; it took me 20 years. Learn from my example, step out in faith and turn away from the lies that Satan has spoken to you.

To hear more about Jeanine's ministry check out her amazing website about her ministry in Thailand.

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By the way guys, after Jeanine got her gluten allergy healed, I was in AZ at a women's conference and God led me to share her story. A woman approached me and said, "As I sat down today, before you opened your mouth God told me I was going to be healed from a life threatening gluten intolerance." So I prayed with her in agreement she'd be healed. She already had her word from God and the faith to walk it out. I just agreed with her she was healed. Turns out she had a cupcake ministry to bring cupcakes to the dancers in strip clubs but she could never eat them. She said her throat would close and she'd be in the ER. So about an hour later she approached me and showed me a pack of 6 cupcakes and one was missing. She said,"I just ate a cupcake! I have no symptoms. I took a step of faith and told Satan to back off--that I was healed." She's been healed ever since.

Then two weeks later I was in Danville, CA, and the woman driving me to my hotel said her husband had just been diagnosed with Celiac disease and could not eat gluten. I had to laugh and think, "God, am I getting a gluten ministry or what?" I asked if we could pray for her husband and I got a vision of him eating pizza. I asked her if he liked pizza and she said it was his favorite food but the enemy had stolen his ability to enjoy it and he'd be plagued with all sorts of symptoms. So she went home and prayed with her husband and told him about my vision and that God meant for him to be well and free of this disease.

I got a text from her the very next day. That weekend he had eaten not 1...not 2...but 6 pieces of pizza and was totally healed and symptom free. Ok....this man had faith and must have really wanted that pizza! But what I'm learning about our God is that He is good. He even says in His word "Taste and see that I am good." But so many of us just don't see God this way. We look at the circumstances and the lies the doctors or the world has thrown at us and we just "go with the program." But when we step out to believe the word that God has a better way, God's will IS for us to enjoy a healthy prosperous life and see miracles. We can activate our faith in believing what Jesus did on the cross for us. He died so we could be set free. He's anointed us to preach the good news and set the captives free.

After all I've been through I'm just realizing God  put me here on this earth to share the good news with everyone. I have a dear friend whose sister was diagnosed with a brain tumor. I was hosting ladies "Bunco" at my house. Instead of playing the game that night we had a little impromptu prayer for her sister's upcoming surgery which was to remove the tumor and was going to be 8 hours long. It was amazing because this group of moms is made up of all different ladies from all walks of faith .We came together to pray (most of them had never done that before.) My friend just told me that after her sisters surgery she made a miraculous recovery in the middle of the night. She took her IV out and said "I don't need this anymore." The surgery was Tuesday and the doctors were so amazed that on Thursday SHE WENT HOME! The doctors could not believe it but said there was no reason for her to be there anymore even after having a huge brain tumor removed. Her whole family is in celebration and knows it was because of the power of prayer.

I never would have known 9 years ago our stand up comedy would turn into events where we literally have healing lines after the shows and tangible miracles . But it's been so much fun to see God do these things. I can only ask Him to continue to use us and to see more of his Magnificent Glory. So whatever it is you do on a daily basis--whether it's raising kids, telling jokes, working at a bank or any other job--just believe. Never under estimate the power of faith in believing God for miracles. I thank each one of you who takes the time to read these letters and also pray for Ron and my ministry. I hope this encourages you and activates you to reach a little "out of the box" today and see God work!You won't be sorry.

Kerri, Ron, Ruby & Lucy

Lucy Strikes Again...Movie Star gets call from Spike Jonze!

Ok, ok...I know Lucy is gifted--but come on! First she turns down the TV pilot for NBC in February produced by Ron Howard, and now Spike Jones in April! Can a mama brag for a minute?

Lucy went on another movie audition and Spike Jones, the director, personally loved her so much he offered her the bigger role written for the 7-year-old in his upcoming multi-million dollar film. We had the executive producer call our house and say, "We think Lucy is cool!" And she also told us that the film would be rated R...enough said! We bid her goodbye and wished her all the best but kindly turned it down. This was not easy. I wish it was. We wonder what God's plans are for our family in this town. Just last week Ron auditioned for iCarly on Nickelodeon. Then I called my friend Barbara Cameron (mother to Kirk and Candace). She was a wonderful support and referred us to a Christian agent who has offered to rep the whole family. We are meeting with them next week, but we're looking into other options as well. I just pray God's total guidance for all of us. Because--in all seriousness--we're living in Hollywood to work and make a difference. We'd really love your prayers for all the projects we're working on, including books, dvds, scripts and acting roles.

Ironically, I got an email on Facebook from a producer who is doing a Christian faith film in Texas this summer--and they need a 4 year old girl, and he wants to audition Lucy. Then today Ron and I got offered the opportunity today to audition for the new "Rich Mullins" biography film; our friend is the writer. So in typical fashion, we're loading up the family and driving to the film audition and then onto Visalia, CA, for a Pregnancy Center banquet. Then we drive home and Miss Ruby and I catch a plane for Evansville, IN, for an awesome women's retreat. (Her grandparents will be there, as well as her great grandma Gloria)

Next Friday (May 11) Ron and I are performing in Lexington, KY for over 2000 folks, and on Saturday I'm off to Artesia, NM, for two days of fun and shows. Mothers Day will be officially celebrated in our household on Monday so Ron can get 1/2 off cards! (It's a family tradition.) So the roller coaster continues, and I have to say we're having a lot of fun! We're literally seeing healings and miracles happen at our shows and it's truly unbelievable. I believe all of your prayers matter, and we're continuing to have favor in all of our crazy travels! We're looking forward to some fun June and July trips to North Carolina, New York City, Atlanta, Lousiana, Michigan, Alabama, Nebraska, and Ontario (Canada)--to name a few! So if you guys are wanting to do any fun summer shows just let us know! God bless each of and thanks for standing with us for God's awesome name to be glorified.

Kerri, Ron, Ruby & Lucy

 

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Diary of a Mad Third Grader

In case you missed the saga, here is Diary Of A Mad Third Grader in its entirety...my real diary will probably be more enticing than Hunger Games...you decide.

CALL DOROTHY BETTY!

Well in the ongoing adventures of our two little characters in the Imagination theater, last week was a big week for Lucy and David. After weeks of rehearsals they finally chose their play that they will perform in June and we received exciting news. Lucy informed us they going to perform "The Wizard of Oz!"  And, guess what? Lucy is going to play "Dorothy." No wait..."Betty." Now of course you can imagine my pride knowing that my little darling was playing the "lead" role but the sweetest part is that she chose to change her name to "Betty"--as in "I'll get you my Betty and your little dog too!"  Now, I can't wait to see their show in June!

In their Saturday class, the young actors typically do a "play of the day" each week. I think this has caused a lot of excitement with Lucy because she talks about her role and how she gets to dance, use props, and learn songs--which is all great training and groundwork for learning performance skill and comfort in the character building and acting skills.  For example, the other day we learned that one of the plays of the day was "Hansel and Gretel."  Lucy, my excited little star, let me know she played "the girl" and David was--guess what?--a "dragon"...again (he loves being a dragon). However, Lucy was quick to let me know that David was actually a good dragon and he saved them on the way home. Proud mother moment.

I believe Lucy and David are really thriving in the class. David has been really shy and his mom says this is the best class he could have taken. Yes, he's always the dragon, but the teachers are very encouraging that every good play needs a good dragon who helps people and also breathes fire.

One of the other things I love about Kids on Stage is the personal connection I get with the staff and teachers.  I emailed Lucy's teacher to say how excited I was about "Betty's" latest role. I asked about David and Lucy and their progress in class. I was very impressed to get a very long detailed email about how they were doing socially, emotionally, even physically in the class. It's a diverse age group from 4-7 and I didn't know if our little 4 year olds could cut it with the big kids.  The email I received assured me they were fitting right in and having a lot of fun. Even when they needed some breaks from the activities the teachers found a way to keep them excited and engaged the whole class.

She really took the time to make me aware of very specific details about how Lucy is excelling, as well as areas Lucy could work on and benefit from more guidance. Apparently my daughter (no new news to us) needs to work on using "kind words" when the other kids are singing louder than she is. Also, there was a rumor going around that Lucy wasn't exactly cast as Dorothy but more so informed everyone she would be playing the role and changing her name to Betty.

I asked her about the Summer Musical Theater program (just around the corner) and if it would be good for Lucy and she said it would be great for her.  The hours are 9-2 which allows them even more time for character development, plays of the days, improvisation, arts and crafts, storytime, costume dress up--all the things Lucy LOVES about this theater program.  And, of course they stress that programs like this are great in building more skills to "play well with others, listen, know when to contribute, and have a creative outlet."

Now if I only I could convince her that playing a munchkin can be just as rewarding as playing "Betty" and probably with a cuter costume--although truth be told, I am excited to see "Betty" make it to Emerald City and home again.

Kids On Stage Week 3

People tell  me my family is a sit com. I just had one of those days where I think they are right. I'm a mom of two who is still putting her hat in the ring of this crazy business. So I had to put my "skinny jeans" on today and go over to Hollywood for an audition for the new version of "In Living Color." Remember Jim Carey and the Wayan brothers? Well I saw Lindsay Lohan and her mom, and Keenan Ivory Wayans, and got to sit next to a bunch of kids auditioning for a Disney show. I had almost 2 hours of waiting and performing comedy for two interns who decided to laugh on the inside. I was ready to go drown my sorrows in some ice cream. I saw kids there with their moms in the waiting room. One mom said they literally drive in from Vegas for every audition. No one looked like they were having that much fun. It seemed like a business venture and the kids were the "product."

I had a flashback of yesterday when Lucy got done with her class at Kids On Stage. She came running out with the biggest smile she'd ever had. She and her buddy David were screaming and laughing. Lucy said "I was a princess in the show today, mommy!" David said, "So was I!" His mother corrected him quietly "I think you mean Prince, honey!" David replied, "Oh yeah, sure mom, whatever. It was sooooooooooooooo fun."

To see the joy on those kids' faces after an hour of games and activities that only focus on helping them learn the art of theater and play was amazing. Kids On Stage is showing my daughter the true joy of performing. So many "stage moms" thrust their kids into Disney auditions without ever exposing them to where it all starts--the theater. I got my start as an actress in a program very similar to Kids On Stage. They taught me about all my gifts and how I could use my imagination in so many ways. My first play was "Alice in Wonderland," and I'll never forget that I was the special Catepillar. Now, we had 100 kids, so there were 9 Catepillers--but I didn't care. I knew I was special. I realize this is how Lucy's teachers are making her feel. Below is a little interview I did with one of the founders of this awesome program.

As women who've been with the program for a very long time , what do you think is the best part about your job?

As the business-creative director I love every aspect from incept of play ideas to helping with designing and creating props/sets and costumes and watching the classes and camps unfold each week up to their show day.

What is your favorite thing about Kids On Stage in particular?

For me as the business owner and a behind-the-scenes girl, it is watching each child have the courage to get up on that stage--whether they are shy or outgoing--and seeing the transformation from the beginning of a class to their final performance.  Each time I am touched more than I thought I would be and feel so proud of what they accomplished and how talented and brave each child and teen is.  I am so impressed about how each group works so closely together, collaborating and having their own unique voice and character in their production.

What do you want the kids to get out of participating in one of your programs?

Most important and first is the joy of theater and knowing that you do not have to be in an audition-harsh environment to learn acting skills, learn to hit your mark or the business the acting. You can learn the same through fun, creativity, collaboration and having your voice heard.

I love the heart behind this program. There will be plenty of time for Lucy to be in TV studios later . But for now I'm thrilled she's happy being a beautiful princess and that's the best show of all.

For more info: www.kidsonstage.com

CALL ME MAMA ROSE

Well earlier this summer I enrolled my 4 year old Lucy in Kids on Stage's summer acting camp. She was 3 at the time and I had never put her in anything full day before. To my surprise she loved every minute of it and in my opinion...a "Star" was born!

OK she's great too but I'm the mom and I feel like my stage mother genes took over and I knew I'd be putting her in lots of fun classes just so I could watch her be a cute princess and take pictures to put on Facebook!

I do remember her teacher telling me on the first day of class, "Lucy is very unique. I 've never heard a child year old singing Elvis songs in the bathroom before!"  I highly recommend the summer program and I absolutely loved my "mommy free time." Lucy would come home with the most adorable stories from their "play of the day" where each child would create their own character. I was so amazed that the teachers got the kids to do this when I can barely get Lucy to eat her cereal sitting down! It brought out her creative side in a new way I hadn't seen before.

I come from a childhood where I was playing "movie star" from the time I was 3 and I suppose the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. When I heard about Kids on Stage in Santa Monica having ongoing theater classes. I got on their web site and did some research to find the perfect fit for Lucy. I was very impressed as a parent at the variety of classes and workshops offered. They have a bit of everything . They even do parties!  How cool is that? They have a place for every child from age 4 to 17. They have put on full scale productions from Peter Pan and other classics and have been doing this since 1987. Originally I heard about Kids On Stage from another mom who loved it so I felt comfortable from the start.

So I chose Imagination Theater for Lucy to partake in. It's Wednesdays at 3:30 which is perfect for those kiddos that still nap.This class is from age 4-7. Is it possible when Lucy is 7 she'll nap? I'm 38 and I'm still trying!

I knew Lucy would love this experience but I wanted to get her best friend David to take class with her. By the way , he's madly in love with my daughter. Originally David was fighting for gymnastics, but when he heard Lucy was doing "acting" he succumbed. Good man, David! Learn this lesson now and save yourself some time! Now, David can be a little bit on the sweet and shy side and we had no idea what to expect from him on the first day. The teachers over the phone were very kind and reassuring to us and said they would take extra good care of him to make him comfortable.

So the first week we all loaded in the car and Lucy and David was absolutely giddy with excitement. We came in and the staff was really friendly. What I didn't realize is that with this particular group by the end of the semester they are going to put on their very own play. Well Hallajueh to me! I've got my video camera all set! We'll invite all the top agents in Hollywood. Oh wait..that's my fantasy--not my daughter's!

Ok so we dropped them off at the theater and it was really a nice space. We went to coffee and came back in an hour and all the kids were lined up nicely waiting for us outside. David ran up to his mom and said "I want to go every day!" The teacher said David dressed up like an alligator and made really creative choices. She also said he was attentive and loved class.

I'll be writing more about the class as we get more involved in each week. From what Lucy shared so far, Imagination Theater is a place where kids really learn creative skills and stretch themselves in new directions and in the end turn all that fun into a fabulous production.

Lucy is going to class today and she literally cried and cried because nap was "taking too long!" So I'm just hoping now that Kids On Stage can come up with a day care next for my 1 year old!

To Be Continued.....

Kerri Pomarolli
Check out www.kidsonstage.com for more info.