Summer Reading Program Find!

I just have to share this exciting find that I bought last week at a Thrift Store in the Twin Cities!  I was so excited and right away, thought about the Summer Reading Program for libraries.

Here it is:

I Love it!  I Love it!  I Love it!

This year, the theme is "One World, Many Stories"!

What a better way to explore the world, but by traveling with a suitcase???  Did I mention that I LOVE it!

Many more smiles,

Shari Ellingson

Mankato UPC Construction Zone Children's Service

The end of March, Pastor Cox and I ministered together at our church in Mankato, MN!  It was a blast!  Our theme was "Caution:  Construction Zone"

The picture below is of Daisy and myself.

Daisy is singing "He's still workin' on Me"!

I sure am glad that you can't see me very well in that hard hat!  I look pretty silly!  Come to think of it, maybe everyone was laughing at how I looked, and not Daisy!  LOL!

Daycare show pictures!

Here are some of the promised pictures:

Thanks again, Gaelynne, for a great day!

Many more smiles!

Shari Ellingson



Weekend Shows

Today, was a fantastic show in Jackson, MN at the First Baptist Church.  My puppet friends, Bubba, Daisy and Sweet Pea helped to review the Bible verses the kids in their Awanas Program had been learning. 

My cousin, Sonja, invited me and this is what she says:

"Thanks for the great presentation this morning at First Baptist Church, Jackson! I know the children will be asking for another visit soon!"   (via Facebook)

Yesterday afternoon, I was at a home daycare in Lake Wilson, MN.  The kids were great!  And that's what the kids learned..."I am GREAT!"  (no not me...the KIDS are GREAT!)All about self-esteem!  Here is what Gaelynne Vander Bosch, the day-care provider says:

Gaelynne wrote:
"I just wanted to say again how much we LOVED the show!  The daycare kids are still talking about it!  And my stomach just ached from laughing so hard!  I really hope I can get you back down this area again!  You were fabulous!  Even my husband couldn't stop talking
about how wonderful you did!"   (via Facebook)

I WILL post pictures about these shows when I get them!  Thank you to Sonja Koch and Gaelynne Vander Bosch for a wonderful weekend!  I am soooo blessed!

Many more smiles!

Shari Ellingson

Anti-Bully Show at 2 local schools

These next pictures are from 2 local schools that offer after school programming for the kiddos.  Also, on days when there are no school, they have 'all-day' care, called ACES.

I presented a portion of my new 'anti-bully' show.



Daisy learned that calling the kids 'stinkers' is a form of being a bully!



We used balloons to show how we can take the 'power' away from the bully and give it to the one who is being bullied!  Soooo cool!!

 

Harry didn't feel good about himself because he was being bullied.

The kids shouted "You can do it, Harry!"  He learned how to stand up to the bully and to feel good about himself!

What does a person who helps the bullied kid look like?  Don't know?  Neither did we...so, with a little help from the audience, we created 'that' person!  Surprise!  It looks like any one of us!

 

Bubba

The kids went away knowing that they can take away the POWER from bullies and stand up for themselves!  Yeah!

Many more smiles!

Shari Ellingson







MOPS Fundraiser

I was asked to do a couple of performances for MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) for their fundraiser.  Here are some pictures from that event.

I also tied balloons (animals, flowers, swords, swords...did I say 'swords'???).  I was scheduled for 2 hours, but was there for over 3!!  Over-all, it was a fantastic evening!

Many more smiles!

Shari Ellingson



New Happenings!

So much has been happening with Gator Alley & Co. lately!  I just have to share it with you!

I've had new promotional pictures taken by David Tapia Photography.



Gator Alley & Co.



Daisy, Shari and Bubba

Daisy



Granny



These are just a few of them...I hope you like them as much as I do!

Many more smiles!

Shari Ellingson

Yesterday's Show at Koppen Gardens

What a great day I had, taking my puppets out for 2 different shows! 

The first show was held at Koppen Gardens in North Mankato, just across the river from where I live.  It's an apartment primarily for senior citizens.  A friend from my church hired me to come in and entertain.  Here are a few pictures of the fun we had!  Enjoy!



This precious lady, Donna, was my live 'dummy'!



Donna was laughing so much that it was a hard act to do, but I think I really made her day!

Daisy thought she could get closer to God if she was a giraffe!

This is my face when Daisy calls me 'stinky mommy'!  LOL!

The whole message was about God's Amazing Love and how His love never quits!

Blessings,

Shari Ellingson

http://www.gatoralleyandco.com/

mas2buds@hickorytech.net

I'm back!!

Maybe you've been wondering where I have been!  Or maybe not!  LOL!  Well, not much has been happening as far as shows are concerned, but I AM receiving bookings for the upcoming months!

Tonight, I will be in Fairmont, MN for their annual Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) Open House.  I'm trying to remember, but I think this is my 4th or 5th year back!  It's so much fun!  This year, they wanted a program around the theme " 'Sea' how fun reading can be!" 

Tomorrow, Gator Alley & Co. will be performing for a group of senior citizens in the afternoon.  Then in the evening, we will be at Crossview Covenant Church 5-C's Preschool for their preschool open house pizza party!  As usual, performing for the kiddos is a lot of fun!

Thank you for following Gator Alley & Co.!

Shari Ellingson

http://www.gatoralleyandco.com/

gatoralley@hotmail.com  

What is happening?

So...it's 1:50 a.m. and I'm still awake!  I've been contemplating a new show that I feel led to work on, and researching some materials/ideas that will hopefully jump-start some ideas for me!  Then, I got distracted and realize it is now so late...I mean, 'early' in the morning! 

Yesterday, I sent out approximately 45 postcards to my 2010 customers, offering them a discount for booking a show before Jan. 31st.  I invite you to keep Gator Alley & Co. in prayer...I'm so looking forward to 2011 and can't wait to see what new and exciting things are going to happen this year!

Talking for 2,

Shari

Happy New Year!

Well, it's actually here!  2010 has come and gone...quickly, I might add...and 2011 is here, bringing new expectations and excitement!  My hope for all of you is that God richly blesses you and that your life will be full with His love and grace this year!  I am so thankful for all God has done in 2010, and now I can't wait to see what happens in 2011!!  My new motto has been "God is blessing me in unusual and unexpected ways!"  He has many things in store for Gator Alley & Co.!!

Talking for 2...most of the time,

Shari

This is how I'm feeling about snow!

I found this picture on another blog, and just had to share it!  If you live in Minnesota, this is probably how you're feeling right now! 

Today, my son and I went outside to the shed to bring in our Christmas decorating containers.  I stepped off the deck and sank up to my knee!  I couldn't get a hold to get out!  My son thought it was funny...didn't help me a bit!  LOL!!  Finally, I waded through the mounds of snow!  Tonight, we're supposed to begin getting rain, turning to snow in a day or so...ENOUGH already!

Last Christmas Show Today!



FINALLY!!  I was able to do my Christmas show (a little late!) at the Blue Earth County Library in Mankato, MN.  After 2 postponements, due to bad weather, I was finally able to follow through with the show!

Bubba wanted to be Rudolf, a red-nosed 'gator'!  Elf Daisy was worried that Santa wasn't able to deliver presents because she heard Santa had gotten stuck in a snow bank!  The kids helped make ICE so we can send it to the North Pole...this way, Santa can land on smooth ice, rather than in a snow bank next year!  Gunner was a fun addition this year, helping Santa to appear one last time to the kids!  (HE was dressed as Santa!)  The over-all message was that Christmas should be in our hearts all year round...not just one time a year.  Very fun! 

Meet Gunner!

Gunner

As promised, I'd like to introduce you to "Gunner", my next door neighbor!  Gunner will be using his skills as a blood-hound to search out clues that will help us discover, and learn, important things in our shows!  I know you will really enjoy Gunner, and that he's going to be an awesome addition to Gator Alley and Co.!

Welcome to my blog!

Thank you for visiting my blog!  As I am finishing up the year 2010, I am looking forward to a great year in 2011.  My goal for this blog is to let you know what is happening in the world of Gator Alley and Co.!  This next year, I will be adding a new puppet.  A picture of 'him' will be posted soon!  So...until then, you'll just have to wait! 

Also, look for new pictures of us! 

If you, or anyone you know, will be planning an event this next year, give me a call!  Maybe your wondering what events, or venues, I am available for?  In 2010, I performed for all ages...0-102!  Seriously!  So...I know without a doubt that you will not be disappointed!  Here are just a few of the events that I am available for:  churches, Boy scouts, libraries, senior citizens, Girl Scouts, birthday parties, UpWards Awards Night, Church Neighborhood block parties, ECFE, preschools, schools, TOPS, MOPS, and many more!