our Thursday night hang out...

This is where you can find me most Thursday nights after the Varsity football games - along with all the rest of the 8th grade football players, cheerleaders and all their parents. It's crazy, it's LOUD and the food is... well... greasy. But - it's a neat tradition and I love that these kids have so much fun together just hanging at Sonic.

goodbye till Spring...

I love this Sycamore Tree. It stands, tall and grand, in our front yard and oh how I love to hear the wind rustling through it's leaves! Problem is, it is our first tree to lose it's leaves each Fall - it's September 29 and the leaves already form a blanket on the ground. I miss them...

heaven...

Brock and I were outside, throwing the football this evening while we were waiting for Colton's practice to end. My back was to the sunset so I didn't see it till Brock pointed and said, "Look Mom! It's beautiful!" Then he added, "Do you see the red? That's heaven." I chuckled a little and smiled at him, but didn't say anything. After seeing my response, he quickly added, "I'm not kidding. It IS."

"Did you know that, Mom?"

"No, Brock, I didn't... but I do now."

Thank you, my dear child, for slowing me down and opening my eyes to the Lord's power and majesty - even when it is right in front of me. Thank you for being so sure of your faith and thank you for your pure eyes and heart. You are a gift from God and I have been blessed.

welcome fall!

It was miserable hot last week but this morning on the way to school it was only 55 degrees. Yea for Fall!!

my football boys...

sing your heart out...

Cecily "nails" her Fall Showcase performance!

butterfly release

It is a 2nd grade tradition to grow butterflies from caterpillars. Colton did it, then Reece, then Cecily and now Brock. Today was a beautiful day to release the butterflies that were grown and observed in Brock's classroom. After we released them, he worked REALLY hard trying to get one to land on his orange slice and drink for a while... they just kept flying away from him! But his patience finally paid off and he was so proud!

colton plays varsity

Colton is 2nd string Varsity and 1st string JV. What that boils down to, in our school's football system, is that he rarely plays in the Varsity games but plays most of the JV games.

Today, however, was different - he played most of the Varsity game and he was so excited. The team we played against was brand new and not very developed, but Colton didn't care. He got out there, played hard and took advantage of every chance he got. Very proud of his determination and dedication this year!

leaves are falling...

Cecily announced to Brock yesterday that today, when they got home from school, they should start raking a leaf pile. Sure enough, as soon as they got home today, they were outside working. This is as far as they got -- but I doubt they are finished. One of the kids' favorite Fall activities is playing in the leaf piles... and at September 21st, the leaves have only JUST begun to fall.

go seahawks!

Brock's team in their end-of-game huddle... Great game for all the boys and a great win for these cute little athletes.

Most of these boys played together last Fall also and they only had one loss all season. So far THIS year, they've won both scrimmages (last week) and then won BIG in their 1st season game today. It's not all about winning, though, and thankfully these boys are incredibly well mannered and great sports, but it so much fun to watch your son and all his friends do so well and have so much fun! Go Seahawks and Go Coach Daddy - you are awesome!

team day...

Today was our last day of "Spirit Week" at both the elementary and middle schools. Cecily and Brock were both thoroughly "into" it. Colton and Reece were excited to get to wear certain things to school like ball caps and athletic shorts but didn't near as into it as their siblings. I love that Cecily and Brock are still so young and still get thrilled with the "little things" in life. I wish so much that that energy and excitement would last longer... for now, though, I guess I will enjoy it (and document it) while I can!

spirit day

hat day

pajama day

It's Pajama Day and Stuffed Animal Day at the elementary school today... how cute are my babies?! In contrast, Colton and Reece wore t-shirts and athletic shorts to school yesterday for THEIR Pajama Day (the athletic shorts were a treat since they are not usually allowed to wear them to school).

"good game"

Colton and The Generals played another impressive game (and got another win!) against Sunset today.

it's ball time again!

Today was opening day for both soccer (Cecily) and flag football (Brock). Reece played today also (tackle football). Cecily lost (close game, though!); Reece won BIG (undefeated so far!); and Brock won not one, but TWO games. All of our kids played GREAT - yes, even sweet, non-competitive Cecily had a very good game - what progress she is starting to make!

It was a good days in sports for the Powells.

my little chef...

Brock made his own eggs this morning - all by himself. He cracked the eggs, added water, salt & pepper. Stirred them (not much scrambling - just stirring!). Tore up a piece of ham and sauteed it in some olive oil. Added the eggs... and voila! Eggs ala Brock.

happy boys...

Pride and relief shows on the faces of these boys as they leave the field with another win. Colton played almost the entire game... can't you tell just by looking at his face?!

imagination at work...

Two empty boxes were eventually transformed today into a sleek, state of the art airplane. Brock came up with the idea and began construction on his own, but as soon as Cecily caught wind of it, she quickly joined in with her own ideas and efforts. Soon, they each had a seat built in the plane and took turns being the pilot and the flight attendant. Oh, how I love creativity, imagination and the "just do it" mentality these two possess!

tom and huck...

While canoeing today, I captured this quiet moment with Colton and Harrison slowly paddling down Elk River. They reminded me of Tom and Huck... until they flipped out of their boat... then they reminded me of Fric and Frac.

victors...

Reece and his teammates celebrate after an another great win!

fill up....

Why is it that it's only when I am in a hurry and don't have time to stop, that my "low fuel" light comes on?! This is one of my least favorite things to do. It ranks right up there with unloading the dishwasher and pulling weeds. However, how blessed I am to have a car that will get me all over town and all over this country, and to have the money to fill it up!

butterfly splendor...

I've been watching the butterflies enjoy my flowers all summer and today I decided to try and get a picture. Beautiful, isn't it?!