soup night...

Tonight was a soup night. All the various Powells who are in town for the holiday came over tonight for soups, games, desserts and lots of visiting. 24 people to be exact. What a fun evening and what a treat!

passed out...

The excitement of the past few days finally caught up with Cecily this afternoon. I'm not sure what possessed her to lay down on the floor of the living room, but nevertheless, here is where I found her... sweet dreams, sweet girl.

happy thanksgiving!

Eight years ago today, we began a family tradition of running (or walking as is the case for some of us) a Thanksgiving morning 5K. Yes, it's always hard to get up at the crack of 6 am. And yes, it's usually very cold. But despite the time and the temperature, we all love this tradition - even me, a non-runner.

This was the first year it wasn't cold - woohoo! It was also the first year Nana joined us - another woohoo! Now here'e the really cool thing about this year, though. Brock the Rock, at 7 years of age, finished 3.1 miles in just 27 minutes - and that was without any training whatsoever leading up to today. He beat Colton by 3 minutes! And can I just say how proud I was of Colton -- because he was so proud of his little brother for beating him. No excuses. Just proud. Now THAT'S cool.

Everyone did great this year. Cayce ran with Brock and talked him through the whole run so he didn't burn out too fast or give up at the end. Colton finished in 30 minutes (and beat Matt, which he loved). Reece bested his time from last year by 7 minutes. Cecily actually RAN about half of the course this year, which resulted in me being left behind. Yes, that's right - I couldn't keep up with my 9-year old daughter who hates running. Kimbo, Matt, Nana and Kaycee Kim all ran with us. What a fun Thanksgiving morning!

a day to rejoice!

Thanksgiving is tomorrow and it is at this time of the year that we take time to remember all the many things we have to be thankful for. I am thankful for family, friends, health, love, joy, laughter... and most especially, Jesus. Today, Wednesday, November 24th, 2010 - the day before Thanksgiving - Cecily committed her life to Christ and was baptized by Cayce. Colton and Reece each prayed over her, as did Cayce, while I read the scripture, Galatians 5:22, which so perfectly describes our beautiful daughter...

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."

We were surrounded by a host of witnesses - loving family and friends who have each impacted Cecily's walk with Jesus. It is because of these loved ones (and even more who couldn't be with us tonight) that we are here, at this point with our daughter and family. And so, as we prepare to usher in another Thanksgiving Day, I am reminded how very thankful I am for family and friends - that God so purposely placed in our lives. Thank you.

school day...

Today was just one of those days where I spent a large portion of my day at the kids' school. Lots going on this time of year! Brock had his Thanksgiving Play and Feast. Our little "Buffalo Hunter" just lost his 2nd front tooth last night and his newly acquired lisp was precious during the play! What a special time Cayce, Kimberly and I got to spend with him today.

Cecily recited her 4-H speech today - in front of her class, parents and the 4-H judge. The topic of her speech was "responsibility", which she chose from a list of suggested topics. She wrote the speech completely by herself, memorized it completely by herself and has been so excited to perform it for the judge that she's barely been able to contain herself for a week now. Her hard work and enthusiasm paid off. She earned a blue ribbon and will advance to the county level competition in January. Can you tell, by looking at the picture, just HOW PROUD she is?! Oh, and I am even more proud.

friends...

So thankful for good friends... even those that leave us to travel the country for a year (Troy and Katie) and those that move permanently to Colorado (Shawn and Christi). Hmmm... I'm beginning to wonder if there's some sort of pattern here!

games once again...

I caught them just hanging out, enjoying each other's company. One might wonder about the hat on Colton's head... That was actually Brock's when he was a toddler. I found it a few days ago and now, Colton has it on all the time... no reason - just because. Goofball. Love it.

and the outside...

A little at a time and eventually it will all look magnificent!

oh joy...

Cayce and I woke to a leaky fireplace this morning... like major leaks. I emptied these bowls numerous times through the morning. Oh joy...

it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

Tonight was tree decorating night for the Powell's. A little early, yes but we were so ready! The present under the tree is compliments of Cecily - she's had it ready and wrapped for several weeks now. The girl starts EARLY with her present making and shopping!

brock's list...

Today, Brock and I stayed home from church because he has been running a fever all weekend. He didn't feel too bad, though, as you can see from the above list he made of things he wanted to do today. #6 is my favorite! And yes, we DID spend time praising God - a time completely led by Brock. This boy is so precious - he just warms my heart each and every day.

so, so close....

Reece and his biggest fans!

The pain of defeat couldn't be hidden after the game...

Today was the big day - the day Reece, his team and his coaches have worked for since football season started back in July... the State Championship!! This team not only made it to the game of all games, but they made it to this point UNDEFEATED. What an amazing feat.

The team we played today, however, was also undefeated. And what a game it turned out to be - with a final score of 7-6... THEM. It was a terribly hard loss and each of these boys tried to take the blame for it. As a mom, my heart ached for every one of them. But really, everyone played great - it's just that SOMEONE had to lose. Unfortunately it was us.

What a great game, though - and an even more amazing season. In this one season, Reece's team outscored their opponents 251-29, including 9 shut-outs. Wow. So proud of these boys and most especially MY BOY!

just for fun...

cute little boys...

Brock had a friend over to play today. As usual, they did a little bit of EVERYTHING but their most favorite activity was dress up. Not "girlie" dress up, though - they pulled out Colton and Reece's old football uniforms from when they used to play "dress up" and once they were all geared up, it was time to head outside and play football. I loved watching them - so cute and so imaginative. Brought back wonderful memories of Colton and Reece when they were this age and younger - they and their friends did this exact same thing ALL the time. Such cute little boys!

we lost a tooth!

BEFORE

AFTER

Brock is into his 4th month of 2nd grade and finally, today, we managed to get is first top tooth out. For a week now, it has just barely been hanging on - a snaggle tooth of sorts. Ugly as all get out. But it's gone now - woo hoo! And the one next to it will be out soon also. Brock is sooo excited!

This is the beginning of my baby losing his sweet little baby face...

fall hydrangeas...

flag football ends...

Another child's season has come to an end. Brock ended his 3rd season of flag football this past Saturday with only one loss over two months of games. These boys were both cute and REALLY fun to watch. And they are an amazing group of athletes!

Tonight, Cayce and I hosted the team party at our house, where trophies were presented and lots of pizza and cake was consumed. The most fun part, however, was watching these little ones run all over the property chasing each other and playing ball. Brock has such great friends!

dixie time...

azaleas still blooming...

November 1st and we still have color!