game time...

We played Monopoly today... and yesterday... and probably tomorrow. The game is the same as it was when I was a kid and my kids enjoy it as much as I did. Oddly, I STILL enjoy it! Reece, however, is the master at it - not surprising. The boy knows what properties to buy, which ones to pass on and how to "rack up" the money.

I still remember the first time I ever played "Junior Monopoly" with Colton and Reece... they were really young... we were sitting on the floor of our formal living room at our old house and I ended up winning. I made an "L" with my fingers, put it up to my forehead and said "LO-SERS" to them... they laughed till I thought they were going to wet their pants. They had never ever seen me do anything like that and truly, I have no idea what possessed me... but I will always remember how hard we laughed that night.

Games are a wonderful way to bring a family together.

center first...

This is what happens in the Powell house... always the center, rarely a side, NEVER a corner. Typically, when there's a fresh pan of brownies, pan cookies or rolls, the center piece is the first to go. Apparently, this is a "Powell characteristic"... and certainly Cayce is a shining example of "center first"... he has taught his children well. Thankfully, at least, I will eat the corners - or else we would have a very fat (and sick) dog.

a sign of spring...

It's definitely still winter out there but signs of Spring are "popping up" everywhere... a welcome sight indeed! This is the time of year when we have days like today - a blue sky, abundant sunshine and a cool breeze. Days that energize you and make you want to clean out the clutter, commit to an exercise routine, plant a garden... conquer the world. I love days like today.

music maker...

While all of our children are gifted musically, Colton is the one right now who really seems passionate about playing an instrument. He plays the piano for HOURS - or even just for a few moments if that's all the free time he has. He is constantly trying to teach himself songs from the radio or compose new ones himself. Today, Cayce and I gave him a keyboard to keep in his room... it's an early birthday present and it's not fancy but good for a beginner. To say he loved it would be an understatement. The only problem? How will we get him out of his room now?!

under 100!

Colton has been home all week with an apparent fever virus. The highest it got today, though? 99.9 - and that was tonight before bed. According to county policy, temperature must be below 100 degrees for at least 24 hours before a student can return to school. And that would mean that Colton returns tomorrow!

gettin' there...

My work has almost come to an end... Fall/Winter clothes are packed away for the August sale, bags are packed with lots of goodies for Goodwill, and lastly, all Spring/Summer clothes and toys are organized and tagged. I'll finish loading the car tonight and then I'm ready for drop-off in the morning. Yeah!

cleaning out...

Every Spring and Fall, I clean out the closets and garage to find stuff that needs to be consigned or given away. This is what I am in the middle of right now... I have to drop consignment stuff at the church sale on Wednesday morning so it is consuming me right now. Think I'm almost there, though!

It's a lot of work, and a couple of years ago I decided it just wasn't worth the work anymore. But I've changed my mind. I don't mind the hassle and I enjoy making a little money every once in a while - it's fun to come up with something fun and different to spend the money on...