Goodbye 2010

I love my new iPad....I think. As I've said before....I'm not the most "high tech" person I know. So, when I unwrapped this sweet little gem on Christmas morning....you can imagine my surprise and excitement. I was shocked at how easy it was for me to import pictures, check my email and of course facebook. But, when it came time to blog.....well that was a different story. After several attempts....I finally gave up, handed it to the pro, then went to bed. I woke up this morning and of course Dave had it all figured out. Now, let's see what it can do.....

It's the last day of 2010 and I'm ready for the new year. I usually don't do resolutions because I can never stick to 'em. However, it's time for a few changes. I mean just because puppy chow is made with cereal does NOT make it a breakfast food. Time to turn it around....

I'll start small.....like drinking more water, making my bed everyday and maybe running a marathon!?! Seriously, I've wanted to run just one in my lifetime. Maybe....just maybe....if I document it.....then I will make it happen.

I'll continue to update (with the help of my new present) on my three somewhat ambitious goals throughout the next year. I hope to make it past 1-2-11.

Here's to you 2011.....bring it on!!!!

My perfect gift

Our Christmas vacation is halfway over. I'm not typically the "glass 1/2 empty" type.....but, it makes me sad to think it will all be over soon. As a kid, time feels as if it stands still while anticipating Christmas morning. As an adult....time is super sonic....and there is no more procrastinating.....I must wrap presents TODAY!

We've had a fun week. Nothing spectacular and in no particular order....this was our week at a glance: sleeping in, playing in the snow for hours, spending time with friends, making gingerbread houses, playing games, hot chocolate with all the "toppings", special late night walks with daddy and Wally, movies, eating out, all while time stood still.....anticipating Christmas.


"Nothing works without Anna." That's my new favorite quote from John. He announced it after coming in from playing in the snow without his sister. Let me set the stage. The day before, the two of them had spent hours building a snow fort, a huge snowman - complete with a secret hiding spot for their snowballs, and planning the perfect snowball fight. Even though the weather was freezing, my heart melted as I watched them play through the window. The next day, Anna enjoyed caroling with friends, while John bundled up and headed back out to play with his brothers and neighborhood buddies. After a bit, John came back in and pronounced that now famous phrase. When I asked him why.....he said, the snow is too powdery and it won't stick together, David knocked over our fort, and the snowball fight was not fun. Therefore, "nothing works without Anna". Awwww....music to my ears....every parents dream......the perfect Christmas present.......siblings getting along!

Old traditions and new

Our new "tradition"....if you will....is having Poppa over for Sunday dinner. I have fond memories of going to my grandparent's house for "Sunday supper" when I was little. I would love for my four to be able to look back and remember the "good times", just like I do when I think about Grandmother's chocolate pie, or playing "spoons" with the Renegars.

Last Sunday, we finally decorated the Christmas tree. We waited one full week for the 12' frazier fur branches to relax enough to look natural again. We scarfed down the General Tso's "vegan" chicken. Let me stop here and say two quick things that Poppa and my children are completely unaware of. One - the meal was not homemade.....and two - the word "vegan" was omitted.....therefore, resulting in second helpings for everyone.

So....as I was saying....after dinner, we enjoyed the rest of our evening decorating the tree, telling stories of past Christmases and laughing.....while creating new memories to share in the future.....all in hopes of making new "old traditions".

Snow day!

Four pairs of snow boots.....$150.00

Four winter coats.....$400.00
Hats with gloves to match.....$175.00
Four new sleds....$120.00
The first "snow day" of the season.....priceless!

Snow flakes that land on my nose and eyelashes....

The first day of December and it snowed! I know this does not look like much....but I don't think it matters when your a kid.

When your nine....snow is snow....no matter how much!

I love to see the excitement in my kids eyes when they wake up to snow!

From to Jolly to broken

Jolly, our Elf on a Shelf (which of course I want to call our "house elf") is back! Every morning David and Anna have been super excited to find his new hiding spot. They continue to make my life a little more difficult by writing him notes before bed....so "Jolly" not only has to remember to move each night, but now he also has to write them back......on teeny....tiny....paper....with red ink.

David was enthusiastically helping me decorate for Christmas while home sick from school the other day. In all the excitement this snowman accidentally fell and broke. I, not being in the same Christmas spirit, did not "respond" well and made him cry.
Such a happy moment ruined....not because of a broken trinket....but because of my reaction.
The irony is that the person that gave me the snowman would have said that "things can be replaced.....people cannot".
I managed to somewhat glue the little guy back together and it's not so noticeable. I can only hope that I was able to patch up my little guy's feelings a little better.
Just another reminder to slow down and enjoy.....

Birthday, souffles and other great stuff

I have been trying to write this blog for over a week and can't quite get it together enough to finish - or even get more than a sentence written at one time. The fact is, that I've missed several great opportunities to blog. My birthday for one - waaaaay back in October. Dave and the kids spoiled me with breakfast in bed and a present "scavenger" hunt. They had written clues that I had to follow to find my presents hidden around the house. Kuddos to Dave for pulling off such a great day.....which, by the way, ended and was complete with a huge slice of delicious cheese cake.

Another "must" mention - Thanksgiving. The holiday would not be the same without the Hornaks. They continued the tradition and made our first Thanksgiving in Ohio a success, by driving on the most traveled day of the year just to be with us. Dave delighted all of our taste buds with turkey and all the trimmings. And when I say "trimmings" I mean pumpkin pie, pie, and more pie. We have no problem eating it for breakfast....lunch....dinner and of course dessert! This year however, the typically untouched sweet potato souffle was a new "fan" favorite, as it was discovered by Robert and Cade. This delicious dish made it's debut years ago and Dave has faithfully been making it ever since. However, this was the first year it actually graced the lips and passed the test of their....shall I say....picky palates. Next year....double batch!

We did all the "normal" Powell/Hornak traditions.....like staying up late, eating too much, and playing lots of games...our new favorite - Bananagrams! Good thing none of us are competitive (wink wink). The guys continued their bromance and enjoyed their annual "Black Friday" date at the Apple store and Best Buy. But my absolute, to die for, go to the ends of the world and back favorite tradition has to be.....having my hair played with endlessly by Margaret. It truly is a little bit of heaven here on earth.

Places everyone....

The "semi" cool pose!?!

I'm grateful for many things....and I really should give thanks more often - and not just this time of year - for all of my blessings....simple and great. But this time of year....when I'm missing my family....I'm especially thankful for these people.....and I'm reminded that they are my family...right here and right now.

Blogs that inspire

Inspired! I'm referring to the "six until me" blog.....not mine. I'll explain more in a minute. First, did you know that November is Diabetes Awareness Month? Until this morning...I did not. I'm not sure how I have been caring for a diabetic for 6 years and still not know this. I will now spread "awareness" to the 3 people that actually read my ramblings. In all seriousness....my hope is that someday, years from now, when my children are all grown and at that point in their lives when they actually want to read this....I don't want them to think that "John's" entries are only about diabetes. You see, "diabetes doesn't define him, but it does explain him". I borrowed that wonderful quote from this inspiring blog (six until me) that I have just started following. The author, Kerri is real, down to earth, super cute, a new mom and a diabetic. She started blogging in 2005, the year after John was diagnosed. I wish I had followed her back then. Kerri recently wrote about speaking at a diabetic awareness conference hosted (I think) by jdrf. Here is part of what she said:

"Just because we make diabetes look easy, it's not. And just because we make it seem like it's something we can live with and we can have this big, full life - which we can, but at the same time, it can be very challenging. I think the one thing that I want to leave us with is that just because we don't look sick, doesn't mean we don't still deserve a cure."

Amen sister!

I had another awful conversation with John yesterday about how important it is for him to take care of himself NOW so he can live that "full life". I wish I didn't have to ride him so hard. By the end of my monologue he was in tears and simply asked, "why me". He doesn't usually play the "woe is me" card, but he played it and I didn't have an answer. However, I do know that being a diabetic has made him Strong. Empathic. Courageous. And so much more - despite only being eleven.

His easy access drawer of supplies.

His bedside blood checker - for nighttime lows and early morning checks.


His travel pack.

Juicy Juice - what would we do without you?

John, YOU deserve a cure!

Major bummer

William didn't make the 8th grade basketball team. In "his" world - tonight looks pretty bleak. He gave it his all and still fell short. Sometimes that happens..... My heart breaks to see him upset and frustrated, but I know without a doubt something better is going to come his way. I could tell him that this is character building, and how losing will make him try harder next time, but he doesn't want to hear that from me or his dad right now. I did tell him about Michael Jordan not making the cut in high school. He said he already knew because I was the 3rd person (besides the coach and dad) to tell him that tonight.

As we walked in the door at home, all three siblings instinctively (and by instinctively, I mean they could tell by the looks on our faces) knew he had not made the team. John kindly unpacked his bag for him, sat next to him and patted his back, not saying a word. Anna and David both showed compassion in their own way, desperately hoping to cheer him up. We are all feeling his pain right now. It's a rough blow, but we are all here to support and hopefully absorb some of it. Living the Powell Life isn't always fun, but I'm glad we have each other.....especially tonight.

What's love got to do with it?

One of my favorite songs right now is What Love Really Means. It is such a sweet song. What does love mean to me? I use the word a lot. I say it every day (several times) to my children and to Dave. I also say it when I hang up the phone to my most favorite people. I know that love is much more than a word....it's a decision. If love was merely a feeling I would be falling in and out of love every time I got irritated, angry or upset.

We don't or can't earn love - it's given freely....by choice. The chorus of the song goes like this - "I will love you for you not for what you have done or what you will become." It's reassuring to know that this is exactly the way Jesus love's us. I want my kids to know that they will always be loved - just because.

Over the past few months God has continually put something on my heart. It has been so consistent that I've had a hard time ignoring it, as it keeps popping up in the most random places. The tug at my heart has been for the abandoned, homeless, and innocent ones of this world - the orphaned. Each with a heartbreaking story that most of us could not imagine. I finally shared with not only Dave, but the whole family what God had placed on my heart. Everyone agreed that we need to do something to help the helpless. My sweet, empathic John was touched so much that he couldn't contain his tears. As they ran down his cheeks, I knew he felt the pain of these little ones in need. But where to start? Prayer. Right now that's what we can do. I don't know where we will end up, but I do know we can make a difference.

My hope is that one day we can share our love with the unloved.....because love has everything to do with it.

David

David is our youngest and our last.....but certainly not our least. David is....well, just David. It's hard to explain "David" unless you know him. He is reserved in a way none of my others were at this age. However, once you get him to warm up....he's wide open and full of personality and life. Not many people are recipients of his affection. I'm one of the lucky ones. I get more David lovin' than most. If you ask for a kiss or hug - you simply won't get one. However, he will graciously bow his head and allow a kiss to the forehead. Thankfully, he will let me love and smooch on him whenever I please. Afterward and as he rounds the corner and out of my sight, I know he is wiping it off, and if confronted he will say that he is just "rubbing it in" - because we all know a mothers kiss can't be remove. When he is ready to share his affection with you in his own way and in his own time....it is the best! I always cherish the rare David kiss and hug.

He gets most of the photo-ops because of his age and the simple fact that he is the one at home....with me......and constantly all up in my business. He's not yet old enough to walk to a friend's house or have sleepovers. So this is what I get.....

A lot of David and never a dull moment!

PS - I'm fully aware that I have more pictures of this little guy (on the blog) than anyone else. It might look like he is my favorite, but I don't play that game. We are an equal opportunity family. We don't discriminate against age or gender and we all pull our own weight. For posterity sake however, I will work on taking more pictures of the others.

Fun night of fright

Happy Halloween!!! We went trick-or-treating last night for the first time in our new neighborhood. It was quite the experience. I kept thinking that we were on a set of a movie......like ET. There were literally hundreds of costumed little and big kids running from house to house collecting candy. The "tradition" in Stone Brook is to set up shop at the end of your driveway. We were fortunate to have Poppa here to represent 401 Stoney Path Court while Dave and I cruised the neighborhood with our motley crew and friends.

The ghost couldn't see very well....we fixed it!

Dr. Powell carryied John's bag because of the crutches.

J stayed in character all night with those silly crutches.
People actually thought he was hurt.

"Vampire" Anna and "Mummy" Sydney

The fruits of their labor divided and picked through.
Each kid got to keep their # of years in candy.
The rest will go to the troops and then we will
head to Target for the annual "Halloween" gift.

Forgetmenots

There are a lot of things I'd like to remember from this particular time in my life. I know that I will forget most of what goes on - as I have limited memories of my past as it is. I mean I remember the big stuff, like certain times of my life during my school-age years, a few college memories, ranch memories, wedding day, early marriage, pregnancies, births, and so on. But what I'm talking about is the detailed stuff that occurs daily. I probably won't remember them in a few years or even in the morning for that matter. Sad but true. I remember my mom telling me to write down all the cute little things that my kids would say and do when they were little because I wouldn't be able to remember them all. Even if I had had the time, I didn't do it because I clearly thought my memory was that good or thought I would eventually get around to it. Thirteen years later isn't all that bad.

I hate to admit that I don't have the sharpest mind in the house anymore. It PAINS me - really! I can stand in the laundry room and wonder what I was going to do. I mean seriously, if it's not automatic, then surely by the process of elimination I should be able to figure it out - right? How many possible reasons does one need to go to the laundry room? It scares me to death when Dave tells me one Saturday afternoon that he forgot to attend the Alzheimer's fundraiser walk earlier that morning. I see two very serious problems with this statement. One - he's worse than me. And two - we are both gonna need that fundraiser support to help find the "cure" before it is too late.

Here are a few things that I would like to remember today.

• Anna is running for 3rd grade class representative and is giving her speech TODAY.
• While wishing EB happy birthday this morning, John said that he loved her on the phone. So sweet - those two have such a special bond.
  
• William's CC awards ceremony is tonight (not last Wednesday, which we showed up for - at least I was early and not a week late.) Where's that cure?
• As annoying as this next one can be when I want a clean house - I sure do love the way David still plays with his little figures (ie...Star Wars, army, Lego's, or knights - it doesn't matter).

Dragons in the dungeon.

X-Wing Fighter on the backstairs.

Ninja in the bathroom.

Knights in the kitchen.

• And finally, mornings just run smoother when Dave is here.
  

Runners take your mark

Cross Country running is not an easy sport. It takes a lot of discipline. This is Williams first year. He did run the mile in track last year, but wasn't sure he wanted to join the CC team. I mean let's face it - hot or cold, up or down, long runs or fast runs - it's all up to you. Even though he is on a "team", there is no one to push or pull him across the finish line. But with a little encouragement and some new friends he is enjoying himself. He has the perfect runners body - long and lean! He continues to improve his time and is becoming more and more aggressive each meet. I love watching him run. This coming weekend marks the end of his first season. I hope he to continues to run even in the off season. I can no longer run and keep up with him. His pace far exceeds mine. It saddens me a little to think that I will never-ever be able to run faster or even catch up with him again. Not because I don't want him to excel, but because it's just another reminder that he is growing up. I guess that's how life takes it little turns. When he was a baby, it was his first time rolling over, first word and first steps. It is exciting to see him grow into the wonderful, fully capable young man that he is. His vice principal called me the other day to inform me that William was voted by his peers as the student with the most leadership qualities. I continue to be amazed by the great strides he is making not only in Cross Country, but in his life as well.

1 Corinthians 9:24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.








Seriously....look at that determination (and those legs)!
You go BOY!!!

Falsely accused

***Warning*** This entry contains graphic content. View at your own risk.

Last week John went on a three day, 6th grade field trip to Camp Campbell Gard. He had a great time! They pretended that they were run-away slaves in the underground railroad. What a neat and fun experience. We all missed him. I didn't even get to talk to him on the phone. I think he missed us too....even Anna (he confided in me on the ride home). He really is a great brother.
John is the one in the middle...of everything! Not only is he the middle brother, but most of the time you will find him in the middle of it all. He's the one everyone else goes to to play with. He's is a gamer - always up for whatever. He's smart, quick witted and sensitive all wrapped up in one great package. John rarely flies under the radar. He's wide-open, always ready with a comment or geared up for an argument - even when warned to keep quiet. He will defend his point, even if there isn't one. You have to admire him. I know one day all these traits will serve him well. Unfortunately, at the ripe ol' age of 11, he hasn't honed those skills yet. When things get broken or an argument breaks out or odd things disappear....I usually assume that John is culprit. And 9.9999 out 10 times....I'm right on the money. So of course, when I noticed a big booger flicked on the bathroom ceiling...I naturally thought of John. He did his normal little "song and dance" routine and I never got a full confession out of him. Without a DNA sample (don't think I didn't threaten it), I had to drop my case and believe his sob story. But sometimes, when my crystal ball isn't working properly, I've been known to occasionally be wrong. So while the defendant was on his camping trip with an airtight alibi, you'll understand my shock and horror at my findings while making up Anna's bed. There, in my sweet little girls room, the missing "dried" evidence. On her white ruffled pillow cases, her lavender wall, and even on her pink doll house....more dried boogers! No denying it....the evidence was crystal clear! What could I say? I confronted Anna (who sang like a canary) and prepared myself to eat crow when John returned. Sometimes we parents have to admit when we make mistakes and that's exactly what I did. John was gracious and forgiving and with his sly smile said..."it was Anna, right?"
He's gonna make a great lawyer someday.

Exhibit A

Minus two

There is a different feel in our house this week - something is missing. Dave is gone...again! We miss him terribly when he is gone, but if we are lucky and find our groove, the week goes by somewhat smoothly. What makes this week so different is that William is in DC with the entire 8th grade for 3 whole days. When I first heard of this trip my knee-jerk response was, how can I gracefully bow out and still save face? I mean he is just a baby. Then I remembered my first overnight school trip (which just so happened to also be in the 8th grade) - PARIS! I realized I had to let him go. It's DC - and in my opinion, the heart of America and one of my very favorite cities! We discussed the dangers he might face including those nasty bed bugs (ewwww!) and I continue to pray for his safety. I'm sure he will have a blast and I can't wait to hear all about it when he returns.

Back at the home front things are still busy despite the 2 missing. At one point, I counted 8 kids in the house and only 3 were mine. I shuttled them all out the back door to enjoy the beautiful fall afternoon. This is how they ended the day.

I love watching my kids play!

Hurry home William and Daddy.

Happy Fall

According to Gail King (I'm not sure where she gets all of her information, but I'm sure she has good intel) Fall officially begins today at 11:09 pm. So in the spirit the season - I was happy to pull out a can of pumpkin. So many wonderfully delicious treats come from this orange fruit!?! Just the smell makes me happy! Starbucks jumped the gun a few weeks ago with my favorite - the pumpkin spice latte! I find myself thinking of reasons to go out just to get one of those savory liquid treats. I've narrowed it down to a tall, no whip, 2 pump psl. It doesn't matter though - because yesterday, I learned the sugar content and it ain't good. Lets just say - no more quick errands for me.

Instead I surprised the kiddos with this after school treat!
A nice substitute for this sugars addict (me - not David).
Happy Fall everyone!

PS - I am no "Martha Stewart" OR "Dana Henessey".
It was a lot easier than it looks....but just as yummy!