He's back.....

And in rare form!

It's that time of year and our house elf, Jolly is back!

The kids....mostly David....couldn't wait

for his arrival.....and he wasn't disappointed.

Jolly was right on time for his annual visit to the Powell house.

Most mornings, we found Jolly

doing some pretty peculiar things.

Like fishing for Goldfish....

Eating chocolate!

Making snow angles!

Riding bareback?!?

Nice boots!

Taking a marshmallow "bubble" bath!

Or....

enjoying teeny tiny donuts and milk!

Thanks for the memories and

see you next year!

Pumpkin Truffles

I modified the ever delicious

Oreo Truffle and came up with

this tasty treat.

The Pumpkin Truffle!

Simply delightful.

YUM!

Not so happy halloween

Unfortunately things don't alway go as planned. Several factors played into our not-so-fun night of horrors. I would say the evening was only 50% successful. It started with a fever for William the day before. I knew he was sick when he went back to bed after church. He spent the next 24 hours there.

Flash forward to Halloween night.....we were already down one, but still hoped for the best. I helped pull together costumes for the other three, who were beyond excited. This is where my lack of planning comes into play....and might have contributed to the downfall of the other 1/4.

Anna's costume was set.

She and Sydney were siamese twins.

John still had not decided what he wanted to be,

but happily took over William's costume as a

"cheesy" guy with a brostache.

This left David.

He really wanted to be a kid that had been run over by a car. I actually think he was trying to repeat John's character from last year - a kid in a "car" accident. Since the crutches were too big, and we couldn't find the broken bloody arm, not to mention he doesn't have any ripped up clothes, I felt it was going to be too difficult to it pull off. He was disappointed, but we negotiated "the wounded army man". I thought he looked great, and he seemed pleased with the appropriate amount of blood and gore applied to his face.

At six o'clock, the healthy Powell's headed to a neighbor's house for pizza. Then, the dads would lead the way as the crew conquered the neighborhood house by house. My job, this year, was to pass out the candy. So while all of this was going on.....David decided that his cute pumpkin bag, he has used for years, was a little too babyish for his manly war costume. He made the command decision to go home to get his pillow case instead. This is where is gets hairy. Dave didn't get the message about David and I completely missed him, as he went in a different door.

Twenty minutes later.....

David walks in the front door, pillow case empty and bursts into tears. Apparently, he couldn't find Daddy and had spent the last half hour looking for his family and friends, before giving up and thankfully heading home. Poor little guy. I called Dave and asked if he was missing anyone? In the chaos of Stonebrook Halloween madness, he hadn't realized our little war hero was MIA.

In the end, David was able to trick-or-treat for a bit. I think the novelty had worn off and when the crew passed by the house again, he decided to call it a night. John and Anna continued their quest to get the most candy possible within a 2 hour timeframe. Like I said, a 50% success rate.

Reuse, recycle, reduce

I have always felt a tinge of guilt each time I carelessly tossed a recyclable into - gasp - the garbage. The guilt was at an all time high when someone would innocently ask (holding an empty soda can) if we recycled. Oh, the shame! We knew we were wasteful, we just didn't realize how bad we actually were.

I saw the error of my ways when, over a year ago, we decided to recycle. To our utter amazement, our recycling bin has consistently trumped our now sad empty garbage can. No joke....we know we've had visitors when we throw away a second bag into the trash.

Just recently, I thought I would try my hand at upcycling - only slightly different from recycling or reusing. Upcycling is where you take something that could be recycled or reused, and give it a whole new purpose. It's garbage reincarnated. Check it out!

Halloween 2.0

Empty glass jars repurposed

into fun Halloween lanterns.

Just drop in a glow stick

and

line the walkway to your doorstep.

And in the end......really, only my time was

wasted!

Simple treats

I love a cute idea. And these little

s'more goodie bags are just too

cute!

Two graham crackers, mini Hershey's bar and a ghost Peep.

That's it! Adorable, right!?!

I don't have an original thought in my head,

but I'm really good at reproducing

someone else's brilliant idea.

I've said it before and I'll say it again,

I love Pinterest!

The Forbidden Fruit or in this case - CANDY

My intentions were good. I know my family and I know their temptations. So when I decided to use candy corn as decoration for Halloween.....I was pretty sure there would be some desire to sneak a bit here and there. Not so much me (remember it's candy corn, not Reese's)....but there are a few in this house and with no one looking, would not be able to resist a handful or two.

So, I came up with a lie.....a little white one. I didn't think it would hurt anyone. Plus, there was some half truth to it. I told them ALL that I had sprayed a "clear" coat of poison over the candy to preserve it through this season and hopefully the next few. Okay, the truth here is, that I really do/did plan on spraying them with polyurethane to protect and increase their longevity. But in my typical "later is better than never" style....I'll wait until after Halloween to do it. I knew in the meantime that I had to convince my crew not to eat my decorations.

And it worked - perfectly! I witnessed each of them adamantly refuse the sugary treats. I even overheard them telling their friends NOT to even touch the candies.....because they could die. I might have oversold it....but it was working. That is until Poppa came to visit. No one noticed at first. Dave just thought he was eating Goldfish. Nope! His multiple trips to the kitchen resulted in a greatly reduced "bountiful" look than what I was originally hoping for.

Thankfully in the end, it was Dave who noticed and quickly ended Poppa's innocent sugar binge. Later, when Dave told me about his dad's sweet tooth attack - my imagination ran wild. I thought of how different the scene would have been if one of the kids had witnessed their beloved grandparent eating the forbidden candy. I shuddered as I envisioned their screams and cries as they slapped the tricolored poison out of his hand, followed by an emergency 911 call.

My conclusion - No harm, no foul - right? I mean, the "lie" prevented my kids from eating what they shouldn't. But more importantly, if I had sprayed them!?! Oh....I cringe at the thought.

Homecoming '11

King's Highschool Homecoming

dance was this weekend.

Sadly, Brooke (an 8th grader) was not

allowed to attend because it was for

high schoolers only.

She was a trooper, just getting

home from DC

and then playing in back to back soccer games.

Still, she wanted to see William

before he headed out.

So he met up with some of his guy friends

and enjoyed the evening sans girls.

It sure was cute seeing them all dressed up in their

"Sunday" best.

They dined at a sushi restaurant,

while the moms hung out at TGIF's close by....

waiting for the text to chauffeur them to their

next destination....the dance.

Now, according to William....

he was the only one out of this original group that danced.

They were more the "sit and watch" type.

Really?

I just don't see it.

Instead, William hung with a group of

upperclassmen

that weren't afraid to get their groove on.

I love that he danced!

On a side note:

This was our texting

conversation throughout the night.

I guess he has to

grow up

sometime.....but I'm glad it's not yet!

Morning Jackpot

One dark, early morning last week, I woke up William for school as usual. I opened the door, flipped on the light, and pleasantly said good morning. He looked HUGE - sprawled out across his "new" double bed, making it look more like a toddler's bed.

I try my best to make mornings run smoothly. They can be hectic and frustrating at times. But with the help of coffee and a little prep work, we can usually enjoy a hassle free start to the day.

So after rubbing his back for a second our mostly one-sided conversation went something like this.....

Me: Ok buddy, time to get up and hop in the shower.

WP: groan

Me: I already started the water....so it should be good and hot for you.

(yes, I realize that this is over the top.....but it seems to get them moving a little faster if they think they are wasting water)

WP: another groan

Me: Oh...after your shower....you might want to shave. I can see a little bit of hair.

In an sorta cheesy unfamiliar voice and without cracking a smile.

WP: Is the man with the brostache invited to this party?

Me: LOL

I found out later that the quote was from a Geico commercial. I googled it....and indeed...it was just as funny as William's version. I'm loving his teenage sense of humor. A smile is worth a lot in the morning....but a laugh is practically equivalent to a million dollars.

Morning jackpot!

Very Pinteresting

I'm seriously in love with Pinterest. It's my new "hobby". Forget Facebook and blogging....this is my new obsession. It truly is all things lovely. One subscriber said it was like getting a new magazine in the mail everyday. Uh-huh....and how! Mere words can't describe the beautifully, creative, deliciousness of the website. Each and every picture is enticing me to move towards my sadly, neglected right side of my brain. My creative genes are inching towards "almost" action. I know, I'm not quite there yet. But I have lots and lots of ideas to improve/organize/beautify/simplify my home, diet, life and world.

I would love to share the site and several pictures here. Unfortunately, blogger calls that little detail "stealing". Can't a girl just borrow? I'm not sure, but after several failed attempts to download images....I got nervous the www.com police might come knocking at my door.

I'm excited to share my "future" pinterest inspired projects though. I've got plenty of Halloween and fall ideas already brewing. Lots of painting projects.....that look doable....but will probably have me in tears after a few hours....full of mistakes and a major clean-up. But I'm gonna give it a go.

So, I would like to thank Pinterest for bringing out the creative side of me....even though I've really been sitting at my computer for the last 3 hours.

RUN....FORREST....RUN

The boys ran their hearts out this weekend at the

cross country meet.

John set a 2 mile PR of 17:14.

Way to go 7th grader!

William also set a personal record of 19:07.

Not bad for 3 miles!

We are so proud of you boys!

One carpool at a time please

It's been one of those weeks where no matter how far ahead I think I am....I still miss the mark. Carpooling is great and I'm fortunate to have other moms that are in the same boat. Helping each other chauffeur our kiddos from one activity to the next has been a huge timesaver. There have been days when my carpooling schedule has been so crazy that it overlaps one another. And then, when I don't look at my calendar and just assume it's my day to be the taxi driver.....well you know what happens when you "assume" anything. At least there we two of us picking up....it could have easily gone the other way. Seriously, I can't keep it straight! I'm starting to think something is wrong with the 3 good brain cells I have left.

The other day after I had dropped off the Firecracker carpool, David and I headed to John's x-country meet. We were cutting it close....I wasn't sure how close....because I didn't have my GPS and I was forced to follow the written directions from the cross country information email. I have zero confidence in my navigation skills and with good reason....it's no secret that I'm not good with directions.....and we were way beyond my little 10 mile radius that I travel so frequently. Even David expressed his concerns that we were lost and was even more worried that I wouldn't be able to get us home.

So, after driving for what I was sure was way too far, I asked David if he would help me look for the sign to 27 N. He kindly obliged, but then added "I don't know why you need my help. You're the one that has the big ol' window to look out AND you don't have to look around any carseats." True dat....I had to agree with his backseat logic.

We finally made it to the meet....just in time to cheer on John and his teammates as they power housed the two mile trail. On the way home the two were talking in the back and I overheard David ask John how he ran so far. John's answer was simple. He said, "I keep going because I don't want to be last." He wasn't thinking about being way ahead, but about each step getting him closer to his goal....the finish line. Of course, the added pressure of not being last didn't hurt....in this case.

I thought about what he said and then realized something. Isn't that what God means when he tells us not to worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will take care of itself (the JP translation of course)? It's not a new thought, but one I'm going to work on. I don't have to be way out in front of the pack....killing myself to "win", or be first, or whatever it is that makes me feel that way. I just have to keep moving forward....one step at a time....and I won't get behind. No one is asking me to be supermom....just mom.

One carpool at a time......

LemOnade

All kids want to make money and my kids are no exception. This summer set records for HOT. So my little entrepreneurs seized the opportunity to make a buck. If I've heard it once, I've heard it a million times...."Can we do a lemonade stand?" The word "we" is used in the most liberal way possible. It sends that same feeling I get when I hear "let's make a fort". I had no problem telling them no in Richmond because.....well....we had no neighbors. I racked my brain trying to come up with another good excuse not to host the neighborhood money pit.....but I came up empty. I knew I was in for a major set-up/clean-up....well beyond the normal everyday stuff.

They really were cute, and they had a ball. Every time I opened the door to check on them they were happy and singing "Pumped Up Kicks" at the top of their lungs. It's got a catchy little tune.....but we're still not quite sure what the all the lyrics mean. To my surprise, they spent hours out there manning their station. I'm not sure how much money they actually made, but our neighbors were gracious and always stopped. Stoney Path Court....you rock!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDTZ7iX4vTQ&feature=youtu.be

Suz....this one's for you!

Back to school really just could not come fast enough for me this summer. That sounds odd for me to say, but I was just ready. I'm realizing that we all need a schedule...not just the kids. Nothing wrong with a little structure, limits and good ol' fashion boundaries. Too much of anything is just not good for you. In our case, I would put tv, video games, staying up and sleeping in late, and the ever loving need for snacks ALL in that category. Granted that wasn't all that we did this summer, but it was a big chunk! So, yep....I was ready to see August 23rd roll around on the calendar.

There has been some major adjustments. In the first four days of school, the big boys missed their bus twice (in our defense, it does come at 6:40am). I've been to all 3 schools numerous times for different open houses, sign-ups, meetings, and orientations. This does not include carpools for after school events. It's just our life right now.....like it or not. I'm choosing to like it. I'm sure by the time summer 2012 arrives....I'll be ready for a change......again.

William's first day of 9th grade

John's first day of 7th grade

(they did make the bus this day)

Anna heading out to catch the bus for her first day of 4th grade.

Her last year at SLE.

August 25, 2011

David's first day of 1st grade.

We're ready!

The beloved fort

I don't know a kid that doesn't love a good fort and mine are no exception. To be perfectly honest though, I don't know of a mom that does love one. Well, that's not fair....I think we all love to watch our kids be creative, spend time together, and problem solve. BUT, the mess that ensues can be overwhelming!

Recipe for a good fort?

• 2 or more kids
• lots and LOTS of pillows/cushions (preferably couch)
• ALL the spare blankets in the house
• anything "extra" they can stockpile into the tiny makeshift tent (boardgames, flashlights, stuffed animals, etc.... You know just in case they get bored)

Mix all together and you get this:andThis is the west wing aka The Panic Room

One trick to a good fort is leaving it up for several days. That way the kids get plenty of playtime and there is really just one BIG clean-up. Plus, if you are in a really good mood you will allow this:Nothing better than a "sleepover" in the fort! Unless.....You are "too big" now to play fort....which is surprisingly sad to me.

OR.... You are this guy....the master mind behind it all....who starts out sleeping in the fort, but finds it not quite as comfy as his own bed. Sleep tight little campers!

Enjoy your fort today.....for it will be gone soon!