A Feast of Yeast

Dave's Famous Yeast Rolls.

YUM! A sure fan favorite.

 They never disappoint and there are never any leftovers.

We eat a lot! So this is where you will find my sweetie during this time of the year.  

We are grateful for the time and energy you put into making this such a 

great holiday!

The rest of us are doing this.....

and....

this....

and this too....

It was a wonderful few days with family. 

I'm so thankful!

WP Gets his License

He's legal! Well to drive with a parent or an adult over 21....he's legal.  

In Ohio, when a kid turns 15 1/2, they are eligible for their drivers permit.

So....TODAY he is 15 1/2!

Nice job buddy!

Halloween 2012

Halloween this year was cold and rainy.  But, the weather didn't dampen any spirits.  

We invited friends over for pre-trick-o-treating dinner.

  

And laughs....

Anna and Sydney

or 

Toddlers and Tiaras!

David wanted a scary outfit this year.

SCREAM!

I did manage to remove the fake blood that dribbled down the face.

My favorite part....you can still see his eyes. 

The big boys went trick or treating as well.  But, as the nature of my life....they were gone with their friends before my camera was even out. 

Mader s'mores

The weather is finally cooling down.  The nights are especially lovely.  

Last Saturday night we enjoyed s'mores at the Mader's house.  

William, John and Dad were all traveling home from their weekend in Tiffin.  

So it was just the little ones and me.  

Buddies

Anna and Sydney

David and Caleb

They had a ball running around in the dark.

It was a beautiful night to sit out and spend time with friends.  

Thanks Maders!

Powell Life 101

It's been awhile.  We've been somewhat busy - living and all.  I just haven't prioritized documenting our lives.  I will try to do better, but let's face it.....I'm a procrastinator.....and sadly, that doesn't work in most situations.....and really not in this one.

So, exciting or not, here's the cliffs notes version.

We enjoyed/endured lots and LOTS of Firecracker performances.

We kicked off our summer with a rainy week in Hilton Head.

Anna and David are presenting the ever illusive.....blue sky. 

Despite the weather.....it was great! 

William and John LOVED wakeboard camp.  

They came home exhausted and sore, but wouldn't have traded it for the world.

A happy 8 year old.....just returning from his birthday trip with 

daddy to Lego Land in San Diego.  

William's 15th....at home with cross country buddies.

  

John is finally a teen!

Happy 13th!

Anna celebrated her 11th birthday with her BFF.

Whoa....braces!

A day at the museum with friends.

A fun visit to NC at cousin's house #1.

David and KGB laughing in the "hurricane bowl".

Another fun visit to cousin's house #2 in AL. 

.

Trips to the pool.

.

Trips to the lake.

.

Trips to Kings Island.

.

Endless sleepovers.

.

cue - end of summer.

.

aaaand scene.

***And so starts the beginning of another school year.

Four kids in four schools.......

WP - sophomore @ KHS

John - 8th grade @ KJH

Anna - 5th grade @ CES

And last but not least.....David - 2nd grade 

and holding down the fort at SLE.

That pretty much sums it up.  Life moves fast around here and it's clear that if I don't take time to document this stuff.....it will be just a fading memory.  

Powell Life 101.....take the time!

Good Friday

The ultimate price was paid on this day so many years ago.  Tears fill my eyes as I think about  this amazing sacrifice. A Father watched as his innocent son was persecuted, humiliated and killed for me.  I can't even imagine.

Recently, there was an incident that caused the "mama bear" to come out in me.  I spent many a man-hours feeling angry, upset, and frustrated over what I felt was an injustice towards one of my babies. It's strange, but I almost felt content....stewing in my "hot pot" of my anger. It was all consuming and couldn't have been pretty or pleasant for anyone that was around me.  I was a mom on a mission, and so help the person who got in my way.  I was laser focused. I had tunnel vision. I would have filed a class action suite if I could have.  There was nothing that could have derailed my quest for justice.

The problem was that I was laser focused on the wrong thing.  I allowed myself to take my eyes off the one thing that would safely guide me through this dark moment.  My vision was not of Christ, but "sticking it" to the guilty party.  I was ready for a fight, no matter what the cost.

In the end, I realized that my inability to "enlighten" the very people who surround my child daily was because I was focused on the wrong thing.  Had I simply switched gears and smothered my problems in prayer, He alone would have put out the fire and eased my burden.

So, on this Good Friday, I want to remember what really matters most: To love as I am loved and to forgive as I have been forgiven.

 Jesus, thank you for your sacrifice and your unconditional love.  Amen

Happy February

That's right....happy February....and why not? Because in our family, February is a special month. It's full of love and giving....giving and love....and more love and more giving! I'm NOT talking about Valentine's Day either....though it does play a small part.

As a matter of fact, that little Hallmark holiday is

smack - dab in the middle of two of the biggest days that we celebrate in our family.

February 7th we celebrate my #1 guy's birth!

The man that I prayed for all those years to marry....was born on this special day.

He's one of kind! Loving. Caring. Giving.

I'm so thankful to celebrate his life with him.

Happy Birthday - Dave, Daddy, SWEETie!

Thankfully, Valentine's Day comes and goes without a lot of mushy gushiness.....that's just NOT me. However, I do love an opportunity to spoil my kids with a small treat or two. I can't wait to try a few cute things I found on Pinterest.....my true love.....kidding....no I'm not.

Last, but not least....on February 20th.....my SWEETie and I will

celebrate 19....yes - nineteen.....years of marriage.

We've had our share of ups and downs....but I wouldn't want to be

on this "ride" with anyone else. And without getting anymore

lovey-dovey-mushy-gushy on you....I just want to say

how grateful I am that you are my love-partner in this life.

I love you!

Happy Anniversary.....gottcha!