The Grad

It's all a blur now, but it sure was an amazing experience.  

 

William once again lead our family across a 

huge milestone in life and GRADUATED from KHS.

As our oldest, 

he is often the test subject of new and different experiences. 

It's scary for sure, but that's life.

He has proven time and time again 

that he is up for the challenges and often

 shines above all others

 as he grows, learns, and experiences this 

great.big.world.

These boys have grown up together and 

we are grateful they were able to share 

in this moment. 

The first of many..... 

Thank you William! WE LOVE YOU!

Skittled & A Big Heart

So I picked up David after school yesterday.  Our typical after school conversation goes something like this.

Me:  Hey buddy! How was your day?
David: Hi! Good.
Me:  Do you have homework?
David: Yes.
David: What's for snack? (Hoping for something sweet)
Me: Oh I don't know.....something healthy for sure though.
David: Can I play with Joseph?
Me: Ummm..... let me think about it.
David: Do I have practice?
Me: Yes.
David: Do you have to leave for Firecrackers?
Me: Yes.
David: When will you be back?
Me: Hopefully soon. :)

But yesterday we had a slightly different version.  

Me: Same ol' same ol'.

David: It was good.....except lunch.

Me: Why? What happened? Did you get in trouble or something?

David: No.  I just got Skittled. Do you know what that is?

Me: smiling....Uh-no.

David: It's when you get a Skittle from a girl and you HAVE to go out with her.

Me: Really? Who was this Skittle from? Do you like her?  

David: He tells me her name....but it doesn't register because I'd never heard her name before.

Me:  Oh....well how long do you have to "go out" with her?

David:  A month!  That's the rule.  You can't break the rules.  Well I mean, I broke up with her....but that's only for me.  For her we are still boyfriend/girlfriend. You know....cause that's the rule.

Me: soaking it all in.....hoping to come to some conclusion as to how to break this unwanted Skittle hook-up.  

He changed the subject.

David: Can I donate $20 to Leukemia?

Me: pulling in the the driveway Um....sure!  That's nice....when is it due?

David: Tomorrow.

Me: of course it is.  and like the Skittle-givers name.....i don't think of it again. 

........Flash forward to this morning ~

Me: Hurry buddy!  We've gotta go.  Whatcha doing?

David: Getting my $20 to donate to childhood Leukemia.  It was tucked away in my lego truck. That's my piggy bank cause no one will think to look in there.

He smiles at me.  I smile back.

David:  Do we know anyone with Leukemia?

Me: No.  Thankfully.....no.

I am humbled by his sweet action and his caring spirit. What a beautiful example of a pure giver's heart.  No strings attached.  Nothing in return....no lego set....no nerf gun.....no video game.  Just a gift from his heart because he cares. I'm so proud of him! 

I love you David!

Merry Christmas 2014

Merry Christmas! 

Love, the Powells

We I barely pulled it together this year.  I'm not sure what was going on, but I just wasn't

 in the spirit.  In the past, I couldn't wait to pull out the lights, ornaments and the decorations that we have carefully collected over the years.  However, I wasn't feeling it this season.  It felt like a chore more than anything. Another mess.....only to be cleaned up by me later. 

The sad tree that Dave and the boys brought home was horrific and mostly dead....kinda like my Christmas spirit. I'm not kidding, we've put post season trees by the curb that looked better. He finally realized that the branches were never going to "fall into place" and the lights weren't going to cover the bare spots. Thankfully, the second time was a charm and it even smelled like a fresh pine tree. The kids were beyond excited and ready to decorate. I rallied as best I could.

Perhaps I'm learning (the hard way....of course) that doing it all is NOT what it is about. It seems silly to state the obvious and I'm embarrassed, that after 45 years of celebrating Christ's birth, to admit my heart was not in the right place.  It's not about making it perfect......it's about the only Perfect. Jesus should always be my center and focus, but especially this time of year. 

This year's Christmas card reflects our imperfections.  Four out of six un-showered, in sweats, hats, a dusty coffee table, and filthy carpet. Somehow an entire year has gone by and not one family picture has been taken....not one.  So this is it.....one truly blessed family. 

 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting  Father, Prince of Peace. 

Isaiah 9:6