Four Day Marathon!

This week has been an exceptionally busy one! Everything for the year seems to be wrapping up and we are moving right into summer. The kids have had lots going on this week, all of it fun and all of it they did really really well with. We made lots and lots of wonderful memories. 

Grady moved up to his booster seat and a big boy car seat this week! He thinks he is so so big sitting at the table with his brother and sister! And he has already started trying to climb in his car seat himself! :) It was definitely bittersweet to make these transitions.

The big kids started swimming lessons this week. They are really loving it this year and taking to the lessons well. This is something I would love for them to really learn. Swimming is such an important  skill to have. 

Grady was such a patient brother while they were swimming...won't be long and he will be right there with them. And, as you can see, they thoroughly enjoyed this week in the sun and water! ;)

T-ball season wrapped up this week also! He enjoyed playing so much got to end the season playing his favorite position...catcher! His trophy and medal are now on display right when you walk in the door! ;) 

And this! This is the picture of a very very proud Tiger Cub Scout! He is thrilled to FINALLY be old enough to join Cub Scouts, and can not wait to get his uniform! He will attend a day camp this summer with his daddy, and I think they are both looking forward to that! ;)

So we spent every afternoon going here and there between gymnastics, baseball, swim lessons, and cub scouts...and although tiring, it was really a fun week! And now that the four day marathon is over, I think I will indulge in some summer sewing! I have a serious sewing itch! 

Be Faith-FULL!

Children have a way of humbling you, teaching you lessons, helping you see things a different way. A simpler way. We as adults tend to complicate things. We add so much in sometimes, that we forget why we are here, and what we are doing! This morning, my beautiful oldest children did just that for me. Grayson, as he gazed out the window, asked "Mommy, is God the sun?" So we had a long, in-depth (I have mentioned his need to know the details and the details of the details before...that boy can talk!) conversation about God, His creation, and our job or responsibility in caring for that. And Ada as she sat and listened, piped up in her little four year old way...."Being Faith-FULL means you love everyone, just like God does." This doesn't sound like much, and to most, it isn't, but there was something about the way she said it and the emphasis she put on the FULL part. Something about it made me see that word in a different light. Faith-FULL. Filled up with faith. Not just aware of God and his beautiful creations, but filled up with faith. Faith in God. Faith in love. Faith in each other. If you are filled up with faith, you can't help but love each other and this beautiful creation of God's. And not only can you help but love it, you are filled with faith. Faith in HIM. Faith in HIS timing. Faith in HIS plan. Faith in yourself to trust the goodness of His plan and to follow His plan.

There have been a few occurrences over the last couple weeks that have put me in a weird mood. I like loving people! I like being a friend. I enjoy seeing people smile.  As a stay-at-home mom, you get the "oh, so you're JUST a mom" comments regularly, and I am actually getting used to them. And then you throw homeschooling in the mix and the comments get taken up to a whole new level. My response is usually to just smile it off and move on. But certain times of the month, when my feelings are on my sleeve, I get in a funk! People don't get me. Honestly sometimes I think I was born about 100 years too late. I appreciate the old way. Not that it makes the "new" way wrong or worse. I just personally wish you could do what you were called to do, in my case...stay at home and teach my kids at home...and that be okay with folks, that there wasn't anything to explain. People would not think you're weird or outdated, but I guess I am. I am outdated. I am a vintage girl in a fast paced, modern world. I have a huge appreciation for modern social media (as you probably know since I blog, Facebook, and Pinterest) but when it comes to home life, I tend to be old fashioned.  We are simple people. My children participate in outside activities, but we also love just hanging out at home, making our own trouble!

Yes, I love my children. We ALL do. Yes, I stay at home with my children. No, not because we are rich and it is easy, but because we felt led to do this and we sacrifice. Yes, we homeschool. No, not because I don't want my children to leave the house and I want to "shelter" them,. Not because there's something particular I have against public school teachers or kids, but because this is the place God has led us and it is what we feel is right for our family. And boy has it blessed both my husband and I during this experience! And to answer your question, I don't think my children lack in "socialization", and I do NOT have an overabundance of patience or nerves of steel. Yes, I post a lot about my children. No, not because I want to prove anything to anyone, or because I am a "mommy of the year", but because I am with my children all day and that leaves me nothing else to talk about, and because they are my happiness, they make me smile. I like to smile, therefore, I like to share little smiles too!

Something about Ada's comment this morning, just put me where I need to be. Yes, I know that people don't get me, and honestly you don't have to! This, our children and homeschooling, is what God has placed on our heart as being our first priority, and no one has to "get" that. And, I will continue on and be faith-FULL, because after all, there's no one else who has to be pleased with my life but God and me. And honestly, I can't imagine doing anything else!! We were all made to fill a purpose, and for me, it's being JUST a mom. 

So, in the words of my daughter, be faith-FULL.  And I challenge you, "Love everyone, just like God does." And that doesn't mean love only the people who do things your way! ;)

My Father's World Kindergarten Wrap Up!!

We did it! Our first year is complete! I have successfully taught my first year of school and Grayson is officially a Kindergarten graduate! It's off to first grade for him and Ada Grayce will get her run at Kindergarten! :) Before we get too caught up in Summer break, I wanted to do a post where each unit is easily accessible, mainly for myself to refer to next year when we dive into Kindergarten with Miss A! :) Thanks in advance for your patience, even if your not at all interested in such a post! ;)

Homeschooling so far is just what we need. It's a test of patience some days, but the journey has been incredible! And Lord willing, our journey will continue next year!

My Father's World is a complete curriculum (which I was absolutely sure I wanted!), it's Christian based (once again, this was definitely something we wanted), and it's Charlotte Mason style, which fits Grayson beautifully! I love the weaving of Christian values all throughout each and everything we did! It did start slow, but it was just enough for him! He is an incredibly smart boy, but at this age I am not so interested in creating a scholar as I am fostering a true love for learning. And I really feel like digging in to these activities and units together, we were able to foster that in Grayson. I so look forward to First Grade with him and with Kindergarten with Ada! My table is already covered in next years stuff as I attempt to organize myself! It's truly a never ending job, but I really feel like it's right where we need to be! And we are going to do our best to enjoy each and every step of the journey!


So here's the link to each unit for God's Creation from A-Z below:
Ss-Sun Unit
Mm-Moon Unit
Ll-Leaf Unit
Aa-Apple Unit
Nn-Nest Unit
Tt-Turtle Unit
Uu-Us Unit
Dd-Dinosaur Unit
Oo-Octopus Unit
Ww-Water Unit
Ii-Insect Unit
Gg-Goat Unit
Cc-Cow Unit
Hh-Horse Unit
Ee-Elephant Unit
Pp-Penguin Unit
Kk-Kangaroo Unit
Zz-Zebra Unit
Rr-Rock Unit
Jj-Jewel Unit
Bb-Butterfly Unit
Xx-Fox Unit
Vv-Vegetable Unit

Date Night!

If you've been hanging in there with me for a while and following along on my little corner of the web, you know one of my New Years resolutions was to spend more one on one time with each child. As important as it is to spend time as a family, I also think it's super important to spend time with each one of the babies. It's fun to have that time to talk about their dreams and wishes, to see who they are when there's no one to compete with. It's a true blessing to spend even a couple hours completely in-tuned to one child.

With grandparents at a distance now, babysitters aren't always readily available! ;) But with my sister, we have managed to get each big kid a date this month! And it's been fun! :) The little one is next.

Grayson has been asking to attend a Christian concert for sometime and we had actually planed to get some tickets a little earlier in the year and the group ended up switching the date so that was a no go. We did however get our hands on some Mandisa tickets at a local church. He had a blast! There was a man who did some magic during the breaks, so within 10 minutes of being home, the magic set was out and he was practicing! We had such a fun time just worshiping and being together, and he finally got to see what a concert was all about! And added bonus was we decided to sponsor a little boy and girl from Mozambique! We received our first letter and picture last week and they returned lots of pictures and letters this week! I think we will all enjoy this experience! 

Tonight we had a chance to take Ada on a special date! We gathered some leftover bread, picked up some Wendy's, threw a blanket out at Hopeland Gardens and had a picnic! It was nice, quiet, and perfect! We learned two important things about her. First is, to answer the "what do you want to be when you grow up?" question, she wants to wear a pretty dress and get married. And to who you might ask?? When her daddy asked this, her sweet reply was, "you". Her beauty and innocence...oh I love it! 

These little dates have been stored away in my special memory bank and I hope throughout the year and years we can continue to add more and more of these special memories! 

Farewell Kindergarten!

We did it! Tuesday, Grayson and I completed his kindergarten year! We have both been very excited! And I am so so proud of him! It's been a really fun year and I have been so blessed by this experience! We have had fun! Lots of fun! And we are already looking forward to what next school year will bring! :)

I really wanted to make the end of the year special for him! I wanted to start some family traditions that we could do each year, to celebrate and to let them know how very proud we are! 

I got him his summer workbooks, we had an ice cream party and he chose what we had for supper! We spent the evening swimming and then they raced across the Kindergarten "finish line". It was a blast! And I definitely think we will continue the tradition of our last day celebrations! :) 

I also have a surprise for him but it's not quite done yet...we will be setting up a new school space since Ada and him will both be doing it next year. This means their room will get a little shifted around. For his new space I am having framed the letters of his name that he took of outside objects during our first week of school! I can't wait to see how it turns out...that too, may become a tradition for the rest of the children when they complete Kindergarten! :)

As I said, I am so very proud of him and all that he has learned and done this year and am so looking forward to what's in store! I never ever considered homeschooling when we began this parenthood journey, but I can honestly say it has been one of the most rewarding, fulfilling blessings I could have ever imagined! I am so thankful to be in this place, where we are with our children! So thankful! 

So, we say goodbye to Kindergarten and in August we will give first grade a run! Can't wait! But for now...it's officially SUMMERTIME in the Powell house!! :)

Happy Mother's Day!

Today, we celebrate moms. Almost 6 years ago, I myself became a mom. Motherhood has changed me in the most amazing ways, and all of them good. I have found faith I didn't know I had, strength, wisdom, grace, laughter, smiles, patience and amazing love. Such an amazing love. And for each child, a new mommy heart. Those who say you can't love more than one child equally, do not have more than one child, because I promise you with all of me, God gives you a WHOLE heart all it's own each time you have a child. My three little people are the reason I am. Their smiles make my heart smile. Their love, indescribable love, is all I will ever ever need in this life. These little people have been  placed in the care of my wonderful  life mate and I. They call me "Mommy". And it is by far the most amazing thing I have ever been called.

I also had the wonderful opportunity to see both my mother and my mother-in-love today. To get the chance to say just how much we love them and how much they have impacted our life journey. Blessed is the only word I can think of.

My mom, with all her enthusiasm and perseverance has been one of my biggest cheerleaders along the way. In the season of my life when I needed her most, she was there every. single. day. Loving me. Supporting me. And being my friend. And I love her to death for that.  And now, although from a slight distance, we are working on finding our groove in this new season of her life, and I am so glad. And I love watching her be a Nina...my children adore her!

My mother-in-love, is a woman full of gentle strength, quiet faith and amazing love. Over the years we have developed quite a bond and such a cherished relationship. And although, she too is a few hours away, she has a way of letting you know she's close by. She's there, daily encouraging me, and my children's Rosey! I am so grateful for her love, and the love she gives my children!

Along with the wonderful blessing of parents, there is the love of grandparents, and adopted grandparents that only adds to the thankfulness that fills my heart.

I am so unbelievable grateful for the wonderful women God has placed in my life and that I am called "Mommy" by those sweet little people! Happy Mother's Day.

9 Years and Counting...

May 7, 2005...the day our married life began! What fun it's been!! We seriously just stared at one another tonight, partly in disbelief that it's been 9 years and partly just amazed at just how fun it's been! The two of us have been together a long time...at 15 years old, I couldn't have even begun to imagine what was in store. What an amazing love. What an amazing life. What an amazing man, and he's all mine! ;) 

Marriage for us is a lifetime commitment. Sure! We have our days, we all do, but 9 years later and I can honestly say the love grows. Everyday. Watching him be a father and watching him work with such dedication, all for us...I don't deserve such a man, but God chose me! Me! To be his wife, his life partner! To have this family! And I am so so thankful He did! 

The past nine years have been full of unexpected blessings, turns, opportunities, and excitement. There have been times we have had to adjust the sails and go another direction. But it's been an amazing experience and I really look forward to what's ahead. God only knows the blessings, challenges and excitement that's before us...and it's those moments that God is right in the middle of. I see God working in the busy times, in the quiet times, and in the fun times. I see Him shining through in that wonderful man and father that I have the privilege of living life with! I see Him and I know. God is good. All the time. Thank you, Lord, for guiding us to where we are, and with You, may we continue on growing, changing and living this life with one another! So here's to many many more! Happy anniversary to  the love of my life and thank you for doing this with me!! <3

I had to do some reminiscing last night! I thought it was fun to compare the pictures through the years! So here's the countdown! ;)

2014...the loves of my life. My family. 

2013...family of five! :)

2012...expecting a new little one! 

2011...loving life! 

2010...we grew again! Sweet little Ada Grayce...life with two children under two...let's just say whoa! But we made it though the baby stage! ;)

2009...celebrating our babies first birthday! :)

2008...patiently waiting the arrival of our first child and beautiful oldest son! 

2007...I had just finished nursing school when we took this trip back to our honeymoon house! :)

2006...our one year anniversary!

2005...where it began! 

"This day I marry my friend...

The one I laugh with...

Because life is so much more fun 

When you can share it with someone.

The one I live for...

Each day begins fresh and new, 

Knowing I will spend it with you.

The one I dream with...

The future seems so bright and clean

When I imagine it with you near.

The one I love...

With all the love that's in my soul;

When we're together,

I am whole."

Xx-Fox Unit Recap/Vv- Vegetable Unit Recap

So...I am so super behind...that has become a norm around here! ;) We are rocking and rolling through these last few units and blogging and photographing it is not working out too well. ;) But, with the few pictures I have I will jot down a little bit about our X unit and V unit...

Unit- Fox

Letter- Xx

Number- 23

Words To Remember- "God's Word makes me wiser than my enemies."

I have finally, in the last three weeks of school found a way to help Grayson space his words out! If he spaces them correctly we get to put stickers between the words. :) I love this journal entry...it is a reflection of his first time  pulling wire and says, "I love Daddy!!!! Fished wire." We also compared a fox to a pet dog...not that we have a pet dog. But he kind of guessed what some differences were! ;) 

He very much enjoyed introducing Ada to how things were done during school time! ;) She has done some here and there with us, but for the most part we do a lot of it while she's at preschool. Since she will be joining us next year, he felt like she should see how it is done. ;) They even wrote and illustrated a story together, The ballerina and The Tricky Fox. It was a great story, with a perfect balance of girl and boy stuff in it! ;)

Unit- Vegetables

Letter-Vv

Number-23

Words To Remember- "God gives me all that I need."

Math focused on measuring...so you know we had a happy boy! ;) Loves his math. And he has been working to earn 20 stickers for a trip to Firehouse Subs, and he accomplished this, so he was pretty excited about that.

We studied the parts of plants and all about veggies with our famous YouTube videos. ;) He is very into technology and its a great resource for finding teaching lessons on tons of subjects!

We made a trip to fresh market and got lots of fresh veggies. We painted with some, rooted some, and ate some! ;) We also soaked some beans so we could open them up and see the inside...he was into the cracking open the beans. 

Peter Rabbit was our story for this unit...and we drew the veggies we came across in the story and then he used those veggies to plant a garden. 

Our potatoes and beans from fresh market were a big hit with everyone and very yummy! ;) 

It is still so hard to believe we are just one unit away from finishing the year! So with that, we move on to Yellow and then a comprehensive review! We should complete our school year by the end of next week! We are both thrilled. And then it's off to First Grade...