First day of...

Kindergarten and 3rd Grade!!!

 

Ok, the first day was actually Monday.  Last Monday.

 

But whatever.  It's well documented now that I'm a slacker when it comes to blogging.

 

To say the least, these first 10 days of school have been exciting for sure.

 

We have more firsts coming up as well.  Tomorrow is Melody first day of gymnastics.

 

Next week is Charlie's first day "Giraffe" class...aka preschool to those are are less cool and unfamiliar with preschool lingo.

 

Here's the three of them.

 

 Charlie had to be in the picture as well.  With his super-cool Spiderman lunch box.  And that expression.  Well, let's just say you can probably guess what kind of little brother he is.

 

My sweet girl is off to Kindergarten.  She has been so excited about this day.

 

 

Sitting at her desk. I was so happy she let me walk her in.  Jack told me I could walk by his classroom but not into it.  I must have looked a little bummed because then he said he might wave if he saw me.

 

 

And here she is again, two days later, on her first Chapel day.  Yes, I know the outfit is too big.  It's the smallest they make.  My girl is teeny. At least I know she'll be able to wear it for a few years.

 

 

And then again on her first day of PE in her PE clothes.  And posing. Yes, I know I take way too many pictures of her. But seriously, look how adorable she is!

 

 

I started back to school yesterday.  In a panic, nonetheless, because I had deluded myself into thinking it was next week.

 

Charlie's chomping at the bit to start.  Ok, fine, I'm chomping at the bit for him to start.

 

But even with all this excitment I'm a little sad our summer is coming to an end.

Goodbye

This is one of my favorite pictures from our last beach trip.

I just love the way my children are holding hands.

I love the way that they are gazing out ove the ocean.

I love all the hair in Melody's ponytail.

I was thinking about this picture today.  Mainly because, for me, Labor Day is sort of the day I feel we all say goodbye to summer.  I'm excited about the new school year the four (yes, I said four! I'm finally back in school!) of us are embarking on.  I'm excited about activities and events that are already cluttering our calendar this fall. But I love summer.  I love the lazy days.  I love the freedom.  I even love the heat.  I love the heat a lot.  And I will miss summmer.  This was a special summer for my children and I.  And think of this summer fondly.

This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it!
Psalm 118:24 (NKJV)

My handsome boy...

on the first day of 2nd grade!!

Upon first look, it might seem like I took both pictures today.  But this second picture is last year's picture; the first day of 1st grade.  If you look closely, you can tell what a difference a year has made.

Happy first-day-of-school, Jack! I hope you have a wonderful year!

The Lord's Prayer

Jack's school is having a speech meet in February. Each class had their own competition on Friday to determine the finalists who will represent their grade at the school wide speech meet.

Children could memorize and recite a number of things from poems, bible verses, etc. Jack chose to recite The Lord's Prayer.

And he was one of the finalist chosen!
(He reluctantly allowed me to record an encore performance.)



As my friend, Rachel, said, "Jack's love of talking is finally paying off!"

Congratulations, Jack!

WW - I knew she'd walk right in without even a backwards glance.

(Not the best picture, I know, but it was taken through the windshield.)

first day of preschool

Today my baby girl starts preschool.

She is very excited.

Every day, when I drop Jack off, she has asked to go to school.

And carry her own bag.


She's such a big girl. Ok, and I know I'm a little biased here, but I just think she's about the cutest thing I've ever seen.


We had Meet & Greet with her teacher last Thursday.

She made herself right at home. (Yes, she does climb on the table at home. Constantly.)



Had fun on the slide


And brought a book to her teacher and ever so sweetly said, "will you weed dis to me, pwease?"

They have already discovered how irresistible she is.


Charlie joined right in. He would stay if they would let him!

Congratulations to my big girl! Here's to a great year!

happy new year!

Happy New Year! As 2008 comes to a close, I have been reflecting on the changes our family went through this year and upcoming challenges for 2009. The most exciting thing that happened for the Powells this year was Charlie's arrival. At the beginning of 2008, we were a family of four and by the end we were a family of five!

These are some exciting and challenging things that took place in 2008;

We celebrated Melody's 1st birthday in January, the same day we found out we were expecting Charlie.

In April, Alex took a position with a new firm, Williams Financial Advisors.

In May, Jack graduated from three-year-old to four-year-old preschool and Alex hit the big 3-0.










Jack turned four in June.

Throughout the summer we took many trips to visit grandparents and spent our time at home playing at the park while we waited for Charlie to make his appearance, which came at the end of September.

By the end of 2008, we were settled into a routine as a family of five.

2009 will, no doubt, bring change and challenges as well;

We are currently in the middle of filling out private school applications. Remember when you were filling out college applications? That was A LOT easier than this!! Hopefully we'll have some interviews in the next few months and know where Jack will start kindergarden by March.

At the end of January, Melody will turn 2.

In April, I am running in the Country Music 1/2 Marathon in Nashville.

Jack will be 5 (!!!) in June.

We will celebrate Charlie's 1st birthday in September.

These are the events we are anticipating...I'm looking forward to those unexpected challenges and joys God will send our way! Happy New Year everyone!