Happy, Happy Halloween

We had a great Halloween! I don't like scary Halloween stuff - just the fun costumes, candy, and yummy fall food. Brad and I live in a fantastic neighborhood for trick or treating, so our family always comes and hangs out at our house to eat and see all the cuties dressed up :)

We had lots of trick or treaters, but the cutest were these 3 princesses and 1 particular super hero...

...and, this little pumpkin stole the show! She absolutely had a ball watching all the kids - she's such a little social butterfly! HA!

And, I couldn't NOT share some of my fall decorations!  Y'all know how I love to dec out the porch each season...

I LOVE how my pumpkin topiaries turned out!!  I used 3 different kinds/colors/sizes of pumpkins, put them in 2 big black urns, and stuffed reindeer moss around the edges.

Cute, cute, cute!!

I hope all of you had a fun HALLOWEEN!!  It's hard to believe tomorrow is the first day of November - this year has went soooo fast!  Since November is the month we celebrate Thanksgiving, I'm going to challenge myself to post about something that I'm thankful for each day of the month...and, believe me I have PLENTY to be thankful for, so this won't be hard at all!  Check back in tomorrow for my first post...

Be Our Guest!

I am joining Kelly's Korner tour of guest rooms today! 

We have 2 guest rooms ...

This room I just redid a few months ago.  Everything is black, white, and red.  This is the view from the hall -

I made yet another rag wreath (I'm not completely obsessed, I promise...just a little) with scraps of fabric I had in red, black, and white.  The "P" in the middle of the wreath I got from Hobby Lobby and spray painted it black. 

For the bedding, I used a white matelasse coverlet because I LOVE them - I have a coverlet on every bed in our house.  The red is a minky dot comforter set that my sister bought and decided she didn't want to use...so, I gladly took it off her hands :)  I got the white with black polka dots, black with white polka dots (my curtains), and black and white floral pattern at a local fabric store off the 50% off table!! 

The furniture was my grandmother's (remember her dresser that's in my foyer?  It's from this set.)  I covered the vanity bench cushion with the floral and a pillow for the rocker. 

I made the curtains with black and white polka dot fabric and added red ric rac trim to the bottom.  They're simple and cute!

 Our second guest room is red and white.  I have had the bedding forever, but I still love it! 

The furniture in this room was my childhood bedroom furniture.  It was an antique when my parents bought it.  I must have had a major memory loss when I was taking pictures in this room because I forgot to take pictures of the other pieces besides the bed, but to the left of the bed is a wardrobe with a full length mirror on the front.  It's such a neat piece - I hope my children get to use it someday!

I love milk glass, and have several pieces including the lamp on the chest.  And um, somehow I didn't get a picture of the other wall to the right, but I have several white plates hanging on each side of the window...just imagine in your head how pretty it must be! HA! 

Okay, so now I'm ready for some guests!  Thanks for stopping by :)

One WILD Night...

***for all persons of the male species...be prepared for a very girly post of pictures containing lots of pink, fluff, florals, and feathers...not that all of my posts are not mostly girly, but still just wanted to prepare you.***

Lori's wedding is just right around the corner, and I have been so excited to get to host her Lingerie Shower!  It was just her closest friends, so it was more like a fun girls night than a shower...we had SO MUCH FUN, and laughed more than I have in years!!

The theme of the party was "One WILD Night", so everything was animal prints with accents of hot pink and lime green.  I made a rag wreath for the front door with tulle, zebra and cheetah print ribbon, and made a little sign for the middle.  I will be posting soon on how to make a rag wreath - they're easy peasy, and lots of fun to put together!!

 I set up the table to look like a bed, similar to what we did for Carolyne's slumber party...

I saw this idea in a magaizine, and had to do it - I covered this dress form with fresh zinnias and pom poms, and added tulle at the bottom for the skirt...it was sooo cute!!

Everyone got a boa to wear when they arrived, and I used one to make a little clothesline/garland for the mantle.  The gifts sitting on the mantle were prizes for games we played...

...and, we had a BLAST playing some hilarious games!  Lori was such a good sport!!!

It was a great night, and so fun to just be "with the girls"...sometimes you forget how important it is to be with your girlfriends!!  Now, the countdown to the wedding BEGINS...4 1/2 weeks for Lori to become a Mrs.!!  I can't wait :)

Fall Fun

Last week was my Fall Break...it came and went so fast!!!!  The beginning of the week Brad and I spent some time with my parents at the lake - we had a WONDERFUL time...and, I didn't even take my camera!  The rest of the week I was gearing up for a F.U.L.L. weekend o' fun full of hosting a shower, Fall Fest at church, and grad school projects!! 

We had an incredible Fall Fest!!  Tons of children came and we had lots of different carnival games, inflatables (does anyone else remember when the only "inflatable" was the MoonWalk...and we thought it was the coolest thing EVER??!!), and of course lots of candy!! 

All my sweet Acteen girls helped at the "Welcome Station", and Abby became the official tattoo artist (By the way - tattoos are sooooo much better than face paint, trust me!!!!) :) 

We take every opportunity we can to share with our children about Jesus, and Brad shared a very special message using the patches of a scarecrow - it was a great teaching tool since we see scarecrows everywhere this time of year!

But, I have to give credit where credit is due...this idea was inspired by these bookmarks we got to use as a prize for one of the games.  You can buy them here.

We enjoyed spending the day with our church friends and soooo many guests.  A HUMONGOUS thanks to everyone that helped make this day such a success...from people who sent donations, helped with games, brought food, invited friends - each person played a part in helping us!  We appreciate our church family SO MUCH!!!  It was a great day!!

Youthquake '10

Ok, y'all...so I'm a little late...um, a week late actually.  Things have been INSANE around here!!  So, this week I'm going to be doing a little bit of catching up.  Last weekend, we took some of our youth from church to Youthquake...we had a GREAT time!!!

The weather was just awesome...much better than wet and muddy like last year!  And, there were lots of great bands and musicians!

I know the quality of this picture isn't the greatest (I forgot to take my good camera with me!!), but one of my favorite Christian artists was there - Casting Crowns...love them!

Brad always ends up meeting all sorts of cool people when we go places.  They had asked for all the Youth Pastors to attend a short meeting before the day got started, and Brad ended up meeting and chatting with Mark Hall (lead singer of Casting Crowns) and his wife! 

It was awesome to be surrounded by 6,000 teenagers singing (and, some rocking out!) to songs to the Lord!

We always have an AWESOME time hanging out with "our kids"...maybe because we're like kids ourselves :)

I've got lots of other things to share with y'all that's been going on in the world of the Powell's the past week...check back tomorrow and, I promise I REALLY will post!! :)

Blessed Redeemer

Yesterday I spent the day with our great group of teenagers at Youthquake...and, it was GREAT!  There were so many great groups there, but the night ended with Casting Crowns who I LOVE!!  This song has just kept running over and over in my head, and I wanted to share with you.  Amazing song!!



Up Calvary's mountain one dreadful morn
Walked Christ my Savior, weary and worn
Facing for sinners, death on the cross
That He might save them from endless loss

Blessed Redeemer, precious Redeemer
Seems now I see Him on Calvary's tree
Wounded and bleeding, for sinners pleading
Blind and unheeding, dying for me

"Father, forgive them," my Savior prayed
Even while His lifeblood flowed fast away
Praying for sinners while in such woe
No one but Jesus ever loved so

Blessed Redeemer, precious Redeemer
Seems now I see Him on Calvary's tree
Wounded and bleeding, for sinners pleading
Blind and unheeding, dying for me
Dying for me

Blessed Redeemer, precious Redeemer
Seems now I see Him on Calvary's tree
Wounded and bleeding, for sinners pleading
Blind and unheeding, dying for me

Oh, how I love Him, Savior and Friend
How can my praises ever find end?
Through years unnumbered on Heaven's shore
My songs shall praise Him forevermore

Blessed Redeemer, precious Redeemer
Seems now I see Him on Calvary's tree
Wounded and bleeding, for sinners pleading
Blind and unheeding, dying for me

Blessed Redeemer, precious Redeemer
Seems now I see Him on Calvary's tree
Wounded and bleeding, for sinners pleading
Blind and unheeding, dying for me

Check back in tomorrow for some pictures of the weekend...

Oh How I Love Lists!

1.  Have I ever told y'all that?  I love to make a list.  I have notebooks everywhere - on the fridge, on my night stand, in our basket that holds our bills, in my car, and don't even get my started on my stash at school - and they are all just waiting for a good ol' list to be written in them.  When my mind gets C.R.A.Z.Y. scattered and I can't think because so many things are going on - I make a list.  And, I think the reason I love lists so much is I get to quit telling myself  "remember this" and "don't forget to" because it's written down...but, the best part:  crossing things off the list.  Ah, the satisfaction of seeing things completed.  Just makes me happy :) 

2.  We have been working so HARD in our house the past several weeks, and it's so exciting to get things done that we have wanted to do...but, boy are we tired!  I guess "no pain, no gain"...

3.  It's so nice to see that Fall has finally started to show up in the South!!!  The weather has just been AWESOME this week, and gets me in the mood to start putting out pumpkins and scarecrows!

4.  This weekend I am attending a wedding of a girl that I babysat when she was little.  This is significant for 2 reasons:  I am ATTENDING a wedding - like as a guest.  I have worked at more weddings than I could possibly count in the past several years, but one that I dress and arrive as a guest and not arrange one floral arrangement or carry one tray of food....hmmm, I can't even remember the last time that happened.  The other reason this is significant:  I was the bride's BABYSITTER!!  The girl that will soon be married I used to jump on the trampoline with and make kool-aid for.  I just can't get over the fact her parents are letting her getting married at the age of 12! ;)

5.  My heart has been so burdened for a dear family in our town.  Their 14 year old son was involved in a car accident on the way home from the Auburn game this weekend, and he was killed.  The grandmother was driving and suffered many injuries.  I grew up with this family, and went to church with them most of my life.  Please help me pray for the William's family to find comfort and peace that only God can bring.  God is using this for His glory though - 3 students gave their life to the Lord as a result of the accident! 

6.  This is so random, I know, but I'm so excited to tell you that I have half of our Christmas presents bought already!!  I have always bought and put things up throughout the year, but this year I have really worked hard to do this, and I've got a LOT done!!  YEA!!

7.  One reason being on top of the Christmas buying is so important is because I have 2 big weddings right before Christmas...so, I'm not going to have time to be shopping (I can't believe I just said that!).  Don't worry - there will be lots and lots of pictures!!

8.  My Fall Break starts in 9 days!!  YIPPEE!!  Not gloating...just thankful :)

9.  Our little Ellie has been so much fun lately.  We have only had her for 6 months, but it seems like she's been with us forever...she's been such a sweet addition to our little family!!

10.  I don't have anything else to tell you, but I can't end on an odd number...sorry, my OCD is kicking in!!

Homecoming

Friday night, Brad and I went to the Homecoming game at the school most of our children and youth from church attend.  Several of our boys play on the football team, and 2 of my sweet girls were on the Homecoming Court.  We're so proud of them!!

Abby and her father, Kip...

 Meg and her father, Mark...

Abby's dress was so pretty, and "pink" is definitely her color :)  We love you Abby!!

Meg was absolutely stunning, and the picture of grace.  We love you, Meg!!!

I am BEYOND WORDS thankful to be a part of these girls' lives!!  They mean so very much to me!  I am truly blessed :)

Oh, and yes - they won the game!  GO WILDCATS!!!!

Happy Birthday!

The family birthday marathon came to an end tonight...for a few weeks anyway :)  Tonight we celebrated my sister, Valerie's, birthday!

So happy to call her not just my sister, but my friend!  I am so very blessed to have her in my life!

Love you, Val!!  Hope you had a great birthday!!

30 by 30 Update

Today, Sunday September 26th I am exactly 344 days away from turning the big 3-0. *sigh*  If you have been following me long, you know that I have a 30 by 30 list - basically it's 30 things I would like to do before the big birthday.  Since I first started this in March, I have crossed off 7 things, and there are several others that I'll be able to cross off very soon!!  YEA me :)

1. Take a cake decorating class
2. Become much more “picture taking” and “editing” literate
3. Learn how to can food So proud of what I was able to do this summer... "Summer Harvest"
4. Learn to drive a stick shift (Brad would be SO PROUD!!)
5. Make pasta from scratch
6. Become a mother
7. Visit the Amish Country
8. Go on a weeklong vacation with Brad that is far enough away it would require a plane, train, or boat to get there We went on a cruise!!!  You can read about it here, here, and here.
9. Attend Beth Moore LIVE! in Atlanta It was so awesome...take a look see for yourself!
10. Go to at least one Auburn game this fall…I so miss being on the Plains on Gameday!!
11. Have a Girl's Night with my best girlfriends from High School
12. Be accepted into Graduate School  YEA!!  I started school this summer.
13. Complete my Master’s Degree
14. Have Brad at least 2/3 finished with Seminary
15. See 2 people that I have been praying fervently for to find salvation!!
16. See one of my dearest friends become a Mrs.!!  I went ahead and marked this one off, because the engagement has already taken place and wedding plans are underway for November 27th...so excited for you, Lori and Brandon!!
17. Plant a vegetable garden
18. Become part of a CSA
19. Get a puppy  Goodness, it doesn't take very long to look around on this blog and figure out this one is a definite!!  It's hard to believe we have already had her almost 6 months...our little Ellie Jane!
20. Shed enough pounds and inches to wear the dress I wore on mine and Brad’s 1st date (yes, I’m pathetic…9 years later and I still have it!)
21. Start recycling
22. Organize and preserve my digital photos
23. Make Pioneer Woman’s Cinnamon Rolls (This is completely contradicting #20, but this was the first recipe that I ever heard about before I even knew who or what Pioneer Woman was, and ever since then I have wanted to make these!)
24. Redo landscaping around house and pool  I haven't posted about this, so I'll just tell you...the past several weeks me and my parents have taken on the HUGE project of working on our landscaping.  HUGE project!!!  It looks INCREDIBLE though, and I am beyond THANKFUL for all their help!!
25. Complete at least one of the projects off my Home Improvement Wish List (yes, it's a sickness…I have lists for lists!)
26. See the movie "Blindside" (no, I have still NOT seen it!)
27. Go on a picnic with Brad
28. Make an effort to call or send a card once a week to someone for encouragement
29. De-clutter. Organize. Simplify.
30. Consciously remind myself to find joy in every day!

Okay, okay - I know there is a LOT of things left in a short amount of time, but I'm determined!!  I'll keep you posted...