7 Months

This past week Sara hit 7 months old.  This little lady is growing and showing us all kinds of new tricks and stunts.  Her highlights this month include:

 

*Pushes herself to a seated position from her tummy.

*She gets all over the place by a kind of crawling...it's a get up on her hands and knees and lunge forward on her tummy then get back up again and do it again.  She is really fast at it though.

*Jabbers a lot and really likes to imitate facial expressions.  She will be so intent and focused on imitating facial expressions that it is entertaining to watch.

*She loves to pucker her lips and the kids love to get her to do this by doing it themselves and watching her copy them.

*She sleeps from about 6:30 at night until about 6:00 the next morning!  What a girl!

*She tried apples this week and it was the first time she had fruit.  We had only given her veges before.  She was so excited to get those apples that we could barely get it in her mouth fast enough and her little arms and legs were kicking with excitement.  We all had fun watching her enjoying her fruit!

*She has 4 teeth!  All of them came in over a series of about 2 weeks.



Trying out apples for the first time. 

I love this little girl.  I love to just watch her learn new things and scoot around the floor exploring all her surroundings.  My heart melts when she looks up at me and catches me watching her.  She will flash me this huge smile that shines in her eyes.  How grateful I am to be her mom.

Johnson Farm Campout

At the beginning of June Thomas had a scout campout scheduled at the John Johnson Farm in Hiram, OH.  He was very excited when he discovered that Grandpa Powell was going to be here during that time and that he wanted to come on the campout with him and Joel.  They went on a 10 mile hike that evening around the area in Hiram, Ohio.  Then, the following morning after cleaning up camp they went on a tour of the Johnson Home.  This is the home the Prophet Joseph stayed in for some time and received many revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants, including section 76.  Some of the boys in the group had never been on the tour so Joel decided it was a great way to end their campout. I love how much Thomas enjoys going on this tour even though he has been many times.  I'm grateful Joel gets to experience campouts and scouting with Thomas and that my dad was also able to share in this weekend with them.

Alanna's Extended Stay

Alanna stayed with us for almost an extra week after everyone else headed home.  It is always a treat to have her visit. My mom was so kind and used credits from her time working at the quilt shop to buy all her daughters a Bernina sewing machine.  This machine is awesome and she showed me how to use when she brought it out.  Alanna and I decided to try out some sewing together so we could learn together. We made matching skirts for the girls and then Alanna and I made skirts for us as well.  It was so fun and I was so excited to be able to start and finish a project like that with her.  We had picnics at the park, played lots of games, went to the National Park for dinner and then a hike at Ledges, she played water games in the yard with the kids and had their traditional movie night with snacks one evening.  I love the time we have together and I love how she makes such an effort spend one-on-one time with each of the children.  We were all sad to see her go and look forward to the next time we will be together.

Taste of Heaven

June brought a piece of heaven to our family.  We were so blessed to have family visiting with us for nearly 3 weeks.  It has been such a long awaited time and we soaked in every minute of it but it went by far too quickly, as it always does.  How grateful I am for my wonderful family and all they did to bring joy and love to us this month.  I know memories were made, times remembered, and love strengthened.  Our Father in Heaven loves us so much to allow us to experience family relationships here on earth as we learn to be more like Him and prepare for eternal life together.

My parents arrived at the beginning of the month, on Monday afternoon, and were able to attend the end of the year awards assembly at the Elementary School.  That was so fun for the kids to have them there.  They spent the week with us playing games including an impromptu baseball (anything goes style) game in the backyard one evening.  They took time to spend with each of the kiddos and make them feel so special.  My dad joined Thomas and Joel for a scout overnighter at the John Johnson farm.  I loved having my parents here and am so grateful that my mom's health allowed her to come and share time with us. 

Saturday brought a few trips to the airports as we welcomed all of my siblings and their spouses and children to the great state of Ohio!  We had fun playing outside and just catching up and enjoying each other.  There is an amazing peace and fulfillment that comes when you are surrounded by family members and able to share moments together.  We loved having all of them come to church with us on Sunday and then some went to visit Kirtland after church.  Monday the guys headed off to the NFL Hall of Fame and the kiddos loved playing with their cousins. 

Tuesday morning we headed to Palmyra, New York.  We were able to go to the Joseph Smith Farm and tour the Smith homes.  I love the peace and the beauty of Palmyra.  While in the Smith Barn the missionaries gave us time to share testimony and feelings with each other.  The Spirit testified to me of the grand design of our Father in Heaven.  Joseph Smith endured so much while in Palmyra to restore this gospel to the earth.  And, when it comes down to it...it really is all about learning as families to live righteously so we can have the blessing of exaltation together.  As family testified and shared thoughts I realized how truly blessed I am to have been born to goodly parents that have helped begin a legacy of faith in each of us so we can help continue that legacy in our individual families.


Following the tour we were able to walk together through the Sacred Grove.  Prior to entering the grove the kids were kinda bouncy and running and talking excitedly with each other.  At the entrance to the grove Joel gathered our children and reminded them of the sacredness of the grove and invited them to reverently walk through the grove and pay attention to the feelings they felt and to see if they could hear the wind in the leaves or a bird chirping.  I know the Spirit of our Father in Heaven is so prominent in the Sacred Grove.  The kids were calm and peaceful.  I love being in the grove and I love that our children have had numerous opportunities to walk through on this hallowed ground where our Father in Heaven and Savior, Jesus Christ, appeared to the boy Joseph.

Later that evening Joel and I, my parents, and Alanna & Eric were able to attend an endowment session at the Palmyra Temple.  I love being in the temple and was overwhelmed by the joy of family as we were in the temple together.  The cool thing is Thomas was also able to join a group and perform baptisms in the Palmyra temple that evening as well.

Wednesday morning we went to the EB Grandin building, the Book of Mormon Publication Site, Hill Cumorah, and then to the Peter Whitmer Farm in Fayette, New York.  It is amazing to me how blessed we are to be able to visit these amazing places and have our testimonies strengthened and our resolve to more fully live the gospel in our daily lives.  I loved walking as a family up the Hill Cumorah and looking out toward the Sacred Grove.  This trip to Palmyra I was struck by how the Lord really has a hand in the minute details of our life.  He has a plan and each of us are a part of that plan.  If we allow ourselves to be receptive to the promptings and guidance of the Holy Ghost we will be able to be instruments in His hands.  I think oftimes we don't realize when we have been that instrument and, unfortunately, I know many times I get stuck in the thick of thin things which makes it difficult for me to be the instrument that is needed.  I resolve to do better at taking the necessary quiet time to ponder and draw closer to my Father in Heaven.

Wednesday evening most headed back to the Smith Farm around dusk to watch the fireflies and walk through the grove again.  I stayed back with our 3 little ones that were sleeping but Joel said it was a wonderful evening.  The kids caught tons of fireflies and loved being together

Unfortunately, Thursday morning came and it was time to head home.  I love being in Palmyra and it was sad to go.  We stopped by Niagara Falls on the way home and were able to go on the Maid of the Mist.  It was a great time.  Saturday was a sad day as everyone flew back home.  It was hard to say goodbye but we treasure the time we spend together.  Fortunately, Alanna planned to stay with us for a few more days so we were able to spend more time with her which made it easier for all of us. I am so grateful for all of my family; for the sacrifices they each made to come and share this time with us.  I think we were all able to share a little bit of heaven on earth together.

Updated Pics

A few weeks ago we had Sara's 6 month pictures and Mary's 6 year old pictures taken.

End of the School Year

Another school year has come to an end and I get to have my kiddos home with me all summer.  I love this time of year and this year I have been so anxious for it to come.  I have been ready for summer vacation since they had to go back to school after Spring Break.  All the kids had a wonderful year of school.

Thomas completed his last year at Lakeview and will be moving into 7th grade at the Junior High next year.  He is excited to start at the new school but sad to leave his teachers behind.  He had a very successful year and is excited to work on his Eagle project to benefit his school over the summer.

First Day of 6th Grade

Last Day of 6th Grade

Spring completed 4th grade and will also be moving to a new school next year at Lakeview.  She is really sad about leaving Echo Hills and hopes she will be in the same class as Ava.  She was very involved in her school this year with Choir, Safety Patrol, K-Kids, and Student Council.  She is excited to be in band and orchestra next year.

First Day of 4th Grade

Last Day of 4th Grade

Sammy had a most amazing year.  His teacher, Mrs. Elton, was the best he could have had for this year.  This year brought many discoveries for him including us realizing he struggled hearing and seeing.  With new glasses and surgery to improve his hearing he has taken off.  He excelled in school loving gym, math, recess, and science.  He was awarded the Stollion Award this year for his grade.  This is the highest award a student can receive and it is based on citizenship, responsibility, ability to be a good friend to others, work ethic, and excellent behavior and example to others.  He was beyond excited when they called out his name as he did not know he was going to be awarded it this year.

First Day of 1st Grade

Last Day of 1st Grade

Mary completed Kindergarten and is already looking forward to going to school "all day" next year.  She is sad school is ending mostly because of all her friends.  She has really enjoyed learning to read and write stories this year. She also was awarded the Stollion Award for Kindergarten.  The smile on her face when she received this award was awesome and she let out an audible gasp when her name was called.

First Day of Kindergarten

Last Day of Kindergarten