This Week [12.22.11]

...I attended four Christmas parties and a Christmas program (Jack's kindergarten class). So fun!
...NO SCHOOL!
...we had our nieces, Reagan and Madison over to spend the night.

...we celebrated Uncle Jason's birthday!
...prayers were answered.
...a police showed up at our house in the middle of the night and scared me half to death (a door at church was unlocked)
...we had ANOTHER playday with the cousins, then Jack spent the night!

...Aaron got the new iPhone 4gs, and LOVES it. It has Siri, and I have to admit--it's impressive. Aaron and the kids got a big kick out of asking it all sorts of questions tonight.
...we continued our Christmas tradition of getting Starbucks and then going to look at Christmas lights.

...I worried.
...I was again reminded of God's provision.
...made cinnamon rolls with Natalie. Yummmmmy! And super fun.

...Christmas shopping, wrapping, and music!
...we kept our house clean (kids rooms and all)!!!!!!!

As always, I'm sure there's much I have forgotten, but this is at least a good snapshot. We'll be doing Christmas with our kids on Christmas Eve since there will be church Christmas morning. Then on Christmas, we'll spend the day celebrating with Aaron's family, and on Monday we'll head up to Howe for a few days to celebrate with my family. Hope you all have an amazing Christmas!

Getting Organized

Organization is not my forte. My tendency is to give my time and attention to whatever is screaming the loudest – the result being that I always feel like I’m dropping something. I have trouble balancing being a wife/mother, maintaining our home/household, my business, and ministry… not to mention making time for friends and for myself.

I always felt like when my kids started school, I’d have an abundance of time and that getting things done would be easy.

Wrong.

I still have to grocery shop, do laundry, run a business, plan Sunday school lessons, and more. And I’m still disorganized. So the past month or two, I’m on a mission to improve this about myself. I’m on a mission to become more organized and to practice self-discipline, and I’m finding there are a lot of tools and strategies out there that are helping me a lot. So I thought I’d share a few.

1. Family Binder
This is still a work in progress, but so far I really like the idea of having a binder with all family and household information in it, from a shopping list and menu plan, to medical information, to schedules, etc. There are a ton of resources online with suggestions, but you really just have to play around with it to make it work for your family. My favorite find has been this Daily Docket from Simple Mom. I love it and it’s amazing and it helps me SOOO MUCH. I print one off for each weekday and make my lists first thing in the morning.

2. The One Minute Rule
I came across this in this month’s issue of Good Housekeeping. The one minute rule is simply this: “Any task that can be finished in less than one minute is something I must do. Hang up my coat, read a letter and toss it, put my umbrella away, answer an e-mail, note down a citation, pick up my phone messages, file a paper, put a cup in the dishwasher, put the magazines away...and so on. Because the tasks are so quick, it isn’t too hard to make myself follow the rule — and I get big results.” (Read more of the article here.)

I’d love to hear how you do it! I have so many women in my life whom I admire and know that I could learn a lot from, so please share!

From the Archives

I just came across some of these old pictures I had forgotten about. So sweet! It's so hard to believe that these babies are getting to be so big! They are turning out to be such awesome people, and we are really enjoying this stage of life with them. They're very smart, happy, talkative, loving, helpful kids and we're so proud of them!

Easter 2005

THE Field of Dreams in Iowa

Baby Carson 2006

Texas Coast 2011

Back in October, Aaron and I decided to take a little 3-day vacation and go down to Port Aransas/Mustang Island. We packed up and hooked up the camper and headed for the coast. It was incredibly fun, relaxing, and refreshing. The kids got to stay with Ammie and Poppy for a couple nights and were thoroughly thrilled. Ammie took them to Starbucks to do their homework after school. (They were sad that Mommy wouldn't continue the tradition.) I didn't take any pictures, but I did bring our little video camera along, so here's a video of our trip. (Be sure to stick with it to the end!)

Coast 2011 from Breanna Powers on Vimeo.

Christmas Season

The Christmas season kinda snuck up on me this year. I guess I spent so much time looking forward to Thanksgiving that I never gave December much thought. But alas, it is here, and I'm so excited! We didn't really dive into Christmas until this week, but we're having a lot of fun!

On Monday night, we got out our Christmas decorations, turned on the Christmas music, and drank egg nog (the kids insisted this was a very important part of our evening). It was fun and laid back, and I loved that it was cold outside!

Also in December of every year, my mom puts together something for the kids to open each day until Christmas. This year she made bags for each of the kids that they get to pick from each day. This is the first thing the kids do when they get up in the morning. They get so excited!

Each item they get comes with a little note that relates somehow to God and/or the true reason for the Christmas season. Some of the favorite treats so far? A nightlight, cookie cutters, mini Bibles, glow sticks, and a little stocking with a couple of dollars to buy a gift for someone else. It's been really fun for the kids!

We're looking forward to more celebration throughout the rest of the season. What are some traditions in your house?

Caddo Lake 2011

Not surprisingly, I am way behind on blogging. Things have been very busy around here over the past few months, but a lot of fun has been had, so I'll start documenting it all bit by bit.

Family vacations were a big deal in our house growing up. We made so many memories taking trips here and there. For the past few years, we've talked about doing a trip together with my parents and sister's family, and this year, we decided to make it a reality! Since the kids had the week of Thanksgiving off, we all met up at Caddo Lake for a few days of vacation together. My parents rented an awesome cabin on the lake with plenty of room for all 10 (soon to be 11) of us, and the whole trip was fabulous.

You'll recall we vacationed there once before and we totally fell in love with the lake's beauty and mystery. I've honestly never been anywhere like it. It's not a "hey let's go swimming" lake (watch out for alligators), but it's great for canoeing and fishing -- which is exactly what we did. We were a long way away from cell phone reception or a Walmart and I loved it. We were really able to unplug from everything and just be.

It was also a real treat just to get to hang out with the whole family for a few days. The kids had so much fun running around, playing, and exploring. At night after they all went to bed, we'd stay up and play games and laugh together. It was a really great time.

I'm so thankful for a wonderful family and for God's amazing creation he gave us to enjoy.

All About Mommy

1. What is something Mommy always says to you?
A: NO!
C: I love you

2. What makes Mommy happy?
A: Hugs and kisses
C: Me

3. What makes Mommy sad?
A: When she gets yelled at
C: Me not being around

4. How does Mommy make you laugh?
A: When she makes silly faces
C: She makes me laugh by scaring me

5. What was Mommy like as a child?
A: Me
C: like Abby

6. How old is Mommy?
A: 29
C: 29

7. How tall is Mommy?
A: 29 inches
C: 7 feet tall

8. What is Mommy's favorite thing to do?
A: Eat
C: Stay home with me

9. What does Mommy do when you're not around?
A: Type on the computer
C: Work

10. If Mommy becomes famous, what will it be for?
A: Working
C: A movie star

11. What is Mommy really good at?
A: Working
C: Working

12. What is Mommy not very good at?
A: Sitting down
C: doing fights with Daddy

13. What does Mommy do for her job?
A: taking pictures
C: take pictures

14. What is Mommy's favorite food?
A: Grilled cheese
C: Spinach

15. What makes you proud of Mommy?
A: She eats lunch with us at school
C: She loves me

16. If Mommy were a cartoon character, who would she be?
A: Elastigirl
C: Miss Piggy

17. What do you and Mommy do together?
A: Shopping
C: Watch TV

18. How are you and Mommy the same?
A: We both have brown hair
C: We have the same color skin

19. How are you and Mommy different?
A: She wears glasses and I don't
C: Our hair

20. How do you know Mommy loves you?
A: Because she does
C: Because she does

21. Where is Mommy's favorite place to go?
A: Shopping at Target
C: The Mall

Copy this note, ask your kid the questions and write them down exactly how they respond.

All About Daddy

1. What is something Daddy always says to you?
A: NO!
C: Monkey breath

2. What makes Daddy happy?
A: Hugs and kisses
C: Hugs and kisses

3. What makes Daddy sad?
A: Yelling at him
C: Not helping him do stuff

4. How does Daddy make you laugh?
A: Ticking me
C: Crazy singing

5. What was Daddy like as a child?
A: He wore different clothes than Carson
C: He looked like Hunter

6. How old is Daddy?
A: 32
C: 58

7. How tall is Daddy?
A: 100 feet tall
C: 50 feet tall

8. What is Daddy's favorite thing to do?
A: Eat
C: Work

9. What does Daddy do when you're not around?
A: Work
C: Be lazy

10. If Daddy becomes famous, what will it be for?
A: Singing
C: Singing like Miss Piggy

11. What is Daddy really good at?
A: Eating peanut butter
C: Kissing

12. What is Daddy not very good at?
A: Singing
C: Singing

13. What does Daddy do for his job?
A: he preaches
C: he's a pastor

14. What is Daddy's favorite food?
A: Peanut butter cups and peanut butter ice cream
C: Peanut butter

15. What makes you proud of Daddy?
A: He can work for us
C: He can do everything

16. If Daddy were a cartoon character, who would he be?
A: Mr. Incredible
C: Kermit the Frog

17. What do you and Daddy do together?
A: Go to the mall
C: Work

18. How are you and Daddy the same?
A: We both have hands and feet
C: We look the same

19. How are you and Daddy different?
A: She wears glasses and I don't
C: Our hair

20. How do you know Daddy loves you?
A: Because he does
C: Because he does

21. Where is Daddy's favorite place to go?
A: Restaurants
C: Pizza Places

Copy this note, ask your kid the questions and write them down exactly how they respond.

Halloween 2011

We're getting ready to head out for our trick or treating and to sit in the front yard, cook hot dogs, and meet our neighbors. But first, I thought I'd post the kids in their costumes before I forgot. Abby is a beauty queen this year and Carson is (obviously) Spider Man. I have such cute kids!

WE'RE DEBT FREEEEEE!!!

Well, this is actually kind of old news now, but I never got around to posting it. Furthermore, I generally do not make it a practice of talking about our finances with other people. However, this is something that I want to remember, and I especially want my kids to remember as they become adults, so for that purpose, I am telling our story.

Several years ago (or more -- Abby was just a little thing), we were fairly newly married, had two car payments, student loan debt, and a good chunk of credit card debt. We were pretty normal, I suppose, but always felt the weight of all the payments and never feeling like we could get ahead. On a visit to my parents' house, my dad started talking about this guy he'd been listening to on the radio and what he'd been learning. Turned out this guy was Dave Ramsey, and my Dad offered to pay for us to go to his Total Money Makeover event here in San Antonio if we'd be willing to go. Well, we weren't going to turn it down, but it was admittedly a little hard to get excited about going to talk about money. We went, though, and were totally inspired. There was hope. We didn't have to live this way!

So we decided on a plan. We saved up a little emergency fund, cut up our credit card, and we began to pay off debt. I won't say it was easy. It wasn't. And there were a couple points where we lost focus (we bought two cars along the way, adding to our debt). BUT... the more we paid off, the faster things got moving and the more excited we became, until five years later (PRAISE THE LORD FOR HIS PROVISION!), we finished paying off every last dollar! (Except for the house.)

All along (especially the past year or two) the kids have been very involved in the process. When we paid everything off, they were thrilled about calling in for Dave's Debt Free Friday, and screaming "We're debt FREEEEEEEEEEE!" But with our schedules, we never seemed to be able to get all together at the right time. So a couple weeks ago when I heard that Dave would be in town for a book signing, the kids asked if we could go meet him and tell him about being debt free. So we did! We got the chance to meet him, have him sign our book, and (though the kids chickened out and hid behind me) tell him we were debt free. We didn't scream in the book store, but he and his team said, "Yaaaaaaay!!!" It was quick fleeting moment, but it was fun. :) Our friends Daniel and Amanda were there too and were kind enough to snap a quick pic.

While paying off debt was thrilling, I think the most exciting part was being able to buy a car without a car payment in August. That was one thing we just never thought would be possible! It wasn't expensive or fancy, but it's not dragging a payment with it, and THAT feels good!

Chicken Noodle Soup [What's Cookin']

It's been a while since I posted a recipe, so I decided I'd post one (no, two) recipes that I tried for the first time tonight, and they are the perfect "fall is here" type recipes. This was my first soup of the season and it warmed my soul.

Abby hated the celery in the soup (next time I'll make it without), but the promise of more garlic knots inspired her enough to finish it. Enjoy!

Classic Chicken Noodle Soup

Serves 4

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 stalks celery, medium-diced (1 cup)
3 carrots, medium-diced (1 cup)
3/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 quarts chicken stock
2 cups wide egg noodles
2-3 cups cooked shredded chicken
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Directions:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the celery, carrots, salt and pepper and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Pour in the stock and bring to a boil over high heat. Add the noodles and cook for 10 minutes, then add the chicken and parsley. Continue cooking until the chicken is heated through and serve immediately.

Garlic Knots
You might want to double this recipe!

Ingredients:
1 can Pillsbury Breadsticks
1 T. EVOO
2 T. butter
1 t. finely choped garlic

Directions:
Grease 12 muffin tins and preheat oven to 375. Tie each breadstick into a knot and place in muffin tin. Melt butter with olive oil in microwave (about 30 seconds), then add garlic, then brush/pour onto dough. Bake 10-15 minutes until golden and delicious. Try not to eat all 12 yourself.

Love

I don't post about this guy nearly as often as he deserves. He is my perfect complement, my BFF, and so much more. We've been having so much fun together these past few months (not to mention the past nine years). Since the kids have started school, we've begun Monday "Date Days", which have been incredibly refreshing and fun. Earlier this week, we spent a couple days down at the coast -- just the two of us. I love him more than I could ever express, and I think the feeling's mutual. :)

This picture was taken by Sandy at Lauren and Jonathan's wedding a few weeks ago. When Aaron and I started dating, Lauren was in 5th grade. Talk about feeling OLD! But that's another post for another day.

Girl Scout

If you’ve spent any time around Abby lately, you surely know that she recently became a Girl Scout. This is the biggest and best news to hit this house in quite some time if you ask her. Tonight was her “Investiture” Ceremony where she was officially welcomed as a new member. She had a lot of fun and was very proud of her new pin and her first two patches!

It was a nice evening, and we’re looking forward to a year of new experiences!

The Girl Scout Promise

 Getting pinned

After the ceremony with her certificate

Lil’ Miss Social Butterfly with her friends. What you don’t see is about 15 other girls swarming towards them trying to get into the picture as well.

Pumpkin Patch

Last weekend, Aaron and the guys from church spent a few wonderful days at Men's Retreat. The kids and I stayed home and laid low for the most part, but Saturday morning, Natalie called and asked if we wanted to go to the pumpkin patch with her and the kids. Of course we do!

So we headed out and spent the morning enjoying the nice, cool weather. We watched the kids play, tried desperately to get them to pose for a picture together (Just ONE picture, guys! Just ONE!"), and enjoyed talking and catching up on life. Here are a few of my favorite pictures from the morning.

Abby took this picture all by herself! I love it!

Happy Birthday, Jerah!

A couple weeks ago, we got to drive to Bryan to celebrate a very special little girl. My niece, Jerah, turned FOUR! It was so nice to drive up for the day to celebrate her and to hang out with family. I just love Jerah's enthusiasm for life and her sweet sweet heart. We had a super fun day, and can't wait to see them again at Thanksgiving!

I just love this picture of the cousins! We were so excited that Amorette got to be there this year! She and Abby just loved playing together all day.

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