'10 Powell Pics

Peaceful Chaos???

After putting Brighton and Lexi down for a nap, I decided to lay down and rest for a minute. Taylor began to scratch my back and while doing so whispered "I love you, mom". It's moments like that, that make my whole soul smile. While laying down I began reflecting upon what a sweet age all my girls are at.

I am the first to admit that most of the time things at my house seem loud, chaotic, unpredictable, and FULL of emotion. There are plenty of days when I wonder what I was thinking having 3 kids so close together. Those are the days that make me appreciate what my mother went through with six of us.

However, there are moments that are so blissful I wish my kids would stay this sweet and innocent forever. Today I was trying to teach Brighton how to smell flowers. I would get close to them and sniff, and then let her try. Every time, she would just burst out laughing the most adorable giggle I could ever wish for. It was the kind of laugh that I wish I could push a repeat button to listen to all day long. This week she learned to say "uh oh" and how to wave good-bye. Just thinking of her makes me so happy.

Lexi is at the age most would call "the terrible two's". I would beg to differ. Yes, she throws the usual tantrum now and then as I would expect, but her pretty blue eyes make even her tantrums seem cute at times. Her angelic face and little high voice have a way of melting me. She LOVES to sing, and I am under the impression she may be musically talented. She is getting lots of practice belting her voice from yelling "MOM!!! I WOKE UP!!!" every morning over and over again in her crib. I can tell that having all boy cousins and friends is rubbing off on her a bit because today she drew a picture of a robot.

Taylor is getting easier to manage by the day. She is my little artist. She colors pictures like they are coming into style. It amazes me how emotionally intelligent she can be. She is always so quick to comfort anyone that needs some TLC . . . especially if it's Brighton. She talks about Jesus quite a bit, and often says pretty profound things. The other day she told me matter of factly "Jesus catches us when we fall". With her big brown eyes, dimple, and raspy voice, I worry about the dating years.

Keep in mind that I always seem to love them more when they are asleep . . . and right now 2 of the 3 are napping. So for now . . . I will just enjoy the very limited quite time I have to remind myself that I do love being a mother.

He liked it, and put a ring on it!

Have you ever seen the movie Enchanted? Don't you think my beautiful little sister looks just like a Princess in her wedding dress? My sister Heather and Kellen were married on Saturday, June 6th at the Salt Lake temple. It was seriously so awesome to see her be sealed to her Eternal Companion, Kellen Pead. They have been dating ever since she was 16, which was 4 years ago. He is such an awesome guy, and we are happy to have him in the family!

Their reception was on Friday night at the gardens in Thanksgiving Point. It felt more like a big party because they had a sweet band playing and we just danced like crazy the last hour. It was seriously so much fun!

Burning one down

We may not have grass in the back yard yet, but don't worry . . . we have a fire pit! Khyl made this magnificent rock fire pit about a week ago, and we have already had a few awesome fires in it. We do have plans to put some other fun things in our yard, but this will have to do for now. =)

This is Taylor, Lexi, and Hailey enjoying the serene warmth of the burning wood.

Brighton Kylee Shumway

Brighton was born around 2 pm on April 21st, although she was not due until the 24th. She weighed 6 lbs. 12 oz. and was 19 and 1/2 inches long. She has been such a precious addition to our family, and we are so grateful for her!

A cute girl from our Provo ward names Kaitlyn Janis took some awesome photo's the day before Brighton was born, then came to our house when she was 9 days old and took the adorable newborn shots. I am so happy with how they turned out! Thanks again Kaitlyn!

Halloween Fun!!!

I love Halloween! I love the costumes, the decorations, the crisp fall air, and of course the candy! Here are a few photos of our celebrations . . .

My friend Kara through an AWESOME pirate party. She had bandanna's and eye patches for everyone, a fun drink bar, yummy treats, carmeled apple decorating, and every pirate decoration you can possibly think of! Thanks again Kara!




Khyl and I took the girls to the Barnyard Boo at Thanksgiving Point. I was definitely impressed! I think we will have to make it a tradition. They had tons of games, pony rides, a clown making balloons, and cookies. We even went on a wagon ride where we saw a headless horseman!





Khyl and I went to an awesome Halloween party at Jeff and Stacy Wilding's house. Khyl was dressed like Rex Kwon Do from Napoleon Dynamite, and I was Starla. I am always amazed at the awesome costumes that people come up with. We had a super yummy dinner, and the scariest scavenger hunt I have ever been on. The destinations were chosen from real locations of tragic and scary events. For example, we had to go to the spot where a teen girl's body was found after being murdered by Ted Bundy. A girl in our group had to lay down in the spot in the fetal position and we had to get a picture to prove it. Is that not the creepiest thing ever??? I haven't been that scared in a long time. It was seriously was tons of fun!

Translation

Once upon a time there was an elmo seat it said "ha dee ha dee". It was singing crazy. And so he got into his red car and flew. And there was a ghost that saw Elmo and it said "ooo ooo". And it was so scary. He said "Oh no, I'm scared of the wind. Lock the door!". And so, the ghost opened it and it was just Eszmarelda. So he was saying "Oh, oh no. It's not scary". So he flew in his red car and he layed down, he layed down, and it was a Ghost. It was Santa. He found his pink pillow.