The boys. Or "Mary ain't the only one doing things for the first time."

Three years ago, Jack Powell picked up a violin for the first time.  Within months, he'd joined a small group ensemble at the University of Alabama and, with the instruction and encouragement of some people far more talented than Joe and I will ever be, he began to blossom.

Now, he participates in the church orchestra, the Tuscaloosa Youth Orchestra, the high school praise band, and has been in several festivals and honor bands.  Violin has become his thing.  He LOVES music.... makes me SO happy.

Last Saturday, Jack had the honor of playing violin at the wedding of a couple from our church.  They were precious to invite him to be a part of their special day..... and he was a bit nervous about "messing it up."  Turns out, it was a beautiful ceremony..... and Jack did a marvelous job.

He began with hymns, then played Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (processional), Canon in D (unity candle), and Ode to Joy (exit).  I almost didn't recognize that tall thing standing up there in his fancy clothes playing his fancy music.

I'm so proud of him.  Here's a snippet for your listening pleasure:

Jack's awesome wedding violin playing


Back in July, Max Powell put on a set of football pads for the first time and began to endure three nights a week of football conditioning and learning.  I think the whole "being with my buds" was what drew him into the game, but he has REALLY enjoyed it.

He's spent most of the season at left or right tackle and tried to explain to me multiple times some of the plays or what his job was in defense or offense.  I have NO IDEA what any of that meant, but I smiled as he chattered away about his new thing:  football.  With this being his FIRST YEAR EVER to play the sport, we were amazed at all he learned.  The coaches and parent helpers on his team are remarkable and dedicated and we are thankful for the influence they have had on Max this year.  Not all coaches have a positive influence.... these did. He's decided to stay with it and play on the official middle school team next year, so we'll be cheering on the Jags for quite some time, I'm sure.

#73 didn't make EVERY tackle in front of him this year, but he put a lot of people on the ground (or at least pushed them back a bit.)  And my favorite part every time is the little pat on the back he'd give the other guy when the play was over.

I'm so proud of him, too.

Pictures of this football awesomeness: