The Day of Thanks.

Over the river and thru the woods to Granny's house we go....

Rowdy and the kids are ready to go...

me ..not so much.

I am sick. Just a miserable cold. I NEVER get sick. I think it is because I spend so much time with little sick people at work. I have a good immune system. I can tell you when I got this cold.

We took Emily to the movies a few days ago...and this big oaf (is that really a word) of a man who sat behind me kept coughing and sneezing... and never...not once did he cover his mouth or nose.

After several attacks from behind me...I even told Emily--- you know that I am gonna get sick now... and look. I was right!!!

I hate being sick ( that is a stupid thing to say- who likes it?). But it is even worse when it is a holiday.

None-the-less. Thanksgiving still happened..and all is good with the world.

I am a little bummed...I guess I will not be shopping on BLACK FRIDAY. Maybe it is for the best.... but still a little sad.

To all .... Hope your Thanksgiving was full of Turkey, stuffing, and lots of goodies...

mine was full of Kleenex, hot tea and.... NYQUIL!

The excitement begins!

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. The day to gather and reflect upon your blessings.A day to gorge yourself with wonderful food...and vow not to regret it...after all it is a holiday!

I am headed to my mother-in-law's for the feast tomorrow. I am excited to spend the day as a family. I have made the vegetable tray, the fruit tray, the green bean casserole, the cranberry relish and the pumpkin and apple pies. Emily has prepared fresh green beans with bacon.

Everything looks and smells delicious.

I am scouring the sale ads for "Black Friday". I have not yet decided if I will brave the crowds or will stay safe at home. I actually enjoy the RUSH of the shopping event at 4:00 in the morning... but I can't seem to find any other friends who feel the same way...so I may just bow out...as opposed to shopping alone... we'll see.
Wish my mom were in town---she would brave the shopping FRENZY.

Well- enjoy your thanksgiving prep work... I will update tomorrow with photos of our Thanksgiving at "granny's house"

Just so proud !

Today the counselor from Jake's school called to invite me to watch Jake receive a very special award. She explained that Jake had been selected as: STUDENT OF THE MONTH

at North Jefferson Intermediate. The award is based on many criteria, and she explained that he had been nominated by his teacher, and the award committee had unanimously agreed that he was a deserving recipient. The award program is sponsored by local ELKS club. They awarded Jake with a plaque and a gift certificate. He was photographed for the school paper and for the local paper. (If I sound like I am boasting---it is because I am. I am very proud of my son.)

This is what Jake's teacher wrote in her nomination for Jake:

I am nominating Jacob Schmoll for the 5th grade Student of the Month . Jacob is a true leader in the sense that he leads by example. He always has something positive to say to his classmates. He is not afraid to ask for help or show that he does not understand something. Jacob will be the one to say "this is what confused me but what helped me was..." showing others it is ok to be unsure of something. He does this in such an honest way that the other kids don't see this as "nerdy". I often catch Jacob making encouraging statements, stopping to help someone, no matter who it is, or offer to find out something that comes up in a class discussion. He is very intelligent, but not "showy" at all, and he has a wonderful sense of humor. Jacob goes above and beyond expectations set for students. He is the ideal student and the ideal citizen: sweet, caring, and honest.


I hope that Jake always displays these qualities. His honesty,his consideration and his kindness are qualities that I admire in my son.

Thank you Jacob for being the boy you are!

Just a Prayer and Good Wishes

Just a quick posting today. PAPA D. Please know that we are all praying for your speedy recovery. We pray that you will be stronger than ever after you get out of the hospital.
We love you so much and know that Gamma will take good care of you until you are stronger than ever.
With love and prayers always!
The Schmolls

Just a day out.

Rowdy , Emily, Jake and I took the afternoon and enjoyed a little time at Suson Park.

We have been visiting this park since the kids were born. I remeber bringing them here with our playgroup when Emily was about 3 and Jake was just a few months old.

We walked around the lakes, watched the ducks and visited the animals in the barns.

I think Emily would spend all day just talking to the horses...Jacob likes the park and the lakes, but he would rather not go in the barns.... he can't handle "barn smells".
I love spending the day just hanging out with my family. I wish that we could make time every day to just hang out together....

but...

life fills our days with school, work, homework, housework and errands to run...

I hope we can spend another lazy day together....SOON!

Halloweens Past and Present

Can you believe these photos?

Emily's first Halloween- she was a cute little Peacock.

And look at her now- a Beautiful Prom Queen.

Jake has grown from a Police Officer to a

Night in Shining Armor.

I can't believe how they have grown.

I remember making these

costumes and the excitement

over their first Halloween.

I am sure they had no idea why I was dressing them up

and carting them around.

But the memories are priceless!
I look at these photos and can't believe how much time has passed.

In some ways it makes me sad.

But in others I am excited about what is next to come.

I hope they never grow out of the fun that such holidays can bring...

even if they grow up and think they are too old to trick or treat.

I think the best part of Halloween is the permission it gives each of us to just have fun.

Remember to never take yourself so seriously

that you can't laugh at yourself.

Life is too short to be a stick in the mud!