Remembering 2010 before it is gone forever.....

Well, it is almost over, 2010 that is. Can't say it has been a particularly good year, but I also can't claim it to be a bad year either. I think as with most things it had a little of both. As I take a few moments to reflect on the year... I guess I realize I am quite the optimist.... or maybe I just take photos of the good stuff (that would make sense wouldn't it?). At any rate.... I reflect on this past year, and choose to share my memories with you....here goes:

Highlight:My beautiful daughter celebrated her 13th birthday. A teenager....where has the time gone???

Highlight: Jake had a great year in baseball. He pitched a little, but he was a superstar at shortstop and 2nd base.

Highlight: Emily had a great vacation with Granny. They visited Bucks and Spurs Dude Ranch for a week. They rode every day, all day. A great time and great memories.

Highlight: We took a great mini-vacation to visit and play in Branson. We hung out with family and visited the local attractions...including Silver Dollar City and Ballknockers. What fun!



Highlight:We welcomed new friends into this world, and got to babysit and play with them.

Baby Camden Parker Weatherby

Baby Emily Marie Vinyard

Highlight; My kids had the opportunity to be part of something much bigger than us. We had the privilege of participating in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund walk. The walk was held in Forest Park. We were just a very small part of the day, but it felt so good to be a part of something SO important.

BIG HIGHLIGHT:I had the opportunity to do something I REALLY LOVE. I was trusted by these people (and a few more not shown here) to capture their family on "film". I got to PLAY photographer...and I LOVED IT!


Highlight: We spent time with friends and family. We celebrated our birthdays, weddings, anniversaries and we even found reasons to celebrate your average Monday.
We found time in our busy schedules to eat, drink and laugh together.

The only real sadness that stands out to me this year is the passing of my very special grandmother. She is loved and missed every day, but it is because of the things that she taught me ....that I know to COUNT my BLESSINGS and not dwell upon the sadness of my life. CELEBRATE the life you live, and live it to the fullest.

And with that, my friends and family....
I wish you the very happiest of New Years.
I pray that you will be blessed in many ways and that you will embrace all that the new year has to offer you.
With love,
me

Christmas Fun with Family

 

Christmas at Granny's House was as fun as ever. We gathered for food, family and fun. This year's theme was...Minute to Win It. We played games from the popular game show. Some of the highlights were "Junk in the trunk, Face the Cookie, and Rodolph. EVERONE played, and boy did we laugh.
Christmas at Granny's was filled with plenty of laughter.

 

Christmas at with the Schmoll-Ellis family was filled with dancing this year.
We gathered for food and fun. After several rounds of "Rob your neighbor"... we had several rounds of "Just Dance 2". Lots of wiggling, shaking and laughing.
Christmas was fun.

Christmas Joy

Is there anything better....than a WHITE CHRISTMAS?
I don't think so . There is something about everything being clean and crisp and covered with snow. It seems like a very fitting thing for Christmas morning.... almost like a new beginning.


The presents surrounded the tree, and the stockings were hung with care....


Grandma and Grandpa Huels were here to celebrate the holidays.
I think everyone got..."Just what they wanted"
We had a Fantastic meal... with new recipes that are sure to become old favorites.
We watched the kids play their new games, and Emily tried on all her new clothes.
We gathered in the family room and watched movies.

I love spending time together. Doesn't really matter what we do...as long as we are together.

I wish my WHOLE family could be together on this and every Christmas...

I hope that you all had a peaceful, blessed Christmas, and I pray that next year we can be together.

With all my love to you all.... Merry Christmas to all....and to all...... a good night.

"I'm Ready to see gloves on the Ice"

This is the family enjoying a night out with the St. Louis Blues. A very nice "elf" friend of mine was generous enough to give me several tickets for the hockey game for Thursday night.
We love hockey. We love nights out with the family...

we love...gloves on the ice. Yes. I am admitting it. There is nothing like the excitement of the hockey game...and the thrill of a fight on the ice. I know that may be shocking to many to hear that...I don't like boxing or martial arts.... I don't like violence...but a hockey fight.... it is different. Not sure how...it just is.
Here is the VERY drunk guy who was sitting down the aisle from us. He was VERY intoxicated. His friend left him here passed out...soon after this young man vomited large quantities of beer all over his feet. An usher sent security to remove this drunk man. It took 3 people to help him down the many flights of steps.
Here is the girlfriend (and friend) of the above drunk man. They were away getting more beer when security removed the drunk boyfriend. They stumbled up to their seats...sat down and placed their Coach purses into the boyfriend vomit. After some time they got a phone call from said drunk boyfriend.... telling them to come get him. Girlfriend stated they would come get him as soon as they could.... 40 minutes later...they got up and called him back. As they left the girlfriend was heard saying " dude, do you think you are ok to drive me home?"

I used this as a teaching moment .... "Look kids- THAT is what STUPID looks like".

WE had a great time. The Blues won 4 to 1.

I would like to thank my "ELF' friend for sharing these tickets with my family. We had a wonderful time and so appreciate your generosity. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!

Home-made Christmas

Last year we decided to decorate the tree with only home-made decorations.

We loved our tree.

SO....we decided to do the same thing this year....

After enjoying a "white Thanksgiving", the kids decided that our tree this year should have a "Winter Theme".

SO.... we set out making "snowballs" (pom-poms) for garland and for our ornaments.

We continued the theme with glittered snowflakes and some soft billowy snow on the branches.

Add all that to the soft white twinkle lights...and it feels like

A Winter Wonderland.

I love our tree. ALL Home-made .

Stay tuned for the rest of the decorations......

Visits with family

My brother Keith, my sister-in-law Angelia and their VERY wonderful and VERY TALL boy, my nephew , Hunter came for a visit this weekend. Hunter was visiting local colleges in St. Louis. After his college tour, we had the rest of the weekend to just hang out, visit, play games , eat and catch up.

I love my brother. He is a real goof, he teases the kids, and tells embarrassing stories about our childhood. He loves the kids, and they love him too.

My sister, Angelia is one of the most amazing people I have ever been blessed to know. She has the MOST amazing heart. She is one of those people that make you know that GOD is working thru her. She is so loving and caring. She is ALSO one of the MOST fun people to be around. She has a GREAT laugh and is not afraid to share it.

Let's talk about Hunter. I will state the obvious. He is a giant. He has grown so tall. He has his mom's positive outlook on life. His smile and happy attitude remind me of his dad . He knows what his beliefs and morals are...and he is proud of them. He is a hard worker, and really amazing young man. Hunter really impressed his cousin, Jake. They played video games together, and talked, and had so much fun together. Jake was sad to see him leave. Jake secretly hopes Hunter decides to choose a college in St. Louis, so he can hang out at our house on the weekends.

This weekend was lots of fun. My family is spread far and wide across this country.
Any chance I have to spend time with them..... Count me in.
Thanks for a great weekend.
Love you .

I Am Blessed

Today, I just wanted to blog about .... being blessed.
I am not exactly sure I can explain why I am feeling especially blessed lately...but I am.

Maybe I am feeling especially blessed because...
My family is so wonderful. My husband and children have been very helpful lately.
My hubby and kids have been pitching in more around the house. Emily and Jake have been bickering less...and helping each other with homework, studying and chores.
My family enjoys being together. We do things as a family...because we like each other. Our time together playing games, laughing, and making memories make each of us a better person.

Maybe I am feeling especially blessed because...
I have GREAT friends. Friends that are there to hear my frustrations...and my laughter. Friends that I look forward to seeing each day at work. Friends that get me. That understand my goofy quirks, my silly behavior and ...well Love me in spite of all those things.

Maybe I am feeling especially blessed because the holiday season is upon us. I know that I am fortunate enough to not have worries that I will be able to provide food, shelter and a pleasant gathering around the holiday table and tree.

Maybe I a feeling especially blessed because I know people who are dealing with divorce, loneliness, serious illness and death of loved ones. I feel empathy for their hardships, for their heartaches. I feel relief that I have a strong, happy marriage, my family is healthy and I know love and friendship.

Maybe I am feeling especially blessed because...

I am blessed!
Thank You GOD for all the blessing you have bestowed upon me. I am forever thankful for your love.

I AM BLESSED>

Jake

Jake is growing up before my very eyes. He offered to help me "practice" taking photos.

He volunteered. What a great kid! He got all dressed up, and we headed to the sculpture park.

I think he wondered WHY he ever offered to help.... but after we got started...I think we had a good time.

I look at him and wonder where the time has gone. It seems like he is just so grown up. I hate it.

I am proud of him, and think he is maturing into an AMAZING young man....

but I want my little boy.

Please Jake... promise to stay my little boy....forever!

What cha' been up to? Been up to ...this.

Fall is so much fun for PHOTO SHOOTS. I have been having a great time.

Lots of time spent taking photos, scouting out spots for photos and editing photos.

Not much time for blogging..... but you have to love it!

More later.... with my new photos shoot present from my family....

I've been busy

So. It has been a while since I sat down to blog. It has not been because I haven't had things to blog about...or because I haven't been itching to share the happenings in the "Schmoll World".
I have been busy. Really Busy....and it has been FUN!

I have a new (old) love. I am totally obsessed with taking photos. I know.... you are thinking...
that is not new.... you always have a camera pointed in someone's face.

But my love/passion has grown. I have always taken photos of my family and friends. I have been "stuck" with the school yearbook for the past 5+ years..... but I have never been
"employed" to take photos.

Recently I have taken the "job" of taking photos for graduating seniors, and families.
I love it. I love the nervousness I feel before a photo shoot. I love the challenge of capturing someone in a photo. I love the idea of someone (besides my family) thinking that my photos are wonderful, beautiful...and sometime even artistic. I am completely HOOKED!

I will share some of my favorites .... SOON.
Just be patient.... and you can judge for yourself (don't really judge..... just like them....okay?)

More soon....I promise.

Walking out on a limb to find a cure.

Saturday- October 3, 2010

What a great day.
My family had the distinct privilege to join the

"Team Treetop" in their quest for a cure for Juvenile Diabetes.

Our Family, along with THOUSANDS of others joined in the effort to raise money and awareness of Juvenile Diabetes.

The walk was held in Forest Park. The weather was cool, but very pleasant.

The crowd were filled with people who share a common bond. Each of these people knows and probably loves someone with diabetes.

The mood was upbeat, and celebratory.

It as amazing....to be a part of something SO IMPORTANT !

We played a part in raising lots of money for this great cause.

I had a wonderful time. I was nervous and excited to meet my friend, Sara's family.

What if Adam thought I was a total flake.... What if her mom thinks I'm a bad influence...

(not sure why I was nervous...I didn't want her mom to tell her she can't hang out with me)

I was so impressed with Sara's mom. She was such a cheerful, vibrant woman.

I only spent a short time with her mom...but I really liked her.

I can totally see where Sara gets her personality.

I plan to walk again next year...but am setting my own personal goals for the Schmoll family to raise even more in our donations.

It feels good to make a difference....

I think that is a good....NO... a great lesson to teach my children.

(Thanks to the Sara family for the opportunity )

Apple Picking Tradition

A long time tradition. Apple picking at Eckerts Orchards.

We have gone every year since Emily was about 2.

We always go before lunchtime...so we can sample LOTS of apples while in the orchard.

Rowdy always reminds the kids not to pick apples up off the ground (I think they know that by now). I always tag along behind with camera in hand. Rowdy always points out a "giant" apple high in the trees, and picks the kids up to pick that perfect apple. (They keep growing and it seems to be getting harder to lift them up.... the kids , not the apples)

We always get apple cider when we are done picking....

We always have a GREAT time.

I love fall.... I love apple picking...

I love my family......

Happy to make memories!

Practice, Practice, Practice

"Nikki and Brian"

Create a free slideshow with Picnik!

Recently I had the pleasure of taking photos of a very special friend of mine, and her new fiance'. This is just a sample of SOME of the photos we took on that VERY hot evening. I am not finished cropping and editing the photos, but I know that Nikki (and her mom) are anxious to see the photos.... so here is a taste.

(disclaimer- I am new at this...It is a learning process.... but I love the process!)

A moment to blog.

I can't believe how long it has been since I sat down to blog. I hate when I take such a long break from blogging. I feel guilty. Like I have cheated myself and my family out of updates on the latest news. How funny is that...like anyone really cares... I can count on one hand how many people actually READ this blog.
Regardless....

I guess I haven't blogged much, because not much has be happening. School has begun, and things there are CRAZY. I am not sure what is happening this year, but it is crazy. Without divulging too much information...I can say that I have had more borken bones, allergic reactions, consuming poisonous berries, and potty training incidents in the first two weeks of school....than in the last 4 years combined. CRAZY>

Emily and Jake are off to a great start at school this year.

Emily is in several advanced classes this year, and seems to be breezing through them with no problems. She is taking advanced band and jazz band as her electives. She is quite good on the saxaphone these days.
Emily has also found a new love...she is a volunteer at a local Animal Hospital. She volunteers every week, and is loving it. She hopes that this experience will help her to decide the direction she wants to concentrate on in college.

Jake is enjoying 6th grade. He is getting great grades and seems to get these marks rather effortlessly. He is concentrating his free time on excercise and "working out". He has become very dedicated to the eliptical and has become a great "coach" for me. Of course he still loves to hang out in the basement and play computer games. He is a typical 11 year old...after all.

Rowdy and I work and spend time with the children.... and that seems to be all there is time for. I did get a chance to take some photos for a very dear friend. My neighbor and friend's daughter recently became engaged, and I had the pleasure of taking their engagement photos. It was fun, and I am proud of the photos.
I will probably post them once I have a chance to create a slideshow. Soon I will be busy taking Senior Portraits. That is so exciting...and scary!

Hopefully I will not break for too long before the next post.

Until then......

Back to School....already!

I can't believe that summer vacation is over. It flew by, and before I knew it, it was time.
Time to stock up on school supplies, time to pick out new school shoes and choose a new outfit for the first day of school. Time to get back in to the routine of early bed times and EARLY wake up alarms.

I can't believe that my children are growing up so fast. It seems like just yesterday that we were coaching them on things they should know in kindergarten. We were worried about them missing us and crying in school. We worried that they would spill their milk into their lunch tray, and be too afraid to tell the teacher. We were tying their shoes for them, and putting bows in their hair that matched their outfit. We were sharing the excitement of a new experience, pretending that we were so very confident....while wanting so badly to tell them not to go to school..just to stay home with us....forever.....

And now.... My youngest child.... is starting 6th grade. WOW. He is turning into such an amazing young man. He is such an intelligent boy, and has such an amazing , infectious sense of humor. He is quick witted and ready to make you laugh and smile....but is also ALWAYS quick to hug, kiss and snuggle up with me. He is so independent much of the time....but still loves that I tuck him in at bedtime where we always share our thoughts and dreams and extra hugs. I love that. Jake- you make me proud every single day. I love you!


And Emily, 8th grade! Where has the time gone?

I can't believe that my little freckled face girl with the bow in her hair is just so grown up. She is such an incredible young lady. She is so brilliant and creative, she amazes me! Emily has so much passion and commitment to her ideals. Emily is my quiet, sometimes shy, sometimes embarrassed little girl. She loves to talk, share her thoughts and snuggle. She is my "old soul". I love that!
Emily, You make me proud every single day. I love you!

Adventures in Babysitting

Yesterday we got to babysit our favorite little people...Kate and Camden. What fun! Emily and Jake were so excited. We had lots of fun. Cam chased the cat (Jake followed close behind to make sure that he did not catch her), Emily played Barbie horse ranch on the computer with Kate. We played with playdough...(Jake was not allowed to play because the playdough was pink...and pink is for girls.....according to Kate.) We enjoyed dinosaur shaped nuggets and smiley face fries for lunch.

It was a good day. It was a fun day. Emily and Jake liked babysitting....but neither one will be asking for a little brother or sister any time soon..... they realize how much work little people can be!!!

BRANSON BALLKNOCKERS

And this....is the Missouri Balknockers.

In essence it is a GIANT hamster ball that the brave (or the insane) climb into- strap themselves in....and get pushed down a giant hill. Sending the riders...tumbling head over heels down the hill.

Emily was ready to jump in right away. Jake- being a bit more cautious- took some time to get his nerves up.

Emily and Jake rode it two times. The first time they rode it strapped inside. The second time they were not strapped in....and they added 5 gallons of water inside, and plugged up the hole- making it a giant "water slide" inside the ball.

THEY LOVED IT!

I have video I hope to add to the post soon....so check back soon.