Christmas 2011

Christmas this year snuck up on me. I am not sure how or why...but I just did not have my usual CHRISTMAS spirit. I don't think I was exactly a scrooge, or a grinch, but I am certain I was not my usual festive self.

I tried-- I shopped, I listened to Christmas music, I read the story of the birth of Christ, I wrapped over 265 gifts for less fortunate children at our school. My family "adopted" a family who was struggling this Christmas (I really did have fun shopping for this famiy). I baked fudge and traditional holiday goodies....

but I just never got it. I never got that feeling that only comes at Christmas.
It bumms me out to admit it, but it is the truth.
And now it is over....and honestly....I am glad, and sad all at the same time.

I am glad it is over--- so glad that I took down the tree and ALL signs of Christmas. It is all packed away. I am sad that I feel this way. I am not sad in general. No holiday blues that I can tell....

I just never got it this year. Not sure why. Can't put my finger on it.... but I know that I don't have "it".

I did take photos of our multiple Christmas celebrations.... but even my photos show that I just did not have "it".
Christmas at Granny's

Christmas in Memphis

Christmas Morning


I hope all of you had a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!
I hope your new year comes with bountiful blessings.
I hope you all know how very much you are loved and that you are important to
the "schmoll world".
chat soon. :)

Murder Mystery DInner

Jake's team in school recently read Agatha Christy's "And Then There Were None".
After reading the novel, the students decided they wanted to write a murder mystery as well. His classmates stayed after school , gave up lunch shifts and spent countless hours writing a script for their murder mystery. Their teachers we so supportive and eventually the idea was hatched to create an evening out of all their hard work. The students decided they wanted to perform their present their masterpiece in the form of a MYSTERY DINNER THEATER.

The night has arrived, we are all kept in suspense as to the plot of the evening.
As we arrived in the school gymnasium, we realized it had been transformed into
the reception hall for a wedding reception. The tables had centerpieces and the head table had flowers. There was even a wedding cake.

The bridal party arrived and the guests were served a wonderful dinner--- just like a "real" wedding reception. Meanwhile the wedding party mingled about the guests.
The "actors" never broke character--- (Jake introduced himself to our table as the groom- Liam.).

The evening progressed much like any other wedding reception---until tragedy hit... a MURDER, then another, and another and another.

We were all captivated and saddened by the mayhem in the gym.....

After all was said and done---- the mother of the bride killed 7 people before falling to her own death of heart failure....

It was a Wedding Reception to remember.

The kids worked so hard on this evening.....and it was WONDERFUL!!!!!!