The dress was perfect, the hair was just right, the date was the one she hoped for, the ride in the sweet car was a bonus. And a good time was had.
Monday, October 1, 2012
Homecoming 2012
The dress was perfect, the hair was just right, the date was the one she hoped for, the ride in the sweet car was a bonus. And a good time was had.
Monday, September 3, 2012
Testing, Testing....123. "Let's have a Paint War"
It is the perfect activity for a lazy holiday weekend. I LOVED the idea of a Paint War... and the kids were into it as well. We decided it would be a great deal of fun if we can set up a BIG paint war with lots of friend. We considered a "cousins paint war" but realized that the cousins who would actually participate in the fun...would only bring our group up to 5..... so we decided we would start planning a BIG paint war with friends and friends of friends....
BUT.... WE NEEDED TO TEST OUT THE PLAN.....
AND so the TEST began...
BUT.... WE NEEDED TO TEST OUT THE PLAN.....
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Finally- a new post.... Back to School
I say it every time I sign onto my blog..... IT has been SUCH a LONG time since I posted anything.
So.. nothing has changed. It has been 2 months since my last post. How ridiculous is that!
Summer was so uneventful for the Schmoll family. Obviously we went on a wet family vacation to Orlando.
After that we just kinda hung out here, at home, in the air conditioned house. Emily and I worked at summer school. It was only 15 days, and Emily enjoyed the kids. Once summer school was out.... the summer heat was in FULL motion here in St Louis. It was so hot, we just couldn't venture out too often.
We found our way to a couple of movies, and we went to the orchard to pick peaches and blackberries, and we hung out at home. I had a few fun photo shoots and a couple of weddings to photograph.
That is about it.... sad as that may be. It was just TOO HOT !
Now summer is over. (I am sad). School started last week and now the countdown to next summer will begin (167 school days). (Yes I am counting).
Emily and Jake are starting their Sophmore and 8th grade years. I can't believe that! Emily is so focused on school and she is so excited for the school year. Jake is, well, Jake. He likes school, he missed his friends and is excited to hang out with them again..... but he really enjoyed his video game/computer filled summer.
I am back in my office, already seeing the same "frequent flyers" that I saw last year ( yup, only day 2 and they are already visiting). My office partner is wonderful, she is fun to be around and I feel like she is always a wealth of knowledge. I know we are going to have a good year.
Well, I hate to admit it, but there is not much else to catch up on. I will try to keep updates more frequent....but no promises.
Here are some snapshots of the first day of school....
So.. nothing has changed. It has been 2 months since my last post. How ridiculous is that!
Summer was so uneventful for the Schmoll family. Obviously we went on a wet family vacation to Orlando.
After that we just kinda hung out here, at home, in the air conditioned house. Emily and I worked at summer school. It was only 15 days, and Emily enjoyed the kids. Once summer school was out.... the summer heat was in FULL motion here in St Louis. It was so hot, we just couldn't venture out too often.
We found our way to a couple of movies, and we went to the orchard to pick peaches and blackberries, and we hung out at home. I had a few fun photo shoots and a couple of weddings to photograph.
That is about it.... sad as that may be. It was just TOO HOT !
Now summer is over. (I am sad). School started last week and now the countdown to next summer will begin (167 school days). (Yes I am counting).
Emily and Jake are starting their Sophmore and 8th grade years. I can't believe that! Emily is so focused on school and she is so excited for the school year. Jake is, well, Jake. He likes school, he missed his friends and is excited to hang out with them again..... but he really enjoyed his video game/computer filled summer.
I am back in my office, already seeing the same "frequent flyers" that I saw last year ( yup, only day 2 and they are already visiting). My office partner is wonderful, she is fun to be around and I feel like she is always a wealth of knowledge. I know we are going to have a good year.
Well, I hate to admit it, but there is not much else to catch up on. I will try to keep updates more frequent....but no promises.
Here are some snapshots of the first day of school....
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Our Disney- Universal Vacation
The Schmoll family just returned from a VERY waterlogged Disney Vacation. I thought we were visiting the "sunshine state"..... but Not so much!
Our Disney Vacation was centered around Jake's 13th birthday. That was the plan, to celebrate Jake's birthday in the Magical Kingdom.
Day Two was our first day in the parks. We decided to travel to Animal Kingdom first, and planned to go to Hollywood Studios to enjoy dinner and evening fireworks. And off we went. And in came the RAIN. And the Rain stayed...... all day long. And we got wet. But we made the best of it..... and we had fun.
Day Three - thru Day Six..... Parks..... Rain.... Rain Ponchos.... wet shoes..... humidity.....soaked clothes...... shivering in restaurants.... AMAZING food....pruned toes....blow drying our shoes nightly..... Rain, Rain, Rain.
BUT.... we made the best of it. We rode rides, we wore our ponchos, and we took pictures with wet hair and wet clothes....every time the rain let up for a few minutes. Jake embarked upon the sorcerer's game in the Magic Kingdom. We visited portal after portal defeating the villains. It was a great distraction from the rain and the rides that were closed due to the lightening.
Day 7 we checked out of Disney and went to visit my parents near Tampa....returning to Orlando that evening to check into the hotel near Universal Studios. And it rained. (again).
Day 8 Our first day in Islands of Adventures.... we enjoyed breakfast in "Harry Potter World's -Three Broomsticks". The sun peeked through the clouds and we had a day without rain. We were amazed.
Sun in Florida---- who would imagine such a thing.
Days 9 and 10 were filled with rides in Jurassic Park, Comic World and Harry Potter World. We had fun.
Harry Potter World was pretty amazing. We sampled "Butterbeer" and Pumpkin Juice just like Harry, Hermione and Ron.
Day 11- packed the van and head out at 3am. Rowdy was a trooper and we drove straight through to home. We were all so happy to be home.
It was an adventure. A WET adventure that included lots of Dramamine, ponchos and mole skin for blisters.... Jake had a 13th birthday he will remember for a long time. All the memories will be good ones.... Once they dry out....
Our Disney Vacation was centered around Jake's 13th birthday. That was the plan, to celebrate Jake's birthday in the Magical Kingdom.
We planned and packed and prepared..... We packed sunscreen and sun hats and aloe. We booked all the reservations for special dinners and celebrations. And off we went.
Day One- we arrived in Florida and planned to spend our first evening in Downtown Disney shopping and dining.. The sun was shining and everything was wonderful....
Day Three - thru Day Six..... Parks..... Rain.... Rain Ponchos.... wet shoes..... humidity.....soaked clothes...... shivering in restaurants.... AMAZING food....pruned toes....blow drying our shoes nightly..... Rain, Rain, Rain.
Day 8 Our first day in Islands of Adventures.... we enjoyed breakfast in "Harry Potter World's -Three Broomsticks". The sun peeked through the clouds and we had a day without rain. We were amazed.
Sun in Florida---- who would imagine such a thing.
Days 9 and 10 were filled with rides in Jurassic Park, Comic World and Harry Potter World. We had fun.
Harry Potter World was pretty amazing. We sampled "Butterbeer" and Pumpkin Juice just like Harry, Hermione and Ron.
Day 11- packed the van and head out at 3am. Rowdy was a trooper and we drove straight through to home. We were all so happy to be home.
It was an adventure. A WET adventure that included lots of Dramamine, ponchos and mole skin for blisters.... Jake had a 13th birthday he will remember for a long time. All the memories will be good ones.... Once they dry out....
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Not sure why....
Not sure why I just can't get it together . Not sure why I can't find the time, energy, motivation to sit down to keep up the blog. Not sure why. I love this blog. I really do. I love blogging....so why is it so difficult to set aside the time?
I have lots of excuses.... lots.... Like:
Jake's baseball season has begun. We try to practice twice a week, and we have a game each week.
The team is doing really well this year. SO far we have played 3 games, and we have won 2 of the 3. Jake is playing really well this year . He had an AMAZING game the other night. He was presented the "game ball" after an incredible catch at second base. He caught a HIGH line drive over his head at 2nd. He jumped in the air and twisted around...catching the ball and getting the OUT. It was awesome. Even the other team was cheering for him.. FUN! I really love watching him play ball.
Last weekend Jake participated in an academic competition. His team did really well and he had so much fun. After the competition his team performed a lip sync just for fun and his team won 2nd place. The competition was out of town, so Rowdy went on the trip to support Jake's team. (Thanks Rowdy.).
Meanwhile.....
A few weeks ago Emily participated in a regional band competition.... her ensemble did FANTASTIC and now they will be traveling to compete at the state competition.... YEA!!!
Emily received an IPA award today! That is an Important Person Award at the high school. Students are nominated by their teachers. The teachers have to present their nominated students to a committee who decides which students will receive this honor.... they narrow it down to about 25 students per grade level....and they are recognized for their "importance" and outstanding contributions to their high school community. It is quite an honor.... to be chosen 1 of 25 in a class of over 500. COOL huh?
Guess what else.... We have a student driver.... Yuuuup. You hear me right. Emily has her permit...and is practicing.......
I have lots of excuses.... lots.... Like:
Jake's baseball season has begun. We try to practice twice a week, and we have a game each week.
The team is doing really well this year. SO far we have played 3 games, and we have won 2 of the 3. Jake is playing really well this year . He had an AMAZING game the other night. He was presented the "game ball" after an incredible catch at second base. He caught a HIGH line drive over his head at 2nd. He jumped in the air and twisted around...catching the ball and getting the OUT. It was awesome. Even the other team was cheering for him.. FUN! I really love watching him play ball.
Last weekend Jake participated in an academic competition. His team did really well and he had so much fun. After the competition his team performed a lip sync just for fun and his team won 2nd place. The competition was out of town, so Rowdy went on the trip to support Jake's team. (Thanks Rowdy.).
Meanwhile.....
A few weeks ago Emily participated in a regional band competition.... her ensemble did FANTASTIC and now they will be traveling to compete at the state competition.... YEA!!!
Emily received an IPA award today! That is an Important Person Award at the high school. Students are nominated by their teachers. The teachers have to present their nominated students to a committee who decides which students will receive this honor.... they narrow it down to about 25 students per grade level....and they are recognized for their "importance" and outstanding contributions to their high school community. It is quite an honor.... to be chosen 1 of 25 in a class of over 500. COOL huh?
Guess what else.... We have a student driver.... Yuuuup. You hear me right. Emily has her permit...and is practicing.......
I could make jokes....but I will tell the truth....she is doing very well.
(but I still may have to color my hair again to cover all the grey)
Rowdy and Eddie are working hard..... they just finished qualification...and Everyone PASSED!!!
Eddie celebrated by laying on the couch and watching "Animal Planet".
We have a New hobby- a family activity.
We have been Geo-Caching.
FUN! We have had lots of FUN!
(horrible photo...but I took it with my phone...sorry)
See- there is LOTS going on. I do have lots to include in the blog....
I just seem to be everywhere but at home on the computer...
But hopefully I will do better....
I will try...
I guess I answered my own question....
you know....about Why I can't seem to keep up on the blog...
I'm just busy....
busy being
A MOM.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
RE-THINK
Reasons to RE-think employment in an elementary school:
Sitting in your office and you hear a conversation outside your door ---the opening sentence ..." Boogers are NOT for sharing"
A student comes into your office (nurse's office) and tries to convince you that
"IT WAS AN ACCIDENT".... as you discover that he has pea gravel rocks STUCK in BOTH ears AND both nostrils.......
A kindergarten student enters your room announcing "I had a PeePee accident". You turn to discover a child wet from his armpit to his toes..... Nothing unusual...you think...
Until you realize... HE did not urinate on himself.... his friend at the NEXT urinal peed on him because "he wanted to see if he could stand at his side (urinal) and make it into my side (urinal)."
THAT was MY Monday. Hope yours was AS much FUN!!!
Chat soon.
Sitting in your office and you hear a conversation outside your door ---the opening sentence ..." Boogers are NOT for sharing"
A student comes into your office (nurse's office) and tries to convince you that
"IT WAS AN ACCIDENT".... as you discover that he has pea gravel rocks STUCK in BOTH ears AND both nostrils.......
A kindergarten student enters your room announcing "I had a PeePee accident". You turn to discover a child wet from his armpit to his toes..... Nothing unusual...you think...
Until you realize... HE did not urinate on himself.... his friend at the NEXT urinal peed on him because "he wanted to see if he could stand at his side (urinal) and make it into my side (urinal)."
THAT was MY Monday. Hope yours was AS much FUN!!!
Chat soon.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Life is Busy.
Holy Cow... I have not blogged in over a month.
Why do I do that?
Or should the question be..."Why don't I do it?"
Things in the "Schmoll World" are busy.
There is always lots going on....but I have to admit
most of it just does not seem "Blog-worthy".
Emily is LOVING the high school experience.
She is always busy with projects.... which means that WE are always busy
helping with projects.
Her latest one was a scale model of the EIFFEL Tower....
made out of toothpicks.....yep, you read that right.
How crazy are we for taking that on...
CRAZY....but it came out AWESOME.
Isn't it awesome. (the sprite can was set there so you could see how big it is).
Jake is loving 7th grade. His report card proves it. He is an A student as well and is very dedicated. (Although sometimes I have to remind him of that...hahaha).
Jake's "down-time" is spent on x-box, and the computer. He is a you-tube fan and LOVES to watch music "stuff". He has a ridiculous knowledge of songs. His friends call him "i-tunes".
Jake's new obsession is in-line skating. He skates with friends every weekend.
He is also returning to his baseball team for the 5th year.
As far as Rowdy and I are concerned..... most of our time is spent at work...and driving kids to and from activities. Like most parents we live in the car playing
chauffeur.
Well- I am out of time... it is time to get ready to pick Emily up from her Jazz competitions..... back to the car !
See what I mean--- not really "blog-worthy".... oh well.....
it can't all be exciting .
Chat soon!
Why do I do that?
Or should the question be..."Why don't I do it?"
Things in the "Schmoll World" are busy.
There is always lots going on....but I have to admit
most of it just does not seem "Blog-worthy".
Emily is LOVING the high school experience.
She is always busy with projects.... which means that WE are always busy
helping with projects.
Her latest one was a scale model of the EIFFEL Tower....
made out of toothpicks.....yep, you read that right.
How crazy are we for taking that on...
CRAZY....but it came out AWESOME.
Isn't it awesome. (the sprite can was set there so you could see how big it is).
Jake is loving 7th grade. His report card proves it. He is an A student as well and is very dedicated. (Although sometimes I have to remind him of that...hahaha).
Jake's "down-time" is spent on x-box, and the computer. He is a you-tube fan and LOVES to watch music "stuff". He has a ridiculous knowledge of songs. His friends call him "i-tunes".
Jake's new obsession is in-line skating. He skates with friends every weekend.
He is also returning to his baseball team for the 5th year.
As far as Rowdy and I are concerned..... most of our time is spent at work...and driving kids to and from activities. Like most parents we live in the car playing
chauffeur.
Well- I am out of time... it is time to get ready to pick Emily up from her Jazz competitions..... back to the car !
See what I mean--- not really "blog-worthy".... oh well.....
it can't all be exciting .
Chat soon!
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Happy Birthday Emily
I can't believe she is 15. Can you????
Emily had a fun filled Birthday weekend. She was busy, busy, busy!
Her celebration started off with an award ceremony for school. She was nominated and received an IPA (Important Person Award) for her strong academics and her outstanding citizenship in the Freshman class. (so proud of her!!!)
Next she celebrated her birthday with her Pep Band buddies.... she performed at the varsity basketball game. The band kids all wore top hats and sunglasses in honor of Emily's birthday. After the game they sang to her and shared a giant cookie cake.
Her birthday celebrations continued with a Winter Formal. We spent the day getting hair done, followed by pictures , dinner and an evening of dancing with her friends.
**** click on the "winter formal" **** to view LARGER Photos
Finally we had the chance to celebrate as a family with a good Chinese dinner and a cheesecake and presents.
Emily- You are such a beautiful and amazing young woman.... and I hope you had a memorable birthday (all 4 days of it ;)
Love you so much!!!!
Emily had a fun filled Birthday weekend. She was busy, busy, busy!
Her celebration started off with an award ceremony for school. She was nominated and received an IPA (Important Person Award) for her strong academics and her outstanding citizenship in the Freshman class. (so proud of her!!!)
Next she celebrated her birthday with her Pep Band buddies.... she performed at the varsity basketball game. The band kids all wore top hats and sunglasses in honor of Emily's birthday. After the game they sang to her and shared a giant cookie cake.
Her birthday celebrations continued with a Winter Formal. We spent the day getting hair done, followed by pictures , dinner and an evening of dancing with her friends.
**** click on the "winter formal" **** to view LARGER Photos
Finally we had the chance to celebrate as a family with a good Chinese dinner and a cheesecake and presents.
Emily- You are such a beautiful and amazing young woman.... and I hope you had a memorable birthday (all 4 days of it ;)
Love you so much!!!!
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