The Hummel Family

Visit with Santa!

2009-12-21T12:47:00.008-06:00

Last night after Chad and I got back from STL (which I have no pictures of)(who wants to see us anyways??), we took the girls to see Santa and then go look at lights. I knew Ella was excited to see him, but I wasn't sure of what Lauren's reaction would be. She sat on his lap the whole time. She was a little skeptical and hesitant acting..she was very serious in most of the pictures as she was listening to him talk...but she did very well!

Smiles! Ella even gave Santa a hug at the end...and they both told him Thank you!

Ella wants Strawberry Shortcake, crayons, and a Barbie Car...

Lauren wanted a baby...

Lauren checking Santa out!

So serious!

But she did wear the hat Santa gave her for the rest of the evening.

Ella posing like normal! :)

Merry Christmas from St. Dominic's Preschool!

2009-12-21T12:35:00.009-06:00

Last Wednesday Ella's preschool (3 year olds) and her cousin Garrett's preschool class (4 year olds) were part of the school's Christmas show. They sang a couple of songs and were part of the Nativity scene. Ella was one of the angels. We had terrible seats...so pictures are few and far between. She is the 2nd one from the right...the purple angle. :)

Garrett is in the white shirt in front of the microphone.

Ella behind "Mary."

Ella is in purple...

Great Grandpa Hummel and Lauren

Great Uncle Roger, Aunt Kaleena, and Lo.

Ella's Christmas Recital

2009-12-21T12:18:00.016-06:00

Last weekend Ella had her Christmas Dance Recital. Our parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins were able to join us for some Christmas cheer! Ella danced a tap number to Jingle Bells. She did really well, and I think compeletely enjoyed it. (She actually didn't make it on stage last Christmas...but she was a rock star this year!) This is Ella and her little friend Danielle before the show. They were so excited. Danielle is Ella's dancing partner in a picture below.

Ella is in the middle.

Kickin' high!

Danielle and Ella. They are the 4 year olds in the class.

My little dancer.

Ella is the 6th one from the left.

You can tell easily in these pictures who the 3 year olds are and who the 4 year olds are! ;)

She was quite the poser this day...

Lauren posing for a rare picture.

"Are you supposed to be doing that?!" ;)

The girlies.

At home before we left...

Bowling for Brady's Birthday!

2009-12-21T12:11:00.007-06:00

The girls and I headed in to the bowling alley to bowl for Brady's birthday a few weeks ago. Chad was at work (surprise, surprise!), but we had a good time...and Lauren was good (surprise, surprise!) :0)

The "good" girl!

Time for cake...a Harley Davidson one!

Karmon showing Ella how to bowl...she forgot from the last time.

Visiting Daddy in the Field

2009-11-09T08:19:00.009-06:00

We miss our daddy! As a lot of you can relate, the girls and I have been on our own the past few weeks. So when we can, we try to make it out to the field to take lunch or just make a quick visit. Yesterday was so pretty that we took lunch and had a little picnic with Daddy!

They were running to see him. ;)

Lauren on a mission to shut the door...it HAD to be done. :)

Garrett's 5th Birthday

2009-11-09T08:08:00.014-06:00

To finish off the gorgeous day we had Saturday, we headed out to my sister-in-law's house for my nephew's 5th birthday party. We had a weiner roast and a hayride. The weather was absolutely perfect. We wanted to have a hayride for Ella's birthday, but the weather just didn't cooperate. Saturday, however, was perfect. I didn't get any pics of the party, but the hayride was a hit! Above is Chad's dad and Garrett's brother, Gavin along with Ella, Lauren, Chad, and our friend, Maggie.

Me, Ella, and Maggie...

Nice...She is something... :)

Papa, Gavin, Garrett, and his mom, Shelley in the background.

This turned out okay for a self portrait.

Jenna Mae

Kaleena and Logan

Maggie and Ella

Mama and Lo

Enjoying November!

2009-11-09T07:53:00.018-06:00

Saturday had to be the nicest day of fall! The girls and I spent the morning at the park while Chad was at his captain's test. We're used to being on our own this time of year! So we made the most of the day by spending a lot of it outside. We hung out at the park for a couple of hours and made a lunch trip to McDonalds...or as Lauren calls it "PinkDonalds"...don't ask...I don't know. Here are a bunch of shots of the girls playing and being silly...Enjoy!

Getting them both to sit still for the camera is virtually impossible...these are the best 2!

I do like these two pictures of Ella...she is turning into a little model...she actually likes getting her picture taken now.

She was so proud of herself for climing up and sitting on these stools. Yay!!! :)

Playing in the leaves...hope there are more days like this in store for November. We had a blast!

Lauren's 2nd Birthday...finally! :)

2009-11-06T15:46:00.018-06:00

Happy 2nd Birthday, Lauren...in November! We had just gotten back from vacation on a Tuesday, bought a house that same day, tore out our last bathroom on Wednesday, and was in the middle of putting it back together along with many other last minute improvements while we had Lauren's birthday on Friday of that week. It was a busy month...August was. My mom had the only pictures from Lauren's party. My camera wasn't unpacked from vacation, so Mom took the pics. Here is my baby! She's getting to big and is plenty full of attitude to go with it!

Mom and Lo.

My grandma, "Gran" and Lo.

Almost too tempting...

The balloons were the biggest hit of the party!

My big 2 year old!

Have to have some "nem & nems".. :)

Lo is all personality...I wonder where she got that from???!!!

My two pretty girls!

Enjoying dinner...

Serving cake....

Opening presents....(i wish i were still this tan!!)

Notice the change in outfit??? Lauren HAD to put on her new Dora jammies before we could continue opening gifts...we had plenty of help with that!

Halloween!!!

2009-11-02T09:16:00.019-06:00

The matching butterflies had a great time Trick-or-Treating this year. Chad had to work again this year, so it was me and the girls solo! He has only been off for one Halloween since Ella has been around. So Halloween's are usually pretty exhausting for myself. ;) I did manage to get a couple of good pics of the girls together which is very rare.

All ready to go!

Cheese!

Ella loved the wings on their costumes!

Heading out the front door...

...to go see Papa Mike.

The girls were wound up by the time we got down to Chad's parents. They got books and Candy.

The we headed back into town to see Anthony and "Karka."

Anthony was teasing them with fake "piders."

Going to see Daddy at the fire station.

Daddy and his girls.

Mommy and the grouchy butterfly.

Driving the trucks.

Out to see "Great Papa." Our pictures got progressively worse as the night went on! ;) It was a fun night, and they had plenty of candy to last for several days.

Halloween at Dance!

2009-11-02T09:09:00.006-06:00

Ella's dance class all dressed up in their costumes on Thursday. Everyone was really cute, and they did really well posing for their pictures! Ella is the little pink butterfly on the front row to the right.

The cute little butterfly in her tap shoes.

The whole group...Miss Beth was a hippie!

My other little "monster." She put her raisins on the ledge while watching Ella dance. Not sure how sanitary it was, but it kept her busy. I asked her "where are your raisins?" This was the pose I got!

Halloween at Work

2009-11-02T09:03:00.004-06:00

The group I work with at ADM dressed up as race car drivers. We were representing a campaign going on at work called "Customers Drive Our Success." Our group ended up winning the costume contest (Halloween is a big United Way fundraiser day for ADM)...and we raised money for the cause as well. The logos on our "race suits" are our customers logos...it turned out pretty neat.

Here are our lovely salesmen...the pit crew.

And Ann and Rachel hard at work! :)

Back to Dance with Miss Beth!

2009-10-12T16:17:00.006-05:00

Lauren occupying herself with a snack while waiting! She is much better this year...which means less chasing for me! ;)

Ella is the 2nd one from Miss Beth in the black leotard with Hanna Montana on the front...go figure!

She loves dance, and I can already tell how much she has progressed since last year. I am very glad we stayed with Heinze!

Stretching!!

All the little girls...

Lauren was 2!!!

2009-10-12T16:02:00.015-05:00

Such a big girl!!!

2 years old!!!

August 09...waiting on Ella at dance.

In May/June 09.

1.5 at Easter time.

One year old on vacation!

At her first birthday!!!

August 08...my rock wall climber.

July 08...Lauren almost one.

The girls at Christmas 07...Lauren about 5 months.

Daddy and Lauren...about a month.

Mommy and her girls...Lauren about 2 weeks.

Lauren Ann on August 3, 2007...all 7 pounds of her!

Way Behind!!

2009-10-12T16:01:00.001-05:00

Just a warning that I was way behind (and still am)! I don't have any of Lauren's second birthday on here. My mom has the pictures, but I will get them added as soon as she gives them to me...just didnt' want you to think we left her out! She had a big Elmo party in the midst of all of our August/September chaos!!! :)

The Cowgirl Birthday Party!!!

2009-10-12T15:45:00.011-05:00

Friday night the 9th, we had Ella's birthday party at our house. It rained all day, and we ended up cancelling the hayride, but we had the wiener roast, and most everyone we invited was able to make it in spite of the wet and cold. Ella wanted to have a pink cowgirl party. She had the boots and the bandana, so I had a cake made and it turned out really cute...

She's so big!

My babies!!

I love this picture!

I was so hot in these pictures...I am sweating really bad and changed shortly after. I guess it wasn't as cold as I thought! ;)

We got Ella this hopscotch game, and she loves it. It is a "Melissa and Doug" brand...for those of you who are looking for a neat gift.

Some of the kiddos!

Some of our guests...

Carisa's Wedding

2009-10-12T15:33:00.014-05:00

Saturday after Ella's party, the girls and I drove to Columbia to go to my friend, Carisa Berti's wedding. We got to Columbia early afternoon and checked in the hotel so we could take a nap! The girls and I slept for over 2 hours. We needed it! Here they are goofing around the hotel room after naptime.

Lauren wanted out of the playpen so Ella pushed this chair up there so she could climb out!

Conspiracy!

The girls before the wedding!!

Awww.

Can you feel the excitement in this picture???!!! It cracks me up.

Ella was a dancing machine. Just ask her she'll tell you she was. I don't think she ever stopped dancing...even to eat wedding cake!

Lolo...I don't think she ever quit running away! Todd (Michelle Dimmitt's husband) found her for me once when I was frantically looking for her....Let's just say this wasn't the most relaxing trip ever!

The only picture I had of Carisa leading the locomotion! She was absolutely beautiful, and I hope that her and Matt have a wonderful life together!!!

Ella in the "train."

Ella dancing...Lauren watching. Notice the girl in the short white dress behind Ella? It's Kelsey Carisa's niece. Ella fell in love with her (and her dress which had black sparkly butterflies on it)!! Whereve Kelsey was on the dance floor that is where your would find Ella! :)

I think this is the one time that night that Lauren sat for like 5 consecutive minutes. She was blowing bubbles...but we had a good time, and I'm glad we went. It was nice to catch up with Brooke, Michelle, Carisa, and Lauren. As well as see some friends from Shelbina.

Branson in July

2009-10-12T15:19:00.012-05:00

So our lives have been a little crazy since we got home at the end of July. We went to Branson for 5 nights at the end July, and while we were there we found out about the house that we now live in. We got back on a Tuesday and were in contract with these people before we even got home after being gone for 6 days. Then we had to come home and get our house ready to put on the market. So we got home, bought a house, got back to our house and started ripping out the last bathroom that we had to do yet that night. Needless to say the rest of our summer (August, September, and the first 2 weeks of October) have been ridiculously crazy and busy. I am WAY behind on posts and don't even know where to begin so if things are out of order just bear with me!

Lauren at Silver Dollar City. I didn't hardly get any pictures on vacation. I tired to relax, and that meant I just went with the flow without my camera.

Mommy and Ella before Dixie Stampede

Daddy and Lauren before Dixie Stampede. We've been several times, but they absolutley loved it this year...and ate really well!

Checking out the fish at Bass Pro Shops.

Notice Lauren's leash? It was actually kind of nice to have, and she loved it.

Lauren at the go carts.

A rare Mommy/Daddy pic.

On the merry go ride!

We spent way too much money riding go carts while we were gone, but the girls loved it!

My little poser...

Ella's First Day of Preschool

2009-10-12T15:15:00.007-05:00

Such a big girl. Ella loves her preschool at St. Dominic's this year!

Ella and Mrs. Steinkamp

She was so excited about starting school...I hope it lasts.

She was sick earlier in the week, but by Thursday she was ready to go. Can you tell??

Our New House

2009-10-12T15:05:00.009-05:00

For those who don't know, we moved at the end of September to a "new to us" home outside of Quincy. It is on 5 acres, and we love it! For some reason I haven't taken too many pictures, but here are a few. I will get more up maybe next week when I have some time to tidy things up over the weekend! Between moving, buying, selling, packing, unpacking, work, school, dance, girlies, and the rest of life...we've been a "little" busy!

Here is our family room. I love all of our hardwood floors throughout the house. They are beautiful!

Lauren and Daddy mowing...

Ella and Daddy mowing...we have lots of yard to mow. It takes about 3.5 hours for one person to ride.

Ella has plenty of room to ride her bike now!

The girls absolutely loved their rooms. Mom and Dad took the girls over the weekend we moved, and I made it my mission to have their rooms COMPLETELY done when they got home. I succeeded and it was well worth the effort to see how excited they were.

Ella makes her bed and picks up her room every day still...I wonder how long it will last.

Lauren loves butterflies...she kept running around the room pointing to them all.

"nother one." :) I'm just glad we're all settled in especially before it got cold anc Chad got in the field!

My Baby is 4!

2009-10-12T14:44:00.016-05:00

Before Carisa's wedding on Saturday.

Happy 4th Birthday, Ella!

The 4 year old Cowgirl! Can you believe how old she looks here???

August 2009...first day of school

January 2009....3.5 years

At her third birthday...the Princess Party.

Smokies in July 08...almost 3!

January 08...

2 years old with new baby sis!

2 years...October 07

19 months in July 07

Almost one in September 08

About 6 months. A little "chunker" in March 06

Ella Danielle Hummel: 10/11/05

Audrey Left Me!

2009-04-14T09:37:00.007-05:00

My good friend, Audrey, left ADM Quincy to go to work at our corporate headquarters in Decatur, IL. We had a "little" night out for her on her last Friday in Quincy. Here is her boss' boss..."Cheers to Audrey."

Audrey (on the left) and Jenny B.

Jenny J, Meghan, and Jenny B.

Me and Tory!

Tory, Audrey, Lisa, and me...we had a good time.. ;)

The Chad, Audrey, Bria

Audrey's boss, Dave, thought it would be a great idea for us to have a tequila shot! Cheers, Audrey. I miss you!!!

Chad's Birthday..which was in February!

2009-04-14T08:13:00.006-05:00

Okay some I'm behind...at least I'm not like Geni B. (I mean Geni A.) and still uploading Christmas pictures!!! :) LOL!! We had Chad's parents over for dinner on Chad's birthday on the 18th of February...the same day as my cousin Emily had her new baby, Kinley.

Most of the gang minus me who is always taking the pictures.

Chad's youngest sister, Kaleena lighting the candles.

Papa Mike, Gavin, Chad's sister Shelley, and her husband Kurt.

Happy Birthday, Dear Daddy....!!!

Easter at Mom and Dad's

2009-04-14T07:53:00.017-05:00

Amaya, Ella, and Mom decorating Easter egg sugar cookies.

Everyone got a kick out of Lauren decorating the cookies. She had sugar everywhere. Somehow I doubt we got away with making that kind of mess when we were kids! ;)

"Antny" helping out...

Antny and Karka...

Lauren was upset here because we took one of her cookies away to swap out for a new one b/c she had so much sugar on it! Lauren knows how to throw a good fit! I guess she learned from the best! ;)

Ella and Mammy, and my Grandma.

Ella and Mammy...

My brother the expert kite flier.

Papa and Lauren checking out the kites.

Anthony helping the kiddos with their bubble guns...as good as Anthony was with the kids, I think they need one of their own! :)

Ella getting attacked by Auston!

All the kids love Jackie.

Lauren and her bubble gun. Notice it's upside down. Mom would have to help her "prime" the bubbles and then she could shoot them like this until they ran out...then she got mad, then mom helped her, then she got mad b/c she wanted to do it herself, and on and on...Lauren the independant!

Mom trying to keep Lauren all smiles!

Ella loves bubbles!

Easter Morning

2009-04-14T07:45:00.009-05:00

The bunny found our house! Here is Ella and some of her loot from the day.

Trying out some of the new goodies. I think the Easter Bunny thought we had plenty of toys so he focused on "Crayola" type gifts, shoes, swim suits, etc... :)

Lauren and her tadoodles...

"Wow!!!" I caught this shot as they were running in the living room.

Flip-flops!!!! Ella's favorite!

Lauren loves Pooh!

Ella's swim suit..she likes the ones that have "skirts."

All of the loot before the girls dug in!

Easter Vigil

2009-04-14T07:36:00.005-05:00

Mommy and Ella. Lauren wasn't cooperating (imagine that) for our pictures. So her presence is limited in our pictures! :) We went to Saturday night service and only made it an hour and a half of the 3 hour mass. Lauren was done! It was neat thought, and Ella really enjoyed the candle prosession...

Lauren...20 months.

Ella...3 years and 6 months

The pretty girls.

Daddy and Ella before church.

Easter Part I

2009-04-13T10:36:00.007-05:00

Happy Easter! I hope everyone had a nice weekend! Here are some pictures that my mom took at her house yesterday, and a couple from the previous weekend at my Uncle Bruce's house. I will post a bunch more...hopefully tomorrow, but we all know what kind of blogger I am..so we'll see. :)

The girls dancing in their pretty dresses.

My brother and Lauren decorating cookies...she loved it...Mom's floor is covered in sugar.

Mammy and Papa.

The girls at my Grandma's house before Uncle Bruce's big Easter Egg Hunt! She is an eclectic decorator... :) (Notice the hanging duck)! ;)

Pinkalicious!!!

2009-03-26T15:19:00.003-05:00

Tuesday Ella had group dance pictures before their recital in May. These are their dance costumes, and they are super cute. Ella got the book "Pinkalicious" for Christmas this year, and she says this is her "pinkalicious" dance outfit. She gets her magic wand (that came with the book), and runs around the house pretending she's a princess. I just hope she doesn't ruin her costume before May.

I had to snap this picture really quick (that's why it's a little blurry). I took it with my phone, but I thought these three were super cute. Plus you can see how poofy the tutu is. Ella is the little princess on the far left.

Kinley Marie Maddex

2009-02-19T15:54:00.004-06:00

My cousin Emily had her second little girl last night. Kinley Marie is her name. She is the newest baby girl in our family. She weighed 6# 10 oz and was 19 inches long. She and Chad have the same birthday!

Little pudgy cheeks...

Daddy and big sister Kaelyn lovin on Kinley.

Visiting Daddy at Work

2009-02-18T15:53:00.005-06:00

Sunday we visited the fire department and saw Chad. The girls enjoyed climbing all over the fire truck...

Cheese!

Lauren

Ella

Recognized by the Governor!

2009-02-18T15:30:00.012-06:00

The family...with Ella sort of cooperating.

not cooperating.

IL Governor Pat Quinn

These are kind of dark, but we were kind of far away...3 Quincy Fire Fighters (Chad, Jerry Smith, and Jerry Mast) along with one Quincy Police Officer were recognized on Saturday, February 14th, by the Governor, John Sullivan, Jil Tracy, John Spring, and former Mayor Chuck Scholz for saving the life of 2 men with an AED...a heart defibulator...I'm not an expert but it's something that administers shock to someone who has had a heart attack.

Here is Chad speaking about the emergency call where they saved the gentleman's life. We're very proud of him!

Fire Chief Lauren

Chad and his parents, Mike and Kay.

Chad's Proud Mama!

Jerry Smith, Jerry Mast, Chad, and Chief Scott Walker, the head of the QFD.

Jerry S, Jerry M, and our hero daddy, Chad!

Bathroom Before and After

2009-02-18T15:25:00.005-06:00

This is the only "before" picture I have of the 60's bathroom. This is Ella tearing things up when she was like 7 months old. We had this nice 1 inch tile on the fl0or and yellow 6 inch tile on the walls. We ripped out the floor, the tile on the walls, and the vanity, and put it new...here are the results. Chad did an awesome job!

The Family Room...Before and After

2009-02-04T08:24:00.013-06:00

This was our dark, ugly "family room" off the kitchen. We basically just painted walls, trim, new interior doors, and got rid of our ugly hand me down furniture...it's only been 7 years!

Our lovely hallway complete with orange trim!

The "fancy" fireplace and orange paneling...

Nice...I know you're jealous...

And after....

It's amazing what a coat of paint does...I still have a few things I want to do. Chad hasn't hung my new ceiling fan up or the new lighting down the hallway...but we're close.

The hallway...

We're still thinking about painting the brick on the fireplace...any suggestions on a color?? :)

The desk area and the new door to the garage...

Chad and Ella's Photo Shoot!

2009-02-03T11:11:00.009-06:00

Chad and Ella decided to try out my new camera Sunday morning while Lauren was napping and I was doing laundry. It was a beautiful day, and Ella wanted nothing but to be outside. We're VERY ready for spring and summer at our house! Chad said that Ella wanted to take pictures of the house, but ended up posing in front of everyone of them! She must be getting over her camera shyness!

With the fireman and dog at the front door...

the garage door...

Daddy's truck!

The driveway..

The front of the house...

Down the slide...

On her picnic table.

Cheese!

Happy Birthday to Me!

2009-02-03T10:56:00.013-06:00

Saturday the 31st was my 29th birthday! One more year til I'm REALLY old! My mom and dad came over and Chad's parents and youngest sister, Kaleena came to our house after dinner at the KofC's. Ella making the face that Lauren does ALL the time!

Lauren eating ice cream with "Papa Mike."

Super Ella...dun, dun, dun, da!!

This is the face Lauren makes when she "tells Daddy about it!"...(Lauren's life is so full of stress you know!)

Ice cream and Papa!

"Leeney" and Ella!

Us and me!

Us and Mom! :)

Leeney and Lauren

I'm not sure if they were ballerinas or cheerleaders!

the face

...and again!

Mommy and Ella! Chad and the girls got me a new digital camera. It is a Canon Digital Elph, and I love it!!! I had a great birthday. Chad and I dropped the girls off at Mammy Kay's on Saturday morning and went to a farm sale in Paris, MO. I really do enjoy them. We saw lots of Shelby Co friends, and had a great time. We stopped by the Farm Show in Louisville, KY for our honeymoon...(seven years ago!)...so why not a farm sale on my birthday!!?? We went to dinner with some friends Saturday night in Hannibal...and then Sunday after church went down and got the baby girls...it was a great weekend...and went to watch the Super Bowl at some friends house! Except the Cardinals lost...oh well! Now I'm mostly caught up!

Ella had her tonsils out the first part of January, and we stayed in the hospital after that. So we haven't been up to too much...work has been busy, and we're trying to get the bathroom(s) remodeled here shortly...it's always somehing, but we're almost done updating!! Yay!

Christmas with Mom and Dad

2009-02-03T10:46:00.012-06:00

Ella and Amaya checking out Mammy and Papa's presents.

Me, Mom, and Ella...

My grandma, "Gran" is in the purple...

Andy is Lauren's favorite...

The girls got cooking kits from Mom and Dad...they loved them!

Auston and Andy

Ella and Amaya in their "Desperate Housewives" aprons!

Lauren and her new music chair from Too Too!

She loves it!

OMGosh! The long awaited "Princess Cash Register!" It was the only thing Ella would say she would want for Christmas. She plays with it daily. Too Too got the prize for the best present! ;)

Anthony and Kara...the newly weds!

Santa Claus Came!

2009-02-03T10:41:00.007-06:00

I have been a TERRIBLE blogger...but life's been busy!

Lauren't new busy gears from Santa.

Our beauty shop...

And...the princess laptop!

Lauren and Daddy.

Lots of presents from Santa!!!

Family Pics...fun, fun!

2008-12-05T15:19:00.007-06:00

A couple of weekends ago we went to Sears for the annual picture taking for our Christmas cards. The family pictures went pretty well, but by the time we switched props and backgrounds Lauren was DONE! Here is the only picture we got of the girls. Check out Lauren!

My big girl!

Too sweet.

Choice #1

Choice #2...this is what we went with for our cards....which I mailed today! :)

Thanksgiving at Aunt Diane's

2008-12-05T14:56:00.011-06:00

We had two stops on Thanksgiving. The first was at my Aunt Diane's back in MO. It was great to see all the kiddos that we don't get to see enough...but we missed my cousin Amy and her two boys, Isaiah and Braydon. See you in a couple of weeks, guys! Here are the "good kids" that pose for pictures when asked...Coltin, my cousin and Kaelyn, my cousin Emily's little girl.

Here are three of the four kiddos that made the picture. Kaelyn is going to get a new baby sister in February. If you ask her what the baby's name is she replies, "Sally Linda."

Here's my baby...she was up to no good most of the day...somehow hanging out around a bunch of grandma's makes kids act up! :) I guess that's what holidays are for!

Here's me and my baby, Ella. She was Momma's girl most of the day. She came down with strep throat a couple of days after this so that could explain most of the clingyness.

She rarely looks directly into the camera...

...and finally my little monkey!

ok...two more pictures!

2008-11-11T10:07:00.004-06:00

Me and my baby!

My "purple haired" Granny and baby Lauren with some apple juice! Both are super happy here!

Anthony's Wedding Part II

2008-11-11T09:42:00.013-06:00

Me and my hubby!

The girls...

Ella and "Aunt Karka"...as Ella says.

Making her GRAND entrace at the reception!

The happy couple!

Mom and Dad..they clean up nice..

Danielle and me!

Baby Lauren and the balloons!

Having some fun!

Anthony's Wedding Part I

2008-11-10T08:19:00.009-06:00

My brother go married Saturday the 7th, and here are a few pictures that I got. I am hoping my aunt sends hers to me soon...she got some really good ones. Here is Ella. She was one of the flower girls. Chad and I stood up with Kara and Anthony, and Lauren just terrorized everyone ! :)

Ella's pretty hair. I am so happy how it turned out...and stayed up!

Lauren with one of many balloons she ran around with at the reception hall.

The pretty little flower girl.

The beautiful bride, Kara and Ella.

Hanging out before the wedding. Kara, her sister Kim, and my sister Danielle.

This is Ella's "new" smile...

...isn't it nice! :)

Crazy Girls...

2008-11-10T08:12:00.008-06:00

We've been busy lately getting ready for my brother's wedding. Here are a few pics from around home over the past couple of weeks...

As good a picture as I can ever get...

Real life.

Lauren playing play doh like a big girl.

As you can imagine, there were no messes that had to be cleaned up after this play session! ;)

A visit to the fire station.

Halloween

2008-11-10T07:58:00.007-06:00

My little Bumble Bee and PaPa.

The Princess and the Bee!

I just love Lauren's costume...

...and of course Ella had to be a Princess!

The Pretty, Pretty Princess...(which is also her favorite board game!!)

Sunday at Gran's

2008-10-14T08:07:00.007-05:00

Sunday after the party we decided to go over to Shelbina to see my grandma. Chad worked so my sister and I loaded up and headed out early Sunday morning. We took Ella's bike over so her and my cousin Coltin rode bikes on Gran's driveway.

Ella and the new princess helmet.

Lauren climbing on the gator.

The two bikers.

Ella is getting really good at riding her bike. She uses her brake on the handle, and she can turn around and ride in circles. I can't believe how big she is.

Coltin tailgateing....

Coltin "helping" Lauren...

Ella's Princess Party

2008-10-14T07:50:00.019-05:00

Saturday the 11th was Ella's 3rd Brithday. We had a beautiful day so the park turned out to be a great place to have it. I was a little worried it would rain, but it turned out perfect. Ella helped grill hot dogs with her dad.

Auston, Garrett, Ella, and Great Uncle Roger opening gifts.

Daddy, Lauren, Amaya, Auston, Garrett, Ella.

Ella has been wanting a Cinderella dress. She is going to be a princess for Halloween too!

Blowing out her birthday candles on her Princess cake.

Most of the kiddos.

It cracks me up how kids don't smile for pictures once they hit like age 2.

Ella and Daddy.

These are the best pictures I could get of the birthday girl.

Notice her princess shirt...she had to wear it to her party.

Crazy Lauren!

Garrett climbing the "rock wall."

Such a big girl walking on the bridge.

I can't believe how much she has grown this past year.

Some of the family.

Chad and his Grandpa.

Ella Danielle Hummel...Turns 3!!!!

2008-10-10T10:36:00.016-05:00

My pretty little girl is growing up. Ella turns three tomorrow. Sort of makes me sad, but she is so much fun with all the things she says and does. She tells us that we are her "best friends" and gives lots of hugs and kisses...you can't beat that! So while she's not a baby as she reminds me, she'll always be my baby no matter what age she is! I am so thankful to have such happy, healthy baby girls, and I thank God every day for how fortunate I am. Here are some clips over the past three years. (I don't have a lot from her 12 months to 2 year stage, but you'll get the idea!!)

September 8th!

August 2008

July 2008

April 2008

December 2007

October 2007....I'm 2!!!

My birthday cake to take to daycare!

Me and my Daddy...July 2007

August 2006

July 2006

9 months old!

February 2006

October 11, 2005....my newborn baby girl that we were surprised with!!

My Kitchen...Before and After. FINALLY!

2008-10-09T10:16:00.012-05:00

Okay. So one of the main reasons I haven't blogged lately besides being out of town for a full week to Indianapolis for work (it was a LONG week!), is that we've been remodeling our kitchen. Chad did most all of work himself. We obviously had someone make our doors, and we ordered countertops, but he did the rest. I helped a little. I did most of the painting of the doors and in the kitchen. I am really happy with the results! We hadn't touched the kitchen since we moved in almost 6 years ago! I can't believe it's been that long. We'll have our 7 year anniversary in February. Anyways, check out my ugly kitchen Before and then After!

Nice, huh??

I know you all are jealous of this HOT stove and dual oven set straight from the 60's.

This isn't quite a "before" picture. I had taken down all of the wall paper prior to this picture, but I'm sure you get an idea of the ugliness!

The whole eyesore all at once!

And after...

We still have a few things to do...we're missing a few knobs which finally came in yesterday at Home Depot.

I really am happy with how the tin backsplash turned out!

Much better.

So needless to say this is one major project that we finally got checked of our list of home improvements. Next project will be the bathrooms. We're having some plumbing issues behind the wall and it's causing some issues with our floors.

Dancing Queen...

2008-09-09T09:10:00.013-05:00

Ella started dance class last night at Heinze Dance Academy. She loves it!! Here is my baby all ready for class with her new dance bag.

She even had her hair all fixed up. Thanks Kelley!

Ready to go.

Checking everyone out.

We could look through the glass...the pictures aren't the greatest, but man she had fun. She's in the middle in her Hannah Montana leotard...

Beth is her teacher and Ella is the shortest one on the far side of the circle.

Miss Beth and Ella on the right sitting down which is what Beth told them to do. She did such a good job. We are very proud of her.

Following along to streches.

...and more streches

Ballerina poses...

At the end Beth told them all to huddle around her and listen. They all love her so much! She is wonderful with the kiddos. Ella is what I would consider 5th from the left. You can see her little face looking up at her teacher. She can't wait til next class. When we were walking out she said, "Momma I want to go again!" We are really happy she is enjoying this and doing so well with structured learning.

Fun in August...

2008-09-09T09:04:00.005-05:00

Kisses through the door...yes, my door is always this dirty. I wonder why? :)

Hi, big sister!

Awww...

Weeeee...

Ella is an awesome big sister...just ask Lauren!

Missouri State Fair

2008-09-09T08:45:00.011-05:00

Just a few pictures from the State Fair...

Ella has always liked ducks..

Checking out the donkeys...

Lauren finally falling asleep...

Mammy and Ella watching Ronald McDonald at the Children's stage.

Prayer Request!!!

2008-09-02T11:48:00.002-05:00

Our friends, the Weiman's, have a little boy that needs your thoughts and prayers! He was diagnosed last July with neuroblastoma. He and his family have been bravely battling this disease for over a year now, and now his cancer has returned. They must travel to Philadelphia to receive further treatments. Please keep them in your prayers to help fight this battle.

www.caringbridge.org/visit/ethanweiman

I haven't had much time to post lately with so much going on, but I thought it was important to get as many people as we can praying for Ethan and his family!

Thank you!

Lauren's "Under the Sea" Party...

2008-08-04T11:04:00.024-05:00

Lauren had a late guest at her party. Signe's (on the left) mother had a farm in Payson that we farm now for them. My grandma grew up with Signe's mother also. She was her 4-H leader when Signe was a young girl.

This is Chad's Aunt Cindy and Grandpa Hummel.

Some of my family enjoying the kiddos swimming...

Here is the deck before the party started up.

Lauren's party area. I made her banner.

I obviously did not make her cake!

Dad helping Ella with her new purse that my sister brought her from Vegas. Notice her new Hannah Montana shirt that she also got. I'm not sure whose birthday it was!!!

Lauren playing with Amaya.

Chad and I got Ella a rocking horse when she turned one. So we thought it would be a good idea to get Lauren one. They're exactly alike... Lauren quickly learned how to climb on...

...and ride!

Here was Lauren's smash cake...

Kaleena was trying to help her figure it out..

...but Lauren just didn't like it! This part of the party didn't last too long. Ella loved her smash cake, but Lauren wanted nothing to do with it.

After we got her cleaned up, she opened her presents.

This was much more fun.

A karaoke piano from Anthony and Kara.

And a fire truck from Andy and Danielle.

Lauren taking her first dip with the kids that were swimming while she was opening presents.

Ella, Auston, and Amaya enjoying the pool.

Lauren swimming, and we cut off Coltin who is trying to jump in!

Ella loves to jump in the pool!

Lauren after her nap after the party! She slept forever, and then she had "crazy hair!"

Payson Old Settlers

2008-08-04T08:37:00.012-05:00

This past Saturday was Payson, IL's Old Settlers. Chad grew up in the Payson area, and we always put the kiddos in the Kiddie parade. This year's theme was Mardi Gras, as you can tell. Lauren had more fun with the even than Ella seemed too, but it was fun to watch them.

Lauren and Daddy before the parade.

Lauren was walking around like such a big girl.

We dressed them in super bright colors, and Ella being the girly girl that she is, already had all of the beads...she insisted on wearing her sunglasses rather than her mask.

Here is the little wagon that Lauren was riding in. Ella was convinced that she was going to pull her in the wagon.

I ended up having to walk with Ella in the parade. You can bet that I was super excited to do this! Chad's youngest sister, Kaleena, ended up pulling the wagon.

Lauren after the parade.

This is my nephew, Garrett. He will be four in November. He entered his bike in the bike contest. I thought it was super cute. We weren't brave enough to enter Ella and her princess bike. I think we're glad we didn't considering Ella's "mood" during the morning.

This is my newest nephew, Gavin. He is Garrett's baby brother. He was born June 27th. He spent the day in the stroller being a sweet little baby boy. He is the most content little guy.

This is my sister in law, Shelley. Garrett won 2nd in his age group in the tractor pull. He was one of the youngest in the group too. I know he'll be in the same age group next year too! Maybe he'll win it all next year. He was disappointed that he had to pedal a "red" tractor. He wanted to go home and get his "green" one. I know his dad was proud of that considering they farm with "blue" tractors! :)

Ella's New Bike and Lauren Walking...

2008-08-01T10:23:00.015-05:00

Lauren does this cheesy grin every time you get the camera out!

Our rock wall climber...

I made it!

Ella and my dad. Mom and Dad made the trip over this past Sunday to see the girls. They had a hard time getting home considering Hwy. 36 was closed between Hunnewell and Lakenan.

Me and Lauren.

Papa and Lauren.

Lauren walking on the street. I was worried she would fall, but she did fine.

Everyone "helping" Ella up the driveway.

Lauren checking things out...

Ella proud of her new Princess Bike!!! Chad wanted to get her a John Deere bike, but she wanted a pink princess bike. I think that will be the theme of her birthday party!

Riding down the street.

She did pretty good for the first time. Uphill is a little hard though. Hey, that's hard for me!

We had to remove the Princess bag and water bottle because Ella was too distracted by it. She is such a girl. She wanted to go get her bracelets and necklaces so she could put them in there. We told her she needed to learn how to ride her bike first!

The pretty princess and her new bike!

Lauren Ann Hummel is One!!

2008-08-01T08:27:00.021-05:00

Taken yesterday (7/31) with my Big Sister, Ella!

See my little teeth!

I'm One!!!

11 months on Vacation!

10 1/2 months

10 months.

9 months.

8 months at Easter.

6.5 months

At Christmas with my sister. 5 months.

3.5 months in my Bumbo.

A Little Lady Bug almost 3 months.

2 months old.

On my Baptism in September.

Sleeping beauty.

My and my big sister in the hospital.

Lauren Ann Hummel. 7 pounds 4 ounces, 20 inches long. Born August 3, 2007 at 5:52 pm.

Gatlinburg, Dollywood, The Smokies...

2008-07-24T10:52:00.024-05:00

Last week, the 15th-21st, we made the LONG drive to Gatlinburg, TN. To define long, it was a 10 hour drive one way! What may be surprising to most of you, especially the ones with children our age, is that our girls were essentially perfect the ENTIRE drive down AND back home! They were angels, which is no different than any other time, but we were especially proud of them last week being taken out of the normal routine. We had a nice and busy time. The mountains were beautiful as you can tell. This was taken on the Tennessee-North Carolina border outside of Gatlinburg.

This is the only family picture we really have, and it cracks me up. Check out Lauren's melt down. I don't think the high altitude agreed with her. This afternoon was one of the few times we had any trouble at all with them...

She was too cute looking out over the mountains. If you notice she is holding my water bottle. That is the only thing that made her happy the whole time we were there.

Daddy and his baby girls.

Does it get any cuter??

This is at Dollywood. I got a few of these out of order, but I wasn't going to repost... Daddy and Lauren were watching Ella run through the sprinklers. (see below).

See Lauren's "pacifier."

Lauren couldn't ride many rides, but she could on this one and she loved it.

Thank goodness for TV's in cars. It aided in the effort to keep the girls happy for the drive.

Our crowd at the Dixie Stampede. I wasn't supposed to take pictures in the building so this is the only one I got before I got in "trouble."

Ella on the ducks at Dollywood. She loves her pink STL Cardinal hat, and so do I!

Lauren spent a lot of the day at Dollywood hanging out in the stroller with her sippy cup. She slept 2 hours of the 7 hour day at the park, so that made some of the time pass for her.

I think Ella was telilng Lauren to sit down.

Ella loved this ride. I wasn't too sure because it was like 40 feet in the air and then dropped. She didn't hesitate at all. She thought it was great.

On the raft ride Ella got completely soaked. She took her shorts off after that and just ran around in her swimsuit which worked out well when we ran into the sprinklers...

She loved this. There was a bunch of water shooting out of little holes in this area. She ran around for nearing an hour, and we finally got tired of it.

My little beauty. She doesn't usually let me take her picture, but I did get this one and I think it's great!

Me and the girls...notice how well Ella is cooperating in this picture? :)

Daddy and the girls at 5,048 feet!

Ella loves to swim. She is not scared of it at all. She just jumps right in. She doesn't really need her floaties, but we make her wear them I think more for our sakes than hers. Water makes me a little nervous with little kids!

Notice Lauren isn't scared of the water either. She doesn't like to sit in her raft. It worked out that there was a ledge in the pool that was the perfect height for her to stand at and walk back and forth...with my help of course.

The girls lounging on our last night. We had a great place to stay thanks to my mom and dad. They are part of a time share that has wonderful accomodations. We had a mini apartment complete with bedrooms, kitchen, deck, living room and the works! As you can tell we had a busy but fun time. I am so glad we're able to go and do these things. It makes me look forward to future family vacations! Happy Summer!

Happy Fourth of July

2008-07-07T07:53:00.001-05:00

Happy Fourth of July from Quincy, IL! Here is one of the pretty fireworks.

Ella and Mommy's self portrait. She was "Mommy's girl" during the evening, so I enjoyed every minute of it since Daddy is usually "it!"

The best picture we could get considering Ella doesn't like to get her picture taken right now. Lauren as you can tell doesn't mind getting attention...

Ella was cold, and so was I. Who would have imagined that you would have needed coats and blankets on the Fourth???

Ella and her Sparklers. When I was a kid the handle was like 6 inches long, and you just had enough time to write your name in the air before you got burnt by the sparkler!

Jenna Mae (Chad's cousin) and me! She is currently working in Quincy this summer before she starts school back up this fall at Mizzou!!

Lauren spent most of the evening "driving" Mammy and Papa's van...

A Little Game of Golf...

2008-07-07T07:48:00.000-05:00

The other night we took the girls to the park to try out the Putt-Putt course. Ella doesn't quite get the hang of it, but she had fun climbing on the rocks and "wading" in the water...

Our little golfer very focused on her game...

Lauren spent the very short game enjoying her puffs...and the entertainment by her big sister.

After the game...which only lasted like 5 holes...it was hot and Ella was hungry...

Class of '98...

2008-06-29T07:05:00.000-05:00

These pictures are kind of backwards...My 10 year class reunion was June 21st. We had a dinner in Shelbina, played washers in the bank parking lot, decided we didn't want to get in trouble before dark so we went to the McCarty farm for some Pre-Homecoming fun! This is the group of the "cool" kids who hung around til late. L to R: Jon, Carisa, Justin P, Mike, Justin S, Leanne, Brooke, Jenna, Jessica Mc, and me and Emily in front.

Me and Leanne...

Jenna and I decided it would be a great idea to do some jumping when we got to McCarty's...I don't know if it really was.

The Class of 1998 who attended...about half.

Friday night Leanne, Carisa, Michelle, Brooke, and myself started the weekend off at the "Row." Michelle wasn't able to come Saturday so we had our own reunion on Friday.

Friday night at the Homecoming. Carisa Berti, Brooke Sydenstricker McCarty, Michelle Dimmitt Earhart, me, Leanne Watkins...what a crew! We had a blast...

Just a Swingin'....

2008-06-27T07:52:00.000-05:00

My mom and dad watch the girls most Fridays. They like to take the girls to the park (when it's not raining!). My oldest daughter doesn't pose for pictures right now, so she's hard to catch with the camera. Notice the purse in Ella's hand? She doesn't leave home to go ANYWHERE without one (or seven). Papa Paul is in the background pushing Ella and Lauren.

Here's my cute little Lauren. She could swing all day.

How sweet am I?!

Ella, Lauren and Mammy going to church after the Homecoming!

We love our Firefighter Daddy!

2008-06-25T13:02:00.000-05:00

A couple of months ago Quincy had a Fireman Appreciation Day. All the area fire departments came together and had a parade, a speaker, and games all day. It was kind of a rainy day (imagine that), but definitely was fun and worth the acknowledgement! Above is kind of blurry, but Chad is two guys in from the right. This is part of the Quincy Fire Department that walked in the parade.

Lauren didn't make it because she wasn't feeling well, and it was raining on top of it. But here's the rest of us!

Ella loves her daddy.

This is Chad's youngest sister, Kaleena. She is going to be a sophomore at college this fall. Isn't he handsome! :)

The Hummel's Havin' Fun!

2008-06-24T10:57:00.000-05:00

Saturday home with Mommy! Our favorite!

Lauren's biter biscuits...too funny! It should say "Warning. Only let them eat these at home!"

Daddy built Ella and Lauren a playhouse one Saturday. It still needs windows, curtains, and a door, but Ella loves playing with the kitchen set I found her at the thrift store. Plus we spend lots of time on the swingset!

Okay, so they have to have a couple matching outfits! Gotta love Target.

Ella and Daddy's favorite evening pasttime...

Lauren doesn't eat much (her 17 pound body is proof of that at 11 months), but she sure loves ice cream!

We don't go anywhere without our sunglasses, and a purse filled with "makeup."

Just checking things out...

Looks like it would be good to me! Oh well, I think she was having fun with it, and babies are washable!

The Legleiter's in Missouri...

2008-06-24T10:36:00.001-05:00

My friend's Leon and Mendy Legleiter and their daughter, Riley, were back in Missouri for Mizzou's graduation a few weeks ago. We met up with them in Columbia on Leon's aunt's farm while they were visiting from North Carolina where they now live. Leon is a professional student! (Just teasing, Leon.) We celebrated Riley's 2nd Birthday while we visited them. There were lots of girls there, and one little baby boy.

Ring around the Rosie... L to R: Mendy's neice, Ella in yellow, Riley in Polka dots, Mendy's older neice, and Mendy!

...We all fall down!

Lauren, Mendy, and the donkey. She wasn't quite into it...

Ella, however, loved the donkey!

It was nice to see the Legleiter's. I haven't seen them since Chad and I got married almost 7 years ago. Hard to believe it's been that long already. We do keep in touch, but it was nice to see them.

Swimming buddies...

2008-06-24T10:16:00.000-05:00

My cute girls...

Lauren enjoying the sun and toys.

Ella enjoying her Elmo sprinkler...

Aren't I cute...I have a hat that matches my suit, but Mom couldn't find it!

We had our baby pool set up before we put up our big pool. We finally got the big pool set up. Maybe Jessi can testify that if your ground isn't COMPLETELY level it won't really work. Anyways...we got some sand bags (imagine us having access to sand bags!), and now we're ready to roll!

Tory's Hitched...Mr. and Mrs. Smith

2008-06-23T12:00:00.001-05:00

Tory having a GREAT time! She looked beautiful...as you can tell she is very pretty.

My friend, Tory, got married a couple weeks ago in Palmyra, MO and here are some pictures from the event. Needless to say we had a wonderful time. Here is a picture of me with one of the salesmen I work with, Tom Wilkerson.

The beautiful bride, Tory. Me, Rachel, and Brooke. No one had a good time here. Totally ignore the people in the background dancing on the table... :)

My friend, Jill, Tory, and me...I have no idea what she was talking about...

Holding Back the River...or at least trying to..

2008-06-20T09:51:00.001-05:00

I'm sure most of you are aware of the Mississippi River situation. Our community has been sand bagging for the past couple weeks. ADM (the company I work for) has been very involved in the efforts. We left work a few days this week to help with sand bagging for our levees.

One of the many friends we met while working. He was such a cute little man, and not to mention a good sand bag holder for me! :)

My friend Ann (in the red) and I were working with this team on Tuesday. You can see one of our many piles of bags we filled in the background. It was great to see all of the efforts of the community coming together for such an important cause. It was said that now there are more sand bags than will probably be used! Great work, Quincy! Hopefully the river will "cooperate" and hold out. We have lots of farm ground in the bottoms that are definitely in jeopardy along with many of our friends and family. Please keep the community in your thoughts.

Other pictures...

2008-06-19T16:25:00.000-05:00

My mom and dad with the girls at Christmas...obviously.
Ella is 26 months here and Lauren is 4.5 months.

My babies in their Easter dresses at Great Aunt Diane's.
Ella is 2 1/2 years.
Lauren is 7 months.

More pictures...

2008-06-17T11:24:00.000-05:00

One of Lauren's favorite toys...We spend lots of time in our new basement that is our play room. Chad spent most of the winter getting it done. I think we'd both agree that it was well worth the time and money. Now we don't have to keep tripping all over the girls' toys. Plus I can hide lots of messes down there since I love housekeeping so much!

Ella loves to play school. All of the older kids at her daycare go to school during the day, so she likes to pretend a lot about going to school, work, and shopping.

Lauren isn't walking yet, but she sure crawls all over the place. Usually to get into whatever she shouldn't be!

Two little cuties!

Everyone else is doing it...

2008-06-16T11:41:00.000-05:00

Well, I guess I'll join the group and start a blog! It's neat to see how everyone else is doing, so we'll see if I can keep up a blog of our own.

My girls, Ella and Lauren, keep us very busy. Right now, we're just trying to keep head above water (literally!) here in Quincy, IL. Chad has been very involved with the Mississippi sandbagging efforts, and I am busy working and taking care of my babies. We've got my ten year class reunion this weekend and also the Clarence Homecoming! So we'll have an exciting weekend with Pink Mammy and Papa Paul.

Ella has two mammy's. So to tell the difference she has Mammy Kay (Chad's mom) and Pink Mammy (because Ella and my mom love the color pink!). We also have two Papa's so my dad has been designated to be called Papa Paul...so when she says it, it sounds like Pa Pa Pa. Cute, right?

Here are some pictures of my babies:

All of the kiddos at Easter. L to R: Ella, Lauren,
Coltin (my cousin), Kaylen (my cousin Emily's baby),
Isaiah and Braydon (my cousin Amy's babies), and
my Aunt Diane! :)

Where's Daddy??

More to come this weekend...