Update on Reflections Contest - Sam's video

FIRST PLACE!!!

Way to Go, Sam!!!

Some kids are going on to the State Competition. However, I just found out there were not enough video entries around the state to be able to have that category at the State Competition .... which can only mean that Sam is way ahead of his time.

Pinewood Derby

Supplies for Pinewood Derby Car: $5.00

Labor for making Pinewood Derby Car: two re-attached fingers

The look on Sam's face after beating out 19 other cars: priceless!

Sam's car raced in eight different heats to place third in his first Pinewood Derby.

Third place is good -- we'll take third place! Tim was a bit disappointed. He was really hoping for first place since it cost him the use of his left hand for a few months. But when I broke it down for him - Sam's car beat 19 other cars and only 2 cars were faster - he felt better.

And ... Sam's car was the only one with an urban underglow light - made with a battery and Christmas lightbulb. Very cool!

Putting on the finishing touches...

The final weigh-in...

Ready to Race...

Sams car wins again...

Christmas 2009

We had another wonderful Christmas. It was a modest one as far as presents go. The recession has hit the Knopf bank account, so we're all working on an attitude of gratitude.
We spent Christmas Eve at church and home. On Christmas Day we travelled to Jefferson City to spend two nights with Mom and Charlie. Then we spent two nights in Sunrise Beach, MO with Tim's family.
Thank you to everyone for your beautiful Christmas cards, gifts and blessings for a happy New Year!

Sam's new fish - "Magma"

Alec's new cell phone - a necessity these days for 7th graders!

Steven Spielberg, James Cameron, Quentin Tarantino, Sam Knopf, George Lucas, ....

Sam came home one day telling us he wanted to enter the 2009-2010 Reflections Contest. This is a yearly competition among Springfield Public Schools that Tim and I knew about, but never in our wildest dreams did we think one of our kids would want to do it.
Kids can enter in one of several mediums: photography, visual arts, dance choreography, film production, musical composition or written composition. Sam already had it all planned out in his head... he would do a Stop-Action Film. He learned how to do this in a summer class last year. He knew exactly what he wanted to use- rocks!
Here is his finished product that he will be entering into the contest. Using a tripod, he took over 150 still photos to complete the film. The theme for this year's contest is "Beauty is..."
(Oh, by the way, when he wins an Academy Award one day, let's hope he remembers all us little people!)

Alec plays football for Jarrett Middle School

Alec played safety, cornerback, slot receiver and wide receiver on the 7th grade football team. It was an exciting season. He liked to brag "I set some bone-jarring hits down on the field." He's very competitive in sports! Go Jarrett Trojans!!!

After a gruelling practice...


Jezreel & Alec - best friends...


Alec is number 36...


Coach tells Alec a play before sending him in...


After a tough loss...

One of Alec's highlights... (turn up sound)

Big Cedar Resort

We love going to Big Cedar Resort. It is a beautiful place in Ridgedale, Missouri that has wonderful rustic lodging. We have been blessed to be able to stay there several times. This time we stayed in Falls Lodge in a gorgeous suite overlooking the resort and Tablerock Lake. The boys love everything about Big Cedar - the guest rooms, the pools, the restaurants, the arcade and canoeing.

Checking into the lodge...


The view from our balcony...


Sam sits by the fire...


Alec paddles the canoe...

HALLOWEEN

We had a wonderful and frightful Halloween. Sam dressed up as Albert Einstein. His best friend, Sam B., went as a banana. Alec jumped into the trick-or-treating groove using his old mask from last year. He has graduated to carrying a pillowcase for the candy which means he's nearing the end of his trick-or-treating career.

But the winner of the day was our dachshund, Hazel. She dressed up as a hot dog, complete with mustard and relish. We took her to Missouri State University's homecoming festivities during the day (Tim and I are alumni), and I can't tell you how many people went ga-ga for her. So many strangers took her picture. Even the fraternity guys drinking their cheap Natural Light beer made over her. Tim and I were like proud parents. We loved making the joke that she's actually a bratwurst since she's German.

All in all, a really fun Halloween!

What a wiener!

Applying the mustache...with a banana looking on.

Albert Einstein