By the time this reaches you we will already be into 2012! I can't believe its already a new year. The weather here has been so depressing with no snow it was so difficult to fine the Christmas spirit. So on to our year.
On January 25, Little Linnea turned 11. She went away from home for the first time. She went with her 5th grade class to Sandstone Minnesota to a environmental learning center. She had 3 days and 2 nights of (roughing it) sleeping in dorms and learning about Minnesota. She also learned some survival skills that she has tried out a few times just for fun. She finished up Girl Scouts in May and completed 5th grade. In July we had major surgery. She had her tonsils and adenoids removed. Surgery went just fine, recovery was a little rougher. After a week and a half we found out she was allergic to the codeine in the pain meds. After getting her off the medicine we had a complete turn around. She has not had any problems with the recurring strep, sinus infections, and tonsillitis that we had for the last few years. In September we started 6th grade. She continues to grow into a wonderful young lady.
Superhero Ulrik has continued to be busy. He is our residential LEGOMANIAC. He builds, builds, and builds. He loves to play outside in the fort and demon ride on his bicycle. He finished 1st grade and this fall he started in a combined 2nd and 3rd grade class. He loves the challenges and independent learning involved in the class. Ulrik found a new summer pastime with Uncle Scott and that is semi tractor pulls. They enjoyed quite a few this summer. For his 8th birthday on September 10th they went with Thomas to the last pull of the season. The boys had a blast! Ulrik was the recipient of a G.I.Joe cake made by me, everyone was very impressed. Ulrik also had his tonsils out in July (FINALLY!!) . He needed to be duct taped to a chair by about the 4th day as he was rip roaring and ready to go. Thankfully we haven't had any problems with sleep apnea or strep since. He continues to be all boy!
And then there is little Annika Louise she has grown so much this last year. She loves, loves, loves to chat. She has had fairly good health this year. We had the stomach flu in January and again over Christmas. We had our first bladder infection after the doctor tried taking her off her daily antibiotics. Needless to say we are back on them! At her kidney appointment in August the urologist says her reflux continues to improve and we will just keep monitoring. Potty training has been the biggest challenge. Annika turned 3 on August 23. I made her a Princess Tiana cake that she just loved, the bonus was getting her own Barbie when the cake was done. In October we started going to ECFE for some outside interaction. She made lots of new friends and can't wait to go back in February. Annika spends alot of time playing with her baby dolls, and now her kitchen. She continues to be a redheaded little firecracker with the temper to match. But we sure do love her.
Thomas and I continue with our daily tasks. He at Xcel Energy and me in my position as Home Executive. In January we celebrated our 12th anniversary with a nice
dinner out. In February we spent a day playing Mr. and Mrs. Pancake at the IRIS annual pancake breakfast. Thomas is wonderful in his ability to keep things moving smoothly and swiftly so we can do our part to make it a success. In March Thomas went to Alaska to visit his best friend (brother) Bracy before he deployed to Afghanistan. While there we received news that his older brother James had passed away suddenly in Ohio. He was fortunate to be with family since we were unable to mourn together. Thomas spent alot of time at work this summer. Most of our storms hit on Friday and Saturday nights which lead to alot of long weeknights. In September things slowed down so we were able to enjoy a family weekend together and away from home. We spent a weekend in Rochester. We took the kids to a truck show Saturday morning and they learned alot about the different semis out there. Our favorite of course is a Peterbilt. We then had pool time and relaxed. Thomas, Ulrik and my brother went to the truck pull and the girls and I meet my Mom and sister at my cousins wedding in Lanesboro. It was a beautiful day for a outdoor wedding. The girls had a great time. On Halloween we had another death in the family as my Uncle Bob passed away. I've continued to volunteer as my time allows for IRIS. I've also started dabbling in cake decorating. I do enjoy the reactions from the receiver of the cake. This January I already have 3 requests for cakes. I continue to watch my sisters kids Matthew and Piper. Matthew is 7 and Piper is 18 months. Annika and Piper keep me on my toes all day! I do so enjoy being able to watch everyone grow up.
We all had a wonderful Christmas as Annika was in recovery mood from a stomach bug, Ulrik had also made a complete recovery from whatever had struck him a few days earlier. Santa Claus was nice and brought something everyone had asked for. The kids agreed that without snow it just didn't seem quite like Christmas. We are finishing enjoying a couple of quiet days with just us. My sister took vacation the last week of December which has allowed for some much needed sleep for me, my day typically starts at 5am and doesn't stop till about 10pm, and the kids the ability to just hang out and not have to share me with anyone.
We hope this finds everyone in good health and spirits. We wish everyone a Happy New Year and belated Merry Christmas!
Many Blessings,
Libby, Thomas, Linnea, Ulrik and Annika Schmit
and Angels Zachary & Bailey
I thought about you today, but that is nothing new. I thought about you yesterday and days before that too. I think of you in silence, I often speak your name. All I have is memories and a picture in a frame. You're a keepsake in which I will never part.
God has you in his keeping;
I have you in my heart.
Merry Christmas to all our special Angels.
