I can't believe that Christmas is already come and gone. It was a very joyful season here at the Schmitt House. We have also been very busy. Chris was commissioned along with all the regular hustle and bustle that goes with the Holidays.
   The kids were really fun this year. They loved all the decorations, cookies, songs, lights and Holiday spirit. They each had a VERY long list for Santa which they told him all about when they visited him at the mall.
   Christmas weekend was spent at Laura's Parents house. We told Santa beforehand where we would be so there would be no confusion on Christmas Eve.  Cookies were baked along with a Birthday cake for Jesus-  his birth being our reason for all our celebration.  We left cookies and milk out for the big guy and they kids hurried to bed, as we all know that if Santa stops at your house and you're not asleep he could drive right by and leave all your toys to someone else.
    Christmas morning the kids were so excited to open all their presents. Joey got his own personal CD player with some cool kid music and some Transformers. Sophie got a princess dress and other princess apparel.  Evangeline got a ghetto rapping frog that when you push a button on its toe  it raps "Rappers Delight". It was bought for her as a joke but she loves it and has to sleep with it every night.  Lucy even got a new squeaky squirrel. Chris and I didn't buy each other any gifts because...
 WE ARE GOING ON VACATION ON WEDNESDAY!!!!!  It is basically our first sans-children vacation. We are going to Boyne Mountain- a resort a couple hours up north. There is lots of skiing, an indoor water park and a SPA!!!!!!   We will be gone for THREE NIGHTS! Our room has a fireplace, Jacuzzi and a balcony!!! Can you tell that I am excited? This is basically the honeymoon that we never had.  Grandma Perkins has the PLEASURE of watching the three Schmitt Children. (So any prayers for her sanity are much appreciated).
    We are also begining to pack out our 5th wheel this weekend- our moving day (around January 15th) is fast approaching. We have been going through all our belongings- toys, clothes, just all our STUFF that you accumulate over the years and deciding what goes with us and what goes into storage. Our 5th wheel is very big and spacious as far as 5th wheels go, but, it is still only a 5th wheel so space is limited! I feel very blessed because we are not dependant on our material belongings as some people can be- yes we have a few items that we enjoy but basically we can leave a lot behind and just enjoy the adventure of our life!!  Sophie and Joey keep asking when we are going to live in the 5th wheel- they have gone through all their toys and have decided what ones they really want keep. We have also filled a big bag of toys and clothes that they are taking to the "baby Pantry" in Edmore where they will be given to less fortunate children who maybe don't have any toys or enough clothes. 
    

I still remember the day Chris found out that he was accepted into the Seaman to Admiral Program. It was our (second!!!)  anniversary and we went skydiving. Later that day we got the call and we were so excited! Joey was only 7 months old!! Well, Joey will be turning 5 in around 3 months if that gives you any idea how long we have been working towards Chris's commissioning. He put in  A LOT of hard work. At times it seemed like it would never get here. And then before we knew it the day had arrived and Chris was given his "Oath of Office". He looked so handsome in his officer uniform. I am SO PROUD of him! The kids and I were able to "Pin" his new rank (see picture at right). I am so proud of Chris for working so hard and excelling at all he does.
   We are now looking forward to our new adventures. Chris will be reporting to Naval Nuclear Power School in Charleston South Carolina towards the end of March. Until then we hope to be able to relax a little and just enjoy the fact that Chris is done with school and finally commissioned!

Joey got his class photo back today, and he is one handsome guy! Check out that smile! And those eyes! What a lady killer! I just asked him if he had a girlfriend and he answered with a swift and sound "NO!" I asked him why not and he said he is not old enough. That's good, hopefully he will keep thinking that way for 20 more years.

We love Christmas time because we love baking! The kids and I finished off our Gingerbread houses, a pecan pie, gingerbread cookies, chocolate chip cookies and today we will be making sugar cookies. We save them in the freezer and take them out when we have company.
   We also love the decorations! Chris put up lights in the kitchen so it looks like a Mexican restaurant! The tree is up and looks great and the kids even have a tiny Christmas tree in their playroom.  It is very festive at the Schmitt house..errr... apartment. :) 
   The kids saw Santa Clause at the Mall on Friday. Joey and Sophie were excited, Evangeline screamed her head off!
    Only 12 days until Chris gets comissioned!!!! We are super excited and very proud of him. We are also looking forward to seeing Grandma Tuy and Aunt Sherry and Uncle Brian! It is always grea to see family!
  Check out the New Pics on "NEW PICS" page!!!