It seems weird to label one particular year a “year of blessing”
because quite honestly we have been blessed again and again
undeservedly, even in seasons of felt difficulty and trial. But this
year felt exceptionally unique in its blessedness!

2014 began with a trip to Florida to be with family and ended with
another trip to Florida to spend Christmas with family! That in itself
is enough to rejoice over. Sweet memories, rich conversations, and
plenty of kids to snuggle with! 

 With the addition of our puppy, Snow, and baby #3 on his way we sold our Townhouse and moved into our new home in the sweetest of neighborhoods! 

Our dreams and visions for this 2500sqft home include a growing family, hosting Bible studies and small groups, as well as being a place for family and friends to feel at home when they visit from out of state.

It needed an over-all updating, so renovations began as soon as possible and continued quickly before I (Niki) got too uncomfortable in pregnancy to continue the long days of physical labor. 

Our family had the unique experience of being in a commercial for The Wells Group, the real estate company who we bought and sold through. 

(You can view the 30-sec commercial by clicking the ‘Wells Group Commercial’ link below if you want!)

Wells Group Commercial

Spring break afforded us the privilege of joining another family on a road-trip vacation to the Grand Canyon, Disneyland, San Francisco, Napa Valley, and Lake Tahoe. It was a feast for the eyes to say the least. The joy of experiencing all those sights with friends made it all the richer!

In April Nya made the decision to get baptized and daddy got to do the honors. Grampa Louie and Tony made the trip down just to celebrate with Nya on this special occasion.

As summer approached I was thankful to be done juggling homeschooling, along with packing up one home to sell, and renovating a new one. But the nesting instinct only grew stronger as my due date approached and I found it very difficult to let a day pass by without tackling some project.

Finally an end to the craziness came when Trek Adam was born two weeks early on July 21st weighing in at 6lb 6oz…

And time stood still.

 Mom and Dad Schemanski were able to be there and blessed us in every way possible before and after the delivery.

It goes without saying that Trek is by far the biggest blessing of 2014! 

He is truly a symbol of redemption for Ty and I, as a “reversal baby”. When we look at him we can’t help but feel the tangible gift of grace lavished upon us. 

He is such a happy, social baby with an easy-going attitude and a delightful spirit about him.

The remainder of summer was filled with camping trips, hikes, and some family biking.

My mom, Tammy, and sister, Alia, visited for one week and loved on baby Trek as well as the girls.

 Then my dad, Louie, and brother, Tony came for a visit in late fall to meet the newest family member.

In the fall Elli began Kindergarten and Nya 2nd grade. I continue to use My Father’s World as their curriculum and cannot say enough good about it! In addition to homeschool they are enrolled at Silverspruce Academy where they participate in a full day program doing hands-on science, history, P.E. and music activities along with field trips on Fridays to various businesses, factories, and outdoor education sites. Nya’s favorite subjects are history and science. Elli’s favorites are math and art.

Both of the girls are incredible big sisters and helpers in our family. They
are eager to spend time with Trek and tenderly love and play with him. I
was sure their eagerness to change diapers, put on clothes, and gather
supplies would wear off quickly but it hasn’t yet! They’re both
adjusting very well to new levels of responsibility and independence in
household chores and schoolwork.

Ty and I are continuing to enjoy Durango so very much and feel a great sense of purpose here! We feel blessed to have meaningful relationships, opportunities for evangelism, and plenty of “backyard” to play in!

And as 2014 came to a close we were blessed to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior with family in Florida!… Little House on the Prairie Style…

Now, let the Schemanski name carry on…!