I’ve been fortunate enough to say my life has pretty much been a whole lotta good. The best husband, daughter and family, amazing friends I can count on, a career I’m passionate about, good health and more. I feel I’ve tried to live a grateful life, but sometimes reminders are needed to keep me in check. Unfortunately, those reminders often come in the form of disappointment, sadness or loss for someone else. I truly try to not have those moments be what keeps me in line but sometimes they are. As we head into 2022, I continue to keep this perspective in focus …

one …
that is adorned in appreciation for each and every day (good and bad) …
that doesn’t sweat the small, insignificant stuff yet enjoys the small, mundane moments …
that recognizes my good fortune …
that thanks and acknowledges those who make my life richer …
that lifts up others who are experiencing bad days.

With that being said, here’s a summary of the year and the gratitude that came with it.

Adventures of the year.

Adventures may be a stretch but here’s a summary of those trips, days or events that we looked forward to before they happened and will remember for years to come.

Omaha Zoo
Decorah Getaway
Sister 5K Race
Pumpkin Patch
Okoboji Lakes Trip (Nana and Papa Marcus Fair weekend for Anna)
Weddings (Rhodes, Millers, Rubas, Weilands)
Ryan’s 20-year class reunion

Holiday Fun!

Holidays with a young child are simply the best. Hearing Anna proclaim “Halloween” when we drive by a house with pumpkins and decorations or seeing her meet Santa just melted my heart this year.

We enjoyed Easter services at Hope Lutheran Church and a meal at Jill’s. She loved her Easter basket full of goodies.
Anna spent the Fourth of July with cousins at the Urbandale parade. She wasn’t sure about the loud noises but liked having her cousins bring her candy! She also took a dip in the McCarty’s pool!
Her birthday celebration was TWO infinity and beyond!
Little “Elmo” enjoyed Trick-or-Treating with Nana and Papa in Remsen!
Nana’s stuffing and pumpkin pie were a hit at Thanksgiving!
Lights, Christmas books, seeing Santa, making and delivering snow mix, and and opening presents were among her favorites this Christmas season.

Big blessings!

Little sister Paige has had quite the year. Within about 2 weeks time, she had a new car, a new job and a new fiancé! Dru and her are still looking for a venue to set a date but tentatively planning on 2023. We’ve done a little bridal dress shopping which has been fun!
Our friends Kara and Cam grew their family with the addition of sweet baby girl, Conley! I love getting baby snuggles in when I go over there.
Pottebaums purchased a new home on an acreage, so we’ve enjoyed spending some time out there, taking in the new scenery! Within two years, all the Schnoes siblings have moved to new places.

“Perspective checks” that hit close to home.

Well, this year definitely had some lows in the mix. Dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer shortly after the new year. He elected to have a prostatectomy in February. We went back for a few days following the surgery so Ryan could do chores, and we call could keep him company. He was very fortunate in that the cancer had not spread to his lymph nodes. So far, all of his post-survey PSA tests have indicated no cancer. It was scary time for us all, in particular, the waiting for the results of the biopsy and then the following MRA/CAT scan results, following the diagnosis. He (and us, too) are very blessed this went as well as it did. Although, no one likes to receive a cancer diagnosis, no matter how treatable it is.

Our extended Ruba family has had additional hardships this year. Uncle Brian is currently recovering from laryngectomy that was done to remove cancer from this throat. Our cousin Jared’s son Kamden suffered a stroke through a fluke blood clot and is currently at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals, completing in-patient therapy to regain strength and mobility on his left side. Lastly, our dear cousin Ashley lost her battle with triple-negative breast cancer this fall. It is still very raw and heartbreaking to all of us that she’s gone, leaving behind her husband, Zach, and three little girls. They are never far from our minds and hearts.

Everyday happiness.

Having Anna has made me slow down and, honestly, become a bit of a homebody. Weekends used to be filled with errands, shopping, running, biking, dining out, traveling out of town and more. Now, on any given weekend, if you did happen to see me, you’ll likely find me without make-up, dressed in sweats and without anywhere to be. Real-life, non-glamorous mom and wife here. My days are now filled with watching cartoons, reading books, playing toys, going on walks, blowing bubbles, giving baths, drawing pictures, visiting parks and snuggling.

Projects.

We had one home bigger project this year – installing an island in our basement. We never loved the way the kitchenette/bar area of our basement felt incomplete so we worked with a local cabinetry manufacturer and a contractor to make it happen. It turned out great, and we can’t wait to entertain in the space for years to come. We also got to enjoy the landscaping we had completed the previous fall. Although we had to do some replanting and are waiting for the flowers on our trellises to take off, we’re happy with what we had completed. We bought a rounded outdoor couch that seems to work well in our patio area in the corner.

A little Anna love.

To wrap things up, here’s some of my favorite photos of my favorite little person. Love you, Anna Kristine! Can’t wait to see how much you’ll change and grow in the next year!

Year in Review : 2021