Are we in Kansas? (Part 2)

Storm June 8 '08 (24)
Originally uploaded by sillyschramm

Our house is the grey one. A very tall street tree across the street from us had one of its major limbs blown over, which knocked down an electrical/telephone pole which then came crashing down on our deck. Click on the photo to see more through our flickr account.

Sunday afternoon I was sleeping after a night of work when I thought I heard the tornado sirens (which was weird after such a nice day). My neighbor was out on the porch and flagged me down and I ran with her and her two girls down to their basement (which happen to be a little easier to get to than mine). We heard a crash and the lights flicked off, then on again after a few seconds. Then the storm was over and this is what we saw in its aftermath. Thankfully, Jonathon and Erich were over at his parents' house, and everyone was safe. And, fortunately, we're getting a new deck, which was very overdue (it was rotting anyway).

So that's our story. We finally have our phone and internet back on and we were lucky enough to have power through it all(ours is fed from the side street since we're on a corner).

Are we in Kansas?

We had a very interesting weekend filled with storms and rain and microbursts. In some areas they actually had tornadoes. We got off pretty lucky compared to some, but we experienced our own damage. I don't have pictures because we still don't have phone or internet but I will have them, hopefully, within a week or so. So, check back in a while. I'll tell the whole tale along with the pictures then. We are all safe and sound and our house is mostly intact, and that's what is important.

He has a job!!

October2004 155
Originally uploaded by sillyschramm

Yes, friends, Jonathon finally heard from MSU and he has a job. He will be doing a two-year post-doc doing research on effective teaching methods in science. This is only half-time, but there is another half-time position in the works doing outreach for the bioenergy research already underway.

Translation: I'm a nurse and I don't really know everything he will be doing because it sometimes sounds like Japanese to me. But if you would like more info, I'm sure Jonathon will be happy to explain it all to you.

I'm happy, because I will no longer be soley responsible to put bread (or bulgar wheat) on the table. I will be able to cut my hours back somewhat. I LOVE my job but it's very emotionally draining at times.

So, that's our happy news. Praise the Lord!!

Tragedy

Many of you know the well-known Christian artist Steven Curtis Chapman. He has influenced many Christians around the globe with his words/talent as a musician. Tragedy struck their family this week. I read about it from my friend, Kimberly's blog and their is a link to his website. His family really needs prayer right now as they try to carry on with their lives after their daughter's/sister's death. Thank you.

Mother's Day up North

IMG_3117
Originally uploaded by sillyschramm

We took a camping trip on Michigan's Upper Penninsula ("U.P."). Unfortunately, we had remembered everything except the tent poles. After a night in a motel we were able to catch the park ranger and get the only "mini-cabin" in Brimely State Park. It ended up being a blessing since the temperature sunk to the mid-30s at night with high winds off Lake Superior. Our cabin had a space heater which was very nice. Jonathon was disappointed at our lack of "roughing it", but I was glad to know we wouldn't have frozen to death.

We spent our time checking out a few lighthouses and scenic overlooks, playing on the beaches of Lakes Michigan and Superior, watching the ships come through Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, eating fudge and pasties, and visiting an old Historic Mill town.

We came home a day early but spent our free day at the zoo and local market. We've enjoyed the time to spend as a family, especially before Jonathon has a job that will probably occupy a lot of his time.

Baby bites the dust (or concrete)

April 2008
Originally uploaded by sillyschramm

We are so thankful for a house with a deck to put our grill and outdoor furniture on. But with this territory comes some minor hazards. Erich is still learning how to use stairs and decided to try it on his own. Of course Jonathon and I were standing right there, but these things, as we all know, happen faster than we can react. After some hugging and peroxide I think he will survive. No evidence of a subdural or epidural hematoma noted.

Springtime!!!!

April 2008
Originally uploaded by sillyschramm

Spring is finally here!!! Although we know one last snowfall may be just around the corner, we are very thankful for our warm(er) weather and the budding flowers and trees. I'm premedicating with allergy meds, so hopefully I will be able to enjoy Spring this year!