Happy Father's Day (yesterday)

I started trying to think of some creative story to tell about how wonderful Jonathon is, how wonderful of a father he is. I have countless stories to tell, but my creative writing juices are running a bit thin today.

Jonathon has a lot of work to do, even after he comes home from the office. But, he always puts Erich, Tilia, and me ahead of those tasks. He will often stay up into the wee hours of the morning, getting work finished, because he came home, had dinner, played with the kids, helped me put them down for the night, walked the dog, finished cleaning the kitchen (because I'm allergic to hand-washing dishes), and spent time talking with his wife before diving into his work-related tasks. I often go to bed hours before Jonathon, even though we get up around the same time the next morning, ready to start a new day.

But this man always seems to have some energy on reserve. This is not to say he doesn't have weak moments (even we "well-rested" people do), but he always has a smile ready and open arms to his family. I think it's safe to say that Erich and Tilia have the best daddy EVER!

Snake cupcakes

Snake cupcakes
Originally uploaded by sillyschramm

My baby boy had his 4th birthday yesterday. Unbelievable! Although he's certainly going through his "terribles" right now, he still is one of the sweetest little boys; always giving us hugs and kisses. I love when he says in his little sweet voice "I love you, mommy." He also comes up with the strangest questions and ideas. The question "why?" is heard at least 1600 times a day. It's also amazing to see how his brain is putting together two related concepts and coming up with a brand-new idea. I just absolutely love to watch him figure things out. I praise God for my healthy, wonderful children and very blessed life. I can't ask "why do I deserve this and not so-and-so?" I just have to thank and praise my God for all the wonderful blessings he has given us.

Facebook no more

To anyone who is wondering where my Facebook profile went, I intentionally deactivated it last evening. I have about three reasons for this decision, but the main reason is that I was spending too much time on Facebook. Enough said. I'm reprioritizing, and Facebook had to go. Thanks for understanding.

Sweet Relief

Jonathon and I just returned from a much-needed vacation. Thanks to some very wonderful grandparents, we were able to take the trip without the kids (although we missed them, of course). We arrived Wednesday evening and stayed in Cedarville, Michigan at an Intervarsity Training Camp. We brought along all of our own food and actually cooked some outstanding meals (you know, the kind your kids won't eat).

We took our first day trip to Tahquamenon Falls and Whitefish Point on Thursday. We were blessed with beautiful weather and scenery.

The second day, Friday, we crossed on a ferry boat over to Drummond Island where we hiked around Maxton Plains, a very interesting Tundra-like area. We then hiked down three different unmarked paths trying to locate Fossil Ridge, only to be turned away each time with "Private Property" signs. We learned later that we hadn't driven far enough down the main (dirt) road. Jonathon was VERY disappointed. Now, we'll just have to go back, I guess. Drummond Island was not as wonderful as we had hoped because all the trails are meant for ORV's, not hikers. Oh well.

We came home to a couple of tired children, but we had much more patience after all the rest we had. Now, back to the grind...

P.S. If you would like to see pictures of our adventure, just click on the photo slideshow on the right side of the screen. This will take you to our flickr account.

I'm back...

To any of you who have religiously followed this blog only to be disappointed by my lack of updates, I am truly sorry. I got caught up in facebook and am now realizing it's not really a good place to say what you truly want to say. I know, I find myself only gazing over the long status updates, not really reading it all. I think facebook has made me a little ADD.

Today I was once again reminded just how good I really have it. Today I have been very impatient with my children. After 3 long shifts in 3 days, my patience is thinning. I don't feel like I have a lot left. But then I read a friend's blog; a friend who is a nurse on a ship that travels from one poor country to another helping the most helpless have a shot at life. She told the story of a little girl who made such wonderful progress, then slipped rapidly back down and finally passed away this morning. I can only imagine the grief her mother is experiencing. Here I am, ready to give my children away for a moment's peace; I'm quickly shaken and want to hold on to them as tightly as I can. What a selfish fool I am (of course, very normal). If you would like to read her blog, just click the link "Ali's African Adventures" on the right side of the screen. Her stories are truly amazing.

Our summer news

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Originally uploaded by sillyschramm

Just wanted to show off my very cute baby girl. It's amazing how much she looks like Erich. Did I mention she is sleeping through the night (90% of the time)? What a great baby. We feel very blessed.

And, Erich is officially potty-trained; he's actually wearing real underwear all the time. I'm so proud. It only took 7 months, but he did it!!!! And, he rarely wets at night, which I am SOOOO happy about.

This summer has been quite a roller coaster for our family, with the baby born in May, Jonathon teaching in May/June, Jonathon traveling a lot for work, me changing positions at the hospital, family visiting... We are finally going to be in the same place at the same time come this weekend. I will be breathing a major sigh of relief. It's been like a marathon. By God's grace we will reach the finish line alive and well.

Happy Birthday

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Originally uploaded by sillyschramm

Well, his birthday was actually Monday and this picture was taken at his party on Sunday, but who's really keeping track?

My baby is 3 years old. Unbelievable!!! Although the details will fade, I will never forget the day he was born and how it felt to suddenly go from no children to being a mom. It's amazing how you just "shift" from one role to another. It's still amazing to see how he is changing every day and growing into a little man.

He can sometimes be a pistol, but he is such a sweet-natured little boy. We certainly enjoy him and thank God for such a wonderful son.