The past few weeks have been flying! Jon has been employed at UPS for a month now. He has also been working at Diamond Parking part time as a parking attendant. Managing two part times jobs has been challenging but overall we are very happy about his change in employment. The biggest challenge is adjusting to a new work schedule. The UPS shift is from 11 pm to 3 am. Diamond Parking isn't consistent. Some days he works 6 am to 11 am, other days 11 am to 4 pm, and other times 5 pm to 8 pm. Finding time to sleep has been tricky. But overall Jon is adjusting well. The biggest change is the sense of peace and relaxation. Jon has been happier with his career change and a lot less stressed.
Michelle continues to pursue her MBA. She has two classes left this semester and will be done with her degree upon completion. She is anxious to be done with the homework and excited to see what doors open as a result of a Masters degree. She hopes to find a better employment opportunity as a result.
Our pregnancy has been going well. Michelle is now at 33 weeks with only 7 left till her due date. The nursery is coming together nicely. Today we received a dresser from a friend. After Jon cleans it up and repaints it, it will be the last of the nursery furniture. There are still a lot of small things we need ranging from diapers and wipes to hats and socks.
One concern about our pregnancy is that Michelle has gestational diabetes. Due to hormones, her body isn't accepting the insulin produced. This results in higher glucose levels in her blood. As a result, she has had to adjust her eating habits and monitor her blood sugar levels constantly. She has to test her blood four times a day and limit her intake of carbohydrates. This has been especially hard because most people know what a sweet tooth Michelle has. The good news is that once Benjamin is born, the gestational diabetes will go away. But until then, pray that the temptation of sweets and carbs will diminish.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Answer to Prayer
The past two weeks have been an interesting one in the Cramer household. Jon started the month of September as an unemployed stay at home husband. He had been applying for jobs at several locations and even had a couple of interviews at The Davenport, a high-end hotel in Spokane. However, The Davenport decided not to hire him.
Last Thursday a job posting came up for UPS, Jon's former employer. Jon worked for UPS while he was attending Eastern Washington University and again when we lived in western Washington. Within a few minutes of the job being posted Jon had applied. The next day he was called back for an interview. They scheduled him to meet with the shift supervisor on Sunday at 11 pm. (The shift he applied for is from 10 pm to 3 am, Sunday through Thursday.) Then Monday (yesterday) he got a call asking if he could start working that night! We were so very excited! Jon started work with UPS last night and is scheduled to go back the rest of the week!
This has been a huge answer to prayer! We have been praying for a job opportunity to come along for Jon and in less than two weeks of unemployment he has a new job! We are especially excited for UPS because he is being hired back at his previous wage and they have amazing benefits! It will cost us $0 to have our entire family on his insurance! In addition, since he is being hired as a part time employee, any extra shifts or hours he works above 25 hours a week will be counted as overtime and paid accordingly.
Michelle has officially began her last semester in her MBA program. She has 3 classes left and will be finished mid December. She has continued to earn a 4.0 GPA and hopes to finish strong. Please continue to pray for her as she finishes her program. Also, note that her program ends mid December and our baby is due December 1st. Pray that she will be able to handle having a baby and the remainder of her classes.
Baby Benjamin has been developing quite well. He is now a very active little guy. He likes to kick Mommy just when she's about ready to fall asleep. We are at 28 weeks and are still on track for a December 1st due date. Please continue to keep Baby Ben in your prayers along with Mommy and Daddy.
Last Thursday a job posting came up for UPS, Jon's former employer. Jon worked for UPS while he was attending Eastern Washington University and again when we lived in western Washington. Within a few minutes of the job being posted Jon had applied. The next day he was called back for an interview. They scheduled him to meet with the shift supervisor on Sunday at 11 pm. (The shift he applied for is from 10 pm to 3 am, Sunday through Thursday.) Then Monday (yesterday) he got a call asking if he could start working that night! We were so very excited! Jon started work with UPS last night and is scheduled to go back the rest of the week!
This has been a huge answer to prayer! We have been praying for a job opportunity to come along for Jon and in less than two weeks of unemployment he has a new job! We are especially excited for UPS because he is being hired back at his previous wage and they have amazing benefits! It will cost us $0 to have our entire family on his insurance! In addition, since he is being hired as a part time employee, any extra shifts or hours he works above 25 hours a week will be counted as overtime and paid accordingly.
Michelle has officially began her last semester in her MBA program. She has 3 classes left and will be finished mid December. She has continued to earn a 4.0 GPA and hopes to finish strong. Please continue to pray for her as she finishes her program. Also, note that her program ends mid December and our baby is due December 1st. Pray that she will be able to handle having a baby and the remainder of her classes.
Baby Benjamin has been developing quite well. He is now a very active little guy. He likes to kick Mommy just when she's about ready to fall asleep. We are at 28 weeks and are still on track for a December 1st due date. Please continue to keep Baby Ben in your prayers along with Mommy and Daddy.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Cramer's Changes
"Life belongs to the living, and he who lives must be prepared for changes."
-Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
At the beginning of July Jon made a decision to end his career with Peak 7 Adventures. Although he is passionate about the ministry, the time away from home was too much for our growing family. There were also other reasons that played a part in Jon's decision to step away from Peak 7 Adventures. We plan on continuing our relationship with Peak 7 but in a volunteer capacity. Jon's final day with Peak 7 will be August 31, 2011.
As Jon is pursuing new opportunities he has begun the process of applying for a new job. He has applied for many and would greatly use your prayers.
Michelle has continued to stay busy. She is finishing up class 9 of 12 of her MBA program. She has maintained a 4.0 average so far and hopes to continue it into her final semester at Corban. She has also been actively looking for a new job as her current work environment has not improved at all.
The changes facing the Cramer household are a little frightening but we are continuing to trust God for His will, guidance, and provision.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
It's a Boy!
It's official! We are having a boy! Yesterday we went to get the big gender-revealing ultra sound. We are about 20 weeks along in our pregnancy, so about half way. While at the ultra sound the tech pulled up a shot of our baby's legs, made sure we wanted to find out the gender, and then moved to find the "money shot." As soon as the image moved we saw the undeniable evidence. The tech said "you see that turtle like thing?" We said "yes." That little "turtle" meant we are having a boy! We are very excited to find out we are having a boy.
We will be registering at Target this afternoon, so those wanting to buy us a gift can go there and pick something off our list. Thanks in advance!
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
The Official Start of Backpacking Season
Jon has officially begun backpacking season. He left early this morning for a Father Son Backpacking trip. It is 5 days long, which means he will return on Saturday. He will be home next week, but will be gone again the next.
Here is his tentative schedule:
July 5 - July 9 (Tue - Sat) - Father Son Trip
July 11 - 15 (Mon - Fri) - Home
July 18 - 22 (Mon - Fri) - Open Boys Trip
July 25 - 29 (Mon - Fri) - Hosanna Trip
Aug 1 - 5 (Mon - Fri) - YMCA Trip
Aug 9 - 13 (Tue - Sat) - Havermale Trip
Aug 17 (Wed) - Fairchild Climbing Trip
Please continue to pray for safety and effectiveness on these trips. Also pray for Jon and Michelle during this time apart where we aren't able to communicate with one another.
Michelle is still continuing her MBA program. She has completed 7 full classes and is almost done with class #8. After this class she only has 4 classes remaining of her program. She has been able to maintain her 4.0 average so far and is striving hard to maintain that GPA.
Michelle is still looking for a new job. Her current work environment is continuing to get worse and worse. She recently had an interview at Partners International. She is really excited about the opportunity and hopes to hear back this week regarding the position.
Our pregnancy is also going along well. We are at 18.5 weeks! Almost half way! We have enjoyed each week's update, particularly when the update compares the size of the baby to a fruit or vegetable. Currently the length of the baby is compared to a bell pepper at 5 1/2 inches (although we have trouble imagining a bell pepper at 5 1/2 inches tall). To follow the development of our baby go HERE and enter the due date of December 1st. Michelle's morning sickness has lessened. Rather than getting sick every day, she is only getting sick about once a week. She could use prayer as she continues to carry our baby. In a little less than 2 weeks we will be finding out the gender of our baby. We look forward to spreading the news of our baby's gender once we find out!
Here is his tentative schedule:
July 5 - July 9 (Tue - Sat) - Father Son Trip
July 11 - 15 (Mon - Fri) - Home
July 18 - 22 (Mon - Fri) - Open Boys Trip
July 25 - 29 (Mon - Fri) - Hosanna Trip
Aug 1 - 5 (Mon - Fri) - YMCA Trip
Aug 9 - 13 (Tue - Sat) - Havermale Trip
Aug 17 (Wed) - Fairchild Climbing Trip
Please continue to pray for safety and effectiveness on these trips. Also pray for Jon and Michelle during this time apart where we aren't able to communicate with one another.
Michelle is still continuing her MBA program. She has completed 7 full classes and is almost done with class #8. After this class she only has 4 classes remaining of her program. She has been able to maintain her 4.0 average so far and is striving hard to maintain that GPA.
Michelle is still looking for a new job. Her current work environment is continuing to get worse and worse. She recently had an interview at Partners International. She is really excited about the opportunity and hopes to hear back this week regarding the position.
Our pregnancy is also going along well. We are at 18.5 weeks! Almost half way! We have enjoyed each week's update, particularly when the update compares the size of the baby to a fruit or vegetable. Currently the length of the baby is compared to a bell pepper at 5 1/2 inches (although we have trouble imagining a bell pepper at 5 1/2 inches tall). To follow the development of our baby go HERE and enter the due date of December 1st. Michelle's morning sickness has lessened. Rather than getting sick every day, she is only getting sick about once a week. She could use prayer as she continues to carry our baby. In a little less than 2 weeks we will be finding out the gender of our baby. We look forward to spreading the news of our baby's gender once we find out!
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Camping in Cashmere
The month of June finds Jon camping in Cashmere. He left on Thursday, June 2nd and is scheduled to arrive home on Monday, June 27th. This past weekend Michelle drove the 181 miles from Spokane to Cashmere to spend the weekend with Jon during the volunteer/donor appreciation weekend.
It was nice for us to get some time together although that time was somewhat limited. Michelle arrived on Friday afternoon and we hung out at camp that night. It was fun meeting new Peak 7 people and catching up with Peak 7 friends. Saturday began bright and early. Jon took the first group of volunteers and donors down the river while Michelle hung out at the park waiting for the group to arrive. (Her doctor advised against going white water rafting during her pregnancy.) We enjoyed lunch with the group.
The afternoon trip took off and Jon was given a break from guiding and we went and enjoyed milkshakes at the Cashmere pharmacy. We then enjoyed a walk to the river where we sat on rocks and watched rafts and kayaks float by. After sitting there for 30 minutes we decided to walk over to a bridge where our friends Austin and Ethan were hanging out waiting for our group to float by. After arriving there we waited for another 30 minutes. We were wondering where our group was because it shouldn't take that long for our group to arrive. Jon got a call from the shuttle driver, Heather.She said she waited at one location for 40 minutes without seeing them and assumed she missed them and headed on to the take-out. Arriving there she didn't find our group. As she was waiting she talked to a group that just arrived and they told her a boat was wrapped on a bridge abutment and the Peak 7 Adventure boats were parked on the side. It sounded as though our group had a problem, which would explain the lateness.
The four of us on the bridge quickly went to our vehicles. Jon and Michelle met up with Heather and had her follow us. We started driving along the river checking bridges as we went. As we got close to one we saw some sheriff vehicles and assumed that was the problem bridge, so we stopped. After looking under the bridge we saw a blue boat and immediately relaxed because Peak 7 doesn't have blue boats in Washington. Jon informed the group that it was a company called River Riders. We walked across the bridge and talked to the officers. We relayed our story/scare to them and they told us everyone was accounted for. We headed back to the park/take-out and relayed our stressful story to the group. Saturday evening ended with us going to bed early from an exhausting and long day.
Sunday morning arrived and Michelle got packed up. We had a church service at our campsite and then a big group of us went to lunch at Subway. Unfortunately the time came and Michelle had to head back to Spokane leaving Jon in Cashmere for 2 1/2 more weeks.
You could continue to pray from us as we endure this time apart. Prayer for Jon's safety and energy and impact. Prayer for Michelle's pregnancy and work situation.
It was nice for us to get some time together although that time was somewhat limited. Michelle arrived on Friday afternoon and we hung out at camp that night. It was fun meeting new Peak 7 people and catching up with Peak 7 friends. Saturday began bright and early. Jon took the first group of volunteers and donors down the river while Michelle hung out at the park waiting for the group to arrive. (Her doctor advised against going white water rafting during her pregnancy.) We enjoyed lunch with the group.
The afternoon trip took off and Jon was given a break from guiding and we went and enjoyed milkshakes at the Cashmere pharmacy. We then enjoyed a walk to the river where we sat on rocks and watched rafts and kayaks float by. After sitting there for 30 minutes we decided to walk over to a bridge where our friends Austin and Ethan were hanging out waiting for our group to float by. After arriving there we waited for another 30 minutes. We were wondering where our group was because it shouldn't take that long for our group to arrive. Jon got a call from the shuttle driver, Heather.She said she waited at one location for 40 minutes without seeing them and assumed she missed them and headed on to the take-out. Arriving there she didn't find our group. As she was waiting she talked to a group that just arrived and they told her a boat was wrapped on a bridge abutment and the Peak 7 Adventure boats were parked on the side. It sounded as though our group had a problem, which would explain the lateness.
The four of us on the bridge quickly went to our vehicles. Jon and Michelle met up with Heather and had her follow us. We started driving along the river checking bridges as we went. As we got close to one we saw some sheriff vehicles and assumed that was the problem bridge, so we stopped. After looking under the bridge we saw a blue boat and immediately relaxed because Peak 7 doesn't have blue boats in Washington. Jon informed the group that it was a company called River Riders. We walked across the bridge and talked to the officers. We relayed our story/scare to them and they told us everyone was accounted for. We headed back to the park/take-out and relayed our stressful story to the group. Saturday evening ended with us going to bed early from an exhausting and long day.
Sunday morning arrived and Michelle got packed up. We had a church service at our campsite and then a big group of us went to lunch at Subway. Unfortunately the time came and Michelle had to head back to Spokane leaving Jon in Cashmere for 2 1/2 more weeks.
You could continue to pray from us as we endure this time apart. Prayer for Jon's safety and energy and impact. Prayer for Michelle's pregnancy and work situation.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Flipping Boats
A monumental event has happened! Jon has officially flipped his first raft! He has flipped rafts before on purpose, but never on accident...until now. On Friday, May 20th Jon flipped his first raft. Then again on Friday, May 27th he flipped his second raft.
Here's Jon right before he flipped...unfortunately they don't have a picture of his flipped raft.
We also recently celebrated our 3rd wedding anniversary! We enjoyed a nice dinner at Outback Steakhouse where we feasted on Bloomin' Onions, steaks, potatoes, and their delicious brown bread (which happens to be Michelle's favorite). On the way home we then grabbed a Red Box movie and Dairy Queen Blizzards. It was a fun, relaxing anniversary.
Michelle's pregnancy is progressing well. She is now officially in week 13 and on her last week of the first trimester. She has been recovering from morning sickness. Weeks 6-9 were really bad and required medicine from the doctor in order to keep some food/drinks down. But weeks 11-13 are proving to be much better. She's only getting sick once or twice a week without having to use the medicine.
Jon's season is getting busier and busier. He leaves next week on Thursday, June 2nd for Cashmere where they will be rafting the Wenatchee River. He is hoping to return on Sunday, June 26th. Michelle is planning on visiting him at least 1 of the weekends and possibly another if her schedule works out.
Please be praying for us! Here are ways you can pray specifically for us:
1. Jon's safety during the remainder of rafting season.
2. Michelle's safety as she drives out to see him on weekends.
3. Comfort for Michelle and Jon as they spend most of June apart.
4. Michelle's school work as she continues in her 3rd (of 4) semester.
5. For the development of our baby.
6. For financial support for Jon's ministry.
7. Michelle's work situation as it is still a very negative environment.
Here's Jon right before he flipped...unfortunately they don't have a picture of his flipped raft.
We also recently celebrated our 3rd wedding anniversary! We enjoyed a nice dinner at Outback Steakhouse where we feasted on Bloomin' Onions, steaks, potatoes, and their delicious brown bread (which happens to be Michelle's favorite). On the way home we then grabbed a Red Box movie and Dairy Queen Blizzards. It was a fun, relaxing anniversary.
Michelle's pregnancy is progressing well. She is now officially in week 13 and on her last week of the first trimester. She has been recovering from morning sickness. Weeks 6-9 were really bad and required medicine from the doctor in order to keep some food/drinks down. But weeks 11-13 are proving to be much better. She's only getting sick once or twice a week without having to use the medicine.
Jon's season is getting busier and busier. He leaves next week on Thursday, June 2nd for Cashmere where they will be rafting the Wenatchee River. He is hoping to return on Sunday, June 26th. Michelle is planning on visiting him at least 1 of the weekends and possibly another if her schedule works out.
Please be praying for us! Here are ways you can pray specifically for us:
1. Jon's safety during the remainder of rafting season.
2. Michelle's safety as she drives out to see him on weekends.
3. Comfort for Michelle and Jon as they spend most of June apart.
4. Michelle's school work as she continues in her 3rd (of 4) semester.
5. For the development of our baby.
6. For financial support for Jon's ministry.
7. Michelle's work situation as it is still a very negative environment.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Springs of Change
Spring has arrived and with it comes many changes! The biggest change affecting the Cramer Cabin is the news that a baby is on the way! We found out about 4 weeks ago that Michelle is expecting! Two weeks ago we went to the doctor and were told that the due date is December 1st. Calls to family members were immediately made! Our home group from church was told this past Wednesday and we made it "official" by posting the news on Facebook. We are very excited for the new addition! We have a lot to do to prepare for this new bundle of joy, but we have 7 months to get ready. While that is very exciting, the side affects are not so great. Michelle has been pretty sick the last couple of weeks. Although that is normal, she doesn't enjoy it. Prayers would be appreciated! We are planning on finding out the gender of the baby as soon as we can.
With spring comes other changes, mostly in regards to Jon's work. Rafting season is starting to pick up and weekends are filling up for him. While he is happy to be out on the river, this season has new challenges as he is supervising staff and dealing with the constant changes that Peak 7 has.
We were recently notified that one of our donors is no longer able to support Jon's ministry. We truly appreciate that family's support and understand the reasons why they can't continue. The good news is that they gave us a great tip on a contact to seek out for support. This does mean that our support level has dropped to 45.76%. We would appreciate your prayers for additional support.
Another decision we made was to step down from youth ministry. With Jon's busy season and Michelle's schooling, we haven't had the time we want to invest in this ministry. It was a tough decision but we feel it was the right thing to do.
In other exciting news, we have paid off the last of our credit cards! It was a very exciting moment for us! Now the only debt we have is student loans.
With spring comes other changes, mostly in regards to Jon's work. Rafting season is starting to pick up and weekends are filling up for him. While he is happy to be out on the river, this season has new challenges as he is supervising staff and dealing with the constant changes that Peak 7 has.
We were recently notified that one of our donors is no longer able to support Jon's ministry. We truly appreciate that family's support and understand the reasons why they can't continue. The good news is that they gave us a great tip on a contact to seek out for support. This does mean that our support level has dropped to 45.76%. We would appreciate your prayers for additional support.
Another decision we made was to step down from youth ministry. With Jon's busy season and Michelle's schooling, we haven't had the time we want to invest in this ministry. It was a tough decision but we feel it was the right thing to do.
In other exciting news, we have paid off the last of our credit cards! It was a very exciting moment for us! Now the only debt we have is student loans.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
January 2011
The month has come and gone. It was a fun and busy month for us. We rang in the new year at our friends Alex's and Beth's house. We both had birthdays this month. We enjoyed lunch together one day and a dinner at the Wolf Creek Lodge another night to celebrate our birthdays. We also attended a Peak 7 Property Launch party at the new warehouse/office.
Michelle started her 4th class this month and only has two weeks left before she starts the next. This class is proving to be more time intensive and significantly harder than the last semester.
Jon is also starting his busy season. He's starting to book trips and equip his staff for the upcoming season. He would really appreciate prayers as he is getting busier and busier.
Michelle started her 4th class this month and only has two weeks left before she starts the next. This class is proving to be more time intensive and significantly harder than the last semester.
Jon is also starting his busy season. He's starting to book trips and equip his staff for the upcoming season. He would really appreciate prayers as he is getting busier and busier.
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