Raising Schuurmans: Birthday Week

     This past Tuesday, Titus turned 11 months old. Wednesday was the first birthday of our nephews Tyson and Hunter. Thursday was our oldest nephew, Sam's, SIXTH birthday. Thus, the title, "Birthday Week." To celebrate all of this, Titus had pink eye last weekend while Marcus took his share of it on Wednesday. Both boys are clear, but Mark is working through it now. It's a very minor setback, but still, no fun. I'm praying I don't get it.
      Speaking of fun, we've enjoyed some wonderful warm (and sometimes hot) weather down here lately and have been outside a lot. One day I pushed Titus in the stroller while Marcus rode his bike around the blue track at UNCA. Another day we met up with a friend and her 6 week old baby to ride around a trail and play at the park. It's been good to MAKE time to do these things. We've still been overwhelmingly busy but it's just a phase of life right now. Hopefully we only have two more weeks of chaos and things will ease up a bit. The new floors were installed Friday at Headlines (from the flood damage) and we hope to have a piece of rental property rented out by the first of June, if not sooner. We've chosen a tenant, but need to get a fence put in before she moves in. A few children's programs will end for the summer, so June is looking good to us! It will be Titus' first birthday, Emma's NINTH birthday, my sister's 29th birthday, and my Dad's 63rd. It'll be another month of celebrations for sure.
     Until then, we're just putting our heads down and plowing through a not-so-easy spell of life, knowing it'll get better, and being grateful that it's not worse. I mean, really. We have great health, and lots of freedom to bring the boys along with us where ever we go, so all and all, it's not too bad. Just a lot of hard work. And everyone knows that's all Schuurmans do anyhow, right?

Their favorite morning activity is getting all the pots out and playing in the cabinet.

Hollaring at his big brother.

Marcus enjoys it when he and Titus dress alike.

Tyson and Hunter - one year old.

Titus Jeffrey - a ball of energy

Marcus' current infatuation is Chutes and Ladders. Mark is so great about playing with him at all times of the day, including before work like in this picture. You can tell it was early because Titus had crazy bed hair still.

Painting while Titus naps.

Titus cracks up when you put a hat on his head.

Hot & red-faced from playing baseball outside with Daddy.

This is what a great daddy looks like.

It's a good day to be at UNCA.

Swinging in front of the dorms I lived in my senior year.

Swinging at Uncle TJ and Aunt Liv's hosue after the baby dedication at church.

Marcus was making Hunter CRACK UP! (PS - the boys' helmets are for flat spots on the back of their heads. Merely cosmetic and should be able to come off in a few months.)

Titus giving Uncle TJ some practice for the when the boys start to walk.

Here are some of the picture that were up at the party, remembering the journey that Tyson and Hunter had their first year of life.

"I raise my hand to testify in the Lord's goodness!"

2nd generation bread man

Special Treat - Riding with Bob the Builder!

Watching his friend Nathan play in his last high school baseball game.

Sweet Titus enjoyed the game as well.

I got out of the shower and the door to their bedroom was open. Marcus had gotten in bed with Titus, who was still asleep, & they were cuddling, in and out of a sleepy stupor.