A day in the life...

Interested in a day in the life of Owen and Rachel? Today, Derek came over (Rachel's parenting co-op buddy), and Owen and he played "mountains," as any good Colorado-ian would do! I put all of our couch cushions on the floor and they had a ball climbing on top and over them. Then, when Owen went down for his nap, Derek and I made cookies for the guys that were putting our patio in. We enjoyed watching them do their "thing," and were impressed at the results! I learned a lot about how stamped concrete is done. In short, they pour the regular concrete and then throw this colored sand on top, which is the tint. Then sweep over it with their brush to blend it in to the concrete (and continue this a few times over). They let that dry for awhile and then sprinkle on the top coat color (it's darker, so when it is sealed, you'll get a relief effect...the lighter bottom color will come through). Once the color desired is reached, they take these huge rubber stamps and put them together like a puzzle piece, pressing it in with a large mallet. Then then go over the cracks by hand with what looks like a pizza roller, and makes it look like real stone. Anyways, before you fall completely asleep, it looks like it takes a lot of work, and creates a lot of dust! We are very thankful and grateful for the amazing job Enesemo Duran and crew did! He's coming back tomorrow for the final sealer, so I'll post a picture of the final product then.

Anyhow, back in the house, Owen loves playing with his new instruments Shawn and I got him. It includes: a drum, chimes, tamborine, shakers, etc...Owen will mimic anything you do. He's hilarious. I think the picture of him drumming, captures his essence completely! What will this world hold for him? (Sort of reminds me of the SNL "Cow Bell" sketch...look it up and watch it on YouTube. It is so funny!) Currently, both boys are down for their naps. It is a blessed moment of the day! I am preaching on Sunday, so I had better return to that. Until next time...

Owen's 9 months!

I can hardly believe that Owen will be 9 months tomorrow! It just seems like yesterday I was pulling my hair out, wondering if he'd ever stop screaming for hours upon end, sleep for more than 20 minutes at a time, and go more than 2 hours without eating! Now, he is just a very well-adjusted, happy, and did I mention before, social boy? (Truly, God is good! :-) Shawn and I took him to get his 9 month pictures on Saturday. Shawn thought he looked like a girl in this outfit (and kept apologizing to Owen throughout it), but I think he is adorable. If I left things up to Shawn...who knows what he'd be wearing! It's funny, he thinks as long as it is sports related, it matches (doesn't matter of the color--he is into more "theme" matching.) :) At least he loves the kid to death! For that I am very grateful to have such an involved father (that would actually love to dress him!). Regardless, I think we have some great shots! Springer/Gerber family...be looking in the mail for a hard copy of yours soon.

Owen walking...sort of!

It's been awhile...

So, it's been awhile since the last blog. We've had our hands full with putting in a new stamped concrete patio! Shawn and I are thrilled at the progress--looks like it will be completely finished by next Wednesday, just in time for Shawn's staff BBQ and sending party for Marilyn, his current supervisor. I can hardly wait to enjoy breakfast out there as well as conversing with friends over a cup of coffee to close the day. It's been too long since we've actually enjoyed being out there!

On other fronts, Owen continues to grow and crack us up! He is such an alert little guy--doesn't miss anything! His new tricks include "walking" with his walker (like a push lawnmower) and holding seriously long conversations with himself and us. He just babbles and babbles and uses hand gestures to make points. It is truly hilarious! We captured him talking on his "phone"and posted it on YouTube. The link is below. Sorry it is sideways--I couldn't figure out how to turn it. Oh, and there is no sound, so you'll have to imagine! But, I think you can feel the "spirit" of Owen!

Hope this finds all of you well! Much love!

Mother's Day Weekend Bonanza!

My first Mother's Day weekend was great! Shawn and I decided to get out of the city and hit the mountains on Saturday! Owen loved his first hiking trip, but we were all surprised at the amount of snow that we discovered at the top! Going from mid-80's with no snow in Denver to the 60's with about 2 feet of snow in the middle of May was crazy! We went to Echo Lake, a mountain lake just down the summit from Mount Evans near Idaho Springs (~9000 ft). It was a great afternoon, topped off by dinner at Tommy Knocker's in Idaho Springs. Fun times for everyone!

On Sunday, Owen was dedicated along with 9 other children, which was very special. He did a super job! When Pastor Vern turned him towards the congregation and said, "Owen, this is your church family..." as he walked Owen down the center isle of the church and back, Owen was just swinging his little legs and smiling, looking at the people in the pews. The congregation got a kick out of it! That was a very meaningful morning--in addition, Shawn got a lot of affirmation for his decision to take the full-time job at P/SL hospital and to resign from his Associate Pastor role. We were thankful for the support received--truly a blessing and affirmation of Shawn's gifts.

In the afternoon, after naps were had all around, we decided to go golfing as it was a beautiful afteroon! Owen loved his first golfing experience! We took his portable high chair and strapped it in the golf cart, and off we went! Owen especially loved looking at the geese--he kept pointing at them and going, "Ah, ah, ah!" We had a great time, despite the fact that Shawn had a fairly poor game (he won't let me post his score)!

Motherhood continues to be quite the adjustment and blessing. I am so thankful to God for such a wonderful, healthy family...it is truly a gift.

The thrills of 8 months!

As my favorite soap (during college) begins, "Like sands throught an hourglass, so too, the days of our lives..." I actually find myself resonating! I can hardly believe how the days are flying by, and how our tiny baby who relatively did nothing, has now turned into a full-fledged squirmy little boy, whose personality fills a room! Our "O-man" is quite the communicator--even at 8 months he will let you know what he wants and what he doesn't! He can also make the coldest heart melt with his big smile. His expressive eyes are so fun to watch...they truly light up his entire body! The latest thrills of our 8 mo. old is being outside, and cruising on furniture. He is also becoming more and more difficult to capture on camera, due to his distaste for remaining in the same spot for too long!

A season of change...

On Tuesday of this week, I (Shawn) was offered the position of Manager of the Department of Spiritual Care at Presbyterian/St. Luke's Hospital where I currently serve as a half time Staff Chaplain. After much consideration, I accepted the offer which is a full time position and an amazing opportunity to further my chaplain career. So with mixed emotions I have decided to resign from my current position of Associate Pastor of Pastoral Care/Outreach at First Mennonite Church (Denver).

This is a decision that I have made after much discernment and prayer. My decision is largely based on following my passion of offering pastoral care in a clinical setting. It also reflects how I feel God has formed me as a person and is leading me. This is in no way is this decision related to negative feelings toward FMC as a congregation. They have all been so good and gracious to Rachel, Owen, and I, and I am continually thankful for how our paths have crossed. I truly have enjoyed serving them.

I also feel that this decision is right for my family life. For me to be at one place full time will help to balance my life given my duties with work, and as a father and husband. As for Rachel, she plans on continuing to serve at FMC as pastor.

The hospital would like me to start the first week of June. I would like to transition to the hospital at the beginning of June as well. I recognize that this is short notice for the church and yet this is the earliest that I could inform them due to the timing of the former Manager’s resignation and the official offer given to me for the position. I want the transition to go as well as possible and I want to be fair to the hospital and FMC, so I will continue to be in conversation with leadership about when my role with FMC officially ends.

I feel so excited about this opportunity with the hospital, but I am also filled with grief about leaving the church. However, within me I feel a peace that this is the right decision but it is still very hard.

Some Owen pics...

Here are a few pictures of Owen. He is still growing (thank goodness), despite the fact that he refuses to eat baby food anymore! We are trying to navigate the new changes an 8 month old brings, esp. as he is becoming more independent and active! (I thought we'd have a few more years before "neh-no" and shoving the spoon away, is a favorite word!) If you have any ideas for us regarding how to get a baby to eat...or for that matter...staying laying down to take a nap, once one has figured out how to stand in a crib (why lay down when you can play???), we are all ears! Seriously, why don't kids come with a manual?

Fun in Florida!

Owen had a great first visit to Florida a few weeks ago to visit his Grandma and Grandpa Gerber, as well as meeting his Great Grandma Troyer and a few (great) great aunts for the first time! The weather was beautiful (despite a few colder days). Owen loved the beach experience at Siesta Key, which is good, because his parents LOVE it there! We also had fun swimming in the pool, listening to the wind chimes, and eating out! We look forward to many more good times in the Sunshine State!

Owen's good buddy!

Shawn and I have been privileged to do a parenting co-op during the week to help with child care duties. I (Rachel) switch with another woman from church and watch her son who is 20 months old. Owen absolutely LOVES his older buddy, and Derek is such a great playmate! They really are amazing together. They love to have screeching contests--who can yell the loudest (such boys)! Derek gives toys to Owen, and Owen loves to laugh at Derek. I am so pleased for this arrangement: a win-win for everyone!

New life!

No, no one is pregnant again...but just this past weekend, we discovered a beautiful nest made in our front door wreath! A swallow and her three baby birds live there. It was such a delightful discovery! Noticing something like this was a great reminder to slow down and take notice to really appreciate the small wonders of life! I don't know how many times we each went in and out of that door before we finally saw it. Good reminder for us all!