We're back!

We made it! These last few weeks have been a bit crazy and chaotic! On June 28th, Owen and I headed to San Jose, CA for the Mennonite Convention where I was worship leading for the youth. We were out there 5 days early (officially began July 2-7th) for a leaders retreat where we did some intensive planning to get ready to lead 4,000 incoming youth from around the nation. Shawn joined us on Sunday, July 1. We were so blessed to have my mom with us to help with Owen...as it turns out, it was a double blessing because Shawn's Crohn's Disease flared up that week, sending him to the hospital and leaving him feeling pretty miserable all week. Overall, the convention was intense, exhausting, but very meaningful (despite the additional stressors Shawn's illness caused). It is quite humbling to have been asked to worship lead in this capacity. I learned a lot about myself and understood in a new and deeper way about my call to ministry. It was also fantastic catching up with friends--missed all of you! As good as it was, I am glad it is over! :) I am starting to feel a little "over exposed"--so I think I need to lay low to the Mennonites for awhile!

Anyways, we got back last Saturday and Owen was met by his Uncle Troy and Aunt Catie who were here from Pittsburgh! We were thrilled that they stopped in and spent the weekend with us before heading down to Catie's family in Cheraw, CO. We had a fun weekend with them: watching movies, went on a picnic, and visited the Denver Zoo. The picture of the zoo shows Catie jumping as far as a jack rabbit! Troy did a polar bear jump, and Rachel did a penguin (yes, I know I only have a "credit card" jump!) Anyhow, Owen had a great time and absolutely LOVED all the attention!

Now that we are back in town and it looks like our lives will be pretty low-key for while, I hope to post something every week. Update: Shawn is now (finally) feeling better--his steorids have kicked in and he isn't in so much pain. So, I think we are on the up-and-up. Until next time...