2009 Christian Family Conference

We recently returned from the 2009 Christian Family Conference in Denver, sponsored by Christian Home Educators of Colorado (CHEC). The conference served as encouragement a chance for Crystal and I to re-focus on our commitment to develop in our children a passion to follow Jesus in every aspect of their life. As a parent, I can not see any other goal that is more critical to us at this stage in life.

To be honest, I'm finding it to be a big challenge. I realize the only way we can instill those values in our children is if they first see them modeled in us...and that just isn't as easy as it sounds. I recently had to face up to this firsthand when Crystal brought to my attention that I was allowing addiction to my computer to frequently usurp my quality time with her and the kids. I was resistant to give it up, but agreed to leave my computer at work over the weekend and instead focus on my task as a dad and husband. In hindsight, I'm really glad I did - but believe me it wasn't easy at the time.

The conference trip also doubled as our anniversary getaway. Mom and Kate kept the kids, except for Emery who wen't with Grandpa "Wiggy" to California to work on airplanes (both their favorite!). It was nice to have some quality time to spend together without the kids....we don't get it very often. Our friends Brian & Jenny Jarrett were able to escape for four days too, and we had an enjoyable time discussing what we were learning at the conference over meals with them. Brian will be blogging about some of his observations on their family blog if you're interested in taking a look.

I'm hoping to do some more blogging here myself over the course of the next few months. Things have been far to bare around here for a while.