Dwight and Sharon in Hawaii November 2004 

Finally we have a profile picture!

After much brain damage was incurred by both Sharon and Beth trying to get a picture posted next to our name in this blog, a co-worker of Sharon's managed to downsize our 2004 Hawaiian sunset cruise picture so the blogger program would accept it! It was a memorable trip last November to The Big Island for our 33rd anniversary. We decided that of the two islands we have visited, we enjoyed Kauai more when we were there 3 years earlier, but this was a wonderful trip, too (and we traded in our United miles for first class seats!).

We're experiencing beautiful weather here in Colorado. Dwight gets to go to the Rockies season opener this afternoon - sunny and 70 degrees! Snow tonight, oh well. Should warm up again later this week.

A beautiful weekend in Colorado!

Had fun last night, enjoying dinner at home with friends, trying to teach Kirk how to behave around guests - he did pretty well considering he's still a baby! Today is gorgeous, sunny and mid-60's. We're heading to the dog park this afternoon and to a sneak preview of "Fever Pitch" tonight. Worship tomorrow, and on Wednesday, Dwight starts an 8-week class on spiritual formation at Genesis Presbyterian. He had an interview Tuesday with a search committee of a church looking for a part-time interim pastor, but no word yet, so they may be looking at others. We'll see ...

Dwight's had a couple of good days pain-wise, so we continue to be hopeful that this last surgery may help, but too soon to tell.

Sharon's work is going well, but budget problems in the city (actually all municipalities in Colorado are hurting big time) are making her feel vulnerable for the first time. She's survived 4 years of layoffs so far and is not sure her department will survive the next one. There will be a question on the November ballot regarding increasing the city sales tax and it will boil down to a vote about what kind of services citizens really want.

Kirk checking out the appetizers! 

Kirk at 10 months 

Some pictures - just for fun!

Thought we'd share a few pictures - one of son Steve and wife Beth on their honeymoon last July; recent ones of Dwight and Sharon, and of course, Kirk, the very large puppy.

Beth and Steve on their Vail honeymoon July 2004 

Dwight waits to offer the daily prayer at the Colorado State Senate, February 2005 

Sharon enjoying a cup of coffee with Dwight downtown on a day when he was offering the Senate prayer 

Kirk is NOT allowed on the furniture (yeah, right ... ) 

Easter Snow?

Yup, sure looks that way. Following two beautiful weekends this month, our Easter is destined to be cold and wet, oh well. Guess we'll spend it by the fire! We'll be worshiping at Genesis Presbyterian again this year for Easter, where Sharon is a member and sings in the choir. Dwight's going to teach an 8-week course on Spiritual Formation at Genesis beginning in April. He's also had a nibble from a church in the Denver area looking for a part-time (and short-term) interim pastor. This would be a good opportunity for him because it would help him evaluate whether or not he'll be able to go back to work following his last back surgery. So, we'll see if this is what God has in mind for him to do ...

Our hearts ache for the community of Red Lake, Minnesota this week. Littleton residents know only too well what they're feeling. So much brokenness and pain. Our prayer this Easter is that they find peace, comfort and support, and that they discover ways to help the children of their community find meaning, faith, and direction.

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!

Kirk, the lapdog?! 

Dwight continues to improve, with Kirk's help!

Nearly 3 weeks after Dwight's fourth back surgery, we are feeling optimistic that he might find some long term relief from his back pain. He's walking every day and taking good care of himself. Kirk is taking good care of Dwight too, but hasn't figured out that a 120 lb lapdog can be a little overwhelming to someone with a back injury!!

Kirk aka Kierkegaard, waits anxiously for Dwight and Sharon to get home. 

Dwight's Surgery

Dwight's surgery went well and he comes home from the hospital today. He's feeling hopeful that Tuesday's surgery to remove the screws and rods (placed during the lumbar fusion surgery two+ years ago) will finally bring him relief from chronic pain. Got to keep up that walking regimen!

About Dwight

Dwight is a Presbyterian minister and has been on disability since 2002 because of a debilitating back injury (caused by standing up to applaud son Steve at a college choir concert in 1997, nothing exotic like skydiving or rockclimbing). Since that time he's had four back surgeries, the last one in February 2005, hopefully the last and the one that relieves the pain. Dwight keeps busy as a member of Denver Presbytery's Committee on Ministry, and teaches a weekly Bible study at Windsor Gardens in Aurora.

About Sharon

Sharon works for the City of Lakewood, Colorado, as Central Records Administrator. She is a certified records manager (CRM), a really big deal in her field, and works in the City Clerk's Office. Sharon is a member of Genesis Presbyterian Church, Littleton, sings in the choir, and serves on Denver Presbytery's Committee on Preparation for Ministry.

Kirk's Kingdom

Kirk is our Great Dane puppy, 120 lbs of love, born May 31, 2004. Since he is a puppy, albeit a giant one, he bounds around the house like a small pony, chews up things and digs up the yard, so he's a bit of work right now, but such a loving animal - he's been a real joy.