Gowin Family Blog

Liam is four years old today. Happy birthday, boy!

So here’s what we’ve been up to lately:

• Spent the weekend in Chesterton, IN for a bridal shower for Matt & Kristina (see previous post). We (Suzanne, me, and the kids) stayed in adjoining rooms at the Hilton Garden Inn for two nights. Swimming pool, big beds, and elevators–what more could a kid want?
• Strictly Ballroom. Suzanne and I are taking dance lessons every Monday night in June. We’ve learned some swing and nightclub two-step moves in the first two sessions and, let me say this, we’re pretty good. Especially when Suzanne leads.
• I’ve been defeated by the coal room. I started rehabbing that room in the basement so long ago I can’t remember when I started. I’ve done all I can stand and I’m turning over the remaining work (some electrical and drywall) to the contractor. Had I done this in the first place, the room would have been done two years ago. No more DIY for me, thank you.
• Erin and Liam took some tennist lessons the other week. You probably know the game as “tennis” but to Erin, it’s “tennist.” I’d never have guessed it but Erin will likely be the athlete in our family (maybe Maura as well but it’s too soon to tell). Liam is still learning how to catch a ball and his friends are rounding second. On the bright side, it was his complete inability to do well at sports with balls (football, baseball, basketball, etc.) that led Lance Armstrong into triathlons and, eventually, cycling. There’s still hope for the boy.

Kristina and I started a wedding website through TheKnot.com some time ago and the information is up to date and ready for viewing.  You can find the details about our special day at:

www.mattandkristina.com

Let us know if you want the password to view other details or sign our guestbook.

Note the photo credit on the main page - Thanks Mike!  (And thanks as well for the web hosting!)

Enjoy!

I’ve finally gotten my photography business site up, http://www.gowinphotography.com. Check it out when you get a minute.

Yesterday we said farewell to our preacher, John Castelein. John has served in the pulpit at Lincoln Christian Church for the last five years while also teaching full time at Lincoln Christian Seminary. He’s done a remarkable job but, at this point in his career, wants to focus his professional energies on his academic work. So the church held a reception for John and his wife, Marie, where warm words of encouragement (and a little roasting) were shared. We took the kids.

When we returned home, Erin wanted to play preacher. She got a Bible and asked for a microphone then began an impromptu “service.” She read some texts, gave brief expository sermons on the readings, led some prayers, and invited the “audience” (Suzanne, Liam, Maura, and me) to offer testimonies, thoughts on what church means (”what’s your favorite part?”), and musical performances.

We haven’t yet told her that girls don’t preach in our churches (although they are permitted to “speak”).