The Intentional Life

Dad's birthday was this past Sunday and we did a little surprise shindig for him. He knew that his own kids were coming over but thought that it was going to be low-key. But at 6 o'clock my Aunt Marcia and Uncle Brian walked in the door (along with Lori and Jack - a surprise to all of us! :) a minute later U. Derrel and A. Sue, and right behind them were U. Allen and A. Arlene. The surprise worked out great because Dad didn't even see them pull up to the house. He didn't know any of them were there until they walked into the kitchen . I was so glad that it worked for all of dad's siblings to be there. With everyone there, there were about 20 people in the house which led to quite a commotion, but then you expect that with the Steffen's : ) We managed to get 60 candles on the cake and after a bit of help from the propane torch, were able to get them all lit. Many thanks to my aunts and uncles for making the effort to come over to celebrate dad's bir

I was informed that I haven't posted in awhile so I thought I better get on it.....Owen is showing his stubborn side as he requests more and more for "Owen do it." This can bring some frustration, especially if I am in a hurry and Owen doing it takes twice as long. Just a reminder to me to slow down. Hannah is cruising along furniture and finally has figured out how to crawl on her hands and knees instead of walrus flopping. Gateway is going well. We are really glad to be working there. The times we have been on duty have been exhausting at times and its nice to come back to our house at the end of the on-duty stint. We have had some nice weather days and there is a park nearby so we have made it over there a few times. The other alternate houseparent couples live next door to us (there are 5 houses in a row) and it's been nice to be outside and talk while watching our kids play. I can hardly believe Hannah will be one next month, but a year has come around.