We made it safely to our destination! Four crazy long days of packing, loading, driving and unloading... we're pretty tired. And just to make things interesting, our kids are both sick. But we're doing well and glad to be here. Right now we only have limited internet access... so new posts will be less frequent... but I'll get some moving pictures up soon and updates on the transition whenever I can. Peace Out!
Today is my last day at Mission Springs. I just packed up my desk... feels a bit weird. My family and I will miss our the Mission Springs community - staff, residents, and our church family. My fellow Program staffers put together a very nice going away party for me on Wednesday. There were a few rounds of "Duke Trivia," some sharing, some stories, and some food. I really appreciated it! One of the gifts I received was a memory book with pictures and notes from many people... very cool. Here's the group just after the party...
Kaylin had a very exciting day yesterday! She rode on a train for the first time and went to the dentist for the first time.
She and Grams rode the train to San Jose where Amy picked Kaylin up. Kaylin was coming home after enjoying 2 nights at Grams & Big Papa's house! When I asked her about the train she said she'd had fun and "then it got to San Jose and that was all."
Here's our cute boy... Mom spotted his first tooth today! Unlike his sister, cutting it didn't seem to bother him much... we hope that will become a trend. =)
Our niece Avery turned 2 on Saturday and we all had fun at her party on Sunday afternoon! Maybe this link to their blog will put some friendly pressure on her parents to put up some pictures! =)
Happy Birthday Cute Niecie!
My mom visited for a few days this past week and although it went too fast, it was a great time! She spent a couple days with J & J and then a couple days with us. Kaylin and T.J. loved getting to play with Gramma Darlene! Amy and I were busy packing so we appreciated all her help entertaining the kids... Plus, you can't stop her, you can only hope to contain her... she packed boxes for us too! We were so busy we didn't take pics. Mom - Maybe you can email me one of you and the kids?
I was eating lunch at home, no one else was home... so I was surfing YouTube and saw this. I think it's a classic dance routine that shows the evolution of dancing. Amy wasn't sure it was blog worthy. Give it a chance and then let us know what you thought by posting a comment!
I registered yesterday for my first semester of classes at Talbot School of Theology. I decided to go with a light load in order to ease back into being a student. I'm registered to take:
TTBE 520 - Survey of Matthew-Revelation (3 units)
Tuesdays 1:30-4:10
A general overview of the New Testament books, including selected introductory and critical issues, relevant background, major themes and divisions, and crucial problems. Required of M.Div. and M.A. students. Taught by Dr. John Hutchison
TTPT 706 - Personal Foundations of Ministry (2 units)
Wednesdays 12:30-2:20
Focused on the importance of self-understanding for spiritual and emotional well-being as well as effective ministry to hurting people, an investigation of the impact of personal and family history on theological outlook, emotional congruence, relational attractions and moral decisions. Several personal assessments as well as one or more therapy sessions are an integral part of this course. Taught by Dr. Rex Johnson
NOTE: Dr. Johnson is the professor that we got to meet through our friends Brent & Lynelle. The same weekend that I visited Talbot just after summer, we had lunch with Dr. Johnson and his wife.
My last day at Mission Springs will be Friday, January 19th. I will pick up our Uhaul truck after church on Sunday the 21st and we're planning to drive away in the early morning hours of Tuesday the 23rd. We will be moving in with Amy's sister DeeDee and her family for a brief transition time. That will allow me to continue looking for work and us to look for housing without the time pressure of needing to move in immediately.
To sell or not to sell...
To move it or lose it...
To pack it or chuck it...
Those are the questions we have been considering the last few days. Today, we answered those questions by going to the Santa Cruz Flea Market. With the help our our friends (and my co-workers) Sharon and Terry, we took a LOT of our stuff to the flea dark and early this morning. We go up at 5:30 and Sharon came over to spend the morning with Kaylin. Terrry went with us to the flea to help us set up and survive the initial RUSH of interested customers.
A couple weeks ago while we were staying with Amy's parents, I was sent to the grocery story around the corner. Amy needed some more eggs for her annual Christmas eve deviled eggs. Anyway, the store had a self-checkout lane with no wait... so having never done so before, I tried it out. It was easy enough, especially since I only had 2 items. But I never interacted with a human and I paid the same price for less service. Hmmmm.....
Just a few hours after hosting a small New Year's Eve party last night and then a New Year's Day brunch this morning, our house is in a state of disarray! However, it's that way because we did make some good progress on getting organized to move. Amy worked hard to trim down, sort and pack some of our stuff. I spent a good part of the day listing many items on Craig's List. So here's the proof that we're starting to get ready to move:
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/gms/256227832.html
Happy New Year from the soon-to-be Southern Cal Olsons!
Happy New Year to all our family and friends!
Our evening started with Jaron, Jenni and Avery coming over to have dinner with us. Then, later Chris and Kirsten came to hang out. The kids entertained us all until they went to bed, we snacked, we chatted, we ate, play games, snacked some more, toasted at midnight, smooched our spouse (or soon to be spouse), played more games and then called it a night just after 1:00 am. Pretty good for a group that included parents of small children! =)
