Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Makin' Progress, Slowly but Surely!

We arrived in SoCal in January 2007 for me to begin working on my seminary degree. I just completed my third semester... plus I took classes last summer and during January term. I just finished the spring semester in which I took the heaviest unit load yet... 8 units! Whew... loved the classes but glad I'm done!

Spring '08
Greek II - 2 units
Hermeneutics - 3 units
Pastoral Care & Counseling - 2 unites
Research Methodologies - 1 unit
Field Education - 0 units

Now, in an effort to keep the number of classes that I have to take during the full semesters manageable, I am taking two classes this summer... starting today!
Summer '08
Historical Theology Survey - 3 units
Life of Christ - 2 units

All of this means that, by the end of June, I will have completed 29 units toward my 66-unit M.A. in Biblical & Theological Studies. Not bad... I'm hoping to finish in summer 2010... but might need until December 2010.

Monday, May 26, 2008

Grams!

Grams came to visit on her way to San Diego... and we'll get to see her some more on Wednesday!

Kaylin and Grams making suncatchers!


We all went to get treats at Baskin Robbins!

Saturday, May 24, 2008

Congrats Rachel!

BIG CONGRATS to my cousin Rachel who graduated from Biola today!


What a great young woman Rachel is! We've been thankful to live close to her since we moved down here!

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Happy Birthday Amy!

Today is Amy's birthday! So TJ, Kaylin and I are wishing her a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

When she got up, her gift and cards drawn by Kaylin were waiting for her. We got her a floating lounge chair so that she can just "kick it" in the pool.

Then, since mommy loves eating breakfast out, we went to IHOP...


Then, since mommy loves eating breakfast out, we went to IHOP...


...on our way to Disneyland!


Amy even got a birthday button that caused every Disney employee that saw her to wish her a Happy Birthday!




Visitors from Florida!

Since my cousin Rachel will be graduating from Biola on Saturday, my aunt and uncle are in town. They came over for dinner last night and it was very fun to visit with them!


Aunt Rynette, Rachel, and Uncle Carey all chillin' with their feet up!

Friday, May 16, 2008

A cool, new website!

Just thought I'd share a cool website that I came across today...

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Something I thought I'd NEVER do....

I (Amy) just did something I thought I'd NEVER do....started selling Avon!! I know, some of you are shocked. I actually kinda am too. But when a friend from MOPs (Mothers of Preschoolers) recently gave me a catalog, and I realized that I pay more for my cheaper quality make-up at Wal Mart, I decided it was worth a try! Then I realized that no one (that I know of) at my church, among my friends, in my family, in my Talbot Wive's group, etc. sells it. So....I'm giving it a shot. And in case you're wondering, I have no plans to start selling door-to-door (but I will add you to my email list if you'd like :). And I promise not to pressure or harass you. I honestly think the products sell themselves (plus they have a risk-free money back guarantee!!!).



Want to place an order? You can easily order online....I already have a website! If you live locally, you can choose the delivery option. Or, if you live far away, you can have it shipped (they have a lot of free or cheap shipping specials). There are so many great products! Make sure to bookmark my site! Check it out.... youravon.com/amyolson

Sunday, May 11, 2008

Happy Mother's Day!

We wish our moms a very happy Mother's Day! Thanks for all you do and for being you! We love you!

On Friday, Kaylin helped me plant flowers for mommy in the flowerbed on the front porch. Last night Amy and I enjoyed a double date with our friends Jason and Lyndsay. They are the ones who are moving to Alaska in a month and we'll miss them. Our trip to The Cheesecake Factory for dessert with them doubled as a Mother's Day weekend treat for Amy. Then, today, we had some family over after church for Mexican take-out lunch, hanging out together and even some swimming!


Amy with her Mom and Grammy


Four Generations


Here's an action photo of our "Mom-of-the-Year" from a couple of months ago


To my amazing wife: I love you so much and am so thankful for the incredible job you do in loving and caring for our kids each day. Happy Mother's Day gorgeous!


Saturday, May 10, 2008

Our New Home - The Virtual Tour

We already told the story of how God provided an amazing new place to live in this post. We are truly blessed to be renting this house for such a reasonable amount! We have already been using it for hanging out with people and we're looking forward to continuing to use it for ministry.

Anyway, on with the virtual tour...



Here's the house from the street:


When you walk through the front door, there is a formal sitting/living room on the left... but as you can see, we're using it as a playroom:


If you walk straight ahead from the front door, you come to our family/dining room. In the first picture, the front door is at the back left:


At the other end of this room is a big table for dining when guests are over. The family room has a great big window that overlooks the backyard and a sliding glass door to the back patio:


You can see in this picture how the family room is connected to the kitchen:


Here's the kitchen and kitchen table where we eat as a family:


The kitchen from the opposite angle... laundry room in the back... our side entry door from the driveway comes into the laundry room:


From the front door, if you go down the hallway to the right, you pass a guest bathroom and come to our bedroom:


Across the hall from our room is Kaylin and Trevor's room:


One side is "Princess Way:"


And the other side is firetrucks, cars and dump trucks:


At the end of the hallway, there used to be a 3rd bedroom... but at some point the owner's added on to the house and turned it into this large recreation room (talk about great for young adult ministry!):


I took out the bar counter in the corner and converted the space to my office, a place where I can go to study:


The rec room has large sliding glass doors that overlook the backyard and will also function as our guest room:


Here's the back patio just outside the rec room and then the next two pictures are panning around the yard:






Here's a closer look at the pool with the vintage slide. And beyond the pool is more backyard where there are avocado, peach, and orange trees:


From the far back yard looking back at the house:



We looking forward to having you over! =)

Friday, May 09, 2008

Friends In New Ministries!

I just wanted to use this blog entry to spread the word about the new ministry positions that two of my good friends recently accepted. Congrats to Jason and Chris and their families... and many blessings on you as you serve the Lord. We love you all! If the Lord ever calls me to plant a church, these are two guys I'd want to serve alongside!

My best friend Chris, whom I've know since I've know for almost 15 years, recently started serving The Creek Covenant Church in Walnut Creek, CA as the Associate Pastor of Worship & Outreach.



The best friend I've made during my time in seminary, Jason Swain and his family will be moving to Anchorage, Alaska in June! Jason recently accepted a pastoral position at Change Point Church.

Tuesday, May 06, 2008

Trevor's Basketball Birthday Bash!

We had a few families with little kids come over to celebrate TJ's 2nd Birthday! It was as basketball themed bash, appropriate for a little guy that said "gataygall" as one of his first words. =)


This picture captures the chaos of the many kids running around quite well... look, the kids in the back are so out of control they are blurry! =)


We're singing to the little man of the hour. Notice he's sporting his "Monster Dunk" t-shirt and a basketball whistle that his mom got him.


The birthday boy and his biggest fans!


Check out the cool treats that Mommy made! Mini-cupcake "hoops" with cookies for "backboards" and a even a chocolate ball!


... and I think TJ enjoyed his!

Thanks to all who came to celebrate with us and thanks to our great family who helped get things ready for the party!

Friday, May 02, 2008

First YA Event @ Our New Home!

Last night was the first young adult hang out time & Bible study held at our new home! We had lots of laughs, some excellent cookies for dessert and a great discussion based on 1 Samuel 15 about the importance of obeying ALL of God's will.


Michael, Ryan, Elyse, Matt and Elise (L-R)
Jessica, see what happens when you have to leave early? You miss out on being in the picture! =)