2009 Summer Vacation/Anniversary Trip - Part 2

What a blessing it was to drive up into the Sierra Nevada for our 10th anniversary getaway! We are really thankful to the Claytons for allowing us to use their cabin and to the Ferreiras for helping us arrange for our time there.

The cabin is on highway 4 near Camp Connell, CA (above Arnold). It is a beautiful cabin surrounded by God's amazing Creation! We stayed two nights and really enjoyed our time up above 5,000 feet!

Enjoying dinner on the deck


We went to this nearby state park...


... and took a 5-mile hike out and around a grove of Sequoia trees






This particular tree is the 2nd biggest Sequoia in the world (I think =)

From the website: "The largest redwood in Calaveras Big Trees State Park is the Louis Agassiz tree. It is located in the South Grove. This tree is "only" 250 feet tall, but it is over 25 feet in diameter six feet above the ground!"


Same tree, opposite side.
It's diameter is the size of the length of our rec room... Now's that's a BIG TREE!


After the hike, we went into town and enjoyed a Giant Burger


Then, we went back to the state park and as the day heated up, we cooled off by playing in the river... one of my favorite pastimes!

Our 10th Anniversary

July 17, 2009 marked our 10th wedding anniversary!

Here's what I wrote as my status on Facebook that day: "I married my best friend 10 years ago today! I love you more every day Amy Lynn and I'm so thankful to God for the amazing gift you are to me."

Amy puts many hours of work into creating a photo album that documents our married life and she gave it to me as a gift for our 10th... what an amazing blessing! Amy's hard work and the story of God's faithfulness in that album brought tears to my eyes. Thanks babe for your hard work!

We'd love to share the album with you the next time we see you. Until then, this blog post will be a sneak preview! The next 2-3 blog entries will cover our vacation to NorCal that included a getaway to the mountains to celebrate our 10th anniversary.

We were married July 17, 1999:

The following pictures and captions are taken from one page of the album Amy made that summarizes our 9 anniversary celebrations before this year:

1st Anniversary - 2000 - We stayed overnight at the Vizcaya Mansion Bed & Breakfast in Sacramento and visited Old Sacramento and the state capitol.

2nd Anniversary - 2001 - Dinner at Shadowbrook in Santa Cruz, went for a walk on west cliff and played at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk:

3rd Anniversary - 2002 - Dinner at Green Valley Grill in Watsonville on our anniversary and Alan Jackson concert at Mid-State fair a few days later:

4th Anniversary - 2003 - (NO PICTURE) Stayed at the Hyatt Monterey and had dinner at Tinnery at the Beach in Pacific Grove.

5th Anniversary - 2004 - Dinner at Ristorante Italiano in Santa Cruz and a movie on actual anniversary. Trip to Universal Studios a few weeks later:

6th Anniversary - 2005 - Dinner at Malone's in Scotts Valley and Comedy Sportz show in San Jose:

7th Anniversary - 2006 - (NO PICTURE) - Dinner at Cafe Cruz in Santa Cruz

8th Anniversary - 2007 - Orange County Fair on anniversary included unplanned (and free) Wierd Al concert). Went to FishFest concert a month later (blog post):

9th Anniversary - 2008 - Stayed in Jim and Nancy's guest suite in the mountains (Green Valley Lake, CA). Brunch in Lake Arrowhead and kayaking at Big Bear Lake (blog post):

Father's Day

We celebrated Father's Day today! My family really loved me up... it was a great day! I am blessed!

The day started great with getting to sleep in! This pic is when the kids came to see me when I woke up. I got to open a present while still in bed... Amy had a mousepad made with lots of great pictures of my family!


Later, we went to the Cola Corner for the 2nd Father's Day in a row and I got to add to my Coca-Cola collection!


Another favorite... Mad Wolf Mongolian BBQ for dinner!

BIG THANKS to my amazing wife and cool kids for making me feel very loved! I love being "Daddy" to Kaylin and TJ.

40 units down... 26 to go...

I continue to love my classes and continue to feel blessed that I'm able to take classes while working in a great ministry position! Here's the latest on my educational pursuits....

Last Thursday I finished my 3-week intensive January term class, Theology II. I have now completed 40 units toward my 66-unit Master's degree in Biblical & Theological Studies.

The spring semester started today and I am taking three classes totaling nine units, the most units I've ever taken at one time! I think it's going to be great though. I'm looking forward to the subject matter and one is an indepedent study so I think the workload should be manageable. Here are the classes I'm taking and the now traditional photo of my reading load for the semester:

Theology IV - Ecclesiology and Eschatology - Dr. Robert Saucy (Distinguished Professor of Theology, has taught at Talbot for 42 years)

Cults of America - Dr. Kevin Lewis

Church Growth & Church Planting (Independent Study) - Dr. Gary McIntosh

Cautiously Optimistic

I am cautiously optimistic that I'm turning the corner on all these sinus surgery recovery issues. I've had about 4.5 good days! I've only had occasional and minor sinus pain and/or headaches... nothing like what I was experiencing a week ago. I'm hoping that I'll continue to improve. Thanks for your prayers!

Another update

I went to see my ENT doc today. Considering the pain I am having, he was concerned about the possibility of osteomyelitis (an infection in the facial bones). However, after reviewing my cat scan and examining me today, he thinks that is unlikely... it's very rare, did not appear on cat scan and I don't have tenderness to the touch. That said, he is having a hard time explaining why I am having so much pain. So for now, he put me back on antibiotics (a heavier dose of augmentin) and saline sinus rinses.... hopefully these things will help the sinuses drain and finish getting rid of the infection.

Please pray that the antibiotics and pain meds will alleviate my pain so that I can work and study (major exam tomorrow!) and that God will heal my sinus infection. THANKS MUCH!

Sinus Pain/Headaches Update

Many of you already know about my on-going headache/pain/nose bleed issues after having sinus surgery five weeks ago. Others of you may not have heard yet. Either way, I am going to do a brief update here so that you all know the latest. I so appreciate all of you who have expressed concern, offered prayers and follow up emails/calls/texts/etc.

Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
photo credit - http://www.riversideonline.com/health_reference/Ear-Nose-Throat/DS00498.cfm

Background summary:
late April to September - chronic sinus infection - two rounds of antibiotics, no luck
Sept. 5th - Endoscopic sinus surgery
Sept 5-12 - out of commission, recovering from surgery, taking antibiotics
Sept 30 - at 3rd post-op appt, Doc puts me on antibiotic again for recurrent infection
Oct 6 to now - horrible (worst of my life) headaches, teeth pain, neck soreness and sinus pressure begin bothering me throughout the day, limit my sleep, etc.
Oct 10 - had two nose bleeds... 2nd one wouldn't stop, called doc, he sent us to emergency room. ER doc ordered blood work and another cat scan. determined that my body is just still fighting the infection

Current Status:
TOday - I talked with my ENT (ear, nose and throat) doc and he wants me to come in tomorrow. He's already indicated that, although the recovery process might be quite lengthy, the headaches/pain/nose bleeds are not typical.

So... please pray that God will heal me and that doc will have some ideas and plan of action to deal with my pain while I continue to recover.

The pain is the worst part... but a close second is the fact that it is very frustrating trying to study and work in the midst of the pain and lack of sleep.

Stay tuned... I'll post an update here when I can.

Sinus Surgery Update

Thanks to all for the many thoughts and prayers sent my way on Friday and since. Dr. Jahng performed my endoscopic sinus surgery to clean out chronic sinusitis and enlarge the drainage hole from my left sinus cavity to my nose.

Surgery apparently went just fine... of course I don't remember anything between taking a couple of deep breaths from the mask and then waking up in recovery room. However, I'm told that before the doctor was done with the surgery, I sat straight up and made the move to leave the room! I guess I had to be restrained. =) Then, when I was still coming to in the recovery room, I kept wanting to sit up.

Anyway, the recovery process has been somewhat less than thrilling but I am looking forward to the relief that will come from the weeks of sinus pain and pressure I've been experiencing.

The picture below was inspired by this blog post and picture after my brother had surgery to fix a hole in his eardrum recently...

2 Prayer Requests

#1 - I am having sinus surgery at noon on Friday. I'm not excited about the procedure and the recovery but am looking forward to getting some relief after a lifetime of sinus problems and an extended sinus infection these past four months. The surgery isn't a miracle cure... but will clear up this current infection and could improve my ability to deal with allergies and colds in the future.

#2 - Kaylin's FIRST day of Kindergarten is tomorrow! We can't believe it! She seems excited and knows what to expect. We'll see soon enough how she (and her mom) handles it. Plus, we'll have pictures posted soon!

My Fourth Semester @ Talbot

I started my fourth semester at Talbot last week. By the end of this semester I will be over halfway done with my Master's degree. I'm hoping/planning to graduate in May 2010.

This semester's reading load... minus one textbook.

I am really excited about the three classes I am taking this semester... I just hope I can manage the 8 units. By doing three classes now, I hope to only take two per semester (plus classes in January term and summer) the rest of the way.

My classes are:

• An Exposition of the Pastoral Epistles... Professor Ben Shin - I'm really looking forward to this very practical study of many issues related to pastoral ministry.
• Old Testament Survey... Dr. John Hutchison - same prof that I had for NT Survey... lookin' forward to it.
• Theology I... Dr. Mark Saucy - Mark and his wife Bonnie are our mentor couple... this will be my first class with him as my prof. Good stuff!

2 Days, 3 Lakes!

As I mentioned in the previous post, Amy and I were able to get away for a couple nights for our anniversary! Thanks Mom SO much for taking good care of our kids and allowing us to celebrate and get some time together! Plus, we were blessed with financial gifts (thanks to all!) that allowed us to enjoy good meals and fun activities... for details, just keep reading! =)

Our friends Jim and Nancy live in Green Valley Lake, CA and had offered awhile back that we could come up and stay in their "guest suite" anytime. Jim is the pastor of the only church in Green Valley Lake and a long-time family friend. Green Valley Lake is the highest community in the San Bernardino mountains (over 7,000 feet elevation), it's where Amy's parents used to have a cabin, and where we've taken the young adults on a weekend retreat... so it's a place that has lots of fun memories! Anyway, for our 9th anniversary celebration, we finally decided to take Jim and Nancy up on their offer. They were AMAZING and GENEROUS hosts and we appreciate their hospitality so much! Jim and Nancy, thanks so much for sharing your place with us and we enjoyed spending time with you both and Justin!

Jim & Nancy

First, some pictures of our "Bed & Breakfast," Jim & Nancy's beautiful mountain "resort." =)

Jim & Nancy's home, the white door is a separate entrance into their guest room, where we stayed.

Jim & Nancy are great people, great decorators and great cooks! What a great combo for hosting our unofficial bed and breakfast! Below are some pics of the room. They had gone above in beyond in creating a welcoming place for us and made us feel very loved. Special touches included fresh flowers, a bottle of sparkling cider, a personal note, and candles. Plus, the room had everything a very nice hotel would!

Now, on to pics of our anniversary getaway adventures... 3 lakes in 2 days!

Our first afternoon, we took a nice walk down to Green Valley lake.


The second day, we enjoyed an excellent brunch at a waffle house Jim had recommended in Lake Arrowhead.


The cute couple in Lake Arrowhead village


Then, the highlight activity of the trip was kayaking on Big Bear Lake.


What a cutie! As you can see by looking at Amy's shorts, we got wet while on the lake but we never tipped over! Amy was glad for that... I wouldn't have minded a swim! =)


We also visited the Big Bear Lake Discovery Center where we met this guy.

It was a great trip! As we continue to trust and follow the Lord, keeping Him at the center of our relationship, I look forward to many more years loving my best friend Amy!

Nine Years of Wedded Bliss! =)

Today is our 9th wedding anniversary!

Happy Anniversary Amy... I love you so very much! I am so grateful to God for blessing me with an amazing wife who is my best friend and an amazing mom to our kids.

Walking down the aisle after getting married, the Disneyland Electrical Parade theme music is playing, people are totally clapping in rhythm and we thought it was quite funny!

Thanks to Amy's amazing parents, who will be taking care of our kids, Amy and I get to spend two nights away in the mountains together! We'll blog about our trip in a few days...

Done with Classes until August!

I finished my last summer class today! I really enjoyed my two summer classes... but boy was I ready to be done. I've been in class almost non-stop since last August... fall classes, January term class, spring classes and then summer classes... whew!

Last weekend, this was my favorite spot to study during the heat wave:

Chair submerged in pool, umbrella for shade, Coke within reach!

A Coca-Cola Father's Day!

I have always wanted to collect Coca-Cola memorabilia. So now that we have a rec room, it's a perfect opportunity to decorate with Coke stuff!

On Father's Day, Amy and the kids got me a vintage, tin sign that is super cool!


Then, just for fun, we went over to a store Amy had heard about, "Cola Corner" in Anaheim. It was Coke heaven for me! It's a pretty large store and it was packed with anything and everything Coca-Cola related. I got to pick out a couple more things to add to my suddenly decent-size memorabilia collection... it was a great idea and a fun Father's Day outing! Thanks Amy, Kaylin and TJ... I love you very much!

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.

A Great Weekend Retreat!

Amy and I just returned from a great weekend retreat! Talbot hosts a marriage retreat each semester for a very reasonable price... so we took advantage. We are very thankful for Amy's parents, who stayed with our kids for the weekend to make our getaway possible. The weekend included two nights in a nice hotel (the Ayres Hotel in Costa Mesa) and some great seminars on conflict resolution taught by a Biola professor and his wife. However, the best parts of the weekend were the opportunities I had to just hang out with my best friend Amy! We enjoyed being able to chill together, go out together, have fun together and really talk with one another!

Here we are eating breakfast in the beautiful courtyard

What?! No posts in almost a month? That's outrageous!

The title of this post might win the award for the longest post title in the history of OlsonWeb...

Friends, Neighbors and Countrymen,
Sorry for the lack of blogging. I have some excuses:
- I'm married
- I have two kids
- I'm working two jobs
- Fall classes started 1o days ago

I know, I know... excuses, excuses! You don't want excuses... you just want pictures of my kids and perhaps a bit of news about our family. Well, hopefully this post will break the ice then and you'll get those things soon. Speaking of ice, I'm gonna go get a drink of water. It's BLAZING hot in SoCal these past few days... 104 today! Completely ridiculous, unnecessary, ludicrous, infuriating and whacked out. But I digress....

For now, the only somewhat newsworthy item that I'll pass along is my class list for this semester. I'm excited about these classes but a huge prayer request would be that I'll be able to manage these 7 units along with all my other roles (mentioned above). I'm excited to be back in ministry and I'm lovin' my classes... but of course, my family is my first priority and I'll need the Lord's help to balance all these things effectively.

Beginning Greek I (2 units) - I can write the Greek alphabet so far... but other than that, I'm a bit freaked out.

Genesis to Malachi / OT Survey (3 units) - same prof that I had for NT Survey

Intro to Field Education (1 unit) - great prof that I had for Pastoral ministry over the summer

Theological Research Methodologies (1 unit) - yawn. required.

Spiritual Mentoring Group (0 units) - chance to check-in with my peers, continue to learn or develop spiritual disciplines and be encouraged spiritually. some work, no credit, but that means no $407 tuition charge... so whatever.

So... that's a lot of things to attend and complete work for... and it's only 7 units. I'm gonna try to press on and make it work... but dropping something hasn't been ruled out yet.

That's all for now...

Cool Dudes!

8 Years Together!

Amy & I celebrated 8 years of wedded bliss today!

We take turns planning what we do to celebrate and this year it was Amy's turn. The big surprise she revealed today is that she got tickets for us to go together to FishFest, a big multi-band Christian music concert on July 28th! But today we went to the Orange County Fair and had a good time hanging out together, checking out exhibits and eating junk food! The surprise of the day though, was getting to see Wierd Al in concert for free! Hilarious! If you haven't heard the story yet, you'll have to ask us.