Life changes!

I got the job at UND! I start on Monday already. We stopped by the gal who will be Michael's nanny and things will be great. Her son is two months younger than MJ but the same size. They'll be great together. Our parenting styles are a lot alike so I feel very comfortable leaving him there.

The plan now is that we will both work and pay off debt until Joseph goes back to school in the Fall. We figure he has about three years left. Hopefully he can arrange his classes so they are all in the morning and be home in the afternoons and evenings when I go to work. (Did I mention my job is 1:30 - 10pm?) I'm not thrilled about the hours because I will see Joseph a lot less, but Michael will see his daddy more and I think that is great! I'm really disappointed I can't throw Michael's first birthday party on his birthday. I'm going to try and get work off that night... I know he doesn't care but it's important to his mommy. (I take my mommy job very seriously, haha!)

I really enjoyed our trip to Ohio and Chicago. The time with my brother's family was wonderful! We went to the zoo one day and I met up with one of my online mommies which was great. The mommy forum is really my support group so it's a joy to see them in the flesh. There are 50 of them, and I've met four people that are new, and three of them I knew in person to begin with. Our babies are all about the same age.

Stacey, it was really nice seeing you, even for the short time. Joey is still such a cutie pie! Did he ever pass on the tickles to Katie? :) Eric, best wishes to your deployment! Captain Olson sends her best. ;)

Hans Solo, Queen Amidala and Baby Yoda are hosting a Halloween party tomorrow night. We love hosting parties and are looking forward to it a lot. Kids are welcome this time, we'll see how that goes! I'll post pictures soon.

Sounds like Baby Yoda is trying to swiffer for me in the kitchen. I better see how he's doing with that. Ha ha!

Karen & Kris, I look forward to updates from each of you!

Ohio update, haha

We're in Ohio too! Michael, myself and Grandma Fleming drove to Chicago on Sunday where we spent the night at a friends house, and then continued our drive to Columbus, OH on Monday. Tomorrow (Friday) we will enjoy a visit with Stacey and then on to Chicago for two more nights.

We were able to celebrate my brother's birthday and do some GREAT shopping. I wish the baby stores were this good in ND!

Unfortunately my husband is home sick this week battling flu, a cold or sinus infection (or both) and poisen oak AGAIN. Poor guy. They think he got it on his coat last week and then when he wore his coat earlier this week he got it on his skin. Poor guy!

My UND job interview is Monday at 8am. (We are getting home Sunday night, phew!) I know I am qualified for the job, and though I'm not crazy about taking it I know I'd be good at it, and it allows Joseph to go back to school next Fall. We have a gal lined up to watch Michael if I get it. (The job is 1:30 - 10pm)

Here are a few photos of our week so far:

Holiday Greetings from Ohio!

Hi everyone,

So yes, I've been way out of the loop with blogging, but....you know how it goes.  Here is a link to a recent post I wrote for our Run Run Rudolph Blog.  This will be much easier if I use this link than type it up again.  

What's new lately?  I'm a new Brownie Girl Scout Troop Leader.  Not that I was jumping at the opportunity, rather if someone didn't step up, it would mean no Troop for 11 girls along with Katie.  So even though I've really enjoyed learning how the program works, it has been a LOT of work.  Eric is gone training for the week and is in Texas camping out in all his gear he'll be using in Iraq.  The day before he left the van battery quit on us, but that is fixed now.  I always feel like things could be worse, so I'm not complaining.  Just sharing.  The tow truck guy said his car battery quit on him in the middle of Christmas shopping.  So after that, I was grateful it happened before Eric left, it was in our driveway, the weather was warm, we have insurance that covered it, and at least 3 people offered to help, and they each did in some way.  It's interesting how sometimes my trials become the things that strengthen my belief that we are being watched over and are blessed.  It doesn't mean life will be perfect, but there is always something to learn and appreciate.  Thanks for listening and I hope everyone is doing well!  Stacey

Keith and Celia update

Hi! Wow, lots of stuff going on here. I posted a bunch on my blog, so all of you should look at that. I think both of us have traveled more miles this year than ever before, starting with a visit to ND for Michael's baptism in January, then a trip to Hawaii, followed by a road trip to ND, MN, SD, and IA, then New Zealand in August, and Peru last weekend... but that was just me. Keith stayed at home for that one. Then we're going to IA for Christmas. Probably should book a flight soon. :)

Other than lightheartedly traipsing all over the world, we are heavy into studies here in Vancouver. Keith probably has the most difficult semester ever. Here's what we're doing. Keith is taking Advanced Greek, Old Testament Narrative, and Intermediate Hebrew, while reading about 4000 pages to prepare for comprehensive exams, and working as a TA (teaching aide) for Intermediate Greek. I am taking History of Christianity, working on my thesis (there's a post about that on my blog), working as a TA for both Introductory and Intermediate Hebrew, and teaching cello. Then there's church stuff too... both of us helping out with worship music.

Yep. That's what we're up to. How is everyone doing? We're looking forward to Christmas break... and this year it will be even more fun at the Olson house, since we've got 2 more people since last time!! Yes, we are looking forward to seeing everyone again. So, that's my report. :)

Some pictures for you. Here we are in New Zealand, in the middle of a winery tour. We visited 7 wineries that day. Note Celia's purple teeth. Don't worry, we were good kids, and made use of the spit bucket, so we didn't feel the effects... NZ wine is very impressive! We loved that aspect of our trip. :)


I just got back from Peru! Here I am with my friend, Sindy, her mom, Sonia, and her nephew, Israel. We had a great time!


Update:

Keith wanted me to add the following picture, also from New Zealand. We had a New Zealander over for lunch today, and showed her the picture, but she didn't get it... in NZ, "te puke" (the name of a town) is pronounced "te pookie." Tee hee.