Yesterday Lani accepted a half-time job with the David Douglas Schools as an elementary TAG ("Talented and Gifted") teacher. It's something she is looking forward to doing and is good at! We're hoping that she might pick up a half-time job-share with another teacher or at least be able to sub on her open days too. (Also yesterday her sister, Shauna, with whom we're staying, accepted a job to work at Womack Auto Body -- so both sisters were blessed with jobs on the same day.)
I met with a mortgage broker and laid out our financial scenario with him to see if we could qualify for a loan for a house that we're interested in. It's uncomfortable to have to openly discuss the good & bad of our finances. We have not always been the best money managers and are still trying to pay off some old debts. And housing is much more expensive here. Our house in Tomball would easily sell for double here and so we just couldn't afford it if we were looking at it here. We have found a 70's-style, tri-level that is just one block from where I'll work (so Caleb, Levi, and I could walk each day) that we could probably get for about $265,000. It seems like a ton of money, but we're just not finding anything much cheaper that we can fit in. This house has been a rental since the late 80's, so the yard looks somewhat neglected and it has some cosmetic flaws that we'd have to work on, but overall it could work for us. Now we'll just wait and see now how the financing goes.
Finally, a bit of news to celebrate. My great aunt, Lois Dalzell, turns 100 years old today! She lives in Fresno, CA and this weekend a bunch of relatives will be there to have a party in her honor. She has been a spunky, talented, strong, encouraging woman for most of her life and has only just in the last couple of years seemed to slip quite a bit in her mental & physical capacities. I'm thankful for the ways that has blessed so many people throughout her long life.
Thanks for your prayers and encouraging words, friends!
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Monday, June 26, 2006
Decisions, decisions. . .
Lani & I are stressing a bit over several decisions before us:
Lani's job situation -- she has a half-time offer that she could still probably take, but financially we'd be much better off with a full-time job (yet, will one be available?). She also could take a job at a private school, Portland Christian, and then our kids could go there for free, but she'd make just a little more than half of what a public school job would pay. Then again, should we send our kids there instead of to public school? We're just not sure what to do here (and need to decide really soon!).
Where to live -- we've looked at some houses (all of which are much more expensive than our home in Tomball) and have found one or two that could work. We've also learned of a couple of rentals that we could probably get right into. So, do we rent a house and try to pay off some debts and save more toward a house, or do we do what we can to get into a house now (since prices here are jumping up higher and higher all the time)? Another tough decision before us.
Just thought I'd share what we're stuggling with and ask for your prayers.
We had a really nice time over the weekend at the Columbia Christian/Cascade College 50th Anniversary Reunion. It was great to see so many old friends (and their kids), to sing in the alumni choir, and to just get reconnected with lots of classmates, teachers, and friends.
We went to church yesterday at the East County Church of Christ and it was a bit strange to be in a church that we've never been a part of and yet know about 2/3 of the people. They mentioned a number of people who were being considered as elders and I think I knew them all. Afterward we enjoyed lunch with three families that are very good friends.
Lani's job situation -- she has a half-time offer that she could still probably take, but financially we'd be much better off with a full-time job (yet, will one be available?). She also could take a job at a private school, Portland Christian, and then our kids could go there for free, but she'd make just a little more than half of what a public school job would pay. Then again, should we send our kids there instead of to public school? We're just not sure what to do here (and need to decide really soon!).
Where to live -- we've looked at some houses (all of which are much more expensive than our home in Tomball) and have found one or two that could work. We've also learned of a couple of rentals that we could probably get right into. So, do we rent a house and try to pay off some debts and save more toward a house, or do we do what we can to get into a house now (since prices here are jumping up higher and higher all the time)? Another tough decision before us.
Just thought I'd share what we're stuggling with and ask for your prayers.
We had a really nice time over the weekend at the Columbia Christian/Cascade College 50th Anniversary Reunion. It was great to see so many old friends (and their kids), to sing in the alumni choir, and to just get reconnected with lots of classmates, teachers, and friends.
We went to church yesterday at the East County Church of Christ and it was a bit strange to be in a church that we've never been a part of and yet know about 2/3 of the people. They mentioned a number of people who were being considered as elders and I think I knew them all. Afterward we enjoyed lunch with three families that are very good friends.
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Life in Portland
Well now that we've been here over a week, I should mention how things are going and what we're up to.
We've settled in a bit here with the Wagners and it seems like our kids are enjoying playing every day with their cousins. Hannah and Micah went to Sr. Teen Camp this week at Camp Yamhill. Caleb and his cousin, Makinna, will go to 3rd & 4th grade camp next week (and Hannah will be a counselor there).
We've visited two churches, Renovatus and Crossroads, and plan to visit many more including Abundant Life, Rolling Hills Community, East County C of C, and probably more. It's nice to be able to try several places, but I look forward to plugging in and "belonging" somewhere.
Lani and I have been looking around at houses, both online and just driving around. We've got a bit of sticker shock as we realize that our home in Tomball would cost about double here in Portland (and we can't really afford that!). Once Lani has a job, we'll see what we qualify for in a mortgage and how outrageous the payments will be (!) and then hopefully be ready to be seriously shopping. We're looking mostly at homes in Gresham or out that way from Portland.
Lani did have a half-time job offer to teach TAG in the David Douglas schools, but she has now turned that down as we feel that we'll really need her full-time income to make everything work. I know she'll make a great teacher somewhere, but it's proving difficult to get an interview.
Our house officially "closed" in Tomball and I was notified this morning that we've now dispersed the funds and everything is done. That's a blessing.
Later this week is the Cascade/Columbia Christian College Reunion and it sounds like it will be a fun event. We're looking forward to see lots of old friends, classmates, teachers, and supporters. This year marks my 20th year since college graduation and 25th since H.S. and my H.S. classmates are having a little get-together in conjunction with this larger college reunion. I'm leading worship in chapel Friday morning and have been OK'd to use a praise team for my part (two other guys are also leading parts, Tom Buchanon and Tracey Edson).
And today's closing news: Levi got sick this morning and threw up near the toilet -- he almost made it there. He seems fine now, so hopefully it's not a major stomach bug.
Every day has it's blessings and challenges!
We've settled in a bit here with the Wagners and it seems like our kids are enjoying playing every day with their cousins. Hannah and Micah went to Sr. Teen Camp this week at Camp Yamhill. Caleb and his cousin, Makinna, will go to 3rd & 4th grade camp next week (and Hannah will be a counselor there).
We've visited two churches, Renovatus and Crossroads, and plan to visit many more including Abundant Life, Rolling Hills Community, East County C of C, and probably more. It's nice to be able to try several places, but I look forward to plugging in and "belonging" somewhere.
Lani and I have been looking around at houses, both online and just driving around. We've got a bit of sticker shock as we realize that our home in Tomball would cost about double here in Portland (and we can't really afford that!). Once Lani has a job, we'll see what we qualify for in a mortgage and how outrageous the payments will be (!) and then hopefully be ready to be seriously shopping. We're looking mostly at homes in Gresham or out that way from Portland.
Lani did have a half-time job offer to teach TAG in the David Douglas schools, but she has now turned that down as we feel that we'll really need her full-time income to make everything work. I know she'll make a great teacher somewhere, but it's proving difficult to get an interview.
Our house officially "closed" in Tomball and I was notified this morning that we've now dispersed the funds and everything is done. That's a blessing.
Later this week is the Cascade/Columbia Christian College Reunion and it sounds like it will be a fun event. We're looking forward to see lots of old friends, classmates, teachers, and supporters. This year marks my 20th year since college graduation and 25th since H.S. and my H.S. classmates are having a little get-together in conjunction with this larger college reunion. I'm leading worship in chapel Friday morning and have been OK'd to use a praise team for my part (two other guys are also leading parts, Tom Buchanon and Tracey Edson).
And today's closing news: Levi got sick this morning and threw up near the toilet -- he almost made it there. He seems fine now, so hopefully it's not a major stomach bug.
Every day has it's blessings and challenges!
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
New cell numbers
Here are our new cell phone numbers:
Dan: 503-927-2210
Lani: 503-927-2211
Hannah: 503-927-2212
I was happy to get consecutive numbers for us, but disappointed that they have no forwarding service at all (so if you call our old numbers you will not reach anyone or anything at all).
Lani interviewed for a job today, but I'm not sure when she'll hear back about it.
Today was the last day of school for my two neices here, Makinna & Lydii Wagner (and all of Portland Public Schools). Most districts here finish up this week, although the district I'll be working in doesn't finish until next week. Teachers & kids here are celebrating Summer (even though it's in the 60's)!
Dan: 503-927-2210
Lani: 503-927-2211
Hannah: 503-927-2212
I was happy to get consecutive numbers for us, but disappointed that they have no forwarding service at all (so if you call our old numbers you will not reach anyone or anything at all).
Lani interviewed for a job today, but I'm not sure when she'll hear back about it.
Today was the last day of school for my two neices here, Makinna & Lydii Wagner (and all of Portland Public Schools). Most districts here finish up this week, although the district I'll be working in doesn't finish until next week. Teachers & kids here are celebrating Summer (even though it's in the 60's)!
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Next steps
We got our two trucks unloaded with help from family & friends here. Somehow we packed most everything from two solidly fillled 26' trucks into one 10' x 30' storage unit (and I mean PACKED! No chance of running by the storage and just pulling something out!).
We have an interesting situation before us for tomorrow: for the first time in most all of my life, I do not have any attachment to a particular church and so we're not sure where we'll go in the morning for services. It's kind of fun and exciting to just be able to visit wherever we'd like for the next few weeks, but at the same time it's a little strange to not have a place -- a church family -- where you belong.
Lani is excited because she got called yesterday for an interview in the David Douglas School District for a special TAG teaching position (in Texas they'd call it "GT"). She would love to get this job for many reasons (it's a good district, we need the income, etc.), but really is just totally excited about the possibility of teaching "Talented and Gifted" learners. She's trying to review and refresh her memory about things she has learned about working with these exceptional, creative kids. Her interview is this coming Wednesday, so keep her in your prayers.
We had fun viewing Portland's "Rose Parade" this morning. It was a beautiful day here and lots of people came out for this big annual event. We sat among a bunch of friends and enjoyed the floats, bands, horses, pooper scoopers, and everything else. In our previous Portland years we were regular parade-goers and it just seemed natural to be back here doing it all again.
We have an interesting situation before us for tomorrow: for the first time in most all of my life, I do not have any attachment to a particular church and so we're not sure where we'll go in the morning for services. It's kind of fun and exciting to just be able to visit wherever we'd like for the next few weeks, but at the same time it's a little strange to not have a place -- a church family -- where you belong.
Lani is excited because she got called yesterday for an interview in the David Douglas School District for a special TAG teaching position (in Texas they'd call it "GT"). She would love to get this job for many reasons (it's a good district, we need the income, etc.), but really is just totally excited about the possibility of teaching "Talented and Gifted" learners. She's trying to review and refresh her memory about things she has learned about working with these exceptional, creative kids. Her interview is this coming Wednesday, so keep her in your prayers.
We had fun viewing Portland's "Rose Parade" this morning. It was a beautiful day here and lots of people came out for this big annual event. We sat among a bunch of friends and enjoyed the floats, bands, horses, pooper scoopers, and everything else. In our previous Portland years we were regular parade-goers and it just seemed natural to be back here doing it all again.
Thursday, June 08, 2006
Safely arrived in Portland
We safely arrived in Portland tonight. Our travel was all safe and pretty much right on schedule each day. Thanks be to God for His traveling mercies. We were cared for at each point along the way.
Now that we're here we have to unload our trucks over the next two days, figure out where to put everything (storage &/or at Troy & Shauna's), take care of lots of business loose ends, etc.
It's good to be here! Thanks for all the prayers and help from so many of you. Now to rest a little. . .
Now that we're here we have to unload our trucks over the next two days, figure out where to put everything (storage &/or at Troy & Shauna's), take care of lots of business loose ends, etc.
It's good to be here! Thanks for all the prayers and help from so many of you. Now to rest a little. . .
Sunday, June 04, 2006
Ready to Roll!
Thanks to help from many friends, we are loaded and ready to pull out tomorrow! I'm so glad we ended up getting two 26' foot trucks because we filled them both completely up -- front to back, bottom to top (it's actually a bit embarrassing to see that we have that much "stuff"!).
We have been soooooooo blessed by loving and generous friends here. We had a very nice going away party hosted by Jeff & Erin Lonard last night. It was a special time to see many dear friends. Everyone blessed us with a book full of thoughtful going-away messages and also with a "money tree" (Levi & Caleb thought each of our kids should get one branch of the tree!). We've also had many people stop by our house to wish us well and several dropped off cards &/or gifts. We've been humbly amazed as people's gifts have totalled almost enough to pay for our moving trucks!
Here's our schedule for the next few days:
Monday -- drive to Abilene and stay with Bill & Mary Womack (my mom's sister)
Tuesday -- Abilene to Cortez, CO (750 or so miles -- a long day!)
Wednesday -- Cortez to Boise, ID to stay with my parents (also a long drive)
Thursday -- Boise to Portland, where we'll stay with Troy & Shauna Wagner.
Troy & his dad, Dick, are with us to help drive the trucks. Pray for our safe travels these next days. I'll probably not get back on the internet for a few days.
We have been soooooooo blessed by loving and generous friends here. We had a very nice going away party hosted by Jeff & Erin Lonard last night. It was a special time to see many dear friends. Everyone blessed us with a book full of thoughtful going-away messages and also with a "money tree" (Levi & Caleb thought each of our kids should get one branch of the tree!). We've also had many people stop by our house to wish us well and several dropped off cards &/or gifts. We've been humbly amazed as people's gifts have totalled almost enough to pay for our moving trucks!
Here's our schedule for the next few days:
Monday -- drive to Abilene and stay with Bill & Mary Womack (my mom's sister)
Tuesday -- Abilene to Cortez, CO (750 or so miles -- a long day!)
Wednesday -- Cortez to Boise, ID to stay with my parents (also a long drive)
Thursday -- Boise to Portland, where we'll stay with Troy & Shauna Wagner.
Troy & his dad, Dick, are with us to help drive the trucks. Pray for our safe travels these next days. I'll probably not get back on the internet for a few days.
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Nice blessings
Several nice blessings to share today:
The Spring Woodlands Praise Team gave us a special good-bye tonight. After our practice (our last time there), they gathered in a circle and sang "The Lord Bless You and Keep You", prayed for our journey, and then had a delicious chocolate cake while many people hugged us and said nice things.
A mystery "box fairy" has left moving boxes at our front door the last two days (and we can certainly use them!). Whoever it is has secretly deposited them right in broad daylight -- and that's not easy with our dog, Molly, always poised to bark at anyone or anything that comes near our house (or the neighbors, or anywhere in the cul-de-sac, for that matter!).
The appraiser and the surveyor each came and did their things today. Seems like a good sign that all is proceeding towards closing.
The Spring Woodlands Praise Team gave us a special good-bye tonight. After our practice (our last time there), they gathered in a circle and sang "The Lord Bless You and Keep You", prayed for our journey, and then had a delicious chocolate cake while many people hugged us and said nice things.
A mystery "box fairy" has left moving boxes at our front door the last two days (and we can certainly use them!). Whoever it is has secretly deposited them right in broad daylight -- and that's not easy with our dog, Molly, always poised to bark at anyone or anything that comes near our house (or the neighbors, or anywhere in the cul-de-sac, for that matter!).
The appraiser and the surveyor each came and did their things today. Seems like a good sign that all is proceeding towards closing.
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Moving party!
This Saturday, June 3rd, we'll be loading our moving trucks starting at 9:00 a.m. I'm just posting this because some of you have asked about how and when to help us! We should have most everything boxed or taken apart and ready to load by then. We'll also finish any other loading on Sunday afternoon.
On the Portland end, we'll probably be unloading on Friday, June 9 and on Saturday afternoon, June 10 (after the Rose Parade!). Not sure where everything goes there, but most will be into storage somewhere.
We'll be living with Troy & Shauna Wagner in Portland (Shauna is Lani's sister). Here is our contact information there:
Dan & Lani Dalzell
5209 S.E. Stark St.
Portland, OR 97215
503-235-7551
On the Portland end, we'll probably be unloading on Friday, June 9 and on Saturday afternoon, June 10 (after the Rose Parade!). Not sure where everything goes there, but most will be into storage somewhere.
We'll be living with Troy & Shauna Wagner in Portland (Shauna is Lani's sister). Here is our contact information there:
Dan & Lani Dalzell
5209 S.E. Stark St.
Portland, OR 97215
503-235-7551
Saturday, May 27, 2006
Gettin' bigger, gettin' ready
We're all busy here (well, at least Lani & I!) packing up things and getting ready for our move. All the pictures and other wall things are down and there are boxes everywhere! It's quite obvious now that we really are going to move. Soon! Lani decided we should go ahead and pack up our dishes and just use paper plates and plastic cups for the next week, so even our cupboards are getting emptied.
For years we've had a chart taped up on which to mark the ever-increasing height of our kids. It's always fun to see who has grown the most since the last measurement! A few months ago it started coming untaped from the wall and so I just rolled it up and set it aside for awhile. Yesterday, as we were packing things I decided we better have one final measurement here in Texas (you know, everything's bigger here!). And the results are:
Hannah - 5' 7 3/4" (she grew 1/4" since last Nov.)
Micah - 6' 0" (actually about a millimeter short, but he'll be there next week! 2" inches growth since Nov.)
Caleb - 5' 2" (about 1 1/2" since Nov.)
Levi - 4' 6" (and 2" more than Nov.)
Lani, who assisted with the measuring, says that I better watch out because the boys may all pass me up some day! Micah already wears size 14 shoes -- two sizes bigger than mine. Whew!
For years we've had a chart taped up on which to mark the ever-increasing height of our kids. It's always fun to see who has grown the most since the last measurement! A few months ago it started coming untaped from the wall and so I just rolled it up and set it aside for awhile. Yesterday, as we were packing things I decided we better have one final measurement here in Texas (you know, everything's bigger here!). And the results are:
Hannah - 5' 7 3/4" (she grew 1/4" since last Nov.)
Micah - 6' 0" (actually about a millimeter short, but he'll be there next week! 2" inches growth since Nov.)
Caleb - 5' 2" (about 1 1/2" since Nov.)
Levi - 4' 6" (and 2" more than Nov.)
Lani, who assisted with the measuring, says that I better watch out because the boys may all pass me up some day! Micah already wears size 14 shoes -- two sizes bigger than mine. Whew!
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Big Job News
Yesterday I found out that I got the elementary music job in Portland (at Hollydale Elem. in the Gresham-Barlow District). The principal called to let me know and now it's just a matter of doing all the paperwork with her district's HR dept. and getting my Oregon certification taken care of.
Here's their website: http://hollydale.gresham.k12.or.us/
I feel very blessed! Our house sold on Monday and I got a job on Wednesday. It seems obvious to Lani and I that God is blessing us as we go down this pathway. I look back and see that I applied for about a dozen different worship leading jobs over the last year and yet none of those worked out. Now, the first people that looked at our house after we listed with a realtor bought it. And the only music job in the Portland area that I applied for, I got (there were some others in more remote parts of the state that I started the process for). I still would love to be involved in worship ministry and will prayerfully see what opportunities God puts before me as a volunteer.
Keep praying for Lani to find a job and for all the details of our move. Thanks!
Here's their website: http://hollydale.gresham.k12.or.us/
I feel very blessed! Our house sold on Monday and I got a job on Wednesday. It seems obvious to Lani and I that God is blessing us as we go down this pathway. I look back and see that I applied for about a dozen different worship leading jobs over the last year and yet none of those worked out. Now, the first people that looked at our house after we listed with a realtor bought it. And the only music job in the Portland area that I applied for, I got (there were some others in more remote parts of the state that I started the process for). I still would love to be involved in worship ministry and will prayerfully see what opportunities God puts before me as a volunteer.
Keep praying for Lani to find a job and for all the details of our move. Thanks!
Monday, May 22, 2006
Breaking news on our house sale
Tonight we signed a contract on our house! We're praising the Lord and so thankful to have this step accomplished!
Two weeks from today we start our move back to Portland (we'll be in Abilene for our first night of the the four-day moving trip).
Thanks for all your prayers!
Two weeks from today we start our move back to Portland (we'll be in Abilene for our first night of the the four-day moving trip).
Thanks for all your prayers!
Friday, May 19, 2006
Latest Moving Plans
We've set our moving plans now:
Means:
Two Penske diesel trucks (one 26' and one 16')
One car carrier/trailer for our Camry
Dates:
We'll be picking up the trucks on June 1 or 2
Loading will commence on June 3 & 4 (nearby helpers welcome!)
June 5 - Tomball to Abilene (staying with relatives)
June 6 - Abilene to Cortez, CO
June 7 - Cortez to Boise (staying with my parents)
June 8 - Boise to Portland (moving in with Troy & Shauna Wagner)
June 9 - Unloading trucks into some temporary storage (Portland helpers welcome!)
(June 10 - Going to Portland's Rose Parade)
We're still working on arrangements for an additional truck driver (Troy is coming down to drive out/up with us). Anyone got a deep urge to see lots of the Western U.S. from the comfy, air-conditioned cab of a Penske truck?
In other news:
I had a conference call interview for a music job at Hollydale Elementary in Gresham, OR. Seemed like all went well and they will decide within a week's time.
Lani is still applying for all kinds of elementary classroom openings, but hasn't been interviewed yet.
Thanks, friends & family, for your encouraging words and prayer support. God is good all the time!
Means:
Two Penske diesel trucks (one 26' and one 16')
One car carrier/trailer for our Camry
Dates:
We'll be picking up the trucks on June 1 or 2
Loading will commence on June 3 & 4 (nearby helpers welcome!)
June 5 - Tomball to Abilene (staying with relatives)
June 6 - Abilene to Cortez, CO
June 7 - Cortez to Boise (staying with my parents)
June 8 - Boise to Portland (moving in with Troy & Shauna Wagner)
June 9 - Unloading trucks into some temporary storage (Portland helpers welcome!)
(June 10 - Going to Portland's Rose Parade)
We're still working on arrangements for an additional truck driver (Troy is coming down to drive out/up with us). Anyone got a deep urge to see lots of the Western U.S. from the comfy, air-conditioned cab of a Penske truck?
In other news:
I had a conference call interview for a music job at Hollydale Elementary in Gresham, OR. Seemed like all went well and they will decide within a week's time.
Lani is still applying for all kinds of elementary classroom openings, but hasn't been interviewed yet.
Thanks, friends & family, for your encouraging words and prayer support. God is good all the time!
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Movin' on
Well, I've continued to sub every day. Yesterday 8th grade Eng./L.A.; it went great! Today, Boys' Middle School PE; it was fun! Who knows what'll be up tomorrow?
I got a call today about doing a phone interview for a music job at Hollydale Elementary in Gresham, OR. I had a really nice, positive, comfortable chat with the principal there (who it turns out, had a daughter in my middle school choir a few years back!). She even said she'd put in a good word for some jobs for Lani too. Thank you, God, for this bit of encouragement today.
We decided we need to go ahead and list our house with a realtor, so we met with one tonight and worked out all the details. His signs and everything will go up tomorrow. Interestingly, after I'd called him and set up an appointment, we got a call from someone who scheduled to see our house on Friday and would be a cash buyer(!). So, who knows what'll happen. Hopefully, something soon!!!
Once we have a signed contract, then we'll be able to start packing some things. We're looking at moving on or about June 5 (arriving in Portland on June 9 or so). It seems so close to that time to still be looking for a buyer. We could go ahead and move without the house sold, but it won't sell as well being empty. Still, every time someone looks at our house I'm thinking. . . we just need one buyer! Actually, I've been praying for this house to bless a family with kids (with the pool and close-to-schools location and all).
So, there's a little update our our life!
I got a call today about doing a phone interview for a music job at Hollydale Elementary in Gresham, OR. I had a really nice, positive, comfortable chat with the principal there (who it turns out, had a daughter in my middle school choir a few years back!). She even said she'd put in a good word for some jobs for Lani too. Thank you, God, for this bit of encouragement today.
We decided we need to go ahead and list our house with a realtor, so we met with one tonight and worked out all the details. His signs and everything will go up tomorrow. Interestingly, after I'd called him and set up an appointment, we got a call from someone who scheduled to see our house on Friday and would be a cash buyer(!). So, who knows what'll happen. Hopefully, something soon!!!
Once we have a signed contract, then we'll be able to start packing some things. We're looking at moving on or about June 5 (arriving in Portland on June 9 or so). It seems so close to that time to still be looking for a buyer. We could go ahead and move without the house sold, but it won't sell as well being empty. Still, every time someone looks at our house I'm thinking. . . we just need one buyer! Actually, I've been praying for this house to bless a family with kids (with the pool and close-to-schools location and all).
So, there's a little update our our life!
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Patience (It's hard to wait!)
We're waiting. . . Every day we're waiting for something to happen, for an offer to come on our house, for a job, for some direction about how to proceed. And it's hard to wait! Anxious moments creep into quiet times. It seems like something is always occupying a portion of my energy and mind; it's like a part of me that is on hold and just ready for the go-ahead about our next steps in life.
I didn't get the worship leading job in Tulsa. And that's fine. I like getting clear answers like this, because then I can go on to the next thing. I thought I had a great experience with the folks there, but I trust that there are some good reasons why that wasn't the place for us. What that means now is that we're going ahead full steam with applying for teaching jobs back in Oregon. And we're setting our plans to move there in early June.
Now to sell this house! That's probably our biggest bump in the immediate road. We've put in a good effort at selling it ourselves, shown it alot, and had two quite low offers which we didn't accept. I guess we're ready to turn to a realtor (though I hate to pay that commission). It'll be interesting to see where a realtor will recommend we price it at.
I'm subbing every day. This week H.S. drama (two days), M.S. language arts, 5th grade, and H.S. science (tomorrow). At least every day is something new!
Hannah sang at an end-of-the-year recital tonight at her school. She sang very well (although she was a little bit nervous). With a little more confidence, she's going to be a fine soloist. We'll have to find her a new voice teacher when we get to Portland.
I didn't get the worship leading job in Tulsa. And that's fine. I like getting clear answers like this, because then I can go on to the next thing. I thought I had a great experience with the folks there, but I trust that there are some good reasons why that wasn't the place for us. What that means now is that we're going ahead full steam with applying for teaching jobs back in Oregon. And we're setting our plans to move there in early June.
Now to sell this house! That's probably our biggest bump in the immediate road. We've put in a good effort at selling it ourselves, shown it alot, and had two quite low offers which we didn't accept. I guess we're ready to turn to a realtor (though I hate to pay that commission). It'll be interesting to see where a realtor will recommend we price it at.
I'm subbing every day. This week H.S. drama (two days), M.S. language arts, 5th grade, and H.S. science (tomorrow). At least every day is something new!
Hannah sang at an end-of-the-year recital tonight at her school. She sang very well (although she was a little bit nervous). With a little more confidence, she's going to be a fine soloist. We'll have to find her a new voice teacher when we get to Portland.
Sunday, May 07, 2006
May 7
Well, one month from today would be our anticipated day to start the move back to Portland, that is, if we don't make a move to Tulsa. Strange how things are that near, but still unknown!
Today we had another open house -- only one couple visited, but then they called back later and said they were going to see their banker tomorrow and would like to make an offer later in the day if everything works out. We're cautiously, but optimistically waiting to see if this all works out. The potential buyers are an older couple who love the one-story floor plan and the large covered patio. On the other hand, they have no interest in the pool and asked if we'd take it out (if they give us a decent offer, yes!). So, tomorrow at this time I may be calling friends and saying, "Would you like a free pool? Just come give me a hand in taking it down and it's yours!"
Today was kind of odd for me at church. Lani sang on the praise team and I sat with our kids (and only went to first service, in order to get back home to get ready for the open house). It's a little bit of a challenge for me to not get in a critique mode during worship, when I really just want to be a worshipper. The new leader is a fine guy and a dynamic leader, but of course, I'd do some things differently and so there I sit trying to worship and trying not to be distracted with thoughts of how he's doing as a leader, what I'd do differently, etc. I guess I've got some more character development to work on!
The next two days I'm subbing for H.S. drama. That should be fun, challenging, & interesting.
Today we had another open house -- only one couple visited, but then they called back later and said they were going to see their banker tomorrow and would like to make an offer later in the day if everything works out. We're cautiously, but optimistically waiting to see if this all works out. The potential buyers are an older couple who love the one-story floor plan and the large covered patio. On the other hand, they have no interest in the pool and asked if we'd take it out (if they give us a decent offer, yes!). So, tomorrow at this time I may be calling friends and saying, "Would you like a free pool? Just come give me a hand in taking it down and it's yours!"
Today was kind of odd for me at church. Lani sang on the praise team and I sat with our kids (and only went to first service, in order to get back home to get ready for the open house). It's a little bit of a challenge for me to not get in a critique mode during worship, when I really just want to be a worshipper. The new leader is a fine guy and a dynamic leader, but of course, I'd do some things differently and so there I sit trying to worship and trying not to be distracted with thoughts of how he's doing as a leader, what I'd do differently, etc. I guess I've got some more character development to work on!
The next two days I'm subbing for H.S. drama. That should be fun, challenging, & interesting.
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Busy, but no BIG news
If you read my blog to see what's happening with us, then you've probably wondered why I'm not posting very often. I'm just busy!
I've now started subbing every day, since my stint at Spring Woodlands is over. This week it's been:
M - alternative H.S. computers
T - M.S. band
W - half-day Elem. PE
TH - H.S. mixed assignment covering teachers conferencing w/parents
F - (tomorrow) back to the alternative H.S., this time in English/Lang. Arts
No new house-selling news. Lots of interested folks, but no real offers.
No new job news. Still waiting to hear back from Memorial Drive C of C in Tulsa. In the meantime, Lani & I are both filling out several applications for teaching jobs back in Oregon.
That's a quick update!
I've now started subbing every day, since my stint at Spring Woodlands is over. This week it's been:
M - alternative H.S. computers
T - M.S. band
W - half-day Elem. PE
TH - H.S. mixed assignment covering teachers conferencing w/parents
F - (tomorrow) back to the alternative H.S., this time in English/Lang. Arts
No new house-selling news. Lots of interested folks, but no real offers.
No new job news. Still waiting to hear back from Memorial Drive C of C in Tulsa. In the meantime, Lani & I are both filling out several applications for teaching jobs back in Oregon.
That's a quick update!
Friday, April 28, 2006
Riding the waves. . .
Today it feels like I'm riding the waves of life's ups & downs. This week started with a too-good-to-be-true sale of our home to the first person that viewed it after our ad came out. After stringing us out most of the week, our "buyer" came again today but brought their loan officer (read "realtor"). They looked the house over again with him, then left to decide on their offer amount. About an hour later their "agent" came back to present their offer. It was one of those "you've got to be kidding" moments. They offered $5K below our asking price, plus $6K toward the buyers costs, plus asked us to pay his 3% commission (about $4600), and of course split the other closing costs (the only thing that was not unexpected). We can entertain reasonable offers below our price, but this was crazy! By the time we paid all that he asked for, we'd barely get more than it was worth 5 and 1/2 years ago when we bought it.
Another smaller wave: last night at our praise team rehearsal one of the ladies said she had a perfect job for me: her school needed a 4th grade sub. teacher through the end of the year. Sounded like a good opportunity and possible blessing. One of the keys is that long-term pay requires 20 consecutive days and if I could start Monday there would be exactly 20 working days. Problem is I'm not even registered to sub in this district and jumping through all those hoops could take awhile. But I was told that her principal could pull some strings and push things along. So, pretty early this morning I put a call in to the principal, but had to leave a message since the principal was out for the morning. All day I waited for a call. Finally, after 3:00 I called again and was told that she was unavailable. So, what sounded like a good possibility probably slipped away. Maybe not, but most likely.
Overall, I feel so blessed in my life, but today felt like I was hitting more of the dips than the highs. And I guess some days are just like that.
Tomorrow will be a new day. As far as I know we can all sleep in. We should have a mildly relaxing morning. And we'll go ahead and do an open house from 2 to 5. You know, waves go up and down. Maybe tomorrow we'll catch a big wave and go for a fun ride!
Another smaller wave: last night at our praise team rehearsal one of the ladies said she had a perfect job for me: her school needed a 4th grade sub. teacher through the end of the year. Sounded like a good opportunity and possible blessing. One of the keys is that long-term pay requires 20 consecutive days and if I could start Monday there would be exactly 20 working days. Problem is I'm not even registered to sub in this district and jumping through all those hoops could take awhile. But I was told that her principal could pull some strings and push things along. So, pretty early this morning I put a call in to the principal, but had to leave a message since the principal was out for the morning. All day I waited for a call. Finally, after 3:00 I called again and was told that she was unavailable. So, what sounded like a good possibility probably slipped away. Maybe not, but most likely.
Overall, I feel so blessed in my life, but today felt like I was hitting more of the dips than the highs. And I guess some days are just like that.
Tomorrow will be a new day. As far as I know we can all sleep in. We should have a mildly relaxing morning. And we'll go ahead and do an open house from 2 to 5. You know, waves go up and down. Maybe tomorrow we'll catch a big wave and go for a fun ride!
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Blessed endings
Two chapters of our life ended today (or at least almost did):
I packed up my office at Spring Woodlands and hauled everything home. It seems kind of odd to not be a worship leader (at least for awhile). For almost six years I've led worship nearly every Sunday. We'll still be at Spring Woodlands for at least a few more weeks, but it will be a little different. I told the new leader, Rod Brady, that I'd be happy to sing bass any time he needs me and I do really like to do that too! Also, I'm the music director for a children's musical there that will perform on June 4 (which will likely be our last Sunday there).
And. . . it looks like we sold our house! Our newspaper ad came out yesterday and I had two calls about coming to look at it. The first caller didn't end up coming by, but the other couple came and were ready to give me an earnest money check on the spot. I told them not to rush it, to think about it overnight if they'd like and today they said they'd like to come tomorrow with their kids and that they'll be bringing a check with them. All I can do is say, "Thank you, Lord!" What a blessing! I told Micah and Hannah that I'm very happy that we sold it so fast, but I'm also a little sad to sell a home that we've put alot of effort into improving.
Thanks for your prayers! God is good and has blessed our family again. Now, to see where we're headed! Isn't it weird to have your house sold and not know where you're moving?
I packed up my office at Spring Woodlands and hauled everything home. It seems kind of odd to not be a worship leader (at least for awhile). For almost six years I've led worship nearly every Sunday. We'll still be at Spring Woodlands for at least a few more weeks, but it will be a little different. I told the new leader, Rod Brady, that I'd be happy to sing bass any time he needs me and I do really like to do that too! Also, I'm the music director for a children's musical there that will perform on June 4 (which will likely be our last Sunday there).
And. . . it looks like we sold our house! Our newspaper ad came out yesterday and I had two calls about coming to look at it. The first caller didn't end up coming by, but the other couple came and were ready to give me an earnest money check on the spot. I told them not to rush it, to think about it overnight if they'd like and today they said they'd like to come tomorrow with their kids and that they'll be bringing a check with them. All I can do is say, "Thank you, Lord!" What a blessing! I told Micah and Hannah that I'm very happy that we sold it so fast, but I'm also a little sad to sell a home that we've put alot of effort into improving.
Thanks for your prayers! God is good and has blessed our family again. Now, to see where we're headed! Isn't it weird to have your house sold and not know where you're moving?
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Pressing on, moving ahead!
Today was my final day leading worship at the Spring Woodlands Church. It was a nice day there (despite a few technical glitches) and people were very loving and kind. I've sure enjoyed my short stay there!
This afternoon we're doing our first open house. As I'm writing this, we've been "open" for an hour-and-a-half and we've had one couple come through (I keep telling myself, you only need one buyer!!!). Lots of people have driven by and taken flyers!
Now, to see how things go. . .
This afternoon we're doing our first open house. As I'm writing this, we've been "open" for an hour-and-a-half and we've had one couple come through (I keep telling myself, you only need one buyer!!!). Lots of people have driven by and taken flyers!
Now, to see how things go. . .
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