Oh, it is so nice today! Highs in the upper 80's, sunny, and breezy! It's especially nice after those triple-digit days recently. I baked a fresh apricot cobler and also cooked chicken nuggets in the oven tonight; we wouldn't have dreamed of turning on the oven the last few days!
Troy & Shauna, along with our friends Paul & Linda McDonald, are flying back right now from Hawaii. Sounds like they've had a wonderful time. Watching all the kids here hasn't been too bad, but it'll be nice to have all the parents back here. Lani says they owe us a night or two out!
We're still waiting for some things to move ahead toward a house closing. Mostly the mortgage company has been waiting for Lani's district to confirm her employment, but they won't issue a contract til they have forms back from her Texas school district and from the Oregon licensing folks (TSPC). Lani turned in everything well over a week ago, but it just takes time for all those things to get processed. In the meantime, we're both a little restless while waiting for things to happen. I've been pricing kitchen cabinets, sinks, bath fixtures, flooring, and such. My recent shock was how long it takes to get cabinets if you have to order them (4-6 weeks!). I think tomorrow I'm going to check out a couple of local cabinet outlets.
Lani's final paycheck from her Cy-Fair teaching comes this Friday and then we will have a loooonnnnng stretch until our new jobs start paying (both will get our first paychecks on the last Friday of September). This will be a test! Still, when I was praying today, I was thankful as I realized that God has ably taken care of all our needs so far through some difficult months and in making a move. I have no reason to doubt that He will take care of us over these next two months too!
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Friday, July 21, 2006
Heat wave!
It's hot!!!! Current temp is about 103 or so (which I think is a new record high). Good thing is that it's only 22% humidity and there is a l2 mph breeze. I've mostly stayed down in the basement doing stuff today (I built a "Monkey Bar Golf" set -- you can find plans on the internet). Tomorrow is supposed to be about the same high temp again. Whew!
We just decided to load up the troops (all ten of us here -- Troy & Shauna are off on vacation to Hawaii) and go to a double-feature movie: "Over the Hedge" & "Nacho Libre" (playing at a cheap, air-conditioned theatre!). I'm off of here!
We just decided to load up the troops (all ten of us here -- Troy & Shauna are off on vacation to Hawaii) and go to a double-feature movie: "Over the Hedge" & "Nacho Libre" (playing at a cheap, air-conditioned theatre!). I'm off of here!
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Feeling better
I've had a cold the last few days (came on Sunday), but today am starting to feel better. Thank God for healing! Yesterday I felt really achey and stuffed up, then sometime in the night it seemed like my fever broke and the tide turned. It's always so nice to start feeling well after one of these bouts.
I've been reading "Blue Like Jazz" by Donald Miller. It's one of those books that lots of people were recommending for the last year or two. I started it just before moving from Tomball, but then it got buried in the shuffle. Last week I picked it up again and have nearly finished it (three short chapters to go). Miller is not like me at all! The first few chapters I was just not connecting with him, probably more on a personal level because he lives in such a different way than I've chosen to live. But I was intrigued at the same time because he lives in Portland and makes numerous mention of places he goes (parks, coffee shops, pubs, Reed College, downtown, etc.) and they're all places that I am quite familiar with! This far into the book, he has grown on me. Not that I will change my personal habits to be like him (he smokes, drinks, etc.), but I appreciate his thoughts and real-life attempts to make his Christian faith real, true, relevant, down-to-earth, and sincere. I think I see how his faith-walk can certainly better reach many unchurched, faithless people than mine does.
Last weekend I took Caleb & Levi to the Father-Child Retreat at Camp Yamhill. It was beautiful, of course, and we had lots of fun doing things together, but it was also (I hope and pray) a good time for relationship-building and meaningful talk with my two youngest kids. Some things we did: built a sailing boat from foam blocks, sticks, & plastic (we got 2nd place at the "Regatta"!), built a kite, built two wind chimes, went out in a canoe on Sat. & Sun., did a river walk & swam in the creek (where Levi gashed his chin on a rock), went on a hike, did an obstacle course, had fun at "campfire" both nights (Levi got up and told a joke), had some scheduled times for father-child devotionals & discussions, and also had group times of teaching, singing, and such. It was a great experience, even if I did come home sick!
One more note: have any of you discovered "Craigslist"? Lani & I started looking for things that we'd like for our house and have gotten hooked with watching for cool stuff. Check it out! Here's the URL I use, but you can see that it's world-wide, so you can navigate to your own city or area.
http://portland.craigslist.org/
I've been reading "Blue Like Jazz" by Donald Miller. It's one of those books that lots of people were recommending for the last year or two. I started it just before moving from Tomball, but then it got buried in the shuffle. Last week I picked it up again and have nearly finished it (three short chapters to go). Miller is not like me at all! The first few chapters I was just not connecting with him, probably more on a personal level because he lives in such a different way than I've chosen to live. But I was intrigued at the same time because he lives in Portland and makes numerous mention of places he goes (parks, coffee shops, pubs, Reed College, downtown, etc.) and they're all places that I am quite familiar with! This far into the book, he has grown on me. Not that I will change my personal habits to be like him (he smokes, drinks, etc.), but I appreciate his thoughts and real-life attempts to make his Christian faith real, true, relevant, down-to-earth, and sincere. I think I see how his faith-walk can certainly better reach many unchurched, faithless people than mine does.
Last weekend I took Caleb & Levi to the Father-Child Retreat at Camp Yamhill. It was beautiful, of course, and we had lots of fun doing things together, but it was also (I hope and pray) a good time for relationship-building and meaningful talk with my two youngest kids. Some things we did: built a sailing boat from foam blocks, sticks, & plastic (we got 2nd place at the "Regatta"!), built a kite, built two wind chimes, went out in a canoe on Sat. & Sun., did a river walk & swam in the creek (where Levi gashed his chin on a rock), went on a hike, did an obstacle course, had fun at "campfire" both nights (Levi got up and told a joke), had some scheduled times for father-child devotionals & discussions, and also had group times of teaching, singing, and such. It was a great experience, even if I did come home sick!
One more note: have any of you discovered "Craigslist"? Lani & I started looking for things that we'd like for our house and have gotten hooked with watching for cool stuff. Check it out! Here's the URL I use, but you can see that it's world-wide, so you can navigate to your own city or area.
http://portland.craigslist.org/
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Choosing a new church
We've been visiting different churches each week since arriving back in Portland (5 so far) and have been thinking and praying about where we should be.
Here are some things that we're weighing:
1) Will we stay in a Church of Christ, or go to a different church?
2) How good of a church will this be for our kids? (Do they have a quality children's & teen program/ministry?)
3) Is this church close to our community? How close does it need to be?
4) Do they have God-centered, celebrative worship times?
5) Do we like the worship style? (a more honest question!)
6) How do Lani and I see ourselves involved here as volunteers in ministry?
7) Could I be useful and fit here as a part of their worship ministry?
8) Does this church have a mission and ministry focus that is evident (and that we're in agreement with)?
9) Do we like the ministry staff, and in particular, the lead minister (and his preaching)?
10) Where does it seem that God might be leading us to be?
We've obviously been swayed by many friends and relatives to check out the churches they are a part of (and that's been nice to do), but at some point we need to focus in on the places that seem the best fit. Mostly, we've just dropped in for worship assembly times so far, but plan to do repeat visits to our top choices in which we all go to classes and worship to get a better feel for everything.
So, any input from others out there who have gone through the process of finding a new church family/home would be most welcome!
Here are some things that we're weighing:
1) Will we stay in a Church of Christ, or go to a different church?
2) How good of a church will this be for our kids? (Do they have a quality children's & teen program/ministry?)
3) Is this church close to our community? How close does it need to be?
4) Do they have God-centered, celebrative worship times?
5) Do we like the worship style? (a more honest question!)
6) How do Lani and I see ourselves involved here as volunteers in ministry?
7) Could I be useful and fit here as a part of their worship ministry?
8) Does this church have a mission and ministry focus that is evident (and that we're in agreement with)?
9) Do we like the ministry staff, and in particular, the lead minister (and his preaching)?
10) Where does it seem that God might be leading us to be?
We've obviously been swayed by many friends and relatives to check out the churches they are a part of (and that's been nice to do), but at some point we need to focus in on the places that seem the best fit. Mostly, we've just dropped in for worship assembly times so far, but plan to do repeat visits to our top choices in which we all go to classes and worship to get a better feel for everything.
So, any input from others out there who have gone through the process of finding a new church family/home would be most welcome!
Sunday, July 09, 2006
Peaceful Sunday afternoon
Just thought I'd add a post about life today as I'm enjoying a quiet, Sunday afternoon.
We visited the Metro Church of Christ in Gresham today and like some other places we've checked out, we knew a lot of people. Greg Woods preached today and James Stanley (their youth minister) led singing -- both guys we've known for quite awhile. We sat by and went to lunch with Mike & Joni Tolon. Mike was (and still is) the band director at Parkrose H.S. the last three years that I taught there.
Brian & Eryann Maki and their sons, Orion & Jaden, headed back to Missoula today, so it's a little more quiet around here now that we're back down to just 12 people and 3 dogs in the house. Hopefully we'll get to go visit them in Missoula sometime soon since it's not really that far away now.
Tomorrow they do the inspection on our house. I guess I can say "our house" since we've got a signed offer on it and are just trying to go through all the steps now to get into it. We'll go over there while the inspector does his work and see and hear what he thinks about everything -- hopefully no bad surprises! I'm eager to start doing some of the things to the house that will need done. I plan to carefully measure some floors and the kitchen area so that I can get materials and such lined up before we take possession.
Yesterday we saw the new "Pirates of the Carribean" movie. Pretty fun, but maybe not as good of a story as the first one. Then again, they were only telling half of their story in this release and now you have to wait to see the next installment. We were trying to see whether Caleb & Levi should be allowed to see it yet and probably will hold off since there are more scary-looking creatures/people(?) and tense scenes this time around. Didn't seem quite as funny as the first one either.
Lani is off shopping with her sister at Mervyns (they still have them here) and I think I'll take Molly for a jog through Laurelhurst Park. It's sunny, 87 degrees with 38% humidity; it beckons one to be outdoors. . .
Check out Laurelhurst Park at:
http://www.portlandonline.com/parks/finder/index.cfm?action=ViewPark&PropertyID=224&c=38308
We visited the Metro Church of Christ in Gresham today and like some other places we've checked out, we knew a lot of people. Greg Woods preached today and James Stanley (their youth minister) led singing -- both guys we've known for quite awhile. We sat by and went to lunch with Mike & Joni Tolon. Mike was (and still is) the band director at Parkrose H.S. the last three years that I taught there.
Brian & Eryann Maki and their sons, Orion & Jaden, headed back to Missoula today, so it's a little more quiet around here now that we're back down to just 12 people and 3 dogs in the house. Hopefully we'll get to go visit them in Missoula sometime soon since it's not really that far away now.
Tomorrow they do the inspection on our house. I guess I can say "our house" since we've got a signed offer on it and are just trying to go through all the steps now to get into it. We'll go over there while the inspector does his work and see and hear what he thinks about everything -- hopefully no bad surprises! I'm eager to start doing some of the things to the house that will need done. I plan to carefully measure some floors and the kitchen area so that I can get materials and such lined up before we take possession.
Yesterday we saw the new "Pirates of the Carribean" movie. Pretty fun, but maybe not as good of a story as the first one. Then again, they were only telling half of their story in this release and now you have to wait to see the next installment. We were trying to see whether Caleb & Levi should be allowed to see it yet and probably will hold off since there are more scary-looking creatures/people(?) and tense scenes this time around. Didn't seem quite as funny as the first one either.
Lani is off shopping with her sister at Mervyns (they still have them here) and I think I'll take Molly for a jog through Laurelhurst Park. It's sunny, 87 degrees with 38% humidity; it beckons one to be outdoors. . .
Check out Laurelhurst Park at:
http://www.portlandonline.com/parks/finder/index.cfm?action=ViewPark&PropertyID=224&c=38308
Monday, July 03, 2006
House deal
Looks like we'll be homeowners once again! We reached an agreement on our offer for a house and now the wheels are in motion to get things done. We're shooting for a closing near the first of August which would give me a little time to do some work on the place before school starts here.
The house address is right by the school I'll be teaching at in Gresham, OR and it's MLS #6047012. You can see it online at:
http://www.rmls.com/RC2/UI/search_mlsnumber.asp
and then put the number in there. We'll need to do new flooring in the entry, kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry room plus some minor reworking of doors and walls in the basement (it was a rental property since the late 80's and at times the basement was sub-let, so it has separate doors to the garage/upstairs, etc; we plan to take out four doors!). The main work will involve pretty much gutting the kitchen, removing a wall between the kitchen and dining, & then installing new cabinets, counters, and flooring. And most all of the light fixtures are pretty dated. I'm ready to start working on it, but will have to be patient and wait for about a month!
Tomorrow we plan to go to the big 4th of July celebration at Ft. Vancouver, WA (just over the Columbia River in Washington). It's always touted as the biggest fireworks show west of the Mississippi and there are huge crowds, bands playing on a main stage starting about noon, lots of vendors, etc. We'll head over there about 2 pm with the Dalzell-Wagner-Maki clan (17 from this house) and meet about 40 or so friends. Note to Texas friends: it'll be about 85-90 during the afternoon, but drop to the low 60s by fireworks time, so you have to bring sweatshirts &/or blankets!
The house address is right by the school I'll be teaching at in Gresham, OR and it's MLS #6047012. You can see it online at:
http://www.rmls.com/RC2/UI/search_mlsnumber.asp
and then put the number in there. We'll need to do new flooring in the entry, kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry room plus some minor reworking of doors and walls in the basement (it was a rental property since the late 80's and at times the basement was sub-let, so it has separate doors to the garage/upstairs, etc; we plan to take out four doors!). The main work will involve pretty much gutting the kitchen, removing a wall between the kitchen and dining, & then installing new cabinets, counters, and flooring. And most all of the light fixtures are pretty dated. I'm ready to start working on it, but will have to be patient and wait for about a month!
Tomorrow we plan to go to the big 4th of July celebration at Ft. Vancouver, WA (just over the Columbia River in Washington). It's always touted as the biggest fireworks show west of the Mississippi and there are huge crowds, bands playing on a main stage starting about noon, lots of vendors, etc. We'll head over there about 2 pm with the Dalzell-Wagner-Maki clan (17 from this house) and meet about 40 or so friends. Note to Texas friends: it'll be about 85-90 during the afternoon, but drop to the low 60s by fireworks time, so you have to bring sweatshirts &/or blankets!
Saturday, July 01, 2006
Made an offer. . .
This morning we looked again at a house right by where I'll be teaching and then wrote up an offer! Now we're just waiting to see if they accept it, or counter, or. . .
Lani's mom, Gladys, is here and Brian & Eryann Maki (and their kids, Orion & Jaden) get here tomorrow. All will be here through the 4th of July. Should be good family time, lots of card-playing, lots of cousins running around all over!
Lani's mom, Gladys, is here and Brian & Eryann Maki (and their kids, Orion & Jaden) get here tomorrow. All will be here through the 4th of July. Should be good family time, lots of card-playing, lots of cousins running around all over!
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Next steps here
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!
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!
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!
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