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2008 Christmas Letter

Due to the non-stop hustle and bustle of our lives at the time being, we are posting our Christmas letter on our blog as opposed to mailing it.  We truly wish you all the best and appreciate your friendships.

December 29th, 2008

Seasons Greetings queridos familia y amigos!

On Shannon and I’s anniversary, I thought it appropriate to reflect upon and share our past year’s memories and experiences. It is truly enjoyable to read about all your doings and goings on, reminiscing about all the fun things we have done with ya’all. In the end, all that we have are these memories and friendships, and the more the merrier!

Beginning with Christian, our adorable but precocious two-year-old, who loves to talk (often to our embarrassment in Sacrament Meeting) and do everything everyone else is doing. He is very bright, sports loving, and, alas, a tease. I wonder from whom he gets that!

Elijah (almost 4) is the sweetest little boy. He loves to sing, play, and be a big boy. He just began saying his personal prayers (in his head) and asking mom to leave while he gets dressed. Our New Year’s goal for him is to get completely potty-trained.

Aubrey (almost 6) is doing exceptionally well in Kindergarten. Her teacher uses her as the example of what to do when there is a substitute. Aubrey is very sensitive to the spirit and loves to give hugs and kisses. She has amazing energy and vitality, but is deathly terrified of dogs. We almost bought her a dog for Christmas—but just can’t commit to it yet.

Courtney (just turned 8) is simply amazing. She has picked up playing the piano very quickly and reads like a 40-year-old. Having skipped 2nd grade, Courtney has adapted well to the 3rd grade. Her baptism is scheduled for February 7th, the first Saturday we could schedule at the church where her Alaskan grandparents could attend—all are invited of course. She has almost finished reading the Book of Mormon in preparing for this big day.

Shannon is crazy busy. This year she was elected VP of Laurelglen Elementary School Parent Boosters, which in essence means she is in charge of fundraising ($40,000~). I never realized all the drama that happens behind the scenes with parental involvement—something I’m sure we’ll need to be prepared for in years to come. Additionally, she is the 2nd counselor in the Relief Society, which in essence means she is in charge of enrichment. I never realized how much work that entails, but with all the planning, cooking, teaching, meeting, and volunteering, along with all her other family and personal responsibilities, Shannon has minus spare time. Her New Year’s goal is to run a marathon, in which she regularly goes to the gym at 5:30 am.

I am beginning a number of new adventures, along with continuing much of the same. After teaching five years at South High School, I decided to jump ship and help open a new high school—Independence. I am co-head forensics coach (grateful for another adult to help share the load) as well as the CAPP grant director and a CAPP consultant for other high schools. The CAPP organization unprecedentedly awarded my school the grant in respect to the work I did at South and their desire to employ my services at other schools. It’s exciting to be part of a very austere group of individuals and worthwhile cause, in which some of our work is currently being presented at an International conference in Hawaii! I have also been asked to teach an English course in the Energy and Utilities Academy we just started, and am learning a lot about the alternative energy resources Kern County has to offer-- presenting it, of course, in a fair and balanced way. My current calling is Executive Secretary, a wonderful calling and opportunity to work more closely with the bishopric in meeting the needs of our ward.

Needless to say, life is moving at a constantly momentous pace. We are so blessed and grateful for the Lord’s influence and your friendship in our lives. We could not do all this without you. May His blessing and Spirit be with you this next year!

Love,





The California Bakersfield Olsens

PS Our adventures this year took us to San Diego, L.A., Long Beach, San Francisco, Las Vegas (debate nationals), St. George, Provo, Idaho (4th of July), Alaska and Hawaii. We are still recovering J. Enjoy the picture above of our family at the wonderful Polynesian Cultural Center.