We are spending much of our days unpacking and getting organized. We have been scouting furniture stores for items for the apartment. This place is Shopping heaven, USA, and everything is practically at your fingertips, (except for IKEA. We had to travel a WHOLE 20 minutes to get there :)).
We attended church on Saturday evening for the first time. This church has two services Satruday night and three on Sunday day. The service we attended had about 400 people, much bigger than what I am used to, but it was great. We met up with our new friends at the cafe that is on the church campus prior to the service and they introduced us to some other people after service. The boys went into their own classes for the first time. The teacher said ‘A’ kept to himself most of the time, but ‘A’ said he enjoyed it and looks forward to going back. ‘R’ loved being in his class and said he made lot of friends.
The service message was about when Jesus washed his disciples feet. This was during the time when their feet would get really dirty from walking, and a servant would wash your feet upon entering a home. Everyone lounged during meals, so it was important to have clean feet when your feet are in someone elses face!
Washing someone’s feet was considered a lowly job, and in this passage, the servant was not around to wash. The disciples were complaining and none of them would stoop so low as to wash each other. They were all just going to eat without washing their feet. But, Jesus began washing their feet. They did not want him to, but he insisted.
The key truth centered on that there should be no job or service too low for us if it helps someone else. It’s a good reminder for us in this age of ‘entitlement’.
We have had the most picture perfect weather, except for a mild rain yesterday. We need a jacket in the morning and evening, but that’s it. I know it’s going to get super hot, but right now, it’s perfect.
The dining options are incredible. Before I got my kitchen set up, we had a slew of places to choose from. It really runs the gamut. So far, we have found a great Greek cafe, a healthy fast food place, and AWESOME THAI!! Still need to find a movie theater…
The local Pottery Barn and Williams Sonoma both host free classes on decorating and cooking. Yesterday, I took a class through Pottery Barn on hosting a Spring Brunch. I came away with some menu ideas and learned how to fold a napkin "buffet" style.
I still need to unpack our homeschool items. I need to find a better shelving solution for it. We are going to get back into the homeschool swing of things today.
The new church we are attending has an exercise class on MWF 9-10:30. It is a part of an international ministry called ‘Body and Soul’. You can see the format at bodyandsoul.org. I am going for the first time today.
I also joined Weight Watchers Saturday. Shhhh, don’t tell anyone. 🙂
It was David’s birthday on the 13th, and I bought him something he’d been asking for a long time. A lava lamp! They really are pretty cool…
I am beginning Bible Study this Thursday. I chose this group because it has childcare for homeschool kids. The focus is on the book of Genesis, with emphasis on Joseph, and being unjustly persecuted. I am not sure of the name of the book but it is by Kay Arthur.
We have a WinCo across the street from our complex. My friend Sundy travels from North Bend to Kent to shop this store. The prices are incredibly low and they have a fabulous bulk foods section. I did a big run and have begun to restock my freezer. So far, I have made 6 entrees of sweet and sour meatballs, 3 entrees of garlic studded pork loin, and today I will make a big batch of molasses rum chicken. These recipes all come from the "Fix, Freeze, and Feast" cookbook. I am also doing a chili and a soup from the "Fix it and Forget it Lightly" Crockpot cookbook.
Lastly, I am re-implementing "Motivated Mom" cleaning routine today. Gotta get back into routine.
My love to all my NB friends. I miss you and look forward to visiting in April.
I am getting envious and homesick reading your post. LOL! It is raining here in good ol' WA, but really, it's been unusually sunny for a long time (although cold), so I can't complain.
Spring (we're almost there) is such a beautiful time of year in CA. And yes, it will get H.O.T. 🙂
I think it's great you're just jumping into things, finding a church, friends, bible study, shopping opportunities so quickly! Good for you! I wish I was more like that.
WinCo.. we had JUST gotten one in Modesto before we moved up here & I loved that store!
I'm glad to hear you're settling in well & can't wait to see you at the conference! Yay!
Love, Alyssa
Wow! Sounds like a fun adventure! Thanks for the update! Looking forward to seeing you in April 🙂
Love, Liz