Need an update!

Okay, so we had a lot going on this past month... perhaps some of you could add pictures? Like say of a wedding? Family gathering? That would be great! I will put some on here within the next few days, but we need an update!!!

Love you all!
Mom

Mamasan and Papasan

 (Can I just say that I hope my spirit is taller and thinner than my body?)

(now we need an updated pic of us with Sam's family!)

Since Rach updated, I figured I should as well. Thanks for setting the example Rach!

Our lives have been full of changes, as you all know, this year. The top one is that Thomas will be joining our family --- hopefully in September. Yay! We are excited for him to be a part of the Dell Clan. We already love him and get along really well. It's all good...nope, Great!

Then, as you know, dad's company was purchased by Terracon. Dad is super busy at work these days. He may be working on the high speed rail in California that will go from Fresno to Bakersfield, initially. Then it will expand from SF to LA, then possibly from Sac to San Diego. We'll see if that pans out. It's kind of tough to be involved in something you don't necessarily agree with - but it's money, and should help toward our retirement.

Which is what we are focusing on a good deal now. Not just where to retire, but saving money for said retirement. Yes, we have some money, but when dad retires, he retires. We will need adequate to live on for at least 20 years! Yikes! (seeing as how grandma is 88; and dad's uncle that he takes after is in his late 70's!)

The other change that just took place is dad being called into the Yosemite Young Single Adult ward. Talk about a shock! Fortunately, with time comes understanding. This is where the Lord wants/needs us to serve at this time. Even if it is to touch just one life, to make a difference, this is where He wants us. I, personally, love working with YSA's. In fact I was talking to dad about it and told him that I've had many friends in that stage of life over the years and I get along great with them. (Corinne, Christina, Suzanne...or even some of the married/divorced ones that are in that age group) I think it's because I have children in their age range so I can relate to them. Thanks guys! ;)

Another change soon to happen that (obviously) isn't directly related to us - Rylee is getting baptized! We are super excited to attend her baptism. I was sweetly asked by Ryles to give the baptism talk and am looking forward to that. Dad will confirm her, and he feels humbled by that. We will be heading there on Thursday! Yay!!!

We have had a somewhat busy year this year thus far. We've been to Oregon, Utah (so fun to see everyone), and obviously next is Montana. We will be going to babysit for Brad and Amy in August for a few days so that they can get away for their tenth anniversary. Then we hope to be at Rachel and Thomas's wedding in September. After that...who knows? We loved having Rach and Thomas here last week, even though dad was sick the whole time. (he is just now getting over being sick) We enjoyed chatting, playing games and going to Calaveras. (burgers and shakes...yum!) (mom had to cool down, quickly!) The heat was full on while they were here which was tough for a couple of Oregonians! Amy has talked about visiting but with our drought and high temps she is holding off on that one!

We really would love to have you all here. We know we will see you all when Rach and Thomas are sealed... that will be great! Dad and I love each and every one of you. Kisses and Hugs! XOXOXO

Delzinga: June

Hello Familia!

Let's restart this blog again, shall we?

So we all know the updates of one another's lives but why not put it down in writing for posterity's sake.

First: I got engaged! Thomas Hansen Elzinga proposed on May 10, 2014 and I accepted.

Happily we've completed all the paperwork necessary to move forward and the Stake President should be sending off our packet tomorrow! Pray for miracles, people. 

Second: I finished my first year at OSU. It happened. I can't believe I'm a year down. I mean there are two more to go and an unpaid (but I get to pay) year internship left but still, year one: toasted. Yay me!

Third: I start my internship (sort of) next week. We actually are only training but it's still starting and I'm still excited. I get to work with the kids the week after. EEEEE!!!! I can't wait. It's a step in the right direction. We're all hoping I can get more volunteer experiences in this next year and there are tons of opportunities all over the place so it shouldn't be a problem. Time might be an issue but we'll deal with that when we get there. 

Fourth: T and I head out to California in a few days. I am completely stoked. It will be hot and it will be quick but I think we're going to have a great time. 

Fifth: I love you all and hope you're all doing well. 

Peace out Homies.

Christmas 2013

Today I finally downloaded the pictures we took while Amy, Brad, James, Gav, Jack, Rach and Thomas were here. I thought you all might enjoy them, so I am sharing. I'd share more, but can't find the ones that Thomas took. Hopefully more to come later from me, or Rach and Thomas. :)

 Santa brought the boys snow toys!

 Dragons!

 The Adventurer!

 Muir Woods

Rach, Jack-Jack, Thomas

 Westmoreland's Muir Woods

 James, Jack and Amers

 Nana and Gav - buddies for the day

 Jack

 Gavin

 James

 Thomas & Sissy and early morning visitors

Happy 5th Birthday James!!

For those of you who weren't with us - we missed you all. Seriously. We did.

Selfies

I've been wanting to do this on my blog (and I probably will... someday...) but I figured since I haven't written on here in a while I should post something.

James loves taking pictures. LOVES. He used to ask to use the camera, take a few pictures, and done. Lately he'll find the camera, sneak it out, take some pictures "for me", come get me, and make me look at what he has captured. And he beams with pride. Brad and I crack up at all the pictures we find on the camera- because not every time he finds the camera does he tell me. So we've found some treasures, to say the least. Part of the  humor, is he takes lots of selfies and makes faces we never see him do. These are strictly for the camera. Enjoy :)

 The Tongue Experiment

 Anger Shots After Self Haircut

Oh James. What a character

Good Gracious it's November

It's already November! All throughout October I kept thinking that I should post about Oregon State since I'm finally here. But, obviously, that never happened.

View from my window. Just because.

So. I'm at Oregon State!! It's pretty great up here. I live in a super small town that fits me really well. I also think that I DEFINITELY made the best housing choice. As I talk with other Mormon students I find that it wasn't just me that struggled with housing. Most of them live with nonmembers or pay an exorbitant amount to live by themselves. I live in the best of both worlds, since I live with an active and wonderful family that takes really good care of me and I also get lots of alone time. It's not the PERFECT situation but I'm finding that that situation didn't exist. I'll take what I have.

Tree on campus. Sometimes you just have to take a picture. 

School is great. The first few weeks I was starting to wonder if it was all too easy. I started thinking that the next three years would fly by from all the fun and excitement. Then school got real. Real real. Midterms came and I stressed out. A lot. It wasn't my week, let's just say that. But they're coming next week again and I (hopefully) will be much less distracted this time. Thankfully this week I've been able to seriously pound out my assignments and get my head back in the game (I will never not think of Troy Bolton when I say that).

Hike with padre. He did good and we ate Oreos. The End.

Things are good in other departments as well. I've been continuously running, which is essential for my happiness. I've been to Eugene on the weekends almost more than I've been in Corvallis. I have a new calling (LDSSA President. I act as the Liaison between the institute and school, basically, plus promote the heck out of institute). I've been on a few gorgeous hikes. One was with my dad and the other two were with Thomas (boyfriend). I've been working at the temple doing various challenging things. I've been on a couple of bike rides, again with Thomas. My parents visited (hence the hike with my dad). Amy came up to Corvallis/Philomath for a few hours and explored with me. It was terrific. (and I bought Sperry's for $6, best deal of my life)

Jack with Dad. Pretty stinkin' cute.

Life isn't perfect and everyday I wonder if I'm doing the right thing. But it's incredibly good and for that I am incredibly grateful.

Days 4 - 5

Our fourth day began with barely making the ferry in Edmonds...but we did! ;) The ferry ride was 1/2 hour long, so Rach and I just chilled in her car and enjoyed the scenery.

 Once we landed on the island we made our way over to Poulsbo - such a cute town! 

 Wells Fargo!

 Our hot chocolate spot. So needed! 

 Cuteness...and great baked goods! 

 Rachel's new fave bookstore. :)

 Cute nautical shop - I think I want this lamp. :)

 Awesome mural!

Behind the shops:

 Did you know I love boats? And the ocean? Yeah, that's me.

Cute statue, there was a girl to the left of him,

but somehow she didn't make it into the picture, guess I'll have to go back!

Cute church and area:

 

Bainbridge - we weren't there for long, just long enough to catch the ferry back to Seattle.

I think we both wished we'd spent more time on the island.

Ferry ride to Seattle; Pikes Place Market, Ivar's & Space Needle:

   Pikes Place Market

   Throwing the fish! 

 Nice view from Pike's Place Market...again, it's the sea!

Ivar's fish and chips

 Ivar's clam chowder!

 Space Needle

Heathman Lodge - Vancouver, WA, Tillamook, OR & final view of sea-

 Rach felt at home!

 Tillamook!

 Final view of ocean... farewell wonderful road trip! I'll miss you!