Snippets from a Life with Valencia

Another part of my gift to Jackson for Christmas this year was documenting more of our family's history (he's a journal keeper and has always encouraged me to do the same). I may not keep a regular journal, but I do keep a good record of Valencia's most hilarious moments - a gift that I am about to share with one and all. Jackson and I often share quotes back and forth through text message. In an effort to preserve them, I have included below several screen shots of these exchanges from the past six months. 

You're welcome.

Top 10 of 2016

As I reflect on the year 2017, I am keenly aware of the absence of documentation of the year 2016. With that, I present a gift of love to my beloved husband and to our friends and posterity.

In relative chronological order, our belated Top 10 of 2016.

1. Winter Wonderland

To start 2016, North Carolina experienced a heavy snow storm that shut down school for several days. We took advantage of the snow by busting out our snowshoes and exploring the woods behind our house. We welcomed some extra family time while Merlin and Valencia enjoyed playing in the rare white snow.

Shortly after, my mom came out to NC to visit! We had a blast with Grandma Dino. She is always so generous and fun and it was really great for Vali to spend some one on one time with her. We love you mom, thanks for taking the time and effort to be with us in our home.

2. Memorial Day in Delaware

Per tradition, we spent Memorial Day with the Smiths (Jackson's sister and family). In an effort to meet in the middle, we spent the long weekend in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. I know what you are thinking… Delaware… BUT we had an amazing time. We enjoyed walking along the boardwalk, playing at Funland, eating good food, playing tennis, and of course spending time together. This trip solidified Valencia and Estee as besties and we will miss this tradition now that the Smiths have moved from Connecticut to Costa Rica to do humanitarian work (you should follow their adventure at http://www.socialgoodfamilies.com)

It should be noted that for years I had refused to ride a rollercoaster. Jackson has always lovingly encouraged (but not pressured) me to try. So, this trip I tried… and I cried. The entire ride. Our poor nieces were so distracted by my hysterical reaction to the ride that they stopped enjoying the ride and looked at Jackson with alarmed faces. So, it will be marked in history that the Sea Dragon at Funland was the last rollercoaster ever ridden by Celeste Olsen.

3. HCHS finishes first year

It is no small feat to complete the founding year of a school. Jackson poured his heart and soul into creating a high school experience for his freshmen that was challenging, memorable, and fun. He led a hardworking founding staff to so many firsts. He is such a humble and hungry leader – he inspires me to see all of the effort he puts into the details that changes lives.

No sooner did he wrap up his first year than he dove head first into year two. We keep thinking it will get easier, but he continues to find that they are building the bridge as they cross it. Thanks to his staff, his leadership team, and his right-hand woman Emily Cirino, they continue to push towards graduation next year. You are building something worth the effort, the time, the tears and the soul that it takes to build something that lasts.

4. RELAY

In 2016, Jackson finished up his fellowship at the Relay Graduate School of Education just as I started it. It’s a program that trains school leaders (if you didn't know, I am currently the Dean of Curriculum and Instruction at my school). I feel very fortunate to have been selected from my school to attend this training – it helped expedite my growth and helped me coach our teachers to new heights. In addition, I was fortunate to attend the Relay program with some amazing people – Carice and Eric Sanchez and Melanie Forte. Carice and Eric are the co-founders of Henderson Collegiate and Mel is a coach that I work with. We traveled the country together “sharpening our irons”, bonding over a common mission, and appreciating one another and the moments we could share.

We spent two weeks in Denver to start the program and I was fortunate to have my sister Ariel, aka Aunt Tippy, come out and spend the entire time with us watching Valencia. It was amazing to have Ariel spend one on one time with Vali and to have her get to know some of my work family. This time will always hold a special place in my heart because we so rarely get to see Ariel and I was reminded of the unique and wonderful woman she is.  

5. National Park Adventures

After finishing the Relay program in Denver, our little family took advantage of being out West and travelled to two National Parks: Rocky Mountain National Park and Arches. We were mesmerized by the mountain peaks, marvelous views and the wonders of God’s creations. In addition, we were struck by the bonding experience we had as a family. Valencia is her happiest self on our “ben-shuhs” (adventures) and loves spending time outside on Daddy’s back or running on a trail. These travels were the start of a quest to seek out and spend time in National and State Parks and to continue to invest Valencia in the adventures that await her outdoors.  

6. Summer in Utah and The Britts take Bear Lake 

We always enjoy summer in Utah - the hiking, family time and Fourth of July are always so much fun! We got to spend part of our time with Jackson's family and part with mine. 

The time with the Britts included a family reunion for the Britt Family. We rented a beautiful and large cabin on the Utah side of Bear Lake. All of the siblings and cousins were able to share time together, build relationships, play games and laugh. It was also special because my Grandma and Grandpa Britt came with us. It was determined that this would be their last time traveling somewhere together as their health has made it difficult for them to get around. They were able to hold great grand babies and we were able to spend time together as a whole. As our family grows and expands across the country, these times together are treasured. I am grateful for how close our family remains despite our numbers and distance.

7. Valencia Turns 2

Milestones for Valencia are always amazing to witness. Looking back on this period in her life, it was a time of big changes. She finally started to try some things on her own – like climbing on furniture and getting on a trike while mommy isn’t looking (and crashing onto her face). She also was potty trained just before her birthday and adapted better than expected. She had her first birthday party where the friends were really hers and she loved being celebrated. Shortly after her birthday she graduated from private day care at my school to day care at a preschool. Through all of these transitions she continued to win hearts, compliments and fans. I am forever grateful to have a toddler that is loved and adored because of her gentle, sweet, hilarious soul.

8. Jackson Publishes a Book

During Jackson’s time in Teach for America, he kept a journal that chronicled his experiences leading to joining TFA and his experiences with students, teachers, and families as a classroom teacher. Throughout our time in TFA, family and friends would often ask him how teaching was going, or what it was we were doing in rural North Carolina. In the moment, it was hard to really describe what life at that time was like for us or what we were learning. After finishing his two years in the Corps, he started to write this book to truthfully answer how he was doing and as an answer to why he decided to stay in education and to keep a record for his posterity. He spent countless late nights writing and revising for years and years (seven, to be exact). He sacrificed weekends, vacations, and an inhumane amount of sleep to create this heartfelt memoir. I am in awe of his discipline and passion and hope that circumstances permit him to return to writing in the future.

9. Fall Family Travel

I was fortunate to take time to travel to my parents' home state of Washington to spend time with my grandparents in my dad’s childhood home. We spent time with my aunt Bev, uncle Kelly, grandma and grandpa organizing the home, reminiscing about Russian chiropractic patients, walking outside and making good food. I had not been to my grandparents’ house in years and it was nice to spend quality time with some adults in my family that I rarely get to see along with my amazing and selfless father.

For Thanksgiving, we went to Florida to spend time with Jackson’s cousins, Rob and Michelle. While living on the East Coast we have felt impressed to spend as much time possible with family who also live out east. Rob has twin boys who were patient and gracious with Valencia, and Michelle has an amazing family. We spent Thanksgiving talking about Olsen childhood memories, alligator encounters, golf and football.

10. Christmas in Utah

Mountains, cousins, horseback riding, museums and fun. There is nothing quite as magical as being home for the holidays. We loved participating in family holiday parties, gingerbread houses and ice skating. Per Olsen tradition, we spent Christmas eve skiing on Bear Mountain. Christmas day we spent with my family and had special guests as Michelle Houghton-Cohen and her newly adopted son Gabe joined us for dinner.

Unfortunately, Jackson and Valencia missed their original plane due to some crazy airline issues. Believe it or not, Jackson felt even worse than Valencia.

While Christmas at home in Utah with family is always memorable, this Christmas will forever live in our hearts as our last with Grandpa Jack. George Jackson Kidd was an amazing father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He continues to inspire all he knew to be a better person. He always made me feel valued, special, and loved. I cherish moments that he was able to share with Valencia and feel fortunate that we could be with him in his last days.

 Honorable Mention:

- Merlin awarded "best cuddle lump" and remained a great big brother

- We moved into a new house with zero trees and no fall clean-up

- Valencia was an adorable cat for Halloween and loved the concept of treats for dressing up