The Chronicles Of Narnia

When I was a child I remember walking into a local thrift store and picking up the entire Chronicles of Narnia series for $0.70. Talk about a good deal, right? For whatever reason, I never got around to reading them, one of my siblings latched onto the books and that was that.

This year I made it one of my goals to read the entire series, it's taken me several months but I finally accomplished my goal. For those who may be wondering, the only time I really get to read is on my lunch breaks at work, life is just too crazy right now.

I definitely liked some stories more than others, but overall the series was amazing! I look forward to reading the stories with my own children someday. One thing I loved was how much the series mirrors the gospel of Jesus Christ and the Plan of Salvation-- definite plus in my book. Looking back, I wish that Disney had started with The Magician's Nephew when the started making the movies. This particular books adds a lot to the entire series and was one of my favorites.

Are these books worth the read? Yes, yes, yes!

A Jammed Packed Saturday

I woke up particularly early on Saturday morning on my own, this is unusual for me. One of the first thoughts that entered my mind was, "Check craigslist for garage sales with baby stuff." Earlier a friend had mentioned to me that I should purchase a particular baby rocker that costs about $70.00. As I started looking though the garage sale listings I immediately noticed a garage sale that had this particular baby rocker. Andy and I hopped in the car and headed to the sale.

We scored that this yard sale! We spent $121.00 and came home with about $1500.00 worth of baby stuff and maternity clothes. Everything was in stellar condition. I really believe that the Lord was looking out for us.

The dancers.

After hitting up a few other yard sales we grabbed some lunch and then headed to the Scandinavian Festival in Junction City. We had fun looking at all of the different displays, artwork, and watching the dancers.

The setting sun.

Andy & I.

Showing a little love.

As the day went on it got incredibly hot so we decided to head out to Fall Creek to cool off. The water was so low that the buoys for the swimming area were sitting on the ground and about 20 feet away from the water. We put our tubes in the water and floated close to the shore until the sun started to go down.

On the way home we drove past our soon to be new home. Crazy to think we are going to be home owners!

A Russell Story

Now that it's blog official that I am pregnant, I feel I can share the following story.

My little brother Russell is seven years old. Over the last several years he has said the following things to me: "Where do babies come from?" "When are you going to have a baby?" "I think there is a baby in your tummy." "Is there a baby in your tummy yet?"

Shortly after we found out we were pregnant, we told my parents our news. For some reason, I assumed that they had told my brothers-- this wasn't the case.

I hadn't talked to Russell in awhile and one night when he was on the phone with me I said, "There is a baby in my tummy." What followed was this:

Russell: (Silence)
Julie: "She can't see you on the floor."

Apparently he fell on the floor in shock.

I received a text shortly there after saying that Russell prayed that we would have either a girl baby or a boy baby and not just a baby.

I sure do love that little squirt!

This past week he told me that my baby needs to hurry up and get here so he can play with it.

The Temple

I love visiting the temple! I look forward to each trip we make to the house of the Lord. I can't help but take a photo of the temple each time we go.

The Temple.

4th of July

Fourth of July was a little more low key for us this year. We both had to work the next morning, so the big fireworks displays were a no go for us. Instead we went the day with our friends Dani and Donny.

Andy was so excited to walk out of the store with 4 bags of chips.

The boys spent the day smoking salmon and ribs-- it's a man thing right? We gorged ourselves on salad, watermelon, chips, asparagus, and the a fore mentioned meats.

We played some board games and just enjoyed each others company. For us, it was the perfect way to spend the holiday.

U.S. Olympic Time Trials: Track & Field

Coming from a long line of runners, it was natural that my siblings and I all ran track and/or cross country at some point. In my case I ran track for six years and cross country for four years. When I learned that the U.S. Olympic Time Trials for track and field were to be held in Eugene I was stoked! I hadn't been to a track meet since high school and this was a once in a lifetime opportunity that I couldn't pass up. Andy and I purchased our tickets and waited for the big day to arrive-- I think mostly I did the waiting, he had never been to a track meet before and didn't know what to expect.

We woke up early Saturday morning and headed to historic Hayward Field. We watched all kinds of events: long jump, high jump, pole vault, shot put, discus, javelin, 100 meter, 400 meter, 800 meter, and the 10,000 meter run. Andy and I both agreed that watching the women's 10,000 and the men's and women's long jump were our favorite events. We were both amazed at how fast the women could run 25 laps around the track, it was just over thirty minutes--they were really fast! It was also amazing to see how far both the men and women could jump. The exercise scientist in me, enjoyed looking at their toned and muscular bodies and watching the muscles contract-- I know nerdy.

Women's 10,000 meter run.

These lovely ladies just qualified for the Olympics.

So excited for them!

Me and Andy trying to stay cool.

Love the "Run Forever" message.

Andy & I.

Was it worth sitting in the hot sun all day? You bet! I'm excited for all of the athletes who qualified for the Olympic Team and wish them the best in Rio!

Surprise!

It's been along time coming and it's been hard to keep quiet, but a little one is on the way. We are excited!