Sometimes life is hard. Sometimes it is hard to be positive and see the good around you. Sometimes it's hard to persevere though the storm that lies ahead. BUT it's important to keep on trudging through the mud. Eventually the storm will subside, the flood waters will recede, and the sun will shine again.
Yesterday we went to Wildlife Safari and it was a BLAST! We had heard mixed reviews about Wildlife Safari and we weren't sure what to expect. We came away with our minds blown!
With the purchase of our admission, we were able to drive though the wildlife area twice and were given unlimited access to the park, restaurant, and gift shop.
We started out driving though the wildlife park. It was amazing to see the animals just roaming about, they all looked happy and healthy. The animals would just walk right up to our car, it was CRAZY! What made the whole thing even better- singing along with the Lion King soundtrack.
Beauty!
Me & Andy.
Petting Bambi.
We couldn't believe how many different animals were at Wildlife Safari- there were hundreds. We saw buffalo, bears, tigers, lions, cheetahs, hippos, elephants, giraffes, rhinos, elk, ostriches, emus, all kinds of deer, lemurs, snakes, donkeys, miniature ponies, parrots, tortoises, etc.
Andy & I riding Calvin the camel.
After we did the drive though we went to the park and rode the camels- this is something I had wanted to do for a long time. I still can't believe I rode a camel, it feels surreal.
Me & Andy.
Andy.
Me.
Andy & I - no selfie stick here.
Mini Donk & Mini Pony
We grabbed a bite to eat (everything was pretty reasonably priced) and then we walked around to see some more animals.
We decided to drive the loop one more time before heading home. The second time we drove the loop I made the mistake of having the window down when we came across our friend Mr. Ostrich. He stuck his head in my window and I freaked out. I couldn't get the window up fast enough. I thought he was going to peck my face.
The second time through the park we were able to see some animals that we didn't see the first time we drove though. We are so glad we drove through the park a second time.
By the time we got home we were wiped out. We both crawled in bed thinking we would take and short nap and instead woke up 12 hours later. Oops!
Wildlife Safari was so much FUN! If you ever find yourself in Oregon, this is the one thing that has to be at the top of your must see list. Yes, it was that awesome!
Berry season is in full swing right now! I can't believe the blackberries are already ripe, they came on about a month early. The other night we decided to go and pick some after work. On the way out the door, I put my bucket on my head. Andy thought it was funny and he tried to put the bucket on his head but it wouldn't fit...hehe. We have small heads in my family.
We came away with four pounds of berries in about a half an hour. We still need to pick a lot more for smoothies and jam but it was a start.
What do you want in life? Some might say, "Money, popularity, to be in shape, to look glamorous, to have a family..." But why do you want it? I think the answer to this question more often than not is that people want to be happy. We as a people are looking for happiness. We look for happiness in money, social status, physical beauty, etc. When we obtain what we think will bring us happiness, we may find small moments of happiness but we don't find the lasting joy that is happiness.
One of my favorite quotes come from John Lennon. He said, "When I was 5 years old, my mother always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down ‘happy’. They told me I didn’t understand the assignment, and I told them they didn’t understand life."
I think John Lennon had it right. I don't believe that money, possessions, or social status equate to happiness. That's not to say that people that have those things aren't happy. I believe that happiness is a choice, it is a state of mind, it is a conscious decision to see the good in the world and in our lives. The more you focus on the good around you and the less time you spend on the negative, the happier you will be. Do more of the things in life that make you happy.What makes you happy?
I feel happy when_____________.
I get enough sleep. I eat healthy food. I exercise. I accomplish a goal. I dance. I sing. I listen to music. I serve others. I am one with nature. Someone compliments me for a job well done. I look at the clouds. I watch the sunset. I hear birds chirping. It is pouring down rain outside. I spend quality time with the people I love. These things make me happy.
Friday started out with a doctors appointment. After months of appointments, x-rays, and wearing multiple boots the doctors were able to confirm that I have a stress fracture in my foot. How did I get a stress fracture? Running this race back in November. Yes, November. I waited six weeks to go into the doctor thinking I had damaged a muscle in my foot, but the pain didn't go away. I am relieved to know that the end of the pain is in sight and that we might be able to get a few adventures in before the end of the summer. It has been hard to refrain from doing the things I love (hiking, Zumba, biking, swimming, etc.). So much for my summer bucket list.
The boot. You can tell from my facial expression, how much I love it!
Friday night we went out for dinner and then played a round of mini golf. Can I just say that it is hard to play mini gold while wearing a boot. All things considered, I think I did pretty well. I scored the only hole-in-one, but Andy still won. We had a blast and laughed a lot as we made our way through the course. I think more mini golf will be in our future, hopefully without the aid of a boot.
Me & Andy.
Kiss your lucky golf ball.
A new addition also joined our family this weekend, The Silver Bullet a.k.a. The Bullet. With the Grandpa-Mobile on it's way out we knew it was time to start looking for a new car. My parents helped us find the car and were kind enough to drive our new baby down to Oregon for us. We feel so incredibly blessed. We hope The Bullet will be with us for a long time.
Saturday
We are in the middle of a heatwave right now. The forecast for Saturday was 101, in Oregon that means one thing: head for the coast. Typically the coast is 10-20 degrees cooler. Head to the coast we did. We spent the afternoon sunbathing on the beach with my parents, it was nice and relaxing.
We grabbed some dinner at our favorite burger joint and spent the rest of the evening playing board games. It was a lot of fun!
Sunday
Andy is working swing shift this week, sadly that meant he had to work Sunday. While Andy was at work, I was at church. In one of the meetings we talked about faith. What is faith? Faith is a principle of action and power. What does that even mean? To me faith means that you are moved to do something, usually something good. You don't know beforehand what the result will be of the thing you did, but you hope it will be good. How have you shown faith in your life?
So, I just finished reading The Seven Principles For Making Marriage Work by John Gottman. I know I can't believe I just finished reading another relationship book. Crazy!
This book was awesome! It has all kinds of little quizzes that will show you areas of your marriage that you may be weak or strong in and it gives tons of suggestions and ways to improve on those weaknesses and strengths. This is one book everyone should read or at least have on had as a reference.
For the past few days I have been thinking about fear and why we as people have a hard time facing our fears. It is my personal belief that fears hinder us. Fear hold us back and prevent us from living life to its fullest. I thought I would share a few of my favorite quotes on fear.
The first thought comes from President Thomas S. Monson. President Monson said, " Of course we will face fear, experience ridicule, and meet opposition. Let us have the courage to defy the consensus, the courage to stand for principle. Courage, not compromise, brings the smile of God's approval...Remember that all men have their fears, but those who face their fears with [faith] have courage as well.
Are you afraid to do something because it isn't the popular thing to do? Are you afraid of what others might think? Be brave. Have courage.
Eleanor Roosevelt said, "You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do."
You can do it!
The last quote comes from Gandhi. He said, "The enemy is fear. We think it is hate; but, it is fear."
I have been working on facing my fears and I can tell you that it is liberating to do something you were afraid to do. I feel I have learned a lot and grown as a person by facing my fears.
Is fear holding you back? What are you afraid of? How are you going to face your fears? Be brave! You can do it! I know you can!
We had the sister missionaries over for dinner on Friday night. Sister Ungerman had previously served in our ward, it was a lot of fun catching up with her! We also enjoyed getting to know Sister Bingham! The sisters are awesome and we love them! We hope to have them over again soon.
Saturday
We arranged to meet up with my cousin Cooper at the Portland. It has been a long time since we have seen Cooper, it was really good to see him and catch up. The temple was amazing! I love going to the temple! There is a special spirit in the temple and you can't help but feel calm and peaceful while inside.
After we finished up at the temple Andy and I went out to lunch at a nearby Mexican restraunt. The food was really good and we plan on eating there in the future.
The rest of the afternoon was spent looking at cars. The Grandpa-Mobile is quickly on its way out and we can't afford to not have a way to get around. The car is currently running on faith right now.
Sunday
Sundays are a day I look forward to each week. I have the opportunity to go to church and be reminded about what life is really about. Church was amazing as usual, service and living a Christ-like life were the focus of the meetings-- it was super uplifting.
*Sings * Take me out to the ball game. Take me out to the crowd...
A few days ago we spent the evening at PK Park with Andy's coworkers watching a good old fashioned baseball game. Baseball is one of my favorite sports to watch. It's something about the sound of the bat cracking as it slams into the baseball, the cheer of the fans, and the wafting smell of garlic fries. Mmm garlic! My mouth is watering now.
Andy & I.
Andy, Daniel, & I. Daniel really wanted to be in a photo with us.
The Eugene Emeralds really brought the heat against the Vancouver Canadians-- yes they really are the Canadians. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves!
The other night Andy started singing Hanson's MMMBop and I started dancing-- this wasn't normal dancing, this was stupid dancing and it was A LOT of FUN! Before too long we pulled out the video camera and recorded his singing and my dancing. When we watched the video we both just busted up laughing. It was one of the most ridiculous videos we have ever seen, let alone made.
After watching the video several times and laughing to the point that it hurt I started thinking, "I wonder what other people would think if they saw this video." Then the following thought came to my mind, "Be yourself, nobody is as good at it as you are."
It seems as though we are constantly told who we should be and what we should be doing in order to fit in and be accepted. For women, "You have to be a size 2, tan, have long blonde hair, wear lots of makeup, be in shape, drive a nice car, be super fit, like a particular genre of music" and the list goes on. When did it become society's job to tell us whether or not we measure up? Whether or not we fit in? Or whether or not we are worth something?
Everyone is different and everyone is special. In fact, it is our differences that make us unique. The world would be a pretty boring and dull place if we were all the same. You weren't meant to fit in, you were meant to stand out. Let your true colors shine and be happy and content with who you are! You don't need someone else to tell you, you're good enough. You are more than enough!
I really love the fourth of July! Seeing the colors red, white, and blue make me feel all patriotic inside and cause me to reflect on the freedoms we enjoy here in America. I feel truly blessed to live in this beautiful land!
This year for the 4th of July we did something different, we went and picked raspberries. Who picks raspberries on the 4th of July right? We do. The berries have been coming on super early this year and we didn't want to miss out, so we went and picked berries first thing in the morning.
Then we headed over to our friends house to eat yummy food (jalapeno poppers, deviled eggs, watermelon, smoked salmon, ribs, and salad), play games, and light off fireworks. It was a very relaxing and enjoyable day.
You may have figured out by now that I love setting and achieving goals. I don't usually share what my goals are on the blog until I have accomplished them, but I want to share this one with you.
I love to read! Like I really really love to read! I spend all of my breaks at work reading, I guess you could say I'm addicted to reading. I learn so much when I read that I can't help but want to read more. This past fall as I was looking though my bookcase, I realized I had read almost every book on the shelves-- kind of ridiculous I know. And no, I don't keep every book I have ever read if that were the case I would need my own personal library.
Anyways, as I was looking though my book case I noticed that the majority of the books I hadn't read were the books on relationships that people gave us when we first got married. Andy and I have a great relationship and neither of us have really felt the need to read any of said relationship books.
After staring at these relationship books for several minutes I thought to myself, "Why not read them? Why not read all of them? That would be a great goal!" As you may have guessed "Read all of the relationship books we own" made its way onto my list of goals.
I recently finished reading my first relationship book, The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman. I know reading a book on relationships may sound like drudgery, but this book was AMAZING! I learned sooo much!
Even if you have a great relationship with your spouse, there are little things you can do to make your relationship even better. I learned a lot about myself as I read this book. This book is a must read!
Andy has a quote hanging on the wall by his desk that we both love. It reads:
"...work very hard. If you want anything in life, you have to work hard to get it. That's really it. It's hard to find people who want it so badly that it's all they think about. There's a price you have to pay, and it's putting in a lot of hours. That's the number one thing that I tell people: work, work, work, work, work."
-Michael Cina
The average person doesn't wake up and go run a marathon on a whim, they train to get there. The same is true with anything else in life that is worthwhile. A degree, a relationship, a century bike ride, making lots of money, mountain climbing, etc. What do you want in life? Are you willing to put in the effort to get it?
