Question of the Day

I caved and was talked into the new iphone. This is really a silly thing for me to have because anyone who knows me knows I'm not the most techy person. Nate really wanted one, and we got a 24% discount through my work if the plan was under my name. And well, it is kinda fun to have one, even though I don't really know what I'm doing with it quite yet.

One feature I found on the "apps store" of the iphone is a little ditty called "question of the day." I am loving this because it makes me think. I even asked my mom "a question" off of it and learned something new about her. Nate and I sat down for dinner and I railed off some questions for him to answer too. It is a pretty neat.

Here is my question of the day:

What is the best thing you've ever gotten that didn't cost anything?

Now most of you are thinking I will answer 'Oliver.' But Oliver cost me $3000 just to get pregnant with him! So lets face it, he wasn't exactly a freeby....

My real answer is Grace. It is something I always was familiar with growing up in church, but something I really understood until I was in my young-adult years. (Note: Am I still a young adult? When do I become a plain old adult? Anybody know?).

Yep, Grace. Specifically God's Grace to humankind, the gift of undeserved love, and salvation. This is something so simple really....God loves us and we are all sinners and don't deserve the love he gave by sending his son Jesus to die for us.

Grace is a wonderful gift I am so thankful to have.

What I'm reading

I just finished my first Jodi Picoult book called The Pact, and am onto my second called My sister's keeper. So far, so good. I have to say that reading has taken a backseat in my life since I've become a mommy. Before I embarked on a Jodi Picoult obsession I read Lovely Bones, and of course my dad's novel On the Banks of the Jordan. Looking for some good reads, so send any ideas my way!

note: all of these great books can be found new and used at amazon.com!

Baby dedication

Oliver had his baby dedication a couple of weeks ago. ( Willamette Christian Church )
It was extra special because Nate's parents, and my mom, sister Kelsey and brother-in-law Josh, were all able to make it. The life verse Nate and I chose for Oliver is:

Jeremiah 29:11 (New International Version)

¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Ella and Oliver sneak peak: Babies and Kids

I had so much fun taking pictures of Ella and her little brother Oliver. Ella is probably the most precocious little girl I have ever known, and I always have so much fun with her. And it is fun to see how much baby Oliver has changed since Christmas. It is easy to see where those two kids get their pretty little faces from in mama Julie. Ok, a lot of pictures here. Enjoy.

kim and Stefan: Wedding

Nate and I had the pleasure of photographing Kim and Stefan's wedding. It was a wonderful day filled with love, two families joining together, and lots of Mexican food, music and dancing. My favorite part of the ceremony was how each of their 5 children received a ring as a symbol of their two separate families coming together. It was a beautiful day for a really neat couple. Thank you Kim and Stefan for letting us be a part of it.

Sophia-Glamour Girl

Sophia is a natural and gets her photogenic looks from mommy Sabrina. I love how Sophia is working the fuzzy hoodie-a true glamour girl!

Aidan's Family

Sweet little Aidan and his parents. It is easy to see how much this little guy is loved. He is pretty much the spitting image of his papa, but still has the twinkle of his mama's jet blue eyes.

hello

So much to catch up on, so little time!

I haven't forgotten about you blog readers, I've just been caught up in living life. And part of that has been chasing (a now walking) Oliver! I was shocked when he took his first steps at 10 1/2 months and he hasn't looked back since. He walks like a drunken sailor-a little wobbly with his arms back and belly out.

He is so curious and interested in everything and it is so much fun to watch him discover. Part of his discoveries include the water. We have the pool up and running and Oliver took his first dip and seemed to have a lot of fun.

We are thinking about selling our home and have been busy doing some repairs/updating. It is funny how I spend all the time and money on the house just to SELL it. We just put granite and new appliances in the kitchen and it makes me want to STAY here!

I will plan on making time to keep you all posted on our little family better!