This past Sunday we had a fun random family get-together at Linnea and Cam's. Side note: For those who have seen Linnea's update on the new kitchen on their blog the pictures really don't do it justice. It looks amazing in person and I still can't believe that's their kitchen now! Ok, anyways, we made homemade personal pizza's using the pre-made pizza dough from Trader Joe's. It's really good. I recommend them and they are only 99 cents. Each bag made 3 pizzas. Not a bad deal. We also played Trivial Pursuit boys against girls. Even with our mom on our team the boys won. Oh well. We'll get them next time!

The funny thing about this pizza is that it was made by the last person you would think to make a heart shaped pizza and that was Eric!

So yesterday, Sunday August 19th, I completed my second Sprint Triathlon. Who am I???? When did I become this tri-athlete??? Seriously?? I love that I have something that I can continue to set higher goals and feel great about myself when I achieve them. Who knew I had this kind of motivation. My number one goal, whenever I participate in things like this, is to not stop. I got that one down. My second goal was to improve my time. The first triathlon I had trained for but this second one was a different story. Despite my lack of training I was able to improve my time by over 5 minutes!!

I also love that I have been able to participate in these triathlons with my family. Who knew the John Wallgren family were such tri-athletes! The first one I did was with my mom and sister, Linnea (see early post) and the second one was with my mom again and my dad. They both did great!! Below are some pictures (thanks Linnea) and a big THANK YOU to Linnea and Scott for cheering us on. It was great to have you there supporting us!!!

This past week I was with my church, Winnetka Covenant, building a church in Juarez, Mexico. I have been on this Missions trip one other year but we built a small home so this was a different experience especially because we have 40+ people working on the same project. The weather was perfect, as far as rain is concerned anyway because heat is a different story. However, I am definitely on board with any place that allows you to take a 2 hour nap in the middle of the day. Otherwise known as a siesta. I am a big fan of those. It was a lot of hard work but we were able to finish Thursday early afternoon and without a single complaint from anyone the entire week!

It is so amazing that these people, who have a considerable amount less than their U.S. neighbors, can be so happy. You can just feel and see their faith and trust in God as they live out their lives for Him. If only we were able to live our lives with that much trust and faith.

There are many stories or thoughts I could say but I don't have enough space to write so my pictures will tell the story.

Juarez, Mexico

July 16-20 2007

The Danskin Women's Triathlon was this past Sunday and me, Linnea and my mom participated in it. I just want to thank everyone who prayed for us as we trained and throughout the coarse of the actual race day. It was a great event and something that all 3 of us feel very proud of.

I had set 2 goals for myself. The first was to finish without stopping and the second was to finish in under 2 hours. I am very happy to say that I accomplished both goals! I was not so sure about being able to do the whole thing without stopping after the biking leg because the wind made it difficult to go even downhill. That was definitely a challenge but we all got through it and finished!

The swim start
Looking at the swim start from the other direction

The run start
Mom starting the biking leg

Me finishing the bike leg

Linnea finishing the biking leg

After I finished

Gwen playing with my finishing medal

Linnea at the finish line
Mom coming into the finish line


We did it!

So Scott, my boyfriend for those who don't know, and I went to the Cubs game last night against the Colorado Rockies. Most of the game was not very close (Cubs had a big lead) until the end when the Cubs allowed 6 runs in the 9th inning with no outs!!! Typical. So in the end Soriano saved the day and we won 10-9. Very exciting ending. We had a great time.

Can you tell the sun is in our eyes???

So I have yet to see a cicada in Chicago (Thank God!), however, there are plenty to go around at my parents house in Winnetka and other surrounding suburbs. I have said it once and I will say it again....Sick! I will not be shedding a single tear when they disappear for another 17 years.