Today I...

ran a 5K,


bought a $5-yard-sale painting,


found some thrift store treasures,


stopped to smell the roses,

and ate some cheetos with a fork.

13 going on 30

Last Friday Jessie and I went to our friend Anna's 13th birthday party. Anna is the girl who lived above us when we lived in our cave. She's so cute. She left a message on Jessie's phone telling us about the party the night before. So, of course, we went. There were about 9 girls there, ranging from age 11 to 13. We had fun dancing around, playing some games, and eating junk food. Some of the games we played were: the winking game (or mafia), a limbo contest, and of course Truth or Dare. Jessie and I used to play truth or dare ALL THE TIME in middle school so we were quite excited when the girls wanted to play. I'll give you a few examples of some of the "truths" and "dares"...
"Tell us one of your dreams (no making it up!)"
"Who's the cutest boy in your class" (after hearing this, one of the eleven year olds said, "I'm ELEVEN! Come on guys that's disgusting!")
"Do you have a boyfriend?"
"I dare you to pick your nose"
"I dare you to run around the room screaming bloody murder" (she literally screamed "BLOODY MURDER" while running around the room)
"I dare you to run outside to the end of the driveway and put the queso dip in the mailbox" (this one never actually happened)

Needless to say, Jess and I felt old after playing truth or dare with a bunch of middle school girls. But the party was a lot of fun. The girls didn't want us to leave. We felt like the guests of honor, the old guests of honor.

The birthday girl- Anna

LIMBO (for some reason they all decided to pull their shorts up really high while limbo-ing)

the girls dancing...

me dancing...

Anna and I

Jessie hanging out with M'Lee

singing "Happy Birthday" before opening gifts (rockstar style)

surrounded by presents!

the aftermath

Jess, Anna (holding her new hamster, Peanut Butter) and me

We love her.

Home (part two)

Not only do I love the actual state of Maryland, I (even more so) love the people in it. During my short trip home I got to see quite a few of these people. I'll start at the beginning...
I arrived at BWI airport around 11:30pm Wednesday night. My dad was waiting to pick me up. We got home around 12:15am to find Mom and Joshua asleep. Mom woke up when dad walked in the room so I waited a few moments then followed him into the room (she was surprised, it was great). So, within the first hour of being in my beloved state, I saw my parents and little baby Joshua.

Thursday afternoon I met Mark and Mason at Mimi's Cafe (Mim's according to Grandad) for lunch. Two more people I love.
Friday evening Mom and I dropped Dad off at New Life for the sports awards ceremony then went to a church league softball game. Lots of people I love. For instance:


Saturday morning I went over to the Knight's to play some Wii with Haley and Jason.

She's not so little anymore :(

Saturday evening Mom and I went down to the Discovery Sports Center to watch some volleyball. Dad had only 6 players so Sarah got to join the team for the day. Wish I could've played!


I'm glad I got to be home for a little while.

Home (part one)

About two weeks ago, Southwest was having a sale on flights to and from Nashville so I decided I'd go home for Mother's Day. Last Wednesday night I showed up at home around midnight. My mom had no idea that I was coming. I am now the favorite daughter :)
I love going home and every time I do it makes me miss Maryland a little bit more. This is just a glimpse of why I love the Old Line State so much...

traffic


hills


tree forts



tall trees


my backyard


blue skies


color


downtown Frederick


scenic routes

Stayed tuned for part two.

Um... ma'am? that's my car...

Last Thursday, Jessie and I stopped by Costco to pick up some photos. As we were walking outside, I pulled out my keys to unlock my car. About the same time I pushed the unlock button, I heard a beeping sound that my car doesn't make. Strange. I guess someone else unlocked their car at the exact same time. Anyway, as we neared the car I noticed a woman opening my side door and putting her Costco purchases in my back seat. I turned to Jessie and said "that woman is putting her things in my car!" So we quickly walked over to her and I said "um, excuse me ma'am but you're putting your stuff in my car." She looked up at me, confused and embarrassed, and said "but how did I unlock.. I don't understand... I just....." She then proceeded to tell me that she had borrowed her friend's car that day, which turned out to be the the silver SUV parked beside mine. The poor woman was so embarrassed. I assured her that it wasn't a problem, just an honest mistake. Jess and I got in the car and couldn't help but laugh. She would've had a hard time getting my car to start with her friend's keys!