Yes!

My 24th birthday has been the best one I've had! Jace decided to surprise me and fly into Maryland Tuesday night. I got a call from him around 7:15 asking me what I was up to. I told him not much (just watching a movie). He was cute and said "if you are not too busy you should come get me at the airport." PERFECT BIRTHDAY SURPRISE!

The next day was my actual birthday and we celebrated with dinner and a movie. His mother also sent some gifts. Thank you Kathy! I thought all in all it was a good birthday (besides the having to work thing). BUT after we got home from the movie Jace had another surprise. He asked me to marry him...and I of course said YES!

Thank you for the best birthday ever, I will never forget it!

Another Glorious Find

I have been looking for a table or shelving unit to put next to my door so that I can have a place to throw down my keys, mail, dog leashes, etc. when I walk in the door. This weekend I went to Target (a GREATLAND!) and looked at some pieces that would maybe work. HOWEVER, I decided not to get anything and save my money.

Well Sunday after church I was pulling into my apartment complex and what do you know, the same piece I was looking at while at Target was sitting on the curb! It is not the color I wanted but beggars cannot be choosers!

Never Taking Out the Trash

I have become great friends with the neighbors, Brain and Monica (and of course their dog Pepper). Today Brian showed me this video he took next to the trash bins we have by our apartments. He said he threw his bags in and heard hissing. He noticed a HUGE black snake next to the steps. As you watch the video the snake is trapping a mouse (its in the bright spot of light) and then eats it. YUCK! I cannot believe he stood their and watched it.

I have decided that I am no longer taking out the trash (especially at night). Jace will have to be in charge of trash once he moves out here.

Once again I am my Mother

Yesterday as I was headed to my front door my neighbor upstairs was moving. He had bookcases that wouldn't fit in his new place and asked if I wanted them. Of course! They weren't really my style and really tall but with a few minor changes they look pretty good. I am not 100% in love with the new layout but I will leave it as is until I can figure out something I like better.

The before. I hate the doors doesn't look like a bookcase but more like a china cabinet.


The after. I removed the doors and realized the top shelves had lights in the back...fancy!



A few days ago I rescued a palm tree from the garbage. This weekend I went to the store and bought a pot and soil to plant it. I ended up rescuing another palm from clearance ($5). Now I have a nice little jungle feel on my porch.




It rained this morning so this evening the weather was beautiful. I sat in the chair and played fetch with Chuy. I am loving my porch and plants!


I also snagged this little side table, shelf thing as well. I am using it as an nightstand for the other side of the bed until I figure out where I want it. Maybe in the bathroom with rolled up towels?

Quatro de Julio

Last week was stressful and we had another incident with Walter and choking but all is well. I was in need of relaxation and friends. So I loaded up the boys early Saturday morning and headed to Pittsburgh.

After I arrived I went to lunch with the missionaries at Five Guys (yummy) then had a hair appointment with Angela where we went with all reds. I was so excited for something a little new since there isn't much you change with short hair. I laid around the rest of the afternoon/evening until Kirsten made me get off the couch and head to Hofbräuhaus where I had yummy pretzels and beer cheese.

Sunday I went to church at my old ward. I was so excited to be back in a YSA ward where it was super quiet; something you don't think about until you are in a large family ward. After church I got ready and we all caught a bus to downtown where we walked around the Regatta. It was a great place to people watch! Once we got too hot we headed to McFadden's where we enjoyed the cool air and yummy food. It was the first time I had a cheese steak sandwich. It was delicioso!

When it was nearing fireworks time we headed down to the water where we enjoyed a great show. After the show Sib jumped into the river and yelled USA as he swam. It was great to be around friends for the holiday festivities.







Here is the barn that is on the turnpike that Sabra loved when we drove it a few years ago. I was stuck in non-moving traffic on the way home. The drive that took us 3.5 hours to get there took 5 to get back. So sad.

Dancin' Up a Storm

The second weekend I was here Celaschi drove down to see me and bring the boys. They had been staying at their old house while I had my first week of work/orientation in Virginia. Celaschi and I went to see an 80s cover band Friday night and then we went to a dance party at Wallace's dace studio. It was a great weekend of dancing!



Since then I have continued going to the studio to take private and group lessons. I am LOVING it!! Watch out when I get on the dance floor!