Days 126-128: Cupcakes and Moms

We were excited to attend Food Truck Friday, but when we arrived at 6:30, the lines snaked all around the lot. Most vendors had already crossed the majority of the food off the list, so we decided to get in line for 3 Girls Cupcakes and get our dinner somewhere else. We finally made it to the front of the line – with only 3 cupcakes left in vanilla, vanilla – and about 100 people in line behind us. It was a fun experience, but I’m not sure it was worth 40 minutes in line and the $3 spent for a plain vanilla cupcake. We spent the rest of the weekend hanging out in Southeast Kansas with Jerod’s family, then we met my family for lunch on Sunday for Mother’s Day.

Food Truck Friday was definitely a success!
Our niece Beth and nephew Caleb playing outside.
The moon shone bright in Southeast KS late Saturday night.

Day 125: The Strangest Show on Earth

Last night my mom and I went to the Aluminum Show. It was so strange that it’s almost hard to explain. Actors danced and drummed using recycled industrial aluminum. It even had a storyline about a little aluminum creature that got separated from his parents and eventually found his way back. It was actually very artistic, the dancers were super talented, and there was lots of audience interaction. Unfortunately photography wasn’t allowed during the show, but they definitely provided unique photo opportunities afterward!


Canon 60d
1/60 sec., f/4.0, ISO 1600
18-200 mm lens (35 mm), ambient light

Day 123: Delicate Life

I think these delicate herbs growing in our window are about ready for a bigger pot. Next to the parsley and oregano is some pathetic looking cilantro (intentionally not pictured). Does anyone know why the cilantro isn’t growing well like the other two? Does it need less water? Or does my cat just enjoy eating it too much?


Canon 60d
1/60 sec., f/2.0, ISO 200
50 mm lens, natural light

Day 122: Patriotism Flies High

Yesterday – the day Osama Bin Laden was killed – will go down in history. I won’t go into a lot of detail since it’s already all over the media, but even though I don’t consider myself the most patriotic person you’ll ever meet, I am glad to be an American.


Canon 60d
1/500, f/8.0, ISO 200
18-200 mm lens (18 mm), natural light

Days 119-121: Relay For Mercy In Action

I definitely had a full weekend. On Friday my mom and I ran a Relay For Life garage sale, which was a big success! We raised $375 in one day, thanks to several families’ donated items. On Saturday Jerod and I ran the Run For Mercy 10k, which is a fundraiser to improve the lives of South African children affected by HIV/AIDS. Jerod was nice enough to stay with me all 6.4 miles, and we beat our hour goal with a time of 59:19. On Sunday we participated in our church-wide Faith in Action volunteer weekend. We helped repair a fence and clean up shrubs around it. Needless to say, I’m tired! But no time to rest – back to work tomorrow.

Many items were for sale at our Relay For Life garage sale on Friday.
The kids took the Kids Fun Run very seriously at Saturday’s Run For Mercy.
Jerod hard at work clearing bushes around a fence at Faith in Action on Sunday.
Bonus Photo: Mother goose with her goslings at our Faith in Action work site.

Day 118: Food For the Soul

My friend Tekia had her Breaking Bread catering event Thursday evening. (My Breaking Bread post goes into more detail about the event.) So much work went into the evening from so many people. Tekia and company spent hours frying chicken and preparing other southern foods, sculpting and painting the beautiful artwork on display, and figuring out the logistics all the way down to seating charts. They did a great job of bringing art and food together.


Canon 60d
1/85 sec., f/3.5, ISO 400
18-200 mm lens (18 mm), ambient light

Day 117: Temptation Strikes Again

I may not have to worry about temptation anymore now that Lent is over, but Esme sure does! We have three kinds of flowers in the house right now, and she’s constantly trying to eat them.


Canon 60d
1/125 sec., f/1.8, ISO 250
50 mm lens, natural light

Day 116: Buon Compleanno!

My parents took me out for lunch at Cinzetti’s Italian buffet yesterday for my birthday. I don’t typically eat three plates of food, but it was, after all, a special occasion. Plus, I had to sample everything before our trip to Italy. 🙂


Canon 60d
1/30 sec., f/3.5, ISO 800
18-200 mm lens (18 mm), ambient light

Day 115: After Easter Shopping

Last week I mentioned that I may go after Easter shopping since I have almost no spring decorations. Well, I wasn’t joking. I found several cute items at Target yesterday for half off! This spring sign may be my favorite $3 find! Just a side note: this photo was taken with my new lens; a birthday gift from my parents!


Canon 60d
1/50 sec., f/1.8, ISO 640
50 mm prime lens, ambient light