yesterday was absolutely one of the best birthdays i ever remember having..... it was the last day of cheer camp and previously in the week i had tried out for a jumping competition called "top gun jumps". little did i know when i tried out that i would make it to finals on the last day and win. it was the most amazing feeling. just thinking about it makes me cry. i almost didn't try out in the first place b/c i didn't think i was good enough but my coach and the other girls on my squad were really encouraging and supportive. thanks guys!!! so not only did our squad do awesome at camp which made my bday great already, i was missing mykel like crazy and he drove up to my house and stayed the night thursday night w/ my sister here and then sat around by himself until i got home around 3:00. how amazing can you get? i know it's still early in the relationship and all but already i've never felt this way about anyone. even with patrick there was so much resentment that kept it from being genuine. so my mom, dad, matt, ashley, mykel, and i all went out to applebee's to have a birthday dinner (megan's in eldon). i had a grilled chicken caesar salad (highly recommended!). it was really nice just to have mykel there to kind of bond with my family a little more. well, my dad always asks a new guest to pray before dinner so last night that was mykel. i don't know why but i was nervous for him b/c i wasn't sure if he'd know what to say. i don't give him enough credit though. you can always tell where someone is in their relationship with Christ by the way they pray. i just couldn't stop smiling after that. he really is being sincere about this. after dinner he and i went to blockbuster and rented Hitch. he had to leave at 9 though b/c as i'm typing this he's driving with his mom & dad to arizona for a week of vacation. but we took some pics before he left so here's some of me and him..... gosh things are just SO awesome right now. i love it. i definitly feel a year older just because i've matured so much since last year. and it's a conscious maturity which makes it all the better. i'm just so blessed for everything and everyone! i love you guys! thanks so much for being there for me and for your words of encouragement! God bless you all!!! ♥manda