Grab a Cup of Coffee or a Diet Coke and Put Your Feet Up...It's a Long One

Well, it's been a while (to say the least)...

I know you've been anxiously awaiting an update on my life, so here it is! And with the update of my life comes an update on the look of this ole blog. It's still in the midst of a design re-mix so pardon any signs of construction.

Let's rewind to about a month ago. Back in time to the birthday of the good old USA. Early July to be exact.

My family took a little beach vacation. It was nothing short of wonderful! We saw fireworks, ate yummy food, and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. I got a craving for fruit pizza, so we made it for dessert one night. It was a hit! I need to make these more often!

We enjoyed the shops and fun of Seaside and took lots of pictures which I can't see to find or keep organized.

Feast your eyes on these puppies while I get to searching. I think the mystery location may be my sister's camera....

Beach bums

Grandma was foot loose and fancy free (and of course stylin' in her new suit!)

I got back to life for a short time before leaving for a little girls' getaway. Due to the fact that three of us are moving in the next few weeks, we decided a little fun was in store. Rachel got to searching and found a wonderful cabin for our lodging. Seriously, Gravette, Arkansas, sounds pretty lame, but this place was wonderful! I have no clue what it's called, or I'd put a link to it. It's that good.

Picturesque, if I do say so myself

There was a lot of eating, a lot of dancing, and lots of laughter. The only time we left the cabin all weekend was a quick run to the local Sonic. (We just can't seem to stay away from that place.) Too bad we didn't get a group shot...

Then, sadly back to reality. Now, y'all know I'm about to embark on the quest of being a 3rd grade teacher. I'm a bit of a perfectionist and can't stand the thought of posting pictures of a not-quite-finished classroom. But at the same time, I have had some help from others that deserves a quick mention...

Curtains by dear old mom are sure to be a hit! Don't doubt the burlap--it sure is cute!

Will got to work reading an instruction manual on how to date a third grade teacher. Quick tip-lots of Sonic drinks surely help!

He finished reading just in time to pose next to the finished easel/marker board thing. Whew! What an undertaking (lots of screws and parts)! I think he could definitely replace the woman in the ad for the catalog.

Mel got to work in the classroom library. She determined which books were worthy of a read and which were too sad for third graders. Such an avid student, that Mel!

Then, if was off to Austin! Sadly no pictures on my camera, but we had a blast! It was the reunion tour of the Four Shrewd Shoppers, and we lived up to our name. Erin served as the resident guide and took us around her old stomping grounds from her UT Law days. Seeing that 1/2 of the Four are currently preggers, lots of food was in store. The heat was manageable, and the weather cooperated all weekend. We shopped til we dropped and had tons of fun!

I got back from Austin just in time to get back to work in my classroom. It's still not there, but pictures to come soon, I promise!

Then, the best day of the year arrived! What day is that, you may ask...my BIRTHDAY of course!

The weekend was perfect! Dinner at Bonefish with my family and a day-trip to Branson with Will were in store. We had a wonderful time!

Stay tuned for some pictures of the on-going birthday festivities! Tonight I'm having a little friends party. Never too much celebrating!!!

P.S. Have you ever played Gator Golf??? I certainly have. It's a must on my summer list! I'll leave you with a glimpse of the fun!

A Knock at the Door

I woke up feeling very motivated to get my act together in my classroom. It's what I like to call "organized chaos" (that sounds much better than messy...) at the moment. However, I turned on the tv and decided to delay my early start for a bit. And boy, am I glad I did.

While watching the Today Show this morning, I heard a knock at the door. Now, I was not expecting any visitors, and all my sweet roomies were at class or work. I opened the door and found no one there. Instead of a human, I saw a PACKAGE! Getting mail (the snail kind) is quite possibly one of my favorite things in the whole wide world. So you can imagine my surprise when not one, but two large packages sat on my doorstep!

Terrible picture, but I mean look at the size of these things...So exciting!

Now, I actually ordered these myself, but it's still a delightful surprise when they actually arrive. I know you're itching to see what's inside, so I'll give you a peek...

Insert my head to get the full effect.

It's a large easel/marker board teaching thing. I can't wait to use it! I'm actually dying to open the boxes and get to work assembling it, but I promised Will it could be his job. So I'll anxiously await its assembly.

I'm off to Austin for a reunion tour of the Four Shrewd Shoppers. Be back Monday with pictures from the last month of my life...

Where Have I Been?

So for the 3 people that actually read this little blog, I thought I'd come out of hiding...

I've been up to my ears in lamination. Cutting 'til my little fingers are oh so sore. Hopefully, I'll be able to recruit some help and call in the troops soon...

Stay tuned for info on the beach (take me back there asap), a little girls' weekend in Gravette, Arkansas (better than it sounds, I promise), and a night of golf.

I Can't Seem to Stay Away

I told myself I would limit my computer access this week; however, I finally caved. I think the fact that the view from my window looks like this may have something to do with it.

I must back up to Thursday night. We had girls' night at Mikki and Sean's. We got pizza, watched tv, and caught up. Nights like this are so fun, and we truly had a blast! We even did a little self timer action to capture the memories...

I think we're a pretty good lookin' group!

Now on to the beach....

We arrived just in time for a little grocery shopping before the fireworks began. Saturday was my night to pick dinner (we rotate-things must be fair in the Walker house). I picked a little Mexican place called Mi Cocina (not to be confused with the Dallas chain). Mexican at the beach, I know, but it was close and convenient and wonderful! We didn't want to miss the firework show...

Will's show was great--people came from far and wide--until it got out of hand....

Just kidding! Someone's show did almost cause a whole house (seen above) to burn down. Luckily my dad called 911 just in time!

Erin and baby Tiny enjoyed some lovely gelato!

4th of July

Patriotically dressed for America's birthday!

Gelato in Seaside!

I'm off to check on the weather. I think I just might see a little sun. Please pray for NO MORE RAIN!!!

Packing, Packing, Packing

Insert my body here...

...and you will know the state of affairs in my life. No, my room does not look nearly this awful, but it's close. In an effort to conserve space, I am working to coordinate and pack "outfits" rather than all my "favorites" like I normally do. It's a hard task, but I'm up to the challenge. It's the only thing (other than the dreaded 13 hour car ride) that stands between me and this lovely scene.

Since I don't see myself posting updates from my beach chair, I'm off for a week. Check back for pictures and stories next week! It's sure to be a hoot with my dad, mom, grandma, sister (with baby on the way), brother-in-law, and lovely boyfriend in tow!

Happy Fourth of July!