Paintin' Pottery

Will and I started dating a little over a year ago, and a little over a year ago, I started asking (okay, maybe pestering/bugging/begging would be better fits here...) him to take me to paint pottery. Maybe I just wanted to test his patience, but I'd like to think that my motives were pure. I really just thought it would be fun!

So a little over a year after I started begging, he decided to deliver. For my birthday, Will surprised me with a gift certificate to paint pottery at the local studio/shop. I was so excited!!!

I finally took him up on his offer, and boy, am I glad I did. We had an absolute blast (and I believe Will would second that)!

Will truly didn't know what he was in for when he picked this up...

We picked out a piece, and I started painting. I went with a fun little platter for my classroom. Why not?

But wait, first, I must say that Will did the grunt work. Here he is just washing off the pottery so that the paint could fully adhere to the surface of the pottery. He did get an A in high school ceramics class, you know...

Just trying out one of several brushes he selected.

Finished and ready to be fired. It looks great!

We had a blast, and now I'm just waiting on pins and needles until I can pick it up on Wednesday.

What a fun way to end the first whole week of life in the real world of jobs and being a teacher!!!

And a happy belated birthday to me! Thanks Will!

I Survived!

Well, it's official! I survived my first week as a teacher! My students are wonderful, but I'm still catching my breath from the first three days...

Here's a quick peek...

outside my door on the first day

hungry after a long day's work - Will and I celebrated at PF Chang

This weekend was busy and filled with lots of family and friends. Will's sister Bekah and her husband moved into their new house, so his parents were up to serve as "movers". We had a blast, and they are just about settled. Mel stopped by for a surprise visit (yippee!). And last but not least, we celebrated a few Walker family birthdays. We headed back to PF Chang for a birthday party for my dad and sister. After eating two, yes two, cakes, I was stuffed...

A very heavenly cake indeed!

Sadly, I did not get a picture of my dad with his new telescope. Who knows what purpose it will serve??? I'm giving the neighbors fair warning...

Two Things I Love

The Fayetteville Farmers' Market

If you haven't been, you're missing out.

And flowers from the aforementioned market!

Thanks Will!

and we got a new roomie

Her name is Hallie and isn't she cute?

Changes....and a Classroom!

A lot has happened in the last week. Kate had a birthday, Mik and Sean left for Wheaton, Mel left for MO (and got a blog), and I got my classroom looking good (finally...). Most importantly, I discovered that I'm not very good with change. However, I'm looking on the bright side and loving life and embracing the newness! Since my creativity is all zapped at the moment, I thought I'd share a few pictures to keep you in the know.

Last Best Friends' Lunch at Stonemill (miss you Caroline)

I don't know how they will stay in business with some of their best customers moving or heading to work...

Since June Bug was packed and ready to head, Mel decided to limber up before the long drive.

Annie and I had a lovely time at Anna's wedding. It was a sight! And ran into my girl-crush Caroline! Oh how I've missed her!!!

Caroline, Rachel, and me at Mik and Sean's going away party

Will showed up in style for the shin-dig.

Same picture--just swap Mik for Rachel for this one.

Buddies

Blake and Amy leave Monday (tears). I'm just ready for all this moving and shaking to be over with already. Let the road trips begin...

On to a happier note-my classroom just may be finished (almost, at least)! I must say that it is a huge relief! Let me take you on a little tour

Come on in!

All lovely sewing projects should be attributed to my dear ole mom! I don't know how she does it, but I need to learn. Maybe over Christmas...

A view of the whole she-bang (let's just say hanging paper lanterns is not an easy task)

The math wall

I know you're feeling smarter already...let's keep going!

A cozy little book nook! Mel modeled this earlier...

My desk area is lacking personality, but just wait til I get a few pictures around there.

Let's hope all the little kiddos stay on GREEN all year (dun, dun, dun...)

Who knew I would have my own overhead? (Or that people still used them??)

Just a little organization

and more...

Book baskets just waiting to be looked through.

Whoops! Will must have fallen asleep from all that working...

A cozy reading spot-thanks to Will's momma and dad!

Hopefully, we'll learn and USE the character traits all year long!

You're probably getting hungry, so we'll wrap this tour up.

Thanks for coming along on the tour. Feel free to leave your tips by the door!

Rain, Rain Go Away

Well, the view from my back porch looks a little like this. Notice the rain gushing off the roof...

Big hail (the size of baseballs) is falling from the sky.

My backyard looks like a river.

My house is quiet, and dear ole Will is at softball practice.

What's a girl to do you might ask...

Clean! Since the weather outside is dreary, I decided to tackle the bathroom. It's been long overdue, and I got the itch to check it off the list.

Now, in order to be totally honest, I must show you just what serves as my motivation to clean sometimes. These beauties...

They started out as my "doing the dishes" gloves, but a fork got the best of them, and they are no longer waterproof. Enter their current function of cleaning gloves. They make the job so much more enjoyable, don't you agree?

And a Good Time Was Had By All!

Now, I'm never one to pass up a party, especially if it's in my honor. Tonight was the final celebration of my 23rd (yes, you read that correctly--23rd) birthday. While getting older definitely has its challenges, it is so much fun! I must add here that I now have my own insurance policy and paychecks coming my way...

We met at Tim's Pizza for a yummy get-together celebration. While some people {ahem Caroline and Amy} were out of town, the rest of the group showed up in style.

Will decided to make a move and go in for the kill...

Will will definitely miss his buddy Sean.

Luckily, Annie and Kate are here to stay (at least for a while...)!

Sean and Mel wanted a picture to remember their friendship.

The red-headed gals (minus Annie)

We capped off the night with a delicious cake! We left with stuffed tummies and full hearts. While some friends are soon moving away, I guess that just gives me an excuse to rack up those frequent flier miles. I can't wait to visit everybody! Even though change is hard (especially for those who resist it--like me), life is so sweet.