My New Hobby

I learned how to make hair bows at one of our FHE activities at the beginning of the month, and lately I have been obsessed with this new hobby! I am not very crafty, nor do I enjoy crafty activities that much, but for some reason I have loved making these bows!

I was able to make a bunch for some friends and relatives and it has been a lot of fun!

Halloween Fun

Skeleton cupcakes at our preschool party! (Made by one of the parents)

My preschool pirate costume.

Hippy Brandon! haha. He wore this to the high school dance.

Titan, me, Mel, and Wuendy. We all went to a

regional single's Halloween dance and had a great time!

My outfit for my single's ward party.

I Can Do Hard Things

Recently, a dear friend of mine lost her young daughter. It broke my heart to see her go through the grief and pain that accompanied this loss, but I was also touched by the strength and faith she demonstrated throughout it all. A few weeks after the funeral, she created a post on her blog entitled: I Can Do Hard Things. It was a beautiful expression of her strength to carry on and to tackle the hard and scary things that are a part of our lives.

For the past couple of months, since reading that tender post, that phrase has stuck with me and come to mind on many occasions: I can do hard things. I was so touched by my friend's strength and courage that I have adopted the phrase as my new motto for life. So, these past 2 months or so, I have done several things that I once feared. They aren't life changing things--in fact, you might think that they are silly, but they have helped me to realize that we have more strength inside of us than we even know.

I finally chopped my hair really short. (It was almost at my shoulders when I started.) I have always had short haircuts, but this time I wasn't going to let my hesitations keep me from trying the cut that I have wanted to try for a long time. I have been so happy with it!

After years of hearing about the Walker family hikes to Tablerock, I decided it was time for me to give it a try. I am not a hiker and I am not in the best of shape, but I made it! It was invigorating to reach the top and to look down over the valley.

Two weeks ago, Bryan and I sang a duet in Sacrament Meeting. I was SO nervous! The last time I sang a song in church was 10 years ago when Bryan was going on his mission. But again, it was a fear that I knew I had to overcome.

I have found a place where I get to dance like a wild woman and shake my booty! Mel and I joined a Zumba class and it has been quite an adventure!

Lastly, I have finally conquered my fear of the Skycoaster at Lagoon! I have been wanting to go on this ride for years, but I have always been too chicken. Can you blame me? You are strapped to 2 other people and hoisted up 150 feet in the air by some cables, only to be released in a face-first swing across the park. Bryan and I went to Lagoon just over a week ago and this time, after fighting with myself for most of the afternoon, I rushed to the counter and paid for my ticket so that I could not get out of going. It was so incredible! I loved swinging over the park and I was amazed to find out that it wasn't as scary as I had anticipated! What a rush!

So, the moral of the story--we really can do hard things! We don't need to let fears and doubts hinder us any longer because we have been blessed with inner strength and courage that only needs to be discovered. Thanks to my sweet friend for her example of this strength! It has blessed my life immensely.

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7

The Greatest Title: Teacher

I have heard that one of the most sacred titles a person can be called is Mother. I don't disagree. But because I have not had the opportunity to earn that title yet, I have recently discovered an alternate title in my life that has become sacred to me. That is the title of Teacher. Each day that I teach preschool, I am amazed at the joy that comes from little children. The lessons they teach me aren't about math, science, or geography. The lessons I learn from these little ones are about life. Children are incredible! The Savior was so wise when He counseled us to become as little children--so innocent, pure, willing to learn, willing to love despite mistakes made, and so happy.

Because I teach 4-year-olds who are just learning how to be in school, I am often called "Teacher" rather than Miss Walker. At first this bothered me. I don't know why, but I have always felt that it was disrespectful for students not to use their teacher's name. In college, I told myself that when I began teaching, I would not allow my students to call me Teacher.

Last week, however, my heart was softened when my little students called out to me saying things like "Teacher, will you help me?" and "Teacher, look at what I did!" Suddenly it hit me how tender it was to be called Teacher. I am the instrument being used to teach these precious little sprits how to begin a lifetime of learning. They depend on me to teach them how to be good students and more importantly, good people. I am an example to these children and it has been a blessing for me to reevaluate myself and my behavior. It has also been joyous to love these children and to remind them, through my actions, that the Savior loves them too.

I thank Heaven for the sacred privilege I have of being called Teacher.

(A few of my preschool kids)

Precious Moments...

I have the cutest little preschoolers and I dearly love teaching them. Every day these little 4-year-olds say the funniest things (as only children do!) and I just crack up! I decided that I am going to start posting these moments on my blog so that I can read them over and over, and so that you can read them too if you need a little cheerful moment :)

A few days ago, we were all packed up, ready to go home, and were waiting in the garage for parents to come and pick up the kids. We were a few minutes early so I was trying to think of something we could do to fill in a few extra minutes of time. I asked the kids if any of them knew of a fun song we could sing. Of course, I was thinking something similar to "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star," or another children's song. You can imagine how surprised I was when a little ambitious girl marched right up to me, put her hands on her hips, and said with a little bit of attitude, "How about Single Ladies?" I just about died laughing.

The next day, we were in our classroom practicing how to raise our hands when we want to answer a question. My kids have a problem with shouting out everything they want to say, all at the same time. So we have to practice how we raise our hands when we want to speak. I have a little girl in my class who isn't always willing to participate, so when I asked a question and she raised her hand high in the air, I made sure to call on her. She sat up tall in her chair and looked at me with wide eyes, her face very excited, and said loudly, "I love you!" Not the answer I expected, but one that is never wrong :)

Scooter Sold!

Not that any of you were worried, but I am glad to say that I sold my scooter! What a huge blessing. I was actually able to use the money from the scooter to purchase a new car! (And by new, I mean new to me :D) It is a super nice car that has been meticulously taken care of by the previous owner. It is a Honda Accord and I love it!

...

I teach preschool, and I LOVE it!! :D

Scooter for Sale

Anybody looking for a sweet new ride? haha. I am trying to sell my 2007 Honda Metropolitan scooter. It is in excellent condition but I have to sell it because I need to buy a car. It only has 735 miles on it and is super cheap to fill up with gas (it only costs me $5-10 a month!). I have driven it for less than a year and am asking $900 for it. A nice helmet is also included in the price. If interested, let me know! 208-313-5892.

This is No Fish-Tale!

Early this morning, Dad, Mom, Brandon, his friend, and I woke up to shrill alarm clocks at 4:00 a.m. to head up to Sand Creek Ponds. Little did we know that today was our lucky day!

At 5:15 we began dropping our lines into the chilly water. Before I could even open up my eyes all of the way, my line began wiggling in my hands! I had a bite. I reeled the little guy in, and thus began our incredible morning!

Mom and I thought that we were going to have a slow morning at the pond, but we hardly had time to read our books in our lawnchairs because our lines kept on a wigglin'! We ended up catching 36 beautiful rainbow trout within just a few hours! Whoooooeee! What a fun trip!

Brandon loves this hat and wears it often. It was Grandpa Walker's hat before he passed away. Brandon and I both wore Grandpa's old hats for luck and boy, Grandpa would have loved today! I think he would have been proud of today :)

Our irreplaceable fishing guide. Dad was so wonderful! He drove us up to the pond, baited our wormy hooks, and handled those slimy critters when necessary. He is so patient and really made the trip a good one for all of us!

...Are you ready to see our loot? Here they are!

Today was fun! I didn't realize that I enjoyed fishing so much, but I really had a good time. It was gorgeous to watch the sun rise over the hills, lighting up the crystal blue lake.

....But a warning for you..........

Don't spend too much time at the lake, or fishy things might happen!

The Arch-Meister

I must admit that I have an intrigue.

Since his very early American Idol days, our family has loved and followed David Archuleta; from his American Idol tour, to our latest encounter, we have met him in person twice and seen him perform live FOUR times! haha. I love it! It's a family affair and a bonding experience for all of us. More than that, he just simply puts on an amazing concert! Here he is, this scrawny little guy up on that big stage, but when he opens his mouth to sing, it's like he transforms into this gigantic performer! It's wonderful and I can't get enough of him.

Here he is at Deseret Book. He came up a couple of days before his latest BYU-I concert and signed copies of his new book, "Chords of Strength." Mel and I got a copy of it signed for our dad for Father's Day, because David is so cool that even grown men are impressed with him :)

Life these days...

Arizona was wonderful. I miss the warm, sunny days and the adventures we had. I also miss this cute little class that I got to know for three months. We had many fun times together!


Life has felt like a whirlwind these last few weeks since I have been home. First of all, just to put a splash of fun into my life I dyed a strip of my hair pink! It may sound weird, but it was just one of those bucket-list things I have always wanted to do. I mean really, who doesn't want pink hair? :) I love it.

About a week after returning home from Arizona I was able to graduate from BYU-Idaho! It was such a special day. I was very grateful to have my family celebrate with me, although I missed my two older brothers who were not able to attend. I can't believe that my college days are through! I can still remember when I graduated high school and began college -- Aunt Marilyn told me that the next few years would fly right by, and boy, was she right! They have been wonderful years though, full of good friends and experiences that have helped me become so much better of a person. I will always cherish my college days and the knowledge received.

Second-Grade Adventures

Oh man... I love the funny, innocent things my second-graders say!

Today in art class the teacher was telling my class about a tall painter. One of the boys curiously asked the art teacher why the painter was so tall. Before she could answer him, another little girl stated so matter-of-factly, "Because that's the way God made him!"

A few weeks ago, during one of my lessons, I was drawing pictures on the board and made a comment about my drawings not being perfect. As the students began drawing the pictures of their own, one of my little boys said right out loud, "It's okay Miss Walker, I'm horrible at drawing too." ...I said they weren't perfect, but horrible? haha

Student teaching is going well! I had a rough start jumping into a classroom at the end of their schoolyear and having the students take me seriously as their teacher, but after lots of learning and a change of heart, things have smoothed out tremendously! I have been teaching the entire day for a few weeks now and have only three weeks left! I have mixed feelings about my time coming to a close because I am really beginning to love the students.

Last month we had our very own second-grade musical! haha. There was no Troy Bolton, but it was fun nonetheless :) It was a musical about fairy tales and the kids did such a good job with the songs!

My darling sister came to support my class. She has been amazingly supportive and caring throughout this whole experience and I am so grateful to be sharing this adventure with her!

My class singing in the musical.

Full-grown

Today while I was helping one of my little second-grade girls with an assignment, she suddenly looked up at me.

"Ms. Walker," she said, "how long will you be in our classroom?"

"Three months," I replied.

She got a large grin on her face and said, "And then you will be a full-grown teacher?"

Yes, dear Katelyn, then I hope to be a full-grown teacher! :)

We Have Arrived!

Fear not, Mel and I have successfully made it to Arizona! It's amazing here. We wake up to sunshine and warmth, only to have the warm weather increase as the day goes on. I have to keep reminding myself that it is January and not June. Not to make you jealous, but it's beautiful! I get the biggest smile on my face every time I see an orange, lemon, or grapefruit tree. It's unreal how cool they are! So far the trip has been amazing and I am so grateful for this opportunity.

I have to go now, but I will post more details and maybe some photos on here as soon as I can! For now, if you want to see more about our adventure, keep checking out Mel's blog. She is awesome at updating her blog, whereas I am not so awesome at it :) Her link is:

www.melaneesmemoir.blogspot.com (or you can just click on her name on the side of my blog)

Enjoy!