No Dreary Day in London!

4am EST came quickly after hardly being able to fall asleep!

I was so excited for the royal nuptials

Everything about the wedding was splendid! 

Kate looks stunning in her dress that is fit for a Princess!

Whispering, "You look beautiful.." to his bride. 
This part didn't make me cry at all, HA!

Introducing the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge! 

In love with this Royal couple!!

The balcony kiss :) 


I am so glad that I watched this moment in history
Wills & Kate will forever be the fairytale romance, and every little girl's dream


Whether marrying into royalty or not, 
every lady deserves her prince! 
So thankful I found mine :)
-Lady Amelia Gardenia-Larkhaven of Sycamore-


What's your 'royal' name?

Life in the High Country

Monday after Easter was the beginning of my (and mom's) much needed spring break from school. JB had to go to DC for a captain's trip to tour some stuff and meet some people, apparently(?). Supposedly a good time for the guys; but of course, that meant he was gone during the week I had off. Isn't that the way it always happens?! I am learning to deal! 
Learning to deal isn't too bad when you get to escape to the NC mountains for a few days with your mom! I dropped JB off Monday morning, came home got Bailey & I ready, picked up the motha and we were off to the high country! My parents have a townhouse between Boone & Banner Elk, and all of us have really enjoyed it and the area ever since they've had a place (since I was a freshman in high school). This trip was like all the others... cooler weather, relaxing, and refreshing. 


Monday night was a busy one! Dinner at our pizza-favorite... Mellow Mushroom! Their pizza is simply delish! Our city is getting a MM this summer and I CANNOT wait!! Find one around you, asap! 

After pizza, we went to the Blowing Rock outlets... basically to just go to J.Crew. We love the Crew. This shopping trip was a good one (and budget-friendly.... for the most part! ha). I was excited to find some good finds that are appropriate for both the warming temps and school... and I love that they are so colorful! Sometimes I get ill with myself because I always want to buy black... not this time! From the top left: purple dress, khaki skirt, flower-ball necklace, coral high-waist skirt, white tee with flowered embellishments. 

On the way home from the outlets, mom just had to stop and get some lilacs on the side of the road! ha. Apparently, they are one of her favorite flowers and they were just calling her name! They did look beautiful in this rustic looking vase when she brought them home!

It was so nice to sleep in on Tuesday morning! The fresh cool mountain air coming in the bedroom from the open windows made it almost impossible to get out of bed and take Bay out and feed her breakfast... luckily, she came in and went back to sleep afterward! We had a lazy morning, then went back to Blowing Rock to go to Monkee's; where of course I found a pair of shoes I had to have. (thanks babe!) After shoe shopping, mom & I went back through Boone to find some lunch. We stopped at a Japanese place which is like Toyamo or Ishi (Charlotte friends). NO place here in town has sweet carrots with their hibachi chicken and rice... I was SO happy to find this little place in Boone!! New staple for when we go there! 

Bailey was sure ready to get out and run around when we got home, which was perfect timing for her new friend, Molly, to come walking down the street. Molly belongs to a couple up in our neighborhood up there, Rick and Trish. She's a sweet lab and she and Bailey had a ball playing together... 

Meeting Molly

...and the playing begins!

...and continues!!

...and stops! B is a tired & happy pup!

The rest of Tuesday continued to be restful and relaxing... which was a perfect day to read all about The Royal Wedding and my new hobby, gardening! Both of which I will indulge in this weekend! I cannot wait to see Kate in her dress and even more so, how Prince Wills will adore her as she makes her way down the isle at Westminster Abbey! When my prince gets home he is going to help me start my garden box and get to work on things in the backyard! 

Any gardening tips for beginners!?! 

Please! 

Bay & I made our way back to the 'ville today and I just enjoyed a delightful dinner out with my sister and a couple friends for my friend Jackie's birthday. Looking forward to a couple more days off of school and another weekend with JB before spring break is over! 

More to come about my garden, the wedding, and everything in between! 

Happy Wordless Wednesday! 

Earth Day & Easter

Friday, Earth Day, was our last day before we got for Spring Break. It seemed like SB would never get here this year! Finally! :) Students & teachers both had a two-hour release and and we were thankful to have two teachers at our school to plan some fun Earth Day activities for the short school day! 

Everyone was also encouraged to wear blue or green... our class had no problem doing that since our new class t-shirts are light blue :) Our theme this year is Baker's Ball Players, which has become coined as TEAM BAKER. 

Earth Day 2011 at VHES

7:30-8:00am - students arrive at school and follow "Earth Day instructions!" 

8:15am- school met up on the blacktop & heard the meaning of Earth Day read by our principal

8:20am - School read the Earth Day Pledge & sang "Reduce, Recycle, and Reuse" song

8:30am - CAN STOMP - the obvious favorite by all the students

8:40-9:30am Earth Day activities in the classroom

9:30-10:00am Reed-Lallier Chevrolet in Fayetteville sent two employees to the school to give the students a presentation of the new Chevy Volt and how it is made from reused items and how it reduces the amount of gasoline it would need

Happy Earth Day!

Class t-shirt, "We're a Good Catch" :) 

cans ready to be stomped on!

can stomping = success

chevy's new volt - electric car + can get 93 mpg if filed with gas

 The week's leading up to spring break Earth Day wore me out! Friday night was a much needed R&R nigh for JB and myself. He hadn't had to work on Friday, so he was nice enough to give me the day off from cooking and grill the steaks and make the salad for dinner, then we rented The King's Speech, which we had been waiting to see together. I have to say... I truly did not expect it to be as good or better than Inception. I remembered it winning more awards than Inception and thought that it just could not be  as good! Well... the Academy did a fantastic job judging the movies, because The King's Speech was in fact better than Inception! I was blown away! It was one of the best movies I have ever seen and one that I will definitely be buying. I think the underlying theme of the movie is that we are all human and have our weaknesses. Something that everyone can connect with. If you haven't seen it, rent it or go ahead and buy it. You will not be disappointed either way!

Today has been another low-key day for the Bakers... slept in for once, ran a few errands together, napped, grilled out, and made some Easter Sunday goodies for lunch. I am responsible for brining my homemade three-cheese macaroni, and I also found another little treat from one of the amazing DIY blogs that I follow, she does/makes/creates the cutest things!! These were so easy and since my niece's nursery is done in a bird theme, they were perfect to go over there with :)

Rice Krispy Bird Nests

Recipe

1. follow the directions on the box to make rice krispys

2. spray muffin pans with pam

3. while still warm, use a spoon or ice cream scoop to fill each muffin insert

4. put a few jelly beans in the middle of each nest for the eggs! 

5. let them cool for an hour or overnight

6. ENJOY your Easter treats!

May you & your's be blessed during this Easter season. 

Celebrate Christ's life and remember His sacrifice for all of our sins. 

He IS risen and we will have eternal life because of our faith in Him!

Happy Easter! 

Recognition Day!

Today was full of awards in and out of school. We had our 3rd nine weeks awards assembly this afternoon, and I was so proud of Team Baker! All 20 of my students received at least one award- with many of the students receiving more than 1 or 2. The awards ranged from A Honor Roll, AB Honor Roll, Perfect Attendance, meeting their AR reading goal (and AR+ goal), B.U.G. award (Bringing Up Grades, up in at least 2, down in none), and the Terrific Kid Award. I was one proud teacher for sure. I was also happy, as always, to see many of my students' parents. There is nothing better than having parental support, especially when celebrating successes. I will never forget my mom and dad always striving to be at my awards assemblies, choir/chorus concerts, basketball games to see me cheer, and parent weekends while in college. To this day, they are still loving and supportive of all that I do.

tonight being one of those nights...

Since August I have been the Girls in Action (GA) director at church. GAs meet each Wednesday night after the girls have choir. They go to their respective classes (1st/2nd, 3rd/4th, and 5th/6th) to learn about missionaries & what they do around our world, and they learn about how to live a mission-minded life. Last week was the final week of GAs and so tonight the GAs & RAs(boys' classes) were recognized for their commitment to coming to church each Wednesday night to learn about missions. I had the privilege to recognize all of the GA teachers and the young ladies 1st grade-6th grade on their year of learning about missions. It was very neat to be the director of GAs as I used to be a GA myself. Each girl left the service with a certificate of completion and a gold charm with their grade level on the charm. They were SO proud of that charm! I hope that when they look back on those charms when they're older that they remember the importance of missions and giving back to our community and world. It was also important to recognize the parents who brought them to church each week... without them the young children wouldn't have been able to learn about missions. As the parents stood so that the children could find them after they got their awards, I was proud to see my own father sitting among the rest of the parents who were there to show their support!

Today reminded me that we all like to be recognized for a job well-done; whether that be perfect attendance, A honor roll, or committing to learn about missions. Make sure to recognize someone in your life who has done something positive! Everyone loves a compliment, and you could be the one to make their day!! 

Happy Wednesday 

&

Thank you for all that you do! 

Bloggin' Bout Boston

About 2 years ago (April 2008) JB took me to one of his favorite cities, Boston. I quickly fell in love with everything about the northern city. JB and I have gone twice together now, and I am craving another visit... but there is not trip on the agenda (others are in line first!) planned to Boston at this point - so reminiscing in photo memories will have to do for now!

Boston Common 

Boston Harbor

Red Sox game with JB

1

Boston Duck Tour - being a tourist for my first time in the city!

Fourth of July, 2010 -- most amazing fireworks!

Lazy day @ the Aquarium

Freezing by the harbor!

Ready for my first game! 

I so thought JB was going to propose here... nope! Ha
He did a week later in Charlotte to my surprise

Until next time... I'll be missing you, Boston! 

Go Red Sox!

Thankful for...

answered prayers

quality time with my mom & sister

healthy baby niece

the sunset on the sound

sister's friends giving E a beautiful baby shower at the beach

the tornadoes not being in my direct path on my way home

cell phones while being away

the hall's fire department for a safe haven during the storms

making it home safely

john garth & kim's engagement

celebrating & catching up with friends

2 year 'engagiversary' with jb 

most of all

-God's Grace-

seeing the destruction across eastern nc was scary and horrifying

my heart hurt(s) for the families who lost everything

and for those who lost anything at all

unimaginable

looking forward to doing my part,

whatever that might be 

to helping those in our community 

who need it the most

it is in these times that we are forced to see

that the material belongings are not what is important

we must hold on to what we have in Jesus Christ

and the promises that we have in

Him

thankful that through everything we all still need to remain

thankful for the healthy momma and e-to-be!

thankful for God's beautiful creation
sunset on the sound at the spouter's inn, beaufort 

thankful for a niece to love on in a month!
adorable centerpiece at the shower 

thankful for love
john garth & kim - engagement party - botanical gardens in fayetteville

thankful for friends
ashley & i

THANKFUL 

Book Club!

Some friends and I are starting a book club here in the next month or so, and I could not be more excited... especially since summer is right around the corner for me and I'll have plenty of time to read by the water! 

I have already read the first book, Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin. It's first on our list so we can talk about the book then go see the movie together when it comes out. The movie trailer makes it seem like it is going to be a wonderful version of the book. Although books are usually hard to beat, I have a feeling that bringing Darcy, Rachel, Ethan, and Dex to the movie screen is going to be a big hit! Can't wait! If you haven't read this book... 

get. it. now! 

in. theaters. may. 6th!

I have also already read the partner book to Something Borrowed, naturally titled, Something Blue. The two books are from the two main female characters' points of view on the same issue. . . which makes for impossible-to-put-down-reads! Now I am reading Giffin's third book of this series, Love the One Your With. I've only just begun, but I am excited to see where it goes. 

I have not always liked to read, but since JB and I got the Barnes & Noble e-reader, the Nook, for our Christmas presents we both have been reading one book after another. A few others I have enjoyed lately are: 

The Big Bad Wolf  -  James Patterson

Safe Haven  -  Nicholas Sparks

Heart of the Matter  -  (also) Emily Giffin 

What books do you recommend? 

Any advice for a beginning book club? 

A Reason to Celebrate

For the past 15 months my husband has been training to be in the Army's Special Forces. The first phase of this training is to go through a grueling 3 weeks at Special Forces Assessment and Selection. After being selected, JB went to the Army's Captain Career Course in Fort Benning, GA. We got married in November 2009 during his time in GA and then he moved back to NC when he was done in December. January 2010, JB began the second phase of SF training, six months of language training. He did very well during this phase and enjoyed learning Arabic. I even learned a few words and phrases! Phase III consisted of Small Unit Tactics and SERE school... all which was done "in the field"... which meant 3 months without a husband this past fall. The first couple weeks were definitely the hardest, but thankfully I kept busy and the time went by quickly. Phase IV was the Military Occupational Speciality(MOS) phase, so JB had his Captain leadership training for this duration. This phase also had spurts of "field training." The next phase, Phase V, was Robin Sage; a month long cumulative field exercise to test the trainees on all of their training. 


The past 15 months have been challenging, but this weekend when he graduated and earned his green beret it was truly a reason to celebrate! 


Graduation was on Thursday, so family & friends began to arrive on Wednesday afternoon. JB's parents and brother all came on Wednesday, as well as their long-time friends from their past home in Connecticut who surprised them here in NC. We had dinner here at our home on Wednesday night, and then rested up for the fun weekend ahead. 


Thursday was graduation day! We all got ready here and arrived at the arena to get in line early for good seats. My family (who lives here in town) met us there. It was a warm, spring day and a perfect day to celebrate such an accomplishment. We were seated and had time to look over the program before the bagpipes started playing, "Scotland the Brave." The 103 graduates filed into the arena as the family, friends, and members of the Regiment stood to applaud their efforts about to be rewarded. Noted members of the Regiment were introduced, the guest speaker spoke, specific awards were given, and then the newbies officially graduated - each walking across the stage as their name was called. I am proud to say that JB graduated in the top 20% of his class, earning a spot on the Commandant's List! The members of the Regiment that were present toasted to the new graduates and then they were ordered to don their berets for the first time. What an honor to put on the green beret that is held in such a high regard. 


This was not my first Army ceremony, as I have been to a few of my brother-in-law's.. but it was my first ceremony as a military wife. I have to say, I have never felt prouder than I did when he put that beret on his head, looked over to where we were seated, and smiled. Although the training was challenging and difficult, and many great soldiers didn't make it to graduation -  I knew in that moment that this is what he & I were both destined to do. 
During the past months,  I have been forced to rely on my faith and I have grown more independent in all aspects of my life. This training process has helped me prepare mentally and physically for upcoming deployments with his new group, and for that, I am thankful that we both went through these 15 months of training! 


What do you to make memories last?? Take pictures of course! Pictures, pictures, and more pictures! 

JB graduating (hate that it's blurry!)

"Gentlemen, don your berets!"

Proud wife of a Green Beret :)

After many more pictures, we headed to my parents' house for a graduation celebration. My family had dinner, drinks, and desserts for all of us which was the perfect ending to an unforgettable day! My sister even made a cheese ball in the shape & color of a green beret! Too cute.. 

The next night, Friday night, was our turn to host the party. About 25 of us gathered at our home for BBQ & the dressings, drinks, and a good time. I made a memory tree (like we did for Dad's birthday) but JB's had pictures of all of his military life... West Point events, Jump Team photos, USMA Graduation, Ranger School + Honor Graduate Photos, Deployment pictures, and now SF Graduation. A trip down Military Memory Lane..

The party went off without a hitch and a good time was had by all. We are both very thankful for the friends and family that supports us both! 

Another great creation by my sister! JB's graduation cake!

Two new Green Berets, Tim & JB

JB and I at his party

One of my favorites, Jennifer (fellow Army wife)

A fabulous weekend was had by all of us, and we couldn't be more proud of JB and his accomplishments. There are surely more challenges ahead, but we are looking forward to what this next leg of our journey brings us!

Spring Has Sprung!

Spring seemed to sneak up on me this year, but it sure hasn't been boring! 

As usual, there has been plenty to keep me busy. Last weekend was Sister's first baby shower. I helped host the shower along with 4 other ladies; three of my moms friends and one of Sister's friends. We had a great time, and baby Eleanor is already spoiled rotten! She's got more clothes than she'll probably be able to wear before she grows out of them! Ha... She must belong to the right family! Here are a few pictures from Sister & E's shower! 

front door

spread

delicious cake!

hostesses: sabrina, anne, myself, diane, & faye

sister & e 

lovely momma-to-be

gifts, bumbos, gifts, and more bumbos! haha

JB has been gone for a month finishing up his last phase of Special Forces training. Although it is hard to go weeks without any word from him, I got through the days writing to him in a journal each night. It was a way that I still got to tell him everything on my mind and heart. This was the first time that I did this, but definitely won't be my last. It helped me get through those days that I just wanted to tell him about my day. He got back this past Saturday and I could not be more proud of all of his accomplishments! We have a few days together until family comes to town to celebrate his graduation. Bailey, of course, was so glad to see JB.. and this is what I came downstairs to on his first night back:

I am so thankful that JB came home when he did on Saturday, because I needed to put him to work! We had a couple of plants die in our front landscaping area that needed to be replaced before Sunday when I was hosting a baby shower for a friend here at the house. So, after a trip to Lowe's, we got to work on the yard. We replaced the dead tree with a Flowering Pear Tree which I already love in it's new place! 

 I am also hoping that the hydrangeas that I planted last spring will continue to grow and maybe even produce a few blooms this year! Do y'all have any gardening advice?

I am just getting started, I definitely want to plant more flowers this year. Suggestions for NC weather?




With the help of JB, the yard and house was ready for guests on Sunday. We even had time to go to church on Sunday before the shower... we tried out a new Sunday School class for young married couples at Snyder, and absolutely loved it. We had been praying for a group that we could connect with and that would challenge us as a married couple in our walks together and as Christians. It is an answered prayer that this class has started. Each couple in the class was military... one went to West Point, one guy in SF training with JB, and the teacher is in 3rd Group where JB will be going after graduation, and a few girls are teachers. It was really nice to be back in Sunday School in a small group atmosphere where we both felt comfortable. We are looking forward to getting to know everyone and growing together. 

Sunday afternoon, the fifth grade team that I teach with at VanStory threw a baby shower for another fifth grade teacher, Carly. She is due a week after Sister in May, with baby boy Wyatt! We are so very excited for Carly & Jeff! Wyatt's nursery is done in a cowboy theme, hence the cowboy decorations at the shower!

JB & I before the shower

table's ready!

VanStory friends & Carly's family 

Carly with the awesome diaper cake and goodies from 2nd grade 

My wonderful 5th Grade Teammates. Love them!
Myself, Vanessa, Sharon, Carly, Jackie, Stephanie, and Kathleen

It's been a busy last couple of weeks, but I wouldn't have it any other way! Exciting events coming soon with JB's graduation, another shower for sister, and John & Kim's engagement party! Spring has Sprung, and I'm loving it!