sand and sun

With the Smith family

Chasing the waves

Thank you for being wonderful hosts. 

Pete at the beach

Newport Beach Temple

Going home

Things I have observed in the past six weeks:

Nate makes the best creme brulee. I love the sound of ocean waves. I miss hanging with my brothers. Peter is an excellent travel partner. Bullwinkle really is a remarkable dog. Kids grow way too fast. Love can grow deeper. I am capable of winning a game of Settlers. It's a small world (all roads go through Spokane). Families can be together forever. There ain't nothin' like Mama's homemade cookin'. Being overwhelmed by the love and generosity shown to Peter and me during our trip home by our parents, family, and friends. Road trips are fun. Paul and Melanie are hitched! Leah turned nine! That I love the Northwest. But I love coming back to Arkansas! Kind friends pick you up from the airport and offer you a meal. And another couple drop off a note and meal at your house. And people text and invite you and can't wait to see you...

It's a good trip when you get to say "We're going home!" more than once.

Happy Anniversary

I love you.

Home sweet home

We wanted to post some pictures of our little apartment, in case any family out there was curious. Wood paneling. Small, small, small. It ain't much (I don't claim to be good at designing or making any interior look cute, but I hope to change that once we settle down somewhere!), but it's our home for now.

In the kitchen/living room/laundry room (finally, a recent picture!! and my short hair)

You might see some of my attempts at homey touches. The apartment is furnished, the only thing we own is an antique table and chairs my Dad gave as a gift for my birthday (thanks Dad!). We keep our bikes for commute indoors, so it's a little crowded sometimes. Poor students... just livin' on love.

"I'm on TV!"

A news channel here did a feature on the program Pete works with. For the past year, Pete has worked at Lifestyles, and helping some folks with special needs in their employment. You can see him at about the 30 second mark I think...

http://nwahomepage.com/fulltext-news?nxd_id=424212

Hello handsome

Blessings

My heart is full of gratitude as I ponder on the blessings and opportunities the last year has shown to me and Peter. Now, as I ponder on what the next year has in store for us, I am full of joy. 

Education: I am so excited for Peter's Master's program. The Masters of Arts in Teaching (Pete's specializing in English at the secondary level, so junior high and high school) starts July 1st, and he will graduate May 2014. I am going to be graduating with my Bachelor's in December 2013!

Family: Pete and I are traveling at the end of May to California to visit Nate and Emily, and Elle and Truman. We are looking forward to spending time with them and soaking up the sun in Cali... maybe head to San Diego to catch up with my cool older brother Thomas... then we are headed up to Spokane!!!! Home sweet home! The good ol' 509. I am looking forward to seeing Maegan and Chris with their baby Declan, meeting Henry (finally), celebrating Leah's 9th birthday, and Paul & Melanie's wedding. All Hawkins family, be prepared for some rounds of Settlers. Dhatt/Starr family -- I miss you more than you can ever know! (and...ok... I miss Bullwinkle too, I admit it). 

Work: I work at this amazing school. I love my job and it has been so flexible with my school and summer schedule. I have learned so much working here. http://www.fayettevillemontessorischool.com/

Church: The Lord really has plans for us down here in Arkansas. I miss the Northwest so much, and as Peter and I were planning to be married a year ago, we even considered staying there for school. But, after much prayer and thought, we decided to come down to the South. Pete's calling as Elder's Quorum President has been a great sacrifice but full of blessings and learning moments. I just got called to be in the Young Women's program, and I am loving it :) There are so many wonderful people and families we get to interact with and serve. 

What else is new?

Pete's parents came to visit us in March, over Easter weekend. We showed them a good time, and it was so good to see family. We went to Walton's Five-and-Dime in Bentonville (the first Walmart) and Crystal Bridges, an art museum, which was exhibiting some Norman Rockwell paintings. 

Also, I cut my hair! Back to the classic Mary-do. 

Oh! And also, Pete is amazing, supportive, hardworking, loving, and a dish-washing extraordinaire ... but that's not anything new :) 

Much love to our family and friends, 

Pete and Mary