One of Ten

James (my fiance), Anwen, Rachel, Courtney (the newest), Ian, Ethan (also Billy, also littlest, also tallest) and Kate.


I'm having one of those heart aching moments where, probably I've stayed up too late, and most likely, I need to make some phone calls. But still, I miss my family.

My family is about to triple in size.

 I grew up with one sister. I still, after about two years of knowing them, marvel at the family dynamic of these eight amazing people. The Pierce family is made up of wonderfully unique individuals, all talented and incredible in their own ways. They are also all a little bit like each other. They have funny words and sayings. They all know when to come in and which part to sing when any given one begins a song from a musical. All whisper hilarious things during sermons and graduations. They all show outward happy-excitedness in the same way.

They have all become so dear to me. I literally cried the first time I met them for fear I wouldn't have the chance to get to know them. Since they have welcomed me into their dynamic with open arms. It's hard to wait to see them again. 

All the Kids

 Vegetables. From left celery, carrots, peas, corn, and zucchini.

 Just look natural Zach.

This is from a few weeks ago, Zach and James came over to hang out around dinner time. The thing about Thomas and Beth's house, is you feel completely at home after just a few times hanging out. These guys got to stay up and watch a show and even though it was probably Diego or Arthur, they plopped down on the couch just the same. You bet I did as well.

Team

If I start to write less, call less, skype less, answer your text messages less, get back to you after a few days rather than later the same day--please be patient with me. I got another job.

The exciting part about all of this is that I was hired at a local library! I will be shelving books about 18 hours per week, at night. Yesterday was my first day and I love it already. I work mostly on my own, there is a lot of quiet, and it is only a few hours a day. Today I worked in the children's room, a blast.

However this means I will be working 50 or more hours a week. There will be less time for internet usage and I may not pick up my phone as often. I'm trying to work as much and save as much money as possible.

Because we're getting married.

James also picked up another job, which may be more news for some. He will deliver newspapers for the San Antonio Express at night and keep his current position during the day. He pulled out all the seats in his car so he can stack papers up high.

He'll sleep in the afternoons.

We may not see each other much.

But in all of it we feel as if we are on a team, working together, fighting back to back. We're saving up money, paying off debts, and investing in the season to come. Thank you for your love, your support. Thank you for believing in us and loving us from wherever you are. We wouldn't be doing great without you.

Quiet Time

I spent some alone time at a flea market near where I live this afternoon. I'd heard mixed reviews but it was only a dollar to park so I decided to give it a go. I take after my dad when it comes to nic-nacs. Someone else's junk is usually a misunderstood treasure. He would have loved and hated this place. Many people had shelves and shelves full of treasures, and others not so much. But as I walked through alone I looked and looked it was nice to have my camera along, an excuse not to buy. I did come home with one thing, a copy of John Steinbeck's The Red Pony. It was 1.50 and I paid in quarters. 

Then I went to James' house and we fell asleep on the couch watching the race. My head on his shoulder, his head on mine. I remember laps 130, 68, 32, and the victory interview. All in all a delightful, restful day. 

California Dreaming

This weekend was full and beautiful.

We, James and I, arrived in California in a little 22 seater plane on Thursday morning-and didn't stop moving the entire weekend.

Thursday I had lunch with my dear friend Ryan and James stayed home to "take a nap". That afternoon we swam in the Pacific Ocean and it was delicious. After showers, Thursday evening we had dinner with my parents and the Pierce family. Ian and Courtney arrived after what would not be the last of complications at the airport. Lots of laughter was had, and I loved that my parents got to spend time with us.

Friday everyone, and I mean everyone, arrived in the morning for french toast breakfast. Courtney's family is really fun, and there was definitely a buzzing house that morning. Friday James and I spent the afternoon at the Dana Point Harbor with my parents, and we wandered around and down to the beach. James got to talk a little with my dad and we went back, eventually, to their hotel and enjoyed a beer together on the rooftop. I will add here that the weather was absolutely perfect all weekend. Friday night Ethan (the littlest) Pierce graduated from high school, and we all attended and cheered him on. I'm super proud of him and all the recognition he received. He is truly amazing.

Saturday began early with a birthday breakfast of cinnamon rolls for James. After that wedding preparation began in full swing. We ran errands, went over to the site to help set up and got ready for the day. Ian and Courtney's wedding was stunning, as was she. It was held at James' grandparents house, which overlooks the Dana Point Harbor and Pacific Ocean. Simple, elegant, fun, and full of joy. I took lots of pictures that I will post soon.

Saturday evening was special for James and I, but more about that later.

Sunday we went to church and connected with friends like the Spinello's, Davenports, Norton's and so many more. I haven't seen many of them since I moved to Baltimore and it was great to connect with that community again. Kevin, pastor, brought James and I up on stage to pray for us. I am so blessed by them, the way they believe in us and the encouragement they bring. It was also lovely to have my parents there to share and see a bit of our community. In N Out for lunch. We got to see Kate's new studio apartment and I almost moved in with her on the spot. Dinner with the Pierce family, which I felt extra apart of. Sunday night I spent the night with Bethany--no words. She is home to me, we cried and laughed, rejoiced, ate, expressed frustrations, caught up, and slept.

Monday Beth and I went to Kean. My favorite coffee shop while I was in college. I appreciate it a hundred times more now than I did then. Monday afternoon we met Cristina to get some pictures taken and they turned out fantastic. We had so much fun, especially because Caleb was there to root us on. After we picked up Rebekah and went home to have a water fight in the backyard. Pizza with Sam and Jessi that evening, fantastic.

Tuesday brought tearful goodbyes. I was a mess as our little propeller plane took off out of Carlsbad that morning. Little did we know it then, but we would spend the entire day at LAX and then have to sleep in the airport in Houston due to thunderstorms in San Antonio.

Usually I don't list like this. But this is a weekend I want to never forget.