Rhythm

I recently took some family portraits here, and just bursting to show you. But all in good time. 

We've definitely got a rhythm going here. Finally, it's been so long in anticipation. As a result of me working as hard as I can at Starbucks I've earned the right to a set schedule. Working from 4am to 10am means I have the afternoons open to wedding plan, visit with friends, and work on the ever growing To-Do list. Sometimes I feel like that thing has a life of it's own. James and I work the same schedule at night and often carpool to work in New Braunfels. Just the twenty minute car ride each way makes up for the days when I can't see him at all. As soon as I get home at night I crawl in bed to get some sleep before my alarm goes off at 3:10. 

Okay... 3:25. 

Rhythm is a good word. The house I live in operates on one. It's hard to say schedule, because there is not a schedule. However the morning has it's pace, the dishwasher gets unloaded in the morning and runs at night, it's quiet here at some point every afternoon about 2:00. The laundry comes and goes as do the crowd of people each Saturday night after Zach comes over to wash the floor. I get up early knowing I'll be back to take a nap in the afternoon. 

It's getting cold again, the rhythm I like best.  

Hurrahing in Harvest

 Caleb's smile pumpkin, isn't he perfect?

Thomas and Beth in their matching soccer shirts. They rock.

Something was funny...

My owl pumpkin! With lots of help from James. 

There has been a lot of fall around here lately-- these pictures are from a few weeks ago. This week we had a fresh box of produce delivered from a group of local farmers. It was full of butternut squash, apples, grapefruit, pears, basil, lettuce and everything was delicious. The trees are nothing like Maryland this time of year, but there are some turning and spreading color on the ground. It's rainy today and as I sit inside working on all things wedding it feels cozy and I am blessed not to have to work until later today.

I'm soaking up the fall while it lasts. My dad reported that it is already snowing at our home in Northern California, and Starbucks has definitely proclaimed it is now the Christmas season. We are in full swing today for Thanksgiving, beginning the preparations to have a huge family day here. Beth is teaching me how to have a houseful of people over always. My intro courses, Cleaning Everything In One Afternoon 101 and Boiling Noodles For 15, I've mastered and now we're moving onto the important things.

Delicious Turkey Dinner for Twenty.

Future

I received an information packet today from  Emerson College in Boston. Master of Arts in Publishing and Writing. I mean, just check out these classes...

My desire to go is immense.

Celebrate Wilson!

Wilson, how old are you?

Choo choo!! I attended Wilson's 2 years old birthday party Friday. Megan did a fantastic job with the train theme! (With colorful pennant banners, yes!) There were train sets out for the kids, 'smores to roast over the firepit, and unending conversations among friends. For dinner she made some of the best soup and chili I have ever tasted, complete with grilled cheese and pb&j for the kids. It was perfect to celebrate with them and so many friends in our community. Wilson and family recently moved to San Antonio and it already feels like they have lived here always. This last picture is one I love--Ms. Jodi is a beautiful part of our family and it was so lovely to see her there.

It was a joy to celebrate such a sweet boy.

Happy Birthday Wilson!

An Update of Sorts

Wilson and Z. Caleb on a beautiful fall day at the park in San Antonio.

This morning I'm sitting at the kitchen counter, drinking out of the pot of coffee Thomas made (I told him I only wanted one cup, I guess the rest is for him) with the cool grey light from the cool fall day coming in through the window behind me. I got up this morning to be on time to work at 4am, only to arrive and realize I wasn't actually scheduled to work today.

But who isn't happy when they get to go back home, get cozy in bed, and start the day over?

The effort to balance my life between two jobs, planning a wedding, an application to gradschool, and involvement in my current community (not to mention those I've previously invested in) has proved quite a challenge as of late. I work in the early mornings and evenings and all day on the weekends--this leaves most of my afternoons free. I think my only saving grace is that James has about the same schedule as well. We've started carpooling to work.

Lots of parties around here lately. Pumpkin carving parties, birthday parties, hang-out-and-play-dominoes parties, community parties. I feel like I've settled into here a little more in the last week. Looking around last night as our whole church community was gathered together I felt incredibly thankful for everyone I was with, and the life they bring.

Beth, Levi, Alina, Sarah, Wilson and Megan. Yaay special friends!

Scenes From the Weekend

My mom and sister came to visit this last weekend. It was absolutely so fantastic. We spent our time relaxing with friends and enjoying the most beautiful places in San Antonio and surrounding cities. Tea gardens, church, family dinners, pumpkin carving, lunch in the sunshine, wedding dress shopping, a stroll through the park. Above are some of the spontaneous pictures we took-- my sister has an art for it. Lunch with my mom at Mad Hatters Tea and Coffee before she left was also lovely in every way. It was a complete blessing to spend so much time with them and my fiance.

We're Looking for Ceremony Venues...

James grew up going to this park. His mom used to whistle for them from their back door to come to dinner. He has a lot of great memories here. I have a few sweet ones as well.

Thanks Anwen! (Big smile)

Katie and Noah

My forever friends, I love you. 

Storyhill

Storyhill--two guys with their guitars and harmonica, singing some of the most beautiful words I've ever heard put together. This folk duo captured my complete attention from the moment we walked in. James and I were invited with some friends to go see these guys at a house concert Sunday night in New Braunfels, it was more than fantastic. Simple moments of inspiration in their lives birthed songs that will stick with me for a long time. Their voices are perfect together and emotion runs through each piece. As it was a house show we had a potluck dinner and listened to their 20 song set in the host's living room. 

Live music is like leaping off an enormous rock and plunging into the cold water of a mountain lake.

www.storyhill.com

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.