Introvert Farewells

I'm an introvert. You might not think so, but it's definitely the case. While I do process verbally, I value my time alone and find it necessary to recharge.

Yesterday was an example of this. My Type-A-Meets-Introvert, INTJ personality had a "cannot compute" moment. I had spent a great deal of time and energy with people - all good times with great folks! -  and I had no idea how to tackle the next step of packing. We're in that in-between stage where nearly everything is finished, but not quite. After all, we do need a few things for daily life. I was exhausted and entirely overwhelmed by the disorder of my home.

What did I do? I crawled in bed and pulled the covers over my head. If I can't see it, then it's not there, right?

All that to say, I have loved seeing so many dear friends over the last weeks. Please don't think I'm "over people." I like people. I just need my time, too. As I grow, I am better learning my limits.

I had to snag some sweet time with my favorite "honorary kids" before heading out.

Pool fun!

Wiped out!

Cheesin'!

Brook is so guilty! (She is not allowed on my couch!)

Taco salad + good conversation = great memories!

I have had the pleasure of watching these kids grow up for many years. They are all so dear to me! They also have the best families, and I have loved watching them do life together.

We interrupt this regularly scheduled post to bring you some flashbacks...

...Annnnnd we're back!

As I previously mentioned, I'm trying to soak in time with my Papa. Here we are pretending that it's cool enough for porch sitting. (It was not.)

In my last post, I mentioned the world's best small group. Here's the whole group at church Sunday. I can't say enough just how much I treasure these folks!

These two in particular have been my sounding board for things big and small. 

Our whole family loves spending time with the VanWinkles! It's a win-win-win! Looking forward to performing some four-hands with this girl before heading out! (Brooklyn doesn't know she's moving away from Scout, so I'd prefer if you kept that information to yourself for now.)

We were trying to recreate this photo, but as you can see the pups have grown quite a bit since March 2013.

Did someone say brunch? Oh, and gluten-free pancakes? I'm so there!

Actually, I don't need a bribe to spend time with this sweet BRIDE-TO-BE! I am so thankful to be able to talk wedding details in person - if only for a short week. My heart hurts knowing we'll be far away during much planning and celebrating.

It's beginning to feel like Wedding Central again. Last weekend, my childhood friend, Meghan, married her Josh. It was a beautiful celebration and such a special time for me. Meghan and I have pictures together as infants! Isn't she stunning?

Speaking of brides (again), this friend is headed to Scotland in a few short weeks to marry her Scotsman! And I thought domestic moves were challenging! I know people say Texas is its own country, but at least there's no Visa application process.

Here we are, soaking up the beauty of Florida summers while we can. And laughing, as usual.

See? All wonderful things. I am so blessed and truly thankful. I'm not ready to leave, but I just want to be settled again!

Brooklyn totally understands.

"Where is all my stuff?!!"

"Forget it. I'll just sleep among the boxes."

Doing Life Together

Everyone is afraid of being misunderstood. They want others to get them. (Yes, even adults.)

Our need for community is good. God intended for us to know others and be known by them. We need each other to do this messy thing called life. We need accountability and encouragement.

"Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another." (Proverbs 27:15)

"Therefore encourage one another, and build one another up..." (1 Thes. 5:11)

"Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor." (Romans 12:10)

"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:23-25)

Tyler and I are so thankful for these dear ones (and a couple not pictured). Rick and Becky kindly opened up their home for a "celebration" dinner for us this week. I ate more than my share of gluten-free goodness! And we even got to bring our parents along! :)

They all signed a homemade banner for us to take to Texas. It is our sole piece of displayed artwork.

These are people who get us. They know our strengths and weaknesses. They pray for us. They preach the Gospel to us. They press into hard stuff. They ask good questions. They love us so well.

One of our "We Love You" letters reads: "Tyler + Jessie ~ you are delights to my soul. Thanks for being you, loving Jesus + me."

I can't think of better folks to have done life with the last few years. Small group, ya'll are rad. Maybe we can squeeze you in the moving truck?

Take a Bow

Wednesday night I played my last ballet class at the most wonderful dance studio. During the year, I accompanied two classes on Mondays and two on Wednesdays. One class of Monday girls also came Wednesday, so I saw them quite a bit! When I was in the hospital, they inquired about me. They often asked my opinion of things. Once they came into class all goofy, forgetting I was behind the piano. S's face turned bright red when her eyes met mine. I smiled back and said, "You think I didn't know you guys were crazy before now?! You can't scare me off!"

I'm terrible with names, but I can tell you all the names of the girls in my M/W class. Last night was an especially small class, but we had a blast anyway!

They are in middle school. I thought I disliked middle schoolers. But these girls? They may have just changed my mind. I've never met middle school girls with sweeter dispositions, higher regard for authority, avid support of one another, or a better work ethic.

Each night at the end of class, they walk to the piano and thank me with a curtsy. 

Last night, I asked if they'd be willing to take a picture with me. Before I could finish my sentence, they were posed and ready to go! While I was leaving they whispered something to Mr. R, their instructor. Could I send them the photo please?

How thankful I am for the past nine months at this studio! I learned so much about accompanying, performance, teaching, ballet, and people. Last night it was my turn to take a bow and thank them (and my fantastic boss, Mr. R!) for a wonderful, enriching experience that I will greatly miss.

Sandwiched between J, E, C, & S

May is for Memories

What in the world have we been up to?

More like what haven't we been up to!

Get ready for photo overload! I know May is a busy month, but this one is unusually busy. We have been making some great memories, and this blog is my way of documenting them.

We're mostly packed. So much so that I had to unpack a box to find a baseball hat. Oops. A good friend asked me if I needed help; when I told her we were fairly set, she laughed and said, "Of course you are, Miss Type A!"

Planning a move seems very much like planning a wedding. You get to a certain point, and then you really can't do any more until the week of. That week will be entirely crazy and mostly stressful, but it will be worth it.

My students are working hard for their upcoming recitals. Since I also teach at a local conservatory, I have two sets of students and two recitals! All my home students are required to be part of an ensemble in the spring. I have two trios and three duet groups this year! This means extra rehearsals and time, but it is so worth it!

Six hands and four paws!

I cooked a meal! (Everybody all together now, "Oooh. Ahhh.")

We went to Outback with Ty's parents this past weekend, and they laughed so hard when I beamed at Ty's leftover box. Doesn't every wife see a leftover box as a "get-out-of-cooking-free" card?
(Oh, that's just me..?)

My mom has been more than happy to feed us on our busy weeknights, since it means we can spend time together. We love them and their food, so it's a win-win for us!

Brooklyn has continued her training! New 5K PR last week: 24:57!

Bath time!

I've had my share of down-time. Fighting some headaches and trying hard to remain cool and collected. Sone and I watched the Bourne Identity - it's a sister tradition in my parents' home. I texted Julia to let her know, and she and Noui (Sone's sis!) started watching the following day.

On a different day I took over my parents' house while everyone was out.

I watched The Great Escape for the first time in years! Now I'm ready for all my other Steve McQueen favorites!

I snagged some time with this young man and his sister. They are growing like weeds!

Please notice he made his "wife" ride in the backseat.

Working on Brook's focus while watching Despicable Me.

Saturday we hit up my favorite redneck attraction: Gatorland! Florida resident admission is $9.99 right now! It was a great excuse to take Isaac and Sone! It may have helped that it was a most gorgeous day! (Can you tell I'm missing Disney?)

World's best grandpa!

I love my family!

Isaac was not too impressed by the fake gators.

The real McCoy! What a beauty!

Aviary

Great show! I'm so glad I wasn't picked to hold a python! Eeeek!

This is my Florida!

Ironically, Isaac's favorite part was feeding the Emu. Mammals. At the reptile park.

Love this girl!

Redneck fun at its finest

Saturday evening we kicked it into gear for a second sister graduation this month! Glenna has always been the best support for her siblings' big events (wedding, graduations, etc, etc.) - it's a youngest thing. This time we got to celebrate with her!

Pre-ceremony

With the grad!

The whole fam-damily, as the Ws like to say! :)

Thanks for all the pics, Mamacita!

All this celebrating is well and good, but it means we have a crazy Weimaraner waiting for us when we arrive home. After attending Glenna's Senior Sunday service, we took Brooklyn to a new dog park. She met the biggest dog ever.

Brutus, the blue Dane.

He's 140 lbs.

Pretty sure he's part horse!

Since we were close by, I was able to spend some time with my Papa. We share a love for music and ice cream, so I brought him some vanilla and sang some hymns on the patio. Knowing it will be a long time before I see him again is a hard reality. Papa and Grams lived in my parents' home (or very close by) for most of my growing up years. It is hard to see him age, but I know he needs love and care now more than ever. He doesn't remember my name, but he does remember we are family. That's good enough for me.

We borrowed some Gables for the evening and enjoyed our long overdue meeting! Some friends will just always be your friends, even when you have long absences. They are like that.

Can you believe that's little Logan?

Finally got to meet sweet baby Levi! I love his smile and bright blue eyes - what a sweetheart.

Oh, and in my spare time, I'm working on my Texas hair...