Monthly Musings: December & January

I know, I know, I've fallen behind on my blog. It's like the laundry: the more you avoid it, the harder it is to catch up.

While January has come and gone with little reflection on the previous month, I've decided to double up and combine my musings into a single summation.

A few pivotal things stand out:

1. Tyler is my rock
He. Is. The. Man. He has picked up more home responsibility in the last two months without even being asked. Since the start of the semester, he has donned the chef's hat. I think it surprised us both how tasty all his food is! This is probably the biggest gift he could give me right now. And I love tacos, so I have no complaints.

Michelle Bill Photography

2. Treasured friends will always remain close, no matter the distance
Neighborhood walks, park dates, a Disney day, late-night couch conversations, breakfast appointments...all these remind me of the rich history I have with a handful of dear friends. I am grateful for the face time - however short - I had with each of them.

Sara G Photography

2. Our church community is for keeping
We're now in process of becoming members at King's Parish. We've wanted to pursue this for a while now, but life just got in the way. Last weekend, I hosted a baby shower for one of the gals at church, and I was struck by how amazing each and every one of those women is. Tyler has benefited greatly from the men's fellowship events, too. We are beyond blessed by this community and the way they keep the Gospel at the forefront of all they do.


3. Performance is a practice
While my practice habits have remained consistent over the last two years, my opportunities to perform have been rare since graduation. Getting back into the swing of things in this regard was a challenge at the start of grad school. It is still a challenge, and likely always will be in some way. In the last six weeks, however, I have begun to put myself out there more and have found that I love the experience of sharing my work with others. This semester I have plans to give a mixed solo and collaborative recital. This is not required for school, but I want to grow more accustomed to the practice of performance. It will be a great way to show my students that I, too, preserve through stage right, memorization issues, and focus. I am in three ensemble groups this semester: a trio (piano, clarinet, and cello), a piano duet (one piano, four hands), and a piano duo (two pianos, four hands). It will be fun to add this ensemble element into the mix, too! Additionally, my trio has a handful of required performances for chamber music, so I'm looking forward to gleaning from those experiences, as well.

Long Time No Write

The last month has been a whirlwind! I know I said that about the previous month. I can't believe my holiday break has come and gone and we are eighteen days into the new year. Really?!

In the interim, we have hosted a good friend, driven to Florida and back, celebrated several Christmases, reunited with old friends, and married off a sister. Those are the big events. Of course, the everyday conversations, shopping trips, church performances, and neighborhood runs are notable, too! In fact, Brooklyn acted like she was overheating in the Florida winter. It's been a while since she's experienced 80-degree Florida humidity!

Ty was able to visit friends from his Florida workplace, and I spent some special time with some very special kids. It was a joy to see my kiddos and students! After Ty flew home, Julia and I headed to the west coast, where we visited our great aunt and uncle. I topped off my time home with a trip to the Happiest Place on Earth! The weather cooperated beautifully: the perfect Florida winter day!

We are adjusting back to normal life fairly well, except for a bout of acute bronchitis. I can't seem to shake this! Yesterday, I presented at a national pedagogy conference. My workshop was entitled "Becoming Dispensable: Training Independent Learners," and it focused on teaching students the basics of practice. Needless to say, I was wiped after my morning at the registration desk and my lunchtime presentation. School officially started Friday, but it won't regain speed until Tuesday. My schedule will be at maximum capacity, so I am trying to rest well now.

Some things I am looking forward to in the coming months:
1. Chamber music - I am in a trio (piano, cello, clarinet) and a piano duo (two pianos)
2. Performing more
3. Giving an elective recital (hopefully in March!)
4. Getting to know my individual students better
5. Learning more about student repertoire
6. Teaching intermediate group piano
7. Ty's cooking!
8. Joining our church
9. Running and memorizing Scripture with Mary Anna
10. My birthday! Is it too soon to start the countdown?

The Mother Post

This is it. The mother post. The post to end all posts.

Actually, it's just a really long post, in which my mother happens to make an appearance.

Is it really mid-December? We passed our six-month mark without so much as a second thought. Really?! Time truly flies.

We celebrated an early Thanksgiving at Aunt Sharry's house.

We are so incredibly grateful for nearby family!

We broke Welsh family tradition (long tradition -- two years running) and bought our tree before Thanksgiving. I know, I know. But Ty had to work the day after Thanksgiving, and my family was visiting.

All my Mickeys made the move in one piece! Phew!

I had class on Monday and Tuesday during the week of Thanksgiving. My family arrived Wednesday afternoon, but we knew the grocery stores would be mobbed the day before the big day. I went to Sprout's solo on Wednesday morning at opening time -- 7AM -- and had no trouble whatsoever. Best decision ever.

Thanksgiving morning was beautifully quiet, and I read. Yes, I read a novel.

Naturally we took the fam to the lake.

My sister has been training for her first 10K -- so proud of her!

Brooklyn was excited about the festivities.

Mitchell ladies in the kitchen! Everyone kept asking me about my Thanksgiving plans; when I told them my family was coming, they said something like, "Wow! You're cooking for a lot of people!"

I laughed and told them the cooks were coming to me.

The men. (And Brook)

Dad asked me what I wanted to do with the turkey. I said I wanted to give it to him. :)

Guests arriving!

The spread!

Ty, Dad, Mom, Julia (behind the camera!), me, Eva, Sharry, Mary Anna, Jacob

And this is where Brooklyn could be found.

Post-dinner games!

The following day, Ty had to work, so I took the family for a little touring. We hit up the GW Bush Library and Museum. The 9/11 portion is incredibly well done and even more moving the second time through.

Of course, there was lots of hanging around time, too.

Friday evening we attended an SMU Women's basketball game. It was tournament weekend, so all the games were free! Here's the fam, in front of the iconic mustangs.

Saturday we hit up the Arboretum. It looked so different from when we went there with Glenna! Totally different beauty! This is one of their 12 Days of Christmas displays.

Ah. The fountain. I suggested we take a few pictures under the oak.

Afterward, we all continued along the path -- except for Dad, who was looking at the photos on his phone. We heard a cry, and we all turned around to find Dad standing knee-deep in the fountain display. What a hoot! We couldn't stop laughing the entire time! Here, he's wringing out his socks.

The Scottish men with the 11 Pipers Piping.

While they were transitioning everything over to Christmas displays, we were able to catch the final weekend of the pumpkin theming. So cool!

Our bellies were a'grumblin at this point, so we loaded up the car and headed to Klyde Warren Park for a picnic. Remember Klyde Warren, the park that is built atop a freeway tunnel? It's in the heart of downtown across from the DMA.

We couldn't have asked for a better day!

I forgot the food trucks arrived at 11, so the fam ditched the turkey leftovers for street tacos. Can't say I blame them. :)

Saturday evening was our planned dinner out. But first, the boys hit up a sports bar for some Gator football.

We joined them for the last quarter. What a disappointment...

Our Thai food, however, was not a disappointment! I am so pleased that I found a GF Asian restaurant my sister approved of! That green curry was to die for!

Highland Park was all lit up!

I filled in for our regular pianist at church. Fun that this worked out while my family was visiting!

The fam's flight didn't depart until Monday afternoon, so I brought my sister to school. I told her she had to perform in my piano class, though! She did so well!

Then it was off to the airport! We had such a wonderful time, and it was easier to say goodbye this time, since we'll be home so soon!!

Matt and Hannah were both home for Thanksgiving for practically forever. (What's the deal with "reading week?") It was so fun to get back to the regular game night schedule! This is the ice cream run to Kroger.

Since then, it's been more of the same normal, just taken up a notch due to end-of-semester craziness!

Running on campus...

Getting kicked off the couch...

Attending lots of student recitals...

SMU Piano Prep Dept faculty right here

Plenty of time in this place...

Finishing my final prospectus!! Over 35 pages and nearly 9,000 words. Huge relief!

Rehearsing for juries in Caruth with Eva. Serious treat.

Working with Michelle Bill Photography and having a blast!

http://www.michellebill.com/

Taking care of Christmas business in one fell swoop. Unfortunately, Brooklyn got her eye on his monkey before I had wrapped it for Ty. (It has elastic arms and screams when launched. Quite the gift, I know.)

It became her favorite thing ever. Lasted two full days, even.

Brook and I ran to the lake. It had been a while since I'd been there. It's so peaceful.

On my way to juries! This was after my coffee maker exploded everywhere. My husband is the best, hands-down: he saved the day by cleaning up the coffee mess and bringing me a fresh cup from our favorite local shop. I love him! Totally made my morning go smoothly.

And just like that, I'm finished with my first semester of grad school!