Hi Mom!

I've been thinking about uploading and waiting for the time to be right and finally, in a moment of utter procrastination (because I should be packing up boxes for this big move) decided to just get it over with and record something to upload. So, it is quick and not perfect. But here it is: my first video! I hope you like it, Mom!

Why I chose this song: I love Ruth Notman! She's got a really, really lovely voice, which I did not do justice to (so you should go listen to the real deal). I love this song in particular because of the harmonies; not only are they great but they're all relatively in my range, so I've always LOVED singing along- in the car, in the shower, etc. 

Please forgive the few mistakes here and there (and my "crap!" face at the end when you can hear one my neighbors coming home). Hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed singing it and hearing the parts take shape!

I miss you and love you,

Jess

Check out the video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8hBLPwUIFo

Ruth Notman - Hold Back the Tide (Cover)

Hi Mom!

I know how much you love it when we're all home and singing late into the night, so here's a video of us doing that for you to watch over and over again to your heart's content! This is probably one of my favorites that gets played when we hang out at home. Liz is off screen singing harmonies and Dan says that he isn't doing the guitar part right... but I think it's swell, and I know you will, too (but maybe we're biased). Hope you enjoy it!

Love you!

Jess

Check out the video on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXdFpnLwcGc

Singin' In the Dead of Night (Cover)

Hi Mom! 

This is my first video with my baritone ukulele. I play often for the kiddos at the library, but there are a few more chords in this one compared to storytime songs, so it is a little rough in some spots. As you always taught us kids, though, practice makes progress. So, I'll keep practicing. 

When you and Dad left after visiting today, it was pretty quiet, so it felt like an appropriate time to record a video! This song has been my theme song for the past few months of my degree. Thinking of God's everlasting faithfulness in all seasons and for all time help kept papers and job interviews in perspective. 

But also thinking of mother's day I think of how faithful God has been in our family's life. My grandmothers were amazing mothers to you and dad; you are a kind and gracious mother to me and my siblings; and to carry on with the next generation, your grandchildren have steadfast and loving mothers! 

I love that last verse, though, about how He pardons us, through Christ, and how we have an enduring peace. This is the best way God shows us His faithfulness. And I am grateful that you and Dad were faithful to your vocation as my parents in starting me "off on the way I should go," that I grew up knowing I was loved and forgiven!

Thank you for visiting and sharing mother's day with me for my graduation. Have safe travels back home and...

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!!!!!!

Love,

Jess

Check out the video on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cv_6dMLbySk

Great Is Thy Faithfulness

Hi Mom!

I know how little you like Halloween, but I learned this tune for a "days of the week" song we sing in Storytime, so sharing the original here for today's occasion just made sense. 

I'm sitting in my stairwell waiting for kids to come get candy. I've had about 10-12 come so far, but not frequently (hence being able to record this while I wait). 

Yesterday we had a big party at work for the kiddos and I dressed up as a Jedi. Tomorrow I'll dress up as the T.A.R.D.I.S. from Doctor Who for the teen party. Can you tell who I am dressed up as today? I'll give you a hint, I should really have carrot colored hair....

Growing up on a farm we never really had trick-or-treaters. But every Halloween I do think of the time that we celebrated Thanksgiving and Christmas on Halloween with your side of the family. We ate turkey, opened presents, and gave out candy at the door. Definitely memorable! 

Even though Halloween isn't your favorite holiday (we're more of a All Hallow's Eve/Reformation kind of family anyway), all holidays are a good time to be reminded of the dear people in our lives, near and far.

Love & miss you,

Jess

Jess A.