Day 7 shopping

I used to love to shop.  Anymore I am happy with one trip to Target and a craft store and the rest can be done online for Christmas.  Maybe it was all those years of little ones in the store and the craziness that brought.  I have tried to make it easier with the kids with one gift to wear, read, want, and need.  

The girls and I did make a craft store trip.  All three of us get lost in there.  Many ideas to create hopefully next week.  Amazon is showing up a lot these days and it makes me wonder how my kids will shop one day.  For now that little one of mine is intrigued by each box then sad when I say he can't open it...soon enough my son it will be time!

Day 6 Friends

Capturing a heart that was full after a day of meeting with two women that I love.  One has been a constant in my life for many years. The other has come back in my life in an unexpected and hard way.  I am so grateful for reconnection. 

We had taken this photo a few months ago when I did their family photos. After this it was dinner for just the four of us. When did that happen last we are thinking 15 years ago!  Definitely something that needs to happen more.

My little helper.  Love that there are still little hands around our house.  It won't last long so grateful for the time they are little.

Loving what this project does for me. Makes me stop for moment and record what I want to remember.  Today I want to remember for sure!

Day 5 Stockings

This was me at 14 months.  My Aunt was visiting as she did many times during my childhood. She is a knitter and spent time knitting stockings for all her nieces and nephews.  A stocking that first hung in my parents home and now in my own. 

As the years have gone past I have also purchased stockings that are like my knitted one.  None of them match and each are unique in their own way.  The same as all of us who make up this family.  

I can only imagine the time it took to knit these stockings.  Mine has stood the test of time and I am thinking my kids will too.  A day of looking back on a Christmas stocking that needed its story told.

Dec 4th--The Tree

It was once again time to find a tree.  The fact that it was snowy and cold surprised us all.  It was a good hike for all of us especially Luke who ended up on Riley's shoulders a lot.

We all looked to Bri's lead to find the best tree. Being our head elf I was more that happy to let her lead that decision.

Katie wanted to lean on the tree like her Dad. She is a trooper this one and has always been one of our best hikers!

Keeping up with my December Daily book.  I love this project and fitting in time to create during this crazy time of year.

It was Luke's first trip to get a tree with us.  Last year at the time we were so close to bringing him home.  

Not the best photo of the kids and I but you have to take what you can get sometimes.  Cutting the tree is always the biggest deal with negotiations about who is going to do that actual cutting. Carrying down was done by Brian, Bri, and Andy...look at all the help we have now!

December 3- Photography

My dream is my photography business.  It was a fall I won't forget soon. I love that feeling in my stomach that I get when I get to a venue and start shooting a session.  It feels like I am walking on clouds.  Before I get there it feels like my nervous are going to take over my body! 

I have had many moments of wanting to quit, feeling like I am not good enough, and panic over how I am going to do this with our five kids. Someway I have learned to dig deep and keep trying because I know being a photographer is what makes me happy.  I  have had really tough moments but to keep trying is the only way for me.  That feeling of capturing memories is irreplaceable!

December 2nd a night of music

Katie has been playing piano for five years now.  Her teacher is a very sweet woman with truly a heart of gold.  She is one of Katie's biggest cheerleaders in life.  

Tonight, in small town style, Katie played for a fund raiser for a local church.  A chance to see lots of local talent and let her play before an audience.  

The boys were too funny tonight because without any prompting from me they came out with dress shirts and ties.  They were too cute on their own desire to dress up.

Friends make the night even more special.  These three girls are blessed to have the same piano teacher.

The crew minus Riley ready to go to the show.  The night was complete with a light falling snow outside to set the mood of the season.

December 1

After many months away I am back. I have missed this space but hopefully December will be a time to restart.  We are now decorated for Christmas with much thanks to Miss Bri.  She loves to decorate and create a space of happiness for us. 

She spent hours last weekend making everything just right and we laugh now that there really are no outlets left in our house.

All of the kids started with her and each had their favorite decoration to add.  Eventually they needed to go about their way to do other activities.  

I am happy to have her help and her vision.  She is an awesome young lady!