Day 9 Giving

One of our holiday traditions is teaching our kids to give back. For many years now we have filled shoe boxes to give to children.  We have done this through many organizations but this year it would be for an organization through our church.  The older kids know the drill we go to the store we fill up one shoe box per kid.  We think not about ourselves but those around us. We think of items such a toothbrushes and combs and then we think of toys and candy.  

The girls spent time shopping with the youth from church with donated funds for boxes. They both had so much fun and they were so talkative when then got home.  Then it was time to wrap...always and adventure!:) Luke is figuring it all out this year:)

Day 8 Snow and Polar Express

Day 8 came with snow for our area.  Not a lot of snow but very cold temperatures.  I am not really a fan of cold but being in Colorado makes it part of the experience.  Tonight found us with everyone home and a chance to watch "Polar Express".

For the seven us of to be home is almost unheard of.  Teenagers have schedules that are very full but I am hoping these next couple of weeks give us a break from routine.  The kids had been asking for hot chocolate so tonight it was the treat.  

I am trying to not feel overwhelmed this season. That is a good goal at least:)  Heading into a weekend and then just a few days of school left. Better look at my list before all my helpers are home!

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!