December Daily Day 6

The dance studio is a place that I have found peace in for as long as I can remember.  I remember the first dance studio I was in, the one where I went through those awkward teen years, and the one in college that I could dance until my heart was content. Young in my twenties found me in an amazing studio with my own opportunity to teach.  Thinking of the gift I was given by an amazing woman. She believed in me and my ability to teach. Now I teach in our small town in a local studio to girls who give me more than they every know.  I still love my time to take class and find myself in yet another studio with a teacher that loves adults.  What a gift this place is to me!

December Daily Dec 5th

Thinking about this group of kids who call me mom today.  A story of how the twenty year old Teri would have laughed at the thought of five kids.  Life is full of twists and turns and wonderful surprises.  One of the greatest surprises of my life is how much I love a big family and all that it entails.

I have my moments of frustration and overwhelm.  In the end though this was the path I was born to take. Those heels and a high rise job that I longed for were not part of my future. I do think every once in awhile about that dream I had especially on those days that I feel lost. It doesn't last and I go forward with these kids I love.

A little sewing on these pages turned out to be so much fun.  Day five done and my mind is spinning with stories...

December Daily Dec 4th

The decorating of the tree on a Sunday afternoon.  As the kids grow this isn't as popular of an activity as it used to be.  In the end though we were all there and worked together to put up the ornaments. 

I like looking at the ornaments and remembering the stories behind each one. The ones from when they were little.  The ones they hand made for us and the ones from travels of their grandparents.  All make up our memories as a family.  

A couple years ago we stopped putting our ornaments on the tree as it just gets too full.  One day though I imagine they will each start to take theirs and I will put mine back on. I am not looking forward to that day so for now after some coaxing we were all there on that afternoon.

There is still some wonder in this little man's eyes.  Thankful for that!

December Daily Dec 3rd

Time spent with my oldest.  A full day of just him and I starting at wrestling and then after heading to the mall to get his gift. This gift was out of my league as far as what he wanted and liked.  I am always so grateful for these moments that are one on one time for the kids.  This kid holds many roles in our life. Some hurt my heart because I know he has to be more sometimes than a fifteen year old should be. However,  I see his heart and his love of his siblings and I know these days will make him be an amazing man.

Telling my story one day at a time.  Love that!

December Daily 12/2

A new ornament on the tree from our girls trip to see my aunt in Oregon.  So many memories in that little lighthouse. The greatest memories are spending time with my amazing aunt and having time with just my girls.  Thinking of the people who lived in these lighthouses and the stories they must have told!

My love of the beach runs deep and most of you have heard me say that.  Looking at the waves I could feel myself relax after a fall that was so complicated and busy.  There is just something for me with the power of the waves how they are non stop and yet consistent.  They don't worry about what is going on they just do their thing and keep coming in.  A good lesson for life. 

December Daily 12/1

December brings on my yearly scrapbooking project of capturing this month. Thinking about all the stories in our life. They make us who we are, what we believe, and how we feel.  Some are easy stories, some are hard.  They all equal life in this family of seven.

Tree cutting is a ritual in this house. I can't remember when we didn't go to the mountains to cut a tree. There were days with no babies to a time when our house, minds, and time are full.  Each year has with it a special memory.  

There have been moments of crying kids, "lame" trees, snow, sun, and all the parts that make up this adventure.  This years tree is one of the best that I can remember. It has a lot of branches which will soon be filled with memories!

A week away at camp!

Going to camp with your cousin has to be one of those memories that you never forget.  This was a first for these two boys.  I was hoping this week would be filled with moments of new friends, fun adventures, and a break away from lets just say siblings. 

Andy was ready and very neatly packed. Sometimes these moments can be hard but he was all in.  A moment of realizing all the "top" bunks were taken turned into a moment of grace. Thankfulness on my part.

My one and only nephew.  I helped him get all settled and knew this kid was going to rock this week. If he could find someone to talk sports the week was sure to be a success.

Waiting to check in.  Lots of nerves and advice from a big brother who had attended the previous year.  

We got them settled in and said goodbye. After five days at camp we went back to get them. That night they were all smiles (and dirt).  Each had their own story to tell.  I heard from one the best part was the cereal???  They showed us around and we left. I really hope these boys get to repeat this adventure.