Tis that time of year

It is that time of year when all our thoughts turn very sentimental and googly! It must be the holidays.

I was sitting here listening to Christmas music and realized it had been a while since updating my blog. I have just finished a very full day of teaching, but a good one. Good students, good lessons. Several have auditions this time of year and we have spent much time this week working towards the fine touches! Of my studio, several are new. And as the semester has progressed many have become more comfortable with me. Each has their own story. Some of them make me very sad. One today did! I found myself totally overwhelmed that this young girl would open her personal feelings in her lesson. I so wanted to help. All I can do is encourage them and pray for them. Oh that God would touch their little lives! As this girl talked, I actually found my eyes filling with tears. I wanted so badly to cry and felt the lump building in my throat.

I just returned from some time spent with family over Thanksgiving. I truly love Thanksgiving. Our family has its own traditions for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Every Thanksgiving we have a big meal, my mom breaks out her real china, we spend all day preparing, then we feast on Turkey and Ham. Later in the evening this year we played a game that Jake had brought. Even my dad got in on it. It was HYSTERICAL!!!! Then we sat around the fire. I absolutely love a fire around Thanksgiving time and Christmas. There is something so comforting about it. It brings back memories as you stare into it.

Following Thanksgiving day, Sheri and I always provide music. The family can come listen or listen from a far. Stac used to sing with us, and still does occasionally. I miss those times! Dad and I always go out and get the Christmas tree sometime after Thanksgiving Day. It seems like such a petty thing. But I truly enjoy his company and the time spent with him in this little tradition. Only he can pick out the right tree. This year I missed being able to decorate it and set up the Nativity (my favorite part of Christmas). But my memory is there with my family as they do this for me this year.

This year I spent the weekend after Thanksgiving with my sister, Sheri. It has been a long time since we did that. We watched movies, went to the book store, played games, drank tea, ate soup and others of her specialty cookings!

I will admit that I actually felt more involved with my family this break. I got to go to the kids' games, see Esther give a report at school, go to work with my mom, visit my sister at work, have a girls night with mom, Alyssa, Stacye, and Esther, take my niece to a lesson, sit and do nothing, visit with friends. It was quite special this year! I will admit that I am looking forward to Christmas. I hope it will be just as memorable.

As I traveled back from Indiana, I felt the loneliness settle in. I miss my family. I miss their company and constant love. I even miss their bad moods and quirks. I miss Andrew's big boy hugs, and Esther's attitudes, and Avery's energy. I miss their storytelling around the table. I miss morning coffee and movie nights. I even miss the moments that we sit in silence---not having to say anything yet not feeling uncomfortable about it.

I had a hard time getting back into the groove of things here. But all will be ok. I enjoy my life here as well.....but always with a wisp of wishing to be there with my people.