Is there ever a time in life when things start to feel normal? I'm beginning to think no.
There is so much chaos going on right now in my family- but I guess that is our normal. Chaos is probably a strong word, but we are definitely busy.
Sierra has been dancing with Odyssey Dance Theatre in the O2 company. For the entire month of October she had shows every night and twice on Saturday in the production "Thriller". It was a good taste of the professional performing dance life. Doing the same show night after night. She really enjoyed it and did such a fantastic job. She was a zombie for the lobby as the audience was arriving, then would change makeup for the "Marie Antoinette" routine her company performed with the main cast, changed again for the Ghost routine, and then back into the zombie makeup for the Cast finale. It was rigorous and she learned a lot about make-up and putting shows together. Not the most challenging choreography, but she looked great doing it. Now they are preparing for their Christmas shows. She is really enjoying being in this scholarship program. Her training is intense & I feel like she is really being pushed in a good direction. I'm very proud of her.
She is really missing Mark. He was recently transferred to Ireland as a missionary. She religiously writes him letters on Sunday night because his P-day (preparation day) is on Mondays. That's when they do laundry and run errands, and don't do missionary work. She usually gets an email from him as well. He is doing well and adjusting to missionary life- but they miss each other and it's obvious. I think a few more months and they will be feeling more comfortable doing their own things. I really hope that she will try to date a little, even a few times, so that she will know for sure that Mark is the one for her. But for now, she doesn't even want to entertain that thought- which is admirable.
Montana is busier than a lion at a BBQ lately. She has gotten intensely involved in soccer again and could not be happier. Their summer season has ended, but they are continuing with indoor practice and games. She is learning so much. Sometimes she feels like she is struggling and doesn't know what she's doing, but I think that's a good sign that she's being pushed into new territory. Her team is great and they really work a lot on skill building. She is improving and she is a lot of fun to watch. She is so passionate and aggressive.
She is also still cheering...kind of tolerating it at this point. She loves it when they are learning new things, but she tires of the girls and their constant complaining. She had made up her mind not to try out next year, but now is talking about it again. She is hopeful that all the negative Nelly's will move on to high school and new girls will move in. I guess we will see how it pans out, but I'm kind of hoping she will not try out. Not because she's not great at it- because I am so surprised at how awesome she is, but because I know her heart is not in it.
She has also started some therapy. Her dad and I agreed that she has a lot on her mind and needs an impartial person to talk to. With moving so often, the divorces, split time between her dad & I, her feelings of anger, and her anxiety attacks, she needs someone to vent to. And she loves it. She is so happy after her sessions. I can tell a lot of weight is being lifted off her shoulders, even if only for a little while. I think little by little she will find her way out of her gray cloud. She is extremely happy for the most part, but when she's down- she is really down. I'm afraid that's genetics though :-(
Justice is doing really well at school. Just had an excellent conference with his teacher and was a bit surprised at how much she raved about him! He talks a lot (not surprising) but she said he is really well liked, really works hard and is a model student. ??? My kid??? The same one I had to beat last year to get him to finish one worksheet of homework? JK-- but seriously? I cannot believe his turn around. His teacher is just the right mix of strict and fun. She motivates him in a way no one has been able to . He is really excited about his school work- even when he's off track. Maybe that's really what he needed, was the on/off schedule. Whatever it is- I'm happy for him! He was elected president of C track, and has lots of new friends. All girls, but whatever makes him happy :-) It's fun to see him loving school.
He is still living in a digital world with his video games, texting, internet surfing, and tv. He's making a big effort to go to the gym every night with me and to start watching his calories. It's a start. He's gained a bit of weight- and it worries me, but I think it bothers him more. I know exactly how he feels. He's doing a science project on calories and weight loss. I think it will get him going in the right direction, and hopefully the rest of the family too! His birthday party is this Friday--turning 12!!! Gads. Next year his voice will be changing and he'll have grown another foot.
It's fun being the mom of this crew. They are so busy that it takes 4 people to get them where they need to be, but we make it work! I feel bad that I can't be everywhere they need me to be, everytime- but hey, I'm only one person! I'm happy they are doing what they love and seem to have what they need in their life. This little family truly loves each other. In those moments when they let it show, my heart wants to burst with happiness. They sing and dance and act silly together- it's so awesome! All I need is smiles on their faces and no whining!! haha-- maybe someday :-)
