Playing Catch Up

"February days are a marketing gimmick; love happens every day." -Randeep Hooda

Here is a recap of the rest of February. Mostly pictures with few words today. My absolute caught-upness on my blog is a good reflection of just how put together every other aspect of my life is right now.

I spent a lot of time in my half-finished house, pretending that it was finished. There was a complete lack of furniture, but no matter, I just pulled up a piece of plywood and a good book, and I was perfectly content.

Spencer whipped up a batch of cookies for extra credit in his CTE class. "Cooking is fun, Mom," came from his mouth more than once. If only I had his attitude.

We watch very little sports in this family, but never miss the Olympics, especially the opening ceremonies.

Jessica went to her final Sweetheart's dance at Layton High. No this is not her date, but one of her favorite cousins. Evan can't pass Jess in the hall without yelling, "Hey Cous." In the blink of an eye these two came into the world within weeks of one another and will soon be graduating together. Sigh.

This would be her date. It was a rainy blustery day, but made for some cute photos what with the darling umbrellas and all.

It was very convenient that all three couples seemed to have coordinated their attire for the evening. Teresa made Evan's date's dress. This was after she worked a sewing miracle on Jessica's concerto gown. She's amazing!

Jessica's dress was another vintage gem from our new favorite boutique. 

Friends since 7th grade.

Cute Couple!

   

Another cute couple:)

I don't go to pinterest often, but when I do, I'm the best mom ever! Jonah's Lego Valentines box for school.

This kid got himself nominated for best dressed male in the 7th grade. Not many 7th grade boys sport cardigans and blazers at school on a regular basis. He also got a rose or two from some female admirers at the dance. Seems girls like a boy who knows how to dress.

This is us celebrating Valentines Day in our new home, even though it wasn't really our home yet. We almost set up sleeping bags in the front room and just slept there, but restrained ourselves.

What, you may ask, is that thing sitting on the hearth?

That is Sabrina's Valentines gift. She asked for wood models to help her with her drawing, or to provide chuckles as she and Jessica proceeded to pose them in the most hilarious positions. We were tempted to leave this on the hearth for the sub-contractors the next day, but elected not to since Sabrina really liked her present and didn't want it stolen.

Took the kids to Gabor Brothers for the first time. One of those little holes in the wall that is secretly the best Italian food in Layton. This creepy guy that greets guests out front year round is perhaps as popular as the breadsticks.

We stopped by the house one morning to chat with the backsplash guy, and the painters were over doing touch-up. They happened to be touching up the bench in our mudroom, unbeknownst to Jonah. The hispanic gentleman tried to warn Jonah as he sat down to take off his shoes, "Buddy, buddy, buddy!" I believe were the exact words out of his mouth. Jonah's jeans...yet another casualty of the house building process.

It's tradition to make ourselves sick with scones, sweet rolls, and hot chocolate at Sill's after dental appointments. Good ol' Sills Cafe. Another hole in the wall that is some of the best food in town, at some of the best prices. Which is made apparent by the constant wait at the place no matter what time of day you walk into it. It appears that no one in Layton actually works or goes to school. Including us...obviously.

Neil and I took Jessica up to Utah State for a private lesson with the woman who will be her cello professor. She also stayed to observe the orchestra's rehearsal as well as a master class. Neil and I passed the time by doing a session in the Logan Temple.

We listened to Jessica's enthusiasm over a homemade cream soda at The Bluebird, one of Utah's oldest restaurants. I think it's 100 years old this year. It would seem that we eat out a lot. I like food, particularly the variety that I don't have to cook.

Sabrina and Spencer participated in the region solo and ensemble festival with their quartet. As they walked in to play, their adjudicator happened to be none other than the great Richard Marsden, you know, the one who's supposed to be retired? Anyway, after they played, he asked Sabrina if she was Jessica's sister. Sabrina replied that she was, then Spencer chimed in, "I'm Jessica's brother." And the cellist yelled, "I'm Jessica's student." The 2nd violinist announced, "I'm just the friend." Everyone got a chuckle out of that. Mr. Marsden awarded them with a 1 rating. Their connection with Jess may have helped, but according to Mr. Marsden, he would have given them a 1+ if he could have. He was pretty dazzled with Sabrina's playing. That girl is a passionate player.

As I sat in the commons and waited for my musicians to come out, I thought about how many years I've spent in school lobbies and auditoriums waiting for and watching as my children have auditioned for symphonies and played in festivals and concerts. I suppose it is the same for those parents who spend years and hours on bleachers in school gymnasiums. I feel at home in those school auditoriums and music rooms. I will mourn the day I am no longer sitting on a bench waiting for my musician. If I've done my job well enough, hopefully I'll be back in the audience in no time, applauding my grandchildren.

Bad picture, but good evening as Spencer played a viola solo. He scored a 1-. Not bad for a seventh grader. So proud of my kiddos!