Today Trevor started his guitar lessons, and it went well.  He's very excited, and of course Victoria is a little jealous.  As you can see, he is taking it very seriously.

And here he is, our future Slash.  Bear in mind he's only had one 30 minute lesson, and you couldn't do any better.

By that, I mean a haircut she gave someone else- her teacher to be exact.  I'm not quite sure of the circumstances, but all I know is Ms. Linda ended the day weighing a little less than when she started. 

"Look Mom and Dad.  I pulled Ms. Linda's hair out.  Now we have to buy her a wig."

And speaking of hair, Sophie's curls seem to finally have made an appearance.

Name: Sophie "Baby Face" Grace

Age: 13 months

Height: 20.5 inches 

Weight: 23 pounds 

Lately she has been exhibiting the following behavior in addition to hitting, pushing, and snatching. 

She's armed with a loaded diaper and not afraid to use it. 

I remember when I was younger the excitement and anticipation I would feel before Valentine's Day, especially if I happened to have a boyfriend.  Like most girls, I wanted a box of chocolates, a teddy bear, and a piece of jewelry.  My how times have changed.  10 years into marriage and 3 kids later, I just long for peace and quiet, which I was able to attain for a few hours today.  The original plan for this weekend was for the in-laws to take the kids on Saturday, and Wesley was to go camping with his graduate school class.  Then, the snow came and dashed my hopes and dreams of a quiet weekend of hot baths, long naps, and a Buffy marathon.  The camping trip was canceled, and the snow caused power outages at the in-laws, so I was house bound with the family.  I decided I had to break free, for a few hours at least, so I headed to Target after the snow melted and got the kids their Valentine's presents.  So, this morning, I was awakened bright and early by Victoria, who was anxious to see what we got her for Valentine's Day.  She received pink roses, since she's been begging for flowers for weeks, a cute shirt, and a doll who had pink streaked hair to match hers.  I got Trevor a couple of t-shirts and Batman toys, and the baby got a cute dress with a book.  Then, whether he knew it or not, Wesley gave me the ultimate gift- he took the kids to his parents house and left me alone.  I did have work to do from home, so I really had no choice but to stay, but I managed to squeeze in a nap and a few episodes of Buffy while accomplishing my project.  Then refreshed and recharged, I cooked us filet mignon with a balsalmic vinegar/red wine glaze, twice baked potatoes, asparagus parmesan, and chocolate covered strawberries.  It tasted as awesome as it sounds.  Trevor and Victoria as gone until tomorrow, since they are out of school for President's Day, so my evening routine was 2/3 easier with only the baby to care for.  She was bathed and in the bed by 7:30.  I feel more ready to face a Monday than I have in a long time, so despite the fact that my husband is passed out on the couch, and I'm up alone, this has been the best Valentine's Day.

For as long as I can remember, every snowstorm in South Carolina has occurred in the same manner.  They begin by telling us that we will get a dusting on the grass, if we're lucky, and we end up with 5 plus inches.  This was no different.  They've promised us measurable snow a few times this season, with nothing materializing, yet.  This time, they said we would possibly get a dusting up to half an inch.  Then, as time got closer for the storm to arrive, we were told 1-2 inches, then 3-5, only to end up with 8 total.  It was due to arrive at 4pm on Friday, so naturally all schools and daycares closed between 1:30 and 3 without a flake even falling, yet.  Wesley picked all of the kids up early, so I was able to work my regular schedule.  When I left, there was already some accumulation, so I knew we were in for a good one.  We don't get it often, so I'm glad the kids were able to get out and enjoy it, even if they froze their little butts off. 

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I've been coloring my hair for almost 20 years.  It's been every color under the rainbow- black, blonde, brown, and red- but I've never been bold enough to try a shade that doesn't naturally occur on someone's head.  My daughter, on the other hand, has more confidence than I ever could.  In true Victoria fashion when given the option to go pink, she jumped at the chance.  And this is what rainy day boredom becomes...And no, Grandma, it's not permanent.

 I'm finally putting my Christmas gift from Wesley to good use- torturing my 1-year-old.  Actually it's her father doing the torturing.  Apparently she's so sensitive, her feelings get hurt when he tells her "no."  She's in for a rough ride.

That is, if he weren't dead.  He died when I was 5- a little older than Victoria and a little younger than Trevor.  Today would have been his 65th birthday- officially an old man according to the Federal government.  I can't imagine him at this age, but he would have been an awesome grandpa.  He knew the best magic tricks, the funniest jokes, and played the best games.  There are so many times when I've missed him, but no more than now when I have kids.  I wish he were here to see my kids grow up and to see me be a mom.  I think he would be proud.  He would have encouraged Trevor's artistic tendencies, adored Sophie's sweet temperment, and howled at Victoria's defiance.   In a way, though, I still see him every day in Trevor's intelligence, Victoria's blue eyes, and Sophie's laughter. I think he's out there watching and guiding just as a great director would.

So Trevor got his report card yesterday, and I have only one question- what's up with the Math grade?  I mean, was he even trying at all.  That's barely an A.  In all seriousness, the kid's a genius- way smarter than I was, or still am, for that matter.