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.

Victoria never did this at this age.  I'm just saying...

The last year has been marked by numerous "last firsts"- last first laugh, last first crawl, last first Christmas- but this is the hardest of them all. Even after all of the begging, pleading, and stern discussions, Sophie directly disobeyed my orders and flew past her infancy into an official toddler today.  This is unacceptable behavior, and I won't tolerate it.  It was only a year ago today that she came into my life with her false projection of a calm and peacefullness that was much needed in this house. 

The labor was a breeze- induction beginning at 5 am, labor progressing quickly and painlessly (thanks to an epidural), and only 3 pushes total.  She slept great for the first few weeks, so well, in fact, that I remember asking the doctor on a few occassions if there was something wrong with her, because I wasn't accustomed to such a peaceful child.

A few short months later, she began to be fascinated by her siblings and then started to emulate their behavior.  Cut to the present, and she's one of the gang.  They adore her, and she them.  I watch them together, and my heart melts.  Then I realize that one day, they will co-conspire to take over the household once they realize they outnumber us.  Soon after, they won't have any need for us at all.  I'm terrified of this day, which is one reason I try with all my might to slow time down.  But despite my best efforts, time marches on, and the little baby I held in my arms for the first time a year ago celebrated her birthday today.