The other night after the little boys were in bed, Seth, Talmage and I stayed up to watch the end of a very exciting BSC National Championship Game. They were pretty happy with the outcome, and afterwards on Facebook Seth posted simply, “I love football. So much.” So much meaning in those few words. Well, that is how I feel about music. Sometimes, that is all that is required to say. I LOVE music. So much.
I mention this to introduce the month of December because if I had to assign a one word theme to this Christmastime it would be “music”. Every December seems to include an abundance of musical obligations and opportunities, but this year was particularly frenetic. And I loved it:). Yes, it made things extra busy, but it also provided just the enrichment needed to make it an extra special Christmastime. To begin the Season, Talmage had to fill his Choir concert requirement, so we attended an amazing performance by the American Heritage Lyceum Philharmonic, featuring Daniel Beck and Jessie Funk. It was so wonderful. (And I think Talmage developed a slight crush on the charming Ms. Funk.)
Talmage also had his own performance with his 7th Grade Choir that we got to attend. Cutest. Thing. Ever.
Okay, two things. Depending on how you look at it, 7th grade is either cringe-worthy, or adorable. #1: Check out the 6’2″ 12 year old next to Talmage. So cute. He also accompanied the choir on the flute for one of the numbers. Oh, I hope he is getting lots and lots of love at home! And #2: The sweet little girl with the polygamist hair-do, two rows down from Talmage. Oh boy. She must be experimenting with doing her own hair. I’m sure I looked much worse in 7th grade. In fact, if I recall I was that girl, in the tall boy’s body! (Okay, I wasn’t 6’2″, but I was at least a head taller than EVERYBODY).
Though you can’t tell, Talmage actually loves choir. And it makes me so happy! His favorite number from the night was “Fum, Fum, Fum.”
Then my own performances began. These included a vocal performance for our ward party, two full musical programs with Mindy on back to back evenings (involving violin, vocals, and piano), two performances of a vocal duet for our Ward and Stake, and playing piano for Joseph’s 1st Grade Christmas Program (including a short piano solo, which caused the majority of my anxieties…I don’t generally do piano solos). Of course, with 6 separate performances come hours of practicing and rehearsing. That was actually my favorite part and one of the reasons I love music so much. Seth always tells me about the “stories” behind many of the games he watches and how these narratives give extra interest and intrigue to the world of sports. They also contribute to his love of sports in general. That is how I feel about the musical collaborations I get to do. They make music fun:). I love meeting amazing people and getting to know them in the most human way possible, by creating music together. And I must say, as interesting as the adults I got to work with were, my favorite musical cohorts were the mini people I got to help! Helping to teach the 1st grade children and interact with them on a consistent basis was pure delight. They were so sweet and cheerful, it was impossible to feel stress around them. Six year-olds are so eager to please and so naturally happy, it makes tired, pregnant mommies feel indefatigable.
One of my performances with Mindy was for the Special Forces Veteran’s Formal Dinner at Camp Williams. Seth got to come as my date<3.
My musical obligations ended Sunday evening, December 15th with our Stake Presidency Christmas Devotional. I must say, the feeling of coming home that night with no other responsibilities for the month was a relief. However, I must not have felt perfectly fulfilled because a week later I was booking a session with my recording engineer to lay a new track! Sometimes Seth must think I’m a crazy person.
Now, lest you begin to think our Christmas month was entirely consumed by music, let me share with you the rest of the Season’s highlights (minus Christmas; those will be saved for the next post)…
Decorating the big tree.
Emery discovering snow for the first time…so joyful to be a part of :).
Emery meeting the Grinch at our Ward Christmas Party. Not so joyful.
He had been sneaking up to the Grinch and running back to me giggling several times, so I stood in line with him so he could sit on his lap thinking he would be thrilled! He loves animals and furry things; I thought this would be a perfect picture taking moment. Nope! I guess the green, moving, fuzzy creature was much too frightening up close to appreciate.
Daddy wanted me to sneak up behind him later to get a non-freaked out picture.
Check out these decorations. Some people are just amazing.
Making cornflake wreaths for FHE.
Barrus Family Nativity.
(Poor Ashton was in his bedroom with a horrible stomach flu.)
Ashton’s class party.
The game station.
And finally, my birthday.
(Sorry about the grainy pictures)
Love my boys.
So there is this Progresso soup that is my absolute favorite non-homemade soup. Chicken Barley. I haven’t been able to find it in stores for about two years. I check every grocery store I go to, every single time. I can never find it. So Seth worked his magic and got some for me for my birthday!! I couldn’t believe it! It seriously was the best gift ever. Not just because I now have a supply of my favorite soup, but because he would go to all the trouble of getting it for me. I love my man. He really spoiled me this year. He also got me a really nice pair of cozy boots and made sure each of the boys got me something special. Honestly, he is the best <3.
I so enjoy getting a little glimpse into your happy (though busy!) life. Hope you are feeling okay these next few months!
Thanks, Cara! I feel the same about the chances I get to ready your blog:). And, I must tell you how much I LOVED your Christmas card. You have such a clever, creative way of writing.