Whirlwind Part 3: A Plethora of Performances

Besides birthdays, baptisms, shopping, lessons, rehearsing, school activities, etc. it seemed we were always performing somewhere during this insanely crazy month. Is it possible to agree to too many performances? Richard would probably say no, but I think I was about maxed out by December's end. Now, I have to be careful because I always tell my students, and my kids for that matter, that if we don't perform, why practice? Why have a musical talent if one does not share it? However, I can now say that I am glad we did it. We had some great and memorable experiences performing for others over the holidays. I especially enjoyed the performances with our entire family. And, we made it! We managed to somehow squeeze it all in and stay sane. So, yes. I suppose all 14 performances in December (or was it 15?) turned out to be just right. ...*twitch*...


Here's a list of what I can remember. I like to keep record of stuff like this so when it's a distant memory someday, I won't think is was all just a dream. 


* Jane Austin dance at BYU-Idaho (Mt. Moran String Quartet)
* Sarah's baptism (Me and Marianne, duet)
* Wedding reception for a former employee (Mt. Moran String Quartet)
* Ward Party (Family quartet)
* Student Recitals (The kids)
* "Best Christmas Pageant Ever" Pre-show - 2 nights (Our Family)
* My Grandparents for Great Grandma Burt's birthday (Our Family)
* BYU-I Piano Trio Performance (Richard and two college students)
* Orchestra Concerts (Thomas and Marianne)
* Richard's Parents for Grandma's birthday (Our Family)
* Our neighbors, the Davis Family. For fun. (Our Family)
* Two nursing homes - one with just our family,and one for our annual Christmas Eve program with the Burt Family.
* Wedding Luncheon for Richard's Nephew (Family Quartet and Richard solo)


Phew! I think that covers it!


Here are some pictures of the kids at our student recitals.


This first shot was one of those, "Oh crap! I forgot to take a picture so I'll hurry and snap one before they walk off the stage." shots. Hence, the blur. They played Silent Night. It was only one of many performances of this throughout December.

During the recital, James discovered a little brown "fuzz ball", as he called it. It pretty much became his best friend. He was very attached. See if you can spot it in the top and bottom pictures.

 William and Sarah with their awesome piano teacher, Tara Fitzgerald.

Looks like I spaced taking pictures of the other kids while they were performing. Probably too busy taking pictures of James and his fuzz ball, keeping the kids not performing out of the refreshments, and keeping James quiet.

But, they all performed so well! It's so fun to see them learn and enjoy music.

Through all this December madness, as I was driving the kids to a performance, we happened to pass by the temple. As we were driving towards it, Marianne pointed out how beautiful it looked with the sunset. We stopped to capture the moment and take a picture. A good reminder to slow down and remember what's most important. It was a small, but beautiful moment. Thanks, Marianne. :)