Christmas 2011

Mother's Day

I just got back from a conference in Raleigh last night.  Aron picked me up from the airport with the kids late at night.  Jackson insisted on going with Aron to pick me up and swore he would not fall asleep before it was time to leave.  This was about 10:50.  At 11:00 Aron went to get the boys to leave and both were sound asleep in bed.  Lucky for me he brought them all snug in thier robes with pillows and blankets in the back seat.  I was so happy to see everyone and be back.  The next morning, Mother's Day, the kids made me a breakfast of bacon, eggs and pancakes. I opened cards from Aron and the kids and presents of flowers and candy. They wanted to take me rafting, but it wasn't that hot of a day and the water is still very cold so I suggested going to the river.  It was a beautiful and sunny day.  We took the dog since she' a mother also.  After that, my boys accompanied me to see The Avengers.  What a great movie even when you sit only four rows back and the left.  What a great family.

Update

What have the boys been up to:

Jackson has found a new thing he's good at which is running.  He's one of the fastest kids at school.  He can run a mile in 7 min 29 sec.  He's been in two races so far, the Zoo Zoom and Loop the Lagoon.   He got first place in the Zoom and second in the Loop.  A kid a foot taller raced past him as they approached the finish line.  He also participated in track and field this year with his buddy Alex.  He's a natural, like a gazelle, on the longer runs. He also participated in basketball for first time.  It was a good season.  He made a basket or two.  He and his girlfriend Stella hung out one day.  They picked oranges, juiced them and sold glasses for a quarter to the neighbors. He's also been testing out some recipes from his cookbook.  He made spaghetti and meatballs that were fantastic.  I could get used to this!  Speaking of cooking, as a part of our low carb diet, Aron and I made a dinner of fresh cod with a fennel and orange salad which to my surprise both the kids loved.  Who knew?

Jacob has been busy with school and preparing for his Shakespeare play.  It took me all year to talk him into trying out for a part and when he did he got the role of Puck in "A Mid Summer Nights Dream".  It was a lot of hard work. In case you don't know, Puck is a major character in the play and is a mischievous spirit. Jacob had the mischievous  part but not the light on your feet spirit part. His teacher asked for a twirl during the performance, just one, but he wouldn't do it.  It was just too girly.  Next year he'll be going to Junior High and taking algebra and advanced science.  Math is his favorite (and Jackson's).  They can do it with no effort at all.  He also participated in basketball.  His coach wasn't very good.  All he did was teach the best kids to hog ball so I'm not sure Jacob learned a lot.  He's so big now and strong.  He can finally lift me off the ground. 

 Can't imagine anything going wrong with Aron teaching the boys how to wrestle.  That is until Jacob puts Jackson in a head lock during a disagreement. 

 Easter- the boys take everything out of their baskets to examine their loot more carefully.

Cake pops not so easy to make- cake truffles now that's my speed.  Thought it would be fun to have some kids over to make bunny cake pops with some of the kids friends.  Not so fun as it turns out.  The kids made a huge mess, ate till they were full and got bored quickly.  I need a drink!Cake pops not so easy to make- cake truffles now that's my speed. Thought it would be fun to have some kids over to make bunny cake pops with some of the kids friends. Not so fun as it turns out. The kids made a huge mess, ate till they were full and got bored quickly. I need a drink!