Christmas 2013
Dear Family and Friends,
I’ve been delaying writing this Christmas letter, because it’s been such a hum-‐drum year and I was hopingthat something hilarious (yet harmless) would happen to us at the last minute. Sadly, nothing has. Baby announcements are in our rear-‐view mirror, and grandchild announcements are at least a decade away, Lord willing. We managed to stay out of the hospital, no household mishaps, no accidents. In a nutshell, it’s been a pretty boring year – exactly the way I like it!
I might as well do the obligatory child reports: Calvin is 13, in the 8th grade, plays the clarinet, and pretends to not like girls even though he does. Don’t get me wrong – he doesn’t pretend to be gay, he’s just coy about the girl thing. He still participates in the
local children’s theater and he reads a lot, but he doesn’t really have any hobbies. Come to think of it, he’s kind of boring. I don’t mean that in a bad way. Remember, I like boring.
Felix is 10, I think. Maybe 11? I can’t remember. He’s in the 5th grade, in the advanced program, and he tests at the top of that class. His teachers don’t know what to do with him anymore. He plays piano, is in the school orchestra this year trying to play violin, and he’s picking up the drums. I hate overachievers.
Quincy’s more my speed. He just turned 8 and is in 1st grade. He’s the anti-‐Felix – lagging in school, can’t play any instruments, and his teachers don’t know what to do with him anymore, but for different reasons. But he’s, like, the most popular kid in school, even after (or because of?) a full moon that came out twice in the same day. Actually, his development is coming along great, learning to read and write. He has a laid-‐back, clothing optional attitude, which we’re okay with. You know, pick your battles.
Leon turned 6 recently, or so I was told. He’s a very inquisitive and particular child (What’s the speed limit here? How come you’re going 33 when the limit is 30? Shouldn’t you slow down? Why isn’t Quincy wearing any pants?). Let’s be honest, he’s kind of annoying. But he’s sharp as a tack and actually shows some athletic abilities, unlike any of his brothers. We’ll keep an eye on this one – maybe he’ll turn out.
And I see a little girl running around here once in a while. She doesn’t pay me much attention, but Connie swears she’s ours. The kids call her Dorothy, and she looks 3-‐ish. Apparently she digs anything pink and/or princess-‐y because that’s what I always see her wearing.
Connie is doing great as usual. She was elected to a second term as PTO president at Quincy and Leon’s school. The vote was actually 10-‐1 in her favor – unfortunately I wasn’t able to garner any additional support for the anti-‐Connie camp. And she still works in the primary at Church, helps in the kids’ school classes, and does all the other busy-‐mom stuff.
I’m actually doing quite well for a change. No surgeries or kidney stones or any other problems – at least that I know about. Really, I have no complaints, except for all the stuff I complain about every day.
Take care and have a wonderful Christmas season. Here’s to hoping for a boring 2014.
The Jacob Family