Rainy Morning

May Days

Sat, 30 May 2026 15:42:58 -0600

Friends over to work on a school project

The dango did not "sell" well , but I had fun making it with Sam!

Watching Newsies, the next spring musical for Jack's school

quick break selfie

I finished the Barcelona yarn socks!

Jack and Scarlet at Lakeside Amusement parks "Goth Takeover" Day

Warm weather is mostly here, swamp cooler time!

Memorial day pulled pork

corrrrrrrn

We invited Sam's friends to twice weekly summer DnD "open house." Despite most families traveling, he had a good group on the first day of summer vacation! They made characters and even started the campaign.

Jack's 16th Birthday

Sat, 30 May 2026 15:25:23 -0600

Thursday was the last day of school AND Jack's birthday! He got to sleep in, then walked to school for his last final, which was a titration lab for chemistry. Not too stressful, and he got to work a few of his friends. Then I drove him and his girlfriend to their lunch date at Red Robin.

When Sam got home from his last day of seventh grade we gathered for present opening! Later we walked down to Asuka for dinner. We did the song and candles for cake, then I took Jack to Charlie's house for his annual "book burning" end of school celebration. What a fun day!

Musical and Mother's Day

Sun, 10 May 2026 20:53:40 -0600

This week the middle school performed You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown. I attended the matinee for elementary students and the closing show on Saturday. There were difficulties with the high school reneging on letting us use their auditorium, which caused a lot of stress and radical changes by the directors. Despite all that the kids did a great job and the show was well-received!

Last minute run-through/warm-up

My folks came out to see the show and we also celebrated Mother's Day. We visited Giambrocco's Saturday morning and got a lovely selection of baby plants! I got two new agastaches and a russian sage, and some fruits and veggie starters. We tried a new Italian restaurant and picnicked at the Arvada Center. It was funny to see the kids still excited about climbing the dragon sculpture. Then we went to the musical and gabbed at Amanda's house over take-out. This morning I made brunch and we exchanged gifts. The boys bought me gorgeous roses and Jack gave me a handmade card. Ben found some great leg massagers for treat my sore muscles after nursing shifts. He also made a delectable steak dinner.

Snow Day in May

Wed, 06 May 2026 22:06:36 -0600

The school district generously declared a snow day on this late May 6. We got a wet, heavy storm. Most of our trees lost limbs, the Ash severely so. I baked frozen croissants for breakfast. I had a massage therapy appointment (oof, my hips are so tight!). The boys enjoyed a lazy day at home with video games and lots of snacking. We got notice that Jack's final concert of the year would proceed as planned. He performed wonderfully, as usual!

Jack's play: Our Place

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 16:55:56 -0600

Jack debuted as an actor this week in the senior-directed one act play "Our Place." He had a lot of fun in this new theatrical setting - learning lines, taking direction, costumes fitting, make-up, everything! He did a great job and had a lot of fun with the process.

Two parts!

Sam is still working on knitting skills

Pokemon

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 16:50:06 -0600

Those pokemon are back in vogue at the Mason household. I briefly played Pokopia (too immersive and work-like for me). Jack is back into card collecting. He practices driving by going to different stores checking stock. He was super psyched when he got two packs from Barnes & Noble. I had to wait for him to calm down so he could focus on driving on I70 for the first time afterward. Then at home he had Sam film an unboxing ("unpacking?" "reveal?") video.

Twice Concert in Denver

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 16:43:49 -0600

I was flabbergasted when Twice announced their world tour stops and Denver was on the list! We never get big-name groups! Ben is a total Twice fan, a "Once" and I told him we HAVE to go. Not only that, our friends the Walkers have daughter who is also a Once. We tempted them with a Denver visit and they took the bait! We had a great time catching up - our kids have grown so much! The concert was fantastic. Daehyun and Chaeyoung were out on health leave, but the other seven delivered. Of course Jihyo stole the show! She's sincerely the best. I'm glad Momo was there too, since she is Opal's favorite member.

Betty's 80th Birthday

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 16:14:54 -0600

Betty turned 80 years old this year! We came over for the weekend to celebrate. We had great food and a chocolate cake. She and the boys played the newest engrossing game, Pokopia. Of course, we got to visit with the Waterhouses and Sulei too.

Jack was enchanted by her jewelry box

He inherited some pretty pieces

Exploring the basement

This beast might come to life this summer

Learning to use a typewriter

Having a go at our old stilts!

The goodest boy

Sam's typing results

Pit stop in Glenwood Springs

More Cello performances

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 16:07:43 -0600

Jack is a busy dude! At the same time as Big Fish he had a concert for Chamber orchestra. Here are some pictures from that show and unwinding afterward.

Then he also performed twice with the school's choir at a special concert downtown. I didn't attend, but a friend kindly sent video, and the school insta shared some photos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V26qGJ4om38

Jack's California trip

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 16:01:45 -0600

Jack went on a school trip to California over spring break. The performing arts (theater, choir, orchestra, band) were all invited for a trip to Hollywood to see Beetlejuice with a Q&A session, to Universal Studios, and to Disneyland, including a learning session at the Disney Academy. He had a total blast. I don't have much to say, I'm just going to dump in some of his photos. Sorry these are in reverse order!

Big Fish Pit Orchestra

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 15:24:34 -0600

For the SECOND musical of the year, Jack performed in the pit orchestra for Big Fish. He was bummed to be back in the "black pit" but he still had a great time.

Keychains I made for Pit

(I made Spelling Bee gifts too...I don't know where the pic ended up)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JRXwkWJX1g

Jan - Mar Pictures

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 15:10:58 -0600

Here's some day-to-day photos from the first quarter of the year. (Yeah, as you can tell I've been super slacked about posting. My shift put me on day call so I'm trying to use this bonus time to catch-up).

Sam got braces!!!

Ben found this Seventeen tteokbokki! Had to buy.

Potstickers are a current favorite "easy" dinner

Chocolate cherry cookies

I dunno why I took this picture, but it's a true slice o' life

Crow feeding

I decided to time my blood donations with Enhypen releases after their campaign in SK (with record-setting results) Now I can start iron-supplements when the teasers start.

They were arguing about whether it was cold.

Walking to with sleeves up to make a point

I love having boys to help with snow

So many layers for dance warm-up

Strange creatures leaving prints....

I love my Witch Watch mug

Teamwork in the snow deserves cocoa

well-earned

Sam took a pic at D&D club

Almond cake with the last frozen raspberries from my garden last summer

Sam managed to take an epic terrible photo 😂

Trying out Somi Somi with kids and Jack's girlfriend

I made protest Melt the ICE hats for us

Sam wanted to learn to knit

Jack joined in too

Milano cookie dupes. Pretty yummy!

Crow friends

Jack had to help me catch the legendary fish in Stardew.

These mint brownies were amazing- I made them twice!

Treats from my Saturday Zumba for Valentine's Day

All dressed up for a Valentine's Date

We went to a Korean spot in Boulder

Jack and Scarlet went to Olde Town for Valentine's

Nostalgic goulash dinner

Fluffy crow friend

I finished this birthday puzzle in just a couple days, fun!

Strawberry tres leches cupcakes for tech week - redemption for my weak lemon bars

Work break selfie

Freddy's first bath!

I spotted a bald eagle on the way to Boulder

Majestic!

Dressed up for the Enhypen concert-movie

Engenes brought snacks to share, kpop fans are the best

dinner hello from home while I'm at work

Sam has mastered making onigiri bowls for lunch

cats are big fans

My new crab-apple was stunning!

Ben's night to cook, tasty!

Look at that beautiful parking job! We'd been working hard on that and I made him come out for photo documentation

More Home Repairs

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 14:43:47 -0600

It feels like there's always something breaking or something I want improved about the house. At least this toilet leak was a one-day job. Then I opened up our bathroom exhaust fan. There's a flapper valve that taps whenever wind blows over the top and the noise was driving me crazy all year. It took a long time to figure out how to gain access to the flapper, then it was fairly easy fix to add padding. Another long time to wrestle everything back in place, and ta-da! Silent bathroom!

Sam's Science Fair

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 14:23:07 -0600

Sam participated in his school's Science Fair as a seventh grader. He wanted to study the best regions to pet cats. We solicited many friends and family to gather data for his research. I helped with with the study design and Ben help with the graphs. He put together a fantastic project board and did a great job presenting at the fair. The science teachers gave him great feedback during the fair. Days later he was surprised to receive an award for "winning" the fair! Way to go, Sam!!

Jack's Driving Permit

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 14:17:08 -0600

Jack got his driver's permit in January and has been doing great! The first few weeks were a little wobbly, but now he has a good feel for driving around our neighborhood. We're slowly adding in driving on the freeway and working on endurance and focus. Ben is a great teacher! He seemed to really enjoy being a driving instructor. The pictures are of his first time behind the wheel, and the first time I rode with him.

My 44th birthday

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 14:13:05 -0600

I wanted a no-stress easy birthday this year. My regular massage therapist had to reschedule, but Ben whipped up a full spa treatment at home that soothed my muscles and made me laugh at his commitment to the bit. We had lunch out at a local chinese restaurant. For dinner I ordered a generous amount of meats from my favorite barbecue joint. The kids were big fans of this dinner, I might make it a tradition. I made lemon squares for dessert and they didn't turn out good. I don't know what I did wrong! The base was squidgy and the curd was too tart and not flavorful. Ah well, most of my other bakes turn out great and I've been a baking a lot this year.

New Year's Eve and Ben's Birthday

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 13:54:21 -0600

Once again Ben found a feed of the Japanese New Year's program Kōhaku Uta Gassen. It has musical performances from K-pop and J-pop groups as well as kooky cultural traditions and shout-outs from different regions of the country. Sam got to hang out with us while Jack went to a sleepover.

&TEAM! I'm going to see them at KCON LA this year!

Dandadan theme song stage was killer

It's hard to stay up until midnight...didn't make it...

The next day was a simple celebration at home for Ben's 45th birthday. I tried to make Miyeok-guk, the traditional Korean birthday seaweed soup. It was not great. Not sure if I messed it up or it's more of an acquired taste. Ben has really gotten into cooking over the past couple years and his skills with Asian flavors and techniques surpasses mine. I don't have a picture, but I think I made his usual Italian Cream cake for dessert. It was a pleasant, relaxed day at home together.

Christmas 2025

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 13:39:18 -0600

Annual Christmas portrait

Cat outtakes

We were decorating cookies when the Waterhouses arrived!

Sam wanted a punch bowl for our gathering

Puzzle completed!

Thanksgiving 2025

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 13:02:53 -0600

My assigned winter holiday shift was Thanksgiving this year. I decided to celebrate at home the day prior, so we had a traditional full dinner on Wednesday!

Started the day with chicory and pain au chocolat

My deviled egg apprentice

The crows came for peanuts again

My turkey apprentice

Puzzles and video games!

The bird roasted beautifully!

Cat-proof bird fortress

Annual Mario Kart tournament,
Jack placed 1st and Sam 2nd

Delicious plateful on Wednesday at home

Delicious leftovers on Thursday in the breakroom.

It totally warmed my heart at work to received this video and picture of the Christmas tree being set up.

November & December Pictures

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 12:44:47 -0600

Here's some daily life pics from Nov-Dec 2025. Somehow they got mixed up in order, so never mind that! I'm trying to catch up on a lot of journalling and I can't be bothered!

Jack got his ears pierced!

Same place where I did my helix - Tribal Rites in Westminster.

Ben made friends with some crows! They were visiting daily for a while.

Cats and sunbeams

Date night: Bulgogi in Aurora

First snow!

(Sam had a cold)

First snow waffles!

Shopping for a new bow

Paella like I had in Barcelona. It turned out good!

Ikea buns and chicory coffee and ballet

We caught one of the northern lights at home!

There were a few chances to see them this fall, this one was the best

Jack showing off his woodshop creation

Butter dish & spreader, that I'm not allowed to use 😂

I got into Stardew again.

Family holiday movie night, Die Hard edition

Holiday Collage performance

Fish and rice brings out the cats!

Sam did some geocache hunting

Cardboard armor construction

Eating bananas with the peel ON

I finished the socks with yarn purchased in Ginza

I made caramels

I can't remember what Sam and I made, probably cookies

Chimney cap blew off.

Sweaty dance selfie

Watching the Cats Musical and knitting my Barcelona yarn socks.

Cozy cuties