Christmas 2019

This year I officially suck … I didn't send out Christmas Cards at all and here it is, December 24th and I'm just sitting down to think about a possible Christmas Letter. I mean, what can I say? Life happens. I would be lying if I said that 2019 was anything short of a struggle fest. And no matter the amount of pre-preparation I do, I still have more to accomplish. Maybe I just set myself up with high expectations. Now I'm realizing, this could all be my fault. 

Lou had some big changes happen at work which in many aspects has been really good. However, he has been a permanent fixture at work, which then leads me to try and single parent through middle and high school drama. I'm sure not happy about the changes as I really don't think he is either. But we managed to make it this far... 

We have made an effort to try to spend more time together recently … hopefully that will help to get us all back to a comfortable situation, instead of trying to struggle through each week. We did participate in the Tough Mudder again, in Littleton -- which wasn't necessarily our favorite, but it did lend an opportunity for the kids to join us. Brooke, sadly had to sit this one out as she had sprained her foot in a Poms incident. And I'm not sure why I don't have one. single. picture. from that day.

Brooke and Tyler at the piano recital … Tyler was the only on to participate … Brooke didn't quite have her song good enough so she took the year off. 

Mexico -- by far my favorite picture of the year.

Some of our travel this year included Mexico in January (If we didn't go on this trip every year I think my kids would have severe melt down) July we went to Beavercreek and Steamboat, a soccer filled weekend in Vail in October and a weekend in Steamboat in November. Our travel was minimal this year, but hopefully we can make up for that in 2020.

Before the bike ride at the top of Vail Pass -- I love Colorado and all its beauty

Strawberry Springs in Steamboat

I have started playing soccer, in addition to working, running, helping out the soccer and Poms team, book club and trying to be the most supportive mom I can. I'm really not a great soccer player, but it allows me to get some exercise while hanging around a bunch of great ladies. The book club ladies (who are also wonderful) have encouraged me to read books I would never pick up on my own which is sometimes really fun and other times not so much. The people I've been working with have been great and it sure is funny how grumpy we all get when we see each other too much.  

Brooke -- has acquired two part time jobs in addition to track, cross country, poms, student council, junior class vice president, explorers, piano and a full class load. I think she has to fill up every single minute of every single day. She took me on her first college visit this year which was exciting and fun and emotionally crushing (for me). She is literally still my little baby and I'm certainly not very excited about her going away somewhere. She is ready, and shooting for the stars. Brooke got her license this year, which has been great for my driving situation, maybe not so great for my pocket book. I do miss our car ride conversations but I like that she can take herself to school and practice and whatever other place she has to be. Brooke joined the Arvada Explorer's program which is through the Arvada Police Department, they learn all the police lingo and what to do in certain situations and all other police things that I don't know about. They go on ride alongs quite often which shows Brooke that the stories you hear and real people … Child abuse and Sex trafficking are all very real things... even in Arvada. After Brooke's injury she was able to bounce back in both Poms and Cross Country very well. Brooke qualified for the regionals team in cross country which can be very humbling but a great experience. In Poms Brooke has been forced to help out and become more of a leader. Some people just don't want to put in the work that it takes to be successful which makes others on the team crazy. The Poms team did qualify for Nationals which will be a good experience for the team.  

During Brooke's college visit she got to experience some of the different programs first hand

The joke around the Poms team -- after every game Brooke has to get a picture with her 'boyfriend.' Too bad its her cousin. 

16th birthday fun

Academic Letter Day

These two girls have gotten so close this season, it makes my heart happy to see them laughing.

Brooke's running camp

Tyler -- has trudged through yet another school year. I think they call it 'insanity' -- right -- when you do the same thing over and over but expect different results? Every new school year I say, I'm going to be proactive and do this so that we don't have that problem … well every year something else pops up. I think I have said since Tyler was in second grade, when we get to this grade things will get better, when we get this teacher things will be better. I'm still waiting for things to get better. To give accolades where they are due, he does have a couple teachers this year that have been especially helpful and for that I will forever be grateful. In addition to school Tyler is still playing soccer and besides learning the game he continues to learn how to work with impossible people -- you know, the ones that yell at you for doing something, yet they do the exact same thing? -- he has made some really great friends, though and had some coaches that have been phenomenal. I love to watch him with his buddies and be silly and have fun. I love to watch his love and knowledge of the game translate on the field and I love to hear when he is proud of himself for this save, or that play. Tyler plays the piano still and amazes me how he continues to make progress on his songs. I don't ever get to hear the piano when I'm home, maybe that means I should be home more. Over the summer Tyler worked at Lou's shop to try and help out and also found several lawns in the neighborhood to mow. He really has made a name for himself on the mowing thing to the point where he was going to loose it if he had to tell someone no. Finally, at the end of the season he also was certified to start to ref soccer games. I'm not really sure how this works out in my favor because now I'm watching more soccer. We have all seen videos of crazy parents going after the officials. I figure they would be less likely if there is a parent right there. 

The Steamboat Tournament ...

Tyler and his buddy … very serious business over a bottle of root beer

My whole heart right here.

Contemplation with the coach … how do we improve?

Nothing quite like soaking sore feet in the river with the soccer buddies. The fish probably all cried a little with the stench... 

All in all the Krapes family is healthy and happy and looking forward to the hopes and changes brought from the New Year! Wishing you and your family the happiest of Holidays!