Christmas 2018

These family pictures are so silly … on our way to Mexico last January... 

It is that time of year where I only have a million things to do but I'm not feeling motivated... So here I sit thinking about writing my annual Christmas Letter. As I think back over 2018 I think we had some positive growth -- you know moving in a direction that is mostly positive... I mean we had to have a few glitches and disappointments along the way but in the end when you look back there was a bigger plan. The kids have been keeping us busy and Lou and I choose to work an excessive amount, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I mean what is it like to have time to actually watch TV instead of having it on in the background? And soon enough the kids will decide they are way too cool to hang out with us … Until then I will suffer through every single freezing football and soccer game, run (in flip flops) to watch a cross country meet and listen to crazy parents yell at refs and coaches get frustrated. I have to admit it has been very entertaining. I mean, who would have thought putting a Poms coach in a square box while they watch their dancers perform could be entertaining? I digress …

Tyler and I enjoyed a Bronco game -- too bad the Bronco's are terrible this year. 

Tyler, this year my boy has grown … not only physically (he is currently as tall as me) but also academically. Like I have said in every Christmas Letter I have written, Tyler always has to push the envelope, make the schools think a little harder, have teachers take him in and make him focus. This year was really no different, except he had to spend most of his summer break taking Algebra. In my honest 'mom' opinion I actually thought it was really good for him because he was keeping it all fresh in his mind. Tyler, on the other hand, thought it was terrible. Last spring he was entered into a MathCon competition with students 1-2 years older than him across the nation and he placed in the top 10%. He didn't think this was a big deal, but I did. Tyler is still playing soccer in what has turned into a year round sport. Lou and I enjoy watching him play even if we are blown away, hailed on or sunburned. Tyler still loves the goal keepers position and it has been equated to being the Kicker's mom on the football team. Everyone knows when your kid messes up. We have met some great people through Tyler's love of soccer and I'm thankful for that. Tyler is still playing the piano, must be through osmosis because I don't hear him play very often … he says he practices when he gets home from school … Not really sure about that. Finally, because we aren't busy enough, Tyler joined the school track team. He said he joined it for the 'throwing' part, which is great … sure is funny though when he says he practiced with the sprinters. All in all Tyler is my 'Switzerland.' As in, I believe everyone likes him, he knows when to say something and when to keep his mouth shut. He seems to be everyone's friend... All great qualities, I think.

Tyler and some of his soccer buddies.

Tyler was bummed this day because we didn't allow him to hike far … He only had a few soccer games to play later.

These pictures are so hard to come by these days.

Tyler and some of his school buddies -- the last day of Elementary School... Funny I don't even miss not having an elementary age kid … 

Another group of Tyler's buddies. The only good pictures I get of the kid are when his friends are around. 

 This could be Tyler … After every game the first question I get is 'Did I earn my ice cream?' 

Brooke on one of our hiking trips

Brooke … I actually don't even know where to start with this girl. Since she has hit high school she has astonished us with both her determination and dream setting/goal oriented attitude. Brooke joined the track team in the Spring... we will say she didn't have a fantastic year but she made progress. She then joined the Cross Country team in the Fall and she persevered through injury, friend drama, dual sporting to take over 6 minutes off her 5K time... I was amazed and I feel like she impressed most people that saw her. Last spring Brooke also applied for a position with the FBI to go to Quantico for a week. Unfortunately she finished second in the running but it opened up so many other opportunities that she has followed through on. She has done several Academy's on Crime Scene Investigations and various simulations that she has enjoyed. Brooke was also sent to Washington D.C to compete in a Moot Court competition courtesy of a Colorado Supreme Court Justice. My mom and I also had to join Brooke to see what that whole thing was all about. In other school life Brooke made the Varsity Poms (Dance) team which has encouraged her to love hip-hop … a vast difference from her Ballet upbringing. From the sports to academics the coaches and administration have recognized Brooke numerous different ways for her accomplishments. The dual sporting almost sent Brooke to her breaking point. There were days she was at school for 13 hours per day only to come home to homework and other chores. At the end of the cross country season she said … "you know mom, I'll do it again, it wasn't that bad." Brooke is still taking Jazz and Ballet classes at a 'real' studio (her words) and absolutely loves her teachers (hence why we drive 45 min one way). Finally Brooke is also still playing the piano, although I think the teacher is a bit more of a counselor than working on piano skills. I'm actually ok with it, as long as Brooke is working through her issues with someone.

How could I forget? Brooke got her Driver's Permit this year... It has been fun and terrifying teaching a kid how to drive in Denver traffic.

On our trip to Washington DC the Supreme Court Justice set up a tour of the US Supreme Court... so fun!

In DC during some off time.

Brooke and Griffee were the only 2 from Pomona offered the spot to go to Nationals. 

Brooke's cross country coach knows her so well.

Brooke and her friends with their Academic P's

You know, it is really cute that Brooke's old dance friends are wearing school uniforms and Brooke is trying to pull of the 'thug life.' I love seeing that these girls still take time for each other even though their paths have all gone different directions.

The 'competition team' on the day of the State Competition.

As for Lou and I, I can't say there are many exciting changes for us. We still are working in the same places, occasionally we go run together, about every 6 months we find time for a date night but then look at each other because we don't know what to say. Last January we spent a week in Mexico enjoying the sun, the beach, hiking, dreaming about owning the beautiful houses. Lou and I participated in the Tough Mudder again for the 4th year in a row. This year was a little crazy as a hail storm came through as we were finishing. Tyler's soccer team had us travel to Steamboat for a fun few soccer filled days but beyond that we stayed in town. We managed to find some fun adventures along the way … the Ninja Warrior course in October, The Hot Chocolate Race also in October, Daughtry concert just recently

The Daughtry concert was at the Paramount Theater which is a very old, but  very cool venue. Would love to go back there. Just noticing the creepy lady in the background … I have no words.

Our Tough Mudder team. I love us!

While in Mexico one must sample all the different flavors of margaritas. 

   

What Are Some Things That Are Making You Happy?

You know, it isn't often that I sit down to write a post... I mean, I think I average maybe two posts a year. So when I do I would like to write down the good things that are happening, the things I've learned, how I've been forced to see another side or grow as a person. I have had a VERY challenging month personally but I don't want to remember that so I'm going to try and keep this about all the glimpses of light as of recently.

School started, as we all know … this year I have a sophomore who thinks she needs me, but really doesn't. Its fine though, I love that I know her world still... I love that she tells me every word said in her group at lunch and every assignment that she has to do. I mean I really don't care about the meaningless things ('so and so wouldn't let me sit in the shade today') but I absolutely love that she wants me to be in the loop and try to help her through her situations. I also love that she tries to deal with each situation on her own before crying to me about it. This year I also have a 7th grader who doesn't need me and doesn't even act like he needs me. It literally feels like an interrogation every single day after school to find out how his day was.

I was thinking that I can brag about my kids … I mean I really love all the positive things they are doing... but I'm sure I'll need something to write about in the Christmas letter so I'm going to hold myself back. But you know what I'm going to brag about? The schools... yes you read that right. It isn't often that I get the chance to praise schools as a whole (I mean the two my kids are at) so I'm going to do it... I have spent the better part of 10 years struggling to be happy with the situations that my kids are in and although I know it is only October I am truly happy and forever grateful for the places my kids are.

I'm going to start with the middle school, because lets be honest … not many people like middle schools -- I mean, when I was a student there I hated it, when Brooke was there I didn't love it, I assume if you are a staff member at a middle school there is a certain amount of a love/hate situation going on. Tyler is VERY good at throwing everyone for a loop -- Not really on purpose. This all started last year when he was put in a more challenging class and his teacher was saying 'Tyler doesn't belong in my class, Tyler should be teaching it.' It took a while but finally they got him in a class he should be in. So aside from making huge accommodations for Tyler most of his teachers have opened up a side to Tyler that all of us having been waiting for. They are spending lots of time with kids, getting them out of their shells to find out what they know, what they don't … where they can help them. I know there are many kids at the middle school that are trying to figure out where they belong and maybe along that journey are making choices that are not good ones. I'm happy that I'm not brainstorming with the school ways to get my kid back on track but I'm equally amazed that they have taken the time to work with those kids as well as the ones on the straight pathway. So... to all you internet trolls out there … I couldn't be happier with Moore Middle School...

I'm going to finish with the high school... I remember being in high school... at the time my main focus was to do everything I could to get out of there as soon as I could … AND that is exactly what I did... so forgive me if there were programs like the ones I'm going to describe and I was too focused to see them, but I also really just think things have changed … or Pomona is a needle in a haystack. The sheer amount of positive vibes that emulates from Pomona is astounding. And these are all programs that my kids are not even apart of (remember, I'm saving those posts for Christmas). Last year at a boys basketball game against the across town rival Pomona put in one of their 'Unified' players and the whole gym (student body, players, coaches, parents) cheered with tears in their eyes as the boy scored his first basket. As in the modern era -- someone videoed the play and sent it in to 9News, it was featured on the local news which isn't really the point. The point is that every person in the gym that night was pulling for the boy with down syndrome to be the star. The acceptance and opportunities I see for all of the students including the programs designed for disabled warms my heart and gives me hope for this world. Just the other day Pomona was again featured on 9News because one of the clubs organized a '10-10 I care day' which just says you do something nice for someone 10 times through the day... I mean how great is it when someone recognizes your efforts? I know that it doesn't happen nearly enough! Brooke said everyone from the counselors to the students to the admin staff were getting little notes, cups of coffee and all kinds of things through out the day. In reality the things being taught are things that are above and beyond the tested curriculum, they are real life lessons that people should know. And I feel is missed far too often.

So kudos going out to the schools today … and to the teachers/coaches that care and go the extra mile more often than not. I could not be happier...

End of the Year Thoughts

So almost a year ago I wrote a post about Brooke turning 14... It doesn't feel like a year ago, it feels like a month or so ago. Well now Brooke is making plans to get her permit. I just want to ask WHO THE HECK THINKS THIS IS A GOOD IDEA? Because it isn't me. You see, I don't mind having a crazy schedule and figuring out transportation. I mean, I mind, but not that much... You want to know why? Sometimes those drives to dance, soccer, school whatever are the most informative drives you will ever have. The kids open up in the car, they tell you stuff and you get a glimpse into the real person.

Mmmmm -- Well I started writing that only about 2 months ago ... I guess I suck at this whole blogging thing.

I logged on here today to write down my thoughts as the school year comes to an end. I meant to write about good things and maybe some struggles. Hoping to write down memories so in a few years when the kids start graduating I can use this as reminders. Well, now I just find myself a little sad. Sad that I only have 3 more years until my oldest graduates, goes out into this giant world and I'm sure does great things. Which then means 6 years until my youngest graduates. 6 more years and then I won't have to call schools, teachers, admin about why he is sitting in the back of the class eating his stupid chips, why they aren't worried about challenging him or pushing him to his top potential. 6 more years of figuring out crazy but worthwhile schedules. Only 3 more dance recitals and 6 more piano recitals ... I mean, I don't even know...


As for my thoughts -- As in typical Brooke fashion, she went into Pomona and made a name for herself. I mean, not like some of the big deal athletes who letter the first day out or whatever, but in academics (where it honestly counts the most). She got involved, both with things I knew about and things I didn't. She set a goal and met those goals... Not without struggle and tears and some failures. She caught the eye of the FBI and a Colorado Supreme Court Justice (all for positive things I promise). She figured out ways to challenge herself and have fun. She found and then lost a first boyfriend. She learned about dances, and crushes, and mean girls, and teachers she didn't get along with and I'm proud to say she has lived through it all and managed to learn and grow along the way. Pomona has been good for Brooke and I would like to think that most people would says that Brooke has been good for Pomona...

Brooke -- During her Moot Court Trip to Washington D.C

Tyler -- well as in typical Tyler fashion, we struggled a bit... we struggled with communication and with people following through on their end. We struggled with behavior kids in his class and Tyler having low tolerance for them. We struggled on learning how to work with his teacher(s) and we struggled with final decisions. But we learned a bunch. And Tyler was still able to have fun, to form a great group of friends, to learn and grow as a person. Tyler also found himself opportunities (not always knowingly) to challenge himself. He got involved with things that help the community and found himself enjoying it. He learned to be a stronger leader and after some struggle moments he learned that making good decisions is way better than dealing with the consequences of bad decisions. As he moves on from the elementary school I can only hope that the middle school does better in challenging him, they do better with the behavior issues and that Tyler does better to push himself instead of hoping someone pushes him.

Tyler was in the top 8 7th/8th graders for a MathCon competition. Tyler is only in 6th grade.

As a parent this year I have learned that every kid will get through a school year and by default they will learn. Sometimes the road to end is a bit windier than another person and with my kids I have learned that while one takes the straight road, the other maybe takes 2 steps forward and 1 step back. I'm thinking this is why I have two children... completely opposite ... to teach me to change and adapt.

As a parent ending my tenure as an elementary school parent I find myself wondering a bit how I got here. 10 years ago when it all started I never was able to imagine being in this position. I'm a little sad that my kids are older, but as with all things, we change and grow and realize that we no longer belong here. Moving past the sadness I'm excited for my kids and their new opportunities and challenges.

Annual Christmas Letter 2017

On the radio the other morning there was a big conversation about how people don't read, or don't want to read people's 'sugar coated - my life is better than yours' Christmas Letters and usually they get thrown in the trash. Well thank goodness for the electronic version, not wasting any paper and if you don't want to read it, would you have really gotten this far? My guess is no. But I promise you, this won't be some 'sugar coated -- my life is better than yours' letter. I know that we have many of the same struggles that you have -- not enough sleep, enough money, enough family time, or any time for that matter, not enough positive all the way around. I like to focus on the positive up-lifting things that have happened and try to create more of those moments. But I know there are always hiccups along the way...

2017 has been filled with a little travel, a little soccer, a little dance, some transitions into different schools, some friend drama, some boy drama and many 'pep talks' to just get through the week. All in all, we are good, healthy and excited for things still to come, but enjoying life's journey right where we are.

We took the kids to their first concert at Red Rocks... Lets just say my kids live in one giant bubble and concert going is not inside that bubble 

 

Tyler -- after winning a tournament (in the freezing rain) and playing shut out goalie.

 

My not so little Ty-Guy ... is now 11, technically in the 6th grade and still playing soccer and the Piano. I tell you, if I didn't have Tyler I would think the school system is fantastic, I'm pretty sure I have said this since the day he started school. I felt like 5th grade was fantastic, we had a teacher that understood Tyler, knew how to get him to do what she needed and encourage learning in a 'round about' way that Tyler didn't know he was learning. We had a principal that had been trained in 'Tyler' and 'Tyler's mom' so everyone knew what everyone needed to be successful. 6th grade came with new teacher, new principal and no one trained in 'Tyler.' If there weren't so many other factors I may have looked deeper into other schooling options than what we are doing, but alas! Tyler is happy with his friends and he is learning, and that is why you go to school I guess. Is he learning up to his potential? Probably not. Are we making daily sacrifices for Tyler to be in the schedule he is in? Every Single Day! And that is probably why we are a little more frustrated than normal. I'm hoping at this point we have most of the bugs worked out so that second semester at school can go much smoother. Besides school... Tyler is still playing the piano with Ms. Brown. They work so well together and I know the effort on Tyler's part isn't great but there is still progress. Soccer is going well, Tyler (and his parents) love the coach and love the he found something that keeps him active and happy. Since the new season came and the team was split apart there have been a few learning curves with the new group of boys but all good stuff. Ty loves to play goalie and in the process, I have become a better 'goalie mom' -- my pacing along the sideline has slowed down considerably. He has also been moved to a few other positions around the field that he is very happy to play. Lou and Tyler also joined the school on a fantastic trip to Washington D.C. Tyler still talks about some of the sites they say and how much fun they had. I was sorry to stay home, however, sometimes I have to let Lou be with the kids. 

 

Tyler didn't really 'want' to dress up for Halloween, but decided because they were going to the "old people home" at school that he should be festive ... so he chose to be ORANGE ... Lucky for us, Tyler's closet is also orange... it worked out.

Lou and Tyler in front of the White House...

 

This is how these two pretend to act -- you know all loving and kind

This is a closer depiction of real life

Piano recital day -- Brooke is smiling because her giant wedges make her taller than Tyler.

 

 

 

My dear Brookie -- she is now 14, going on 18. She has been my source of friend drama, boy drama, pep talks ... pretty much the typical teenage girl that tells me EVERYTHING. I had forgotten how big of deal some things are when you are 14 and in high school. I don't know how this happened; like they let her graduate from middle school and stuff, but here we are ... Middle school for Brooke was a bit of a game to see what she could get the teachers to do for her. From my perspective she was successful in that none of the teachers wanted her to leave. High School, so far, in the academic department has been much of the same. I couldn't be happier that we are on this side of the academic challenges, instead of one where I need to beg her to do her work. Brooke joined the High School Poms (dance) team and at first really had a difficult time. The coach was terrible (I was going to try and sugar coat that and say something nicer, but then remembered I wouldn't sugar coat...) And after many months on enduring the coach's abusive behavior and a few hard conversations, things finally changed. Life has been better since in that department. As every teenage girl since the beginning of time there was friend drama (you know, she blinked at me wrong or gave me a funny face when I said something) and then there was some times when there really was some mean things said but seems to have smoothed out now. Brooke is also still playing the piano, although some weeks I'm sure the piano teacher is more of a counselor than a piano teacher, but its alright ... as long as she is happy. Brooke has taken the 'be involved' suggestion at the high school very seriously, between the Poms team, Mock trial, track and student counsel I'm not really sure where she finds time for other things, but she does. We are still driving to Evergreen twice a week for her to take 'real dance classes' and she still manages to have a social life. If you ask Brooke, high school is just 'whatever' and life is 'alright' but from my perspective she is pretty spoiled and has things pretty easy.

 

This is the first year that Brooke and Anthony (my nephew) have gone to the same school -- and so far they are doing great!

Homecoming -- these 3 seem to be really close this year.

One of Brooke's first Poms Performances

 

As for Lou -- He turned 40 this year ... I took him on a surprise trip to San Francisco and the Napa Valley ... he liked Napa way better than San Francisco and we came home members of a Wine Club ... Funny how that happens. I still owe my parents something incredible because they took most of the brunt of my kids busy schedules (a soccer game is Longmont and Laramie, a Poms Performance among other things). The kids also threw Lou and surprise party (that I got blamed for) but he seemed to have fun and allowed most of Lou's friends time to celebrate with him (and give him many packages of diapers and fiber). I'm just hoping he forgets about all of this in the next few years ... I'm not nearly as patient about surprises ...

 



 

Lou also went to Mexico in January, Washington DC in May, we did the Tough Mudder in Copper Mountain in July, and a weekend in Steamboat ... I think he had quite the year...

 

Possibly my new favorite picture of us.

 

As for me ... I'm still working at Four To Go, and selling over priced beer at sporting events, helping to organize the running club and enjoying every minute of being a mom ... ok -- no sugar coating -- not every minute, there have been many moments that I have texted Lou and told him I'm quitting this whole mom gig. But for the most part, things are positive in my world. For travel this year I spent some time in Mexico lounging on the beach and befriending the bartender (and paddle boarding, kayaking and enjoying the ocean) competed in the Slacker 1/2 marathon in June, the Tough Mudder in July, San Francisco in September, a little over a day in Steamboat in November and then a weekend in Scottsdale. I was very fortunate to be able to enjoy the time away and feel guilty all at the same time. Only talented people can do that... My running this year is much more consistent since I don't have a nagging foot issue which is very exciting and although I'm not all the way back to my old self, there is lots of progress being made.

 

While in Scottsdale (especially when you live in Colorado) you must hike the mountain (hill) in the middle of town, and then find Santa Claus (who had carried the Christmas tree up) at the top!

After the Tough Mudder ... We were still laughing (probably at ourselves)

Lou participated in 'No Shave November' and hated EVERY SINGLE DAY of it! I'm honestly surprised he allowed me to take this picture.

All I wanted for my birthday was to hike up to see the sunrise ... these are the only 2 I could convince to join me...

 

 

So ... that is all the fun the Krapes family could have this year ... Or maybe just the highlights minus all the feel good stuff. We want to wish you a very Merry Christmas and an exciting start to the New Year!

 

 





 

Needing Something Positive

I need something positive in my kids academic life right NOW ... Today and really this week has been filled with one problem after another after another ... after another. I feel like some people care and most are just like, whatever. In fact I had one counselor tell me ... 'This is a special situation and you shouldn't expect too much.' Are you kidding me?

Maybe I should start an abbreviated version from the beginning. As many of you know Tyler is a few grades ahead in math. He is at the point where the elementary school no longer has teachers to support him so he goes to the middle school. I provide all the transportation, pay all the fees etc. All they have to do is put him into a math class and teach him. With 25 or so other kids. They had a big meeting with me, told me he would have his own locker, he would come on certain days so that he felt like he was part of the school. On the first day, no locker, no schedule, no knowledge that he was supposed to be there at all. After some phone calls and conversations people finally started to do their job and put him in the math class, gave him a locker etc. That hurdle past, I thought he would be fine. A few weeks later there was supposed to be a day where kids that need it do academic recovery and if they don't they do a community service project. After several phone calls and conversations (but no returned emails) it was decided that Tyler should just go to the elementary school and he would be marked excused for the day automatically. A few weeks later I start hearing about issues at the elementary school that Tyler is getting chastised because he didn't do this assignment or this test or whatever. He daily has to remind the teacher that he isn't in that class and so he didn't take that test or do that assignment. Apparently he was also corrected or yelled at for something else and when I asked the teacher to explain she has no recollection. AND then to top it all off... today was another one of those community service days that he was supposed to automatically be marked excused for. Guess what, I got one of those special automated calls saying that my student was unexcused from whatever class today. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

Then Brooke ... has a busy schedule this week. She mentions to a teacher she is missing Tuesday for a POMS competition which will be an excused absence (for a school activity) which she should be able to make up on Wednesday but has legal right until Thursday. Well the teacher told her she has to do it on Monday. So to add stress to the poor girl, she wants this 'packet' of work done before she can take the test. So, of course, who gets the wrath of Brooke? I suggested that I could call the teacher and she told me absolutely not. She would just do whatever the teacher wanted. Sweet, this is what we are raising?

So, I know in the school system there are some people that care, and that want to do their job and see the kids succeed, there are... but then there are many (that I have been in contact with, just this week) that don't care or take the non trouble kids for granted or that don't do their job at all. And it is getting really old to have to follow them around making sure they do what they should.

In my line of work, if I have a 'special situation' like I was told that Tyler is, I feel like I would baby it along, and make sure that every detail was taken care of. Apparently in the school system each 'special situation' is looked at differently and this one has fallen through the cracks. So far at the Middle School there has only been 1 person that asked me how things were going and when I told her all the issues her face said everything, it isn't her job to fix the issues or anything so really 'what can she do?' And why should she have to pick up the pieces from her colleagues? So far at the elementary school I have not had anyone seek me out to see how things are going. In their defense I have only been at the school 1 time this year. But they were sure to call and leave a message when there was an incident that Tyler was in the vicinity of and had to tell the principal what happened. And funny, last year people asked me all the time how things were going. Apparently there is a culture change at the elementary school... I'm not too sure I love it.

Anyway ... I'm just looking for something positive ... something to tell me there are good things in this world, in the school system that I'm missing.

Current Events

You know, there are times, many of them actually that I like to put my head in the sand and pretend the world around is not really taking place. I avoid conversations, I avoid reading articles and close my eyes to the headlines. I found this tactic, more than once, keeps me sane. And ... I was doing a really great job of keeping my head in the sand and going about my business on this whole kneeling / not kneeling protest thing. UNTIL ... my not-into-current-events-husband comes home and asks my opinion... I replied calmly with 'I don't have an opinion ... I don't know enough about the situation to have one.' That is what I have taught my kids, right ... you can only have a valid opinion when you know both side of the subject. I have chosen to not know. Right or wrong, that is what I have decided... Well Lou was pretty adamant about having a conversation on this subject, so I said I would have to get back to him after I sifted through all the articles and facts.

While I still don't have an opinion ... these are the points I have taken so far from my reading ...

1) People are looking to be angry. Weather it is over simple things like an outfit someone wore or something more serious there are many people in this world looking to be angry. I don't like it and I make a choice every morning to not be an angry person. Maybe there should be a class on this in schools around the country. I read an article this morning by a soldier's widow and what I took from the article was that some people have forgotten that for many years there are many people in your every day life that have put aside differences (religion/race/gender) and learned to work as a team for the greater goal of winning. Are we so worried about what someone else said that we have to 'divide' again? We forget the unity that has been formed? If so, then I'm more sad to see the superficialness (is that a word) of it all. The right to free speech includes you getting to say your piece and then me getting to say mine weather or not you agree. Lets not forget that. Let us also not forget, that when we work together toward a greater goal, the teamwork involved often times reminds us that just because we may not see eye-to-eye on one subject that person may still be a great person. How would you even know that if you chose to divide?

2) Many many many people who are protesting don't even know why or what they are protesting. Some do, don't get me wrong, but many do not. It is the 'in thing to do' and so they do it. A few years ago when the kids were upset about the curriculum in Jefferson County I told my kids, if you can come to me and give me 3 facts about what you are going to protest about, then I will listen and I will defend your right to protest. Until you have those 3 facts don't even think about it. You will not be one of those people on the news that walked out and didn't know why. And I guess in all my years parenting I have learned that just because I teach my kids something doesn't mean everyone learned that lesson...

3) Another article informed me that college campuses around the country who are supposed to be encouraging free speech are having to cancel their 'free speech' speakers (here is looking at you Cal-Berkley) because the students have threatened to riot. Are you serious? When I was in college, if there was a speaker coming and I didn't care for that person, I just didn't go. There was no I think I'll riot or threaten the well being of another human. I find it unbelievable and sickening. And I guess I can only hope that the next group of kids to go through college are taught / forced to hear and see both sides of an issue instead of riot and threaten violence for those that speak a different viewpoint than your own. And how is that holding up what the 'Free Speech' deal is in the first place? I know I wrote about this very subject not long ago when my kids weren't allowed to speak about election results in a social studies class... The ironic thing about all of this is that the kids can usually hold a civilized conversation with different perspectives and many many many of us adults could learn from them. And by adults I mean literally everyone over the age of 18. The kids have yet to have college professors influence their minds into thinking that life only happens one way.

At a time when there are natural disasters happening all across the world and you see many people uniting and trying to get through another day while also helping their fellow neighbors I'm so incredibly sad that on the other side of the country we see the division happening because people aren't willing to listen to both sides of an issue. People are rioting because they don't like a speaker, people are being violent because of God-knows-why. In a world where there is so many positive things I wonder why we can't feed off the positive to try and help those struggling?   

New Schools...new updates

School has started, new schedules have changed, nights are getting cooler, life is different ... and ... we are all adjusting. I'm not sure I would call all of these positive changes but they are life changes. Ones that you have to go through to grow and become stronger.

Brooke has started high school. She mostly loves it, except for the this whole homework thing. Before now, she has always made the most of her time at school and has had her homework done by the time the day was over. Now, the teachers are doing their thing all class period and give the assignment at the end. And to make matters worse, the 'study hall' time she is given is the first class of the day. She is too much like her mama to wait until the last minute to do the work in the morning. Brooke still mostly loves the Poms team... She thinks her coach, while she is a nice person, is struggling with her role. Brooke has been in the dance world too long to have patience for coaches/teachers that are learning what they are doing while trying to teach them. But the plus side of high school sports is that it is almost affordable.

The first performance Brooke made it through without passing out.

Tyler has started his school, in this dual enrollment at the middle school and elementary school thing. While I think it is a good thing he is constantly telling me that he likes the middle school so much better than the elementary school. Maybe because the teachers treat them like the are grown people, instead of trying to continue to coddle them along.

Well ... I wrote all of the above, then life happened and I thought I would come right back to it and pick up where I left off... Since I'm not sure where I was going with the above post I'll keep it and move onto to the here and now.

Quick update... The Poms team is finally recognizing Brooke and so she is a bit happier... while the coach is still learning, Brooke is still getting her butt kicked at the studio, so it is all working out. Tyler, on the other hand decided that the middle school isn't as great as we thought, heck neither is the elementary school. We are struggling with communication issues (which is a new issue for us) between me and the school. It is almost like we are in limbo mode, he isn't really enrolled in either school while being enrolled in both. It is fantastic.

Academically Tyler is fine; just this morning the conversation in the car...
    Friend in the back seat: "I forgot that the math deal is due on Thursday and it will take me more than an hour so we will have to do that later."
    Me to Tyler: "Do you have that same math thing due also?"
    Tyler: "Oh yeah, I think maybe Friday."
    Me: "Did you do it?"
    Tyler: "Yeah, in class..."
    Me: "Did you convince Mr. Bradley to do it for you?"
    Tyler: "No mom ... that would be dumb, it was a simple thing."

Meanwhile Brooke --"I'm not going to do my math homework tonight, I have advisement with Stosh in the morning and I'm going to convince him to help me or I mean do it for me."

All the while I'm thinking ... "What have I raised?" I guess at the end of the day it is how they 'play the game' at school and they are learning weather they admit it or not... so I should be happy.

To other news besides my kids ... Lou turned 40 ... I first surprised him with a trip to San Francisco and Napa Valley... while he ruined part of the surprise we still had fun and had remember that we did actually like each other before we had kids. Because right now so much of our life is consumed with our kids. The kids and I then surprised with a surprise party that included many friends and family. He still says that he can't believe that many people actually like him...

 The Bay

 

Ghirardelli Square

 

Our Favorite Winery

 



We also took the kids to their first concert ... They were enlightened to see all the things that happen at Red Rocks ...