Christmas Letter 2012

The family in Beaver Creek.

Here we are again...The middle of December and the end of the year is looming and my Christmas cards have been sent out, again with no letter...So here is my effort at yet another Christmas letter, in the form of a blog so only those that want to read it can. As I ponder all the activities that have happened in the last year I'm saddened that yet another year is gone, but excited that we had the opportunities and challenges that have come our way. We truly are grateful for the position we are in.

As a family we have done many great activities, we started the year with a trip to Cancun. I have to digress a little here and thank my parents for the fabulous opportunity of being able to go on a vacation every January. Anyway, Cancun was amazing. Louis, the kids and I perfected our days by the pool and beach and figured out a way to fit all of that hard work in. We got an amazing tan after the burned skin figured out how to be in the sun for such extended periods of time. We also spent some time in Beaver Creek over the summer and a weekend in Steamboat in November. Every time we travel I'm reminded of what a fabulous place I live.

I'll start my summation with Tyler...my little man isn't so little anymore. He went in Kindergarten last year a timid, shy scared little boy and in the spring he came out a confident little man. I have to Thank Mrs. Clapes for how she has shaped both my kids really but more Tyler. So far I have to say first grade has been something like an easy glide for Tyler. He started off the year in August telling his teacher 'you won't be able to trick me!' I'm not sure where the confidence has come from but I love it. I also love the fact that she hasn't been able to trick him.

Tyler and Mrs. Clapes, the Kindergarten teacher on the last day...

Tyler tried his bout with flag football last winter and spring. And although he liked it, he only liked it because his cousins were there with him. He then played spring and fall soccer with the same team he has been playing with for a couple of years now. He loves the group of boys and the team really is good. This winter he has decided it is indoor soccer that he wants to play. And he is also trying to decide if he wants to play tackle football since he is old enough...As a mom I hope he just sticks with soccer, but I will support whatever decision he makes. Tyler also did pretty well this summer learning how to swim, he definitely is not a fish yet, but is making progress. This has made me happy and my trips to the pool much nicer. Over the summer Tyler also ran track and his sad to see that this year is probably the last year that he can do the 'mini' program and next year will have to jump up with the big kids.

Our trip to Moab...Tyler really likes hiking, except when he is sick...then we must carry the man, not our best trip ever!

 

Tyler still smiling after a snowball fight in Steamboat!

 

Brooke...Brooke...she is my busy kid. If we aren't running her somewhere I wouldn't know what to do with my life. She is still dancing and making amazing progress, like she just finally 'gets' it. Right now she is dancing 3 nights a week and Saturdays. That in itself has put a hamper on our weekend travels. We did have a small bump in the road because the Ballet teacher that she was super happy with had decided to pursue other opportunities. Therefor Brooke has had to adjust to a new teacher with different ideas. She is adjusting but still sad with the situation. Thank goodness she is happy with her other teachers.

Brooke with the old Ballet teacher, Ms. Kate, on recital day!

Brooke has also taken up Piano. Since we finally figured out we really do have a fabulous piano and we had the finish redone and the internal workings fixed, she decided she isn't busy enough and piano lessons are next up. She has done well with that. We found a great teacher close to the house and Brooke is having lots of fun with it. Besides piano and dance, Brooke also ran track over the summer and decided she would do her first 5K. Although she complained the entire time, she did finish and I couldn't be happier.

Brooke at the finish of her first 5k!

Brooke finished 3rd grade very happily and tried to convince her teacher to teach 4th grade also. He politely declined, but she still does talk to him often after school and in the hallways. I'm also excited to report that the mean girl syndrome seems to have taken a back seat for awhile. This school year is also the first one where Brooke didn't have a giant adjustment period where she would come home crying. So I owe her teacher a huge "Thank you!"

Brooke in Moab! Completely out of her element.

You know, it is so much easier to talk about the kids. And while writing this I begin to wonder if anyone really cares about the adults...But I will continue on... I'm sure you will notice the amount of pictures is about the drastically decrease...

The kids on a trip up Lookout Mountain...

Louis and the kids getting ready for the annual 4th of July Parade!

Louis still is working the 2 jobs. I can tell that it finally is wearing him out. Being positive I'm happy to see the man is human, on the other side we miss him at home a lot. Over the summer he did have some time off and he took up running with me. I won't lie, I had the best 2 months running with him and have him push me as much as I pushed him. We ended the summer with a 5K at the local high school which happens to be a super low key event and timing is also super low key...however, I go prepared....Anyway, his first 5K had a finish time of 24:06, which to you non runner types is really good. Like better than I had been doing...However, life got in the way of our running together and the second 5k was about a minute slower. Lou was sad about the whole situation, maybe more of the realization that he isn't superman after all. Louis also continued his traditional yard battle with the neighbor, again this year I'm sure it was a tie, but you know...the man is never happy. Also, this fall Lou got a taste of coaching soccer for a few weeks...and the funny part about that whole deal, is Lou didn't know the first thing about soccer. Apparently next year he is planning on being an assistant. Thank goodness for "you tube" lessons.

Louis and Tyler getting ready for Brooke's parade.

 

 

As for me, the past year has been filled with running, running kids around and working. I have changed my schedule at work to make it possible for Brooke to dance as much as she does. This has worked out well for me as I'm not as far behind at work as I usually am. For running, I started the year with a resolution 5K on New Years day and I set a PR. I remember freezing...I'm not sure I'll sign up to do that one again. I also ran a 5K in February and was reminded that ice isn't that fun to run on as well as every race can't be a PR. After that I submerged myself into 1/2 marathon training and in May headed over to Palisade to run which was amazing. I would have to read my race report again, but if memory serves I had fun and would sign up for this race again. At the time I set a PR for me, but it is one of those things, I'm just never happy.

There is a reason I never take pictures of myself while running! Just in case, that time behind me is 'gun time' The official 'chip time' is from when I crossed the start line to the finish line.

A few more 5k's and then the Georgetown to Idaho Springs 1/2. Last year this race reminded me that if you want miracles to happen to have to train for miracles. This year I trained for miracles and set my current PR at 1:55:16 which was better than I could have hoped for. So, I must send out a Thank you to the girls at the running club for convincing me to sign up for that one.

Some of the girls from the running club after the Georgetown race!

I then ran the 5k's with Lou and set another PR of 24:02. I guess you can sum that up with this has been a successful year in the running department. At the end of October a friend and I took over the day to day happenings of the running club. I'm not sure it is a good thing, but we are trying. Sometimes change isn't that fun. It seems that things are going alright so far but not without many meetings, thoughts and ideas later. I didn't get any hiking in this year, which saddens me because I really did have hopes. I guess the universe is trying to tell me something, and I'm really trying to listen.

So, really the year for the Krapes' house has been great. We have all grown and matured and become more confident people. I'm so thankful for every lesson that has come our way to mold us into who we are. I'm thankful for my friends and family for all the amazing support, encouragement and advice that they give me everyday, maybe without even knowing it.

I wish everyone the happiest of New Years and best wishes for next year!

Christmas...

As the Christmas season has officially started, I'm trying to remind myself that I don't have to stress about silly things. I'm trying to patiently take each new batch of information and roll with it instead of become a stress filled 'mean lady.' As being the last day of November I would like to report that so far I'm doing alright...My house is 95% finished in the decorating department, my Christmas shopping is 87% finished (really I just picked some random number, I'm not that OCD) my Christmas cards (yes I still do those) will hopefully be in the mail on time...My kids 'yearly' picture torture is finished. Really all I have left is to enjoy the holidays right? That is what I was telling myself, until I was reminded that there is still weekends filled with .... Christmas parties, dance recitals, progressive dinners, visits with Santa, Holiday 5k's (we all do that right?)  and the like. How many weekends are there in December again? This was supposed to be a time of the year when we stop to appreciate what we have and spend time with people that we like to surround ourselves with... It's ok...It will all work out and I'm choosing to make the best of all of it.

So this weekend we will finish the decorating, we will do the Holiday Party / fundraiser for the running club, I will get my Christmas Cards ordered (I hope), along with all the normal grocery shopping, laundry, hair appointments, dance, running dates and spending time with my kids. Maybe, just maybe I'm trying too hard and being an over achiever? Or maybe I'm just trying to make sure everyone is happy...

My running days...you see since it is dark early these days I haven't been running as often, but when I do run I have been going longer distances...I'm not sure if that is good or not... I guess when the Christmas Carol 5K hits we will find out. I ran a local 5K the week before Thanksgiving, it was a local deal with not very many runners but in the placing department I finished well...3rd female overall and 6th out of everyone. That was exciting. My time was like a 24.45, which isn't that great but it was a tough course so I'm not too disappointed...

Running quotes

Lately I have been struggling a little...I guess struggling keeping everything together and so I have nothing...no words of wisdom, no random thoughts, no nothing. The business of being a mom and taking on so many activities have consumed me and I have a giant problem thinking I can do it all. No wonder my kids act the way they do. My life right now is a non organized disaster and people that know me also know that it is killing me a slow painful death. My email inbox is filled with so many emails that I just don't want to deal with right now, my counter (were my mail sits) is full of school stuff that I have to go through and mail that I'll have to deal with. I'm slightly amazed that I haven't gotten a call from the school or something that I completely forgot something.

Anyway, in a giant effort to reorganize myself I will be posting all of the runners world quotes that I've been saving with the goal of writing about them on here and their relevance to me and my life. So here go on the quotes...

"It's a treat being a runner, out in the world by yourself with not a soul to make you bad-tempered or tell you what to do" --Alan Sillitoe, English writer

This actually was sent to me on a day while at work I got criticized an amazing amount of times, was told I was wrong countless number of times etc etc...so any moment, when I can just be alone and no one can talk to me is fabulous...if running allows that, I'm gonna start running hours a day instead of just an hour.

"As I get older I see that running has changed for me. What used to be about burning calories is now more about burning up what is false. Lies I used to tell myself about who I was and what I could do, friendships that cannot withstand hills or miles, the approval I no longer need to seek, and solidarity that cannot bear silence. I run to burn up what I don't need and ignite what I do."  -- Kristen Armstrong

This was sent on a day when a friend irritated the heck out of me...the continued choices that I don't agree with etc etc. While telling myself it isn't my deal/problem etc. I also am reminded that it kinda is, because when things turn out on the not so positive side, the friend is going to need a shoulder / friend / supporter...Guess who that person is going to be? Also I was taking on a new adventure and getting very little support. It is amazing how so few words can change an outlook. Also amazing how so few words can give you the confidence to take on situations with a new found attitude.

"Happiness is pushing your limits and watching them back down."

Just yes...nothing else! Who doesn't feel like superman when they have gone above and beyond what the mind said could be done?

"We runners talk about having fun but I don't think anybody believes us. We talk about discipline and endurance, we take care, we exercise caution, we watch our diets and monitor our pace. We are ascetics who talk, unconvincingly, of the bracing enjoyment of self-abuse." -- Peter Sagal

Now there is a reason for my demented behavior...my statements such as "Wow that hill is steep, I wonder if I could run up it or if the hill would win" or "did you see that trail run? I need to try that." The reason is....I'm a runner. It is a great feeling to be validated.

"Suffering is an extraordinary teacher." Ryan Hall

This actually was delivered to my inbox on a day that my run was incredibly difficult followed by a crossfit workout that left me beyond sore. But you know what, I learned so much and my body, supposedly, is so much stronger? God, I hope so!

I'm also reading a book, that I was supposed to read months ago but I ran out of time. Yes, that happens. Anyway, it has to do with a bunch of suffering and what the connection might be. I know that when things are good, whether it be your surroundings or your body or whatever...you tend to learn a whole lot faster than when you aren't suffering.

The book, Unbroken, has made me realize more about World War II, I'm not sure I was seeking that information. Either way I can't believe how humanity, be it Japanese, Hispanic, Chinese, etc can treat others with such hostility. Even in light of recent happenings more close to home, I still am in denial that someone out treat another human with such hostility.

That is it...all I have for thoughts. I now feel a little better that my inbox isn't as full, a much more manageable situation.

Age...things change...

"As I get older I see that running has changed for me. What used to be about burning calories is now more about burning up what is false. Lies I used to tell myself about who I was and what I could do, friendships that cannot withstand hills or miles, the approval I no longer need to seek, and solidarity that cannot bear silence. I run to burn up what I don't need and ignite what I do." -- Kristen Armstrong...

I'm going to turn this quote into something a little different...What used to be "I run because you don't see fat people running" has turned into "I run because my body craves it" and maybe part of that reason is because of the giant amount of confidence I have gained, maybe it is that I'm not seeking acceptance or approval anymore. Or maybe it is because there is a coincidence that I started running when I started to be a much more positive person. Maybe psychologically I don't want to go back being that person before I run so that is why I continue.

After watching 'runners' I have noticed that more often than not they are super nice people, always encouraging, always supportive always saying 'hi' when they pass you. After giving swimming and biking a valid try...those guys are competitive and not supportive. So I stay running because I like to surround myself with happy supportive people.

Why do you run? Has it changed since you started running?

Facing Down Fear

"Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy." -- Dale Carnegie

Apparently the universe was looking out for me today. You see, I woke up this morning to some interesting texts...which lead me to investigate a little bit...which then lead to fear...which then had me jumping at every odd noise and by the time I got ready to put my shoes on I was scared to walk from the door to the car to go to the gym. But the bottom line is that I kept moving when I could have just as easily stayed in bed. And after the gym and as I kept moving throughout the day every minute got a little bit easier. Then eventually I  reminded myself that I can't live in fear, I can't allow some outside action be the cause of all my inaction. I'm happy that the universe knows just exactly when and where to post some encouraging words that are able to give me a whole new outlook on life. But after that morning I can see how some people let fear paralyze them; how it is easier to avoid the fear than to stare it down and get past it. I've decided that the few minutes of uncomfortable is far better than hiding out for a life time. I'm not sure if it really took me my whole life to figure this out or if I always knew.

I must mention, probably just for myself, that the events of the 'missing Jessica Ridgeway' have hit home like no other news that has recently happened. I keep asking myself and others who could do such terrible things to such a young girl. Brooke happens to be close to the age of that girl and I will be the first to tell you that they can be a pain, talk back etc etc, but no one deserves to see the fear that I can only imagine that girl had to be going through. And no mom should have to deal with that knowledge either. In light of it all, it has left me wondering if it is safe for me to continue on with life the way I always have. Is it alright for me to go on my runs alone or leave for the gym as early as I do, or be at work alone? People around me say that they wouldn't be looking for someone like me because I have the ability to fight back. And maybe it isn't just the fear for myself but my kids. I certainly won't let the kids out of my site these days, which is sad right? But, in the end they are the vulnerable ones, they are the ones that can't fight back.

I'll reside my position on the soap box now, and give it up to someone else.

Augustish updates

It is pretty much official! I suck at this blogging thing. Making time to write things down is crazy...I'm trying to find a new attitude about it. In the mean time...

The kids started school (great news for me!) and so far aside from a few bumps in the road we have done pretty well...Tyler is a little bummed because "We have to write everyday" and Brooke is having a little bit of an issue with having to push herself because her teacher's test isn't believing in her ability... These are rough issues to have... I'm sure somehow we will make it...

We have also gotten through the September birthdays...It was rough having so many back to back to back. I know Tyler was happy. However, I guess in my family if you aren't born in September you just aren't cool...And Brooke was sure to let me know. Tyler decided for his day with Grammie, they would go to Heritage Square with Papa too...Brooke sure was upset. I guess she now has more ideas for her day with Grammie.

Our weekends have been pretty much jam packed with activities, Brooke is dancing on Saturdays now until June. Tyler has started soccer. I was racing a bit in August but have since cut that back to try and make more time for the kids. Louis' stint in running has kinda declined since the Pomona Prowl. I guess when you PR with a 24.06 on your first 5K you really don't need to try so hard the next time. We will see this weekend how that works out for him. We are running the Farmers 5000 and the course in much flatter so I'm hoping to do pretty well...

Brooke danced in the Harvest festival parade last weekend. I think she did fabulous...She is too hard on herself saying she could have done better.

This is before the cool shirt change and before the butterflies started!

 

Brooke also got her first test in babysitting... with me there of course... she did fine until the drool came and she didn't know what to do... Perhaps she can start with kids just a little older...or maybe just wait until she is like 16...

 

 

As I mentioned Louis and I ran the Pomona Prowl...a local 5k race with the high school. This is a totally low key event...at the end they mention a time and then give you a post it note with what place you finished in. There was maybe 300 people in the race and Lou and I finished #47 and 48...My time (which I didn't believe until I confirmed with my watch) was a 24.02 which was a PR for me by a little over 30 seconds. Louis' first 5k race was a 24.06...Super proud of the guy, I will admit also a little jealous because I work really hard to be where I'm at...he only ran for like 2-3 months. Either way it was good!

 





Running Georgetown 2nd Edition

I ranted just last week about how I get talked into silly things like running 1/2 marathons, especially ones that I've had bad experiences with. I questioned why I subject myself and why I feel like I must test my limits.I also questioned why I was letting my head get the best of me (you shouldn't run, you have a cold, your knee could hurt etc) Although I'm still questioning all of the above, I'm still wondering why I let people talk me into things. But I'm also glad that they did.

When I ran Georgetown to Idaho Springs last year I totally bonked at about mile 6-8 and then walk / ran (more walking than running) the rest of the way. This made the course feel like it was 'forever' long. I gave much of my energy to the 'uphills' of the course and not nearly enough energy to the downhills. I didn't train well for it, letting my head get the better of me. I prayed for a miracle when I knew that you have to train for miracles. Therefor, after I committed to doing this race again I threw myself into training 100%, maybe even more. I did hill workouts and speed work and tempo runs (although they were short) all so that I wouldn't have the same experience. I remembered my gels and I stuck to my plan at the aide stations and with the pace group. The miles ticked by easily, the pace group seemed a bit slow, and the uphills didn't seem so much like uphills, more like rises in the road. The signs from the cross country team were cute and funny this time instead of annoying and dumb like I thought they were last time. They changed the finish this year which is fine but I didn't know when to speed up and 'find the next gear' so I guessed, and I will tell you that I guessed too early and sprinted longer than I thought I could, but the bottom line is that I could sprint that far and it was fine, except I couldn't breath but that is minor right? I passed a lot of people along the way. The bottom line is that my finish time is 1.55.16. That is better than I could have hoped for. I ran without a watch this time (the first time for this distance) I just ran by feel. Who knew that you could set a PR running by feel?

I told some friends that my goal for the 1/2 marathon distance is to feel strong for the entire 13 miles so when I felt good and I began to notice things like the view and such I was happy. I made that goal. The weather was also perfect, not too hot, not too cold which also made my day.

I had also mentioned to someone that if I ever got to the 1.50 1/2 marathon I might consider a full marathon. Who does stuff like that?

So just know, Georgetown and I have become friends. No longer will I tell people how terrible that race is...I will mention there are hills. It's just not right to tell people it is all downhill. But when you train for the hills and for the distance then sometimes it all just comes together, kind of like a perfect storm and when that happens then miracles can happen as well!