Winter Park 2009

For Christmas this year, my sister Crystal, her husband Eric, and their kids, Will and Kylie came to Colorado. We all spent a few days in Winter Park before coming back to Castle Rock to celebrate Christmas.

Our first stop in Winter Park was at the resort to pick up the ski rentals for Noah, Will, Kylie, and Crystal. Here is a picture of Kylie and Noah in the parking lot of Winter Park Resort:

The next morning we were all up bright and early to get on the slopes. I was so excited because Noah was finally going to learn to ski!!! At three, he is finally old enough to take lessons. Kylie and Noah must have been equally excited because they couldn't wait to get all decked out in their ski gear: Will picked up skiing so quickly I couldn't believe it. One day's lesson and he is ready to be on the mountain without an instructor. He even went up with Eric for a run at the end of the day. Eric said he was totally shreddin' it!

Kylie wasn't a huge fan of skiing, but after a kind of rough morning in her lesson, she really started to pick it up. She wanted to take a lesson with Noah on the second day, but because of their age difference the Winter Park people wouldn't let her be in Noah's class. That's ok, because she wants to try again when she comes back (hopefully next year).Noah was a little nervous when we dropped him off, but he had a great day skiing! His instructors said he did a great job for being so young and he passed 3 of the 5 skills for the next level. He did lessons for 2 days because he loved the first day so much. Needless to say, Dan and I are thrilled that he likes it and so proud of our little guy.

Noah's first ski run ever:Future ski racer:While everyone was doing their lessons, Dan, Eric, our friend Jim, and I went up and took a couple of runs (a few blues and a black or two). It felt great to be up there and I was happy to know I still remember how to snowboard even though we were only up once last year. When Crystal got out of her 1/2 day lesson, we all went and had lunch:Then we all went up the mountain to take a run with Crystal. She did great and she said she even likes skiing now!!!!! That is huge because she tried it before and did not like it. I am so excited that she likes it because now they will be out in Colorado to ski more!!! I love having them here. It was so much fun!!!She is practically a pro:

Noah was exhausted but happy when we picked him up from his lesson:
Oddly he didn't seem as tired when we got back to the condo. That kid has amazing energy: He calmed down after some nice time in the hot tub though:Dan, Noah, Eric, and I all skiied/rode the next day too. It was another fabulous day! I can't wait to take Noah back up there for another lesson. We'll probably go when Eric, Suzanne, Luke, and Kenny come out (hopefully soon!).

Discipline Philosophy

What is your philosophy of discipline?

Because of my job, I get that question all the time from my mom-friends. Maybe not in those exact words, but people often ask me for advice with specific situations and ask what I would do.

Half of the time, I am not sure what to say. That's because it totally depends on the kid. Of course, there are a few philosophies that I tend to recommend over others, just because they have worked for me with Noah and with the kids I have worked with over my career. It startles me to say that I have been working with kids for 18 years now, so hopefully I've learned something. Anyway, here are my 5 favorite resources to recommend to parents/ teachers and the philosophies I use on a daily basis, at home and at work:

1. Love and Logic, Jim Fay and Foster Cline, www.loveandlogic.com
I like Love and Logic because it works for both parents and teachers, so double bonus for me!!! Love and Logic has been very good for me because I tend to be high strung and this philosophy requires calm and caring delivery of natural and logical consequences. I love it!!!

2. Collaborative Problem Solving, Ross W. Greene, http://www.ccps.info/
Collaborative Problem Solving is a strategy I use more at work than at home right now, but I know that as Noah gets older I will use it at home too. I love how it teaches kids problem solving skills while at the same time helping them understand what works for them in terms of behavior and what does not.

3. Positive Behavior Support, George Sugai and many others, www.pbis.org
This is a practice of emphasizing the positive over the negative. Research bears out the idea that you have to have 5 positive interactions for every one negative interaction to achieve optimal behavior and preserve self esteem. Positive Behavior Support was developed for schools, but I use the principles with Noah. PBS involves having clear cut observeable behaviors that your positively reinforce and emphasize. You still address negative behavior, but you spend much more time praising the positive.

4. Classic Behavior Modification, BF Skinner, http://chiron.valdosta.edu/whuitt/col/behsys/behmod.html
Skinner first had the idea that you can extinguish an undesireable behavior and replace it with a desireable alternative behavior with the use of reinforcement (positive or negative or both). Your basic sticker chart is an offshoot of this. The stuff works, you can't argue with that!

5. My own commom sense and what I learned from my mom and dad, Ken and Mary McCullough, no website available unfortunately
Regardless of what the books and philosophies say, much of what I do to shape Noah's behavior comes from what my parents did. They raised four hard working, caring, wonderful contributors to society, and, well, you can't argue with that research.

I know this is way more info than anyone needs, but I needed to write this post to clarify the whole thing in my mind.

What is your philosophy of discipline? Leave it in the comments!!!

Flu Shots

So, about a month ago, Dan made an appointment for Noah to get his flu shot at his primary care doc. They said the soonest they could get him in was October 22. Fine, not real happy about it, but fine.

Last week, they called to tell us they ran out.

Are you f*&%ing kidding me? My son has a history of respiratory issues, we made the appointment a month ago, and you are OUT? I was livid.

Luckily, Noah is a patient at the resporatory research hospital near us, so I called them yesterday and they can get him in for the shot on Monday! All's well that ends well. Next will be getting him in for H1N1. I wasn't sure if I was going to have him get it, but a former student from my previous school (who I didn't know) died from H1N1 last week. She had a history of major asthma related issues. Noah's aren't as severe as hers, but given that he has had the same type of issues, I am going to have him get it.

Silly bathtub pictures.

Check out the hair!!!!!

Church

Ok, so I admit I am not the most consistent church-goer. And I also admit that I have often struggled with my Catholic faith because they seemed to promote some things that I thought were dead wrong, to be frank.

But I am really impressed with the Catholic Church in Castle Rock. Dan even likes it which is a small miracle (not because he is anti-church or anything... just trust me, it is a small miracle).

First of all, the thing that drew me into the place is that it is up on a ridge above Castle Rock. They have gigantic windows right behind the altar so that when you sit in mass, you have this gorgeous view of the mountains, including Pikes Peak. Now if that doesn't inspire you to thank God for something, I don't know what will.

Second of all, I like the people there. They are laid-back and kind... and outdoorsy. Some people even show up to mass in trail shorts and t-shirts or golfing attire, or whatever. Actually, that is one thing that I have always liked about most Catholic churches anyway. Clothes aren't that important in most places I've gone to...it's just important that you show up.

Third, I like how politically non-partisan this church is. In my experience, many Catholic churches show up on one side or another of the political spectrum. Here, in a conservative bastion of now-blue Colorado, I heard the following things just in the course of one mass:

1. All people deserve good health care.
2. We need to fight to end abortion.
3. Un-documented workers should be treated better by their employers.

Wow! I am impressed.

Anyway, it is nice to have a place that Dan and I both feel comfortable to take Noah to church. We are also going to the Lutheran Church here since Dan is Lutheran, but they don't have nearly the view... ;)

My Little Beat Poet

Remiss

I have been completely and inexcusably remiss in my blogging duties over the last 2 weeks. I apologize to the two or three of you who check it regularly. So here is a little update on everything going on here:

Noah:
Still my amazingly talented-in-every-way-athletic-little genius! ;) He has gotten into playing the "guitar," which he made at school out of a shoebox, a pencil, and a few rubber bands. It is hilarious and I really need to get a video posted of him playing and singing. His school year is in full swing and they have started phonics, a little bit of writing, and Spanish! My kid already officially knows more Spanish than I do. Sad, I know, but I am just so proud I don't even care.

Dan:
He is finally riding his bike again, which is cool. He took a little break after his big race in August but he is glad to be back in the saddle again, so to speak. He is happy and cool as usual. When I married him, I had no idea how much strength that guy has and I am amazed every day at his positivity and his openness to whatever the universe throws at him. He rocks!

Japhy:
Annoying dog as ever...but we love him!

Work:
Well, let's just say that work is a big reason I haven't been blogging. I have never had a position that left me as drained at the end of the day as I am now. But it also has parts I absolutely love and I am not leaving, at least not today, hehe. We are in a situation right now that requires a LOT of paperwork and I don't like the amount of time it is taking away from kids, but it is temporary. And I treasure the time I CAN get with kids that much more! I am pretty sure that sometime before I retire (you know, when I am 101 years old), I will go back to teaching in a classroom. I don't care what anyone says, that is the most important job in education and it is the only place where you can develop that unique close relationship with kids.

Running:
Running is going pretty well, even the speed work. For my training plan right now, I have target paces for every run that will help me hit 1:59:59 in the half marathon. I have hit target pace for every run except for one (I would blame that on my watch because I messed it up in the middle of a 4 mile tempo run, but I know that is a cop-out.). My foot has been hurting and my legs are pretty sore, but other than that, it feels great to work on speed again. The only bummer is that I am not doing much trail running right now since I am working on speed (and because it is dark in the morning when I run now). I miss it, but I will get right back to it after the Denver Half. I have also added one day of biking/week for cross training and I am really liking the change from running.

That about wraps it up. It was my birthday last weekend so I am 37 now. I can't believe it. I don't feel 37. I feel about 24 most days (ask Dan... I still laugh at fart jokes). I even laughed today when my boss said "arrears." Hahahaha! She said "rear." Seriously. Good thing she is cool.

Writing Names

This is what Noah showed me right before I left for work this morning!

My Little Artist

Noah drew this earlier today all by himself!!!

Mom Things Part 2: The Resolution of the Fit

When I was last on here, I wrote about Noah's bedtime story fit. I am back to tell you how we handled it. So, there we are, locked in our bedroom with Noah banging on our door yelling "I want another story!" After about 5 minutes of that, I went out, picked him up, carried him back to bed and told him that he had already had his story. I told him good night and left his room. The screaming and crying continued and he came out 2 more times and I just repeated the same thing. On the third time, I also told him that if he came out again, he would have to sit in the stairs (his time out place). That did it. He didn't come out again and he quit crying and fell asleep within about 5 minutes. It felt like forever though. Any other suggestions?

A Few Mom Things: Fits, the Grocery Store, and Going Back to Work

Noah has been throwing fits. I mean crazy screaming, yelling, running in circles, throwing himself on the ground fits. Two nights ago, he didn't want to go to bed so he was yelling and screaming that he wanted another story. Dan had already set a limit of one story because it was late, so there was no way were backing down. So Dan basically told him "no" in a calm voice and left the room. Noah was screaming and Dan figured he would try to follow him, so he came into our bedroom (where I already was) and locked the door. Noah came running across the loft and started banging on the door and yelling and screaming, "I want another story." (Crystal, if you are reading this, it reminded me of a story you told about Will at this age). What would you have done at this point? I'll come back tomorrow and tell you what we did.

On a brighter note, I saved $18 with coupons at the grocery store yesterday. I couldn't believe it. I've never saved that much!!! More money saved for Spain!!!

In 12 days, I go back to work for the school year. I always have a difficult time adjusting. One of the hardest things is simply managing the new schedule: working, spending time with Noah and Dan, running/ working out, and keeping the house from looking like a tornado hit it. One of the biggest issues I am having right now is menu planning. I am trying really hard to avoid processed foods, but those are the easiest ones to prepare. Do you have any quick and easy recipes that use natural or at least unprocessed foods?

He Passed!

Noah passed his first swim level last Friday! It's Swim Ladder Level 1 (I don't know how that correlates to Red Cross levels), but I am really impressed by the face that he knows front float, back float (both with help), and all the kicking and bobbing stuff. Ms. Gabby was great! Noah loved her and would do anything she said. I am so proud of my little guy. The other day at the pool, one of the other moms asked me how old he is. When I said 3, she said she couldn't believe how great of a swimmer he is!!! :) Here are some pics.

Grocery Champ

I finally did it! I am the most amazing grocery shopper ever. I remembered both the cloth bags and the coupons at the store today. ((Insert picture of me with the sun's rays shining down as if from heaven on my angelic head.)) Halleluia!

Of course, maybe it's because Dan was working from home today and I went by myself while Noah took his nap. Things that make you go, hmmmmmmm.

The Mad Shopper Strikes Again

This week, I made it to the grocery store with my cloth bags, but no coupons. When will I get it together? Ugh!

I Suck at Grocery Shopping

Since I got out of school for the summer, I have been trying to grocery shop "right." To me, that means always remembering to bring my own cloth bags, using coupons, and using the grocery store sales flyers to make the most of our money. I have gotten really good about making a menu and a grocery list using the sales flyers and my coupon organizer (yes, I have a coupon organizer. Shut up.). But it seems like every time I go (I take Noah with me), I either forget the coupons or I forget the cloth bags. So I finally put the bags in the trunk of my car. I was all happy today because I remembered the coupons, but when I got to the register, I realized the bags were still in the trunk. It was too busy for my to say, "Just a sec" and run out and get them. Oh well, wish me luck next week!

Three Year Checkup

Noah had his three year checkup today with his pediatrician. Dr. Lisa's verdict is that he is a healthy, happy, and smart kid. His lungs sounded great and he has been off the Pulmicort for months now! He has what hopefully will be his last appointment with his asthma doctor next week to confirm!

Dr. Lisa said he is ahead of typical development in every area but fine motor skills (he is smack in the average range for fine motor). I knew he was pretty smart but it's nice to have a professional confirm it. ;)

He is in the 98th percentile for height at just shy of 3'4" and in the 100th percentile for weight at 39 something pounds. He has actually thinned out a little from his last appointment, believe it or not.

I am so grateful to have such a healthy little guy! We are very lucky and I appreciate this every time we go to the doctor and he is doing well.

Happy Mother's Day and Other Stuff

Yesterday was a really fun and busy day.

First, I ran 11 miles up on the trails south of our house. It was hard and fun and way slower than I wanted, but I did it.

Then, we had Noah's third birthday party. I am planning on coming back later today and posting the pictures from the party, but today is going to be almost as busy as yesterday so I'll have to see how it goes.

After that, Dan took me to The Old Stone Church for dinner for our anniversary. It was one of the best meals I've ever had in my life and I highly recommend it if you are ever in Castle Rock.

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there! Dan let me sleep in late and then made breakfast! I feel completely spoiled. Noah and Dan gave me a flower picture thing that Noah made, a gift certificate for a spa massage, and candy!

We are going to tea with Dan's mom and dad later and maybe antiqueing. Is that how you spell that?

Poor Boo-Boo Fish

Guess who is going to the pet store tomorrow! Dan. Guess why! He killed poor Boo-Boo Fish and we don't want Noah to know. Luckily he is a Betta so he won't be hard to duplicate. Poor Dan, he was trying to do a good thing by cleaning Boo-Boo Fish's fishbowl. But oops, he put water that was too hot back in the bowl. Boo-Boo Fish cooked to death. I feel so bad for the fish, but I feel almost worse for Dan.

Happy Birthday Noah!

Happy third birthday, baby!

My Little Guy

Here are some recent pics of Noah (since I have been a slacker and haven't posted any lately). I can't believe my little man is going to be 3 tomorrow!!!

Helping me frost the cupcakes I made for him to take to school tomorrow:

The other day he put his socks on his hands and said, "Take a picture of me, Mommy."