Baby H
Me: “Can you please go upstairs and look for my phone?”
Hadley (after a few minutes of searching): “I can’t find it.”
Me: “Do you want me to call it?”
Hadley: “Yes.”
Me (at the top of my lungs): “Phone, where are you?!”
Hadley: “Never mind.”
The Roadshow
November 27, 2015 By
Every four years, all the youth ages 12-17 in our wards (congregations) from our stake (our city’s entire geographic area) perform a roadshow–a 15-minute play/musical they write themselves. This year, our theme was “Latter-day Avengers” and all seven wards made a fantastic effort. Some were funny. Some inspiring. Some sang. Some had celebrity appearances à la Scott Sterling, who has become an icon in Mormon folklore.
But really, the evening is about camaraderie with our fellow Saints and a lot of laughter. Some of these kids are performers, most aren’t and I love that kids who aren’t normally the superstars have their chance to shine. I know I’m biased but 2nd Ward did the very best, thanks (in large part) to the new musical power couple who moved into our ward and oversaw the project.
I was excited for Hadley and Bode to see what they’ll be participating in four years from now and they were pleasantly surprised how fun it was. Hadley was having a blast…until our ward performed and she saw every single one of her close friends was participating except for her.
Age 11 is an awkward age in the Church, especially when you’re the youngest of your peers. Upon turning 12, kids move up into our Young Men/Young Women organization where they meet for weekly activities…but she’s stuck in Primary (the children’s organization) until May while all her friends have moved on. I tried to distract her but it reemphasized we need to make her feel as involved as possible because the next six months are going to be tough.
My friend Debbie did a fantastic job entertaining the crowd as MC and between performances, she told corny Mormon jokes. For another, she had a silly basketball competition. I was having a good time until she declared “open mic night” where members of the audience could come share a joke. Bode started bouncing in his seat like Tigger. “I want to go up there!” he exclaimed. Startled, I whispered back, “what’s your joke?” because, let’s face it, sometimes 9-year-old boys’ gross-out humor is anything but humorous. He ignored me and gosh darn if he wasn’t the second kid to get up there and share his corny, cute joke in front of 200 people. Can we please have a collective “WHEW?!”
During the next break, Debbie opened it up to the adults to share a funny story of their spouse. What?! This one was fine-tuned for me. Do I not have an entire blog worth of fodder about The Pumpkin Man?!
Here’s a little sidenote: I practically had to drag Jamie to the roadshow because the BYU football game was on and he’s obsessed. We compromised that I would call him when it was our ward’s turn and he’d race over to watch. Unfortunately, Debbie’s proposition happened when Jamie was there.
My arm shot up. Jamie, alarmed, realizing that this would be about him, grabbed my arm and enveloped me in a straitjacket. “I cannot be contained!” I protested but we were at the back so Debbie didn’t hear my cries and I missed the opportunity to share with the world Jamie’s mouse sleep-walking story.
The censorship on my performance? I shall call it The Silence of the Lambs.
Happy Thanksgiving Gratitudes
November 26, 2015 By
Happy Thanksgiving! With a 20 degree high and snow, we’re forgoing our annual Turkey Trot hike and hunkering down with movies and lots of tasty goodness. As I type this, my awesome husband is brining and then smoking our turkey.
This Thanksgiving, I’m grateful for this beautiful family of mine. The kids are growing so fast–too fast–and I’m trying to treasure every last minute with them. We had planned to go skiing but ended up sticking around for a week of fun with friends that included a game night and also a boy’s lightsaber fete while Hadley was at her bestie Alex’s birthday.
There were casualties.
A free Hammonds Candy Factory Tour with 25 fun friends.
Hiking Prospect Park, an adventure we’ve done a hundred times but with Clear Creek’s low water levels, an otherworldly cavernous maze was revealed.
While Hadley was ice skating with friends, Bode hit Big Time Trampoline Fun. It was to be my day of triumph when I conquered their new Wipeout-esqu “Big Balls. Until I took my first step and they completely deflated. Note: not built for anyone over 100 pounds.
On Tuesday, our plan was to go mountain biking and to piano lessons. We decided to combine them and bike to piano but hadn’t anticipated the adventure we would have through Van Bibber Park. If my kids ever relay a story of how their mom dragged them up a hill so muddy they got completely stuck and their wheels wouldn’t turn, don’t believe them. Lies. All lies.
The calm before the (muddy) storm
We had a PJ/movie day where Bode made cinnamon rolls from scratch almost completely by himself.
Bode’s Cub Scout troop did the Scouting for Food drive. The kids and I then donated the food to our local food bank–almost 50 pounds! And then went went to the playground across the street and soared.
A couple of weeks ago for Family Home Evening, we did our annual gratitude turkey. Hadley designed the body while Aunt Lisa cut out the feathers, resulting in our most beautiful turkey yet filled with so many blessings!
This article in The Atlantic nails it: “Gratitude is the truest approach to life. We did not create or fashion ourselves. We did not birth ourselves. Life is about giving, receiving and repaying. We are receptive beings, dependent on the help of others, on their gifts and their kindness.”
My heart runneth over to have so many wonders in my life.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Because Hadley and Bode need more media exposure…
November 24, 2015 By
….They were interviewed by Colorado Public Radio about the Children’s Museum of Denver’s $16.1 million expansion (see their story here). We were privileged to attend the preview night and had a grand time. As I was hanging up our coats, the kids goofed off in front of a new camera at the entrance.
I thought it was harmless until we looked up and saw their precious chokehold displayed all over the ceiling.
Later as they were splish-splashing (and practically taking a bath) in the new Water exhibit, the CPR reporter started photographing Hadley, undoubtedly thinking, “I need to connect with the kids who make the biggest mess at the museum.”
Related: They proceeded to flood the water exhibit.
That was not included in the interview.
Also related: last summer when they attended the museum’s Joy Park grand opening, they dug a huge volcano in the “sand dunes,” filled it with water and ended up looking like swamp creatures, prompting a passerby to observe, “I didn’t even know that was possible.”
With my kids, anything is possible.
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The Colorado Public Radio interview:
A Look Inside The Expanded Children’s Museum of Denver
Corey Jones
Following a $16.1 million expansion, the Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus reopens on Friday with six new exhibits including the Teaching Kitchen, the Art Studio and more.
What’s 9-year-old Arvada resident Bode Johnson’s favorite?
Altitude, a climbing structure that takes visitors three and a half stories up. The feature aims to capture the spirit of climbing a 14er. And don’t forget your helmet.
“One of the best parts is where you have to go across this bridge and each piece of rock moves,” Bode says. “It’s a little bit of a challenge.”
Amber Johnson — Bode’s mother – says her kids were aging out of the old exhibits at the Children’s Museum before the expansion.
“I’m really happy that there’s something geared to them,” she says. “The older kids can appreciate the science behind it.”
Children’s Museum president and CEO Mike Yankovich says his staff visited places like zoos, botanic gardens and children’s museums around the country seeking inspiration for new exhibits. “The final part was really trying to create exhibits and experiences that have never been done before,” Yankovich says.
The museum emphasized Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines by adding areas that explore issues like water and energy.
Yankovich says the new features were designed with an open-ended approach to education in mind.
“Don’t try to control people’s experience. Create platforms that allow them to really show off some level of individuality,” he says. “It really is about children becoming architects of their own learning.”
Last year, the museum served more than 327,000 children and adults, which resulted in over-crowding, Yankovich says. The recent renovation doubled the amount of space.
The Children’s Museum expansion also includes more parking and Joy Park: An Outdoor Adventure, which the museum unveiled this summer. The park includes sand dunes, rivers, forts and a zip line.
Death by Cuteness
November 23, 2015 By
I’m not one to glamorize my kids’ early years. Sure, they were fun but my gosh, they were a lot of work and I wouldn’t go back.
Until I was cruising through Jamie’s old phone and saw this picture we took of the kids in 2011 at Park City and I was overwhelmed by cuteness.
Facebook often does flashbacks of past posts to remind you just how much has changed. Unless you encounter a gem like this:
Humble Hadley to brother Bode: “Are you mad because I do beautiful things?”
And you realize not much has changed at all.
Hiel Fat Kitty
November 22, 2015 By
Fat Kitty. Captain Squishy. King of the Squish. He goes by many names (except for his given name, Remy) and what’s not to love? He’s fat, squishy, lovable, gentle and an Olympic-level snuggler.
We were horrified upon returning from Canada to learn that Jamie’s sister, who lived with us this summer, decided to put him on a diet. Garfield does not diet. He just has a slow metabolism! And she while she’d limit his food to one small bowl in the evenings, the kids and I would sneak our starving cat extra food.
I think he actually gained weight on his diet but don’t most of us?
Bode, Hadley and I adore him but after five years as a part of our family, Jamie still openly disdains him. We just don’t get it.
“Why aren’t you nicer to Fat Kitty?”
“I don’t understand why you and the kids are obsessed with him.”
“Three out of four members of this family love him. Maybe there’s something wrong with you!”
“Three out of four Germans liked Hitler.”
City Hall: The Disneyland of Fieldtrips
November 20, 2015 By
Bode is having a blast as a part of our school’s student council and was thrilled when he heard they would get to miss school to go on a field trip to City Hall, which is the equivalent to spending the day at Disneyland.
Until he realized it was during his recess, lunch and P.E.
Fortunately, he bounced back quickly because he was going to meet the mayor.
Until he was a no-show.
Fortunately, a very informative City Councilmember-At-Large gave an awesome tour and he was joined by our City Manager and Deputy Manager, which is kind of like having Minnie, Pluto and Donald, and you almost forget that Mickey couldn’t come.
Our city’s leadership wisely started the kids with pizza and cookies, which would make any presentation fascinating and I was impressed that our group was so attentive. After reviewing the nuts and bolts of running our city, he unleashed the kids to the stand. If I had been a better listener, I could give you the correct vernacular but all you need to know is there were microphones. And cushy seats. And buttons that light up when you vote!
Each of the kids got a chance to give their two cents in what would make the school run better. Bode proposed “free doughnut Wednesdays” and to have video games in the computer lab. No wonder he’s so popular.
But it was our neighbor Maddie who had my vote when the councilmember asked the definition of “integrity.” She bravely raised her hand and said, “I’m not sure but my dad watches a lot of Bill O’Reilly. I think it has something to do with that.”
Let’s hope she doesn’t go into politics.
The Peace of Wild Things
November 19, 2015 By
We were at Disneyland when we heard about the Paris bombings–talk about a juxtaposition. The Happiest Place on earth vs. The Horrific. After serving an LDS mission in France, I have tender feelings for that wonderful country and one of my dearest friends still lives there.
I was particularly touched by Antoine Leiris’ powerful tribute to his wife, who died in the Bataclan. “I won’t give you the gift of hating you.”
It’s tough not to get swept away in the world of ISIS and I’ve been glued to NPR, Frontline and the news. I’m tired of all the fighting, all the divisive opinions about the Syrian refuges. I’ve had to step back because it’s discouraging to see the way the world is spiraling out of control with no easy solution in sight.
I absolutely love love love this poem:
The Peace of Wild Things
By Wendell Berry
When despair for the world grows in me
and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the peace of wild things
who do not tax their lives with forethought
of grief. I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting with their light. For a time
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.
I’m also giving a call out to my women-folk. As I was preparing a Visiting Teaching message yesterday, I was particularly struck by a General Conference talk “A Plea to My Sisters” by President Russell M. Nelson. In a world where so many women are fighting for their lives and their rights, in the Western World, it seems we’re putting the superficial Kardashian Housewives on a pedestal of how women should be and act.
Thirty-six years ago, in 1979, President Spencer W. Kimball made a profound prophecy about the impact that covenant-keeping women would have on the future of the Lord’s Church. He prophesied: “Much of the major growth that is coming to the Church in the last days will come because many of the good women of the world … will be drawn to the Church in large numbers. This will happen to the degree that the women of the Church reflect righteousness and articulateness in their lives and to the degree that the women of the Church are seen as distinct and different—in happy ways—from the women of the world.
“We need women who are organized and women who can organize. We need women with executive ability who can plan and direct and administer; women who can teach, women who can speak out. …
“We need women with the gift of discernment who can view the trends in the world and detect those that, however popular, are shallow or dangerous.”
Today, let me add that we need women who know how to make important things happen by their faith and who are courageous defenders of morality and families in a sin-sick world; women who know how to call upon the powers of heaven to protect and strengthen children and families; women who teach fearlessly.
We are women of great power, influence and light. And it’s about time we remember that.
Season of the Force: Our Foray to the Dark Side
November 18, 2015 By
When Disneyland invites you to preview their new “Season of the Force” where Star Wars takes over Tomorrowland, you GOOO (even if it means taking a big chunk out of your Christmas budget).
We decided to keep our trip a secret from the kids but have spent the last month watching all six Star Wars movies in preparation. On Thursday morning, Jamie and I walked to Hadley’s room at 4:30 a.m. with our creepy Mickey Mouse ears. As we started to sing “M-I-C, K-E-Y, M-O-U-S-E,” she groaned and whined as always…until Jamie exclaimed, “Do you wanna go to Disneyland?!”
That kid leaped out of bed, thus confirming that she really is a morning person when properly motivated.
Don’t miss our Foray to the Dark Side (you’ll be surprised just who was good and who was bad), my new love affair with Hyperspace Mountain and so much more to come about our amazingly fun weekend at Disneyland.
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I braced myself for the long, murky descent to the Dark Side on Hyperspace Mountain. “C’mon, Mom. This will be FUN!” my daughter Hadley goaded her spineless mother.
My family was previewing Disneyland’s “Season of the Force,” what Creative Executive at Walt Disney Imagineering Scott Towbridge describes as “it’s basically as if ‘Star Wars’ took over Tomorrowland.” From the new footage of the not-yet released movie Star Wars: The Force Awakens to re-imagined Hyperspace Mountain to Star Wars: Path of the Jedi at Tomorrowland Theatre, fans have a lot of celebrate with new attractions, thrills, dining options and character encounters.
The Season of the Force kicked off on Nov. 16 and here’s what you can expect in Tomorrowland’s galaxy far, far away.
Hyperspace Mountain
The most hyped change is that Space Mountain has transformed into Hyperspace Mountain. As the only person in America who hated this ride (darkness + rollercoasters = my nightmare), I underwent an evolution…and a revolution. Purists can breathe a sigh of relief because the intergalactic experience is still pitch black but the electronic-infused soundtrack is gone and in its place, an order from Admiral Ackbar to explore the presence of an Imperial Star Destroyer outside of planet Jakku (home to new Star Wars: The Force Awakens character Rey).
After being blasted out of hyperspace and into a barrage of imperial fighters (realistic wall projections), I was on a reconnaissance mission, joining a battle between Rebel X-wings and Imperial TIE fighters with the Star Destroyer looming forebodingly in the distance. The ride came to a climactic end as I was caught in the crossfire of red versus green blasters.
The best news is I was so busy having the time of my life that I forgot to be terrified. There may yet be hope for the galaxy.
Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
Lightsaber construction
What would Season of the Force be without a new addition to Star Tours, the popular 3D motion-simulated space flight? Without revealing too many spoilers, this popular attraction now features a new scene from Star Wars: The Force Awakens on the planet Jakku with cameos from soon-to-be-favorite characters. Step aside R2-D2: BB-8 is giving you a run for your money!
Following Star Tours, we toured the gift shop where we found signed memorabilia and studio models. The kids customized their own lightsabers starting at $25. Not only do their Jedi weapons light up but also make sounds that correlate to their movements…which are usually targeted right at their aforementioned spineless mother.
Star Wars Launch Bay
Credit: Disneyland
Over at Tomorrowland’s Innoventions building, Star Wars Launch Bar has taken over with special exhibits, recreations of props and costumes, visits with Darth Vader or Chewbacca (warning: the lines are long), sneak peeks at the upcoming Star Wars: The Force Awakens, shop models and so much more. In the Dark Side gallery, check-out Stormtrooper armor and Sith lightsabers, then head over to the Light Side for Rebel flight helmets and Jedi lightabers.
We could have spent hours exploring the various exhibits but my kids’ energy levels were waning…until my son Bode encountered demos of current and upcoming Star Wars video games. And then we couldn’t drag him out of the Star Wars Launch Bay.
Out-of-this World Eats
Tomorrowland Terrace has been converted to the Galactic Grill with options like the First Order Specialty Burger (angus beef and chorizo patty, fried cherry peppers and spicy-lime aioli on a dark bun) or the Jedi Order grilled chicken sandwich (five-spiced chicken breast, fried green beans, pickled red onions, watercress and Wasabi mayo). The kids opted for the AT-ST Chicken Walker Nuggets, Han Burger and the Pastry Menace (eclaire filled with spicy milk chocolate).
Our fan favorites were the beverages where it came down to good versus evil. My husband and Hadley stayed with The Light Side–all-natural Odwalla lemonade and granny smith apple with yogurt meteors and a souvenir light up Millennium Falcon. Bode and I took a turn to The Dark Side with all-natural Odwalla lemonade and strawberry with a souvenir light up Death Star (both keepsakes glowed for hours).
A family divided yet united in our love for Disneyland’s new Season of the Force.
The Force Lives On
It’s no secret that Star Wars is coming to Disneyland in a big way with their new Star Wars-themed lands. The groundbreaking is scheduled for 2016 in what will be their largest single-land expansion ever.
The park has not announced an end date to Season of the Force. Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple” will open on Dec. 8 with Darth Vader and the Seventh Sister Inquisitor, a new villain from the Disney XD series, “Star Wars Rebels.” Be sure to follow the Disney Park Blog for updates.
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Disney is the Happiest Place on Earth…until you get lost in the chaos. Don’t miss 10 ways to navigate Disney’s crowds from Jamie at Love of the Mouse.
Parenthood Lesson #35,305
November 11, 2015 By
I am chomping at the bit to get outside and play every day. And every day after school, all Hadley and Bode want to do is chill out and unwind. Who can blame them, really? They’ve just spent eight hours holed up in a veritable prison of lunch ladies, algebra and spelling tests.
I’ve tried to give them space and time, even though it’s not in my DNA. I always need to be doing something and it drives me nuts to be stuck inside the house.
Hadley, in particular has been resistant to it. Or rather, she’s the most vocal about it. Even if Bode doesn’t want to do something, he’ll reluctantly do it because he’s a pleaser. Hadley? She’ll do what she wants and only when she wants to do it. They’ve both had these personalities since they came out of the womb.
So, I’ve been careful with my words. I don’t want to demand too much of Bode because he’ll always do it but it should never be unfair to him. And for Hadley, I try to limit my requests to things that need to get done because I’m frequently greeted with resistance or “WHY?”
My friend Lisa recently called me in a panic to pickup Hadley’s bestie Alex from school. No problem. Hadley was out on the trampoline and knowing this would be something she’d be excited about, I tested the waters to see how she’d respond without first knowing what I asked of her.
“Hadley, I need you!”
“OK, Mom.”
“Wait. What? No ‘what do you want me to do?’ Or ‘I’m busy right now’?”
“OK then. What do you want me to do? Can’t you see I’m busy right now?”
Lesson learned: Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth.
I'm a Canadian-born mom of two, former Denver Post columnist, family travel writer, editor of MileHighMamas.com and 9News contributor. Expert on all things Utah, Denver, family and travel. Lover of laughter and life. Happily married to a man obsessed with growing The Great Pumpkin. 