My stint as a Los Angeles Lakers Cheerleader

January 28, 2015 By

I was recently cleaning out our crawl space when I happened upon a blast from my past in one of my storage containers.  Sports Illustrated May 6, 1996, to be exact.

I was at BYU and my good friend Robert (married to my bestie Lori) commented, “I saw an LA Lakers cheerleader in Sports Illustrated who looks just like you.”

I laughed him off.  Thanks, Robert. Very flattering but like that could ever happen.

Until he showed me the picture.

There, I was: My face, my unruly strawberry-blonde hair–all plopped on top of the body of a hot Laker Girls cheerleader.

Let’s zoom in on that a little bit, shall we?

Let’s just excuse the fact that my Sports Illustrated moment of fame is whilst appearing between the legs of L.A. guard Nick Van Exel.

Filed Under: Humor

Ying and Yang Do Homework

January 27, 2015 By

One of my recent Facebook posts:

“Fact: I hate homework and school waaaay more now than I ever did as a kid.”

True story and we’re not even at the really tough school years yet. My personal opinion is it’s ridiculous to force a kid to sit through seven hours of school, only to require them to do several more when they get home. What happened to kids being kids?

I’d be an advocate for unschooling if I wasn’t so darn freaked out they’d end up illiterate and would limit my kids’ options for college and beyond.

Homeschooling is out of the question. I’m barely surviving an hour of homework.

And so here we are enduring the endless, uninspired barrage of worksheets.

Hadley does everything she can to procrastinate them as long as possible and I can hardly blame her for avoiding such drudgery.

But Bode is wired differently and tries to get them out of the way ASAP. He wisely sees them as a means to an end and that end is a glorious world where he has no homework.

Halfway through a recent session, I brought out some popcorn. The three of us took a 10 minute break to stuff our faces. Hadley was hoping I’d forget about the “H” word and took her sweet time.

Bode, on the other hand, pulled me aside and whispered, “You need to take the popcorn away. It is keeping us from staying on task.”

At least someone is here to whip the rest of us into shape.

 

 

Filed Under: Bode, Hadley, Humor

When roadblocks are actually stepping stones

January 26, 2015 By

As many of you know, I served an LDS mission in Switzerland and France in my early-20s. My experiences there were completely life-altering and changed the entire trajectory of my life, including who I ended up marrying.

One of the very best parts of my mission was teaching and baptizing Isabelle, a “golden” 16-year-old girl. I could write volumes about the instant connection we formed and how proud I am of this beautiful mother of three today. She lives outside of Lyon, France in the Rhône-Alpes region, situated between Paris and Marseille. Over the years, her family has endured a fair amount of trials but she’s still as stalwart as ever and a tremendous example to me.

They bought a plot of land with gorgeous views mountain views upon which they were going to build their home. Almost from the offset, there have been challenges and roadblocks that have dragged on for ages. I started wondering if it was ever going to happen and last week, I received an email from Isa telling me that it wasn’t. Almost at the very moment they felt inspired to abandon the project, her husband was offered an incredible new position with his same company in Annecy. So, in July, they will be moving to one of the most beautiful places in France at the base of the French Alps and the startlingly turquoise Lake Annecy, a stone’s throw away from Geneva, Switzerland.

Suffice it to say, I’m already planning my family’s visit.

Like Isa, I’ve felt like I am at a crossroads in my life and that I should be changing directions but have no idea where I’m supposed to be. Over the past several months, I’ve been obsessed with doing an international homeswap for a few months and we found a lovely family with whom to do it in England’s Cotswolds–we even had the kids accepted at school in the nearby village! This family has a 19th century converted barn in the middle of a 700-acre private estate and National Trust Land with stunning views of the surrounding woods and fields.

Views from the family’s garden

But the timing of everything just wasn’t meant to be as neither or our husbands could figure out the challenges of working abroad on such short notice, even if they are both self-employed. However, we’re still hoping to visit each other’s homes in the future.

Hearing Isa’s relief and joy after these several agonizing months reminded me that there is a Master Plan.  I have no idea what is in store for me or why I’m requiring this period of patience when I very firmly feel like there is something else I’m supposed to be doing.

Annecy, France

Photo: en.lac-annecy.com/

Lake Annecy, en.lac-annecy.com

Annecy, en.lac-annecy.com

Lake Annecy, en.lac-annecy.com

But let’s hope there is something glorious like Annecy waiting for me at the end of it.

Filed Under: LDS, travel

Humans of New York: Education Edition

January 23, 2015 By

I mentioned a while back that I absolutely love the Humans of New York Facebook/Instagram feed.  I’m always curious to know strangers’ stories and this satiates that curiosity.

I’ve had my share of frustrations with the interim principal at Hadley’s school this year. Long story short, the former principal (whom I loved because she knew how to get the job done) stepped on one too many toes and the Governing Council outed her. Now,we’re left with someone who is completely under-qualified and unresponsive to our teacher frustrations and I truly fear for the quality of education we’re receiving with her at the helm.

A group of parents are meeting with her yet again in a couple of weeks as we try to salvage this school year.  One thing I’ve learned is there is nothing more important than educators who go above-and-beyond to ensure your child receives the best education possible.  I’m grateful to live in an area where quality schools are in abundance because not everyone has the same opportunities.

These are screenshots from Humans of New York. It is so inspiring how a simple picture and a boy’s inspiration has transpired into a movement (with $374,000 donated and counting).

The response to this post was so overwhelming the photographer tracked down the principal.

It didn’t end there.

Here’s to amazing educators who are making a difference in our kids’ lives.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

It ain’t over ’til it’s…wait. It’s never over.

January 22, 2015 By

Lest you think giant pumpkin growing season is over, you would be wrong. Jamie still gazes longingly at the pumpkin patch, obsesses about which seeds to grow and what names he’ll give his pumpkins.

I can guarantee he never put as much thought into naming our children.

Side note: Once upon a time, I had a co-worker with the two most darling kids named Hadley and Geoffry (Geo for short). I decided then and there I would swipe those names and informed Jamie of that fact shortly after we were married. His response:

“I’m fine with Hadley but no son of mine is being named after a crap car.”

OK, then.

(See how Bode got his name here).

Several months ago, I was bombarded with emails and Facebook alerts from friends informing me that Rise of the Giants, a feature documentary following the 2013 race to grow the world’s largest pumpkin, was being released in Utah. I’m sure Jamie had dreams of seeing it but alas, the movie commute was a bit long.

Enter last week: I heard his “whoop!” of delight as he raced in from the mailbox to show me this DVD that had arrived in the mail:

We’ll just call it “How the Pumpkin Man Survives the Off-season.”

Filed Under: Humor, Jamie, pumpkins

Hadley’s future in theater

January 21, 2015 By

When I was a kid, I dreamed of becoming a great actress. That Annie character (actress Aileen Quinn) had nothin’ on me. Well, except that she could act. And dance. And sing.

I enrolled in drama the first chance I could when I was in seventh grade.  My dreams of stardom would soon be realized.

Until I realized I hated acting.

Well, I didn’t hate all elements of it but one in particular: improv. And this class was all about off-the-cuff acting.  Though I was an overly self-assured seventh grader, I was way too self-conscious about being funny on demand so after just one semester my acting career was over.

Last summer, my friend Dawn offered a free drama class for a couple of months and both kids really enjoyed it. Hadley, in particular, has loved acting in her class plays and has an impeccable memory (she can recite everyone’s lines). She had a blast last year during her Unceremonious Death as the Wife of Baldur but I thought that was the extent of it until she begged me to enroll her in Colorado ACTS, a local community theater, with her friend London.

At Colorado ACTS with London

I himmed and hawed. I pulled them from their activities this winter so we could enjoy downtime together but finally relented. Performing in front of people is an excellent skill to have when so many struggle with public speaking. Plus, the theater is literally one minute from my house and the class is only one night a week.

I love that Colorado ACTS is a smaller theater company with a big heart so she’s learning a lot of skills she might not have otherwise. Hadley is having the time of her life! Not only is she learning to sing, dance and act but the kids are helping to craft the script for their original production of “Rock Around the Block.”

On the first night, each child had to decide upon their stage name from the 1950s (she’s Annette) and also write on a piece of paper whether they were willing to do a musical solo. The other kids discreetly gave their answers but when it came her turn, she dramatically declared:

“That would be a big, fat NO.”

Maybe there’s a future for her in theater after all.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Who has it better or worse?

January 20, 2015 By

One morning, we were all snuggling in bed. After Jamie left, Hadley assumed his position and announced “I am Dad!” After a funny role play, I ask the kids, in all seriousness, which was better: being a boy or a girl?

My kids make me laugh every single day. Their responses were a cut out of our family life.

Hadley: “Being a girl is SO. MUCH. BETTER.”

Bode: “Oh yeah, well you have to give birth.”

Hadley: “Oh yeah, well you have to work on the computer all day while I go have adventures with the children.”

Bode: “If I didn’t work you wouldn’t have a house over your head.”

Filed Under: Bode, Hadley, Humor

Like a Lion to the Slaughter

January 15, 2015 By

Welp, 2015 has come in like a lion and I’m hoping it will go out like a lamb (if I survive that long). Many, many good things are going down and I’m feeling overwhelmingly grateful but mostly just overwhelmed. A video from comedian Jim Gaffigan has gone viral and my favorite joke from it:  “You know what it’s like having five kids? Imagine you’re drowning. And someone hands you a baby.”

That’s exactly what I’m feeling like, minus the five kids (thank heavens; I can barely manage my two!) I’m not sure how diligent I’ll be here posting here as I try to navigate my way through the next couple of months.

Some things that are coming down the pipe:

Shower Shimmy

Thank you thank you thank you to all who have supported my friend Karla’s campaign for her invention the Shower Shimmy, the world’s first 3-in-1 tool and green cleaning solution. I’ve been managing her social media and mom blogger campaign while Jamie built their website and ads. I could tell you some crazy stories about investors, network news opportunities and I’m sure that will be a blog post at a future date. But the most important thing is she reached her Kickstarter fundraising goal on Day 1 and is still going strong. Make sure to order one before her offer expires. Or I do. The jury is out which will happen first.

School Stress

School. Why didn’t someone warn me how stressful my kids’ schooling would be? I’ve touched upon some drama with Hadley’s teacher and it ain’t over yet. They’re supposed to loop with their teacher every year, which is a great thing until you get a not-great teacher. I’ve requested to have her moved to the other class but that is in flux as well with a pregnant teacher who isn’t coming back. After several school tours, I’ve open-enrolled her at an awesome Montessori charter school next year but chances of getting picked in the lottery are slim-to-none. Plus, I don’t know if it’s the right decision because there are some elements of the Montessori education that are a perfect fit (out-of-the-box, creative, innovative) but one specific part that worries me (self-directed learning). However, I’ve seen glimmers of hope as she has taken the reigns in her spiritual well-being by recently bearing her testimony in Sacrament Meeting, studying the Articles of Faith on her own and reading her scriptures before bedtime. She’s really turning into a lovely young lady.

Bode is still soaring at school but my gosh, writing has become a struggle for him. And unlike his sister’s apathy toward school work, he agonizes if  he’s not excelling. The other night during FHE, I could tell something was wrong.  He whispered to me, “Mom, during snuggles, can we talk?” I’ve started a new tradition in the evenings when I tuck each of them into bed that we snuggle and talk about our day. Sometimes it’s silly, sometimes it’s serious. In tears, he told me about some writing assignments he was falling behind in at school and we role-played different resolutions to help him talk to his teacher (I’m trying to empower each of them to take more personal responsibility in school). He cracked me up the next morning as he begged me to role play it out again (I HATED role playing when I was young) but it gave him the confidence he needed to talk to his teacher. And him confiding in me made me realize how those simple five minutes of being together before bedtime are creating more far-reaching, tender moments than I could have imagined. This parenting gig is tough but oh-so rewarding.

Travel, Travel

Following our month-long trip to Canada last summer, I was SO DONE WITH TRAVELING. And for the most part, we haven’t gone on any trips besides a couple of quick getaways. Now, our winter is full of glorious travels but at a cost: my sanity because I’ll be writing about all of them but I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities. Southwest Vacations (Southwest Air’s vacation package company) reached out and asked our entire family to cover a family vacation to Cancun so we’re heading out for surf and sun. I was in mourning when I wasn’t invited to write an article for The Broadmoor Magazine (truly, it’s one of my favorite gigs) but they recently reached out for us to cover their adventurous offerings (what a perfect fit!) I recently attended a ski media event sponsored by Travel Alberta and was delighted when I was invited on a media trip to the Banff-area resorts. I mean, to revisit my favorite childhood skiing haunts while fitting in a visit with my family afterward? Talk about perfection. Oh, and we need to squeeze in some local ski trips over the next few months so our winter is going to be a whirlwind.

And though I’m completely overwhelmed, you won’t hear any complaints.

You just might not regularly hear from me.

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Disney, Family travel, Favorite Posts

Holiday Happenings: In Pictures

January 14, 2015 By

I know we’re well into January but I realized I barely touched upon the holidays. I had my doubts about staying in Denver but we ended up having the perfect mix of playtime and downtime. Here are a few of my favorite things:

The kids’ piano recital. Hadley played “Away in a Manger” while Bode Rocked around the Christmas Tree. As usual, Hadley made me pray for a Christmas miracle because she could barely make it through the song during practice but it finally clicked a few days prior and they both did great!

My solo afterward was the hallelujah shout.

Our ward party is always a blast filled with awesome friends, delicious food, Santa and a live band that featured…Elvis?

Who says Mormons don’t know how to party?!!!!

One night, we opted to watch The Hobbit downtown so we could see the Christmas lights and stroll through the charming Denver Christkindl Market.

Christkindl Photobomb!

I thought the STIHL-sponsored photobooth with the chainsaw cutting off Bode’s head was a particularly nice touch.

We also discovered quite possibly the best present ever: The “NO” pen. Click the link below for our quick video to watch my demonstration.

IMG_5111

It has since gone missing. I suspect The Children may have had something to do with it.

I had a blast appearing on 9News’ ugly sweater segment.

And an even bigger blast when about 50 friends showed up for our sledding party!

On another day, we skated Evergreen Lake, followed by Country Road Cafe.

We did a lot of baking and played a lot of games…

Making cinnamon rolls

…in our PJs.

We made a point to do some service and volunteered at the Santa House to distribute gifts to low-income kiddos. My good friend Sam was about 45 weeks pregnant so we invited her three young kids over for the afternoon for “Elf Camp” with games and snacks. Hadley and her friend Alex were the entertainment committee and they did marvelously…until it came time to change Zoe’s diaper. It would appear we have some work to do before they’re ready to start babysitting.

Though New Year’s Eve day was a bust with our ski trip,we had a fun New Year’s Eve ringing in 2015 with our friends, the Carrolls.

Though they may not say the same thing.

I’ll likely be banned from bringing silly string in the future.

On New Year’s Day, we were invited over to the Huntleys for a PJ/Ebelskiver party!
We didn’t even bother getting dressed for our fondue dinner that night. Things got a bit blurry…


Because of this wild ‘n crazy Martinelli’s kid.

But nothing says Welcome to 2015 quite like lazy gluttony.

It’s gonna be a good year.

Filed Under: Bode, Hadley, holidays, Humor

When the children become the mother

January 8, 2015 By

Sometimes I really wonder if I’m getting through to my kids. Will they remember to say please and thank you? Are they learning to work hard? Are they grateful?

In the past couple of weeks, I’ve seen visions of myself through my children.

I am anti-procrastination and if there’s a project, I get it done right away so it’s not hanging over my head. When I do laundry, I do everything–washing, drying, folding, putting away–on the same day. I try to respond to emails within an hour of receiving them (you people who rarely check their inbox drive. Me. Nuts). And when I have a writing project, I always finish well before the deadline.

Bode had a project at school that was due mid-December. In essence, they were creating a mini-marketplace where they had to create at least 15 items to buy and sell with fake money. His teacher notified us a few weeks ago but in a rare move, I put it on the backburner because I assumed she would mention it again before the due date. She didn’t and I forgot about it.

So, Bode came home from school freaking out, “My project is due tomorrow, we have to get it done!”

He decided to make little monster page corner bookmarks like these. Fortunately, the only crafty one in the family was home sick from school that day so Hadley valiantly volunteered to cut out the paper triangles and once Bode got home from school, he could tape everything together and draw faces on them. The problem was she wasn’t feeling well (remember the sick thing?) so after about an hour, she brought them into the office for me to finish.

Here’s the thing the kids don’t understand about parents who work from home: we actually work. I was in the middle of finalizing some projects so told her I’d try to finish them off but never got to them. So Bode arrived home, finished his homework and after dinner I announced we’d start on the project. I began cutting out the triangles but we were way behind and Hadley let me know it. Over and over and over again.

“Well, if MOM did what I asked her to we wouldn’t be in this situation.”

“Don’t ask me what MOM was doing all day. I told her to take of this.”

It was like she was looking through a magnifying glass and seeing my life with them every single day.

The roles were reserved the week before that. Hadley had her final volleyball game while Bode and I had Cub Scouts. We arrived home about 20 minutes earlier so I had Bode help me with a quick dinner. He grilled the sandwiches, warmed the ravioli and apparently it was a lot of work . Because the moment Hadley and Jamie walked in the door, he exasperatingly announced:

“I’ve been cooking for you people and the least you can do is set the table.”

They’re gonna be the best moms ever.

Filed Under: Bode, Hadley, Humor
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