We’ve been home from Mexico for two weeks and I’ve decided I’d really like to go back and sip virgin Miami Vices all day. I felt crummy and sore all last week and realized I have zero creative juices when I don’t feel well. Happily, I turned the corner on Saturday and was able to crank out really fun articles about our experience that I’ll post next week!
The Bad
- Mom is the hospital. Again. So much to be said about this but truly, there are no words about the amount of suffering she has endured since she was first diagnosed with MS 25 years ago. I’m really grateful for an opportunity with Travel Alberta to combine a ski trip to Banff in March with visiting her in Calgary. Our annual July visit seemed just too far away.
- I’ve hinted at frustrations with Hadley’s teacher and school administration since the governing council ousted the previous principal last summer. I had open enrolled her at another school but I’ve been doubting my decision-making lately so have been praying like crazy that whatever the answer, it would be glaringly obvious. I thought all the signs were pointing to switching schools as her friends’ parents have been un-enrolling their kids like crazy. But I just called the new school and she’s #22 on the wait list–it would take a miracle for her to be accepted. So, that leaves us with a lot of stress as we try to work out a resolution with the governing council and the clueless interim principal in a charter school that we had loved before this disastrous year.
The Good
Thankfully, there’s more good than bad but unfortunately, the bad just happens to be really bad. Here are a few of our silver linings:
- I received a story assignment from The Broadmoor Magazine so we’re going to The Broadmooor a.k.a. one of my favorite places on earth for our 12th wedding anniversary. Glorious brunch buffet: you’re
allmostly mine (carb-addict Hadley never makes it past the bread/pastries table).
- Bode and Jamie worked hard on building a car for Bode’s first Pinewood Derby. He won some heats, came in second and third in others, and won “Best in Show” (whatever that means) but overall, we deemed it a success! I mean, there was pizza–how can you go wrong?
The cheerleaders
- Denver’s weather has been schizophrenic. It is snowing today and the forecast for the rest of the week is for 65+ degrees. I’m fine so long as there is some snow in the mix.
Last week’s Junior Ranger hot dog roast and hike at Lookout Mountain
- We bought the kids archery sets for Christmas and they have LOVED using them. Hadley, in particular has an aptitude for archery and I’ve asked my friend Debbie to give them some professional tips. In the interim, they’re having fun figuring it all out. Mostly.
On her first day using her new bow, Hadley raced inside to find me.
“Slight problem, Mom…but don’t worry, we didn’t kill anything.”
It’s all a matter of perspective.
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. 