Amber | Life Elevated Mom

Season of the Force: Our Foray to the Dark Side

November 18, 2015 By Amber

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.

Filed Under: Family travel

Parenthood Lesson #35,305

November 11, 2015 By Amber

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.

Filed Under: Bode, Hadley, Humor

This might be my most sincere thank-you card ever

November 10, 2015 By Amber

It’s not very often we ever receive “just because” dinners but that is what our thoughtful neighbor Joyce did when she dropped off some delicious chili one cold night. At least I assume it was tasty because I wouldn’t know.

“Dear Joyce–This is not a thank-you note for me, but from Jamie who ate all your delicious chili without sharing. He said I should get your recipe so I can make him even more delicious chili. So, thank you (I think). Love, Amber”

Filed Under: Humor

Validation

November 9, 2015 By Amber

We recently had parent-teacher interviews and I’m really blessed with two great kids who have always been well-behaved and well-liked at school. Here’s how they are doing (though this post is mostly about Hadley in her transitional year).

Bode. Fourth Grade. Non-issue. Beloved by his teacher and classmates. Student council. Cross-country. Soccer pro. Terrible artist. Math whiz and his nickname is “the human calculator.” Obsessed with the Rubik’s cube. He comes home from school, does his homework without being asked and is obedient and thoughtful. I can’t take credit for him at all because he’s completely self-motivated and, let’s face it, the kid is not normal. But I’ll take these kind of abnormalities.

Hadley. Sixth Grade. Has risen to the challenge this year changing from a non-structured Waldorf learning environment back to public school and I feel so validated in switching her back. I’ve limited her activities to cross country, piano and VBC (our school’s broadcast program) so as not to overwhelm her because she needs A LOT of downtime.

She started so so so so far behind (no) thanks to her incompetent teacher last year and has made huge strides thanks to the loving guidance of her new teacher. In just a few months, she skipped ahead not one but two reading groups (rarely/never happens) and is a wonderfully creative and imaginative writer. She still struggles in math and spelling but is making huge improvements. I wish I could help with the lack of motivation but here’s something we learned about Hadley during our 5+-year-long ordeal with potty training: she is the most stubborn kid on the planet and if she doesn’t want to do something, she won’t do it (or will be kicking and screaming as she does). The good news is when she is passionate about something, she gives her all and does a beautiful job. For our pumpkin party, I asked her to draw an arrow to direct people to our backyard. She created a masterpiece of an arrow that would have brought ‎Leonardo da Vinci to tears. I would have drawn this: =>.

It sure would be nice if she could channel some of that to her academics but we all have our talents and she will be numbered among the artists, dreamers and innovators of this world.

Her newest obsession? Reading. Last summer, I bought the Fablehaven audiobooks for our looooong drive to Canada. We raced through all five books (more than 80 hours worth) and then she begged me to buy the books. She blew through them in a matter of weeks, creating a new dilemma: I literally could not get her to read before. And now I literally cannot get her to stop reading, which is fine until I want to go outside and PLAY.

I’m not sure what alternative universe I’m in but I guess I’ll take it.

Filed Under: Bode, Hadley

The Undefeaters

November 7, 2015 By Amber

Fall sports season is a wrap!

Soccer

Bode has been with his soccer team for a couple of years and they’re finally gelling really well together. So well, in fact, that they went undefeated, which was particularly awesome because he’s had a rollercoaster few years playing. He started out as a superstar preschooler and was a top scorer. Then, as the other kids got stronger, he lost his confidence and held back. He has finally found his niche on defense and though he’s not a flashy player, he is a smart one who always makes solid passes and is a team player.
I asked Bode if they had a team name this season. He shrugged his shoulders and said, “I don’t know. Call us “The Undefeaters.”

Talk about a premonition.

Volleyball

This is the fourth season I’ve coached volleyball for the 2nd Ward Young Women at church and it was a blast! Hadley is only 11 (Young Women are 12-17) but I recruited her and a couple of her younger friends to play so we’d had enough girls. She continues to be a source of frustration because she fights me at every turn. The girl is good and could be great. She oozes natural talent and really thrives out there…and then when she steps off the court, she claims she’s only lukewarm about volleyball. Really? Apparently she doesn’t see what I see.

Last year, we beat our arch rivals 1st Ward in the tournament but then they beat us in the finals. This year, we were in it for the win and, despite our strong competitors (most of whom play volleyball in club or school), we were the Little Engine That Could. We came from behind to beat them during the tournament, had a showdown in the finals and were declared Stake Champions!

Great job to all! After a busy fall, I’m looking forward to our winter hibernation.

Filed Under: Bode, Hadley

The cute and not-so cute of Halloween

November 2, 2015 By Amber

Lest you think my family is Halloween-obsessed, you’d be correct. My mom always went all-out with our homemade costumes and I have such wonderful memories of friends, family and trick-or-treating marathons around our area.

Here’s a a glimpse at some of our extended clan’s festivities.

Jamie’s sister Tammy had a Wizard of Oz theme. If they kept with traditions, they setup a huge screen on their front lawn in Salt Lake City and showed classic black-and-white movies on Halloween night.

I was feeling weird that I have more Halloween decorations than Christmas until I saw my brother Pat and sister-in-law Jane’s storage:

Jamie: I NEED MORE DECORATIONS!!!

Jane always throws a killer pumpkin-carving party with 50+ friends and family.

Not to be forgotten: my niece’s darling angelic and devilish kiddos:

And for my brother Jade? There are no words.

He responded to our mullet insults on Facebook: “If I would’ve had more time the full duct man costume would’ve been re-created this year!!”

Counting our blessings on that one. He’s newly single and ready for the taking, Ladies.

Filed Under: holidays, Humor

Happy Halloween!

November 1, 2015 By Amber

As much as I love Halloween, it made me a bit sad this year. The kids are growing up fast–too fast–and let’s face it: Halloween just isn’t the same without little kids. This Facebook flashback from five years ago tells the tale with our cute Mario and Princess Peach. Apparently the only thing that hasn’t changed is Jamie’s pumpkin obsession.

Hadley in particular looked so grownup as an archer. Aren’t my girl and maple tree gorgeous?

My friend Suzy was generous enough to send Bode a legit NASA costume, which he beefed up with Jamie’s scary pumpkin mask. Um, OK.

Between our ward’s truck-or-treat and class parties, there was plenty of fun.

Sixth grade

The Pumpkins also made celebrity appearances at the Volunteers of America Halloween party for homeless families….

…And visited our local high school’s special needs kids and our kids’ school. Bode proudly made a speech while Hadley pretended she didn’t know us. I wore my embarrassing pumpkin glasses just for her.

Our neighborhood has been ranked #5 as the best neighborhoods to trick-or-treat in Denver, which I attribute to our fire station that hosts a party and fire-truck-led procession, and then the countless families that go all-out for Halloween. That parade has been one of our highlights–it’s so fun seeing all our friends dressed up but Hadley was among the oldest so her days are numbered.

Jake, Noah, Nicky, Bode, Vinny and Curtis

Our superhero neighbors

Another reason for my nostalgia: gone are the days when we trick-or-treat as a family. My friend Julie took Bode out with all his besties while I threw a party for the tweens in our ward. A few of the girls dressed for fashion, not comfort (roockies) and after an hour, ditched their shoes to go barefoot. Hadley could have trick-or-treated for hours (chip off the old block) but when you have half your group blistered and limping, you call it early after a mere hour and a half, go back to your house to review and trade your stash, and watch a spooky movie.

And yes, I was the killjoy who kept yelling at Waldo to STOP HIDING SO I COULD TAKE A PICTURE.

Happy Halloween 2015!

Filed Under: Bode, Hadley, holidays, Humor, Jamie

Pinewood Derby Drama

October 29, 2015 By Amber

The Pinewood Derby. Every Cub Scout’s dream. Every father’s worst nightmare.

To let you know Bode’s pedigree: As a kid, Jamie won first place locally and his brother Chris competed against hundreds of cars to win regionals. The Pinewood Derby is serious business for the Johnson clan

This year, my boys were in it for the win. They researched YouTube videos for the best strategies and implemented a risky three-wheeled design with purposely bent axles and a rail-riding strategy.

There were four lanes so each car raced once in each lane. I joked to our friends I wouldn’t tell them which car was ours unless we won.

He triumphed in the first heat.

And his second.

He dominated the third.

And won the fourth heat for a clean sweep.

We assumed he’d win best overall average because he beat every car (including the overall winner) but in the end, he took second place–the difference between first and second place was a mere 0.03 seconds.

That night before bedtime for scriptures and prayers, I read a touching story from the Friend, the Church’s children’s publication. It was about a father obsessed with winning the Pinewood Derby. They were on track to go to the winner’s bracket when his 8-year-old son pulled him aside and told him he was supposed to go head-to-head with a boy with disabilities who hadn’t won any heats.

“Dad, we need to do something to my car to make sure Steve wins.”

The dad was humbled by his son’s gesture so ruined the alignment on the car. Steve was thrilled to win the race and there were two winners that day.

After reading the story, there was a long pause. Was my sweet, thoughtful boy as touched as I was about this kid who gave up the chance to be in the winner’s circle so another could win?

Bode finally responded, “Oh, let’s not do that.”

He’s more like his father than I thought.

Filed Under: Bode, Humor, Jamie, LDS

Devil’s Head Tower Lookout’s Cut of Fall Heaven

October 27, 2015 By Amber

I’ve wanted to do the 2.8-mile round-trip hike to Devil’s Head Tower Lookout for several years. As one of the last of the seven original Front Range Lookout towers still in service, this hike is a popular one but it’s a 1.5 hour drive from our house. Finding time and willing participants have been issues so 1) we raced over late afternoon after church and 2) I bribed my family to go.

I loved everything about this hike and one advantage of leaving later in the day was we almost had this hike to ourselves. This hike was a new favorite.

From the views of the Rampart Range along the way.

To the fall colors.

To the fascinating tornado takedown.

To the 143 steps to get to heaven.

To the 103-year-old lookout tower that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

If you’re in the Denver area, this hike is a must. And worth the bribes to get there.

Filed Under: Colorado, Family travel, hiking, outdoors

The 245th Annual Giant Pumpkin Party

October 26, 2015 By Amber

I’ve lost track of how many pumpkin parties we’ve thrown in honor of the Great Pumpkin but it seems like a lot. Despite a lackluster growing season, Jamie managed to produce a respectable beast that weighed 747 pounds. It was almost half the size of Stanley from 2012:

But still impressive. And without Stanley’s sour expression.

In years past, we’ve admitted only pumpkin treats for the party but I staged a coup and opened up the menu so our 50 guests brought a delicious variety of fall dishes. Jamie complained until I made his favorite caramel apple squares…and then he shut right up.