Spring has sprung in Denver (and so has my suffering)

May 15, 2014 By

As school winds down, life is at a frenetic pace and the last four weeks have kicked my butt. If I haven’t been sick, I’ve been down-and-out with allergies. Is anyone else having the worst pollen-infested spring ever?

Regardless, life must go on and we have been busy, busy, busy.

We rarely/never get visitors and I just don’t understand. Is Colorado not one of the coolest places on earth? So, I was thrilled when my sister-in-law’s little sister Esther pinged me that she and her husband were coming to town for a wedding. Jane comes from a family of 9? 10? kids and I haven’t seen Esther since she was Hadley’s age when my brother got married. I was thrilled to take her and her wonderful hubby who just graduated from medical school to some of my favorite haunts that included Evergreen Lake.


And, of course, the best breakfast in Colorado: Country Road Cafe (just check-out all that food and the pancake!) I have to give Esther credit. She ordered something I never would have tried in a gazillion years and it was out of this world: The Wildwood’s potato pancakes topped with roasted pork, eggs, cheddar, hollandaise, crispy onions and jalapeno jam.

If you come visit me, I’ll take you and let you buy it for me because I’m nice like that.

My friend Tina’s kids Nolan and Rowan are our long-time friends who were born almost exactly a year apart. For their birthday, Tina goes ALL OUT and this year, it was a Despicable Me party on an outdoor movie screen.

 

As always, I was  happy to mooch off a friend for a super fun evening.

We also played hard on Nolan’s birthday.

Except for Bode. He looks a bit worried. And who can blame him?


We later went for Mongolian BBQ and it would appear Rowan is doing something shocking like eating her vegetables.

One fine spring morning, we popped over to Hadley’s Waldorf school for a lovely May Faire. Admittedly, there are some cultural idiosyncrasies that endlessly frustrate me i.e. there is a zero waste policy so, though they served fresh-squeezed lemonade, unless you brought your own non-disposable cup you were out of luck. And yes, we forgot because we generally don’t transport our own beverage containers.

On the plus side, we had a great time watching the kids do the Maypole dance, a ceremonial folk dance performed around a tall pole garlanded with greenery or flowers and often hung with ribbons that are woven into complex patterns. Hadley and I made flower wreaths for our hair and didn’t they turn out beautiful?
Revealing sidenote: My wreath lasted five minutes before I had an allergic reaction to the flowers. I have more issues than even I could have imagined.

Despite my love hate-hate relationship with allergies, it’s tough to complain too much with views like these. During a bike ride, I was blown away by one of our favorite summer swimming holes.

Friday bootcamp at Rocks Rocks=not ugly

White Ranch Park Open Space

On top of the world at White Ranch

One evening, we were thrilled to attend Elitch Gardens’ VIP Preview night of their new ride, the Brain Drain. I couldn’t convince Jamie or the kids to go with me so latched onto some of my awesome blogging friends and besides hanging upside down midair. And going backwards. And huge loops at warp speed. It was a blast!

The kids had plenty of fun, too. Despite the fact the park was still closed for the season, Elitch opened up a bunch of rides, which we proceeded to ride over and over again. There was also a never-ending supply of food. Upon being approached by a waiter who offered him an unlimited supply of corn dogs at no cost, Bode sighed and pronounced, “This is what it’s like to be a king!”

Sorry, dude. In my world it would’ve been steak and an allergy-free spring.

Filed Under: Colorado, Family Tagged With: , ,

Hadley’s Unceremonious Death as the Wife of Baldur

May 13, 2014 By

I remember doing the occasional play when I was in elementary school but very sparingly. That’s why I love that Hadley’s Waldorf school regularly does them, even if it means a lot more work and anxiety.

Plus, her teacher is very pregnant and if pulling together a play with 24 squirrely kids doesn’t make you come unglued, I don’t know what will.

Oh yeah, a newborn. They’re pretty good at that, too.

This year, the kids are studying Norse Mythology and”The Lay of Baldur’s Doom” is centered around the death of the god Baldur and the punishment of Loki.

What this means is the audience sits there stupefied, wondering what the heck they’re saying.

Hadley scored the role of Baldut’s wife Nanna. The reason she tried out for it?

1) It’s cool to be a god.

2) She only had a handful of lines.

3) She dies an unceremonious death.

I’ll be honest: I watched the disastrous rehearsal and didn’t think they’d pull it off but they miraculously did it. (Hadley is in blue to the left). And what excitement there was like archery!

I think I’ll call her Merida from now on.

She was visibly devastated when Baldur died as the chorus chimed out: “The sight of the body laying cold, proved too much for a lover’s broken heart to hold.” And Hadley delivered the following lines:

“Strength I was wrong–I have not.

Without my beloved my blood run not.”

And then Hadley dramatically collapsed to her death.

Confession: my favorite part was when the kids hauled her into the boat like a sack of potatoes.

Who says Norse Mythology is boring even if you can’t understand a word of it?….

===

For the grandparents: H’s play has been posted online if you want to watch!

Filed Under: Hadley, Humor

Mother’s Day Sentimentality (or lack thereof)

May 12, 2014 By

We had a gloriously low-key Mother’s Day. Jamie and the kiddos served me breakfast in bed, followed by a parade of presents, a cute scavenger hunt, secret service and a ginormous hanging basket of flowers. It’s not something you can easily hide so I asked Jamie where he had stashed it.

“In the pumpkin’s hoop house. I knew that was the one place you’d never go looking.”

Touché.

There’s no better way to spend Mother’s Day by going to church where moms are heralded, adored and, perhaps my favorite ward tradition, fed lots and lots of pie.

An all-day snow storm wreaked havoc on our tradition to walk around Evergreen Lake so Jamie smoked a delicious brisket, we ate even more pie and had a PJ/movie marathon. It was the perfect way to spend the blustery day together.

As we were getting ready for bed, those darlin’ kiddos of mine were attacking me with hugs and kisses. Brimming with love for both of them, I declared, “Without you guys, I wouldn’t even be a mommy so thank you.”

The reply from my sentimental daughter? “You’re right! So, technically Mother’s Day should be about us, too.”

Touché X 2.

Filed Under: Bode, Family, Hadley, Humor

Happy Mother’s Day!

May 11, 2014 By

Wonderful mothers are to be celebrated and I feel blessed to be surrounded by so many. I have a generous and funny mom who still sends me care packages and the ideal mother-in-law who is is kind and thoughtful. Truly, I scored on the mom card! But mother-daughter relationships must be navigated carefully; I’ve certainly had my share of prideful conflicts.

At Mile High Mamas this week, I asked my bloggers and readers to submit stories about their favorite mom memories. I know 99% of relationships aren’t perfect but I was shocked at the response. About one-third replied back to me that they couldn’t do it, that they have major ongoing conflicts or are completely estranged from their moms. And that just made me really, really, really sad they couldn’t think of even one nice memory of their mom to share. Surely, she had done at least one redeeming thing in her life? My kids are my world and I can’t imagine them not being a part of my life after they have grown up.

A few years ago, I gave a talk in church and shared a story I’ve never forgotten. There was a man who saved up his money for years and sacrificed a lot to purchase his dream car: a Porsche. Finally, that blessed day came for him to purchase it and on the drive home, he felt like he was on top of the world! Until someone who wasn’t paying attention, ran into the side fender, leaving a small dent. Furious, the man stormed out of the car, set it on fire and walked away.

Ridiculous? Of course it is and that’s the point. How many of us work for years at building a relationship and at even the smallest conflict, let it escalate to the point where we just walk away without trying to repair the damage? I have some good friends who had really tough childhoods and I completely understand estrangement when there is/was abuse involved. But these amazing friends, while setting their own boundaries, have forgiven…and continue to forgive…over and over again. They are truly tremendous examples in my eyes.

I’d like to think most of us are doing the best that we know how and yes, we very often fall short.  I LOVE this short video on the divine role of mothers.

“Someday someone small might come into your life and love you the way you’ve always wanted. If your someday was yesterday, learn. If your someday is tomorrow, hope. If your someday is today, cherish.” -Unknown
Today, I am infinitely grateful to be their mother.
Filed Under: Family

A Minecraft Mother’s Day

May 10, 2014 By

I know we’re supposed to share in our kids’ passions but I just can’t get behind the Minecraft craze. Today was one of Bode’s technology days and he love nothing more than to download his version of allll the excitement to me after he has finished playing. Today, however, I perked up because his tutelage had a Mother’s Day theme.

As an FYI, cows roam the Minecraft Overworld, usually in herds of 4 to 10. If a cow is killed, it will drop 0 – 2 pieces of leather, 1 – 3 pieces of raw beef, and 1 – 3 experience. If the cow died while on fire, it will drop steak rather than raw beef and will only drop experience in this case if the player has hit it or started the fire. Killing a calf will give you nothing.

Got it? Yeah, me neither.

“Mom, I’m attacking cows. But not the ones with babies.”

“That’s nice of you, kind of like honoring them for Mother’s Day?”

“Yes, it would be sad to kill the cows because then the babies wouldn’t have mothers.”

“You’re so thoughtful.”

“As for the babies, I don’t kill them either. I wait for them to grow up AND THEN I’LL ATTACK.”

 

Filed Under: Bode, Humor

Fly-by parenting

May 9, 2014 By

When the kids were little, I spent a lot of time at Denver’s 165-acre Washington Park. Though it was a haul from my house, it become a mom meeting place and we’d do stroller walks and have picnics at the playground.

It is also one of the few places in the Denver-area I’ve found acceptable for roller-blading and those kiddos of mine loved sitting in their Chariot stroller while I blazed around the trail’s two lakes. Though they don’t remember it, Washington Park was the place of their childhood.

Last week, I had a meeting in the area so brought my roller-blades with me to skate afterward. I pictured it as my return to glory. But every time I passed my favorite haunts or the mommy brigade of strollers, I missed my little buddies, despite the extra 60 pounds I had to push.

I recently sold the kids’ beloved bouncy castle on Craigslist because they’re too big for it.  It was a behemoth bouncer and since it was so heavy, we only brought it out for parties. But my, how they loved spending hours upon hours catapulting in that thing! I’ve sold off plenty of their baby items without one hint of nostalgia but for some reason, this one hit me hard.

Does anyone feel like this whole parenting gig is flying by waaaay too fast?

On the plus side, I took the money from the sale, put it in an envelope, wrote “just in case you want to use this to buy a certain someone some bricks,” and gave it Jamie.

I’m vying for him to build me a firepit for Mother’s Day because that’s something I’ll never outgrow.

I am nothing if not subtle.

Filed Under: Jamie

Hadley’s (violin) coming out party

May 7, 2014 By

OK, maybe  “coming out party” is a bit of a hyperbole and this certainly wasn’t anything like those snobby debutante balls. But Hadley’s recent violin concert was a big deal because we’ve had a rocky history with learning the violin. Most public schools don’t start learning instruments until fifth grade but at Hadley’s Waldorf school, the arts and music are a major part of the curriculum. She had the choice between learning the cello or violin and she chose the latter.

That has been about the only easy part about it.

From the get-go, she hated the violin. And, if we’re being honest here, I really didn’t push it because I hate listening to a kid hate playing the violin (think: screeching cats scraping their nails on the chalkboard). For her first concert last year we had a huge blowout when she refused to go. Being the good parents that we are, we forced her and I was pleased to see her performing like a champ along with the rest of the kid.

Until she confessed she faked the whole thing.

For her next concert later in the year, we had a conflict that evening so didn’t make her go. Why rearrange your schedule if the kid is just going to violinlipsync?

She got a new orchestra teacher this year and slowly, her attitude has started changing as she becomes more adept. A couple of months ago, I heard a foreign sound coming from her room: she was practicing the violin. On her own. Without threats/coercion.

I praised her and she raved, “Mr. Perez says if we keep working hard, he’ll give us a special reward. I’m doing so well he has bumped me up to practice with the fifth graders.”

This is when I stopped to pick myself up off the floor. From ViolinSyncer to the advanced group? She may be the most stubborn kid in the world if she doesn’t want to do something (remember our five years of potty training?) but when she really puts her mind to something, she shines.

The night of the concert she wore her beautiful dress given to her by her beloved Grandma Johnson at Christmas. I dolled her up by curling her hair and applying light make-up. She looked radiant!

The problem is, the boys took notice. One admirer of her past, Ryan, told her “you look like a princess” while the class perv (the kid who chauvinistically calls all the girls ‘babe’) observed how different she looked in her heels, make-up and dress.

Stay far, far, far away from that one.

The concert was great. They sang a beautiful song.

The choke-hold on her friend London was a bonus.

And then the orchestra performed. I was really proud to see her delve into it all without hesitation.We later rewarded her efforts with a special family outing for frozen yogurt. Technically it was her third concert but we’re counting it as her first because it’s the first time she didn’t fake it.

And no matter how belated, we’re considering that a win.

Filed Under: Hadley, Humor

Our beloved ward family in Maui

May 6, 2014 By

Upcountry view from the church grounds

I regularly fall in love with destinations but Maui was different–it felt like we belonged. Two months later, I’m still moderately obsessed with buying a second home on the Valley Isle (P.S. Our dream home is still on the market. Why have you not bought it so we can come visit?)

I was reminded just how small the world really is and how connected we all are.  We’d only been in Maui a few days when we attended the Pukalani Ward in the upcountry. Shortly after I won the trip to Maui, I started researching activities. I also took to Instagram for real photos from locals and somehow happened upon an LDS mom Malia. I was inspired by her self-sustained country lifestyle, gorgeous photography and the way she captures the simple beauties in life.

We corresponded a few times and she casually mentioned that her ward was the best on Maui. As the trip drew closer, I Googled it and was pleased to see it was in what is known as Maui’s “upcountry” and its location made a lot of sense. We would drive an hour to get there from Napili, go to church 9 a.m.-noon, lunch at Kula Lodge and take a Sunday drive to Haleakala Crater. I also loved it was off-the-beaten path because I wanted my kids to have a more authentic Hawaiian church experiences vs. being in a ward near the beach that was constantly overrun by tourists.

Since Malia and I had only corresponded a few times, I didn’t want to appear like a stalker who just shows up at someone’s ward so I was undecided whether I should approach her. During the whole meeting, her beautiful 8-year-old daughter kept smiling at me, later saying, “I just felt like I knew you.”

That’s how this entire ward felt for me. Here’s the great thing about being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Literally anywhere you go in the world, you have a ward family. Of course, every congregation has varying degrees of closeness but I’ve never experienced anything like the Pukalani Ward. Call it the “Aloha” spirit but I call it the most loving, welcoming group of people I’ve ever met.

Sacrament meeting was lovely and there were plenty of Hawaiian touches such as the ward choir and leadership who wore Kukui Nut Leis. As soon as the first meeting was over, I looked up and there was Malia. “Are you?…” And I assured her I was. (She recognized my hair–shocker). We hugged and I was grateful she didn’t make me feel like it was weird that I was there. We dropped the kids off in Primary, went back to hear Malia’s great lesson where we talked about the state of the world and she called upon me to share some insights. Her husband, not knowing us from Adam, came over a few minutes into the lesson and whispered to us, “Are you Bode’s parents? He’s a really cool kid.” Again, such unsolicited kindness.

It was their ward conference so the final meeting was taught by the stake leadership. We waited…and waited before the person teaching mentioned they were waiting for the pianist to show up. “Do we have anyone else who can play?”  Jamie glanced at me. I shrugged. I wasn’t about to volunteer in a ward that wasn’t my own but Doug, a hilarious podiatrist we had met, called out, “Sister Johnson can play,” and then a few people chimed in supporting him and before I knew it, I was getting volunteered to perform a song I’d never played in my life in a ward that was not my own.

Let’s just say it was memorable.

After the meeting, we dashed out to collect the kids and Malia came after us. “A few families are getting together at a potluck later today and we’d love to invite you,” she generously offered. How could we turn down that kind of opportunity? Doug later told us he was going to invite us as well but we had slipped out before he could catch us.

Jamie, the kids and I lunched at the gorgeous Kula Lodge and spent a memorable afternoon driving to the top of 10,023-foot Haleakala.

We were to meet Malia and company at the beautiful Pulehu LDS Chapel.  Although the chapel is not an official church historical site (and is no longer used for anything except for informal gatherings and firesides), it is the oldest LDS church building still standing in Hawaii and one of the first permanent structures completed by the church in Hawaii.

Pulehu LDS Chapel

A lava rock wall surrounds the grounds now and there is a stone monument with a marker that reads: “ERECTED BY THE LDS HAWAIIAN MISSION IN GRATEFUL REMEMBRANCE OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CHURCH IN HAWAII. NEAR THIS SPOT THE FIRST BAPTISM (PALE) WAS PERFORMED AND THE FIRST BRANCH OF THE CHURCH ORGANIZED IN 1851 BY GEORGE Q. CANNON AND JAMES KEELER.”

We spent the evening on the chapel’s verdant grounds and it was magic. Malia and her gracious family. Julia with her adorable little boy who is trying to get her novel published. Doug the podiatrist who had us in stitches the whole night. Not literal ones. Though he said plantar-fasciitis people like me keep him in business.

Free backrubs with Hadley’s new besties

Tag at twilight

The kids raced and played on the lawn with their new friends into the golden hour while the adults gathered in the chapel. The get together was intended to introduce everyone to the fiance of one of their dear friends who will be moving to the Mainland. While she played the violin, Kevin played the guitar and we sang hymns in that little chapel–beautiful, reverberating songs of praise, solidarity, love and beauty in a carnival of sound.

Photo: Malia. Just look at that sky out the window

Photo: Malia

As darkness intruded upon our night, we sang “God Be With You ‘Til We Meet Again” before filing out of that blessed chapel. Malia pulled me aside. “Kevin wants to serenade your family with a Hawaiian farewell song.”

Because really, doesn’t everyone get serenaded all the time? The shaky video I shot.

I have saved his song on my iPhone and whenever I’m feeling sad, I listen to it and remember that enchanted evening. As we reluctantly walked back to our car, Bode pointed up. “Mom, look at the stars.” Black velvet draped the heavens as a million stars’ ribbons of light pin-pricked the sky.

Serenaded by moonlight. Photo: Malia

Malia and I kept in touch for the duration of our vacation and on the final night, we were invited back to Doug and his wife Kristen’s for a farewell dinner with many of the same wonderful people. Their upcountry home has gorgeous views on the 16th fairway (and they actually rent out the other side for just just $129/night).

Fairway tag in Maui’s upcountry

Hadley and Kalena

The kids had a blast playing with their friends all night long as we watched the sun set into the ocean.

I regularly fall in love with destinations  but this trip was different: we truly fell in love with the people.

How grateful I am for experiencing a little slice of Maui heaven.

Filed Under: Family, LDS, travel Tagged With:

Multiple Sclerosis and the gift I never had

May 5, 2014 By

The post that took me two years to publish….

A couple of years ago, there was a large fire at my parent’s house that destroyed years of memories and decorations but was also motivated us to action. They have lived in their home for almost 45 years. Between my mom’s crafting career, the closure of her beloved tea room and gift shop, inheriting mementos of loved ones who have passed and her love to shop, the house is literally busting at the seams.

The closets in every room are jam-packed with treasures, many of which haven’t been opened. My mom’s craft area/laundry room/storage room were the worst culprits and were literally floor-to-ceiling with boxes upon boxes of beautiful ribbons, outdated lace and flowers, sequins, fabric, glue guns, dishes, baskets, unfinished wreaths and over 50 straw hats.

Growing up, my mom WAS Martha Stewart. Everything she touched was gold and she was (and still is) beautiful. She could cook anything and craft everything. She was the life of every party and the mom many of my teen-aged friends loved to visit because she provided them with the laughter and  stability they craved as their own families were rocked by divorce.

As my mom’s Multiple Sclerosis has worsened over the last 25 years, she has CLICK TO KEEP READING

Filed Under: Family, Health

Family Travel: 4 family-friendly resorts on Maui

May 2, 2014 By

A room with our favorite view at Napili Kai

One of the advantages of winning a trip to Maui was staying at four resorts. It was also the disadvantage. But despite being on-the-go every two nights, our nomadic lifestyle gave us the opportunity to visit various parts of the island and discover what properties worked best for us.

Each was family-friendly but that was where the similarities stopped. Napili Kai Beach Resort was the most budget-friendly and had our favorite views. All of the accommodations at the Honua Kai Resort & Spa are luxury suites overlooking the world-famous North Kaanapali Beach. Travaasa’s experiential resort in remote Hana was dripping with beauty, relaxation and on-site activities. The Fairmont Kea Lani’s only all-suite and villa luxury oceanfront resort on the white sands of Wailea’s Polo Beach looked like it had been plucked out of a scene from Arabian Nights.

It was the best of four worlds. CLICK TO KEEP READING

Filed Under: Family travel, travel Tagged With:
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