Easter and Family

Happy Easter!  We have had a wonderful day filled with family, laughter and lots of smiles.  We started off the day with Easter baskets and a yummy breakfast.  I almost never make breakfast, or eat it for that matter, so the kids were loving a warm breakfast.  We went to church, like we do every Sunday, and enjoyed the Spirit we felt there.  It always brings me peace to attend church.  We had very yummy Easter dinner at my mom's house.  I have to say that homemade rolls with homemade raspberry jam are amazing!  Overall it was a fabulous Easter.  Nice and low key, but filled with the joy of being together as a family.

My sisters and their kids are in town.  So the cousins all have been having a lot of fun.  We hung out on Thursday, went to the pool on Friday, took my nephew to the Rapids game with us yesterday, and then spent the afternoon together today.  Capped it all off with an Easter egg hunt in the backyard.  There was nothing in the plastic eggs, but the kids still had a lot of fun finding them!  Amazing how the simple things mean so much when you are little, an empty plastic egg can bring so much joy and happiness.  I love that!

We also had a new niece born into our family this weekend!  Yay for babies!  She is a beautiful baby and we cannot wait to meet her.  There will be two more babies joining our family this year in the next couple months.  Such wonderful blessings.
I got to talk to my maternal grandmother today also.  That was the best!  I miss my grandparents a lot.  It has been six years since I have seen them.  I have been wanting to get back to see them for years, but it has never worked out budget wise.  Thankfully we were able to swing one plane ticket so I can get out to see them.  I wish I could take the whole family with me, but I will take what I can get.  My paternal grandmother will be turning 96 soon.  Ninety six years old!  My maternal grandparents are not too far behind her in their early 90's.  I know that I am very lucky to still have them still.  So many of my friends have lost all their grandparents already.  My paternal grandfather died before I was born, so I never had a chance to know him.  However I am close with my remaining grandparents and I know that at sometime in the not too distant future I will lose my remaining grandparents for the rest of this mortal life.  I am not looking forward to that day!  I'm sure it will come too soon.  I am sure it always seems too soon.  I am grateful for the atonement though and the knowledge that we can be together again someday. 

GI Joe: Retaliation

I have been finding myself sliding into depression lately.  It does not happen often, but every now and then it tries to creep back into my life.  After my last couple miscarriages I spiraled into a pretty bad funk.  The depression got bad enough that I tried counseling and meds.  Neither helped.  The doctor, mainly because we did not click, and the meds because meds and I tend to not be friends.  I was able to get out of that dark place.  It was a daily struggle for a time, but it got better.  Every so often I find myself trying to slide back into that place.  It is not a place I want to be! 

I believe that this time it is being caused, in part, by the frustration over my foot not healing as quickly as I hoped it would.  I overdid it and set myself back a bit.  It makes me feel as if it will never get better.   I am sure that it will.  It just takes time and patience.  I seem to be lacking in the patience at the moment. 

I have been doing a little better the past day or two.  Not great, but better.  Tonight I went to see GI Joe: Retaliation with one of my best friends.  It was just what I needed!  Something about a movie based on a childhood favorite cartoon just makes you smile.  I actually really enjoyed this one.  I think it was more serious than the first, but still just as fun.  I was sad that Chris Eccleston as Destro was not in it, however I can see him in Thor in a few months.  :)  My friend was disappointed there was not more Channing Tatum in it.  That did not bother me.  I did miss having Duke as a main character to a degree, but I missed Eccleston more.  Yes, I really like Chris Eccleston!  He is a great actor and has pretty eyes.  In regards to the movie and kids, I would let Archer see it, but would not let any of the younger kids see it.  There is no graphic violence and I do not recall a preponderance of bad language.  However it is very intense in a few parts and I feel, that for my family, it would not be appropriate for the younger kids.  At 13 years old, Archer would be okay with it.  The younger kids might be okay with it too, but I would rather they wait a few years to see it.  Same thing we did with the last Harry Potter movie.  The younger kids are still waiting anxiously to see that. 

So yay for a girl's night out with a good friend and a fun action flick!  Makes a girl feel better. 

Disney on Ice presents Treasure Trove

I have had some questions about how to get the discounted tickets to Disney on Ice presents Treasure Trove.  Due to that I thought I'd give instructions to break it down for you.  :)  So here you go:  Go to www.ticketmaster.com/treasure. Pick your date and click on the "Find tickets" button. Enter code STN26 into the offer code box (make sure you do all caps). Then tell it to show the promotion on the map. If you click on the map it will show you price by seats. The lower seats are $50 including all the taxes, while the upper seats are $18 including the taxes.  Pick your seats and you are good to go!  Remember parking is free at the Coliseum, unless you chose to park in one of the pay lots.

The Denver Colorado dates are April 4-7 at the Denver Coliseum. 

My kids are getting really excited about going to see Treasure Trove and so am I.  It is such a fun family outing that everyone can enjoy.  Even Archer, being a young teenage boy, enjoys it.  I sometimes hear that it is just for girls because it is princesses.  I personally don't feel that way at all.  If you like Disney movies, then you will like Disney on Ice.  The productions are essentially snippets of the movie live and on ice.  Cannot go wrong there! 

Here is a clip of what it is:

Recovery and Sisters

There are a few things that you should not do while recovering from foot surgery. 

• Shovel wet, heavy snow.  Duh right?  It's wet and heavy and requires much pressure put on your foot.  Yet it seemed to really matter that I get the driveway shoveled before dark so that when we went to church the next day it would be ready to go.  Why didn't my sweet husband or kids do it?  My sweetheart has a bad back which was seizing up after shoveling three times that day already.  Archer was out sledding with friends and I did not want my younger ones out in the dwindling light shoveling really wet, heavy snow.
• Volunteering for things that require standing for long periods of time.  Especially soon after shoveling wet, heavy snow.  I just cannot say no when help is need.  When the help is needed with book fair, well sign me up!  Twice!  Just for good measure.  I do love book fair.  The second day I was able to sit a good chunk of it, so that was good.
• Do something that requires repeated trips up and down stairs, after shoveling wet, heavy snow and standing for long periods of time.  It hurts, a lot, and probably shouldn't be done.

Sounds like a no brainer right?  Not so much, unfortunately.  I think I have set myself back at least a month in my recovery, if not longer.  I will have to do better as I really need to not be in so much pain all the time.  I see my doctor again in a week and a half, so we will see how things stand at that point.  Fingers crossed!

In other news, my sisters and their kids are coming out for Spring Break!  We are all looking forward to that.  The kids are all really close in age, so really enjoy getting to spend some time with each other.  They have not seen each other since last summer and miss each other.  I miss my sisters too.  We are very different in many ways, but they are my sisters and I love them dearly.  It will be great to spend some time catching up with them and seeing my younger sister's cute baby belly.  So much fun in store!

Disney on Ice presents Treasure Trove Contest Winner

And the winner of the family four pack of tickets to see Disney on Ice presents Treasure Trove is......

 

Amanda Trenck!!!!

 

Amanda you must contact me within 48 hours to claim your prize.  I hope your family enjoys attending Disney on Ice presents Treasure Trove!

For those of you who did not win you can still buy tickets.



Disney On Ice presents Treasure Trove playing Denver Coliseum – Save $4 per ticket! Use coupon code STN26 at www.ticketmaster.com/Treasure. This code is valid for the Thursday, April 4, and Friday, April 5, shows and cannot be used for Front Row or VIP seating. No double discounts.

Show Dates:
Thurs., April 4 - 7:00 PM

Fri., April 5 - 11:00 AM & 7:00 PM

Sat., April 6 - 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

Sun., April 7 - 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & (7:00 PM SPANISH SHOW)
Tickets:$15, $21, $27, $42 VIP, & $68 Front Row

Facility Fees, service charges and handling fees may apply

Parking is free at Denver Coliseum.

Disney on Ice presents Treasure Trove Giveaway

Disney on Ice presents Treasure Trove will be in Denver from April 4-7!  Do you want to go to see it?  Want to win tickets?  Here is how!

1. You must be 18 years or older to enter.
2. You must be a resident of the Denver Metro area or able to be in the Denver Metro area on the night of Thursday, April 4, 2013.
3. Contest will run from March 21, 2013 at 8:30am - March 22, 2013 at 9:00am.
4. Contest winner will be chosen using Random.org based off of your comment number.
5. Winner will be announced on my blog March 22, 2013 after 10:00am.
6. Winner must contact me within 48 hours or they will forfeit the prize.
7. Alternate winner will be selected through Random.org if the winner is unable to attend or fails to claim prize.
8. Prize tickets will be available for pick up at the Will Call window on the night of the show. Tickets are non-transferable! They will be under the winner's name and be able to be picked up using a picture ID.
9. Winner will win 4 tickets to the Thursday April 4, 2013 showing of Disney on Ice presents Treasure Trove at the Denver Coliseum at 7pm. 

Ready to enter?  Just post the answer to the following question in the comments.  If you cannot get your comment to post, email it to me at mtgringo@gmail.com and I'll post it for you.  Here's the question:

Where does Peter Pan tell Wendy that Neverland is located?

Feld Entertainment is neither a sponsor nor endorser of this promotion. Feld Entertainment will be providing the prize, however the contest is my own. 

Good luck!
Not everyone will be able to win tickets, so here is how you can purchase:  Opening night tickets for the Thurs., April 4th, 7 pm show are just $14! (Excludes Front Row and VIP seats. Additional fees apply. No double discounts. Whichever discount makes the ticket less, Opening Night $14 or $4 off, will be processed. Therefore regularly priced $27 seats are $14, $22 are $14, and $15 seats are $11 with the code STN26.  The discount code is only valid on Thursday and Friday.)

Busy

Things have been so crazy busy of late.  I am wondering if I will be able to get everything done.  It does always work out in the end, but at the moment I feel swamped!  This past week has been a good one.  My sweet husband and I celebrated fourteen years of marriage.  Happy anniversary sweetheart!  The kids and I went to Arenacross, Archer had his first soccer game of the season, and we also attended an Avalanche hockey game with our extended family.  Thankfully we are not on the go quite so much this week.  I am trying to make sure I have all the pictures I need for the school yearbook before they start Spring Break on Friday.  Parent teacher conferences tonight and volunteering at the book fair on Thursday.  Thank goodness for a GNO on Friday!  I'll need  it by then.  Even though things are busy, they are good. 

I am looking forward to Spring Break with the kids and have a trip planned to go see my grandparents at the beginning of April.  It has been too long since I've seen them! 

I will be posting a contest for tickets to Disney on Ice presents Treasure Trove this week also.  So keep your eyes peeled!  Now time to run and get some more done.

Disney on Ice presents Treasure Trove

Arenacross is over, but Disney on Ice is coming back to Denver!  Yay!!!  Always love Disney on Ice.  Princess got extremely excited anytime she saw the previews for it at Arenacross.  This Disney on Ice presentation will be a "Treasure Trove"! 

Hit the ice with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald, and Goofy as they embark on a treasure hunt for some of the most popular Disney films ever. Audiences will experience a medley of their favorite animated Disney movies throughout the years including moments from classic Disney films like Peter Pan, The Lion King, Alice in Wonderland, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Aladdin, and The Little Mermaid, as well as new favorites Tangled and Princess and the Frog. With more than 50 Disney characters featured, Disney On Ice presents Treasure Trove has a story for every generation.

Keep your eye out for more information about the show and a ticket giveaway!

Disney On Ice presents Treasure Trove playing Denver Coliseum – Save $4 per ticket!   Use coupon code STN26 at www.ticketmaster.com/Treasure.  This code is valid for the Thursday, April 4, and Friday, April 5, shows and cannot be used for Front Row or VIP seating.  No double discounts.

Show Dates:
Thurs., April 4 - 7:00 PM

Fri., April 5 - 11:00 AM & 7:00 PM

Sat., April 6 - 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

Sun., April 7 - 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & (7:00 PM SPANISH SHOW)

Tickets:$15, $21, $27, $42 VIP, & $68 Front Row

Facility Fees, service charges and handling fees may apply

Parking is free at Denver Coliseum.

AMSOIL Arenacross Review

The kiddos and I went to see the AMSOIL Arenacross tonight.  We've never been to a motorcycle race before, so had no clue what to expect.  I have to say that the people who work at the Denver Coliseum are always super helpful!  We got directed to our seats and got settled in.  The kids thought the track looked amazing and immediately started discussing how much dirt there was (For a 10-round season, 405,000 cubic feet of dirt will be used, which is enough to fill London’s Big Ben two-and-half times. In weight, 3,000 tons of dirt is used per event, which is the equivalent to 20 blue whales – the largest animal on the planet.), whether or not there is some sort of structure under the dirt, to which way the racers would ride.  They chatted away until the race started. 

Of course I did not think about ear plugs until we were almost to the Coliseum.  That was a bad on my part, ear plugs are highly suggested!  We did okay without them, though there was some ear plugging.  It is loud!  Not so loud that my ears hurt, but loud enough that ear plugs would have been nice. 

I was surprised at how many racers were out on the track at one time.  Every round my kids would all pick which racer they wanted to win and then cheered that person on.  When they won, the kids went wild.  When they lost, there was a lot of better luck next time.  There were some little kids that had a race about half way through and they were so tiny!  The wee little racers were pretty darn cute.  My kiddos like the adult racers better, as they made the big jumps and went faster. 

 

If we go again, which the kids would love, we would make sure to bring ear plugs.  I would also make sure to bring some cash so I could buy a couple bottles of water.  A few of us got some throat irritation from the fumes.  After some fresh air and water it cleared right up, so it is not something I would consider a deterrent at all.  Just need some water next time! 



If you and your family are interested in motorcycles or racing, it was a great family event.  There are two more shows in Denver - Saturday, March 16 @ 7:00pm with a pre-track party from 5-6pm and Sunday, March 17 @ 12:00pm.  Parking is free!

 

Grandparents

I have been feeling lately like I need to go see my grandparents.  They are getting very elderly and are not in the greatest of health.  I have not seen them in almost six years and I miss them dearly!  My paternal grandmother will be turning 96 years old next month.  Last time I saw her was for her 90th birthday party.  She is one of those very elegant women who always has struck me as being very proper.  She was a beautician and had a salon in their house.  I have many fond memories of playing beauty shop there with my siblings.  Riding the chair up and down then sitting under the hair dryers.  My grandmother always had gum in her purse.  I remember once when we were having french toast for breakfast at her house my cousin mixed powdered sugar and syrup on his french toast.  My grandma was fairly horrified by the fact that he had done that.  Turns out it is a tasty mixture!  Grandma wasn't too sure about that though.  She has been ailing the past few years and has dementia.  I love seeing the pictures my cousin and aunt post of her on Facebook. 

My maternal grandparents still live in the same home I always remember them living in.  My grandfather is in his early 90's and my grandmother will be turning 90 soon.  Grandma cannot see so well anymore and grandpa has heart issues.  They are hanging in there and taking care of each other.  I last saw them on the way to my paternal grandma's 90th birthday party.  I get regular updates from my mom, so still feel somewhat in the loop.  It is not the same as being able to see them though.  My grandpa smoked a pipe for most of his life.  Many of my memories of him growing up revolved around him and his pipe.  He also loved to play gold.  I have a picture of him with Angel from when she was 2 1/2 sitting in his recliner.  He had his hand on the lever and would lay the chair back and then sit back up.  They were both smiling and laughing, just having a great time!  My grandma sat there and asked him if he was okay since he normally does not do things like that.  My grandma is a fairly tall woman and always liked to show off how high she could kick.  She loved to go to garage sales.  I still have a Christmas candle set that she bought me at a garage sale. 

I am planning on buying a plane ticket and setting up a car rental tomorrow so I can go out to see them all!  I will be going out the weekend before my paternal grandmother's 96th birthday.  I will spend two days with my dad's side of the family; my grandmother, my aunt, and my cousins.  My dad, step-mom, and I think their kids will be there also.  I am so excited to see them all!  I will then go spend a day with my maternal grandparents before I have to fly home.  I am very grateful to my sweet husband that is willing to make this trip happen for me moneywise.  I am also grateful to my mom for agreeing not only to take me to the airport, but to watch my kids for a couple hours. 

I cannot wait to get to see my grandparents!  They have made such an impact on my life and I love them so much. 

Bumps in the Road

Why do we fight with those we love over the most stupid and inane things?  Things that do not matter in any way shape or form, but they become something big.  My sweet husband and I got in an argument over, wait for it, frozen pizza.  Yep, frozen pizza.  What a dumb thing to fight over!  Things are fine, we made up as we always do.  We were discussing tonight why is it that the few fights we've ever had, seriously like 4 or 5 fights in 14 years, have all been over little things that don't matter.  I find it interesting and a bit infuriating.  It seems like if you are going to have a fight with someone it should be over something that matters.  Overall we have a really fantastic marriage.  We honestly rarely fight.  Yes we have our grrrr moments at each other here and there, but not fights.  We enjoy spending time together, just hanging out, talking, laughing.  I say very sarcastic things to him, he says something silly just to watch me roll my eyes.  We truly are best friends.  I suppose that is why fighting over the random things that don't matter just frustrates me.  However I would rather fight over nothing any day then fight over personal things.  I've been there, done that before.  In the grand scheme of things I will take the arguing over the nothings.  There may be bumps in the road, but as long as you can both forgive and move on it does not matter.  Those bumps in the road keep your eyes on the road, they help you keep your priorities straight.  We'll be celebrating 14 years of marriage next week.  That is the priority, that is the prize.  A few bumps here and there are no big deal at the end of the day.  Being with the one that you love, that matters.

Joy in Learning

At my children's elementary school they do a Famous American's project in 2nd grade.  I do not have a 2nd grader this year, but I do help out in a 2nd grade classroom.  Today during my volunteer time we were working on revising and editing their writing about their famous American's.  I have to say, it was a lot of fun!  Helping out at the school is always fun and I find it to be very rewarding.  Today thoughh was extra fun.  I asked each child who their famous American was and their faces just lit up when they would tell me.  Mary Lou Retton, Paul Revere, Neil Armstrong, Squanto, Abraham Lincoln, Maria Tallchief they told me.  Paul Revere rode his horse to let people know the British were coming during the Revolutionary War!  Mary Lou Retton won 5 Olympic medals!  Neil Armstrong was the first man to walk on the moon!  Squanto helped the pilgrims!  Abraham Lincoln freed the slaves!  Maria Tallchief was the first prima ballerina at the Paris Opera ballet!  Their eyes sparkled as they told me all the things they had learned about their famous American.  I learned something today too, as I had never heard of Maria Tallchief.  I love watching kids excitement as they learn.  Whether it be learning about a famous person from history or learning how to ride a bike.  If only we as adults still found such joy in learning!

AMSOIL Arenacross Ticket Winner

And the winner of the family four pack of tickets is........

 

KATIE QUAST!

 

Katie you must contact me in the next 48 hours to claim your prize.  Congratulations!  I hope your family enjoys watching AMSOIL Arenacross.

For those who did not win, you can still buy tickets. 

 

Friday, March 15 – 7:00PM (Professional Racing) Ricky Carmichael post-race autograph session 
Regular Reserved Seats - $20 Adults / $10 Kids (ages 2 -12)*
Saturday, March 16 – 7:00PM (Professional Racing)
Gold Circle - $25 Adults / $10 Kids (ages 2 -12)* Regular Reserved Seats - $20 Adults / $10 Kids (ages 2 - 12)*
Sunday, March 17 – 12:00PM (Amateur Racing)
General Admission - $15 Adults / $10 Kids (ages 2 -12)*

Save $5 per Adult tickets by entering the code: AXFFA  (No double discounts Service charges and handling fees apply. Not valid on Gold Circle seats. Offer expires March 14. Not valid for Sunday amateur day.)

Tickets are on sale at www.Ticketmaster.com/AX or by calling 1.800.745.3000.

 



AMSOIL Arenacross Ticket Giveaway!

How much fun does that look?  I have a feeling that after attending this my kids are going to be wanting to take their bikes to the skate park! 

So who wants to go?  Who wants to win tickets to go?  You do?  Great!  Here are the rules:

1. You must be 18 years or older to enter.
2. You must be a resident of the Denver Metro area or able to be in the Denver Metro area on the night of Friday, March 15, 2013.
3. Contest will run from March 5, 2013 at 1:10pm - March 6, 2013 at 1:10pm.
4. Contest winner will be chosen using Random.org based off of your comment number.
5. Winner will be announced on my blog March 6, 2013 after 2:00pm.
6. Winner must contact me within 48 hours or they will forfeit the prize.
7. Alternate winner will be selected through Random.org if the winner is unable to attend or fails to claim prize.
8. Prize tickets will be available for pick up at the Will Call window on the night of the show.  Tickets are non-transferable!  They will be under the winner's name and be able to be picked up using a picture ID.

To be entered into this contest you need to answer the following question as a comment to this post.

• If you cannot get it to post, please email me and I will post a comment for you. Email me your name and your answer. (mtgringo@gmail.com)

What is the nickname of the finish line jump, the largest jump on an AMSOIL Arenacross track?
Prize Package Includes: Family Four Pack of Tickets to see AMSOIL Arenacross at the Denver Coliseum on March 15, 2013 at 7pm.

Feld Entertainment is neither a sponsor nor endorser of this promotion. Feld Entertainment will be providing the prize, however the contest is my own.

Good luck!
 

Joys of Reading

I love reading.  I really love it a lot.  I talk to many people who rarely, if ever, read and it boggles my mind.  Reading is something that calms me.  It centers me.  It helps me focus and expands my horizons.  I love the weight of a book, the feel of the cover, the smell of the pages.  Yes, I may be a bit of a freak.  I just really love it.  The fact that I read fast does not hurt.  At times I would like to be a slower reader.  To have more time to savor the story, but alas I am a fast reader. 

My kids all love reading too!  I am grateful that that love is something that I could pass on to them.  Archer's favorite series is the Ranger's Apprentice series by John Flannagan.  His favorite author is Eoin Colfer.  Angel's favorite books are the Nancy Drew series.  She started reading them with her Grandma and hasn't stopped.  Picasso loves anything that has to do with tigers or dragons.  He is not overly picky there.  Princess is currently into the Junie B Jones books.  They hurt my head, but I do laugh listening to my husband or Archer reading them out loud with her.  It is hilarious listening to the voices they do. 

I have really enjoyed watching my kids learn to love reading.  I love reading out loud to them.  I love listening to them read to me.  I love listening to them read to each other, especially when they start doing silly voices. 

Books are awesome!