Happy Halloween!!

I hope everyone has enjoyed a happy and healthy safe Halloween.

I took my youngest four kids out trick r treating in our neighborhood this evening.

Utah Dad drove Neal over to his best friend's house. Now that they're in junior high they believe they should be able to go out by themselves. We're still waiting for him to get home.

The kids were cute.

They got loads of candy and saw all their friends.

I managed not to dress up once all season.

A successful Halloween.

Cornbelly's Pumpkin Smash!!!

Boot and Shoe - Book Review

Lilly came home from Kindergarten last Friday with some serious attitude! We recently moved her bed and we are wondering if she is consistently getting up on the wrong side of the bed now. Anyway, she was grumpy. We walked home from school and I was delighted to find a package on my doorstep. I ripped it open and discovered the beautiful new children's book Boot and Shoe by Marla Frazee.

If you've read my blog or know me in person, you might already know that one of my very favorite children's books is The Seven Silly Eaters by MaryAnn Hoberman and illustrated by Marla Frazee. While the words to this story are clever, funny and sweet, I really really love the illustrations. Marla adds so much more to the story with her beautiful artwork. Needless to say, I am a big fan. When I got the opportunity to review Marla's newest book, I was just so excited.

After Lilly threw her backpack in the closet, I pulled her next to me on the couch and we read Boot and Shoe. Soon Molly and Utah Dad had joined us. Before long, Lilly was laughing and Utah Dad was chuckling at the silly antics of two dogs--one a front porch kind of dog and the other a back porch kind of dog--and a very annoying squirrel.

I sat on the couch with Lilly and Molly and we read Boot and Shoe again and again. Then we read it some more with Amberly and Thomas when they got home from school. The story is sweet and endearing, funny and delightful. Boot and Shoe are likable characters in an uplifting and hopeful story. And the illustrations are, of course, beautiful and beneficial to the tale. It is exactly what I want from a children's book.

**I received a free copy of Boot and Shoe in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was received.**

Disney On Ice - Salt Lake City - Give-away!

Disney On Ice 100 Years of Magic 

is coming to Salt Lake City on

November 14 - 18, 2012

And now you can have a chance to win

2 tickets to select performances!

Witness the beautifully choreographed skating, breathtaking production numbers, stunning costumes and toe-tapping songs that will inspire fond Disney memories.

It promises to be a night you and your child will not soon forget.

                                                                                                                                               

WHEN:               November 14 - 18, 2012
Wednesday, Nov. 14        7:00 PM
Thursday, Nov. 15            7:00 PM
Friday, Nov. 16                11:30 AM & 7:00 PM
Saturday, Nov. 17            11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM
Sunday, Nov. 18               1:30 PM & 5:30 PM                                                                                                                              

                                                                                                                                           
WHERE:   EnergySolutions Arena – 301 West South Temple, Salt Lake City, UT  84101


TICKETS:  Ticket price levels are $16, $23, $37 (VIP) and $50 (Front Row).  Opening Night tickets available for only $12 each (not valid on premium seating). All seats are reserved; tickets are available from the EnergySolutions Box Office and all SmithTix locations, charge by phone at 801-355-SEAT or             800-888-TIXX and online at www.smithstix.com or www.energysolutionsarena.com.

To enter to win the 2 free tickets to see Disney On Ice in Salt Lake City just follow the directions below:

1. Leave a comment on this post.
2. You can earn up to 3 additional chances to win by sharing the information about this give-away on your blog, Facebook or Twitter. Leave additional comments for each thing that you do.

The contest will be open to entries until Friday, November 2, 2012 at 11:59 MST. The winner of the 2 free tickets to see Disney On Ice will be announced on Saturday morning.


** I am a Feld Family Ambassador and in exchange for my time and efforts in attending shows and reporting my opinion within this blog, as well as keeping you advised of the latest discount offers, Feld Entertainment has provided me with complimentary tickets to Feld shows and opportunities to attend private Feld pre-Show events. Even though I received these benefits, I always give an opinion that is 100% mine. **

Seven Peaks Pass Of All Passes Discount Promo Code $19.95

After hearing only good things from our friends and neighbors, my family just bought the Seven Peaks Pass of All Passes and we are excited to start playing at the various venues. I'm especially excited to offer this exclusive Seven Peaks Pass of All Passes to my readers. You can now get the pass for just $19.95 using a special promo code. That is an amazing deal!

Below you will see the steps to buy your pass.

After step one, enter the promo code 2012utahmom

Start playing today!

This is offer is good through December 9, 2012

Disney On Ice Coming to Salt Lake City

DISNEY ON ICE

 CELEBRATES 100 YEARS OF MAGIC

IS COMING TO SALT LAKE CITY FROM NOVEMBER 14-18!

 Be part of the festivities when Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic comes to the EnergySolutions Arena in Salt Lake City from November 14 – 18!

More than 60 of Disney's captivating characters and their unforgettable stories come to life in this commemorative celebration, produced by Feld Entertainment.  In this lavish ice show, everyone's favorite sweethearts, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, take audiences on a fun-filled adventure, sharing memories with Disney friends including Goofy & Donald Duck; the beloved Disney Princesses; Buzz Lightyear & Woody; Nemo & Dory; Pinocchio & Jiminy Cricket; Belle & The Beast; The Incredibles plus many more – and magical moments from Disney’s Aladdin, Mulan and The Lion King.

Beautifully choreographed skating, breathtaking production numbers, stunning costumes and toe-tapping songs will inspire fond Disney memories.  Families can share this once-in-a-lifetime skating spectacular as Mickey and the rest of the gang take the audience on a whirlwind tour of favorite Disney moments.

November 14 - 18, 2012
Wednesday, Nov. 14      7:00 PM
Thursday, Nov. 15            7:00 PM
Friday, Nov. 16                  11:30 AM & 7:00 PM
Saturday, Nov. 17            11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM
Sunday, Nov. 18               1:30 PM & 5:30 PM

                                                                                                                                             
EnergySolutions Arena – 301 West South Temple, Salt Lake City, UT  84101


Ticket price levels are $16, $23, $37 (VIP) and $50 (Front Row).  Opening Night tickets available for only $12 each (not valid on premium seating). All seats are reserved; tickets are available from the EnergySolutions Box Office and all SmithTix locations, charge by phone at 801-355-SEAT or
800-888-TIXX and online at www.smithstix.com or www.energysolutionsarena.com.

Visit Disney On Ice online : www.DisneyOnIce.com

** I am a Feld Family Ambassador and in exchange for my time and efforts in attending shows and reporting my opinion within this blog, as well as keeping you advised of the latest discount offers, Feld Entertainment has provided me with complimentary tickets to Feld shows and opportunities to attend private Feld pre-Show events. Even though I received these benefits, I always give an opinion that is 100% mine. **

Hemingway's Girl - Book Review

In Erika Robuck's novel Hemingway's Girl, Mariella, a young woman supporting her family after the death of her father, is hired as a maid by Ernest Hemingway. There is immediate tension as Mariella fights against the intense feelings she experiences whenever Hemingway is near. These feelings threaten to destroy a newly formed relationship with Gavin, a vet who treats Mariella and her family with tenderness.

The setting of Key West during the Great Depression where Hemingway lived with his second wife Pauline and their two boys is brought to life in Erika Robuck's novel. Robuck effectively brings a near mythological character to life with all his bluster and immense personality, detailing the parties, the tension with his jealous wife, and his desire to always be the center of attention.

The fictional characters of Mariella and Gavin are likable and easy to root for. Their romance is innocent yet passionate. Fortunately, Mariella is a smart girl who ultimately makes wise choices for her own personal life. Observing the tempests in the Hemingway home may have inspired the healing of her own relationships.

The story moved a little slow in the beginning but an ending filled with a hurricane scene somewhat reminiscent of Hurston's hurricane in Their Eyes Were Watching God redeemed the book. Writing with intensity and passion, Robuck brings the horror of the hurricane that killed hundreds of people to life. Overall, I was pleased with the ending and made reading the book worth it.

**I received a complimentary copy of Hemingway's Girl in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was received. **

Hand-Me-Downs

It's picture day at school today and while I don't buy those pictures, I do want my kiddos to look their best. I pulled out this outfit for Lilly this morning and had all that wonderful nostalgia that hand-me-downs can sometimes inspire.

Amberly's Picture Day, Kindergarten 2008

Lilly's Picture Day, Kindergarten 2012

By the way, we worked hard to get Lilly to do a "real" smile this morning. Hope she remembers not to scrunch her nose for the photographer at school today.