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.

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus - Review

Last week, Utah Dad and I took the two boys to the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus in Salt Lake City. We arrived early, found great parking and went in to find our seats. We paid $15 for 4 bottles of water and reminded the boys that we were not buying any other over-priced items at the event. Being bribed with the promise of a trip to Culvers afterward may have helped but they were really good and didn't ask for anything.

The "Greatest Show on Earth" started with plenty of flash and fun. The music and dancing and light show was very entertaining and got things off to a great start.

I enjoyed the horse show by the Cossacks even though I had butterflies in my stomach as I watched the riders twist and turn and hang upside down on the racing horses. Perhaps having fallen off a horse a time or two makes me a bit more sensitive, but they put on a fabulously entertaining and daring performance.

 I also am a fan of the high flying trapeze artists. The Flying Caceres are amazing!!

 The dogs were surprisingly entertaining. I was shocked by how much I enjoyed Klose's Performing K9's silly and clever antics. And who would have guessed that I would actually be amused by a cat? I really was!!

The Ring Master had loads of charisma and talent. His partner, Paulo dos Santos was a natural and kept the show moving at a quick and entertaining pace.

Giant, wild cats are always cool.

Neal's very favorite part of the entire show were the martial arts masters the Kung Fu Kings and the Shaolin Troupe. He was so impressed by their skills and feats and talked about them all the way home after the show.

I am always impressed by the motorcycles in the ball but the show last week was extremely amazing as eight motorcyclists rode in the ball at the same time in a spectacular death-defying stunt. Check out the Torres Family.

With the exception of the kid that sat behind Utah Dad and kicked the back of his seat during the entire show, we all had a fabulous time at the Ringling Bros. and Barnum &Bailey Circus.

** 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. **

Blackberry Winter - Book Review

After reading two books about genocide (In the Shadow of the Banyan and The Sandcastle Girls) I was ready for something lighter. So, it was perfect timing that the newest book from one of my favorite authors arrived in my mailbox last week.

Sarah Jio's third novel Blackberry Winter has just been published. I enjoyed both of her earlier novels, The Violets of March and Bungalow and I must say that her books just keep getting better.

Claire Aldridge, a reporter for the Seattle Herald, is given the assignment to write about the weather phenomenon known as a "blackberry winter" when snow falls in May. In her research, Claire discovers that the last "blackberry winter" was in 1933 and on that very day a little boy went missing. Determined to find the truth about the missing boy, Claire also discovers truth in her own life and is able to heal from the deep personal wounds.

Jio has a comfortable style of writing that I can easily get lost within her stories. Her characters are realistic and often make unwise decisions for which they must unravel themselves. Yet, they are so likable that reader can't help rooting for their ultimate success. Jio also brings her city to life in both eras--present day and the Great Depression years. Like her previous novels, Blackberry Winter is a delightful read with a well plotted mystery that will have the reader turning pages late into the night.

**I received a complimentary copy of Blackberry Winter in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was received.**

The Sandcastle Girls - Book Review

Even the most casual historian knows about the genocide in Cambodia, Rwanda and especially Nazi Germany, but how many people know anything about the brutal murder of over a million Armenians in the early twentieth century? I must admit that I did not know that starting in 1915, the Turkish government massacred the Armenian men and then forced the women, children and elderly to march into the desert where most met their deaths.

Last week, I learned of this gruesome and barbaric history when I read the well researched and passionate novel The Sandcastle Girls by Chris Bohjalian. Bohjalian writes of his own ancestral heritage and channels the tragedy and horror in his latest novel. Though Bohjalian is a bestselling and famous author I had not previously read any of his books. I will have to add them to my list.

Elizabeth Endicott is the daughter of a Boston Philanthropist who is working to relieve the suffering of the
Armenian people. While in this distant land, Elizabeth witnesses evils she could not previously imagine and makes the acquaintance of Armen, a young Armenian man working with the German on the railroad. Armen has lost his family in the brutal attacks and finds comfort and strength from Elizabeth. The Sandcastle Girls is their story as they find love in the midst of horror.

The narrative skips from several different perspectives, including Elizabeth's granddaughter who is researching the story. Initially, this style was a bit confusing but it didn't take long before I was familiar enough with the characters that it flowed comfortably.

The history is well researched and is enlightening. The tragedies in our human existence are painful to recall but are valuable to remember. The Sandcastle Girls by Chris Bohjalian brings an abomination to our remembrance in a powerful and passionate way.

**I received a complimentary copy of The Sandcastle Girls in exchange for my honest review. No other compensation was received.**

Caring About Politics

I've spent the week sick in my house (so grateful to my thoughtful children who so readily share their back-to-school germs with me) and I've been watching the news with growing dread and frustration. I couldn't help but feel indignation as our embassies and diplomats are attacked. And then the other day a friend posted a thoughtful opinion about politics on Facebook and immediately one of her other friends whom I do not know, posted a comment with the iconic frown face :( and a plea to keep politics off Facebook. The original Facebook status was not insulting to anyone. She did not include any of those horribly inappropriate and offensive comments such as "All liberals are baby killers and should die." or "All conservatives are gay bashers and should die." These types of comments have no place in political discussion or any discussion and if we want to have any friends at all they should be avoided. Though saying something against one candidate or another does not fall into this category, unless one crosses the line and says they should die. In this case, my friend posted her opinion--her well thought out, honest opinion.

We've heard the maxim our entire lives, avoid discussions of politics and religion in social situations. We wouldn't want to get heated. We don't want to offend. We want to be friends with everyone. Facebook, the popular "Friend" place where the people from high school that wouldn't even acknowledge my existence then  now want to be my "friend", is the place we gather and share the information from our lives. It's the ultimate social situation these days. So, obviously we should avoid discussions of politics and religion. Right?

At the risk of offending someone, I beg to differ. Why not share the most important thoughts on Facebook? Why can't we step it up a level and have better discussions? The internet and social sites like Facebook and Twitter now let everyone share their opinions. If we do share, with respect to one another, can't we help shape thought and political dialogue for the entire country? Don't you care at all?

Personally, I don't get offended by someone else's political opinion. I don't really care if you're right or left or centrist (OK, let's not go too far, I genuinely hope most people are closer to my own opinion--don't we all). I care that you care. It's a big election year. It's important. There are very different choices that may impact our country that we love and our freedoms. And wishing it will just go away so that you can go back to posting about football rivalries and your latest hair cut on Facebook, is not going to change the fact that  in two months you will get the blessed opportunity to vote for the candidate of your choice. Please educate yourself. Make a good choice. Care. Just a little. Please.

My niece posted this graphic on Facebook just this morning and it so perfectly summed up my thoughts that I nearly didn't write this post at all.

Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus - Mom Online Discount Code

When I was in second grade my family traveled to Salt Lake City to see the circus. Even more than I remember the circus, I remember the overwhelming anticipation as I watched the slow clock that day at school. I was so so so very excited and the Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus did not disappoint.

The circus is coming to town again this year! It's definitely time to get tickets. And as a mom and a Utah Mom's Life Blog reader you have the chance to take advantage of the special Mom Online Discount Code! My readers can use this code to get $5 off tickets for the $18 & $25 price level – discount code is MOM that can be used for online purchases only; discount is valid for these select performances only – Friday at 11:30am; Saturday at 11:00am; Sunday at 1:30pm; Monday at 7:00pm

Thursday, September 20 – Monday, September 24

EnergySolutions Arena  

Ticket prices are $18, $25, $40 (VIP), $60 (Front Row) and $85 (Circus Celebrity)
Discounted Opening Night tickets available for only $11 each (not valid on VIP/premium levels)
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.

** 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. **

Off to Kindergarten

The older kids are starting to settle into their school routine. The bus is finally starting to be more reliable for Neal. This week Lilly started kindergarten. Monday night she reminded us that she would need a backpack. Of course, she would. I had been so busy getting everyone else ready for school earlier that I had completely forgotten to get her a backpack. "Get me a Hello Kitty backpack" she instructed as Utah Dad and I headed to the store.

The cute Hello Kitty backpacks were too small. The only other Hello Kitty backpack was made of clear plastic. Since I know what the insides of my kids backpacks looks like after a few months of snacks and papers being shoved inside, I knew immediately that the clear backpack would not work. Instead, Lilly ended up with a gigantic backpack and a Hello Kitty clip. She was satisfied even though it was amusing to watch my tiny girl lug her huge backpack to school.

Lilly has enjoyed her time at school and she has a darling teacher. However, on Wednesday morning when it was time to get ready to go, she protested. "I want to stay home and play Barbies." It was a short argument and she now seems resigned to her new schedule.

Since Lilly is gone in the morning at school, Molly, Utah Dad and I are at home alone. Lilly and Molly have lately become such good playmates and they've never really been a part. I was worried that Molly would miss Lilly terribly. Actually, Molly is rather enjoying her time alone with her parents. Now I'm worried she enjoys being the "baby" just a little too much. This is her argument every time we work on potty training. Little stinker.

I, however, miss Lilly so much. It's hard to believe she is really old enough to go to school. She was born after we moved into our current home and it's fun to see all the other babies that were born that year too at school now. It's crazy how fast they grow up.

(By the way, isn't it interesting the different color light you can get on the same day. These two pictures are taken from two separate directions.)

In The Shadow of the Banyan - Book Review

In 1975 the Khmer Rouge "The Revolutionaries" took control of the country of Cambodia. Forcing people from their homes and into work camps, over a million people were brutally murdered by the communists. Vaddey Ratner takes her own personal experience as a child during this time and weaves it into a simultaneously beautiful and horrifying novel, In the Shadow of the Banyan.

The narrator, Raami, is a seven year old girl and the daughter of a royal prince and poet. As her aunt says after they have been driven from their home by the conquering army, "The problem with being seven . . . is that you're aware of so much, and yet you understand so little. So you imagine the worst." Raami does not have to imagine the worst. The worst is bent on destroying her family and a country.

This is not just a tale, it is the story of our shared human history. Our recent history. A history that should be remembered so that it can be prevented in our future. It should take it's proper place with We the Living by Ayn Rand and Dreams of Joy by Lisa See and other books that detail that tragedies that follow evil regimes intent on destroying liberty.

Bringing her own experiences and pain into the story, Ratner excels at creating overwhelming scenes of emotion. She writes with a passion that is rare and the intimate scenes that Raami describes between her parents as they prepare to be separated are exquisite in their intense love and despair. While tragic, In the Shadow of the Banyan is also full of hope. This novel will rip your heart out and then slowly put it back together.

Just trust me on this one. Read In the Shadow of the Banyan by Vaddey Ratner as soon as possible.

**I received a complimentary copy of In the Shadow of the Banyan in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was received. **

First Day of School!!!

As usual, I can't believe the summer is already over. We've had a crazy, busy, fun summer and we're sad to see it end. Even so, there was an electric buzz of excitement at our house this morning. The kids headed off to their first day of school.

Actually, Neal went to school yesterday for a few hours. As a seventh grader heading into his first year of middle school (gasp) he got to go yesterday and have a some time to check out the new school before the eighth graders arrive to intimidate. I was the mother that sent him off to the bus stop on the other side of the neighborhood and assumed that he would actually get to school. Imagine my shock to come home from a meeting hours later and discover that the bus never showed up. Another mother (who was waiting with her son at the bus stop like a good, doting mother **cue the guilt**) drove the kids to school after it was apparent that the promised bus wouldn't arrive.

So, hopefully as we repeated the adventure this morning for the first official day, the bus actually came and picked Neal up. Because I'm still the mother that sent him off to walk to the bus stop by himself like a big kid.

By the way, Neal headed off to middle school this morning with the very same backpack he has used since preschool. That's got to be some kind of backpack survival record. 

Amberly was so excited for the first day of fourth grade. She was practically bouncing this morning as she hopped out of bed, hurried to get ready for school and rushed out the door a little too early.

She went to school with a new backpack. Somehow her backpacks never last through an entire school year. 

Last night during his "interview" with Utah Dad and me, Thomas insisted on telling us a story.

"Once upon a time, there was a little boy who was about to start first grade. And he was really scared. So, in the morning he went and hid from his parents . . . His parents found him and took him to first grade and when we got there everything was OK. It was fine."

Thomas started first grade this morning. I walked with him to school and he chattered all the way. Once we got to school and he found his friends he kept reassuring them all that it was going to be a great year. Probably trying to reassure himself. He's such a great kid and I'm excited for him. He is going to have a great year.