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.

Phantom at the Venetian in Vegas!

At the beginning of the summer I was visiting with a couple of friends. 

K was excitedly telling us about how she had bought tickets to see 

Phantom at the Venetian in Las Vegas 

for her birthday.

It sounded fabulous and my friend R and I joked about buying tickets and going together.

I mentioned it to Utah Dad that night. He immediately got online to check ticket prices and was instantly convinced that we should go. The next morning I sent an email to R. Her husband quickly jumped on board and before we knew it we had bought tickets to the show and made reservations at the hotel.

I had to convince my parents to stay with the kids. They had seen Phantom of the Opera and been to Vegas so my mom's rule that she will only babysit for us if we go somewhere she had already been was a moot point.

Since having children 11 years ago, Utah Dad and I had only spent one night together without the kiddos.

That time hardly counts. I was 8 months pregnant, terribly sick with bronchitis and I spent the day in the hotel while Utah Dad was at work meetings. I read two books that day. It was actually marvelous, but I digress. Utah Dad and I have also never traveled with friends before. We were a little nervous, but we shouldn't have been. R and J were awesome. Not only did we have hours of fabulous conversation, but we went in their car that uses CNG (compressed natural gas) and we saved a ton of money on fuel! I'm sold on the CNG vehicles, by the way.

We checked into the beautiful and luxurious Venetian hotel; took some time to relax, freshen up and get dressed for the evening and then met our friends for dinner. We walked around the hotel and checked out all the marvelous menus at Emeril Lagasse's Delmonico Steakhouse and Table 10 or Wolfgang Puck's Postrio Bar & Grill. Ultimately our cheapskate sides won out and we ate dinner at Grand Lux Cafe. The food was very good and didn't break the bank, so we were all satisfied.

After dinner we headed over to the play. Phantom at the Venetian is a 90 minute show. It includes all the music but cuts a lot of the dialogue. Personally, I would have been OK with seeing the entire Phantom of the Opera but I really did enjoy this entertaining show full of amazing special effects and a talented cast. It was the perfect length to take the kids. I know Amberly (who regularly watched the movie version of Phantom of the Opera) would have loved this show.

There are only 3 more weeks to enjoy this show!

I could see it again tonight.

I wish I could see it again tonight.

I forgot my camera, so I was very grateful that R & J had their camera and were willing to take and share pictures.

Our only mistake for the trip was to go outside to walk the Vegas strip. It was so hot. It was so crowded. It was disgusting. We should have just stayed in the marvelous hotel. There was plenty to do in there and we wouldn't have ended up sweaty, exhausted and sick.

 A good butt shot is always nice. Isn't the Venetian cool? With so many restaurants and shops and beautiful decor, we kept ourselves busy.

The next morning we had the delicious buffet breakfast at the Grand Lux Cafe where we ate enough delectable, wonderful food to justify the expense.

And . . . this is the amazing part. Not only did my parents watch my kids and keep them alive while Utah Dad and I were enjoying ourselves, they built the shelves/entertainment center that I've been wanting in my family room. They are so dang awesome. (Ignore the primer spill on the carpet. I am a klutz. Fortunately I am getting new carpet in the next few weeks. And the weird old guy in the picture frames. I still need to print some pictures.) My parents really are the best.

Featured on LDS Women's Book Review

As part of Utah Book Month, I'm featured on LDS Women's Book Review today. Head on over and check out the interview. Don't forget to check out the other book blogger interviews and author interviews this month! And definitely don't miss the fun challenges!

The Mirrored World - Book Review

The Mirrored World by Debra Dean is the resplendent and fascinating tale of St. Xenia, a holy fool in eighteenth-century Russia. Told by Xenia's beloved cousin, the story tells of Xenia's passionate love for her husband, then her visions of tragedy followed by turning away from the material world to serve the impoverished of St. Petersburg.

Debra Dean tells this historical tale with an eye for the details of Elizabeth's eccentric court and then the paranoia that plagued Catherine the Great. I read the majority of the biography Catherine the Great by Robert K. Massie earlier this year and I think my prior knowledge of the society and history in Russia helped me enjoy and understand The Mirrored World better.

Dean has an engaging style of writing that is at lyrical and luxurious. She succeeds at bringing the history of St. Petersburg to life with her eye for detail and her knowledge of the history. However, much of the story is simply told by Dasha and was lacking the passion that Xenia allegedly felt for her husband Andrei. Overall, The Mirrored World is worth the read and one that is sure to pique your interest in Russian history.

**I received a complimentary copy of The Mirrored World in exchange for my honest review.**

The Seven Silly Eaters - Book Review

The other night at book club we started talking about our favorite children's story books. After all, we were supposed to read Revolutionaries and had all gotten stuck/bored and given up around the first chapter. We clearly had to talk about something else. During our conversation, I felt that earlier passion I used to have for story books. I rushed upstairs and found my favorite on the shelf in the boys' bedroom, then read it aloud to the other ladies.

It's been some time since I've reviewed a story book and I've mentioned this particular book once before years ago before anyone actually read my blog. You can check out the earlier review along with some of my other favorites **here**.

The Seven Silly Eaters by Mary Ann Hoberman and illustrated by Marla Frazee was one of the first picture books I purchased when Neal was first born. A friend had shared it with me and I instantly fell in love. It's remained one of my favorites even after it was joined on the book shelf by hundreds of children's books.

A story about seven picky eaters and their exhausted mom is whimsical and clever. Though it is written in rhyme please avoid the trap of reading it in a sing-song voice. The story will make so much more sense if you pay attention to the punctuation. The illustrations add so much more to the story. Even though the father of this large family is never mentioned in the poetry, he plays a large role in each illustration. Also, I covet the lovely lake-front property and rustic cabin where the Peters family lives.

As a fan of large families, I am especially fond of this amusing, yet lovely story. Every mother will recognize the initial joy followed by the overwhelming feelings of frustration. And children might just see themselves in the picky eaters. Yet the story exudes love, service and joy and ultimately a spirit of teamwork and cooperation.

The Seven Silly Eaters was published in 1997 but if you haven't read this wonderful book before, track it down and enjoy it with your children.

Ringling Bros. Presents DRAGONS - Does the Spirit of the Dragon Live in ...

Legendary Once-in-a-Millennium Event Celebrating 

The Year of the Dragon!

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® 

Presents DRAGONS

Coming To Salt Lake City, September 20 – 24, 2012

Let The Dragon Games Begin! Searching the farthest reaches of the globe, Ringling Bros. and
Barnum & Bailey has gathered the best of the best circus performers to honor the Spirit of the
Dragon! Ringmaster Johnathan Lee Iverson presides over this fantastical tournament of
champions that brings together mystic dragon lore with astounding circus feats of bravery and
athleticism that will take you on a wondrous journey to discover what it takes to believe in your
dreams. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents DRAGONS is a never-before-seen
circus adventure of legend and spectacle coming to the EnergySolutions Arena from
September 20–24.

Representing mighty “Dragon Tribes” that possess the Strength, Courage, Wisdom and Heart of
the great mythic beast, some of the extraordinary performers in The Greatest Show On Earth
include:

• Famed Shaolin Warriors display ancient Kung Fu martial arts and unbelievable strength.
• Making his American debut is Alexander Lacey presenting the only mixed-cat act of its kind in the United States featuring both tigers and lions together.
• Cossack Riders charge the arena floor with unrivaled equestrian acrobatics.
• Like the mighty winged Sky Dragons, The Flying Caceres amaze with their aerial bravado on the only double-decker trapeze in the world.
• Plus even more remarkable displays that pay tribute to the dragon including the frenzied daredevil motorcyclists in the Globe of Steel, high-flying thrills from the Russian Bar Renegades and Teeterboard Titans troupes, exciting double motorcycle high-wire stunts,along with the majestic Ringling Bros. Asian elephants and much more!

Be sure to arrive early to join us for several exciting interactive elements before the show starts!
Opening 90 minutes prior to each performance, all ticket holders are invited to tour the Animal
Open House to get up-close with our amazing animals. Then one hour before show time,
families can step onto the arena floor to meet our performers and animals on the show floor at the
interactive All Access Pre-Show, FREE admission to all ticket holders.

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.

MOM ONLINE DISCOUNT CODE

There is alsoa special online discount code available for my readers 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

Local Families Can Help Donate To Eliza’s Wish Charity 

To Get Free Circus Ticket

Plus Join Ringmaster Johnathan Lee Iverson 

For Fun-Filled Dragon Egg Hunt

at the EnergySolutions Arena on Tuesday, August 14th

Strength, Wisdom, Courage and Heart are the four traits used to summon the dragon in the show and
these same characteristics couldn’t be more descriptive of Eliza Williams, a local Utah girl who suffers
from MLD (Metachromatic Leukodystrophy). Eliza’s family started “Eliza’s Wish” which not only rasies
awareness about her disease, but also collects and donates books for “Eliza’s Library” which provides
books to doctors’ offices and children’s hospitals all over Utah.

As a special charity promotion, Salt Lake residents are encouraged to bring a new or gently used
children’s book to donate to “Eliza’s Library” on the morning of August 14th at the EnergySolutions
Arena to receive a FREE TICKET* to Ringling Bros. presents DRAGONS.

*Limit 2 tickets per family, available on a first-come first-serve basis, subject to availability to first 100
families in attendance

Plus, the first 300 young circus fans (ages 2-12) in attendance will get to participate in a special Dragon
Egg Hunt where each child will get access to the specially designed “Dragon Cave” inside the
EnergySolutions Arena to hunt for one rare golden dragon egg that can be redeemed for a variety of cool
prizes. Ringling Bros. Circus Ringmaster Johnathan Lee Iverson will also make an advance visit to
Salt Lake to meet with kids and take them deep into the dragon’s cave to help them hunt for the elusive
dragon eggs.

The Williams Family will be on-hand to speak about “Eliza’s Wish” book drive and will also be available
for media interviews, along with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus Ringmaster Johnathan
Lee Iverson.

Tuesday, August 14th at 7:00 AM MDT (*No line-ups before 6:00am please)

EnergySolutions Arena (Southwest side of building – Door #1)

301 West South Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84101

** 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. **