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Becoming Mothers: Having Kids Is Being Thankful for the Unexpected

More often than not, you don’t know why something is happening until later. You can argue, fuss, beg, and plead, but sometimes things just work out like they are supposed to. In my family we often thank God for this.

Two weeks before my due date my doctor decided we were going to induce. We didn’t expect, however, that my grandfather would be leaving us. We pushed back the induce date, rather than that Sunday; I would wait and go in on Wednesday after the funeral.

My son, however, was the little stinker then that he is today.

Mom Memories: “The Feeling” of Motherhood

Some days it still doesn’t seem real because some days, it seems too good to be true. Me. A mom.

My husband and I always knew we wanted to have kids. Even before we were married we would talk about our imaginary family and we even had names picked out for our imaginary kids. Staying up late at night, heads on our pillows, staring at one another just dreaming, laughing, hoping.

We were married for 4 years before we felt ready to turn those dreams into a reality. It took us a little over a year before becoming pregnant. That was a very long year. That “time of the month” became a horrible reminder we weren’t having a baby and every month it was harder and harder. Until one day…

Mom Memories: The Santa Reveal & End of an Imaginary Era

Mother’s Day is almost upon us and for the next couple of weeks, Mile High Mamas will be dedicated to all-things moms–from your favorite Mom Memories to some of your great stories about Becoming Mothers from last year.

I’ve always believed it’s important to instill magic in my kids’ childhood and my husband and I have played along with the Tooth Fairy, Easter Bunny, Santa et al. We’ve been careful to never put too much credence into them but my kids’ overactive imaginations have taken care of that.

For Christmas, we’ve kept the Santa presents to a minimum and he only brings them a couple of their requested gifts and stuffs their stockings. Mostly because I want the credit to go to me, not some plump dude sporting fur.

Months ago, my 8-year-old daughter started building a leprechaun trap and I had forgotten about it until I heard her setting it up the night before St. Patrick’s Day. My first thought: Crap, now I have to do something so made up a few mischievous leprechaun tricks.

Last year, my daughter’s second-grade teacher introduced Elf on the Shelf (likely to ensure they behaved) and the children were delighted when, each day, their elf dreamed up a new caper.

Last month, we were at the airport on Easter waiting for our flight home from Utah when my daughter, while eating her stash of candy she’d collected earlier that day, asked,

“Mom, are you the Easter Bunny?”

Events: Cinco de Mayo Festival, Citywide Baby Shower & More!

Cinco de Mayo Festival. The largest Cinco de Mayo festival in the U.S. fills Civic Center Park May 4-5 with more than 400,000 visitors for food, drink and music. Enjoy mariachi bands and hit international bands from Mexico on three stages, browse through hundreds of exhibitor booths, and fill up on great food and drink, children’s activities, a parade – and the hotly contested green chili cook off! cincodemayodenver.com. Also, head down to our favorite Mexican restaurant, Blue Bonnet, to celebrate Cinco De Mayo. There will be free face painting, mariachi, food samples, and churro bar for children. bluebonnetrestaurant.com

World Premiere: Kenji Williams Presents Bella Gaia at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. On Friday, May 3, 8 p.m. and Saturday, May 4, 6 p.m. & 8 p.m., award-winning director and classically trained violinist Kenji Williams returns to Denver for the world premiere of Bella Gaia, a new planetarium show that combines art, music, and science. This spectacular “living atlas” journey uses NASA images and simulates space flight, taking you on a fantastic journey around planet Earth and the space that surrounds it. Brilliant images and sound illuminate the connections between natural systems and human activities, inspiring a renewed reflection of interrelationships of our world. During this special evening, Williams will enhance this new dome experience with a live performance. www.dmns.org

On May 4, the Denver Botanic Gardens will unveil their new exhibit, Catalyst.  Opening day will be from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and will be fun for the whole family with guided tours of the exhibition, face painting, interactive murals, door prizes and more. This outdoor group exhibition celebrates the achievements and vision of Colorado sculptors. Twelve artists redefine the surrounding landscape with their 3-D work. The artwork introduces a variety of color, texture and form into an already rich environment. www.botanicgardens.org

On Saturday, May 4, 2013, the Denver Health Foundation is hosting a citywide baby shower to collect new baby items for its Newborns in Need program. The following new items are needed: Disposable Diapers (size 1 or 2); Baby Wipes; Baby Wash / Shampoo; Convertible Car Seats; Blankets; Onesies / Undershirts / Sleepers / Sweaters; Newborn Socks / Booties / Bibs. From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., drop off new baby items at Denver Health Medical Center, 301 W. 6th Ave (near Bannock), Denver, CO 80204.  Look for the baby shower balloons. For details, visit www.DenverHealthFoundation.org, or contact Robin Engleberg at 303-602-2988 or [email protected].

Swoozie’s Tarpestry Picnic. Need Mother’s Day ideas? Swoozies, Cherry Creek’s contemporary gift store, has loads of fun gifts Mom will adore. On Saturday, May 4 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., they will be holding a picnic in the parking lot with a local food truck, corn hole games and free personalization on all of their popular Tarpestrys purchased that day. Mom will love these Colorado-made outdoor blanket/tarps include a velcro pocket and four grommet rings, perfect for picnics, soccer games and even camping!  Be sure to check out their other gift ideas at their store at 589 Fillmore Street, Denver.  http://www.swoozies.com/store/category/26082/Tarpestry/264081/Paisley-Tarpestry

Walk MS Denver. On Saturday, May 4, the Colorado-Wyoming Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s annual walk features one- and three-mile routes around beautiful Denver City Park. Music, refreshments, a colorful team village, drawing for cooling products and more!  Just 20 years ago there were no treatments for MS.  As of March 2013, there are now 10 treatments available thanks to community support of the Society’s fundraising efforts such as Walk MS. Registration opens at 7:30 a.m. and the walk begins at 9:30 a.m.  Suggested minimum fundraising of $50. walkMCcolorado.org.

Promise Walk for Preeclampsia.Governor Hickenlooper has that May is Preeclampsia Awareness Month in Colorado.  In recognition, Denver will be hosting its third annual Promise Walk for Preeclampsia on May 5, 2013 at the pavilion in City Park.  The Promise Walks are held to spread awareness of preeclampsia, support local survivors, and raise money for research.  The Denver Promise Walk will include a 2 mile fun run, 1 mile walk. a memorial activity, many children’s activities, and a prize giveaway. www.promisewalk.org/denver

Listen To Your Mother: Giving Mother’s Day A Microphone. Listen To Your Mother Show on May 7 and 12, 2013.  This Mother’s Day series of live readings will be held in 24 cities this year and will debut in Denver and Boulder areas. LTYM features live readings by local writers in celebration of Mother’s Day. Born of the creative work of mothers who publish online, each production is directed, produced, and performed by local communities, for local communities, with 10 percent of ticket proceeds benefiting a local non-profit cause.  The Denver performance will take place on May 7 at 7 p.m. at The Elaine Wolf Theatre located at 350 S Dahlia St in Denver. The Boulder performance is on May 12 at 7 p.m. at The Dairy Center located at 2590 Walnut St in Boulder. Ticket information: http://www.milehighmamas.com/2013/04/02/listen-to-your-mother/

On May 11, the “Better Block” project will team up with WalkDenver along with Denver Arts and Venues, Volunteers of America Colorado Chapter for a day filled with live music, ballet performance, gardening demonstrations, storybike rides, food trucks, tennis, yoga, dance walking, youth marketplace and much more! Held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 24th Street between California and Welton Streets and Sonny Lawson Park in the historic Five Points, the “Better Block” community revitalization project is aimed to temporarily demonstrate how to improve a public space with pedestrian and public infrastructure mixed with art, culture, pop‐up businesses and street life. For one day, the project will install pedestrian improvements, create seating areas, provide landscaping and street furniture, incorporate art into the public space, provide live music, and more. To view the video of 2012 Better Block go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BA5tMyuHXoo&feature=plcp and go to betterblockfivepoints.com for more information.

On May 14, it’s all about being real in “The Velveteen Rabbit” at the Broomfield Auditorium. Presented by Phamaly Theatre Company, the musical tells Margery Williams’ classic children’s story in a family friendly one-hour format. In it, a simple toy bunny dreams of one day becoming a real rabbit, the ultimate reward for a well-loved toy. Before he gets his wish, though, he has to attract the attention of his owner. 7 p.m. Friday, Broomfield Auditorium, 3 Community Park Road, Broomfield; 720-887-2371. Free, though a $5 donation is suggested. phamaly.org.

Going Wild at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Biodiversity rules and it’s live! Conservation biologist and crowd favorite Rob Mies returns with a new set of live wild friends. Learn about the largest and smallest animals living on Earth today, and hear about strange and wonderful adaptations animals make within their own environments. Meet a two-toed sloth from South America, a barred owl, an Australian bearded dragon, and a striped skunk. For teens: Friday, May 17, 6:30 p.m., (ages 13-17), $10 member, $10 nonmember. For adults: Friday, May 17, 8:30 p.m., (21+ only), $12 member, $15 nonmember. For families: Saturday, May 18, 10 a.m. & noon, $12 member, $8 member child, $15 nonmember, $10 nonmember child. www.dmns.org

The Bash Dash on May 19 is a family-friendly adventure race for preschool-, elementary- and middle-school-aged kids. It challenges kids to work together with their peers to problem-solve and find creative solutions while learning about philanthropy and how they can make a difference in their community. Advance Registration: $20 per team member Day of Registration: $25 per team member (price of registration includes ice cream social). Family members not competing in the adventure race can purchase tickets to join us for the Ice Cream Social (adults are $10 for the ice cream social only; children at $7 for the ice cream social only). All proceeds will support Young Philanthropists Foundation and its in-school programs for the Denver metro region. http://www.ypfoundation.org/bashdash

 Denver Day of Rock. Two dozen bands on five stages along a mile-long pedestrian path – and it’s all free!  This day long rock ‘n roll festival on May 25 attracts top groups like Fishbone for a free day of music and sunshine.  Beer gardens and food trucks help move the crowds from stage to stage at this family-friendly event that traditionally kicks of Memorial Day Weekend in Denver. It’s just the beginning of Denver’s Memorial Day Weekend fun – get more ideas at visitdenver.com/memorialdayweekend.

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Nature Programs

Also, don’t miss this event from Jeffco parks. LMNC programs are FREE and registration is required unless otherwise noted. Register online or by calling 720-497-7600. Looking for a program for your class, scout troop, or other group? Visit their website or call to learn about group programs.

Toddler Times: Astounding Ants 10:15; 11:15 A.M. 5/2/13 and 5/4/13, Golden. Join this interactive, up-close look into the mighty lives of ants.  Test your strength, make a craft, find live ants and more.

Streaks Across the Sky 5/4/13 8:30PM, Pine. Join Astronomy Team members for a lively, interactive discussion about meteors, comets, asteroids, and other objects seen streaking through the sky.

Early Spring Wildflowers 5/5/13 9AM, Littleton. Walk with a Native Plant Master and discover the importance of our native plants to wildlife and humans. Participant limit: 25.

Junior Naturalists: Creek Study 5/10/13 6:30PM, Idledale. Be prepared to get your hands and feet wet as we investigate the health of Bear Creek.  Search for and identify aquatic insects and more.

Dinosaur Ridge Day 5/11/13 9AM, Morrison. Nature Center naturalists will be at one of the stops on this walking tour of Dinosaur Ridge. Bring family, friends and plenty of water.

Wild Moms Rule 5/12/13 1PM, Indian Hills. What are wildlife mom’s doing to celebrate this Mother’s Day?  Bring your mom and find out during this interactive, playful look  at the amazing and varied ways that wildlife mothers nurture their young…or not!

Toddler Times: Astounding Ants 10:15, 11:15 a.m. 5/16/13, Golden. Join this interactive, up-close look into the mighty lives of ants.  Test your strength, make a craft, find live ants and more.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife Outdoor Skills Day 5/18/13 9AM – 4PM, Pine. Help your kids connect to wildlife and wildlife-related recreation at the Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s annual Outdoor Skills Day. Activities are designed for kids aged 7-16, but all are welcome. Pre-registration is not required.

Spring Sketchbook Nature Journaling 5/25/13 8AM – 11AM, Lakewood. Strengthen your personal connection with the natural world by keeping a sketchbook Nature Journal. The first hour of class will be devoted to developing basic drawing skills and covering materials. For the second two hours, you will head out on the trail with your journals to observe and record the signs of spring—including some of the bird migrants in the park. This quarterly program explores different parks and journaling exercises each time, so repeat participation is encouraged. All experience levels are welcome.

Senses in Nature 5/26/13 1:30PM, Golden. Discover how wild animals found in Jefferson County use their senses to survive, and how our common sense helps us enjoy experiences in nature. Ages 6 – Adult.

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Ongoing Fun for the Whole Family

Everything from roller coasters to rhinos.

Daily. After a popular run in 2012, the Children’s Museum of Denver relaunches its “3, 2, 1 … Blast Off!” exhibit. Created in conjunction with United Launch Alliance, “Blast Off!” teaches kids about the basics of rocket science by letting them build and launch their own rockets. The new version of “Blast Off!” includes two giant-size models of real-life rockets, plus a vaulted ceiling for vertical rocket launches — the previous space allowed only for horizontal flights. Museum members are invited to arrive at 9 a.m. Saturday for a special members-only hour before the museum opens. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Children’s Museum of Denver, 2121 Children’s Museum Drive; 303-433-7444. $9 for guests ages 2 to 59; $7 for 1-year-olds and seniors age 60 and older. mychildsmuseum.org.

NEW! Flight of the Butterflies 3D at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Opens February 15. A scientific adventure. A compelling detective story. A stunning sight to see. Flight of the Butterflies 3D is all this and more. Dr. Fred Urquhart spent nearly 40 years working to discover the monarch butterflies’ secret hideaway and solve the mystery of their unique migration path. In this dazzling 3D film, you will experience the inspiring story of this scientist’s passion and see up close the lifecycle of these beautiful creatures. Get a butterfly’s-view of the world as you fly over North America and into the isolated mountaintops in Mexico where you will encounter hundreds of millions of fluttering monarchs. www.dmns.org

Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park

May – October

The nation’s ONLY downtown theme and water park opens for the season on May 4. With more than 45 thrilling rides, plus a splash-filled, 10-acre Water Park, musical stages, stunt shows, arcades and the StarToon Studios (a kiddie area with pint-sized fun), there’s something at Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park for just about everyone. elitchgardens.com

Denver B-cycle

Through November

Explore the city on two wheels! Denver B-cycle is an automated bike sharing system designed for short trips around The Mile High City. It’s easy and fun. You can check out one of more than 500 bikes from any one of 50-plus stations (conveniently located near major attractions and neighborhoods) and return it to any other station. denver.bcycle.com

Colorado Rockies

April 5-September 25

Major league baseball returns to downtown Denver’s Coors Field on April 5, as the Rockies square off against the San Diego Padres. The fun continues all spring and summer long. For an affordable option, buy tickets in the Rockpile, where seats are just $4 for adults and $1 for kids under 12. coloradorockies.com

Toyota Elephant Passage

Year-round

Say hello to Denver’s new, five-ton locals. At 10 acres, this landmark $50 million exhibit at Denver Zoo is North America’s largest bull elephant habitat. You’ll see majestic Asian elephants cooling off in a shallow stream, Malaysian tapirs care for their young, acrobatic gibbons swinging overhead from tree to tree, fishing cats diving for their next meal and the piercing stare of a black leopard, all from the center of an Asian village. denverzoo.org

Titans of the Ice Age 3D at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Opens February 15.  Titans of the Ice Age 3D transports you back 10,000 years before modern civilization to the beautiful and otherworldly landscapes of North America, Europe, and Asia. Peer through the 3D canvas as dazzling computer-generated imagery brings this mysterious era and its giant animals to life. You will  come face to face with saber-toothed cats, dire wolves, and woolly mammoths as they share the land with early humans who both feared and relied upon these majestic beasts. Experience this dynamic chapter in the age-old story of human ingenuity, a “trial by ice” that compelled our ancestors to seek understanding and meaning in nature. www.dmns.org

GPS Adventures at the Wildlife Museum. The Wildlife Experience recently opened its newest exhibit, which sets you on a course for hidden treasure… all you need is a GPS unit and a sense of adventure. This life-sized maze exhibition introduces visitors to cutting-edge Global Positioning Systems (GPS) through Geocaching – a family friendly treasure hunting game.  More than four million people around the world are on the hunt for over a million hidden treasures.  In addition to hidden booty, these geocachers are finding the real treasure: reconnecting with family, community and nature in a meaningful way.

Deals: Free days at Botanic Gardens, Colorado Railroad Museum, spa day package & more!

Free days this week

Friday: Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield, Littleton, botanicgardens.org; Four Mile Historic Park, noon-4 p.m., fourmilepark.org

Saturday: Colorado Railroad Museum, coloradorailroadmuseum.org; Denver Art Museum, denverartmuseum.org

May the 4th Be With You

Douglas County Libraries Celebrates May the 4th Be With You on May 4, 2013 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets are going fast for this great event celebrating all things Star Wars–just $5! Join us at Douglas County Fairgrounds for crafts, snacks, photo opportunities with Star Wars characters, and special guest Matthew Reinhart (Star Wars: A Pop-Up Guide to the Galaxy). Purchase Tickets online (sorry the Light Saber Training is sold out).
Belly Bliss
Belly Bliss’ celebration for Mother’s Day with everything from special promotions, including a 50-minute massage for $50, 10% off gift certificates for treatments and class packages AND THE BEST PAST – FREE YOGA! On Mother’s Day this year there will be an amazing hour of yoga for mothers, followed by a champagne mimosa toast, (don’t worry, there are non-alcoholic mimosa’s too for the pregnant mothers!) and delicious chocolate dipped fruit. Call for times and to register. bellybliss.org
Bicycle Village
Bicycle Village is hosting their 10th Annual Bike Expo May 4th and 5th at the Aurora Location (2802 S. Havana). Save up to 50% off bikes and even more. Plus, there is a new mountain bike demo ride! When you’re there ask about their popular trade-up program where you can trade your kids bikes for a bigger one – or one that fits correctly (within two years) save up to 40% off bicycles for your growing kids.

Art blanche

The Artisan Showcase at the Lakewood Cultural Center continues its closeout sale through its final day on Sunday. The consignment store, offering works of art and gifts by local artists, has discounted its entire inventory up to 40 percent. Shoppers will find cards, pottery, jewelry, ceramics and more. Lakewood’s Heritage, Culture and the Arts Division is shuttering this space due to a growing need to exhibit works by local amateur artists through special community art shows. Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and during intermission of performances. 470 S. Allison Parkway, Lakewood, 303-987-7877

Mart monitor

The Assistance League’s Thrift Mart recently acquired a collection of original artworks along with home décor and garden items and is pricing them for sale Saturday through May 12. Signed prints, a ceramic plate and vintage posters are offered. Hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Proceeds benefit the many philanthropic programs of Assistance League of Denver. 1331 E. Colfax Ave., 303-322-5205, denver.assistanceleague.org

Clay for keeps

Head to the Boulder County Fairgrounds for the Boulder Potter’s Guild Spring Show and Sale Thursday through Sunday. Decorative, sculptural and functional pieces including garden art is included along with demonstrations and daily drawings. Fabric art, jewelry and embossed and photographic note cards are also featured. Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission and parking is free. 9595 Nelson Road, Longmont; 303-447-0310 or boulderpottersguild.com

First comes love…

The Little White Dress Bridal Shop’s three-day Sample Sale features gowns by St. Pucchi, Fancy, Victor Harper, Justin Alexander, Claire Pettibone and others Friday through Sunday. Dresses originally priced from $1,500 to $5,500 are $2,000 or less on Friday, $1,500 or less on Saturday and $1,000 or less on Sunday. Appointments (recommended) and walk-ins are welcome. 3420 W. 32nd Ave., 303-814-8972, LWDBridal.com

Benefit baubles

IsArt, a wholesale distributor of products by Israeli artisans, is hosting its three-day semi-annual “Warehouse and Overstock Sale!” Thursday through Saturday. One-of-a-kind jewelry is included along with accessories and Judaica, all discounted 50 to 75 percent. Hours are 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Five percent of sales will be donated to Sungate Kids helping abused children and their families. 7808 Cherry Creek South Drive, No. 209, 303-873-6553, isartonline.com

Mission to shop and save

Women In Mission, a seller of SERRV fair-trade products to help eliminate poverty, hosts a “Giant Clearance Sale” offering linens, baskets, jewelry, pottery and more, discounted 20 to 50 percent. Stop by Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 1710 S. Grant St., 303-679-9473

Give mom a day off

Knock Mom’s socks off with the “I Love You, Mom!” spa day package offered at Beaver Creek’s Spa Anjali on May 12. Treatments include an anti-aging facial, manicure and pedicure, skin-care travel kit and access to the Athletic Club with yoga classes, a pool and hot tub. Champagne is also included. The package is $199. Those who book the spa package are also eligible for a discounted $100 overnight rate at The Westin Riverfront Beaver Creek May 10-13. Beaver Creek, call 970-790-3020 or visit spaanjali.com for the spa package; 866-949-1616, westinriverfrontbeavercreek.com for the Westin

Pot(tery) of gold

Pottery and sculptures from members of the Aurora Potters Guild are offered Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. New pieces are added throughout the day. Aurora Center for Active Adults, 30 Del Mar Circle, Aurora, 303-344-1776, auroragov.org/pottery ;

The people’s courtyard

Eron Johnson Antiques is hosting the inaugural Valverde Bazaar Urban Outdoor Market from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. The Pop-Up Market offers works by local businesses and artists including gifts, antiques, ceramics, rugs, art, furniture, jewelry, garden items and more. Food and live music add to the festivities. Alchemy in Glass, Highlands Fine Art Conservation, Night and Day Vintage and Sabin Aell are just a handful of the participating vendors. Admission is free. Courtyard of Eron Johnson Antiques, 389 S. Lipan St., 303-777-8700, valverdebazaar.com

-Vickie Heath

 

Top 5 Tips for the Dirty Dash (20% Off & ENTER to WIN!)

CONTEST CLOSED. CONGRATULATIONS TO ROBERTA E.!

The Dirty Dash? This race on June 16 at the Botanic Gardens at Chatfield is intimidating, I know. Fear not…this race is great for all skill levels AND you can whoop it up for the cam an we’ll never know how many pits and obstacles you decided to tiptoe around. Family-friendly? YES! There’s even a Piglet Plunge so the little ones can be in on the action! As for team Fine S’Wine, well, let’s just say there *was* blood, oh ya.

My Personal Top 5 Tips for the Dirty Dash:

5. If you’re down with root beer, ID not necessary…review rules packet pick-up.
4. Wear clothes that can get D.I.R.T.Y. (undies and all – not kidding)
3. Potty breaks in mud pits are just not ok (so it wasn’t the Dirty Dash, but apparently this *has* happened, eek!)
2. A gleaming white shirt at the end of this race = social shaming
1. Photo Op FUN…because you know your social media friends love this stuff!

Want to get pregnant? There’s an app for that

Will Sacks couldn’t believe what his wife was claiming: She knew of a form of birth control that was more than 99 percent effective, totally natural, free and with no negative side effects.

Sure. Then why, at age 29, had he never heard of it? Why didn’t everyone use it?

His cynical questions quickly turned rhetorical — and last spring, they turned into a business. Sacks and his wife Kati Bicknell, of Boulder, Colo., launched a free app called Kindara, designed to help spread the word about the Fertility Awareness Method.

The premise is simple: Know your body’s predictable rhythms, and you can prevent unwanted pregnancies — and also help increase your odds of getting pregnant when you’re ready.

“I can’t believe I lived 29 years before I knew this,” Sacks says. “It’s kind of like ‘Being A Human 101.’ We should all know how to create and not create other humans, and understand how that process works. It’s pretty basic stuff. Your body needs food and water, and if you want to create another human, do this, and if you don’t do this; it’s that basic.”

Summer Movie Guide 2013: Flicks you’ll be lining up for this season

As we head into popcorn movie season, there’s reason for moviegoers to hope this summer.

Yes, there will be retreads, reboots and sequels. Sometimes they’ll be inexplicable, that is until you check the predecessor’s global box-office numbers. (“Smurfs 2?!”) But many promise deeper theater pleasures, because the talent behind them is nimble.

J.J. Abrams leads the pack in that regard but the director of the “Star Trek” sequel is not alone. Director Christopher Nolan, the guy who made Batman relevant, helps rethink Superman. There’s even Guillermo Del Toro, wise to the more tender lures of the popular, at the helm of “Pacific Rim.”

Who says you can’t find kernels of truth in that big ol’ tub of popcorn?

CLICK TO READ ON

A family garden plan that will get, keep kids enchanted

Carving out time for a family vegetable garden is challenging when little ones are around. Between cooing over worms and keeping mud pies from being eaten, you’re likely to spend more time running after the kids than gathering salad. But we’ve come up with a plan to keep the tykes happy while you putter around the garden, so while they’re discovering nature, you’re harvesting dinner.

First things first: Make a special place for tots to play underneath a bamboo-trellis tepee of pole beans and Jack Be Little pumpkins. This tall structure should be placed in the north corner of the garden, where it won’t keep the sun from reaching lower plants. Space the tepee’s poles wide enough for an entryway underneath, then plant a circle of climbing pole beans and tiny pumpkins at its base. As the vines cover the teepee, they’ll create a shaded nook for play.

LiveWell Challenges Colorado to Be Healthy for Just Four Days!

I’m sure you’ve heard all the euphemisms – “don’t bite off more than you can chew,” “start little,” “baby steps”…There has to be some sort of truth in that idea that if you want to get something done the best way to do it is to start with an achievable (small) goal.

That is exactly the tactic that LiveWell Colorado kept in mind when they prepared seven challenges that are just four days each.  They all seem really simple and easy to accomplish (which means a big WIN in my head – I CAN do it!)

LiveWell Colorado’s Rally Man (aka Super-trainer Jamie Atlas) helped to brainchild the seven challenges. The seven challenges include: Refresher (drinking water); Healthy Start (eating breakfast); Color Your Plate (add a fruit or vegetable); Family Table (eat together); 4 O’Clock Decision (choice of snack at 4); Smart Moves (use the stairs or park further away at store); Walk the Talk (walk each day just 15 minutes).