Month: September 2014

“You poked my heart” cute kid video goes viral

In the latest kids-say-the-darndest things on YouTube, three young children argue whether it’s “raining” or “sprinkling.”  The boy becomes increasingly frustrated until the culmination around the 1:30 mark when the girl emphasizes her point by poking the boy’s chest. Here’s the thing, kids: you’re all correct. I’m thinking their next weather report should be a lesson in synonyms. Watch video.

Denver Deal: Odysseo, Postmates, Alliance Francaise & More

I have seen a couple of cirque shows. It never ceases to amaze me how a person could really contort their body in such ways – and smile through the whole thing. I was excited to attend the Social Media Night at one of Cirque’s newest shows visiting Denver, Odysseo. In Odysseo not only are the acrobats part of the show but so are some really amazing horses (62 to be exact). Describing a Cirque show to someone who has not been can be a bit difficult – because there is story, there is artistry, there is music, light and sound. More than anything – it is hard to explain because it is hard to believe that you really saw what you thought you did! Well, better than try to explain – I say just go! You can grab tickets and take the kids with you at 10% off when you use...

One mom’s defence of the Jeffco school protests and walkouts

I want to share my view of this past weeks student protests and why I allowed my daughter to participate. My daughter and I had a lot of discussion about what is going on in her school district. I speak as a parent. The past two years I have been PTSA President of my daughters high school. The two years before that, I was the PTSA Vice President and the Accountability Chairperson of the same high school. I have spent a lot of time attending board meetings and budget meetings, and even in meetings with the former superintendent. I have met with parents and teachers. I have heard a lot of different view points. So, although I may not know everything, I think I have a basic understanding of some things. I have issues with common core and AP US History (I have read the curriculum for it). I ha...

Elitch Gardens to kick off Fright Fest with (wait for it) a Hearse Parade and a giant pumpkin!

Confirmation that Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park rocks: 1) They hand-delivered their Fright Fest announcement in a hearse. 2) They’re kicking off their Halloween season on Friday, Oct. 3 with a Hearse Parade. Not only are they teaming up with the Denver Hearse Association (yep, it really exists) but they will also have dozens of corpse mobiles that will creep up to the gates as darkness falls on opening night to welcome guests into the frights that lurk inside. 3) They are growing one of my husband Jamie’s pumpkin seeds and are entering it in Nick’s Garden Center’s  pumpkin weigh-off next weekend. Be sure to watch for it when when you visit the park! About Fright Fest This year’s Fright Fest is set to be the spookiest celebration yet as hoards of und...

CDC issues warning after paralysis, muscle weakness strike 9 Colorado kids

Nine Colorado children have been stricken with muscle weakness or paralysis since Aug. 8, and Colorado health officials and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday they’re investigating a link to concurrent viral outbreaks. The CDC has issued a national alert for doctors in other states to watch for similar symptoms. All nine children’s symptoms were preceded by respiratory illness, said Dr. Larry Wolk, director of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and a pediatrician. “This is a very small number of patients,” Wolk said. “That’s why we’re asking if there are other cases. People shouldn’t panic.” The cases were identified between Aug. 8 and Sept. 17 at Children’s Hospital Colorado among chi...

“The Boxtrolls” delivers on the charm of the grotesque

There comes a moment in “The Boxtrolls” when a terrific allergic reaction of social-striving baddie Archibald Snatcher elicits an understandably revolted “Ewww!” There are many more delighted “Ewwws” than too-easy “Awws” in this charming, if a tad cynical, feature from the creators of “Coraline” and “ParaNorman.” “The Boxtrolls” takes its inspiration from Alan Snow’s 2005 fantasy novel “Here Be Monsters!” And there are indeed monstrous goings-on in this 90-minute yarn extracted from a 500-plus-page tome. It was adapted by Irena Brignull and Adam Pava and is co-directed by Antony Stacchi and Graham Annable. “The Boxtrolls” begins with the disappearance of an infant. The Trubshaw...

Foodie Friday: Delicious Pumpkin Pie Crisp Bars

I still remember the day I became obsessed with eating all-things pumpkin. I was pregnant with Hadley, called home and my family was eating pumpkin pie for Canadian Thanksgiving. As a wave of homesickness washed over me, I developed a pregnancy craving for pumpkin that never went away. Thankfully, the pregnancies did. Every year before the weigh-off for my husband’s giant pumpkins, we have a huge pumpkin party where our friends bring delicious pumpkin treats. I like to experiment and fell in love with two new recipes that I tweaked until they were just right. I’ll share one this week and another next week. About the recipe: two of my favorite treats are pumpkin pie and apple crisp. This recipe melds the best of both worlds with the “crisp” not only as the topping bu...

Fourth day of walkouts with massive protest near Columbine High

While teachers and the Jefferson County school board are busy blaming each other for this week’s student walkouts and protests, the teens are happy to take credit. “People think because we are teenagers, we don’t know things, but we are going home and looking things up,” said Savanna Barron, a senior at Lakewood High School, as she waved a sign on Kipling Street on Thursday morning. “If they don’t teach us civil disobedience, we will teach ourselves.” By Thursday, the fourth straight day of protests, students had improved their organization, message and size, rallying a group of roughly 1,000 at a combined Columbine and Dakota Ridge high school walkout that saw kids crowd onto a pedestrian bridge over South Wadsworth Boulevard. A movement that star...

Hundreds of Jeffco students walk out in largest school board protest

In the largest protest this week, at least 700 Jefferson County students left classes Wednesday morning in protest of school board decisions and proposed changes to history curriculum. The students gathered at the intersection of Ken Caryl Avenue and Chatfield Boulevard by mid-morning, most from rival high schools Chatfield and Dakota Ridge. Some of the students waved American flags and held signs that said, “Don’t make history a mystery,” which has become a slogan of this week’s walk-outs. Others piled into cars and sped around the intersection honking their horns and screaming out open windows. Tensions have been mounting in the school district as students, parents and teachers push back against district leadership. Wednesday’s protests meant that students a...

Best Fast Casual Kids Meals in Denver

I can’t do it all, but I can carry out really well! Not my motto, but sometimes my philosophy   School’s officially back in session; I think both of my children finally completed their first full week of school and, I’d like to tell you that I’m cooking Hank the Tank and Dora the Explorer these amazing three-course nutritious meals mostly provided by my garden; however, welcome to reality in 2014.   Between schlepping my children to and from school and activities, I can barely find my own time to eat, let alone always make a healthy meal for my family. Lucky for us Denver is the capital of upscale quick service restaurants. While the Chipotle, Qdoba, Noodles, Panera, Einsteins and etc. are all a staple in my diet and my children’s as well (and h...

Mom Confessions: What’s in YOUR Purse?

We all do it, moms. The purse clean-out. It may come at the beginning of a new season when it’s time to switch purses or at random. I was so entertained by the contents of my own purse that I thought I would share it. Apparently I would never survive on a deserted island, but at least I would look good with my lip gloss and nail polish in my final days! Receipts galore (gas stations, fast food, restaurants, groceries, mega mart… you name it) chewing gum chewed gum gum wrappers lolly pop sticks (thank you First Bank) crayons toy cars hair bands

The Ultimate Family Activity: Geocaching!

Are you forever on the lookout for something your whole family can enjoy without spending a fortune?  Look no further, because I have the answer for you right here in this blog post.  Are you ready for it?  Here it is…GEOCACHING!   Geo-WHAT? Geocaching (jee-oh-kash-ing) is a global treasure hunt.  No kidding, although I’m taking some liberty with the word “treasure.” All over the world, including your very own neighborhood most likely, are hidden containers (“caches”) ranging in size from a large snowflake to a 2-3 qt jug.  All you have to do to find them is download this $10 app  or purchase a handheld GPS device.  If you would like a comprehensive look at the pros and cons of the options, this website has some great advice.  Full di...

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