Where in the World is Pam?

I haven't blogged here in so long, I almost forgot I had it! Now I'm busy over at my new site where I am posting my art. I have a blog there, too, so join me over there and subscribe to my newsletter for parental musings and the latest from my art studio. You can also find me on Instagram @pam_baumeister -- I'd love to connect with you there, too!

Participate in Life

In the interest of managing my time better and making sure I'm more fully engaged with the people around me, I deleted the Facebook app from my iPhone.

Since I handle the social media at work, I can't completely avoid social media entirely. I see updates and tags and messages, etc. on Facebook but now I don't have easy access to them from my phone at all hours of the day.  I still have Instagram on my phone, but I am slowing down on it and trying to be a bit more judicious with the time I choose to spend on there. 

Maybe you've already seen this video...but, my sister posted this video to her Facebook page I saw today while at work. It speaks volumes about our society and our newest addictions. I also like it because it rhymes.  

Do you think our "looking down" at our devices keeps us from interacting? What steps are you taking to connect more in real life with the world around you?

Permission to Cross Things Off Your List

A blog devoted to over-achiever parents:
 http://elfontheshelfideas.com

A trendy new Christmas tradition for parents with young children has popped up. It involves purchasing a doll and book called The Elf on the Shelf. Apparently, this all-seeing-elf doll keeps an eye on kids during the daylight hours and flies home every evening to Santa Claus to report how each child is behaving. Someone came up with yet another way for parents to bribe kids (or scare them, perhaps?) into behaving like perfect little angels so come Christmas morning they will score more loot from St. Nick.

Creative parents even orchestrate scenes filled with intrigue, humor or mystery involving  their family elf. At recess on the days before winter break kids will talk about what their individual Christmas spies did that morning. It is the new thing. Conversation starters like, "How do you think my elf got into the fridge," or "What did your elf bring you," or "Is your elf a boy or a girl?" are heard in elementary schools all over our city.

A mom friend at work recently asked me if I participate in the Elf on the Shelf tradition at my house. She wasn't pressuring me, just gauging how committed I am to keeping up on the trends. After I told her I can barely keep up with my Tooth Fairy duties, she confessed how many times she has woken up in a state of panic that her kids would wake to an elf that had not moved. She lived in fear that neither she nor her husband had moved the cherubic goody two shoes the night before…and wished, out loud, that she had never caved in to getting one.

No one should ever be in a panic over moving a doll or anything else that isn't truly an emergency. In fact, I copied a quote on a Post-It™ years ago to which I refer to when things get hectic, or when my nine-year-old asks why we don't have an Elf on the Shelf.

"Reduce life down to what's precious and the necessary. In a world of complexity, the best weapon is simplicity."

Learning to reduce is a challenge. Asking yourself what is precious and what is necessary frequently presents a tough choice. However, those tough choices become easier with time. I rarely choose an outside activity on a weeknight after a day at the office when I can instead spend time with my family. Spending time with family always takes precedence.

At the end of your life, are you really going to feel bad if you didn't try every recipe you pinned on Pinterest? Are you going to wish you had handmade more neighbor gifts for every holiday? Will you pine over all the stuff you never had?

As the New Year kicks off, think of the most important things, not just things to add to your "stuff to do" checklist. Whether eliminating things like the Elf on the Shelf, or not participating in every activity to which you're invited (whether you want to go or not), start thinking about what's precious and what's necessary and wield your sword of simplicity proudly.

How to Make Popcorn on the Stove

While I was making popcorn on the stove top for my kiddos, one of my friends told me I should post that action...apparently this skill I am so used to doing isn't one that many people know how to do.

Popcorn is both healthy and tasty...so, make some today to snack on or enjoy in front of a movie.

What you'll need:

Coconut oil
White popcorn kernels
Stainless steel deep soup pan with clear glass lid
Salt

Steps:

1. Put your pan on a burner at medium high heat. 
2. Scoop out enough coconut oil to coat the bottom of your pan.
3. Drop one kernel into the pot once all coconut oil is melted (there should be about a 1/4" of cocunut oil in the base of the pot). Put on the lid.
4.  Wait for that one little kernel to pop.
5. Once the kernel has popped, pour enough popcorn in to coat the bottom of your pan in a single layer. I use 1/2 cup.
6. Shake the pot back and forth to coat all the kernels.
7. Wait for it all to start popping. 
8. Once the popping slows down or stops, pour the contents into a big bowl.
9. Salt to taste.
10. Enjoy!

Here's a quick video to show how it's done:

End-of-Year Review

Doing a year-end review is eye-opening. Loads of wonderful things happened in 2012:

The toddler was successfully potty trained.

We took a fun family vacation to Tucson and Phoenix, Arizona for spring break.

My best friend from childhood visited me and we spent a weekend at Snowbird, including a day at the Cliff Spa.

Our family travelled to Chicago for two weeks.

I started running and triathlon training again and competed in my first triathlon after adrenal fatigue.

I painted a lot more and started sharing my art with people on this blog.

My sweet daughter was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

I ran my first 10K and half marathon.

My parents celebrated 50 years of marriage and I celebrated 19 years of marriage. 

Oh, and I was fired from my job on April 9, 2012.

Of all the things that happened in 2012, getting fired has been the biggest catalyst. 

I haven't written about getting fired because I was so upset and frustrated. I didn't want to write in anger and appear bitter or vindictive. But, I was both of those things for a long time. The crazy thing about getting let go is that it completely minimizes you. In my case I had no warning and was completely blindsided when I had worked so hard to show my employers how much I wanted to help the company succeed. In the end, though, I wasn't enough...and that's what devastated me. 

Now, though, I can look back and see all the beautiful things getting fired taught me. 

• Getting close to your kids and husband is fulfilling and joyful
• Nurturing talents feeds your soul in a lasting way 
• Personal value is deeper than your career or job
• Meetings are overrated and more often than not—unnecessary
• Focusing on your blessings and helping others will always help you feel happy

Although I wouldn't wish that on anyone, I am grateful for the lessons I've learned about life, about human nature and about what's really important. I'm ready now and looking forward to the lessons of 2013.

My Non-Negotiable: Family Dinner

When asked to name one of my strengths recently, my oldest daughter told me, "you always make sure we have healthy food and that we always eat dinner together." I never thought that was a strength.  I assumed that family dinner happened nightly for most families. After asking my girls about their friends' families I found out that it was a rarity, not the standard. 

What? 

Is it true that families don't eat dinner together these days? Are people in such a hurry in their lives that they can't make the time to gather and sit down at a family meal anymore?

Although our dinner time fluctuates from day to day based on what activities we have, I make sure that my kids know dinner time is family time and therefore sacred time. We aren't allowed to have any electronic devices at the table. If your phone buzzes or rings, you're not allowed to pick it up. Crazy, but good.

Dinner time is different than any other meal. We start with a quick read from the scriptures and a kneeling family prayer. We take turns listening to each other. Everyone talks about their day, if they want to share. We ask about their favorite part of the day and usually have a few good laughs. We discuss current events, social situations, difficulties at school or work, small successes, funny stories and plans for the future. Some of our favorite times happen after everyone is finished eating, but stays at the table because we're having such a good time together. Those moments are golden.

Most of the time it's not perfect, though. Often we have interrupting, kicking, poking, shoving, crying, stealing food from someone else or taking seconds without asking if anyone else wants more. Family life at its finest.

But, we keep trying.

Family dinner time is the best opportunity to teach my kids how to be gracious, polite, kind, patient, tolerant and well-mannered people.

Kids need their parent's undivided attention more than ever these days. Dinner time is the best time to do that. No TV, no smart phones, no distractions — just a good meal with those we love best in the world.

Do you have family dinner? If not, why?

Halloween Happenings in Utah 2012

Unspeakable Horrors for Scamps and Imps of All Ages

Whether you have an iron-clad constitution or you’re a scaredy cat when it comes to Halloween, Utah has a treat bag full of activities and celebrations to put you in the mood come October 31. From corn mazes, to a ghost tours, to pumpkin patches, to after-dark spooks, this list compiles some of the most ghastly events and celebrations this side of the afterworld. Don’t worry, there’s plenty to keep the kiddo’s and faint-of-heart busy, too. Love spine-tingling heebie jeebies? There’s a gaggle of options. No more moaning and groaning about what to do this Halloween. Go forth and spook!

FREE EVENT

Monster Block Party at the Gallivan Center

The Monster Block Party is a free, family-friendly Halloween party for Salt Lake City's goblins and ghouls of all ages. There will be trick-or-treat booths, a costume contest with prizes (kid, teen and adult divisions), arts and crafts, a pumpkin drop, live performances and more.

Freak-out Factor: Mild

Saturday, October 27: 11am-3pm

Gallivan Center, 239 S. Main

801-535-6110

www.gallivancenter.com

RACES

If you're looking for a way to keep the winter weight gain at bay, or maybe you want to justify all the candy you're planning on eating this Halloween, here are two fantastic race/walk options. If you're really ambitious, you could do both!

Running Scared 5K and 10K

Get out your cobwebs and motivate your little ghouls and goblins to move with this Halloween-themed race. If the idea of running a half or full marathon scares the bejeebers out of you (and your eight-year-old), a 5K or 10K around the Daybreak Lake is the perfect pre-holiday festivity.  Come in costume and get in the holiday spirit. Kids seven and under are free, (they don't get a medal or shirt, but they can be purchased separately). Post race fun includes balloons, face painting, games, prizes and lots more!

Freak-out Factor: Mild

Day Break Lake

Saturday, October 27

Both races start at 10am

Check website for route, packet pick-up and more details

Registration: $30 - $35

www.runningscaredrace.com

Night of the Running Dead 5K

This year's Night of the Running Dead 5K will be an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of zombies!

All runners will register as either Undead or Human. If Undead, they may dress as such and start the race two minutes after the humans begin their run. You’ll see an army of undead chasing the living, which is, of course, whole point of the race! Costumes are optional but highly encouraged, especially for anyone in the One-mile Creep n' Crawl.

Race fees benefit the Huntsman Cancer Foundation.

Freak-out Factor: Mild

October 20, One-mile Creep and Crawl starts at 8pm, 5K starts at 9pm

Sandy Centennial Parkway

Registration: $25-$40

Check website for route, packet pick-up and more details

www.undeadrace.com

CORN MAZES

Cornbelly’s Maze and Pumpkin Fest

Not just a corn maze, Cornbelly's includes a pumpkin patch, playground, farm-themed kiddie rides, Pumpkin Princess Playland, Halloween parade, contests and more--even pig races!  There’s even a haunted section of Cornbelly’s called Insanity Point, which starts on October 5. Make sure to visit the corn cannons and pumpkin blasters and check out the Jack-o-Lantern Tree with hundreds of elaborately carved Jack-o-Lanterns.

Freak-out Factor: Mild. Moderate in the haunted sections

3003 North Thanksgiving Way, Lehi

Exit 284 from I-15

Open from September 28 to October 1; October 5 to November 3

Monday through Thursday: 4-10pm, $8.95

Friday and Saturday: 10am-11pm., $10.95

              Haunted maze: $15.95 (includes all areas)

Kids 2 and under are free

Use promo code "belly" for $3 off when buying tickets online by September 28
http://www.cornbellys.com/

Crazy Corn Maze

With over eight acres of corn to wander through, Crazy Corn Maze will keep you guessing. A trivia question and answer game within the maze will baffle even the smartest of haunts busy for hours. The maze includes a completely separate haunted trail for more chills and thrills. The four-acre pumpkin patch opens in October and is the ideal place to get your Halloween carving pumpkins.

Freak-out Factor: Mild. But sensitive children should avoid the haunted section

8800 S. 4000 W., West Jordan/801-569-2356

Monday-Saturday in September 21 to October 31

Monday through Thursday: 6-10pm

Fridays: 6-11:30pm

Saturdays: Noon-11:30pm

Closed Sundays

Haunted section begins Sept. 28; haunting starts at dusk

No haunted section on Mondays

Ages 11+: $7.50

Ages 4-10: $4

Under 4: free

Haunted section: $4 extra

www.utahmaze.com

SHOPPING

Witchfest at Gardner Village

Historic Gardner Village in West Jordan gets bewitched for Halloween with dozens of creative life-sized witches and fun activities including Breakfast with a Witch, Witches Night Out and Witchapalooza, a dinner show. There are also a petting zoo and pony rides. Check the Gardner Village events calendar for details and prices. Most activities take place on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays, although some are held all week.

Freak-out Factor: Mild, though the life-sized witches are scary for sensitive children.

1100 E. 7800 S., West Jordan/801-566-8903

Displays and events: September through Halloween

October hours: Monday through Thursday, 10am to 8pm; Friday and Saturday, 10am to 9pm

Closed Sundays

Closes 5pm on October 31
Go here for more information

HAUNTED HAPPENINGS

Haunted Forest

The Haunted Forest in American Fork, about 20 miles south of Salt Lake City, has been one of Utah's favorite haunted attractions for 22 years. Visitors walk through a real forest with scary surprises. There are also two indoor attractions, "The Haunted Mansion Show" and "Psycho Manor.”

Freak-out Factor: Moderate

September: 16, 17, 23, 24 and 30

October: 1-31 except Sundays

Weekdays: 7:30-10pm; weekends: 7:30pm to midnight

1100 S. 500 E. American Fork/801-623-1824

Tickets: $20

$1 extra for credit card purchases

Children 6 years and under free

www.hauntedforest.com

Frightmares at Lagoon

Frightmares at Lagoon in Farmington offers fun Halloween decorations, activities and entertainment in addition to the usual thrill rides. Water rides and the water park are closed. Costumes not allowed. Many supermarkets, banks and credit unions offer discounted Lagoon tickets.

Freak-out Factor: Moderate to mild. Suitable for anyone, although sensitive children will want to avoid some shows and attractions.

Lagoon Drive in Farmington, I-15 Exit #322, 17 miles north of Salt Lake City/801-451-8000

September 21 through October 30

Fridays: 5 to 10pm; Saturdays: 11am to 10pm; Sundays: 11am to 8pm

Open at 11 a.m.-10 p.m. during fall break, October 18 through 21

Tickets: $28.95-$44.95

www.lagoonpark.com/attractions/frightmares

Ogden and Salt Lake Ghost Tours

Guided by a professional storyteller, guests travel by bus to the great "haunts" of Salt Lake City or Ogden and learn about the ghosts who dwell in historic buildings and cemeteries. Journey through time on an adventure through the rich culture and learn about many of the characters that still call Utah home even years after their deaths.

Freak-out Factor: Moderate

Every Friday and Saturday night in October

Starting times vary; tours last 1.5-2 hours

Salt Lake City tours begin behind the Rio Grande Building at 300 S. 500 W.

Ogden tours meet at Union Station parking lot

Tickets: $12-$18

Come in costume and receive a free concession

Advance reservations recommended

Buy tickets online or call 801-529-4497

www.storytours.com

Heber Valley Railroad Train Rides and Pumpkin Festival

A 45-minute evening train ride through scenic Heber Valley, your own carving pumpkin, special activities, entertainment, pumpkin treats, pumpkin decorating to kick off the festive Halloween season.

450 S. 600 W. Heber City, UT/435-654-5601

Freak-out Factor: Mild

October 18-20, 25-27, 29 & 30

Ages 4 and up: $15

Children 3 and under: $3

2 train rides available: 4pm and 5:30pm
Price includes: A pumpkin for carving, on-site activities, entertainment and a 45-minute train ride
Food and beverages available from concession car
www.hebervalleyrr.org

Thanksgiving Point Barnyard Boo and Spooky Saturdays

Spooky Saturdays

Thanksgiving Point's Museum of Ancient Life is scaring up some Halloween family fun for your whole family. Guests of the Spooktacular are enouraged to show up in their favorite Halloween costume to have their face painted, make creepy crafts, and try their luck at many activities and games.

Freak-out Factor: Mild

Saturdays in October (6, 13, 20, 27): 11am to 4pm

Adults: $10

Children: 3-12:  $8

Members: free

3003 N. Thanksgiving Way in Lehi/801-768-2300

Barnyard Boo

Barnyard Boo, at Thanksgiving Point's Farm Country, offers less-spooky activities for the younger goblins. Enjoy storytelling, entertainment, and a variety of Halloween-themed activities for kids like boo bowling, hairy horseshoes, spider toss and many more fun games.

Freak-out Factor: Mild

Weekends and fall break, October 11 through 29

See website for specific dates and hours

Adults and children: $5

Members: free

3003 N. Thanksgiving Way in Lehi/801-768-2300

www.thanksgivingpoint.org

This is the Place Heritage Park Haunted Village

Haunted houses, shadowy streets, headless horsemen and assorted spooks lend This is the Place Heritage Park a decidedly creepy air in the evenings during the month of October. For the little ones, there's also a daytime event, Little Haunts, where kids can wear their costume to the park and enjoy pony rides, train rides, crafts and more.

Freak-out Factor: Moderate for Haunted Village, Mild for Little Haunts

Haunted Village

October 10-31 except Sundays

Monday-Thursday: 7-10 pm;  Fridays and Saturdays: 7-11pm

$15 per person

Little Haunts

Oct. 20-22: 9 am-5 pm

Adults: $10; Kids  3-11 and seniors: $7

2601 E. Sunnyside Avenue, Salt Lake City/801.582.1847

www.thisistheplace.org

THEATER

Odyssey Dance Theater’s “Thriller”

One of the most popular dance events of the year in Utah, ODT's Halloween show lives up to its name with monsters, madmen and mayhem along with incredible dance and a few laughs. Performances at Kingsbury Hall in Salt Lake City, the Egyptian Theatre in Park City, the Covey Center for the Arts in Provo, the Val Browning Center for the Arts in Ogden, Chase Fine Arts Center in Logan, and Tuacahn Amphitheater in St. George.

Freak-out Factor: Somewhat scary; suitable for children 10 and older.

Kingsbury Hall from October 10-30: 7:30pm except Sundays, Saturday matinees: 2pm

Tickets: $20-$40

See website for discount offers, performance times and location details

www.odysseydance.com

“Y” Light at Off Broadway Theater

Back by popular demand, this OBT Halloween parody explores what life would be like for Mormon Vampires down at B"Y"U, and how they would relate to their arch enemy Ute Indian tribe werewolf counterparts from the "U." Poor Ella has moved to American Forks and is caught up in this love triangle, until the original vampire, Count Dracula, arrives on the scene and wants Ella for his own. This musical parody will leave you rolling in the aisles.

Freak-out Factor: Mild

Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays from September 30 through October 29: 7:30pm

272 S. Main St./801-355-4628

Tickets: $8-$16

www.theobt.org

WITH THE ANIMALS

Tracy Aviary Halloween Hoot

Crisp, cool air and colorful leaves mean two things at Tracy Aviary: autumn is coming and so is the Halloween Hoot! All ghosts, vampires, witches and ghouls are welcome to this annual event October 6, 13, 20, 27 & 31. Watch a spooktacular bird show, indulge in story time that will scare your socks off and let your creativity flow while making Halloween crafts including wicked-fun face paint.  

Freak-out Factor: Mild

October 6,13,20,27 and 31: 11am to 3pm

589 E. 1300 S./801-596-8500

Adult: $7; Student/senior: $6; Child: $3, 2 and under: free

50% off for those in costume.

www.tracyaviary.org

Living Planet Aquarium Haunted Rainforest

The Living Planet's "Journey To South America" will be transformed into the Haunted Rainforest. Bring your family through the depths of the spooky rainforest where you will encounter man-eating piranha, giant anacondas and Goliath bird-eating spiders! This is a great way to kick off your Halloween celebration. On Halloween, there will be a costume parade,

Freak-out Factor: Mild

Saturday-Monday, October  29-31: 10am to 6pm

725 E. 10600 S. in Sandy/801-355-3474

Adults: $9.45; Seniors, students and military: $8.45: Children 3-17: $7.45

Children 2 and under: free

www.thelivingplanet.com

Hogle Zoo Boo at the Zoo and Enchanted Evening Explorations

Boo at the Zoo

Hogle Zoo's annual Boo at the Zoo is great Halloween fun for kids 12 and younger. Come in costume to trick-or-treat at candy booths set up throughout zoo grounds. Trick-or-Treat bags will be provided (while supplies last), or bring your own.

Freak-out Factor: Mild

Saturday, Oct. 27: 9am to 3pm

Adults: $12.75; 65 and older;  $9.75; Children 3 to 12: $9.75

Children 2 and younger: free

Enchanted Evening Explorations

In addition to Boo at the Zoo on October 27, Hogle Zoo offers exclusive, after-hours, guided tours of the zoo called Enchanted Evening Explorations. Come in costume for frightful fun for all ages.

Oct. 20, 21, 22, 27, 28: 7:30pm to 9pm

Tickets: $10 per person

2600 East Sunnyside Avenue/(801) 582-1631

www.hoglezoo.org