Back-to-school rejoicings and adjustments

August 26, 2010 By

I still can’t believe summer break is over. When the clock struck 5 p.m. last Friday, I started rejoicing.

“What’s going on?” Jamie asked.

“I officially survived summer!” I replied.

And I’d even say we thrived with non-stop travel, play, camps, activities, snuggles, reading, story-time, sprinklers, bike-riding and fun.

I know some moms who fall into a depression over their lack of purpose when their children go back to school. While I think a bit of mourning is normal, the depths that some of these women go is completely unhealthy. It makes me worried for them when the children graduate. Children should be a top priority but your entire world and identity should not revolve around them.

Remind me of this when my kids grow up and leave home, rendering me unable to drag myself out of bed.

As for my kiddos:

Bode

Bode began his second year of preschool. He is now The Big Man On (a little) Campus.

Hadley went back to school the day before him. As the two of us hung out together, I sensed an inconsolable sadness in him. Touched that he was missing his “Sissy” so much, I gathered him in my arms. With a few tears welling up, he explained “I’ve got something in my eye,” using Guys’ Oldest Line in the Book.

“It’s OK to miss your sister, Bode. She’ll be back later this afternoon.”
“Huh? I’m sad Super Mario on the Nintendo isn’t working.”

Hadley

Haddie started first grade and having her gone all day will be an adjustment. She is thrilled that art class is included in her curriculum but is “scared about the harder reading and math.”

Her first-day synopsis included eating lunch with Chloe and Taylor and playing at recess with Alex.

I’m sure hard-core academia will set in on Day 2.

Jamie, Bode and I escorted her to school that first morning. She excitedly lined up with her fellow classmates as I ecstatically watched her.

“At what point can I start celebrating?” I murmured to Jamie.

In a flash of serendipity, the school bell rang.

“Right about now!” he replied.”

© Crazy Bloggin’ Canuck–A Denver Mom’s Blog
Filed Under: Bode, Hadley, Humor, Jamie

Celebrating back-to-school “Me” day in Utah

August 22, 2010 By

It may come as a shock to anyone who knows me but I really, really like to be alone.

I also like to socialize, as my third grade teacher divulged on my report card when she said I had “verbal diarrhea.”

Though I truly love exploring with my children, the toughest adjustment to motherhood for me was lack of alone time. When I was single, I frequently traveled, hiked, biked and played by myself.

Since having kids, alone time is practically non-existent, especially during the summer.

Today marks the beginning of what I call freedom.

Others call it back-to-school.

For three glorious hours a day, four days a week, I will have a sliver of time to work, play and recharge before delving into our wonderfully frenzied life all over again.

A few weeks ago, my children and I traveled in a snazzy (and sadly, loaner) Lincoln MKT to Utah to visit beloved Grandma and Grandpa who unceremoniously abandoned us to move to Utah.

Truly, I have gotten over my bitterness.

Over the course of 10 days, we we visited The Museum of Ancient Life at Thanksgiving Point, which boasts the world’s largest display of mounted dinosaurs. We soared down the zipline, alpine coaster and slide at Park City Mountain Resort’s second-to-none base area, whisked above the treetops on the ferris wheel at Liberty Park, splashed at the family’s cabin at Scofield Reservoir State Park and hiked favorite haunts above Red Butte Gardens.

But admist the flurry of fun, I desperately longed for some alone time and my generous mother-in-law gave me just that when she offered to watch my kids.

Actually, I kinda begged her. Must have been my puppy-dog eyes and bulging I-need-a-break-NOW vein in my forehead.

The great thing about having a solo day on vacation is you are not tempted or guilted into staying home and tackling drugeries like cleaning.

Not that I ever do that anyway.

So, just how did I spent my glorious day?

*In-line skating the Bonneville Shoreline Trail up Provo Canyon to Bridal Veil Falls. When I lived in Utah, this was my Happy Place. It doesn’t take much imagination to figure out why.

*Driving the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway. This 20-mile drive winds through aspen groves and rugged alpine canyons of the Wasatch Mountains, passing Robert Redford’s famed resort, Sundance and the commanding 11,749-foot Mount Timpanogos.

*Buying darling clothes from Utah-based Down East Basics and inhaling a Pinata Colada Salad at Cafe Zupos. If either store were to grace Colorado with their presence, I would single-handedly keep them in business.

I finished off my day by visiting my friend Kristy who just had a darling baby girl. I stopped by Les Madeleines Patisserie and Café to buy us their signature indulgence: the Kouing-aman. This rich buttery pastry from Brittany is so addictive you’d swear it is “crack.”

Though it’s a heckuvalot more calories.

I like to think it’s this mama’s new version of bon bons.

© Crazy Bloggin’ Canuck–A Denver Mom’s Blog
Filed Under: Family, Family travel, Humor, travel, Utah

Liberty Park’s Fun in the Sun (but NOT Seven Canyons)

August 17, 2010 By

I have a long history with Liberty Park.

When I first moved to Salt Lake City after college in the fall of 1997, this second-largest urban park was only a few blocks from my condo. I spent innumerable hours strolling the 80 acres of paths, gardens, and aviary and sitting by the pond.

In an attempt to impress a boy, I took up running there after a four-year sabbatical.

I nearly passed out after jogging only a few hundred feet.

I didn’t say all my memories were good.

But last week, Haddie, Bode and I built some fantastic ones as we had a picnic with Jamie’s mom, sister Tammy and my edible twin nieces.

See? I told you: YUMMY.

We drove our stylin’ Lincoln MKT and grabbed a pina colada salad, Hawaiian BBQ chicken panini and mango-berry salad from new-to-me Cafe Zupas while the kids ate homemade peanut butter sandwiches.

I couldn’t waste such gastronome grandeur on their wavering taste buds.

Liberty Park has a few different play areas and we started with the all-access playground and splash park that was perfect for a warm summer day. The kids raced through the water, climbed the tree house, sifted through the sand, danced to the musical instruments and played on the playground.

Next, we hit the small amusement park and the kids begged me to ride The Wheel of Death. Here’s a secret confession: I’d rather ride a thousand suicidal roller-coasters before I’d enjoy doing a Ferris wheel. But see those darling faces?

Most days I have no problem saying “no.” That day was the exception. And I’m so glad I relented because the ride on the weather Ferris wheel was exhilarating. The area was ensconced by trees whose leaves were almost close enough to touch as we swooped forward, causing the kids to grab and squeal with glee.

As a total bonus, I didn’t even throw up.

But our most highly anticipated Liberty Park activity was Seven Canyons. I’ve been to plenty of water parks but this one is different. Patterned after the valley’s seven canyons, this feature has seven man-man streams flowing around secret nooks, trees, stairs and rocks.

I had heard it was closed for the season due to an oil spill but was delighted to discover the sign that claimed it would be opening at 3 p.m. that day. And so we grabbed some snow cones and waited.

And waited some more.

When 3 p.m. rolled around, there was Nada. An inquisitive mom went to the concession stand to ask and as it turns out, Seven Canyons was closed due to some destructive lightning.

Struck by a bolt of electricity around the exact time I would be there? What’re the odds that would happen to me?

On second thought, don’t answer that question.

© Crazy Bloggin’ Canuck–A Denver Mom’s Blog
Filed Under: Bode, Family, Family travel, Hadley, Humor, Utah

Mountainside Marriott and Why Sunroofs and the Backcountry Do Not Mix

August 12, 2010 By

Whilst in Park City, my kids and I stayed at the Mountainside Marriott. PCMR Marketing Director Krista Parry arranged our lodging, initially giving me the choice to stay at Silver Star, the most gorgeous slope-side condominium I have ever stayed in.

This was also the place where Bode became a man over Spring Break.

Or at least a non-woosy baby.

But this time, I requested the slope-wide Marriott for one simple reason: the water. My kids delighted in splashing around the pool and I opted for the multiple whirlpool spas with waterfalls that seemed to spill out of the boulders.

For a weekend of pampering, I’d highly recommend the Silver Star. For an extended stay in Park City, the Marriott Mountainside is where it is at with a spa, fitness center and activity center with crafts and outings all day long.

But the intimidating life-sized chess and checkers game?

Bode says he’ll stick with the Wii and XBox in the game room.
===============

For our final morning in Park City, our friends Dave and Rebecca took us to Squatter’s for breakfast and invited us on a casual hike up Guardsman Pass Scenic Backway. This backcountry road connects Park City to Big Cottonwood Canyon and the Salt Lake Valley, boasting epic views like this one.

The Lincoln MKT served me well during the laborious 9-hour drive from Denver. I loved the sattelite radio, push-button start, voice-activated navigation system, pull-down shades for the kids and cooled seats in this seven-passenger vehicle. But I felt like we hadn’t really enjoyed it yet. This drive was to be our chance.

I opened the sunroof for the first time, cranked up the tunes and we wound around vertiginous mountain passages cram-packed with aspen and oak splendor. The kids reached toward the sky dancing and singing in their seats and all was right in the world with our glorious luxury vehicle.

Until we hit the gravel road.

Here’s a little tip: an open sunroof and dusty gravel do not mix. I’m just sayin’.

Upon reaching the apex of Guardsman Pass, we hopped out to begin our hike. Rebecca assured me it was a short 1-miler to a pretty lake and that she had done it with her two small children.

What she failed to mention? At one point, the trail was a straight and steep shot down to the lake.

I wore flip flops and a skirt.

It was not pretty.


Fortunately, the lake was.

© Crazy Bloggin’ Canuck–A Denver Mom’s Blog
Filed Under: Family travel, Humor, travel, Utah

Park City Activities That Are (and are not) For Kids

August 10, 2010 By

When I lived in Utah, I always liked Park City but it wasn’t until I moved away that I truly fell in love with it.

The kiddos and I had a whirlwind 24 hours in this outdoor Shangri-La with our St. George-dwelling friends Dave and Rebecca and their two children.

Dave and I have been friends from way back when and our backpacking adventures included an epic journey up Yosemite’s Half Dome and being snowed on and then almost struck by lightning on Zion’s West Rim Trail.

Stuff like that bonds you for life.

We have been trying to plan an adventure for the last five years but kids, illness and life have always gotten in the way. But in a flash of serendipity, we were in Park City the same weekend so our families planned an adventure together.

(Hadley rocking the climbing wall. No pun intended.)

Why the Park City Art Festival Is NOT For Kids

We started at the Park City Art Festival which, if you’re ever tempted to take your kids? Don’t. Unless you want to spend the entire time steering your kids away from breaking psychedelic artwork that would take your entire lifetime to pay off.

My Mama always said nothing in this world is free and that applied to the $10 admission and then the kids area that required you to dish out even more money.


But Haddie and Sienna claim the green kitty cat face painting was worth it.

Of course, they didn’t have to fork over the money to pay for it.

Why Park City Mountain Resort IS for Kids

Park City Mountain Resort’s base area was the true highlight of the trip. I’ve been to a number of resorts in the summer but none compared to PCMR’s compendium of activities that included the Alpine Coaster AND Alpine Slide, Ziprider, bungee trampoline, miniature golf, climbing wall and Little Miner’s Park with a carousel and rides for small children.


Dave and Rebecca were both skeptical of the lightning-fast alpine coaster but I assured them it was our favorite activity. After some initial reluctance (and a first run wherein three different coasters caught up with slowpoke Dave), they were hooked. In fact, Dave loved it the most and was the very last rider at the end of the evening.


I convinced Rebecca to ride the zipline with me. A bit of history: When I was a teenager at girl’s camp, I was asked to dress up as a clown and ride the zipline upside down while screaming and poking fun at all the freaked-out girls. I totally could have gone pro.

Well, if such a thing existed.

Rebecca, on the other hand, had never ridden a zipline. There was a wee bit of apprehension.


And some more.


To calm her nerves, I shared my own tales of barrelling across the zipline at the 2010 Vancouver Games.

Though I assured her Park City Mountain Resort’s drop was far worse.

I am totally the person you want to have around in a crisis situation.

Rebecca careened down that mountain like a champ, even passing me at the very end. We had planned to hit Park City’s Main Street for dinner but we were so obsessed with cramming in every last slope-side activity that we kept playing…and playing even after the resort’s fast-food restaurant closed down.

At 9 p.m. after the final run down the Alpine Coaster, the kids’ stomachs growled in protest. I took one glance at exhausted Bode and knew he would not last so we grabbed some ice cream bars and Chex mix from the Mountainside Marriott’s snack bar.

Truly, it was the breakfast dinner of Park City Mountain Resort’s champions.

© Crazy Bloggin’ Canuck–A Denver Mom’s Blog
Filed Under: Family travel, Humor, travel

The Dos (and mostly don’ts) of letterboxing

August 9, 2010 By

I have always been intrigued by treasure hunts. The prospect of discovering something valuable and cosseted is exciting to me. From the moment I first watched The Amazing Race, I was hooked. Following clues and traveling the world would be a dream come true.

Getting lost in umpteen countries is not.

My kids and I recently watched a movie that got me excited about doing my own treasure hunt. One option was geocaching but it does not hold much allure for me.

This can be attributed to the fact that I cannot operate a GPS.

I had heard about letterboxing so figured it would be the next best thing. Not familiar with the concept?

Letterboxing is an activity that combines the elements of puzzle solving and orienteering. Letterboxers hide notebooks and a stamp in waterproof boxes in publicly accessible places and post clues to finding the boxes on Web sites such as letterboxing.org or atlasquest.com.

Once the box is found, letterboxers stamp the notebook with their personal stamp and also record it in their own log.

Anyone can hide a box, post clues or just do their own sleuthing. I thought it was a great way for families to discover their own backyard because pretty much anyone can interpret the clues.

Unless that someone is me.

I did my research. I chose my trail name (letterboxing identity), bought a personalized rubber to imprint the log book and also my own sketch book so I could keep track of the many imprints I was going to collect during my lifelong letterboxing career.

Then we attempted to find our first clue.

And yes, I did say “attempted.”

I had talked up the process enough that my kids were psyched and my husband Jamie was cautiously optimistic.

He is, after all, married to me and is well-versed in catastrophic situations.

I searched online and found a fun clue about a kitty’s journey through my city to land at one of our favorite parks. We followed his trail and tracked down the exact tree where the letterbox was allegedly hidden.

It was nowhere to be found.

After an exhaustive 10-minute search, we finally gave up. Disheartened, we slunked away. It was our first – and final attempt – at letterboxing

It was quite possibly my most short-lived career yet.

© Crazy Bloggin’ Canuck–A Denver Mom’s Blog
Filed Under: Humor

How Puerto Rico’s Final Moments of Magic Literally Took Flight

August 5, 2010 By

Old San Juan was one of the many highlights of our Puerto Rican vacation.

And that is saying a lot for a non-shopper like me.

Following an over-indulgent Puerto Rican lunch at Raices restaurant, Hadley and I explored the quaint shops located on narrow cobblestone streets as we eavesdropped on a medley of foreign tongues. The area’s flat-roofed brick and stone buildings date back to the 16th and 17th century when Puerto Rico was a Spanish possession.

Old forts still stand sentry over the city but none is more impressive than Fort San Felipe del Morro. Perched on a bluff overlooking the ocean, “El Morro” is touted as the oldest Spanish fort in the new world and was built in 1539 to control entry to the harbor and protect San Juan from attacks. The charge is $3 per adult over 16.

Even though six-year-old Hadley was not interested in the details of this National Historic Site, she was enraptured by the 360-degree views on the top floor that encapsulated San Juan. A wide swath of ocean-blue spanned so far that you’d swear you could see the curvature of the earth.

Those were my words.

Hers: “Wow!”

A popular family activity is kite flying on El Morro’s vast lawn. A kaleidoscope of kites danced to the wind as children laughed, tugged and raced against a backdrop so surreal you’d swear you had been dropped in a postcard.

Despite our best efforts (that even included recruiting a few locals), our kite would not take flight for more than 10 seconds.


This is not surprising to anyone who has read my past exposés on kite-flying.

Undaunted, all the moms and children cooled down with Piraguas (ices).


As we reluctantly packed up our belongings later that evening, Hadley stood on our wind-whipped balcony. At that raw hour, it was tough to distinguish ocean from sky. The reflection from the Marriott’s white lights pierced the ocean’s black. Our perch almost seemed to shake but then I realized it was just the air vibrating.

An idea took flight.

I grabbed our grounded kite and hurled it into the void. It dropped out of sight and then, almost as if it was mustering up courage, it swooped higher and higher.

Hadley squealed with delight as I marveled at the kite that had finally taken flight to sketch our good-byes in the sky.

Better [very] late than never.

==================

Just tuning in? Be sure to read 1) Almost Reaching Perfection at the San Juan Marriott Resort, 2) Puerto Rico: Food, Moms and Fun (Did I Mention Food?) and 3) Pool, Beach and Food: Three Essentials to Any Tropical Vacation. I participated in a trip sponsored by the San Juan Marriott. The views expressed are entirely my own.

© Crazy Bloggin’ Canuck–A Denver Mom’s Blog
Filed Under: Family travel, Hadley, Humor, travel Tagged With:

Snooked Again: How a Reality TV Star Stole My Moment in the National Spotlight

August 1, 2010 By

I was in New York City last weekend presenting these family travel products on the Fox Network’s morning show, Fox and Friends.

I know. I’m still shocked they would even allow The Amber Show to be broadcast nationally.

Grant, a publicist in Arizona, arranged the gig after I appeared for his clients on the Tom Martino Show. He claimed my fun interaction with the hosts and thorough presentation of the products far surpassed anyone he has ever seen. He promised that when he booked a national segment, I would be his top choice.

I didn’t have the heart to tell him that my smooth performance on the Martino Show was the exception, not the rule.

This is me we’re talking about.

Grant was true to his word and he flew me to New York City on Friday. I had just one day to prep and did not even see most of the products until I arrived at the hotel the night before I was supposed to be on-air.

I was just a wee bit stressed out.

I stayed up late that night assembling everything in a cram session that would have impressed any college student. After just a few hours of sleep, I groggily arose at 5:30 a.m. (3:30 a.m. Denver time) and hauled my lot to the FOX studios by 6:30 a.m. Laura, the segment producer, and her intern helped me setup.

From there, it was onto hair and make-up where the artist professed I just needed a touch-up on the latter but the former looked absolutely perfect.

I must admit I was having an embarrassingly good hair day.

I waited in the green room until it was my call time, uncharacteristically calm. The production staff put me at ease and Clayton (one of the co-hosts) had just had a baby so the ambiance was celebratory. What could go wrong?

An inebriated New Jersey woman, that’s what.

Throughout the show, they heavily teased a story about a floozy from MTV’s Jersey Shores named Snooki who had been arrested for disorderly conduct. Evidently, Snooki’s drunken escapades were big news.

By the time co-hosts Dave and Clayton got around to my segment, time was short. I had humorous anecdotes and compelling entrepreneurial stories that would have moved anyone (even Snooki) to tears. But it didn’t happen because my 5-minute segment was slashed in half. This happens regularly in TV but I was frustrated that the producers had not told me. Otherwise, I would have ensured that all the products were quickly highlighted instead of getting abruptly cutoff after only presenting three.

When it was over, I stood there in disbelief. My feelings were reminiscent of when I scored the most prominent spot in the TODAY show crowd at the 2010 Vancouver Games. I was ready for my moment in the national spotlight…until Matt Lauer stood smack in front of me.

Though trust me: it’s much worse to get hijacked by someone named Snooki.

© Crazy Bloggin’ Canuck–A Denver Mom’s Blog
Filed Under: Family travel, Humor

Taking a toothless bite out of The Big Apple!

July 31, 2010 By

I am currently in New York City and will be appearing on Fox and Friends this morning.

The night prior to flying out, I dreamed that the family-travel products I’m promoting didn’t arrive in time.

Oh, and that my front tooth fell out.

I’m totally gonna nail this.

Here is what I’ll be talking about:

1). Sport-Brella
At the park, beach, pool or campsite, the SKLZ Sport-Brella gives you instant protection from the sun, rain, and wind with its domed shape, side flaps and 125 SPF. Its umbrella action open mechanism allows it to be set up in just three seconds and fits the whole family. Includes top wind vents, side zippered windows for efficient airflow and additional visibility, internal pockets for gear and valuables, convenient carry bag and tethers/ground stakes for use when necessary for additional stability. $69.99.

2). Safety Turtle

The Safety Turtle Wireless Wristband Alarm, is an ingenious combination of wireless signal-outfitted wristbands and a wireless base station receiver that sounds an alarm the instant a child or pet falls or ventures into water. Ideal for vacations to places with pools and/or lakes or for residential and public pool environments. The base station can be positioned anywhere between poolside and 200 feet away from the pool (depending on model desired). Safety Turtle retails for $235.

3). Infant Cruizer
The Infant Cruizer makes going anywhere with baby a breeze, whether around town or traveling. The Infant Cruizer transforms any infant carseat into a comfortable stroller. Attaching easily to any infant carseat, it safely holds it in place with a secure click and lock system and features sturdy, all-terrain tires, one-handed maneuvering and telescoping handle height. Simple to attach and detach, functioning just like the infant seat’s base. The Infant Cruizer eliminates the strain and inconvenience of trying to not wake baby during transfer from carseat to stroller, lugging around a heavy carseat by hand, trying to fit a bulky stroller into a car, or settling on bringing a less comfortable stroller to save space. Retails for $149.99.

4). My Royal Heinie Daypack
The My Royal Heinie Daypack is the best combination of affordability, functionality and style in a diaper bag. It is also the only diaper bag fully equipped with a built-in Smart Wipes Dispenser on the market. Just load a stack of wet wipes right into the heat-sealed pocket in the front of the bag and quickly access wipes with one hand when diaper duty calls! My Royal Heinie Daypacks can be personalized with a name or monogram. Additionally, it has great features like a stroller attachment, included changing pad and well-designed pockets for bottle/sippy cup, cell phone, personal items and more. $34.99.

5). Treasure Chest Pets
Treasure Chest Pets are the first and only organizers that make putting things away fun and a great way for kids to keep their special things safe. Designed to look like cuddly stuffed animals, each TC Pet has a magnetic, detachable, pillowy stuffed animal head and stuffed animal bodies that contain external and internal compartments for organizing and storing children’s (and grownups!) treasures. Treasure Chest Pets are a great way for kids to keep their special things safe. Six different stuffed animal designs to choose from in 3 three different styles – Accessory Chest Dog and Accessory Chest Pig have a hidden drawer and two secret pockets on the outside, along with secret pockets in both ears. Treasure Chest Monkey and Treasure Chest Cow have one gigantic pocket inside that opens like a treasure chest. Media Chest Bear and Media Chest Horse have a secret pocket inside the head and 3 compartments in the body to store CDs, DVDs, speakers/cables, MP3 player and more. $19.99.

6). SillyBibs
SillyBibs are 100% silicone bibs, a non-toxic alternative to the various plastic and vinyl bibs on the market. 11 different animal shaped styles, including Hippo, Elephant, Frog, Tiger, Cow, Shark and more, make SillyBibs the cutest and most fun bibs on the market. Each SillyBib has an adjustable neck and nifty crumb-catching pocket . Can be safely washed in the dishwasher or easily wiped clean. Rolls up for easy storage. 100% silicone lets parents rest assured their child is not being exposed to lead, BPA, phthalates, latex or PVC, as with other products on the market. For children from 6 months and up. $8.99.

© Crazy Bloggin’ Canuck–A Denver Mom’s Blog
Filed Under: Humor, travel

When a Mom is The Great Pumpkin world record holder

July 29, 2010 By

We interrupt our regularly-scheduled travelogues of our glorious trip to the San Juan Marriott in the Puerto Rico to bring you The Great Pumpkin updates.

For those new to this blog, my husband Jamie is O-B-S-E-S-S-E-D with growing The Great Pumpkin. Just the other night, I was reprimanded for running out of bleach. Now, if the dear man was waxing ambitious and helping with the laundry that would be one thing.

But the bleach is to help kill bacteria on The Great Pumpkin’s vines.

Don’t be shocked. I’ve become acclimated to compost tea, fish, seaweed and blood meal concoctions gurgling on my front porch.

And the latest measurements of the beast? Approximately 358 pounds with a 111″ circumference and it is gaining approximately 25 pounds per day.

The sport of giant pumpkin-growing (yes, they consider it a sport) is dominated by men but last year, Ohioan Christy Harp came out of left field to clinch the world record with a pumpkin that weighed 1,725 pounds.


She is doing amazing things for women’s libbers.

Soon thereafter, she announced she was pregnant and would not be defending her title. However, she has still continued to grow just for fun. Jamie sent me this little gem yesterday. Remember Anne Geddes’ famous baby pictures?


This is a giant pumpkin-grower’s version.


Pray for that child.

Comments temporarily closed due to lame Asian spammers.

© Crazy Bloggin’ Canuck–A Denver Mom’s Blog
Filed Under: Humor, Jamie, pumpkins
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