Temple Square and Salt Lake’s Splendor

March 30, 2012 By

It’s funny because when I lived in Salt Lake City, I took Temple Square for granted. I even worked almost directly across the street and though I occasionally strolled the grounds, it was not on my radar.

Then I moved away and it became on my must-visit list whenever we’re in Utah.

Here’s the great thing about it: you don’t need to be Mormon to appreciate the feelings you get in this 10-acre complex that is the focal point of Utah’s tourism industry.

One thing you do need to have: an appreciation for beauty. The Christmas lights are truly spectacular in the wintertime, then spring brings blossoms, in summer resplendent flowers and then fall colors.

Basically, you can’t go wrong.

Hadley loved photographing these flowers….
And Bode loved blowing the blossoms.

We toured around the new City Creek Mall (ultra cool with its retractable roof), spent a minor fortune on Hadley’s first set of scriptures at Deseret Book (well worth it to see how thrilled she was) and had a grand ol’ time checking out the Church History Museum’s FREE interactive Book of Mormon children’s exhibit.

This weekend, Temple Square will be the hub for our church’s Semi-Annual General Conference.

And I feel fortunate to have caught a glimpse of where the magic happens.

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

The Travel Bug

March 28, 2012 By

It would seem between driving to Canada, skiing Loveland, SolVista, Eldora and soon-to-be Park City Mountain Resort, we’ve had a busy winter travel-wise. But honestly, it feels like just the opposite and I have the travel bug. Big time.

I’ve been begging Jamie to go camping in Moab next month. Despite our many backcountry adventures (see a sampling here, here and here), I was mortified when I realized we’ve never taken the kids there.

When I lived in Utah, Southern Utah’s desert was like my second home. Every spring and fall, I yearn to go back back there.

You will note I did not mention summer. During my one and only visit to Moab in July, I dubbed it “The Devil’s Summer Home.”

The heat was no joke.

Speaking of summer, much of ours is already filled between family coming into town for Haddie’s baptism in June (hurray!), adventure camp for the kids at Avid4 Adventure, swim lessons and then Canada. Though I have zero desire to drive to Calgary anytime soon in the winter (see The Day I Thought I Was Going to Die), I’m planning to make the two-day drive alone with the kids in July.

So many people think I’m crazy for doing it and it wouldn’t be possible if my kids weren’t such intrepid travelers. Of course, they’ve had no choice because I’ve dragged them all over tarnation since they were babies. It helps that they are both imaginative and don’t require I entertain them 24/7.

Case in point: When we drove to Calgary at Christmas, they set up tents all around their carseats. At one point, I suspected Hadley was up to something and I noticed she had swiped my eyeliner. Bracing myself for a clown-like makeover, I was amused to discover something quite different.

“What is that on your face?” I queried.
“Whiskers,” she confessed.

I’ll take cat-obsessed over a boy-crazy tween ANY DAY.

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

Postcards from the Edge (of the potty training seat)

March 26, 2012 By

“Potty training.” The mere words still make me shudder.

For some parents, it is a simple process. For others, there are months of nail-biting frustrations. And for a select few (like me), sometimes it felt like our child was never going to get trained.

The first time my daughter Hadley was officially trained was after 3 years and 9 months. I say the first time because we continued to have problems after that and even had to meet with a specialist who diagnosed her with a condition, Encopresis.

Though it was a trying time, I was surprised to learn there are a large number of children who, even beyond the preschool years, continue to have issues. Thankfully, I can finally say we’re in the clear after many difficult years.

I have a few friends who are currently potty training their kids and so I thought I would revisit those harrowing 3 years and 9 months it took to get her potty trained. You know. The first time.

CLICK TO READ THE HARROWING HILARITY AT MILEHIGHMAMAS.COM

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

Chess: A Real Love Story Intermingled with the Anti-one

March 24, 2012 By

I don’t remember who gave me the soundtrack to the musical Chess but I’ve been in love with it since my college days. Add music by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus (formerly of ABBA) to lyrics by Tim Rice (Evita) and you have a winning combination. One Night in Bangkok is probably the most recognizable on the soundtrack.

But I’d never seen it on stage. I’ve Googled it over the years and the only shows were in London so I figured it just wasn’t meant to be.

When I made the loooong pilgrimage to Canada over the break, I dug up that old tape (remember those?) and listened to it almost non-stop. I even voiced to Jamie how I would love to see it someday.

That someday happened within weeks of returning back to Colorado when I heard Chess was coming to the Arvada Center March 23-April 15– a hop, skip and a jump away from my house. What. Are. The Odds?

As a side note, I’d like to point out that for once, the odds were in my favor.

I obviously jumped on it the moment tickets went on sale and last night, Jamie and I attended the preview. Though I had a general idea of the story line (love triangle between an American and Russian at the world chess championship in a Cold War setting), much of it was new to me. Politics, intrigue, affairs, it was all there.

The first act was slower than the second and I can’t say I would have loved it had I not been already enraptured by the music but there I was singing away with the magnificent cast.

Fortunately, I left the dancing to them.


Outside of the theater is an art gallery. If the musical was the anti-love story, then Jamie and I are the anti-connoisseurs of modern art. I don’t discount its worth but I do profess my inability to “get it.”

Thus was the case as we stumbled upon the painting in the background of this picture.

“Merchants of Desire,” Jamie read.

“Hmmmm….” I murmured.

“The funny things is,” he mused, “There is no desire in it.”

And that, my friends, is why we’re so perfect for each other.

In the end, it was like a dream come true to see Chess, though we later joked the ending is like the anti-love story. Spoiler: Nobody ends up happy.

Except, of course, me for finally being able to see it.

==========

I searched around trying to find my favorite duet from Chess: I Know Him So Well. [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-AcCOiPtZA&w=560&h=315]

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

Loveland Ski Area: Why It Is the Best Kind of Stupid

March 23, 2012 By

Sometimes there is no rhyme or reason if I like a destination; it’s just the feeling I get. I’ve only skied Loveland Ski Area’s 1,570 acres twice and both times were extremely windy and chilly.

Kind of funny how that happens in winter sports.

But despite the less-than optimal conditions, I refuse to give up on having an idyllic day in Loveland. My family recently hit the slopes with our beloved Uncle Chris for his birthday and here are a few of our findings:

Location
Out of Colorado’s resorts, Loveland is one of the closest. Just 53 miles from downtown Denver, even I-70′s weekend traffic snarls didn’t put too much of a dent in our drive because it was the first resort we encountered. During the week, it’s a swift 35-minute drive from our house and my husband and I are already plotting our half-day skiing adventures at Loveland when both kids are (finally) in full-day school next year. Countdown: starting now.

Ski School
My son Bode had his first day on the slopes at Loveland two years ago and it was fun to return to his roots. L.G. (Loveland Guy) makes an appearance on Saturdays and delighted all the kids.


I’m not sure what is more disturbing: my son’s expression or L.G.’s pink polka dots.

Children’s full-day sessions including lift ticket, lunch and rental start at just $104. If you’re just starting out, Loveland has some great packages for adults that cover everything from “newcomers” to those who want to fine-tune their skills.

The Non-skiers

Have a child who isn’t ready or doesn’t want to ski? The resort’s licensed Child Care Center is for kids from 12 months to 12 years. An all-day with lunch and two snacks is $65. If you’ve been to other resorts, you realize how affordable this is; most charge well of $100 and I’ve dropped more money for childcare than my ski day.

Loveland Explorers

We sat next to a mom at lunch whose child was enrolled in the Loveland Explorers, a 6-week program where the Ski and Ride School works with the Loveland Racing Team to develop the skills of intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders ages 7-14. Why I’m sold on the program: 1) No more than 6 students for each coach. 2) Children learn and explore with the same coach all 6 weeks. 3) It’s only $459 for six weeks and includes full-day lessons, lunch and an unrestricted season pass. Don’t miss out for next season.

Sneak Peak (pun intended):

Loveland will soon be offering something really cool off Chair 9: FREE snowcat rides north along the Ridge. There won’t be a cost to ride the cat but users will have to read and sign a waiver to get a free “cat pass.” Check Loveland’s website for when this cooool cat program is going to launch.

Deals & Pricing

Adults (ages 15+) are $59, children 6-14 are $25 and 5 and under ski FREE. Check their website for discounted tickets after April 9 (Can you say AFFORDABLE!?) The Daytripper Package (ticket, equipment and clothing for $99) and the Flex Ticket, Colorado’s only flexible 4 hour ticket are worth checking out as well. Loveland also offers a 3-Class Pass. Take three lessons and get a free season pass.

Ski and Stay Deals

I’ve never thought of Loveland as a destination resort but packages start at $119. They include lodging in neighboring towns Georgetown and Silverthorne and also lift tickets for two adults. Tip: If you want to avoid I-70′s traffic snarls, go with Silverthorne at the end of your ski day where you’ll be going the opposite direction of all the skiers heading back to Denver.

Stupid Is as Stupid Does

Did I already mention it was cold?

As long as Jamie, Chris and I stayed on the lower slopes or in cossetted Loveland Valley, we avoided the worst of the wind. However, Loveland is located on the Continental Divide and the summit elevation is 13,010 feet. This affords staggering views on a bluebird day but brace yourself when it is blustery.

As we huddled together on Chair 8, we gazed down upon the wind-whipped chutes, marveling at the forests that were forever slanted from the gusts. Snow swirled around us and as we climbed higher, our world was temporarily blotted out completely white.

I turned to the birthday boy. “Chris, can you even believe we’re doing this?”

He paused, laughed and then uttered what will become my motto on all such bitterly cold days on the slopes: “Yes, but it’s the best kind of stupid.”

Hear, hear.

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

Even a Prepared Boy Scout Couldn’t Have Anticipated This

March 22, 2012 By

One of the things that stresses me out about skiing is the sheer volume of stuff that is required for it. To combat the morning chaos, I now have a routine where I set out all our items the night before and that has helped us tremendously.

Usually.

We invited Jamie’s brother Chris to Loveland Ski Area with us for his birthday. He arrived early that Saturday morning (never happens) and we had planned to drive to the mountain soon thereafter.

Until Bode’s glove was nowhere to be found and we tore apart the house looking for it.

I was positive I had set it out the night before so its whereabouts was a real head-scratcher. Had Fat Kitty eaten it? Was I officially out of my mind? Bode had lost his back-up pair of gloves and touque the week before so it was a do-or-die situation.

Or rather, a find-it-or-freeze-your-hands-off scenario.

After about 20 minutes of looking, my wise husband investigated Bode closer.

“Bode, what is that?”
“What is what?”
“That lump underneath your ski pants!”

Bode looked down and sure enough, there was a subtle lump near his calf. Sheepishly, he removed his ski pants to discover the MIA glove.

A stellar start to Uncle Chris’ birthday, wouldn’t you agree?

Stay tuned tomorrow for why our Loveland Ski Area adventures were “the best kind of stupid.”

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

Happy St. Patrick’s Day from an Unbeliever

March 21, 2012 By

I’ve never been one to make a big deal about St. Patrick’s Day, partly because a lot of it is about drunken revelries but mostly because I despise Irish food.

And let’s face it: holidays are all about the eating.

But this year, both the kids were so into St. Patrick’s Day I figured I’d better step it up. In fact, Hadley has constructed multiple leprechaun traps and even made one back in November.

That is some serious green-day motivation.

The funny thing is I have been the naysayer and she has been the one who has tirelessly tried to convince me leprechauns are real.

“If they’re not real, then who came into our classroom and knocked over all the traps?”
“How did the leprechaun know my shoe size for my new sandals? Huh, huh?”

The kids fastidiously set-up their traps the night before and I fastidiously knocked them over and left multiple gifts I was already planning to give them (i.e. new baseballs for Bode, pastels and sandals for Haddie). I wanted no part in the leprechaun mischief of totally annihilating the room.

My kids already take care of that on a daily basis. I think they have leprechaun blood.

They were delighted to say the least and we had a breakfast fit for kings: shamrock waffles (fluffy whole wheat waffles died green), topped with pot ‘o gold vanilla sauce.


Both are recipes I found on Pinterest. Duh.

The rest of the day was a flurry of heading to the hills for the Junior Naturalist program at Lookout Mountain (more on that later). We then lunched at the best gourmet burger place on the planet: Lark Burger (their gourmet truffle burger with Parmesan truffle fries brings tears to my eyes…and thighs). We topped off our day with our annual Chili Cook-off at the church with all our besties.

Then again, maybe St. Patrick’s Day is all about the food.

So long as it isn’t Irish.

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

The state of affairs

March 15, 2012 By

So, I obviously don’t have a new blog yet.

Poor Jamie is working more than ever and we ran into a problem with the new design. Namely: we can’t figure out how to get the particular WordPress template we chose to work.

A minor problem.

Jamie doesn’t have time to figure it out. My friend Lori graciously came over but couldn’t figure it out, either. For a lot of Jamie’s projects, he outsources to a dude in India so he suggested he send Said Dude my blog information for him to take a look.

But he keeps forgetting. “I can’t do it now,” he says late in the day. “I have to do it in the morning with the time change.” Then he forgets again.

On a related note, Jamie doesn’t even read my blog but he keeps apprised of it through his mom who often calls to bust him for his exploits. Yesterday’s post was a current example.

Me: “Did you send my blog info to India yet?”
Him: (Ignoring me) “Did you write a blog post about me that was mean?”
Me: “Which time?”

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

Dad in Charge

March 14, 2012 By

Every Tuesday night, the youth meet at our church for a group activity. Usually Jamie goes because he is in the Bishopric but since I work with the Young Women, I try to get there as often as possible. If one of us remains behind, we’re on bedtime duty for the kids.

Or at least we’re supposed to be.

Tuesday night, Jamie had to work (surprise, surprise) so he stayed home with the kids while I played wallyball. When I arrived home about a half-hour after their bedtime, I was surprised to see them sitting on the couch, TV blasting, unshowered and obviously unchaperoned.

“Why are you still awake?!!!”
“Daddy didn’t say it was bedtime!”
“What have you been doing this whole time?”
“Eating cookies and watching TV.”

Sometimes honesty is not always the best policy.

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

From Injury-faker to Superstar: How Bode Got His Groove Back at Park City Mountain Resort

March 12, 2012 By

My 5-year-old son Bode has had quite the skiing history during his young life.

Named after skiing legend Bode Miller, we hoped he would show an affinity for the sport. What we got: a roller-coaster ride with several crashes along the way.

When we first put Bode on skis at age 3, he was fearless. Refusing to do the wedge, he carved in and out of his fellow skiers in a crouched tuck position. At age 4, he lost some of his confidence and this year at age 5, a bad experience at the beginning of the season resulted in an aversion to the sport as he faked an injury to get out of ski school.

It wasn’t pretty.

But with our recent four-day vacation to Park City Mountain Resort, I knew his experience on the slopes would make-or-break him.

Signature 3

We received the recommendation to enroll him in Signature 3 Superstars, a ski school program designed for 4-6 year-olds whose skills have moved beyond the standard program as the students are exposed to a significant portion of the mountain.

But upon reviewing the requisite skills that included making consistent side-to-wedge turns, I knew he wasn’t ready. He could barely make it down the hill 10 feet without falling.

So I held him back to the regular Signature 3 Ski School with the distant hope he would be ready by week’s end.

The Beginning of the Miracle

I’m not sure how, I’m not sure why, but something finally started clicking with Bode. The first two days he raved about his experience but I was guarded in getting excited about it. Then as we walked up the hill to ski school on the third morning, he started pointing out his favorite haunts.

“Dat is where I take the chairlift,” he said pointing to First Time Lift. “And over dere (Turtle Trail) is where we go skiing.”

But then came the clincher: “I JUST LOVE SKIING!” As I started to pick myself off the ground, he continued, “IT IS SUCH A GOOD WORKOUT.”

Loving skiing was one thing but a workout? This is the kid who can barely make it around Target without complaining his legs hurt.

The Superstar Miracle

By the end of his third day, I asked the ski school if they thought he was ready to be bumped up to Superstars on our final day. They connected me with instructor “Coach” who assured me he thought it might be a bit of a stretch but he was pretty much ready.

Bode was thrilled to be in his new class and good mom that I am, I fretted the entire day. What if he couldn’t keep up? What if he left with a worse attitude than he started with? What if he never wanted to ski again?

I am sometimes prone to overreaction.

Near the end of the day, my husband Jamie and I were heading back to the base area via Homerun when we spotted a familiar pair of red ski pants–it was our little Superstar! We followed his class into Blaster, one of the resort’s Adventure Alleys that wound through a cosseted tree covering.

I was blown away. Not only did Bode keep up with everyone, his instructor later informed us he had gone from being the one who needed the most help to the best in the group in a matter of a few hours.

Keep in mind there are only three kids in each Superstar class but that was enough for me.

My husband and I trailed him through Blaster and down some “secret passageways” off Claim Jumper. As I reveled in his confidence, laughter and skiing ability, I inadvertently crossed my own ski tips and before I knew it I was the sole person to wipeout.

And I lost face with a few little Superstars.

Here’s for hoping there will be room for me in the class next year.

© Crazy Bloggin’ Canuck–A Denver Mom’s Blog
Filed Under: Bode, Favorite Posts, Humor, skiing, Utah
« Older Posts