Amber | Life Elevated Mom

The rocky road to 40 (and not chocolate-marshallow kind)

February 19, 2012 by Amber

I’m turning 40 tomorrow.

As surprising as this may sound, I’m doing a lot better with turning 40 than I was when my 30th birthday rolled around. This is because I’m in a much better place and it’s all downhill from here.

This is a good thing when you’re a gravity-challenged old bitty.

My tough descent into my 30s actually began when I was 29. I was career-obsessed and had my dream job, was dating some great guys, freelancing as a travel editor and living this whimsical, carefree life.

And then I went to see The Family Man, a movie with Nicolas Cage. If you haven’t seen it, Cage was a single, successful businessman who is yanked out his world to catch a glimpse of what his life would have been like if he’d had a family with his college sweetheart.

The movie hit me hard. So hard, in fact, I later wrote in my journal that I needed to change. I saw my life for what it was: self-serving and not on the path to anything of lasting happiness.

(Spoiler alert): Then I didn’t change.

Another year passed and I was more deeply entrenched in this world than ever when I learned my position (and one-quarter of our corporate office) had been cut. Suddenly, the source of what had become my identity was gone, too.

I was depressed and my friend Kristy took me to a movie as a pick-me-up. (Another spoiler alert): Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Rings is not a pick-me-up movie. It was dark, long and I hate almost every minute of it.

Except for one shining moment that really counted.

Frodo was overcome with the burden of being the ring-bearer and expressed his concern to Gandalf. His response proved to be prophetic to me, which basically stated that everything happens for a reason and “All you have to do is to decide what to do with the time given to you.”

TIME. And then I started crying. Hard. Now, I don’t know if you’re ever been a weeping mess during a LOTR movie so let’s just say I was an anomaly. But that was my answer.

A month later, I celebrated my 30th birthday and it was a tough one (despite a shining moment when my friend Dave took me to the 2002 hockey quarterfinals and I made Olympic history when I dove across my maple-leaf-clad neighbor for a five-second spot on the Jumbotron.)

But I was in the middle of muddling through changing my life and having faith that this time, was indeed, given to me for a reason.

That summer, I met Jamie. The following February, I was married.

If I had not changed my path, I am certain neither of these things would have happened. Prior to my wedding, I read back through my journal to the day when I saw the Family Man and resolved to change. Then I flipped ahead a year to when I was laid off.

They happened exactly one year to the day apart from each other.

I don’t believe in coincidences. I hadn’t changed so the Lord gave me a swift-kick to ensure I did and I’m so grateful for it. My 30s were spent with the highs and lows of building my family but with the sweet assurance I’m exactly where I need to be.

My friend Laurel recently wrote about turning 40 at Time Out for Women.

In the scriptures, one of the strongest shadows used is the relationship between “forty” as a means of preparation and the fulfillment of promises.

Did you read that?

THE. FULFILLMENT. OF. PROMISES.

Just a few examples of how the number 40 is used to represent a period of testing or preparation (thanks to the help of our friend, the worldwideweb)…but followed by the fulfillment of promises.

• The rains (in Noah’s day) fell for 40 days and nights (Genesis 7:4).
• Israel ate Manna for 40 years (Exodus 16:35).
• Moses was with God in the mount, 40 days and nights (Exodus 24:18).
• Moses led Israel from Egypt at age 80 (2 times 40), and after 40 years in the wilderness, died at 120 (3 times 40; Deuteronomy 34:7).
• God made Israel wander for 40 years (Numbers 14:33-34).
• Goliath presented himself to Israel for 40 days (1 Samuel 17:16).
• Elijah had one meal that gave him strength 40 days (1 Kings 19:8).
• God gave Nineveh 40 days to repent (Jonah 3:4).
• Jesus fasted 40 days and nights (Matthew 4:2).
• Jesus was tempted 40 days (Luke 4:2, Mark 1:13).
• Jesus remained on earth 40 days after resurrection (Acts 1:3).

I have spent my life in preparation for the fulfillment of promises I truly believe God “is already willing to grant, but that are made conditional on our asking for them.”

I finally know for what to ask and that these promises will be fulfilled.

And as for turning 40 tomorrow? Bring it.

Filed Under: birthday, LDS

Parenting Perils and Perks

February 16, 2012 by Amber

Though busy, busy, busy, we’re having a batch of really good days around here with even better attitudes from the kids.

Believe me, we’ve had enough bad ones to recognize a ray of sunshine when it happens.

However as all parents will attest, parenting is just exhausting. Though I can keep up with my kids on the best of days, sometimes I just need a break, some alone time and you know what? They’re always there, clamoring for my attention and pulling me in so many different ways.

Then I remind myself these are the precious years and I wouldn’t have it any other way because pretty soon, they’ll be ignoring me.

However, on one of my fragmented nights after we put the kids to bed, I started to confess to Jamie: “Here’s the hard thing about parenting….” and before I could continue, he responded.

“The kids.”

That pretty much sums it up.

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

When Bode says his nighttime prayers, he often rattles off a long list of items and body parts for which he is grateful. Following a recent prayer, I asked: “Bode, did you just thank Heavenly Father for TVs?”

“Yes,” he confirmed. “In the olden days they didn’t have them.”

Can’t argue with his logic…or gratitude.

Filed Under: Bode, Humor, Jamie

Our Anniversary Love Story

February 15, 2012 by Amber

It’s official: Jamie and I have been an old, married couple for NINE years!

In keeping with tradition, I’ll share my courtship story with Jamie. Y’see, my beloved James and I were BYU students at the same time, graduated from the same department, walked through the same graduation ceremonies and regularly played volleyball together on the same court one summer…and yet never met.

It took a glorious thing called the Internet to finally bring us together many years later. I was in the midst of terminating an on-again, off-again five-year long-distance relationship and was cruising a popular Mormon singles site, adding unsuspecting prey to my Little Black Book.

Jamie had also ended a relationship a few months prior and was looking for some nice local Mormon girls to date. I, however, was not local. (Or nice for that matter; really, my only qualifier was I was Mormon). He was in Denver, I in Salt Lake City. I had just endured a long-distance romance and vowed I would never do that again. That avowal lasted about a week. He, too had no interest in something long distance.

Despite the odds, I came across his profile. It was not his dashing good looks that initially struck me (his photo was taken on an Alaskan glacier five miles away) or his poetry and prose (i.e. “I like eating good food”) but rather the strong impression that I needed to write him. Immediately.

Our connection was immediate. Jamie first knew it was love when I expounded upon mountaineering and the definition of the horned sacrificial altar in Ancient Israel (yep, we’re two of a kind). I knew Jamie was The One when he googled my name and read every single article I had ever written. Either that or he was a stalker. Fortunately, he proved to be the former.

After countless e-mails and phone calls over the next two months, we planned to meet. By this time, it had been revealed to both of us in a very powerful way that we would get married. Imagine, if you will, how you’d feel opening the door to a person you’d never laid eyes on, yet knowing he was The One. Suffice it to say, the week prior to our meeting, I was a wreck.

Another confirmation I received was when The Family Curse came upon me. Y’see, when both of my brothers met their spouses, something unfortunate always happened. For Patrick, he “accidentally” passed gas when he was introduced to Jane. For Jeek, he had developed a horrible boil smack in the middle of his nose when he met Shannon. For me, I developed an allergic reaction to some flowers at work, which resulted in a stye in my eye. Y’know. The really pink, pussy, ugly kind. This was yet another sign.

And so despite my pussy, makeup-less state when I finally laid eyes on him (albeit one good eye), I knew then what I know now: that we were meant to be together. And despite all my Murphyisms and idiosyncrasies, he still loves me. And keeps loving me. I don’t understand or question it, I’m just grateful for it.

Happy Anniversary, Honey!

(To read all the sordid details of our wedding day, go here).

Filed Under: Humor, Jamie, Marriage

My Valentine’s Day, according to Pinterest

February 13, 2012 by Amber

Pinterest.com has turned me into a domestic goddess.

Or at least someone who is disillusioned enough to believe she is one.

Some of my inspirations have included:

An Angry Bird Valentine’s box for Bode.
Because nothing says “Happy Valentine’s Day” like an irate fowl.

On Sunday, we made cinnamon bun caramel popcorn (seriously the BEST POPCORN ever). We made six batches of it.

Don’t bother asking me how long I spent in the kitchen.

Hadley was invited to her friend Casey’s Valentine’s Day party on Saturday and what could be more apropos than hearts in her hair?

Oh yeah, and Valentine’s Day morning? I’m surprising my family with these:

Excuse me while I take the rest of the year off.

Filed Under: Bode, Hadley, holidays

My Exciting News!

February 13, 2012 by Amber

Remember when I said I’ve been busy/stressed with some good things?

I’m thrilled to be a new columnist for The Denver Post’s new Monday print section: $MART. Once a month, I will bring you fun, personal narratives for navigating the consumer culture. My column, Family Cents, will also include helpful tips (and I’m always looking for your topic ideas).

This month, I’m talking about the best daily deal sites for moms, what to avoid and even how to aggregate all of them so you’re able to tap into the best deals without being overwhelmed.
Come check out my article Daily-deal websites more of a dandy deal now and be sure to share your ideas!

P.S. And no. “Dandy” never was, nor ever will be a part of my vocabulary (I have the headline editor to thank for that).

I’m thinking they should have used “groovy.”

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Family Cents

The reason why I sensed 2009-2010 was a good year but didn’t know why

February 10, 2012 by Amber

I just found out I won this coveted award from the Colorado Associated Press Editors and Reporters Assocation….(wait for it)….over TWO YEARS after the fact.

This is thanks to my boss’s boss who forgot about it in his office.

Is there where I give my belated thanks to the Academy?

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Eldora Mountain Resort’s Epic Dump (of snow, that is)

February 9, 2012 by Amber

With last weekend’s snow storm, Eldora Mountain Resort was THE place to ski.

Unfortunately we weren’t the only ones who figured that out.

I couldn’t fault the hoards of people because in terms of proximity (just 21 miles from Boulder, 45 miles from Denver) and new snow (31 inches in 48 hours) this small, unassuming resort delivered in a big way.

We were relative newbies to Eldora–my husband frequently went night skiing as a youth and I skied there for just a couple of hours a few years ago. But with 680 acres of skiable terrain, it didn’t take us too long to find our bearings.

And they were deeply embedded in a soft blanket of incredible powder.

The Mountain

I was surprised there was a relatively small number of beginner slopes (20%), with the majority of the mountain dedicated to intermediate (50%) and advanced runs (30%). Corona Bowl offers some killer expert terrain and if you’re looking for a gentler, more forgiving mountain, don’t stray too far from the Sundance lift. There are 11 lifts: two quads, two triple, four doubles, one poma, and two conveyor lifts. An adult full-day ticket (ages 16-64) is $72; and junior full day (ages 6-15) $44; child full day (5 & under) $10.

Tip: Discounted lift vouchers ($64 adults, $36 kids) are available at King Soopers, Safeway, Christy Sports and Boulder Ski Deals. Simply redeem at the resort. Or to save on time at the ticket window, stop at Eldora Mountain Sports in Boulder (at the intersection of 28th and Canyon) and they will issue you a discounted lift ticket (as opposed to a voucher you need to redeem at the resort). If you plan to ski a few days at Eldora, Costco is currently offering a 3-pack of tickets for $99 (this deal needs to be purchased by next week and can be used through the end of the ski season).

The Beginner Areas

I have a few qualifications for a great ski/ride school. Of course, an enthusiastic, capable instructor is number one and a close second is good beginner terrain. Third on my list is that this terrain should be in close proximity to the ski school offices.

It is on the third point that Eldora falls short. Prior to my kids’ lesson, we decided to take a few turns with them so headed over to the Little Hawk lift. The problem is the bunny slope is a relatively good haul from the base area that resulted in a lot of walking and whining.

The kids weren’t too well-behaved, either. 🙂

Once we arrived at Little Hawk lift and Tenderfoot magic carpet, the learning conditions were ideal. One side of Little Hawk was flat enough for newbies while the other side of the slopes was a bit more challenging so both kids could enjoy it.

Tip: We later learned there is a free shuttle that connects the two base areas. Though be warned: on a busy day, you’ll be battling all the ski school kids and doing a nice detour to the North parking lot before you reach your destination. We called our 15-minute ride back, “the scenic route.”

Addressing The Unenthusiastic Skier

I don’t know if my kid is the only one who has actually regressed with skiing but that’s exactly what has happened to 5-year-old Bode. When he was 3, he was fearless and indomitable on the slopes. Last year, he was much more cautious. But this year, he has turned downright fearful. I resolved to do something about it.

Or rather, I decided to hire someone more skilled and knowledgeable than me to do something about it (a 1-hour private lesson at Eldora is $139).

PSIA Level III Ski Instructor Nate Emerson was, hands down, the best thing that has happened to Bode since he discovered Super Mario Bros. (this is the highest compliment possible). At the end of their lesson, grumpy, fearful Bode was chasing Nate down the mountain, playing imaginary games like catch-the-dinosaur, dodge ball and basketball, all the while unknowingly learning new skills that made him more confident and capable. As it turns out, just telling a kid to point their skis and go down the mountain is not an effective teaching method.

And that, my friends, is why I am not a professional but Nate is.

Group prices: Ski lessons are available for ages 4-12, snowboard lessons are available for ages 7-12. A full day that includes a group lesson, rental equipment, lift ticket, supervised lunch and snacks: $119.

Other Family Tips

Be sure to use the 10-minute parking area located right at the base to unload your family and gear before finding a parking spot.

If you want even less hassle and don’t want to drive up Boulder Canyon, an RTD bus has a route that drops off directly in front of the resort. Go here for the weekly schedule from Boulder. Cost is $5 one way.
If you’re looking for extra seating or simply a place to stash that diaper bag or backpack, families tend to congregate in the west wing of the Timbers Lodge where you’ll also find storage lockers.Cool Extras
When I was researching Eldora Mountain Resort, I was intrigued to learn about their little-known Nordic Center, which boasts 40 kilometers of cross-country skiing, skate skiing and snowshoeing through serene forests, expansive meadows and past staggering mountain backdrops. Though I consider myself a skilled alpine skier, my cross-country skiing pedigree leaves much to be desired so I was particularly excited to learn about their various packages. A first-timer package (with rentals and two hours of instruction) is $54 and there are various other offerings for beginner and intermediate cross-country skiers, as well as snowshoers.

But it was the Women’s Tuesdays & Wednesdays that had me sold. This popular tradition (one staffer told me close to 200 women attend) includes a continental breakfast, a gourmet lunch and four hours of instruction for women of all ability levels. Prices are $459 for 6 weeks, $359 for 4 weeks.

I’m coming for you, Ladies!

Filed Under: Colorado, Family travel, skiing, travel

The Land of the Lost

February 4, 2012 by Amber

Alright, alright. As soon as people start querying if you’re still alive, you realize you need to post to your neglected blog.

It’s just I’m really, really busy and the 2.5 hours Bode is in kindergarten is not nearly enough time to tackle everything.

And so this here blog often falls victim.

In addition to working our butts off, here is a small sample of our playtime.

Ice skating Evergreen Lake in the mountains.
And lunching at Country Road Cafe.
These are only two of my favorite winter activities in Colorado. Ever.

We also went on a killer-awesome hike at Matthews Winters.

The awesome part was playing hide-and-go-seek.
The killer part was letting Adventure Girl drag us up a suicidal slopes.I find it rather ironic that Hadley freaks out at climbing walls but has no problem free climbing up rock croppings without the security of ropes.

She’s my daughter.

And then yesterday, it was snow day fun when school was canceled. While I shoveled, the kids played.
And played.

And played some more.
It’s our tradition to build a fort when it snows.
Check-out my little snowbunny a few years ago.
What a difference a few years makes!

Hadley was an overachiever and cranked out her first solo snowman.

And she stayed out much longer than Bode and me to build a snowfort with not one but three tunnel entrances.
Showoff.

Filed Under: Bode, Colorado, Family, Family travel, Hadley, Humor

SolVista Basin at Granby Ranch: My family’s favorite small-mountain resort!

January 30, 2012 by Amber

Me: “I have some bad news, Haddie.”
Haddie: “Oh no, what?”
Me: “I can’t find your carsickness pills and it’s a really windy road to SolVista Basin at Granby Ranch.”
Haddie: “Oh no. I’m gonna die!”
Me: “Don’t be ridiculous. You’re just going to throw up.”

Base Camp

Hadley somehow survived the serpentine mountain passages and two hours later, we were settled into our cozy condo at Base Camp One. Located in the heart of Granby Ranch’s 5,000 acres of mountain splendor, SolVista Basin is all about location, location, location. Many resorts tout “slope-side accommodations” but SolVista takes it one step further.

Or rather, about 20 steps, which is how far we had to go before were at the base area and the popular “Snow Turtle,” THE place where kids congregated to climb and slide.

(View of the Snow Turtle from our condo; lazy parenting at its best.)

Welcome to one of Colorado’s most family-friendly resorts.

SolVista Basin has a special place in my heart: it is where Hadley first learned to ski (check-out the sordid details at Confessions of a Ski School Dropout).

With 406 skiable acres that cover interconnected mountains it is small, affordable and the perfect place for young families to come together. Unless you’re like us and drop off your kids at ski school and enjoy a day by yourself.

Couple’s Lesson

SolVista Basin has launched a 2-hour private lesson for couples because, despite your best intentions, skiing together is often en par to martyrdom. Whether you have different ability levels or the misguided notion you can teach your significant other, it generally ends badly.

Tom McNamara was our instructor. A retired lobbyist who traveled the country whipping political campaigns into shape, he knew how to do the same with us.

We started on the bunny slope. Now, I know what you’re thinking because I had the same thought: “We’re not beginner skiers, Dude!” But Tom had a plan and that included observing our ability, knocking us back down to square one and then building us back up.

Jamie and I are comparable skiers. I have better form and he is faster and more aggressive. But we both agreed on one thing: it was humbling and frustrating in the beginning.

Tom taught us how to work with (and not against) our parabolic skis to seamlessly carve our turns. Jamie and I had different habits to break and Tom had the know-how to give us our own tools to succeed. I’m pleased to say I’ve never skied better.

And even more ecstatic to announce our marriage is still in tact. 🙂

Sweetheart of a Deal:2-hour Couple’s Lesson, $180 (regularly $215) in February (equipment and lift tickets are extra). Bruised ego included.

Saturday Splendor

On Saturdays, sleepy SolVista Basin comes to life. Though it could never be deemed crowded (the longest I waited in a lift line was 1 minute), there is a fun line-up of activities kids of all ages will enjoy.

Free S’Mores

After ski school from 3-4 p.m., we enjoyed free s’mores by the firepit at Base Camp Lodge.

Tubing

The Snow Turtle has a small sledding hill attached to it but if you want more of a rush, be sure to try the Saturday night tubing. A snowcat transforms the bunny slope into a three-lane, lift-serviced thrillway. Well, as thrilling as a cuddly cottontail can be.

Confession: That hare-of-a-ride had me screaming.

Night tubing is $14 for a 45-minute session or pay $20 for both night skiing and tubing. Children must be 6 and older to tube. If you just want to night ski, it is a great deal: just $12.

How you know you’ve had a great vacation

Evidence #1 (right after ski school):

Evidence #2:

Evidence #3:

Me: “So, what did you think?” (After ski school)

Hadley: “I think it was a really fun day!”

(Literal) “retch-ed” beginning and all.

For more details of our trip, an event calendar including Kids’ Totally Insane Winter Blast, area activities and more, be sure to head over to Mile High Mamas today. Thanks to SolVista for hosting!

Filed Under: Colorado, Family travel, Humor, skiing

How you know you’re raising Casanova

January 27, 2012 by Amber

Bode is a man’s man. If you were to give him the choice between hanging out with boys vs. girls, he would choose boys 100 percent of the time.

However, when there are no boys available, he rises to the occasion and hooks his sweet sinkers into many an adoring lassie.

Case-in-point: yesterday we went to our neighborhood skate park. When we arrived, there were no girls on the playground so Bode hung out with Denai, a cute girl from his kindergarten class. Or rather, Denai hung onto him. Denai is a funny one and looked like she was having the time of her life.

I previously thought she was a bit of a tomboy because she hangs out with all the boys.

Now I know she is just boy-crazy.

As she went to leave, I overheard her boasting to another little girl:

“I spent the WHOLE TIME with Bode!!!!” Pause for dramatic effect. “YAAAAAAAAAY!”

And so it begins.

Filed Under: Bode, Humor