Utah Mom Blog & Mommy Blogger | Life Elevated Mom

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

March 12, 2012 by Amber

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.

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.

Filed Under: Bode, Favorite Posts, Humor, skiing, Utah

Unintentional Blog Hiatus

March 6, 2012 by Amber

Between Bode getting sick, Hadley’s non-stop Destination Imagination rehearsals this week, recovering from my own illness, appearing on 9News yesterday for a segment on baby showers, trying to crank out my column and volunteering at school, I’m on temporary blogging hiatus.

What that really means is I am between blogs right now.

Jamie started my new blog’s design and transferred over allll my archives (no small feat; I’ve been blogging for many years now). He just needs to put the finishing touches and it will be live.

But here’s the problem: he’s busy.

Apparently he thinks working for clients who pay our mortgage is more important than this here blog.

At this point, I have to manually input my posts in both blogs and that’s just a bit too much for me to handle right now.

So, stay tuned. Next week, I’ll have details on our ski day in Loveland (it’s a doozy) and hopefully will be announcing my new site very soon.

I just need to start nagging The Pumpkin Man to do it.

Filed Under: 9News, Humor, Jamie

Leap Year ’12 Time Capsule (and Evidence I Suck at Math)

March 1, 2012 by Amber

I instituted a new Leap Year family tradition yesterday: we made a time capsule for us to open when the next Leap Year rolls around.

The only other time I’ve done a time capsule was when I was 16. I must have been inspired by a Young Women’s lesson at church to journal my life so I went home and made a very serious tape.

At least it seemed serious until I opened it 10 years later when I was 26 and was mortified at how ridiculous I sounded saying “rad” every other word.

It was, after all, the ’80s.

I’ve since gotten over that and really wish I could find that tape for my posterity to mock.

This time around, I had everyone in the family answer a questionnaire with the following:

Name and age

Favorite food

Friends

Favorite subject

Favorite things to do

What I’m looking forward to this year.

What do you want to be doing in 4 years?

What do you want to be when you grow up?

I threw in a newspaper with today’s headlines, the entertainment section detailing current movies and some drawings and mementos from the kids. When we asked The Pumpkin Man how he wanted to commemorate February 2012, we put a pumpkin seed in the time capsule.

Here’s for hoping that hobby will be long forgotten by the time we open it.

Then, we sealed it up tight and put a bold, DO NOT OPEN UNTIL 2016. (Apologies for the sideways picture; can’t get it to rotate.)

OK, truth be told the reason the letters are in bold is because I originally wrote 2014.

Turns out 2012+4….well, here’s for hoping you know the answer.

Filed Under: Family, holidays, Humor, Jamie, pumpkins

Just when you think you know someone

February 29, 2012 by Amber

Part of the joys of being self-employed is dealing with your own insurance nightmares. Due to Jamie’s medical history, he’s not exactly a desirable candidate (understatement) and so we’re paying an exorbitant amount in medical insurance.

And unfortunately that medical insurance does not include dental.

So it’s been a good, long while since any of us have gone to the dentist. Jamie has been harping on me to make an appointment for the kids and I’ve been looking around for the best deals because we’ll have to pay out-of-pocket.

Then yesterday, Bode came home with a toothbrush from school. Turns out a pediatric dentist had visited them and was offering a free new-patient visit.

Jamie: Call TODAY and make an appointment.
Me: OK, OK. I’ll leave a message at Dr. Savage’s office.
Jamie: (Long pause) Dr. Savage? His first name isn’t Rick, is it?
Me: (Wracking my brain for recognition). No, it isn’t. Why?
Jamie: Because Rick Savage is my rock star name.

Is it just me or is having an imaginary rock star working on your mouth a wee bit unsettling?

Filed Under: Humor, Jamie

On firing your husband

February 28, 2012 by Amber

This blog is woefully in need of some TLC and a complete overhaul (including rebranding and switching to WordPress). Jamie has been helping with the redesign in his spare time, which means it’s barely happened because the dude is always working.

But on Sunday, I convinced him that his day of rest was best spent helping me.

Something about service to your fellow (wo)man.

He reluctantly agreed and started searching around for a new logo. This is what he proposed.
Looks like I’m in the market for another web designer.

Filed Under: Humor, Jamie, pumpkins

Hadley’s new charter school (hold me!)

February 27, 2012 by Amber

Part of the reason why life has been so busy, non-stop and stressful is became I have been investigating and ultimately enrolled Hadley in another school next year.

Now, to put this in perspective, I went to public school and I have always believed my kids would go to public school. That is what I did and that is just what people do.

Errr, right?

Wrong.

Find out what’s been going on with Hadley and why I’m going waaaaay out of my comfort zone to put her in an unconventional, creative school.

And why I think she’ll finally flourish.

Valentine’s Day Loves

February 22, 2012 by Amber

I’ll admit it: when I was single, I was one of those types who dubbed Valentine’s Day, “Single Awareness Day.”

Now, I realize I missed out on some great opportunities. It doesn’t have to be an over-the-top, romantic day but rather, just an expression of gratitude for those you love.

In addition to all the Pinterest-inspired activities I already wrote about here, one night we had a “heart attack love fest” for Family Home Evening. After sharing a scripture from John (a new commandment I give unto you…love one another), we each took several hearts and wrote what we loved about each other.

I knew it would be a great practice in recognizing each other’s strengths but I didn’t realize how much it would touch the kids. Though Haddie and Bode get along pretty well, they’re siblings so aren’t always BFFs (understatement). I will never forget the looks on their faces as they shared what they love about each other…one of those priceless parenting moments. We then taped the hearts all over the house for decoration.

This will be a favorite new Johnson family tradition for Valentine’s Day.

Because I’m all about forcing the love.

We invited Aunt Lisa and Uncle Chris over that night for a tasty fondue dinner.

And yes, that is a strobe light you see reflected in the left-hand corner.

Nothing says Happy Valentine’s Day like a cool disco.

The next day, Jamie and I celebrated our ninth wedding anniversary. I bought nine balloons and taped favorite memories from each year we’ve been married.

There were plenty.

But thank heavens for my blog’s archives to help me remember them all. 🙂

Filed Under: Bode, Family, Hadley, holidays

Over 40 and Fabulous

February 21, 2012 by Amber

“Over 40 and Fabulous” was the title of a club that was started by a workout maven I used to follow. I admittedly scoffed at the name of the club.

But now I get it because I am 40 and my birthday was, indeed fabulous!

It started with breakfast in bed (thanks, Jamie) and then a surprise TP job and sign on our front lawn.

Good thing I wasn’t bashful about my birthday.

And do you see these cuties?
They got me a phone for my new office (more on that ordeal later), some mango body wash (my favorite) and then they did an elaborate scavenger hunt where I ultimately found my big gift: an iPad 3.

In case you’re wondering if we have the inside scoop on this not-yet-released item, I assure you it was just a rain check.

My happy place is skating Evergreen Lake (about 30 minutes from Denver in the mountains) so I resolved that is where I wanted to spend my 40th birthday. We ordered a bunch of pizzas from Beau Jo’s(best in Colorado), a cake from Costco (Over-the-Hill, of course) and invited my besties to come play.

(Tina, Me and Lisa)

In case you’re wondering why I’m holding up a random plate, let me assure you I am also wielding a knife in my right hand.
Don’t you feel so much better now?

I have to give my friends credit. None of them were skaters but they were great sports out there.

By “great sports,” I am referring to their attitude, not their skating competence.

(This, from the woman who biffed it on the boardwalk whilst carrying Bode’s sled.)

The kids had a blast skating, climbing on a makeshift snow slide and being hauled around the ice.

I felt so darn grateful for the many friends who showed up to make this one of my very favorite birthdays ever. I knew skating wasn’t on their list of favorite activities, which made it even more special. At the end of our outing, I told Jamie I had so much fun I wanted to do it EVERY year for my birthday.

Which basically means I’ll be friendless by Birthday 2013.

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

My parting thoughts to Jamie that evening before bedtime.

Me: “Tell me I don’t look a day over 40.”
Him: “But you’re not even one day over 40.”
Me: “And don’t you forget it.”

Filed Under: birthday, Colorado, Humor, outdoors

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