Utah Mom Blog & Mommy Blogger | Life Elevated Mom

Heritage Park’s Glimpse at the Past

August 10, 2011 by Amber

This is quite possibly one of my favorite pictures that I took at Heritage Park Historical Village.

Both sets of grandparents were farmers so I was raised with a birds-eye view of the olden days and life on the farm.

My kiddos are finally old enough to really start appreciating our modern conveniences and they loved going back in time at Heritage Park. We explored some of the 180 historical exhibits, Gasoline Alley’s extensive antique car collection, a gallimaufry of artifacts, rode on numerous old-fashioned carnival rides, chugged along on an authentic stream train as well as cruised on Calgary’s only paddlewheeler on the Glenmore Reservoir.

Then we returned to Grandma and Grandpa’s comfortable and cushy home.

I like to call our day the best of both worlds.

Filed Under: Canada, Family travel

The ride of my life

August 9, 2011 by Amber

It’s not very often I wax philosophical when I’m on the trail for an extended period of time. Usually I’m thinking about my family, deadlines, future projects and what I’ll do with $1 million when it miraculously falls into my lap.

Gotta be prepared, you know.

But when I was in Calgary, I went on a bike that was a road map to my life. From the moment my dad first introduced me to this network of trails through a cossetted, overgrown opening in the fence when I was 13, I have clocked thousands of miles on Calgary’s trail system (one of the most extensive in North America).

My favorite loop is a long one–close to 30 miles and 3 hours. It starts from my home, leads along the Bow River Pathway, intersects with the Elbow River Pathway, eventually spitting me out at one of my favorite places on earth: the Glenmore Reservoir. I then traverse several miles of roads to get home.

I feel bereft if I’m unable to do this trail when I’m home and lately it’s been hit-and-miss. One year, much of the trail was closed due to flooding. Other times, it’s been the weather. But this year, I specifically brought my road bike and announced to my parents I’d be arising early one morning to go for a ride. I was like a kid before Christmas and could barely sleep the night before, just knowing the trail I’ve been waiting two years to ride was going to be perfect.

It wasn’t.

It started gloriously at dawn as I passed all my haunts like the world-famous Bow River (a favorite for fishing).
and Carburn Park.
(a favorite place for skipping school. 🙂

But things went downhill from there as I approached the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary & Nature Center. Usually this 36-hectare wildlife reserve is a favorite as it winds throughout the riverine forest by the flowing Bow River and alongside a peaceful lagoon but there was a big, ugly sign blocking my path:

DETOUR.

Problem is, there was no clear alternate route. I floundered for a while before eventually asking directions from a fellow biker. “Cross the Deerfoot (freeway) and you’ll be connected with a trail on the other side. Follow that for a few miles and then cross back over before you reach downtown.”

Cross over freeways? Through industrial sections? I debated turning back but stubbornly refused because I’d waited a long time to do this ride. I followed his instructions and was surprised at the unfamiliar vistas that opened up to me that were memorable in their own ways. After about a half hour of stressing, I eventually hooked back up to my original trail, thrilled to have mastered this new network and all the more grateful for the path I’d been on.

The lesson?

Life. My entire life has been one detour after another. From obsessed about playing college soccer in Canada to blowing out my ankle at 15 to giving up soccer to finding solace biking these same trails to now going to a church college in the U.S. to serving a Mormon mission I’d never intended to serve to having a career I never dreamed of having to marrying the love of my life and raising my family far from the land I love.

Detours.

That day, I eventually connected with my beloved Elbow River.

And a half-hour after that, my favorite perch overlooking the Glenmore Reservoir.

Like my ride, my life has had plenty of anxieties, bumps and bruises along the way but by never giving up the result was the same: I reached (and continue to reach) my destination.

And it has been all-the-more glorious because of my fortuitous journey.

Filed Under: biking, Canada, travel

The Calgary Zoo’s Exotic Pink Bears & More

August 8, 2011 by Amber

Confession: I’m not a big fan of the zoo. I haven’t always felt this way. As a kid, I have pictures of my friends and me bundled up like abominable snowmen as we wandered around the zoo for my birthday.

Which is in February.

In Canada.

Why didn’t those parents of mine talk some sense into me?

Somewhere along my journey, I lost my luster for zoos (perhaps in sub-zero temperatures) but out of obligation for my animal-loving kids, I usually make a semi-annual pilgrimage to the Denver Zoo.

So, let’s just say I wasn’t overly enthusiastic when my Aunt Sue suggested we go to the Calgary Zoo. I mean, it’s a zoo. With animals that mope around all day. How exciting could it be?

As it turns out: plenty. Rated as the top outdoor site in Canada, the Calgary Zoo features more than 1,100 animals. My dinosaur-loving kids LOVED the prehistoric park’s life-sized dinosaurs, verdant foliage and bursting waterfalls.
Note: I don’t think the fake dinosaurs were included in the official count.

I don’t remember taking this shot of my mom’s pink hat juxtaposed against one of the waterfalls.
But for artistic purposes, let’s just say I framed it marvelously.

I fell in love with the Canadian Wilds section where the pathway snaked through natural habitats with native Canadian plants and trees. At times I swore I was hiking through the Canadian Rockies as we got up close and personal with a grizzly bear, moose, wood bison, wolves and more.

The kids particularly loved the interactive bear exhibit.

Though a few days later, Bode asked me what kind of bear “the pink one” was.

The Canadian “Care Bear,” Son.

Normally we skip out on the carousel at the zoo but I made the exception this time because it hosts 30 figures representing endangered animals from all seven continents including a condor, elephant, otter, cassowary, swift fox, gorilla and more.

Given all of those exotic choices, what did The Boy choose?

He tracked down the one and only HORSE on the entire Carousel.

Best to stick with the pink bear next time.

Filed Under: Canada, Family travel, Humor

We interrupt these Great Canadian Road Trip Updates….

August 4, 2011 by Amber

to announce we are home!!

Travel tales will continue next week but for now, we’re submerged in work catch-up, mile-high laundry, back-t0-school shopping and chilling out. A few days after coming home, Aunt Lisa invited Hadley to go camping for four days at Lake McConaughy, NE.

Confession: I just had to Google the name of the lake because I keep calling it Lake McNaughty.

This is the second time Hadley has left home without us this summer, the first being her solo flight to visit Grandma in Utah. Most sibling would be jealous but Bode is a homebody and quite content to hang out here. In fact, he is in his element without someone constantly bossing him around.

When Hadley was in Utah last month, Jamie, Bode and I were driving home from church and the ride was uncharacteristically quiet. Jamie broke the silence.

“So, Bode. Do you miss your sister?”

No response. Jamie tried again.

“It’s OK, Bode. You can be honest.”

Finally, his reluctant confession: “Not really, Daddy.”

Here’s to a few more peaceful days of being an only child.

Filed Under: Bode, Humor, Jamie

The Great Canadian Everything

August 2, 2011 by Amber

Despite the fact I grew up in Calgary, there are still some unfamiliar things when I return home.

The Money

Canadian money is always an adjustment. I prefer our colorful bills to American green drabness (sorry, George Washington) but still cannot wrap my head around the Canadian Loonie, a gold-coloured (yep, correct spelling), bronze-plated, $1 coin introduced in 1987. If that didn’t weigh down my wallet enough, the government introduced the Toonie in 1996, a bi-metallic $2 coin.

Jamie and I had a run-in with the Loonie when we went grocery shopping at the Real Canadian Superstore (as opposed to the fake one), which was located next to Canadian Tire.

Just in case we’d forgotten we were in Canada.

In order to release the shopping carts, you need to insert a Loonie,which is returned to you after shopping. Problem is, Jamie and I spend a good five minutes trying…and failing to insert our money. Finally, a woman walked up to return her cart so I waved my Loonie like a madwoman proclaiming, “We’ll give you our Loonie for your cart.”

She denied us because she had a reusable cart coin that cost her $2 in place of the $1 Loonie every time she shops.

Anyone else as confused as we were?

Long story short, we finally got a cart (after losing face with my fellow Canucks) but went crazy at the grocery store. While the U.S. ethnic sections are preomindantly Mexican food, Canadian store aisles, delis and produce sections are stocked to the hilt with my favorites: Indian, Thai and Chinese foods. In the deli, we were got some sliced tandoori chicken for sandwiches. In the Thai section we got mango and also coconut/pineapple juice. In the bulk bins, we scored Canadian blue whales and wine gums.

Canadians have a few tasty tricks up their sleeves as well.

The People

During our long drive, a rock jumped up and chipped my windshield. I’ve been intending to get it filled and was thrilled when we pulled up to the Real Canadian Superstore and saw a small small canopy advertising rock-chip repairs while you shop.

What’re the odds of finding that? Being in Canada is like having your own genie.

We handed over our car before going to wrestle our shopping cart Loonie. Upon our return, our exceedingly enthusiastic repair guy pointed out his impeccable work, triumphantly claiming the round-shaped chips were his favorite.

As we were driving away, I commented, “I’ve never seen a rock-chip repair guy so passionate about what he does.”
“Of course he is,” Jamie retorted. “He’s chipper.”

The Differences Between Canada and the U.S.

My kids have been shuttled back and forth between Canada and the United States since they were born. Such exposure gives them unique insights into cultural idiosyncrasies between the two countries.

Take Hadley, for example. As we were wandering through a darling gift shop replete with Canadian goodies such as Mountie costumes and maple fudge at Heritage Park, my Aunt Sue told me Hadley was recently expounding upon the difference between the two countries.

I awaited profundities. Perhaps she would reference the flags, the anthems, Canada’s shining rivers, cool summers, friendly folks, democrats, Green Party and the Liberals.

Her observation?

“Canada doesn’t have Target!”

I’ve taught her well.

=========

P.S. Target recently announced 105 locationsthat will be opening in Canada. Hadley will soon be proven wrong.

Filed Under: Canada, Family travel, Hadley, Humor, Jamie, travel

On growing up and being grown in Calgary, Alberta Canada

August 1, 2011 by Amber

There is something indescribably special about being able to return to your childhood abode. I came home from the hospital here. I took my first steps. I poured my heart out in my diary here (more of that hilarity later). I fell in and out of love here.

So much has changed: renovations that completely altered the exterior, the yard is fuller, the basement more cluttered.

Yet somehow, my house is grander than ever before.

The kids and I have had a fabulous time in Calgary and next summer, I yearn to stay longer. As my parents grow older and my mom’s MS worsens, I’m reminded of the fragility of life. For the past couple of weeks, we relished every moment.

We dined daily on my parent’s fabulous patio (did I mention the even more fabulous 70-degree temperatures?)
Bonded with the cousins.
Call me crazy but I’m thinking this picture should be on an album cover somewhere.

Partied it up with my family for Bode’s 5th birthday and my sister-in-law Jane whipped up a fabulous gourmand dinner.

Though she doesn’t believe it, I *swear* Bode requested the $80 tenderloin that I just happen to crave all year long.

Took a memorable father-daughter bike ride through Fish Creek Provincial Park (Calgary’s largest urban park) whereupon my 70-year-old dad proves he’s still got it.

Translation: he still hauled butt up those hills.

The kids partied it up in the grandparent’s convertible PT Cruiser.

And yes, anyone who buys a convertible in Canada can only be deemed an optimist.

We built sandcastles at Lake Sikome with Grandpa.
Total bonus: My dad loves the water so I didn’t have to go near it.

Downed chi-chi coconut cones at iconic My Favorite Ice Cream Shoppe.

But it was when my neighbor’s grandchildren knocked on our door asking Hadley and Bode if they wanted to come play that my childhood memories washed over me like a tidal wave. I watched my kids ride bikes with their new friends, ride in my dad’s golf cart and play on the tire swing.

I was reminded of my dear friends and the hours we spent frolicking in the gully, mastering our skills on my trampoline, creating worlds in our fort and scaling our backyard tree.

My childhood wasn’t perfect but I was enveloped in the love of parents, grandparents and friends. The world was full of promise, possibilities, simplicity and joy. As a mom, I now recognize the many sacrifices my parents made for us. Out of my many hopes and dreams I have for my kids, in the end, the only thing that matters to me is for them to someday look back and say, “I had a happy childhood.”

Because that was the gift I was given.

Filed Under: Canada, Family, travel

Zambia’s Virtues and Vices (and why I want in)

July 29, 2011 by Amber

In addition to hanging out with my family, one of the best parts of my trip to Canada has been reconnecting with a couple of dear friends. My neighbor Stacey B. met us at Lake Sikome for an afternoon of fun and Stacey S. was a fixture at my house for a couple of days.

Basically, if your name wasn’t Stacey, I didn’t hang out with you.

Many people are familiar with young men and women who serve as Mormon missionaries but most don’t know that retired couples are encouraged to go as well. Stacey S.’s dad and step-mom will be serving in Zambia, Africa starting this fall. “Senior missionaries” usually assist as local leadership, provide service and in the case of Stacey’s parents, coordinate the C.E.S. (Church Educational System). When Jamie and I are older, I would love to serve a mission together.

Just think of the many remote villages who could have sustenance for months if Jamie grew giant pumpkins there.

We all have our ways of contributing.

One night, I set-up a blogfor Stacey’s parents so family and friends can follow their adventures in Africa. I wasn’t too keen on Zambia until Stacey told me it is one of the best places to do a safari and is the home of world-famous Victoria Falls.

Photo

I fell in love with the area when Matt Lauer went there for the Today Show in 2004. I’ve since been keen on bungee jumping off the 152-meter Victoria Falls Bridge.

Photo

Stacey also told me about the crazies who soak in Devil’s Pool, a natural rock pool at the very top of Victoria Falls (check-out the insanity here).

I’ll stick with bungee jumping, thanks.

Stacey hopes to visit her parents and I’ve generously invited myself along (with a $2,000+ plane ticket, we can all dream, right?) Though there are many wonderful facets to Zambia, this country in southern African has one of the world’s most devastating HIV and AID epidemics.

Stacey: “Did you know a Zambian woman’s life expectancy at birth is just 39 years old?:”
Me: “How sad.”
Stacey: “So, basically if that was us we’d be dead by now.”

Or we could just hang out at Devil’s Pool to speed up the process.

Filed Under: Humor, LDS, travel

Great Canadian Road Trip Leg 4: Sandpoint, ID to Calgary, Canada

July 27, 2011 by Amber

I’ve had many people ask me just what does 31 hours in the car by myself with two kids look like? Take a gander:

It wasn’t pretty but certainly was functional. I packed oodles of snacks, DVDs, DS games. travel easels and books (see the full list of activities here), which I plopped in a large laundry basket in between the kids’ seats for easy access.

We caravanned with my parents from Sandpoint, Idaho to Calgary and stopped in Sparwood, British Columbia to check-out “The Titan,” the world’s largest truck.
I couldn’t have asked for my kids to be better behaved and our final seven hours in the car were seamless except for two factors:

1) The Hail Storm.

We’ve had pretty great weather the entire trip with the exception of a stretch of road leading into Nanton, Alberta when we passed through a horrendous rain/hail storm. At one point, the hail was pounding my windshield so quickly my windshield wipers couldn’t keep up and my 70-year-old father didn’t slow down. As I sweated profusely (and in places I didn’t know I could sweat), the only reassuring words were from Hadley: “I CAN’T HEAR OUR MOVIE!”

Remind me not to bring her along when in extreme diress.

2) The U.S.-Canadian Border.

I’ve traveled with my kids to Canada many times by myself but never by car. When flying, Customs requires I provide a notarized letter from Jamie stating I have his permission to take the kids out of the country.

Since I was driving this time, we called the border to ensure I didn’t need the letter. They assured me I was fine but I was still paranoid (I’ve spent many past lives being detained in the “Taliban room”) so I schooled the children prior.

“Now Bode and Hadley, when we get to the border, you need to tell them that Daddy is coming later.”

I didn’t tell them any more than they absolutely needed to know. I figured dropping the word “attempting kidnapping” could lead to trouble but as it turns out, trouble is what I got by withholding information. We waited about 45 minutes in line at the border and when it was finally our turn, I pulled up to the Customs officer who initially looked friendly.

Him: “Hello, Ma’am. Where are you traveling today?”
Me: “Calgary.”
Bode: (Frantically Interrupting) “OUR DADDY IS COMING ON THE AIRPLANE LATER!”

From there, our easy-going exchange turned suspicious. He peered into the car at Bode and Hadley.

“Ma’am, what is your license plate number?”
“Err…. I can’t remember.”
“Please step out of the car.”

After a painful interrogation, we eventually crossed the border but I learned an important lesson. When relaying important information to the kids, I need to disclose, “Only speak when spoken to.”

Come to think of it, I’ll make that our family motto.

Filed Under: Bode, Canada, Family travel, Humor, travel

Great Canadian Road Trip Leg 3:Boise to Sandpoint, ID

July 26, 2011 by Amber

Since we’re still on the road, I simply don’t have the time to do our trip to Sandpoint, Idaho justice so I will write a more extensive article upon my return.

Outside magazine named Sandpoint as one of America’s Top Dream Towns. Here is glimpse of this paradise in the North Idaho Panhandle….

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Our lakeside retreat at Dover Bay Bungalows with Grandma and Grandpa.

Biking the 9 miles of trails at Dover Bay along the lake, across wetlands and through forests.

Discovering a secret hike at Verwolf Vista Park (crossroads: Shannon Lane and Lakeshore Avenue).
That led to these views of Lake Pend Oreille, one of the largest inland lakes in North America.
And arguably one of the most gorgeous as Dad and I witnessed during an early-morning bike ride.

No trip to Sandpoint is complete without an afternoon at 18-acre City Beach with huckleberry ice cream.

Topped off by my mom’s delicious birthday dinner on the cossetted patio at Trinity overlooking City Beach.

A glimpse at Sandpoint’s grandeur, yes. But justice has not yet been served.

Filed Under: Family travel Tagged With: Idaho

Great Canadian Road Trip Leg 2:Utah to Boise

July 24, 2011 by Amber

I’m not one of those people who stops at every roadside historic marker but I’m always delighted to stumble upon local treasures. That is exactly what we found at the Sublet Fuel Stop off exit 245 on I-84 in Idaho. First, there were the alpacas outside of the gas station.

Then the baby rattlers inside the door.
Caged, thank goodness.

Then there was the sign “Beware of Bats” as we entered the bathroom. After what we’d already seen I braced myself for some flying mammals but chuckled when I saw this:

A baseball bat.

The proprietor had a warped sense of humor.

We were originally going to stay in Rexburg but my friend Jason bailed at the last-minute so we rerouted to Boise. My friend Kiersten (a former radio hottie from my days on the airwaves) met us at a playground for a couple of hours and then the kids and I stayed with my friend Katie, her husband Wayne and their four beautiful daughters. Haddie and Bode had a BLAST and I loved reconnecting with my dear friend.

“Soeur (Sister) Ingy” and I were LDS missionary companions in Bienne, a little village in the heart of Switzerland. We had only been on our missions for a few months when we were put together and forced to fend for ourselves with our faltering francais. Soeur Ingy was the ying to my yang. She spoke really softly and was super sweet. I was…not. But one day, I was bellowing out my favorite song about prayer “He Hears Me” for the thousandth time when Katie interjected:

“Yes, and so does everyone else, Soeur.”

This sweet Idaho girl was (and still is) a force to be reckoned with.

Filed Under: Canada, Family travel, Humor, travel Tagged With: Idaho