Bode’s New Obsession

May 10, 2012 By

Bode has added a new obsession to his growing repertoire: meteorology. He’s a numbers guy. We call him Rain Man because he’s constantly counting and observing. During the long drive to Canada, I assigned him to track the speed limit…and he continues to inform me of every single speed limit sign.

In case you’re not very observant, there are a lot of them.

And he also reams me out when I’m exceeding them.

But the weather has taken his numbers obsession to a whole new level. When Jamie bought his iPad, I spent an entire morning with Bode on weather.com learning about temperatures around the world.

I haven’t dared to tell him about the Weather Channel.

Every morning as the kids get ready for school, I tune into 9News and then the Today show. The past few months, I’ve started to notice a pattern with Bode whenever the weather came on. First, he’d hush us down so he could listen but now, it is the end of the world if we do not stop in tracks to find out what 9News’ Becky Ditchfield is sharing

I’d like to think he has a secret crush on her but I suspect he’s just awestruck by her meteorological phenomena.

Bode is not a dramatic kid and coils in disdain whenever Haddie convinces him to perform her little ditties with him. But the weather? A whole new Bode is born.

youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rdaPT6rq9M

<iframe width=”420″ height=”315″ src=”http://www.youtube.com/embed/5rdaPT6rq9M” frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen></iframe>

Watch out, Becky. The singing kindergarten meteorologist is coming for you.

© Crazy Bloggin’ Canuck–A Denver Mom’s Blog
Filed Under: 9News, Bode, Humor

Colorado Springs: A Vacation of the Gods (Win it!)

May 8, 2012 By

Colorado Springs is just one hour south of Denver but whenever we make the jaunt, it feels a world away. Katie (the PR rep) for the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo has repeatedly invited me down for a visit and last weekend, we finally made it happen.

And I’m so glad we did.

The zoo is consistently ranked as one of the top in the nation. Set on a mountainside, the views are stunning, the exhibits interactive and we all fell in love with pretty much every aspect of it.

One of my kiddo’s favorite activities was feeding the giraffes, the most popular exhibit at the zoo.

I mean, who wouldn’t love seeing eye-to-eye with a giraffe and have his black, slimy tongue licking you?

I deferred to my delighted kiddos on this one.

Katie gave us a deluxe tour we will never forget that included getting up-close-and-personal with their two bears, Emmett and Digger. The zookeeper even let the kids toss them food through the fence.

 It was nice to be able to feed them without being worried we would be the meal.

Though Digger is eying Hadley pretty darn hungrily.

We were also delighted to see an orangutan paint. Yep, you heard correctly. Every Friday at 3 p.m., this is one of the zoo’s ultra-cool attractions. If you click the image below to enlarge, you will see the masterpiece he painted before our very eyes. 

Another cool moment was interacting with the elephants. Public access to them is not permitted until fall when the zoo will open Encounter Africa, a huge new plaza area featuring a traditional African tent with an amphitheater for guests to see elephant training, enrichment and husbandry.  Last week, we got to touch and feed them and also see how they are bathed.

Animal-obsessed Hadley has now decided she wants to be a zookeeper.

Next time, we’ll let her clean up poop to deem if she’s serious about it.

Garden of the Gods

Aptly named, this 1,377-acre otherworldly public park is one of our favorite destinations in Colorado Springs. Fifteen miles of hiking trails wind around the stunning red rock formations and this time, we stumbled upon an area where we could scramble around on the rocks.

Note: Rock climbing is usually only allowed with a permit and the nice lady at the visitor center told us we could not climb higher than 10 feet.

Don’t tell anyone but I think Hadley (whom I have dubbed “Adventure Girl“) may have scaled a wee bit higher and was paralyzed with fear trying to get down. Bode, on the other hand, seems to thrive when Hadley is freaking out. He brazenly leaped from rock-to-rock, taking uncharacteristic risks.

“Wow, Bode you are like Indian Jones!”
“I am not. I AM LIKE ADVENTURE BOY!”

Cheyenne Mountain Resort

A few years ago, I was invited to visit this 217-acre, 316-room property with extraordinary mountain views of the Pikes Peak Region but had to decline. I wasn’t going to pass on the opportunity during this trip and we’ve vowed to return this summer when even more kid-friendly activities abound.

Cases in point: Saturday Zoo Breakfast with animals from the  Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Kids Splash Park, Bocce, Horseshoes and Volleyball at the Aquatics Center.The private 35-acre lake has sailing, swimming and bumper boats as well as sandcastle building on the beach, kids under 8 eat free and they have a new Cheyenne Kidz Camp.

See? Told you.


Though a lot of Cheyenne Mountain Resort’s activities will kick off Memorial Day weekend, a couple of our favorites included splashing around in the pool and roasting s’mores on the Mountain View Terrace of the Main Lodge.

We also watched an in-room movie, “We Bought a Zoo”–an appropriate choice given our experiences at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. When the movie was over, Hadley gave us THE look: the one that says, “Why are you not cool enough to go out and buy me a zoo?”

Maybe someday she’ll appreciate that our adventures in Colorado Springs more than make up for that.

If you live in Colorado or are hoping to come here this summer, be sure to go to Mile High Mamas to enter to win our two-night Family Getaway Package to Cheyenne Mountain Resort that also includes tickets to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.

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

How to be anti-social on TV

May 7, 2012 By

On Sunday afternoon, Jamie and I took a long, luxurious nap. The problem was when I tried to fall asleep at my normal time (10:30 p.m.ish) I was wired.

Hyper chick disclaimer: More wired than usual.

After a mere four hours of sleep, I leaped out of bed with puffy eyes (also thanks to an allergy attack), slapped on some make-up, got the kiddos ready and headed down to the 9News studio.

The reason? Today was a big day for me. My column has been running in The Denver Post for a few months but this was my first time it was the featured story that ate up the majority of the front page.

(They posted part of my article online here).

Though I’m pleased as punch, I’m most happy about the exposure this Mother’s Day article gave some well-deserving local mompreneurs.

I talked about some of these products on the 9News segment. TaRhonda Thomas (the reporter)  told me to arrive by 8:20 a.m. and we’d go live at 8:40 a.m. But at 8:30 a.m., I was still standing in the newsroom waiting for her.

And moderately stressing out that I wouldn’t have enough time to set everything up.

But TaRhonda is a pro. She casually sauntered over and walked us into the studio. All of my previous segments have been more hands-on as we stood behind a long table. This time, we crammed everything onto a coffee table as we sat on the couch.

I got hooked up to a microphone, anchorwoman Kyle Dyer tossed to TaRhonda and before I knew it, we were LIVE without any forewarning. When showcasing items, I’m supposed to look at either the reporter or the items I’m explaining and I always like to look straight into the camera at the beginning and the end.

The problem is there were two side-by-side cameras and I hadn’t been given the chance to figure out which was the correct one.

And so I ignored the camera.

Though the segment went pretty smoothly, I really don’t enjoy watching myself but Jamie later forced me to do just that and it didn’t turn out as badly as I thought.

Minus the fact I was being anti-social with the television viewers.

Better luck next month.

© Crazy Bloggin’ Canuck–A Denver Mom’s Blog
Filed Under: 9News, Humor Tagged With:

The Big Reveal

April 24, 2012 By

Despite the fact Jamie lived in California once upon a time, he has never been to Disneyland.

His lawsuit against his parents is still pending.

The kids and I spent one whirlwind day there last year over Spring Break but were ill-prepared when our guide (my friend Steph) had to bail at the last minute. I’m still recovering from the trauma of being sent up the creek without a paddle.

A few weeks ago, I received a press release that Disney California Adventure will be celebrating the completion of a five-year major expansion with the opening of Cars Land in mid-June. I’m a firm believer everyone should go to Disneyland at least once in their lifetime so I turned to Jamie and half-jokingly queried: “Wanna go?”

$1,000 later (the cost of our airfare), it would appear we’re in.

The next step was telling the kids. I can’t tell you how many friends I’ve had who have woken their kids up early on the day of departure to reveal they’re flying out to Disneyland…and were let down by their less-than ecstatic reaction. I can’t say I blame them. I wouldn’t be thrilled to be woken up at 5 a.m.

Plus, I can’t keep a secret that long.

For FHE last night, Jamie and I planted clues around the house i.e. “Where Fat Kitty likes his privacy” (kitty litter box), with the final clue “Daddy’s ‘Happy Place’” (the pumpkin patch, of course).

It would have gone smoothly if the kids could actually find the clues. One time Hadley had her hand right on it and still couldn’t track it down; in another instance, Bode had his leg pressed up against the clue.

I’m no longer partnering with them for the Amazing Race.

They weren’t the only ones with mishaps along the way. When we raced to the patch for the big reveal (where we had a picture of Mickey at Disneyland), the picture had blown down.

Mickey was windblown and crumpled but nonetheless received a thrilled reaction.

But from none greater than The Pumpkin Man.

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

How not to congratulate your sister-in-law on a long-overdue, well-deserved promotion at work

April 20, 2012 By

Me: “So tell us about what you’ll be doing as a part of your new promotion!”

Lisa: “Basically, I’ll be taking over all our merchant tax reporting.”

Me: (Long pause) “That sounds like my worst nightmare.”

That’s my (warped) way of saying congrats, Lisa!

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

How to traumatize your soccer-playing kid

April 19, 2012 By

Each of my children have their own passions. Hadley’s are the arts, swimming, skiing and hiking.

Bode’s are soccer, Wii and biking.

They enjoy many of the same activities to varying degrees but sometimes, they are passionate about having things all their own.

I recently learned this the hard way.

Bode was enrolled in indoor soccer during the winter. Last month, he had bring-a-friend-to-soccer day. His bestie Seanie couldn’t come and Bode was fine with that because his other besties Timmy and Trey already play with him.

What he wasn’t fine with? Hadley.

Since Jamie works from home, I often leave her behind while I take Bode to soccer but she wanted to come and race around the perimeter of the arena. When we arrived, we were surprised to see kids Hadley’s age playing so I encouraged her to join in.

A bit of background: the facility is brand new and everything is bright and shiny. When Hadley tried to walk into the field, she passed over the open door and tried to enter through the very clear plexiglass behind the door.

It didn’t end well.

A few minutes later, Hadley was delighted when her friend Kasey (who will be joining us at our Waldorf school next year) showed up. When she learned she could join in, Kasey surpassed the door and attempted to walk through the very same panel of plexiglass.

They are two peas in a (very blonde) pod.

Though Hadley has no aspirations to take up soccer again, she had a great time playing with the older kids. Bode, on the other hand, did not.

I saw him making that face: the one where he’s trying really hard to hold it together but gosh darn it, he was mad. I called him over to me and the waterworks were unleashed.

“What’s wrong, Bode? Why are you crying?”
“Cuz cuz cuz Hadley is playing,” he sobbed.
“That’s right. She’s playing because it’s bring-a-friend-to-soccer day!” I explained.
“BUT SHE’S NOT MY FRIEND!”

Touché

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

The big pumpkin season kick-off

April 18, 2012 By

Pumpkin season is upon us.

At least that’s what I think is happening with the Poltergeist-esque light seeping through Jamie’s grow room closet.

For the better part of winter, Jamie mopes around the house longingly gazing at his empty pumpkin patch. Around the beginning of April, he starts to come to life again, starting with the pumpkin grower’s spring kick-off event a couple of weeks ago.

I don’t ask what goes on there. I don’t need to know.

Now, there’s a lift in his step and a glow in his eyes.

Saturday–Pumpkin Man forwards me an email. A reporter from HGTV Gardening wants to interview him about growing giant pumpkins.

Because the dude needs a bigger platform to talk about them.

Sunday–He took a pocket full of pumpkin seeds to church and returned home with nothing.

I equated their distribution to blasphemy.

Monday–He gave his annual Family Home Evening lesson about “faith is like a pumpkin seed.” He and the kids planted their pumpkin (I had a meeting so missed the ceremony).

I later learned he had them assemble the mixture by digging into earthworm castings to get some quality poop to add to their pot.

Take that, City Kids.

Tuesday–He went to the Colorado Rockies game with his pumpkin buddies. Allegedly, baseball was watched but I don’t believe it.

Not when there are pumpkins to be discussed.

Today–Jamie will plant his pumpkins. Don’t ask me what genetics he is using. Don’t ask me what you should be putting in your soil to get started.

All these (and much more, I’m sure) will be at DenverPumpkins.com or on Facebook this season.

Signed,
The Pumpkin Widow

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

What could have been a big-time mothering fail at Park City Mountain Resort

April 13, 2012 By

I never intended to write a week’s worth of posts about our vacation to Utah but when it’s just that good, I want to relive every last minute of it.

Plus, my memory sucks and that’s the reason why I have a blog so I can remember it all.

Our first day at Park City Mountain Resort was icy and, if we’re being honest here, pretty miserable. But the latter part of the week, the snow softened and though it was heavy and wet, it was so much more fun. Couple that with balmy temperatures (50+ degrees, really?) and I fell in love with spring skiing.

With the exception that we were too lazy to discard some of our clothing layers so were dripping in sweat by the end of the day.

Sorry for that visual.

On our final day, Jamie and I had the best time together. Neither of us are experts at moguls but we found a bumps run, Powder Keg, that was fun to navigate because of the heavier, slower snow.

We raced down at the end of the day to ski with both kids. Bode had an amazing transformation (see yesterday’s post) and we also ran into Haddie’s Signature 5 class.
And I became that psycho mom who was snapping pictures each time she turned.
I mean, don’t you just want to pinch those cheeks that are buried somewhere underneath that helmet, those goggles and hair?

Jamie skied with Bode and Hadley and was dying to take me to Powder Monkey, one of Park City Mountain Resort’s ultra-cool Adventure Alley “Snowbugs”–trails designed just for kids. The problem was it was it was at the very top of the mountain and would have taken us a few chairlifts to get there. The resort closed in 45 minutes and there was a very real possibility we’d get stranded somewhere.

This is me we’re talking about.

So, we instead rode to the top of Bonanza lift and did another Snowbug trail. We were having a great time together and were hurriedly making our way down the mountain…and then I took a wrong turn. Instead of staying on Homerun (a nice, easy green), I led us to the point of no return. This intersection had three trails: Silver Queen (a double blue advanced intermediate), Crescent and Silver Skis (both black diamond, expert terrain).

Haddie is a solid intermediate skier but as I looked down at Silver Queen’s steep, bumpy terrain a feeling of dread came over me. I didn’t let her in on my trepidation and explained our predicament.

“OK, let’s do it!” she fearlessly said.

“Really?”

I don’t know why I was surprised since we didn’t have any other options, other than being carried down on ski patrol’s stretcher.

And so she gunned it down that mountain, never complaining and even squealing with glee.This was her last run of the 2011/12 ski season.

And makes me think she’s going to blow 2012/13 out of the water.

Or rather, snow.

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

Family + Skiing = Epic Utah Adventure

April 10, 2012 By

Since we only had seven days to spend in Utah (four of which in Park City), this trip was only about two things: family and skiing.

First there were our darling twin nieces whom the kids adored and they loved right back.Hadley and Bode were bad influences and introduced them to the dirt pile behind Grandma’s house.

I later said to their mom Tammy (who is very lovely and proper) that she could send her kids to me for a week and I could teach them how to hike and get dirty and she could teach my kids how to be more cultured and refined.

I was only kinda joking.

We had a lovely visit with Jamie’s Grandpa Smith at his Uncle Dennis’ house.
Four generations together = happiness. I wish my kiddos were able to meet my wonderful grandparents.

We spent four nights in Park City at, hands down, the nicest condo I’ve EVER stayed in: Silver Star. We requested a three-bedroom so Jamie’s parents joined us on Thursday and Friday night.

There was a lot of chilling.
At least that’s what I think Jamie is doing.

Until Tammy, Uncle Jer and the twins came on Friday. In case you haven’t been around two-year-old twins, rest is pretty much non-existent but they sure are cute.

We had our own hot tub on our deck so that became a nightly ritual.

As did eating a lot of great food and watching General Conference together Saturday morning.

We loved being able to spend quality time with Jamie’s family. The twins, Ada and Berkley, have grown leaps and bounds since we saw them last summer. They are not identical but don’t tell that to Bode. When I asked him which was which, he exasperatingly said, “I don’t know. They’re twins.”


Like anyone should be able to tell them apart.

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

Don’t worry, just be happy!!!

April 6, 2012 By

I’m frequently asked about my happy outlook on life. Though a lot of what we encounter is really tough (like our 2011), I’m a firm believer in the following principles:

1) Gratitude

Some of the least grateful people I know are also the unhappiest. This is true of both my single and married friends. I was 30 when I married Jamie, which is an Old Maid in Mormon Years. I didn’t care. Though I wasn’t making a ton of money, I was passionate about what I was doing. I had a full life, fantastic career, traveled extensively and dated a lot. Carpe diem!

On the other hand, I had dear friends who were thoroughly depressed their plans to marry and have kids had not worked out at that point. But they didn’t do anything about it and instead chose to mope around and not put themselves in situations where they were developing their passions and therefore themselves.

There’s nothing attractive about someone who’s not doing anything with their life. And guess what:


Lesson learned: Don’t feel sorry for yourself.

2) Action

Take that gratitude and run with it.

I’m a firm believer we are all given talents that are unique to us. Something I am ardent about instilling in my kids: do not wait for life to happen to you. I want them to be confident in their skills, able to accept defeat and actively live their lives without ever saying, “I’ll be happy when….”

Learn to be happy NOW and:

3) Resist envy and comparing yourself to others.

I’m giving a talk in church next weekend and I came across this awesome quote from Elder Jeffrey Holland at last weekend’s General Conference:

There are going to be times in our lives when someone else gets an unexpected blessings or receives some special recognition. May I plead with us not to be hurt — and certainly not to feel envious — when good fortune comes to another. We are not diminished when someone else is added upon. We are not in a race against each other to see who is the wealthiest or the most talented or the most beautiful or even the most blessed.

4). Which leads me to…religion. I’ve always been very forthcoming about my religious affiliation and I laugh in the face of most of the self-help gurus because so many “life coaches” don’t have a clue. The best way to connect with yourself is through God in a deep, meaningful way. Whether or not they know it, people need to believe in something. If you don’t have answers, actively seek them out. This one is too important to procrastinate. P.S. Go here for an inspiring 1-minute Easter video about Christ’s final hours.

4) Repeat after me: I am amazing. A friend who has struggled with debilitating depression told me part of her therapy has been to completely change the way she thinks. When a negative, self-loathing thought comes to her mind (i.e. “You’re so stupid for not being able to do that”), she is to stop and completely change her mind pattern.

I’m so proud of her progress in realizing her true potential and how valuable she really is.

My parting thought is this HILARIOUS video that I swear could be my offspring.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qR3rK0kZFkg]

And don’t you ever forget it.

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