Couple illness with our busy life and I feel like we have been in hibernation for the last two weeks. So at the first hint of normacly, I planed a day jam packed with fun: we would meet some friends for a playgroup at the park, drive downtown to R.E.I. to buy a bike pump, go for a long walk past Confluence Park along the Platte River (one of my favorite areas) and then have some free pie as a part of ABC’s promotion for the television show Pushing Daisies.

I generously let Hadley play hooky from preschool so she could join us. Because I’m nice like that. And also because her carpool buddy is out of town and to have to drop her off and pick her up? Unthinkable.

We had a jolly old time with our friends and then headed downtown to R.E.I. and on our walk. It was a beautiful day, the kids were content and we were going for free pie. Could life really get any better?

Or rather, I should say, “Could life get any worse?” Because guess what: it always can.

The plan was to go to where ABC had parked their traveling Pie Hole promotional bus, grab some pie and then eat lunch at a hip little market in Larimer Square. The problems began not with the pie, but with their free promotional balloons. One would think the acquisition of Said Balloons would be innocent enough.

Until the fights ensued.

So violent were the squabbles that Bode went on a pie strike, refusing to eat. And just as the pies were going to be used as weapons of war, I confiscated Said Weapons and nipped the rebellion in the bud.

Or more appropriately, in the Pie Hole.

Funny, I never knew where that term came from until now….

© Crazy Bloggin’ Canuck–A Denver Mom’s Blog

Do you ever have times when life is just not going your way? That would be my last 72 hours. I haven’t been able to access Mile High Mamas most of the day, only to find out that the denverpost.com’s producer accidentally deleted an entire month’s worth of posts and forum discussions. The last few days, I have spent hours writing these posts on an upcoming Expo, as well as linking to everyone who attended our inaugural Mama’s Night Out on Friday.

All of it, gone.

If that doesn’t tick me off enough, I also had several weeks of posts that were queued to be published. Gone. Hours and hours and hours of work sitting in my drafts. Gone.

Maybe my new theme song should be John Mayer’s Gone. Baby Gone, Gone, Gone, Gone, Gone.

On a positive note, Bode’s illness will hopefully soon be gone. He has had a lingering cold that augmented last weekend. Sunday night, he was inconsolable and I stayed up with him ALL NIGHT LONG as he sobbed “OUCHIE.” At about 3 a.m., we almost made our first trip to the ER but held off and went to the doctor in the morning.

The culprit? His EARDRUM RUPTURED. Here I am whining about a deleted database and the poor little guy thought his head was going to explode. With the help of antibiotics and painkillers, he is finally turning the corner. Thanks to my good friend Lisa who took Hadley for the day, Bode and I were finally able to get some sleep that afternoon.

The sad thing? I was more functional on no sleep than I am on seven hours of it. Go figure.

The happenings of the last few days remind me of when Haddie and I recently watched Enchanted. As I gazed over at her, I was touched by just how sweet and beautiful she looked.

Believe me some days, I know the feeling.

© Crazy Bloggin’ Canuck–A Denver Mom’s Blog

A special thanks to everyone who talked me off the ledge. My frustrations are not with the many wonderful bloggers who have become part of my circle but the people I already know in real life who have left me out of it. I’m not fixing to quit anytime soon but I just don’t understand the dynamic. I’m jealous of those folks who have real-life friends who have become active bloggers so they can share that with them.

And to the lurkers who came forward to say “hi–thanks! I don’t expect everyone who visits to leave a comment because that would be millions and millions tens and tens of them. I like to visit those who come visit me and I went through a stage when I was obsessed with receiving oodles of comments but it was nearly impossible to keep up with them all. Just not worth it. So, thanks to those who keep tuning in to read about the Crazy Crew!

In other matters, The Hurricane had her first soccer game ever on Saturday. BHAHAHHAHA. Details forthcoming.

Oh, and I partied a lot last week. On Wednesday, Mile High Mamas was invited to an exclusive preview of Colorado Ballet’s new season. It was their dress rehearsal and I’m not sure what I was expecting. Certainly not the male danseur who was dressed down in an ensemble that looked suspiciously like Bode’s flannel PJs or the other guy whose sweats had a hole in the crotch.

It was ballet like I’ve never seen before.

Thursday was Enrichment Night at the church. The topic? Self-esteem. They kept the topic a secret because well, we’re all too lacking in self-esteem to be reminded that we don’t have it and would not have shown up. The night was soooo cheeseball but really well done. We broke off into two classes and had the cutest Size 2 shop-a-holic try to convince a group of frumpy housewives to spice up their wardrobe. It worked. I went shopping the next morning. Jamie says he plans to bill her later.

The other class was yoga. This is where the comedic value kicked in and I internally laughed my butt off at how ridiculous we all looked trying to awkwardly contort our bodies. One thing’s for sure: I won’t ever look at these women normally again without thinking, “Hey, nice downward dog.”

Because isn’t that what every ward needs to bond?

© Crazy Bloggin’ Canuck–A Denver Mom’s Blog

Am I the only one out there who is dragging when it comes to blogging? I swear, getting even a few posts up the last few weeks has taken effort.

Or maybe because I want to internalize all my daily profundities such as how Fruity Cheerios blow up to look suspiciously like Fruit Loops when doused with water. Mind-blowing, I know.

One of the things that has cracked me up about this blog is I started it to keep in contact with friends and family and yet I feel more isolated from them than ever. Meaning: they read it but 99% of them refuse to admit to it or ever comment. And they don’t feel the need to email because HELLO, they read my blog that day so already know what is going on in my life. Voila, my empty inbox.

Oh, and maybe it’s also because I haven’t been too great with returning emails these days.

I started blogging a few years ago before it was really en vogue and I didn’t understand the community aspect of it. My initial blog was over at MSN and I remember when the first “stranger” left a comment. I was completely taken aback and promptly deleted it, equating them as a stalker.

Little did I know blogging is legalized stalking. And I have truly loved the community I am now a part of. But I have to admit I have been frequently tempted to turn my blog private and only admit entrance to those who are an active part of it.

And especially now that so much of time and attention has been turned to growing Colorado’s mommy blogger community at Mile High Mamas, I’m just trying to figure out my little Crazy Bloggin’ Canuck’s place in this big, bad blogging world.

Has anyone ever had any of the same thoughts? Have you been frustrated by the number of visitors who don’t give any feedback? Has the direction and purpose of your blog changed since you first started it? I guess what I am saying is I am going through a blogging mid-life crisis and need to be talked off the ledge.

© Crazy Bloggin’ Canuck–A Denver Mom’s Blog

It’s been quite the week here at Casa Canuck. I have been suffering from allergies and battling off a sinus infection for quite some time. I finally succumbed on Friday. Remember all of you who said you’d like to spend your Mental Health Day in bed reading a book? That is exactly what I proceeded to do for the next few days as I starting rereading that crack-cocaine Twilight series. So, it was Edward, me and more snot that should ever be humanly possible.

He’s just lucky to be a vampire.

And in love with that hussy Bella.

I am slowly on the mend but as my world turns, Bode has developed the sniffles. I am just waiting for Hadley and Jamie to succumb as well.

Evidently, my personality is not the only thing that is infectious.

In other news, Jamie’s pumpkin’s growth is slooooowing down. Of course, the orange beast is more than 600 lbs so don’t feel too badly for him. The glorious 70-degree temperatures have been wreaking havoc on its 30-lbs-a-day growth. His mistress allegedly grows best in lower 90s, one of the many things she and I disagree about.

Even though the growth is slowing down, Jamie’s obsession is not. A couple of weeks ago, we received a new video from PBS “Lord of the Gourds” (yes, you read correctly). And then, a few days later, the “best-selling” book How to Grow World Class Giant Pumpkins arrived on our doorstep.

I was shocked to discover the book is in its third edition. Which means more than two people read the previous editions.

In the book, there are some pretty funny pictures of those involved in the pumpkin craze. But none was more disturbing than the guy whose license plate read “PUMPKIN.”

“Jamie, please tell me you’re not going to get a personalized license plate that says that.”

“No, that would be ridiculous.”

“Whew! At least you are somewhat reasonable.”

“I just plan to paint my new car orange.”

© Crazy Bloggin’ Canuck–A Denver Mom’s Blog

I have already established that I am NOT a political blogger. But there is a debate raging in the media that I feel we need to address: namely the nomination of Sarah Palin as Vice President.

Sure, there have been legitimate questions about her lack of experience. But really, if I wanted to go there (which I don’t), Barak Obama is running for President of the United States and his experience pales in comparison to McCain’s.

Let’s face it — the one with the most experience does not always win. I am also a firm believer that the people who make the most impact on the world are often those who don’t make the most sense on paper.

The real heart of this debate (and where I want your honest opinion) is can a mom of five with a son being deployed to Iraq, a pregnant teen-aged daughter and a special needs baby be up for the task? There. I said it.

I was not sure what rubbed me the wrong way about Sarah Palin’s nomination. Sure, I felt pandered to but a brave post written by Angela at Segullah blog really nailed it:

…If Palin were a man, the family situation would still give me pause. But as much as it (kinda?) troubles me to admit it . . . not as long a pause. Because, dang it, Sarah Palin is a mother, and I’m a mother, and I know how it *feels* to be a mother, and these feelings lead me to wonder two things. First, is it really possible for Palin to give her full time and attention to the monumental task of running the country when she has so much going on in her family life?

And second (and this is the REALLY tricky one, and I’m not trying to offend anyone

Read on

© Crazy Bloggin’ Canuck–A Denver Mom’s Blog

“I love my life.”

Even though I had never heard of her until the plane crash, her story has resonated with me. And it should resonate with all of us. How one day, our life as we know it can slip between our fingers.

© Crazy Bloggin’ Canuck–A Denver Mom’s Blog

OK, so maybe those weren’t exactly the words (but can you name that classic Olivia Newton-John tune?)

I am not politically active. And really, how could I be? I moved away from Canada when I was 18 and have lived in an alien land ever since. The most political I’ve ever been was when watching that one show that was named after me.

But no matter what end of the spectrum you were on, there was a common energy and kinship that radiated. Why? Because whether Democratic, Republican or Alien, we were all blogging geeks who, for a few hours, felt cool.

More lovelies were added to the list before long: Aimee of Greeblemonkey, Julie of Mothergoosemouse, Amy of Inherent Passion, Suzanne of Crunchy Green Mom, Laura of LaLa Girl, not to mention Marge in Real Life. Really.

(Julie, me, Melissa (front), Laura, Suzanne, Amy and Heather)

I now heart Lijit because 1) This means I no longer have to feel self-absorbed by Googling myself to reference past stories and 2) You, my dear friends, can type in something like “pumpkins” in my site’s little Lijit Search Wijit and find out just how deep my husband’s obsession runs. In one sitting.

We left the party with her two friends and strolled 16th Street Mall taking in all the revelries. Bands were playing in the streets, Obama action figures were everywhere and Denver came alive as it shone in the national limelight.

So, whether or not you are a believer, I was so glad that for a few short hours this week, I was a taker.

Are you political? What do you think of McCain’s choice in VP? Are you swept away by Obama-rama? What are your views of this political season?

© Crazy Bloggin’ Canuck–A Denver Mom’s Blog

Deeeeeeeeep Thoughts: By Bode

“Mommy mommy mommmy mommy mommy mommy mommy mommy?”

“Yes, Bode.”

“Choo Choo Train!” [Then repeat 1,000,000 times per day, substituting the occasional truck and ball.]

Deeeeeeeeep Thoughts: By Hadley

Part I: “Mommy, do you wish I could be ice and you could be the water to make me?”

Part II: When driving past Colorado University, I schooled Hadley on the benefits of a good education. After a mind-numbing lecture of how she can study to be anything she wants, I queried,

“So, what do you want to be when you grow up?”

“A princess.”

“Gee, that’s nice. But what is your back-up plan if the princess gig doesn’t work out?”

“A queen.”

Deeeeeeeeep Thoughts: By Amber

It was a rare afternoon of leisure. Hadley was at a playdate and Bode was napping.

I sank into Jamie’s large leather chair in front of the computer, stretched lazily, reached for a black marker and sniffed, long and deep.

But then I wondered–

Is this normal?

Deeeeeeeeep Thoughts: By Jamie

In Case You Missed It Part I, this was part of the post that I wrote from my deathbed when I had salmonella:

If you don’t hear from me for a while, blame the pumpkin. I don’t know why. It just seems appropriate. As my last request, I plead with you not to let Jamie put one on my tombstone. Because he’s just kind of obsessed like that….

In Case You Missed It Part II, this was the comment Jamie left on my blog:

I actually plan on burying Amber in the big pumpkin. I expect to grow one big enough that she can easily fit inside. That way my two great loves can be together for eternity. What can I say? I’m a romantic. – Hunky Hubby

Side note: we are miraculously not in deep for Labor Day and have absolutely NO PLANS. What are yours?!

© Crazy Bloggin’ Canuck–A Denver Mom’s Blog