One of the many reasons why we are not country music fans

After the evening news, we left our television on while we bathed the kids. When we came downstairs, some country music awards were being replayed on TV.

As the monotonous MC droned on about the next presenters – “Three of our talented new heartthrobs of country: Luke Bryan, Bucky Covenington and Jason Michael Carol” – Jamie walked by and commented:

“Check it out. That chick has a beard.”

Nighttime pillow talk by those who deserved to be smothered

Me: I have been pondering the abbreviation for MC today.

Jamie: [Grunt].

Me: I mean, what does it stand for? Master of Ceremonies, right?

Jamie: [Grunt of acknowledgment].

Me: So why don’t we instead say M.O.C.? Is it because mocking them would be a bad thing?….

P.S. I just tracked a link from Google to JustMommies’ Top 100 Mommy Blogs of 2007 and was pleased to see I was ranked No. 13, which happens to be my lucky number (no lie!) Too bad it doesn’t count because it is 2008.

Anyhew, I scrolled down and on the right-hand column, I encountered this rotating ad:

Talk about demented…..

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

Jamie was laid off yesterday. It came as a shock but probably should not have been a surprise. He has been miserable since he took over as the director and we have felt for a long time that he has been setup for failure.

Back in my career days, I was laid off once when I was at the top of my game. I worked in Salt Lake City for a powerful publishing company we will call Meseret Book. I was over all the events for the corporate office and their 38 stores. The employees were like family and I truly loved going to work every day.

Until a tyrannical dictator took over as president. We will call this person Heri Spew. Heri was a beloved member of the community and popular motivational speaker and author. Behind closed doors, Heri was cold, calculating and feared. You did not talk to Heri unless Heri talked to you. And if you dared to disagree with Heri? Forget it.

After receiving a healthy raise and much praise from my boss, I went to work one day to find out that Heri had axed my position, along with about ¼ of the corporate office. No warning, no severance. I was seriously bummed but I was single so I knew I would get by. It enraged me that my fellow employees and family men – many who had been there for their entire careers – were not given any provisions. Except a swift kick out the door.

I was glad I was in the first round of layoffs because Heri’s R.O.T. (or Reign of Terror as we called it) continued long after, creating an environment of trepidation for those left behind. To this day, whenever I hear of anyone praising Heri, I have to bite my tongue and think, “Oh, if they only knew.”

I am in the same situation with Jamie’s job. There is so much I could say about the gross mismanagement and certain incongruous employees but I won’t. I would like to say I am taking the high road but I am not. I just feel out of respect for Jamie, my relationship with the newspaper and key players who read this blog that I need to keep my mouth shut. For once.

Make no mistake – this is a stressful time. But there is also hope. Jamie has been “romanced” by another company for months but they have been unable to extend an offer due to some vendor contract issues. We hadn’t heard from them for a while and Jamie’s work stresses reached a climax a couple of weeks ago

The two of us decided to have a fast about the direction he should take with his job. For those not in the “Mormon know,” fasting consists of skipping a couple of meals, praying for inspiration regarding a certain cause (that also includes forgetting how hungry you are) and then proceeding to “break the fast” by eating more calories than you would consume in a week.

Two days after we fasted, he was contacted by this company and invited to sit in on a consult a few days after that. Four days later, he was laid off. A coincidence? I think not.

So right now, we are in limbo. Jamie doesn’t have an offer and things will not be in place for a few weeks, if at all. But I have no doubt in my mind that this was meant to happen, that he will move on to a better situation, whatever and whenever it may be. And though I am apprehensive, I also feel peace.

And for that, I am grateful.

Update: Jamie received a lucrative offer from the other company. We will finally finish our basement with the chunk of money from his severance package. Feeling so blessed and thank you for your support!

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

Friday night was date night at the Casa Canuck, only not with each other. Jamie had a guy’s night out to the Nuggets and my friend Tina and I attended the Up with People performance. My only experiences with Tina have been whilst shouting over four little rugrats so it was a pleasant change to have some adult conversation. We both even showered for the occasion.

I can’t say I always do the same for poor Jamie.

Oh, and Tina shaved for the first time since Christmas. Too bad I didn’t put out.

I have to admit I had never even heard of Up with People, a group Tina professes is a cultural icon. The cast consisted of 100 members from 27 different countries and the show was pretty darn cool. I would strongly suggest you look into attending if it comes to your city because it benefits a great cause: Habitat for Humanity.

One thing I really liked about these perky and talented performers was they were not professionals. They came from all walks of life and were different colors and shapes, which made their message that much more powerful.

One young woman in particular stood out to me. She had a pure, dark-haired beauty about her and had the voice of an angel. She stoically performed, barely even swaying as flamboyant Navajo dancers swirled around her like snowflakes in a storm.

I kept my eye on her the rest of the show. It seemed she always missed her cues and had to be assisted on-stage. Near the end of the performance, I pondered if she had some neurological condition that made it difficult to walk.

I leaned over and whispered, “I really think there is something wrong with her, Tina.”

“She is blind, Amber.”

Or just blonde.

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

It is the husband’s version of “The dog ate my homework.”

“But honey, I am so late because there was a 40-foot sinkhole in the middle of the road.”

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

As per Monday’s post, Jamie and I hit the slopes with Haddie for the first time on Saturday. To avoid waking up at 5 a.m. to beat the ski traffic, we opted to stay at the Beaver Lodge a few miles from the resort. Picture low-end and then go down a few notches.

Hadley loved the windy, fun house-esque stairwell and bought into our “camping” adventure story when we stuck her on the floor with a sleeping pad. Our evil plan would have gone well had she not rolled over, only to wakeup at 5 a.m. (you know: the hour we were trying to avoid). She screached, “I am stuck under the bed!” which still resonates in my mind today as her father did not even flinch. And yes, that is real wood panelling in the picture.

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

This post is about the kid. You know – the one who will be FOUR in May – actually pooped in the potty tonight. For those new to this blog, let it be known this is equal unto the pearly gates opening, saving me from the very gates of hell.

We had a looooong laundry list of incentives for when the deed was finally done, including a night out to see Mr. Chuck E. Cheese. The Hurricane was thrilled to dance with the overstuffed mouse and never before has a parent cried out of sheer relief to see The Master Motivator.

I do not know if this was just a fluke and if she will return to her old habits tomorrow. But for now, BROWN cannot do anything for me except find its way to the toilet (thank you very much, ridiculous UPS campaign).

On another note, I jumped on the bandwagon and recently participated in The Great Interview Experiment. I loved the idea of interviewing and being interviewed by someone new. I have yet to hear back from my interviewee (and will post it here) but was interviewed by the lovely Fabricated Goddess, a beautiful, entertaining, crafty Canuck. And by crafty, I mean Maker of Crafts, not wily. Like other [Crazy Bloggin’] Canucks you may know.

Anyhew, come on over and checkout her interview with me. She unearthed a lot of good dirt, including the sordid details of my speedy courtship, Jamie’s laundry list of health problems, my brother’s memorable gift to him for our first Christmas and my life’s mantra.

And it has nothing to do with poop.

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

I am enlisting your help. I was at a Young Women’s Camp meeting last week because I have been called as the Outpost leader. Outpost is a three-day backpacking trek in June where out-of-shape 15 and 16 year old girls whine incessantly about being dragged into the boonies. And I simply cannot wait to inject them with a dose of annoying perkiness at 6 a.m. after a sleepless night on the cold, hard ground.

Some of you All of you may ask – me? Leading a large group girls into the backcountry? If only their parents had a clue.

It was during the meeting that the woman next to me leaned over and ruined my life. Well, almost. She asked me if I would speak to a very large group of youth in a couple of weeks about creative dating ideas, especially for groups.

I looked at her dubiously. My one date in high school certainly does not make me qualified, nor does the fact that I never even dated Jamie here in Denver so I have no idea what kids do for fun these days. At least not the legal activities.

When I told her I didn’t think I would be adept at this assignment, she assured me, “Oh, you’re such a great speaker and will make it fun for the kids. Plus, you’re a reporter so will be able drum up some great information.”

A reporter? Yeah, for a freakin’ MOMMY BLOG.

SOOOOOOOOO, I am looking for your creative, cheap dating ideas. Did you do any fun group dates growing up? Do you have any sites or books you can suggest? HALPPPPPPP!

On another note, I will be updating my long-neglected blogroll in the next few weeks. So, if you are a regular and I have overlooked you, please include your URL and blog name in the comments. It’s nothing personal.

Most likely.

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

I fully realize that Hadley and Jamie monopolize the brunt of this blog with their antics, hardships and one-liners.

Not to be forgotten is my sweet Bode who is now 18 months old – the same age that his sister nearly killed us with her attitude and tantrums. But Bode is still holding strong with his sweetness, choosing only occasionally to throw himself onto the nearest object and protest about the injustice of it all. Because make no mistake: life at 18 months is unjust.

I do not think I would be the glowing example of motherhood I am today (just work with me here) if I had had two Mini-Mes in a row. Reflecting upon it now, Hadley’s was the personality I needed as a new mother. My single life was extremely footloose and having an independent, spirited and stubborn firstborn was tough but a good fit. Bode’s clinginess and obsession with Everything Mama would have driven me nuts. Now, I just relish it.

And wonder why more people can’t taste the sweet fruits of Amber Idol.

One of my favorite moments is when I retrieve him in the morning. He is always patiently sitting up and clutching his blankie (because the kid is emotionally unable to go anywhere without it). This includes breakdancing sessions at weddings (see picture) and yes, he is available for hire.

He is also my hiking buddy and I took him on an adventure through slush, mud and snow just last week. He never protests our adventures, even if he is bundled up like the abominable snowchild. Nor when he falls asleep in the backpack and his boot simultaneously falls off, rendering his mama unable to finagle it back on without waking him up. Fortunately, the frostbite only affected two of his toes.

Bode is very much like his “Da”: easy going, sweet, funny and affectionate. He takes regular beatings from “Sissy” and chooses in his own subtle ways to get back at her.

Because evidently passive aggression also runs in the family.

So, this one’s for my dear, sweet Bubby.

XOXO

Mommy Idol

Am I alone with how different my children’s personalities are? How do your kids offset each other?

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

Thank you for all the well wishes for my dear dad. He is finally hiccup-free and out of the hospital. We will not know the prognosis until he meets with the oncologist next month but we are staying positive!

On Saturday night, my in-laws invited us over for dinner and I volunteered to bring dessert. Jamie and I had spent $50 at a speciality spice shop earlier that day and I had splurged on Vietnamese Cassia Cinnamon – something that I am sure is in every single one of your cupboards.

Err…right?

Wanting to showcase my exotic spice, I opted to make cinnamon rolls. The problem was I had only an hour to do it but figured I would just mix the dough and let it rise during dinner.

Oh, did I mention I have never actually made cinnamon rolls from scratch? And that I chose the most involved recipe ever created? These are important distinctions.

Also important is that I should never be permitted to do anything when under duress because ugly things happen. Too ugly to share. Including the cinnamon rolls that I had to replace with gingerbread.

I hate to fail at anything and so I awoke at the crack of dawn the next day for attempt #2. All was going well…until they didn’t rise correctly and a myriad of other problems.

As they cooked, Jamie sluggishly came down the stairs. I needed some positive reinforcement from him.

“Hey Jamie. Did your mom ever make cinnamon rolls?” (Secretly hoping she didn’t).

“Sure, she made the best ones ever. “

“Oh. Well, just don’t compare these to your mom’s.”

He looked at them skeptically before replying, “I wouldn’t worry, Amber. I am sure there will be no comparison.”

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

Jamie and I went to see a movie last weekend. Just to emphasize how significant this is: I can count on one hand how many times we have gone to the theatre since having children.

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