(43-138) Upon Further Consideration

When I wrote "Santa And The Fairies" I explained that Kelsie had told me that she no longer believed in Santa Claus.  After discussing the matter with her, it seemed to me that she was starting to question some of the components of the Santa legend; but that she still believed that there was a Santa.  Kelsie was doubting Santa because she didn't believe that reindeer could fly; AND she didn't understand how he could make it to each house around the world in just one night.  After having this conversation, I didn't bring the topic up again; but with the onset of the holiday season, I was curious to hear what if anything Kelsie had to say on the subject of Santa.

Kelsie was excited to see Santa at the end of the Macy's Thanksgiving day parade; and based on her reaction to him; I could see that she still wasn't convinced, that he wasn't real.  When we went to the Red Rock Light Fantasy, Kelsie insisted that she go to see Santa; (even though no one else wanted to;) and once she was sitting on his knee and he asked her what she wanted for Christmas; she said "I still don't know."  Which just reinforced my theory that she still believes in Santa.  And for those of you who are curious; (because I know you are;) Santa told her to keep thinking about it.

Well last night, after watching "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town," Kelsie announced that she does still believe in Santa.  Thanks to the show, her questions have been answered.  She now knows that the reindeer can fly because of the magic reindeer feed that the Winter Warlock had given Kris Kringle.  She knows that Santa started going down chimneys because the people had locked their doors; although she did ask me how he gets in your house if you don't have a chimney and your doors are locked.  For lack of a better answer, I told her that people leave their doors unlocked if they don't have a chimney, and because I think she wants to believe so badly; she didn't question me further.  She said that she now understands where Mrs. Claus came from; and this seemed to close the deal for her.  So yes, upon further consideration; Kelsie has decided that she does in fact still believe in Santa Claus; and she is very excited for him to arrive, even though she still doesn't know what she wants him to bring her.

The idea of Santa is just magical, and the fact that Kelsie didn't know what she wanted for Christmas, but she still wanted to go see him, just reinforces to me, the joy that Santa brings.  Kelsie still wanted and needed to believe that Santa's magic is real; and I for one think that's a good thing.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-133) Red Rock Light Fantasy

In both "Welcoming The Season" and "Tis The Season;" I told you that I was going to the Red Rock Light Fantasy in Sedona; and since a number of people have asked me how it was; I've decided to share some of my pictures.

The Red Rock Light fantasy is a Christmas light competition, that's held at the Los Abrigados Resort, from the middle of November until just after New Years.  Families and businesses submit their light designs for consideration; and if chosen they are given a location to build their display.  As people walk through the resort and linger over the lights; they are given the opportunity to vote for their favorite contestants. 

If my memory is correct; it was 2001, just a couple of weeks before Lyndzi was born, when Luis, Nicky and I began our tradition of going to Sedona to attend the light competition; and we've gone every year since.  We've been there when it was freezing cold and windy; and when it was so warm that you didn't even need a coat.  This year, the weather was PERFECT!!  There was a chill in the air, but it was warm enough that you could walk around comfortably. 

It seemed to me like there were far less entrants this year; but Luis heard a hotel employee explaining that it was due to the economy and the cost to build the displays.  Typically we see a lot of Disney related exhibits; and this year was no exception.  We saw "Princess and the Frog," "Toy story 3," "Nightmare Before Christmas," and a Disney character display as well. 

There was one showcase dedicated to the M & M characters, another for Nick Jr, and one for Sponge Bob.  There was Alvin and the Chipmunks AND the Chipettes and one that used storybook characters; including the Grinch; but my favorite this year was called "Do You See What I See?"

There was something very captivating and peaceful about it; and it had these darling little sheep, that I believe were made out of Styrofoam."

I'm not sure if it was the decrease in displays or the fact that I didn't have to push around a double stroller; but the evening seemed to go a lot quicker than it had in previous years.  Nonetheless, I'm still very glad that we went; and kicked off our holiday season.   
Till next time...

Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-130) Tis The Season...

When I wrote "Welcoming the Season," I told you that we were going to the Red Rock Light Fantasy in Sedona; and then when I posted "Yes Wii Can," I explained that we chose to postpone our excursion, since my friend Jen had gotten a migraine.  Well today's the day and we're really looking forward to heading up north.

We started our very, chilly morning on the soccer field at 730am.  Nicky had a terrific game, scoring 2 goals and even playing goalie for a while.  I was very impressed with how he played.  It's such a wonderful privilege to watch his confidence grow.
Kelsie had forgotten her cleats, so in between Nicky and Lyndzi's games; Kels and I drove back to the house to get them.  Lyndzi's game was already in progress with a tie score, by the time we returned.  Lyndzi played goalie for the second half; and she definitely meant business.  At one point a ball was heading straight for her face, but she managed to block both her gorgeous face and the goal at the same time.  The game ended with T-N-T winning 7 to 2.
We moved on to Kelsie's game; and sadly, our opponents took an early lead and we never recovered.  I was nervous for Kelsie who played goalie during the second half; but I think she did a very admirable job.  The Torpedos experienced their first lost; but I have to say that they were great sports about it.  
I thought that the U8 games were over for the day and I asked some of the dads to help Luis take the goal down.  A number of the dads pitched in; but just as we were about to walk away; some people from another team showed up and advised us that they had a 1230 game.  My BAD!  I can't be right all of the time and clearly I was mistaken.  Luis and I dragged the goal back out  and set it up again; and in no time at all we were on our way.

We're happily getting ready to take our holiday photo and look at the beautiful, light displays.  AND; tis the season; I'd like to share some more of my favorite holiday music.   No matter what your holiday is; I hope these bring you a smile:
Santa Claus Is Coming To Town - Bruce Springsteen
Christmas Wrapping - The Waitresses
Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) - U2
Please Come home For Christmas - Eagles
Same Old Lang Syne - Dan Fogelberg
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-124) Yes Wii Can!

In "Happy Birthday Luis!!!" I mentioned that one of the reasons that I LOVE, ADORE and CHERISH Luis is because "He loves to stay up all night and shop on Black Friday."  I think it was about four years ago, when Luis first started spending Thanksgiving night in Wal-Mart.  Although he can't explain it; there is something about Black Friday that Luis loves.  Even though we weren't shopping for much this year; Luis still wanted to spend the night at Wal-mart so that he could buy a wireless printer that was on sale for $44; and, he always likes to get the Norton antivirus; which this year he bought for just $9.99.  I asked Luis to look into buying Wii Fit Plus.  I told him that it's typically $99 (which I would have paid anyway;) but he was able to purchase it for just $67.

Our weekend didn't go as planned; but I think that it all worked out for the best in the long run.  On Friday we were supposed to go to the lake; and for a multitude of reasons, we decided not to go.  Instead, I ran a couple of errands and asked Nicky if while I was gone he could figure out how to work the Wii Fit Plus; because falling under the heading of I'm NOT the Queen of TECHNOLOGY; I would have had no idea how to set it up myself. While I was out and about, Nicky called to inform me that he'd set the Wii up and that he'd already burned 53 calories.
Nicky and the girls, immediately started using the Wii Fit Plus and they were really enjoying it.  Kelsie was anxious to teach me how to use it; but I had other things to take care of and had to postpone my tutorial.

On Saturday, as you know; we were supposed to go up to Sedona for the Red Rock Light Fantasy; but sadly, my friend Jen got a migraine; so we decided to re-schedule.  Now you know me; I'm A make lemons into lemonade kinda gal; and when things don't go as planned, I just punt; so I had no problem re-arranging our day.  FIRST, I told the kids that I now had time to do the Wii Fit Plus with them and they were happy to help me get started.  The kids had already made a Mii for me.  They even gave me glasses and a purple shirt.  The Wii asked for some personal information; but not my weight and it then informed me that my Wii age was 65 and I was obese.  OK, well, the facts are the facts; given my present weight and physical condition, I don't blame the Wii for thinking that I'm 65 but I'm definitely going to do something to change it.
The kids showed me my various exercise options, and the first thing that I wanted to do was box, which I found very gratifying.  Next I did some hula hooping, followed by step aerobics, some marching exercise, and a game that involved math and mushrooms.  I repeated the hula hoop and step aerobics routines at least three times each; and I boxed countless times.  Within an hour I had burned 446 calories, I felt terrific, and I'd had a lot of FUN!  The kids did the hula hoop and step aerobics right along with me and they encouraged me EVERY step of the way.
Today I went back to the gym, AND I worked out a little with the Wii as well; so all in all, that's day 5 of exercising in a week.  I can honestly say that I feel great and I'm extremely optimistic.  I'm going to continue going to the gym, but it's comforting to know that if for some reason I can't make it to there; I can exercise at home, and we can all benifit from the Wii.  Yes Wii Can!!

In the interest of (say it with me;) "The greater good;" I have to highly recommend that you purchase Wii Fit Plus, if you have a Wii.  Trust me, exercising has never been so much fun, AND it's something that you and your family can do together.  Even if you have to pay regular price for it; I assure you that it's well worth every penny.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-123) Welcoming The Season...

I love the peace and quiet of a sleeping house; and the chill in the air, just makes it all that more magnificent. I find the sounds of silence very comforting and I'm trying to savor them while I'm sitting on the couch in my my guestroom / office / craft room, enjoying a cup of coffee and formulating my thoughts for today's post.

This afternoon we are taking our traditional holiday trip to Sedona. I think that we started going to the Red Rock Light Fantasy at Los Abrigados Resort, when Nicky was just two years old. Each year we do a turn around trip so that we can go see all of the beautiful light displays and really start off our holiday season; and the past few years, we've taken our holiday card photo up there as well.
Since I'm from New York, I always associate the holiday season with the cold weather and snow; so I love going to Sedona for the lights because it's always colder there than it is in Phoenix; and between the weather and the lights; it makes the holiday season feel more authentic to me. Sadly, Luis and my kids have never experienced a northeast holiday season; so they just have to take my word for it; and thankfully, they do.

I think that traditions are very important; and I am the first person to say, "to each his own;" BUT, I have always had the fervent belief that we should not start preparing for Christmas, until AFTER Thanksgiving. I have always maintained that it is not the "official" start of the holiday season until you see Santa come down the street at the END of the Macy's Thanksgiving day parade. And YES, Santa is a part of the parade; but it's to signify that the holiday season is beginning; so you are supposed to enjoy your Thanksgiving and THEN, focus on your Christmas holiday traditions. Which of course is why # 43 of my "Forty Three Reasons That I Am THANKFUL" is "That my husband understands the importance of waiting until the day AFTER Thanksgiving to put up our Christmas lights." Call it a pet peeve if you will; I'm OK with that. The truth of the matter is that I just don't like to feel rushed through my holidays and I believe that if we extend the December holidays the way the stores and manufacturer's want us to; it will diminish how special this time of year is. After all, doesn't something appear to be more valuable when you can only get it for a limited time? If we start getting ready for Christmas as soon as Halloween is over; as retailers are suggesting, then we miss out on how special everything in between is. I personally don't want to hear holiday music while I'm scouring through my kids tricks and treats; BUT, as Thanksgiving has now passed; I look forward to hearing some now.
So, with that being said; I am "officially" welcoming the season by sharing with you, Ten of my favorite holiday songs. I think this selection is as diverse as I am; and I hope that you enjoy them.
Till Next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

Jingle Bell Rock - Bobby Helms
The Carol Of The Bells - George Winston
Baby it's Cold Outside - Glee cast
Deck the Halls - Mannheim Steamroller
Feliz Navidad - Jose Feliciano
The Chanukah Song - Adam Sandler
Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree - Brenda Lee
Do They Know It's Christmas - Band Aid
All I want for Christmas is You - Mariah Carey
Sleigh Ride - The Ronnettes