Sprite's Keeper

Out-of-towners

"John, we have to leave."

I had been searching the house for both him and Sprite, finding her in her cousin's play tent, refusing to come out since she knew it was time to go, finding him outside with his brothers, warming his beer by the fire pit.

I always hate this part of a party.

Because we live on the West coast of Florida and ALL of our family is on the East side, trips across state usually involve two or three different gatherings, trying to fit as much family into our plans as possible. See my parents, see his parents. Dinner plans with aunts and uncles. Breakfast with sisters or brothers. Every hour is typically accounted for, plans are set, time is limited. And of course, with such tight schedules comes the inevitable "just a little longer" which screws the next item on the agenda, which leaves us apologizing to the next relative for being so late.

Exactly what I was going to have to do tonight since it was my turn to be the bad guy and call it quits to our Christmas Eve merriment with John's family so we could join my side for their Christmas Eve/ birthday party soiree. We were supposed to leave by 6:30 latest so we could keep to our 7 "ish" quote with the next gathering.

It was almost seven as I finally accounted for man and child. I gathered our things, presents for Sprite hastily shoved at us as people realized we were leaving, and we inched our way to the door, followed by two other revelers who had to excuse themselves momentarily to move their cars so we could extract our own.

My brother-in-law hurried in from the backyard. "You're leaving now?"

I nodded, my smile sheepish. "Thanks for having us-"

"Go to the fire, one minute!" He passed me, rounding up others.

John and I looked at each other.

"We're really late," I warned.

"Just a minute," John reasoned, "then we'll leave."

Casting a glance at the clock, seven chimed right then, I walked to the backyard, joining the growing number of people, family members, friends, absolute strangers who had been called upon as well.

Finally, my brother-in-law and his wife spoke.

"We wanted to wish you all a Merry Christmas and give our parents their Christmas presents. And feel free to read the card out loud." Jeff's face glowed in the firelight as he and Loni each handed an identical slim wrapped package to their respective folks.

My eyes immediately focused on my own in-laws out of habit, watching them struggle with the  festive paper amid the murmurs of "they probably got a cruise".

My father-in-law pulled a diaper from the wrapping and began to read the card. My thoughts immediately began with Alyssa is already potty-trained. Why would Jeff and Loni be giving them a diaper?Their daughter had been doing well sans diapers for almost a year now. It never occurred to me that-

"-Alyssa is going to be a big sister!"

(I usually catch on more quickly than that..)

The collective whoop of cheers came up as well as my hand to cover the "o" of my mouth, tears springing to my eyes, and a cousin I was standing next to placed her arm around me, pulling me close in an awkward side hug. "Sorry," she whispered, " I know you want one."

I glanced over to the rounds of hugging, a wide smile plastered across my face. I would not crumple here. I would not spoil their moment. I WANTED to celebrate along with them. "I'm okay," I responded, "thanks."

I only had to last a few more moments before we left anyway, then I could give in to whatever I was feeling, I wasn't even sure what I was feeling, I just knew I didn't trust myself for more than two minutes in such a public setting.

A hand came upon my arm and pulled me from my cousin's side into John's embrace. He had come from the other side of the fire to console me.

No, don't do this, I thought. Not now. I'm okay. I'm-

"Sorry, hon. We'll get checked out. This will happen for us. We'll have another."

My resolve shredded instantly. "Stop," I whispered into his ear, my voice already cracking, the tears spilling over, "please don't."

His hug grew tighter. "It's all right."

This surely wouldn't look right to others. Too many people in attendance knew about our struggles to have a second child, too many others who were also there did not know our story, and would wonder why a woman was breaking down dramatically in the face of wonderful news.

Trying to steal the show maybe?

I needed to get out of there. I needed to compose myself before we attracted too much attention. I was afraid to know just how much attention we had already drawn. 

I broke from John and walked away, not daring to swipe at my eyes until I was far enough, slipping inside the now empty house to find the bathroom.

"Jen, I'm sorry I said anything," my cousin's voice came through the closed door as I ripped toilet paper from the roll to dab at my wet cheeks.

Oh, hell. It was a scene right out of high school. Girl gets crowned Prom Queen, other girl who wanted the title then runs out of the room crying, her entourage right behind her in solidarity, to shout messages of love and support at a locked bathroom door. All that was missing was John Cusack and Molly Ringwald.

The image made me cry harder as I heard John tell her, "just leave her alone for a few minutes."

Breathing deeply, I gave myself a little time to will away the redness from my cheeks, the emotion from my eyes, splashed a little water on my face to further dilute the evidence.

I squared my shoulders, looking into the mirror for clues of sadness that would cause questions while trying to book it for the exit.

I looked tired. And somewhat overcome, but that could easily be blamed on tired. I was ready. I opened the door, set a smile upon my lips and rounded the corner to come face to face with John who was holding onto a squirming Sprite.

"Are you ready to go?" he asked, not mentioning what we both knew would be discussed in the privacy of our own vehicle.

Thank you.

Calling out well wishes and hopes for a wonderful New Year to those we passed, we made our way to the door.

We ran into Jeff as we neared the van and I paused to give him a hug goodbye. "I am so happy for you!" I exclaimed.

I meant it.

RTT: Still in the Christmas spirit

So, it turns out that Christmas is a time to spoil your children absolutely rotten. I thought I had done pretty decently with Sprite's presents, from the three foot tall Rapunzel mannequin which has been an almost constant companion since she opened it, to the Tag Reading System, Alice in Wonderland dress and shoes, and some smaller gifts to round out her experience. Adding to these, the gifts she received from very thoughtful aunts and uncles, and she was a pretty happy kid by the end of Christmas Day.

But when we got home, I ventured on to Facebook to see the before and after pictures of other people's Christmas trees, practically hidden by the mounds of wrapped promise sitting beneath, beside, and sometimes even dwarfing the Wisconsin Pine. I would have thought one big ticket item was enough, (Sprite's Rapunzel "sister" was $54.00, but I had a 50% off coupon for Target right before Black Friday, so our big expensive gift only cost us $27.00. In fact, I had only budgeted eighty dollars for her anyway.) but I saw pictures of kids requiring step stools to get to the top floor of their dollhouses before clicking to the next photo of the same child uncovering a bike, more dolls, a laptop, and a video game system. Of course, this is not counting the stocking stuffers. Taking a group shot of the lucky child surrounded by her grab, I counted some thirty gifts.

I understand that I'm not used to the entire Christmas experience, seeing as Hanukkah is a grand total of 8 presents, one of them a larger desired gift while the others are more educational or artsy craftsy. I asked John if he had also gotten so much as a kid and expected an answer of no, thinking the days of quantity were maybe more recent. Imagine my surprise when he rolled his eyes and smiled in memory as he recounted the one Christmas where he received the entire Star Wars collection along with the Millenium Falcon, roller skates, a bicycle, and other assorted toys. Of course, with his other two brothers also receiving their fair share of loot, I asked him if there even WAS a Christmas tree since it seemed Santa could barely leave them under the ROOF, let alone some lit branches.

So tell me, what is the typical number of presents for kids to receive on Christmas? Are all the gifts from Santa or do the parents take some of the credit? Is there a big ticket item or many?

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 Funny how no matter how much thought you put into gifts, the kids will decide on their own which stands out as the favorite. Rapunzel was shoved into her younger cousins' faces along with the required "MY Rapunzel!" and the subsequent screams of "She's touching my Rapunzel!" when a little hand or even a tiny finger reached out to touch the silken tresses, so we figured her Santa gift was the spotlight taker. Until Sunday night when she asked me to open an updated version of paper doll dress up, a somewhat plain looking plastic sleeve set containing three baby girl hard board dolls, and their assorted magnetic "clothes" pieces to mix and match. Thinking of Sprite's usual fancy for the fantastic and vibrant colors, I honestly thought this less ostentatious present would blend into the background immediately.

I opened the neverending puzzle for her and left her in her room while I began dinner, actually having control over the television for once, flipping the station from Nick JR to the DIY network. Thinking I would have a few minutes before she grew bored of her project, it shocked me when, an hour later, the oven timer chimed signaling dinner was ready, and she was still absorbed in her activity.

Furthermore, the baby dolls each needed to be dressed for bedtime when she herself was getting ready.

Best part? I didn't have to change any doll clothes.

Best Christmas gift EVER.

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Christmas Fail: Forgetting your camera. It's easy to halt the present proceedings when the camera was hastily left in the other room, but when it's two hours away? Kindly asking your mother-in-law and father and whatever relative happens to snap a pic of your child to Facebook you a copy gets a little wearing. On the photographer.

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You all know I'm Jewish. And if you didn't, um, where have YOU been?? Anyway, I have my separate beliefs, but when Christmas comes, I put them aside to enjoy the season and the revelry with my in-laws because 1. it makes them happy to have me be a part of it, and 2. it makes me happy to be a part of it and wholeheartedly encourage Sprite to be a part of it. Yes, we're raising her in my faith, but we played up Santa big time this year, shouting out Merry Christmas to every family member we came across, even the Jewish ones. (Props to my folks for responding in like when Sprite gave them smacking kisses and Christmas tidings.) I like to think of us as one big motley crew, who, when celebrating anything, take pride in the fact that we're together to do it.

What has really bugged me this season is the non-believers who, thanks to the Internet and its instant gratification, can easily cast a Bah, Humbug! into someone else's figgy Facebook pudding when they post things like "....should repaint all the parking spaces at the church into Handicapped spots just to screw with all the people who only show up twice a year for Mass" or "Merry Mythmis!" or "feels this is the year to expose Santa."

I get it, folks. You don't believe. You have uncovered the secret of Christmas for all it really is, an excuse to buy crap for relatives you really can't stomach but only have to see once a year. That's fine, if that's what you want to believe.

I used to believe that too. Until I started spending the holidays with John's family since it was important to him, and I started looking forward to these holidays, because they became important to me. I am still 100% Jewish with no intent otherwise, but when someone greets me with "Merry Christmas!", I respond with the same. I don't remind them that they should respect my faith and save their cheer for someone else, instead I hug them right back, glad to see someone else in the spirit of being together with one another, with or without presents. That, to me, is the reason for the season.

So, when I saw these statuses dotting my Facebook read, I may have put a small wish for coal in their stockings while "liking" everyone else's statuses which were more festive, and more humane.

 Somone else who's more festive and humane? Keely! Especially now that she's home from her holiday travels. Go on over and wish her a happy new year! And bring wine. I think she may need it..

Oy to the World

Twas the night before Christmas, no! Really this time!

And I was waiting out the clock, trying to finish this rhyme.

I'd been called upon for my Christmas list, and I could think of none,

For when I thought of what I wanted, what I had was one for one.

So I thought I could repeat my birthday and give my wish to you,

Since giving is always better than getting. And has a fifty percent more chance of coming true!

(5% margin of error)

So here we go with my Christmas list, and it has been checked twice,

To see which of you has been naughty, and who's been faking nice.

(You all passed.) (Some by a hair, but you passed..)

Dear Santa,

Goodfather wants his mojo back, and a job would do,

The same would go for Captain Dumbass, who asked for an IPad too.

Rachel and Kendra like their jobs just fine and get their share of praise,

But their wish for Christmas is to get complimented with a raise.

Arwen would like to see a clean house, with stacks of organized toys,

(although I don't see that happening with soon to be three boys)

Stacy asked for a cleaner house too, but she has nothing to prove,

For the best way to get that wish, my friend, is to just pick up and move. (To Seattle, that is..)

Vandy is wishing for some things that are actually in demand,

Like time and patience, less vocal stress, and a maid to lend a hand.

And Kate has been so good this year, her wishes are but few,

For a job, and insurance, a belt of liquor, and another baby too.

Ellie Belen wants some ceramic heat to help out with her tresses,

Since less time grooming would alleviate some of life's little stresses.

And Michele asked for a brand new easel to liven up her art,

So all these wishes so far, St. Nick, should be an easy start.

In fact, there are some gimmies, no work on your part,

Jan already got her Christmas wish, a full house and full heart.

Baba chimed in that hers was a no brainer too, she couldn't ask for more,

Than the love of her family and friends, what else are the holidays for?

Alaina is full up on love and her future home is set,

But she wouldn't mind a little help with paying her college debt.

Some beautiful jewelry would flatter the socks off of Unmitigated Me,

In her favorite shade of Zombie. (I think it's in the red family..)

So you see, dear old St. Nick, these items aren't much to ask,

You get requests all the time, this should be an easy task.

My life is great, my job is good, my wish is one sure bet,

Since ALL I want is to see their wishes come true.

(and a Pillow Pet..)

So, please, Santa, find it in your heart to end 2010,

With answers to all of their prayers tonight,

With love from your friend,

Jen

(Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!)

My Christmas List (You want in?)

Hmm... What do I want this year?

A car?

No. That works fine. (Stow and Go ROCKS.)

A new house?

Nope. Mine is sufficient, thanks.

Another baby?

(Well, duh..)

How about some books?

Unless it's on my Nook, I'm good.

A poem for 2010?

Perfect!

Okay, folks, I'm working on my third annual Christmas poem, don't believe me? check out 2008 and 2009, and I need YOUR help.

(Somewhere, Dora the Explorer's legal team is looking up whether or not they can sue me for copyright infringement. Look, lawyer dudes, I happen to know that your non-aging bilingual chica is solely responsible for parents needing to repeat themselves three or four times before kids respond. If she didn't shout out the instructions repeatedly, the world would be a much better place. I think I can round up enough parents for a class action, don't you?)

What do you want for Christmas? A coat? New cookware? A few books to add to your literary repetoire? Write it in the comments and I will include it in the poem. As long as I have your name and wish, it will be in there. Just please comment before 10pm Eastern tonight (December 24th if you're catching up after the fact) so I can make sure all two of you are included.

This could be the best poem ever, or it could crash and burn. Tune in on Christmas Day to find out!

Blogtastic Holiday Shout Out: This Blog Barks...

You didn't think the Secret Santas would sit dormant this year, did you? After this love letter, link on over to Recommended Daily Dose to see what others have to say about their favorites!

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It's not often that I start a blog post with TOO much to say. Normally, the cursor blinks at me for just a few seconds while I figure out where I want to jump in on a story. (Most of you have been reading for a while and know that I never just begin. Oh, no. I must confuse you a little at first..)

But today? Today, it not only blinks, it mocks. What are you going to say, Jen? What can you possibly say about her that hasn't been said before? What can you think of that will show her exactly how much you appreciate her and maybe draw a tear out as well so she knows she really is that loved? Even when you've never met before..

Sorry, Sprite. It's not about you today.

I've written about other bloggers before. Back when I was running things, (again, huge thanks to Kate for running with it, since now I get to participate as an actual blogger, instead of just overseeing the show) I didn't allow other bloggers to pick me because it seemed self-serving.

Michele saw through my declinations and wrote about me anyway, a complete surprise when I saw her comment to link her up since she had never taken an assignment. (I actually printed it and it is neatly placed into my files for safekeeping should the Internet ever implode.) (You never know..)

So, when Kate sent out the message that she would be continuing this annual tradition of love's letters linked, I joined in right away, sending my list of favorites, but secretly hoping I would get It's A Dog's Life.

Not because she's just finished John's Christmas present... (I've already told John not to look at my site for fear of repercussion until after Christmas.) (John, be good.)

Not because she's a master cook... (I've made her hummus, the pumpkin ravioli, and the spaghetti squash recipe, all to rave reviews.)

Not because she's a great artist... (I'll have you know that I have a Dog's Life original already sitting in my bedroom with another one on the way!!!!)

Not because she happens to be a wine enthusiast... (her cork collection is such that the county in England is considering granting her an honorary citizenship status.)

No, not because of any of that.

I wanted to highlight Michele because of how I've come to know her over these last couple of years. (Yeah, it's been that long. And we've never met. Yet...) From the beginning, her blog has drawn me simply because of the interesting topics she picks to write about, whether it be old postcards, photos of bygone days, or a few photos of whatever city her job has brought her to.

When I made the trip to Chicago in July of 2009 for BlogHer, Michele had mentioned she would be in that very same hotel the week before. (We would be missing each other by mere days.) I asked her to leave me a message somewhere in the hotel as a sort of "Hollah!" thinking she would pen a note and leave it with the concierge.

Instead, the first night of my stay, as MaryAnne and I were getting ready to head down for the first social hour, there was a knock at the door and in swept Room Service with a bottle of red and a lavish tray of olives and cheeses for the palate along with a card telling us to enjoy our time there.

I had asked for a message, she had gone one better.

When she started posting photos of her paintings, I pestered her to run a contest only so I could enter and win one. She ran a contest. I didn't win.

She sent me a painting just because. I had asked for an opportunity. She had gone one better.

I got an idea into my head that I wanted to see one of John's pictures as a painting because I loved the whimsical nature of it and asked if she had ever painted people before without telling her what I wanted. She KNEW what I wanted and which picture I wanted without even asking. Every step of the way, she's been sending me progress reports making me max out my allotment of exclamation points with my excitement.

I had wanted a cute Christmas present for John. She had gone one better.

She's planning a trip to Florida this Spring to visit Disney World, using some tickets I am forcing upon her (otherwise, she wouldn't take payment for something that takes an artist WEEKS to finish). My hope is to deliver the tickets in person, to thank her for giving us an unforgettable holiday.

Merry Christmas, Michele. I could have sent you a Christmas card, but I decided to go one better.

 

The Makings of a Princess

(Hey, Disney? I've got your Rapunzel right here.)

It's par for the course to see little Princesses running throughout the parks in Disney World, glittering in resplendent colors befitting whichever maiden they've desired to be twins with, adorned with make-up, the dress (natch), right down to the tiara nestled into an elegant upsweep, the only style guaranteed to withstand the top speeds of Thunder Mountain on a rainy day.

Disney World, once realizing that this Princess thing was a major money maker, opened two boutiques, or Bibbity Bobbity Boutiques (duh), one inside the Magic Kingdom, hidden within the confines of the castle, and one in Downtown Disney. Ever since their doors opened, the number of children, mostly girls, (although Disney also caught on to the lack of boy cash opportunities and came out with a pirate dress up for the Pirates of the Caribbean fans which is actually pretty cool) dressing up as their favorite character has been multiplying.

Sprite, from the beginning of her exposure to the World, has always made it a point to test her Princess knowledge on passing royalty, as we would hear from her stroller, "Cinderella! Look! There's Jasmine! Hey! I see TWO Sleeping Doody's!"

John, sensing this interest was in fact a hidden request to join their ranks, decided to sign her up for her own session when we came for her birthday this year. When he told me about it, I doubted it would work out.

"John, she's never even worn make-up. You know how she is with new things. What if she says no or throws a fit?"

"I know my girl. She'll love it."

"But the dresses cost so much! And she already has a closet full of dress up clothes.... I don't think-"

"Jen, it's for her birthday. Let's not talk money. Remember, she's not getting a party. Just relax."

Mind you, this was before we actually booked the party at Candy-topia. I finally talked him down from the full on makeover and settled on some face paint, a hair design, and nails, figuring if she freaked out, the sixty dollar fee would be less to moan over than the one-fifty. (That's right. There's a Benjamin involved in that amount.. Scream all you want in rage. I can't hear you anyway. YOUR coworkers may wonder...) (Oh, and that's not the most it can go. I saw some amounts climb over two hundred depending on the accessories the parents were talked into..)

When Halloween came and went, John and I traveled to the Disney Store to see if any costumes were left over, scoring a beautiful, if extravagent, Cinderella bridal gown for less than seventeen dollars, (down from fifty) (Of course I had to tell you that!) thinking this would be the dress she would wear for her turn as a Princess.

Then November arrived with the pre- Black Friday sales and I saw a Rapunzel dress hanging in the toy aisle at Target. Half off. I grabbed it. (And paid. I'm honest, people.)

So, that fateful morning of December 4th, right before we made our way to the boutique, John and I dangled two carrots in front of Sprite, a lush Cinderella ball gown, or a cute, if more simple, Rapzunel dress.

She picked Rapunzel. (That's my girl.)

Somewhere in the back of my mind, I still worried about how she would react once we reached our destination. Would she go with the flow? Would she yell at the poor woman in charge of her hair the way she yelled at me every morning including THAT SAME MORNING "Mommy! You're hurting me! Ow! Don't do it so hard!" And that was before I touched her with a brush. Would she cringe and shy away from her stylist, or the camera? 

 

I really need to shut my inner voice up sometimes.

She loved it. She loved every second of it, from the moment we entered the salon and she was shown to her own throne (complete with booster seat) amid a sea of other little girls receiving the same services, fawned over by attendants and parents alike, called "Princess" by the circling photographer who captured every step of the transformation (and saved it all on a Photopass card so we could pay for it later if we wanted) (nope, had John documenting it himself and even getting into a little stand off with the Disneyrazzi on who would get the better shot of his little girl). My mother and father had joined us, interested in seeing Sprite's reaction, as stunned as I was that she was even playing along, as delighted as John was that she was enjoying it.

Sprite was already wearing the Rapunzel dress when we walked in, a more economical version of the deluxe frock that was currently out of stock in the boutique due to the high demand, so she stood out a little compared to the three Sleeping Beauties, two Snow Whites, and a downright dour looking toddler Belle, who scowled all the way through her beauty session.

One mother came over to me, fresh off a spree in which she had outfitted her daughter with an Ariel outfit, the gloves, the delux crown, shoes, and even a stuffed Sebastion. (Remember what I said about two hundred dollars? There you go.) "I absolutely love her dress. We were told they were sold out. Where did you FIND it?" she asked, gesturing over to Sprite, who was still blissed out during her treatment.

I leaned in close with a smile. "Target. Half off. Nine bucks."

Her mouth dropped open, half in the shape of awe that mothers share when hearing of a great deal, half in "Why didn't I think of that?"(which most parents don't assume that if you provide your own dress, Disney will gladly pull out all the stops anyway)

But I wasn't there to gloat. (That much.)

I was there to watch my little girl transform from a four year old into a birthday beauty.

 

And maybe catch a few pointers on how they contained all that hair.. (The secret is prayer. Lots and lots of prayer.)

Throughout the session, she kept trying out a wink, something she had picked up from one of us, testing it whenever John came in close with the lense. "No, honey. Don't wink. Just smile."

She toned it down so John could take a final picture of her, fresh off her transformation.

 

I barely recognized her, this royal confection that had been handed back to us.

Of course,once we stepped outside to head to her birthday party, she turned for one more picture.

 

Now THERE'S my Sprite.

(And she got the wink down too..)

(All pictures taken at Downtown Disney. I was not paid in any way by Disney for telling you about this, otherwise I would probably not have included the tip on bringing your own duds and denying Disney extra money.)

(FYI- there's a reason the Target dress only cost $18.00, never mind my 50% discount: the dress made it through some rough wear at the party, but as soon as we got back to our hotel room, I noticed a long tear along the seam in the waistline. It's been handed over to my mother for hopeful repairs so Sprite can continue to play in it at home, but if it doesn't make it? Meh. Still worth it. And we got some great pictures.)

Hopes for a hack-free holiday

Dear mother of a little girl who happens to be in my daughter's dance class,

When your child, yes, she's very cute, happens to walk out of class during the midpoint, again, nice tutu, where did you get it?, and climb onto your lap, really? you only spent how much on it?, claiming she's not feeling good, wow, you got a great deal!, and the teacher echoes her statements with concern, and her hair is so perfect and shiny, you must spend time on it, and then you chime in that you think she's registering a fever, absolutely beautiful little girl you have there, and was home from school the day before, love her hairbows by the way, DO NOT SEND YOUR MOST LIKELY HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS GERM SPREADER BACK INTO CLASS TO INFECT THE REST OF THE MONKEYS!

Thanks,
Another concerned mom

PS- Love your purse!

 

This is what four looks like.

 

To say this picture takes my breath away is an understatement. Years later, when I look back on snapshots of Sprite's youth, this picture will most likely remain on the cover page of my mind's eye.

The impish light in her eyes, the challenging downturn of her chin, the smile that isn't quite there since she's still not sure if she wants to turn on the full wattage, the confident lean of her torso, the wild hair she chose for herself after dismantling her braid because she wouldn't be contained by what her mother thought was proper, the hint of baby still in her cheeks to tease at yesterday, the growing legs and feet to remind you of tomorrow yet to come.

This is four years old.

(Taken on the main staircase of Disney's Grand Floridian Resort)

RTT: Trying to contain the awesome.

They say genius is 1% inspiration, 99% perspiration. Here's your 1%. Someone needs to invent a sauce that could accompany sandwiches or chicken or even salads, you know, something that just brings the taste factor out of the ordinary and into the "pass the sauce!" category. And they need to name it "Awesome". Think about it. A bottle of Awesome on the grocery store shelves will have you thinking twice before reaching for the A1. A bottle of Awesome in your pantry will have your guests reaching for that instead of the chipotle mayo-relish mixture that SOUNDED good at the time, but come on, what can compete with Awesome? (And of course, over time, as the brand branches out, you can come up with more flavors of Awesome which would finally give credence to one of my favorite sayings, "That's just five different kinds of awesome right there.")

Imagine the way it would sound: "I'll have the Awesome wings." "Oh, can you put the Awesome on the side for mine?" "Pansy."

Just think about the money that would make! (And think about giving me a cut since I came up with it.)

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Four year old logic is helping to fill the bathtub by placing a bucket under the running faucet so you can pour that water into the same basin collecting it. (Sprite did this four times before giving up to spend more time with her Nemo tub toys, claiming, "Mommy, the water is too SLOW.")

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When vacationing in Disney World, one should be aware of any tapings going on. Silly us, we didn't pay attention, or actually, ABC didn't confirm with our schedules since our stay had been booked for over a YEAR, so surprises galore came about when one of my friends who was joining us for a Weekend of Awesome, texted me with the news that the Magic Kingdom was going to be completely packed on Friday and Saturday morning due to the parade and concert they were pretaping for Christmas Day. (Oh, sorry, you didn't know that the live parade wasn't actually live? Us Jews are always ruining Christmas, aren't we?) So, of course, finding out about the impending arrival of several Disney stars like a certain Cyrus, a few Jonas's, a pregnant Mariah Carey, and a postpartum Celine Dion, (hormones galore!) we naturally wanted to stay AWAY from the craziness that typically surrounds a celebrity sighting. (Having worked at Disney for 2 years, I did happen to meet and help a lot of celebrities back then, so I remember how nutty people can be when you hear "Holy shit! That's Tom Cruise! He's a movie star!" Someone else's words, not mine. The fact that the star simply smiled, chatted amiably, and posed for a picture, signing autographs until the fan was satisfied made him stay on my good side even throughout the whole couch jumping thing on Oprah..)

Meeting with my folks at Epcot for lunch and some park sightseeing, (Epcot is quickly becoming John's and my favorite park) we veered toward the Finding Nemo attraction which includes a ride and the well liked "Mommy, I'm going to ask Crush a question!" Turtle Talk. After the ride, which we ended up being stuck on for 10 minutes, turns out Crush gives the "uh oh" speech on that one too, we finished up with Turtle Talk (she didn't get picked and was bummed) and stopped at the gift shop to buy her a mood lifter in the shape of Nemo tub toys. (Yes, they would be the afore mentioned bath bling.) As John was paying at the register, my parents and I kept track of Sprite in the store.

Suddenly, a cast member came over and asked me to leave. What? I was being kicked out of an attraction? Gasp! Had they read my blog? (Funny where vanity rears its head. Mine comes into play when I think I'm in trouble.) But no. They were kicking my folks out too. And other folks neither related to us or even parked in the Pluto section. John joined us outside, saying the same cast member had approached the cashier and told her to finish John's transaction and close down her register.

The Nemo building was 101. (Disney talk for the ride is non-operational.) (They probably don't want you to know that..) (Forget I mentioned it..) (I should probably just erase the line itself and that would alleviate the need for all these parentheses..) (Nah.)

I did stop on the way and asked a greeter standing there if this was the only attraction closed down since I wanted to a. rule out other possible destinations if they weren't open and b. rule out a bomb threat. "As of right now, yes" was the cryptic answer I received.

We were ushered out about fifty feet to where they roped off all entrances of the attraction and executives joined the greeters and operators to stand just outside the building, buzzing about with importance, and aggravating the parents who were trying to get little Billy in to share some face time with Dorie.

Discussing amongst ourselves what could possibly have shut down such a tame attraction, we ended up talking to another couple who brought up the celebrity factor, maybe they were touring the attraction and wanted it all to themselves. But I quickly dismissed it. Disney is known for catering to celebrities, but they're also known for not forgetting about the average Joe. They wouldn't normally shut down a big draw for a visiting A-lister. They may be backdoor-ed, sure, why should they wait on line with the rest of us, but no one is that special.

Wait, I take that back. Back in the day, I wasn't working that shift and didn't hear about it until I came in later that afternoon, Michael Jackson was visiting Disney MGM Studios and his security team asked for the Great Movie Ride to be shut down so he would be the only one in the building. Disney said no, but did agree to send out an empty tram in front of him and an empty tram in back of him so he would get in and out and no one would be the wiser. Of course, he decided he wanted to ride again, and made such a scene both entering and exiting, by the end of his ride, everyone in the immediate area knew exactly who was riding through the Tarzan scene.

Anyway, moving on about our day, we kind of forgot about it until I spoke to another friend who mentioned that their attraction had also been shut down for taping in line with the parade.

Now THAT would shut an attraction down. Turning off all the rides and whatevers would be required to get sound working on a production. Now, it makes sense.

I wonder if they got any footage of us as we were escorted out..

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I made a double batch of turkey chili this weekend so we could freeze some for a future meal (or five.) (It's awesome chili..) and while reaching for a can of pinto beans in the pantry, I spotted a can with "p" on it, grabbed it thinking I had scored my want, and opened it. The orange mush greeting me was in fact "pumpkin puree". Great. I had bought the can, (next year, I will totally make my own puree based on the Pioneer Woman's recipe) intending to use it right before Christmas for some spicy treats. Knowing it wouldn't keep for 2 weeks, green fuzz is pretty but poisonous, I had to find a quick use for it. Pumpkin bread recipe!

So, on Sunday, as the cold front rolled into Southwest Florida, I filled my kitchen with the lovely scent of bakery awesomeness.

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I knew I would miss the Spin Cycle the most when Secret Santa rolled around again. And it is here. But, I got an email from Kate over at Recommended Daily Dose, asking my permission to continue it over at her site.

Happily agreeing, and signing myself up, (I've got my assignment!!) I am now joining in on this year's 3rd Annual Holiday Shout Out!

If you're missing the Spin Cycle, then don't miss this. Add your favorite five blogs to an email and let Kate know you want in. This was truly my favorite Spin Cycle assignment ever, and with someone else capably taking on the responsibility, I get to turn in my assignment and find me some new blogs to love without the guilt.

Awesome.

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I will be posting some of John's awesome pictures that he took around the Disney grounds, some of Sprite, some of me, some of grandparents frolicking on the picture perfect greenery and completely ignoring the "Stay off the grass" signs. Those rebels. I will also be labeling these pictures with the locations they were captured in so you can see some of the beauty most people completely ignore when charging toward Dumbo without looking down at how much attention to detail the World really does give.

I also happened to notice during our stay that Disney is growing on to the increasingly popular "unstaged photography" that is captured oh, so brilliantly by people the likes of boondock ramblings,  coconut belly, and bex. The Disney folks will offer to take your picture on one of their beaches or on the grounds of the hotel where the agriculture is lush and the natural light is more flattering than a studio setting. For a price.

(We actually saw a few of these sessions going on during our own playtime at the Grand Floridian Resort.)

But, honestly? Bring your own camera, whether it's a SLRWGDUSND or point and shoot, take a few hours out of your day and explore the one of the resorts on the Monorail Mile, there are so many beautiful settings you will just STUMBLE upon where you can set up and take beautiful shots. Then crop it at home and you can have such awesomeness in a frame, you wouldn't even know it was taken at Disney World. (Until you open your credit card bill a month later. "Oh, yeah...") Provided you frame it. Can I tell you how many gorgeous photos are just sitting in my computer's memory right now waiting to be appreciated by more than just John and me?

Of course, one of the main reasons for awesome today is Keely, the AWESOME Un Mom who selflessly gives up her site every week to us gate crashers. Head on over and say hi before hitching a ride with another RTT'er.

And make sure you use "awesome" in a sentence today. You'll be cooler to the kids and slightly whippersnapperish to the older set..

Just Add Sugar

Sprite wasn't going to have a birthday party for her fourth.

Our Disney vacation had been in the plans for almost 2 years, saving and budgeting so we could truly enjoy it without worry of ending up with a souvenir sponsored by Citibank. Knowing the trip would be about two weeks after her birthday, we decided early on that we would skip the party and just add a few extra treats to our stay, maybe decorating her room or buying her a cake with a Princess on it so she could celebrate right in the middle of magic.

Now, being Seasonal Pass holders, we see emails from Disney all the time for rate reductions, discounts on restaurants, tips on cost cutting. Back in August, we saw an email offering 40% off of rooms for Pass Holders. We called to get in on the deal since we had already bought and paid for the room at the Contemporary Resort, one of Disney World's deluxe resorts. (Again, I feel like I need to defend our extravagance by saying we saved for TWO YEARS.) Fortunately for us, they provided us with a discount which freed up about four hundred bucks. (Do the math and figure out how much the room would have cost for 4 nights..)

We happened to mention to some friends back in the summer that we were planning to take Sprite to Disney World's Very Merry Christmas Party, which took place on Friday, December 2nd. Small world, they were taking their two boys, friends of Sprite, that same night. Making plans to meet up, some more friends got word of the event and jumped on board. Soon, we had 6 families intending to make the journey from Fort Myers to Orlando to celebrate together.

Also, around September, birthday season in Sprite's Pre-K class began and she started asking about her own birthday party. John and I hemmed and hawed, what would we say to her? How would a kid know she was still getting a good deal by eschewing a party for some more prime time with Mickey Mouse?

I got it into my head that we could possibly set aside some time the day after the Very Merry party for a little cake and playtime with her friends at the Contemporary Resort. Making some calls, that plan was quickly canceled when the reservations attendant gave me a minimum quote of six hundred dollars to reserve one of their small conference rooms, and that didn't count food and drink. Um, no. She's four, not a Fortune Five Hundred up and comer.

Realizing what I was looking for, the attendant recommended Goofy's Candy Company, a sweets store in Downtown Disney. The price for 12 kids (including the birthday girl) would be $365.00 and would include an hour and a half of games, prizes, candy, decorating cupcakes, more candy, slushies of questionable syrupy origins, and, of course, candy. AND it would be controlled by four hosts, which meant the parents could simply drop their kiddies off and bolt for the doors for some down time.

Normally, I would balk at the amount for a birthday party, I mean, where's the bounce house?, but realizing that this would be a once in a lifetime opportunity to have most of her good friends, kids she actually plays with on a daily basis, in such a cool spot, and oh, yeah! We got some of our money back on the hotel! Just enough to cover the birthday party! Score one for the best parents ever!

I booked it.

 

From start to finish, first piece of candy to last bite of cake, the guests got to play, interact, be themselves without those pesky parents nearby. (You may think 3-5 is too young to kick out the 'rents, but the kids were great.) (The parents were having drinks next door, so no worries about issues arising.)

 

I actually liked this game of Hot Potato in the fact that Sprite got kicked out third in the game. I know! The birthday girl didn't get to win! (The hosts asked me beforehand if it was okay to play the game fairly and I may have provided a snarky answer along the lines of "That's probably the worst thing that will happen to her this entire weekend. Go for it.")

 

The hosts kept time nicely, engaging the kids, calling them by name, (yes, name tags were handed out, but you know how kids are with stickers, soon the table is named Jadon and the chair now wants to be called Abigail.) smiling and playing with them, asking ME if I needed anything like they had all the time in the world to fetch me a cup of water when dude, there's thirteen kids in one room, something could EXPLODE at any time..

Yes, I will admit, two of the boys decided the middle of the floor would be a great place to practice some wrastling, and my friend Rachel stepped in and separated them as the hosts can only go so far, but the situation was quickly diluted and the boys had more candy thrown at them, so all was well. This also happened during the second of three trips to the bathroom I had to chaperone since, you know, the parents were celebrating their own 90 minutes of freedom, but I didn't mind. It did cement my appreciation for having a girl though. Supervising boys in the bathroom is like watching a glass hit the floor. All you can do is stand back until the glass stops flying, and then clean up.

 

Boys will be boys. (There may be a reason for why they sat so close to the fire extinguisher.) (And yes, the half a boy in green is the other one's identical twin. They're usually identified by a small almost invisible scar that is on one of the boys' foreheads from a fall he had over a year ago. So, it came as a giggle to all of us who know them when one of the hosts asked Jaron his name and he lifted his bangs as if that would explain everything. Seriously, four year old logic rocks.)

 

The boys weren't the only ones being mischievious. (Hi, Lilli!)

 

Thirteen children, all of them endeared to my heart, having a wonderful time that wasn't going to happen in the first place.

 

And one ecstatic birthday girl, who may never have a birthday like this again. Sure, we'll celebrate her birthday every year with a party or something that will be solely about her, but this year? THIS year?

Magic happened.

(Oh, the princess thing? That's a story for another day..)

(Disclaimer: I was not paid anything by Disney for mentioning Goofy's Candy Company, the price, or the activities. I have the receipts to prove it. I am simply including the details because it provides for a good back story. And I'm done.)