Queen Kelley

We have yet to celebrate Thanksgiving officially, but already I feel the Christmas spirit. It’s appropriate, I think, even now before we consume the turkey and dressing. To me, Thanksgiving is all wrapped up in Christmas and vice versa. They complement each other. Anyway, I am starting the season with a bang—taking my girls for repeated viewings of Christmas trees at the local Wal-Mart and Lowe’s, letting them push the buttons on the ridiculous animated toys as many times as they wish, and promising to add their latest toy request to the mythical “Christmas list.” (I know. I’m Supermom. Admit it: you’re jealous.)

It’s not only about them, though. I have found my favorite flavor of the holidays, and it’s delivered by Chic-fil-A. The peppermint chocolate chip milkshake is DIVINE. First, it’s pretty. Red-pink and thick, with flecks of dark chocolate and a creamy whipped topping spiral. Second, it’s seasonal. I’m not a regular consumer of peppermint (unless you count my mouthwash), and it never fails to remind me of Christmas. Third, and most important, it’s simply delectable. You take a sip, and it cools your entire throat all the way down to your stomach, where it settles comfortably. It’s not only cold; it’s minty fresh. Then there’s the added bonus of the chocolate bits, which mingle well with the mint. If you have any inclination toward peppermint, I’d recommend this milkshake. It’s like drinking a Peppermint Patty, only sweeter.

I have also found my favorite sounds of the season, and they come from the voices of the gorgeous Harry Connick, Jr., and the equally adorable Kristin Chenoweth. Harry’s What a Night! finds me jumping off the couch to dance around the room with my girls. As always, he combines traditional carols with upbeat secular songs and a few original compositions, and it’s ALL fabulous. This is his third Christmas album, and it’s another unique contribution to the group. Kristin’s A Lovely Way to Spend Christmas is exactly that. As I’m not familiar with most television shows these days, I don’t know Kristin from The West Wing or Pushing Daisies. No, I first heard her voice on the soundtrack for Wicked the musical, where she sang the part of Glinda the Good. Her vocal stamina is evident on every song she sings for Wicked, ranging from a nasally twang to high opera. On the Christmas album, her singing is sweet as sugar, smooth and warm and inviting. Both Harry’s and Kristen’s holiday recordings have me seeing visions of sugarplums and twinkling tree lights, though neither are in my home just yet. (What are sugarplums, anyway?)

So here you have it: my Christmas kickoff. Go get yourself a peppermint chocolate chip milkshake from Chic-fil-A (it’s never too cold for ice cream), wrap yourself in a blanket, and listen to Harry and Kristin while you drink a a little Christmas. I guarantee it’ll put you in the spirit.

In the spirit of a friend, I thought I’d write a so-long note to the rapidly depleted bounty my daughters raked in a couple of weeks ago.

Dear Halloween Candy,

I always knew we’d reach this point, but somehow I didn’t think it would come so fast. I mean, there was so much of you, and only one of me. Who could have known how quickly I’d consume you? Who could have realized how fleeting our time would be? You came in so many delectable forms—candy corn, Skittles, Laffy Taffy, Smarties, and, my favorites, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Snickers, and Butterfingers. I will never forget the powerful sweetness you delivered immediately, or the surprising way you left me always wanting more. I must be honest, though. Your hold over me was not entirely innocent. You drove me to do unimaginable things, like refuse candy to Butterfly while sneaking some for myself when she wasn’t watching, or consume six Hershey’s Kisses in a row, or eat three little bags of candy corn in one fell swoop. You could have been less overpowering, you know, and taught me more about delayed gratification. Instead, you chose to control me, and I let you. You’re nearly gone now, and I suppose I will get along without you. At least you gave me the dignity of keeping a few extra pounds. I think I’ve said enough to you, Halloween Candy. So go. Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine. After all, Christmas Candy is already on the store shelves….

Until next year, I remain your beloved Queen Kelley.

My brilliant, energetic, creative, and beautiful older daughter, my sweet Butterfly, turned four years old this morning at 8:37. Few words can describe what it’s like to be a parent and watch your baby grow before your eyes. Right now, at four, this is Butterfly.

FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: reading books with a beloved grownup, listening to stories, playing with her assortment of Barbie and Disney Princess dolls, creating artwork from various mediums, sculpting scenes in her sandbox, “flying” around the backyard, attending dance class and preschool and mission friends, playing with Ladybug and pals, enjoying a good meal, spending time with her grandparents and aunt

FAVORITE FOODS: most sweets (she’s just like me in that respect), pizza with black olives, baked ziti, black bean and beef tacos (with plenty of cheese), fuji apples, goldfish crackers, pancakes with syrup 

FAVORITE SONGS: several selections from the Wicked musical soundtrack, “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star,” “I See the Moon and the Moon Sees Me”

MOST PRIZED LOVEY: still Mickey Mouse!

DISLIKES: brushing her teeth, washing her hands, having her hair washed (really anything involving hygiene, but we make it work); going to my work office with me; suffering through a trip to Wal-Mart when she isn’t allowed to look at the toys; cleaning up

FAVORITE BIBLE STORIES: the tale of Joseph, the tale of Moses, Jesus’ birth

These few things certainly can’t summarize my oldest daughter, but they offer a clue into her personality these days. Passionate about being independent but shameless about whining for assistance with the most basic tasks, adoring of Ladybug and impatient with her little sister’s carelessness, overwhelmingly loving and alternately hateful, amazingly creative—that’s our girl. And I wouldn’t trade her for the world. Happy birthday, Butterfly!

[The cake in the photo above was made by my incredibly talented best friend, Monica. Butterfly was able to celebrate her birthday at a double party Saturday that included Monica's daughter. The two girls were born nine days apart and have been friends basically since birth. Our party welcomed both girls and boys as fairies and Indians to the Neverland of our backyard. The children had a fabulous time!]

This morning, I dropped the girls at their preschool and Mother’s Morning Out programs and drove a mile or two down the road to vote. My precinct was nearly empty, so I happily breezed in and out. Seeing those choices on the screen magnified the significance of the day. As my friend so eloquently put it, I felt humbled and grateful for my right to vote—won by the sacrifices of many through the years, including the women who strongly advocated for a choice at the polls. I also felt a bit guilty that I wasn’t more educated about the various races and the amendments presented on my ballot. Honestly, I’ve found it difficult to keep up with specifics and to discern the truth behind what people say. I suppose that’s difficult for us all. I wasn’t the most prepared voter, but I still accepted my responsibility and made the best choices I felt I could make.

Ultimately, I believe our country will survive no matter who wins the election—at any level. The way it will survive is another matter, of course, and I have my strong opinions. However, I admit that it is comforting to hear highly intelligent and passionate individuals on either side express their preferences. To me, it means that either way, we’re going to be okay.