A Winter Wonderland Weekend

There is something magical about NYC at Christmas. It's cold, the decorations are beautiful, and Rockefeller Center looks like a winter wonderland. The hustle and bustle of NYC gets a little crazy and you feel like you are on a roller coaster most of the time, but it's always so much fun.

As I sit here and write this on my last day here in NY/NJ, I think back on the past few days I have had here in this wonderful place.

Last night I went to see the Christmas Spectacular starring the Radio City Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall. Not to mention that across the street was the Red Carpet premiere of Mission Impossible 2: Ghost Protocol. Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes walked the red carpet and the paparazzi were all over the place. I just wanted to get into Radio City.

When the show started, it felt like I was dreaming. Was I really sitting inside Radio City watching this show?? Some people dream of the day they can do this, and I have the opportunity to enjoy all these great things now. Thank you God for all these things you have given me.

Besides seeing the Rockettes, my favorite thing we did this past weekend was go into FAO Schwarz. What an awesome place. Real toy soldiers greeting you as you walk in the door, stuffed animals galore, and every Madame Alexander doll you would want.

I will miss NYC, because this past weekend definitely has been a Winter Wonderland...

Rosie the Elf

The Elf on the Shelf. The most amazing Christmas behavior plan and cutest idea ever invented. I have introduced this Elf to many families this year, I've held "Elf How-To" mini courses and given many ideas on where this Elf hides each night when it comes back from the North Pole.

Last night was one of the cutest experiences I have had with the Elf on the Shelf. This family has two kids, a boy and a girl, who are over the age of 7. They still believe in Santa, and really are in to this Elf. I introduced the Elf to them a few days ago, telling them that there is an Elf you can adopt from the North Pole, and the Elf watches over you during the day and then reports to Santa each night. When he comes back to your house before you wake up in the morning, the Elf is sitting somewhere in your house and it's your job to find him. BUT...don't touch him or he will lose his magic!

They were so excited to find two of their very own elves in the seats of the car when they went to school yesterday morning.

Last night, the kids and I named the Elves and "registered" them online through the North Pole. After they were officially adopted, I told them that they must carefully place the box they came in on the couch, opened, and the Elf would come out of it's box once they were asleep and report to the North Pole. I have never seen these kids go to bed faster in my life.

Their dad also bought a special skirt for the little girls Elf. I sure hope that Elf remembered to put it on...

Pilates is the New Gymnastics

I am so excited to be starting Pilates! One of the moms I babysit for has been going to Pilates for years and has been trying to get me involved. I have seen Pilates done before back in my gymnastics days, and know I will be able to do a lot of the skills, but I was still not so sure. I have been out of gymnastics for years and my flexibility is far from what it used to be!

I have been putting it off for awhile now because not only will I have to find time for it in my already packed schedule, but I do not like trying new things alone. So what a perfect opportunity it was for me to go to their Christmas party and get a great look into what it is all about! While having a glass of wine, nibbling on tasty hor'dourves, watching demos, and mingling amongst the instructors and clients, I felt a lot more comfortable after seeing Pilates in action.

After the night was winding down, I signed up for my first private lesson! I can't wait...and I know I will now become addicted to this world known as Pilates!

Love One Another

I remember when I used to teach Sunday school to a class of little toddlers. And a few years later, I moved to the infant room and sang songs about Jesus to these crying and smiling babies. I wasn't a good singer, but they didn't know this :)

Today I begin a new venture at church. I have been hired to be on the support team for the Special Friends ministry, a ministry of the church that guides children with special needs.

When I first started my job at The First Academy, I had no idea how my life would change. The doors that have been opened for me have been some of the best. And I thank God everyday for First Hope and the rewards it brings. So now, each Sunday morning I will teach bible lessons to children who just need a little extra care. "Love one another, as I have loved you" John. 13:34