When it's this cold out, simply saying "it's cold" is the ultimate understatement. Frigid, stupid chilly, gelidity, deep freezer, the Most Not-Warm Day Ever, etc. are better descriptors, but still don't get the whole "I'm freezing my identity off" conditions across. I often jokingly tell the kids "don't stick your tongue on anything metal today!" (we love A Christmas Story!). Having grown up in a home with metal ice cubes trays in the freezer, I know the hazard and bizarre circumstance of having a body part frozen to an inanimate object. Funny at first, but then "ou-ouch." And your instinct to pull away quickly - NOT GOOD. But it looks as though not everyone recognizes the danger: Triple Dog Dare Snares Another
We have a Magic Truck. It's a rusty '68 Chevy Camper Special, though nothing special to look at with it's faded calico yellow and rust paint, and dents and dings (compliments of my daughter's ongoing battle with the low stone wall at the end of our driveway), but it is truly magical. It can turn a dull summer night into a party at the drive-in. It has a horn with it's own agenda. It's engine rumble can set off car alarms, even at idle. It garners instant respect from those trying to cut into your lane and it's 2x60 AC system is the envy of the neighborhood. And it never fails to fire up, no matter what the temp.
But the most magical part? It's uncanny ability to select the perfect Christmas tree. For fifteen years, our truck has transported our family to tree lots and farms across the Midwest in search of the perfect Christmas accompaniment. No strapping a tree to the top of the Volvo for us! Each year on the day after Thanksgiving, rain, snow or shine, we tie a bright red Christmas bow on the grill, bundle the crew snugly, crowd into the drafty cab, and off we go. No matter what tree catches our eye on the lot, it is transformed while laying in the bed of the truck, snuggled between the wheel humps and the big spare tire. Big trees, squatty trees, trees with holes that weren't there before, trees with nests (uninhabited, much to our relief), Charlie Brown trees, and even fancy-schmancy Frazier Firs. No matter the tree, it was always perfect by the time we got home. Even this year's "maybe too short" tree looked at least a foot taller by the time we reached our driveway!Our Magic Truck is very forgiving, too. It cringed the year we splurged on an $85 "designer tree", but never made a peep when the tree dried up and dropped it needles weeks before Christmas. Once it transformed a scrawny little grocery store tree into a full and lush conifer splayed against the truck bed.
Maybe it's the brisk November air, the bumpy ride home, or the giggling little heads that keep turning to take a peek from the cab. Or maybe it's just magic. We love our truck and can't imagine Christmas without it.What makes your Christmas magical?
They want the latest, greatest video game. You want to make them happy. But do you ignore the label recommendations for age and content to make that Santa wish come true? According to a recent report by the The National Institute on Media and the Family (see their Video Game Guide HERE), most parents do. Violent and brutal games are extrememly popular, but studies show that violent games have an impact on our children's behavior. I'm lucky - we have a resident "insider" in our house. My daughter worked in the video game industry and was continually amazed at how easily parents would shrug off the age recommendation on the box and purchase a game with inappropriate content for the age of the child for which they were buying. Their choice, yes. But why not heed the label?My son laments that he is not allowed to play the first-person shooter and brutal war games that some of his friends play, but too bad. Real life is violent enough. Do you let your children play video games labeled for older children?
In fact, he'll be arriving at Oak Park Mall this Saturday morning at 10:00AM and KUDL will be on site to welcome him to Kansas City! (I hope he brings me that new Ducati motorcycle I've been dreaming about, and maybe some boots and a new pair of Converse). We may even need some help leading the parade around the mall.... Come out and say "ho ho ho!" I'd love to meet you. It's always great to put a face with a pair of ears. What's your favorite holiday tradition? How will you make this year special? Give us a call (913) 576-7981 between 5:30-9:00AM.
