The end of the innocence

Tonight is the night...tonight is the night when my children will lose part of their naivete and that pure and trusting innocence that we as parents cherish and protect so dearly.

It will all begin with the same question we have been avoiding during past dinners around the dining room table: So... is Santa real?

It is a simple question, quite easy to answer. But it is, at the same time one that comes full of meaning and contradictions. It means that us parents have to admit that we have been lying to them for 8-9 years...it means that the magic of Christmas will not be quite the same for them/us anymore...it means that we will never see that sparkle in our boys' eyes when they thought they saw Santa's sleigh in the sky...it means that they will never ask me again about that time when I was a little girl and I was convinced I saw Santa's boot outside my front door.

It means my children, my little children are not so little anymore...

I am sad to admit that they will lose some of their innocence tonight, but I am happy with what it meant for them to believe in Santa Claus, and the reindeer and all the magic behind it all. For one thing I am sure of: it sthenghtened the roots for their faith. It was the very beginning of believing in someone who was not real. And that paved the road to believing in God and in prayer.

Tonight my children will grow up, but to be human beings with treasured memories, whom someday will pass on their own traditions to their children. I am sure they will be asked over and over again about that time when they saw Santa's sleigh. And they will tell the story while in their hearts there will still be that conviction that they saw it for sure. As I told mine wishing to believe it was true.

Carmen

Ceci Chile brochure

What life is all about...

Every now and then life faces you with a moment of realization- or questioning- of its real meaning. In my case it has happened more often in my 30s than ever before and I realized that it is because I am finally defining myself as a woman and human being.

For a long time I have been"shaped and molded" into the person I am going to be when I grow up. All the mistakes made, the good and bad choices, the people met and the friendships made. The multiple jobs, self taught endeavours and accomplished tasks. The leaps of faith, and brave choices believing in a change for good (like moving to a different country for example). They have all had a major role in who I am today, for better or for worse.

The good thing is that I am pleased! I came to a point in my life where I know what I like and what I don't like.

I decided to keep my life simple: Family, friends, traditions and a good cup of tea, snuggled under a cozy quilt, make me the happiest woman ever.

Nothing else matters. Live life the way you lkike to live it and give until it hurts.

Salud,
Ceci

Party at Applecrest

What a great party! Thank you Todd and Jen for opening your warm house to us last night. The Beef a la Maryland was delicious and so were the appetizers, side dishes and yummy treats.

Peter, you did a wonderful job in keeping the "magic alive". Justine, what can we say. So glad you got the special gift and not us!! Linda, so sorry for the loss of the moose, but I must say it was a funny move on Tami's part. Fun ending for a fun game.

We wish everybody a very mery Christmas and a healthy, happy and successful 2008.

Don't forget to check the photos from last night and an excerpt of Santa's visit.

Feliz Navidad!
The Crosbie-Villasecas

Here's a short video of Santa's visit to Applecrest. Good job Santa!!!