Wii Love

It's not big news to most of you that my family has and looooooves the Nintendo Wii. After my first Ambassador post it seemed the entire world wanted to know if in fact the photos of our party were even real. Like anyone would make this up. Because of my Ambassadorship we get lots of great games to check out and with each one we've tried, there is someone in the house that takes a liking to it.

For our latest go round, we got to test drive the new Wii Boogie for The Parent Blogger Network and let me tell you, my daughter has been dancing and singing ever since. And she does not sing so, it's a pretty big deal. Her karaoke schedule has changed slightly since school has started but the last days of summer began with early morning Wii Boogie sessions. I'm not kidding. I have photos to prove it,



That's my 9-year-old in her PJs, bedhead and all, doing her thang at 8am.

I might not have been able to say that I'm all that hip to hearing pop music streaming through my house in the ungodly hours of the morning but when you're talking classics from The Jackson 5, it's not as bad as it seems.

Because I'm not too big a karaoke fan/choreographed dancer myself and my youngest would rather be knocking people out playing the Wii boxing game, my oldest plays solo unless my husband is in a mood and then he'll dig up some crazy 80's song and go nuts. It's happened.

Her friend did come over yesterday and they had quite a time of it. As his mother and I sat in another room catching up, we heard a pretty hilarious round of "a little bit of Carla in my life, a little bit of Monica by my side..." Not bad for a 10-year-old. Heck, not bad for a 40-year-old either.

From what the other moms are saying, Wii Boogie is a hit in other homes too. Read all about the dance antics at The Parent Blogger's Wii Boogie post.

Are Wii Fit Yet?

Nintendo threw a fit at my house last night. A Wii Fit that is.



After our little personal training session, Wii are all still smiling. I think that's a good sign.

Since I'm just a beginner I won't try to act like a pro and review it just yet. I do however plan on giving Fit a try to see what happens. God knows, I could use a little Fit in my life. I'm not an exercise kind of gal so it should be entertaining if nothing else. And I plan on sharing my progress. Did I really just say that out loud?

If you'd care to join me in having your own Fit (Wii Fit hits the stores at the end of the month) you are going to be very excited when I tell you that there is a giveaway in the making as we speak. Something along the lines of this one but with a photo twist.

More on that soon. Very soon. Wii pinky swear.


I think this post Fits nicely under the Thursdays Theme of FUN over at The Land of Ka. Sure, it may be Friday but Wii partied on Thursday so it's gotta count, right?

Can Wii Talk?

Hi I'm Tracey and I'm a Nintendo Ambassador. (Grumble grumble. Hi Tracey. Grumble) Huh? I know. Pretty random. For those of you who don't know, I'll make a long story short here and say, Nintendo hosted what they called a Family Wiiunion for the Clark Family. I wrote about it here and here if you want the scoop. From what I can tell, everyone and then some have already read about it and if your growing bored of the subject, feel free to click elsewhere. I'd understand. However, I am not yet finished talking about it.

I'm a family photographer and a writer of motherhood books and blogs, and until now, had yet to see a flood of concentrated attention like what I've experienced of late. The irony? It's all come from gamers. Not mothers. Gamers. Who knew? I'll tell you who knew. Nintendo did.

When I agreed to hold an "Ambassador" title for Nintendo (which I tried to decline until my husband made me do it), I signed up to do nothing other than let them come into my home and throw my family and I a big shin-dig so that we could try out their new, not yet released gaming system, Wii. That's all. Of course they knew about my involvement in a vast motherhood community and my blog (that is how they found me, in case you wondered) and quickly discovered my innate ability to talk for days on end about things I am passionate about. I'm guessing they chose me because of these things. But, the point is that I am not under contract to say or do anything for them now that the Wiiunion has come and gone. No reviews, no blog posts, no plugging of their products. They knew that they we're going to provide for my family and myself a fantastic experience and that we (me and the 35 people that were here at the party) we're going to have so much fun, that we couldn't not talk about it! And that's exactly what happened. A good, no, a great experience. They were thinking way beyond the product here. They’ve accomplished encompassing a bigger picture and that, is smart business.

No sooner than I hit "publish post" (the day after the party) did I begin getting gamer traffic from a site called Infendo who, from what I can tell, were the first to find my photos and my post. I was like, "Oh, wow. Cool. Look at that." And then as it "made the front page of digg.com" as one gamer commented, I was like, "Holy *bleep*! I guess this is a bigger deal that I realized." As I have clicked around the gamer sites I have for the most part been impressed by how it's all been handled, how I have been represented. Within these stories I've been called a non-gamer, a photographer, a writer, a blogger, soccer-mom (although my kids don't pay soccer, I'm OK with the title), a "normal"- hmm, all of which are pretty accurate and quite respectful and I appreciate that. My favorite I think was "a pretty classy bird" which has a nice ring to it. Oh sure, here have been a few disturbing things said but I suppose that all comes with the territory.

From all of this, what has surprised me the most is the controversy over Nintendo's strategy to market to the mothers. How on earth this could be considered a bad move on any big business' part is beyond me. Anyone with half a business brain knows who does the much of the family decision making and, um, the shopping. Didn't we have a little feather ruffling discussion about this at BlogHer? Didn't we Mom-101? You got my back here girl? And from the staggering number of people who have read my Wii party post I can't imagine anyone could argue with it. Sure many of the readers were gamers but everyone's heard of the ripple effect. Nintendo knew exactly what they were doing. Smart move. Well done.

It's not rocket science when figure you crack the code that the average consumer wants an "experience", namely, a good experience of, about, or around either buying or considering the purchase of big ticket items. That goes for everything from games to homes. Realtors don't bake fresh chocolate chip cookies during a home's Open House for nothing. I mean I don't get the warm fuzzies when I buy "Snuggle" fabric softener but I'm sure that choosing a name like that was a smart marketing decision because although I don't get snuggly, somewhere in my breain, I might think I do. And when I heard about the Wii (Hello everyone, it's called Wii-sounds like WE- for a reason) and the idea that it's a system that families can enjoy together, I listened. And when Nintendo came and gave my family and I an unforgettable experience like they did, not one person left without having a very strong positive feeling about Nintendo. And then comes word of mouth (and blog), and before you know it, I'm in line for my Wii with all my mom friends. Something, by the way, I would have NEVER considered buying before now. But big deal. I'm only one person. But I'm a mom, see? And moms talk. And moms have a direct line to The North Pole at Christmas. Moms have to hear their 12 year old children (the future gamers of the world) begging for the next best video game until their ears bleed. Moms tie and untie the purse strings. How much clearer does it have to be? Moms are spending the money in families.

Do I like being a targeted consumer? Not always. In this case? Sure, why not? But that's not the issue here. The point isn't making a right or wrong issue out of it. It's recognizing it is what it is. Mothers are a force of consumerism yes, and also of activism, and of change. Better start getting used to it. We're not going anywhere...but forward.


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* and for more of my 15 minutes of gamer-fame click here and, um here...hello Washington Post.

The Nintendo Glow (Holiday Gift Ideas, Round 2)

It’s no secret than in just over a year my family has gone from non-gamers to total gamers. Nintendo gamers that is. I wouldn’t have believed it if you’d have told me that last September before we hosted our Wii party. No way. I did not expect to be won over--but I have been, by not only the folks behind Nintendo but by the products! The Wii has been a welcome addition to our family since we got it last Christmas. We still have regular family bowling or golf tourneys in our living room. No kidding. Unfortunately, the Wii is hard to come by again this year so I won’t be talking it up anymore. At least for now. I did however want to preface this post with a little bit of our Nintendo story.

One Nintendo product that is readily available this season (YAY!) is the DS Lite. Love, love, love it. I had never even heard of a DS before we were gifted a few last year (one for each of our girls) and now, I cannot imagine life with out these little wonders. I know, it’s so dramatic, like when people were like “you don’t have a cell phone? How could you live without a cell phone?” Yes, I was a cell phone hold out and was probably the last person in the free world to get one. Well, although the DS might not be as crucial to everyday life as a cell phone, when it comes to having the perfect babysitter at your disposal anytime of the day or night, it’s a close second. Not to mention it’s a lot more fun than a phone and no matter how long the kids are on it, there’s no cost for additional minutes. That’s saying something. Yes, I believe in electronic babysitters for my children. At least I know that when I’m on an important business call the only sound I’ll hear are the adorable little sound effects from the DS Lites.

Though I knew my oldest daughter would be able to play the handheld game with no problem, I was a bit concerned that my youngest might struggle. But, there was no point trying to keep it from her as anyone who has 2 kids knows, what the older one has, the younger one wants, no matter what it is. So for those first few months she just had fun scratching notes and sending them to her sister. Happy faces, hearts and the like. I know, how cool is it that you can play back and forth between 2 DSs?

And then we found Cooking Mama (thanks to a helpful gal at the EB Games)! I shop at game stores now—huh? It ended up being a perfect game for her even at the ripe age of 3 ½ and she’s still loving it a year later. And her sister does too.

What was not available back then was a fab game for the younger set but alas! Now there is Smart Girl's Playhouse which is a delightful game for the DS that really is meant for young ones. We just got it and she really enjoys it. They also offer Smart Boy's Gameroom for the boys in your life. The graphics are adorable and the variety of games is ample and perfectly age appropriate for little gamers-- challenging enough to keep busy minds occupied and simple enough to keep busy hands well, busy. Since many of you have little choice but to get the younger sibling a DS, now you know there is a game that is suitable for the age.

As far as the older kids go, well, I only have girls so I’m not sure what a favorite pick for the boys would be but for my 10-year old daughter it’s got to be Nintendogs, hands, er, paws down. Even I think it’s totally cool. There is a lot of reading involved, just so you know and although there are features that can be used (and figured out) without reading, a non reading gamer will need some help with it. It even takes the feature of playing between tow sets to a whole new level. Once we were at the post office waiting for over and hour for our Passports and my kids and 2 little boys who were also waiting played Nintendogs between each other (they had it too). They had a doggie playdate, traded dogs, and had a regular dog party while passing the time. That’s what I mean when I say babysitter.

So, what’s on the Christmas List this year? Mario Party DS and Cooking Mama 2 (dinner with friends) and I know those are 2 gifts that are going give back all year long!

Thank you, you cute little DS Lites. I love you.

Wii Made it to Oprah

Have you read the latest Oprah from cover to cover yet? Did you see Wii, er, me?




OK, so it might not be quite as glamorous as it seems but being in Oprah Mag is being in Oprah Mag any which way you look at it. At least that's the way I choose to look at it. And this is actually the second time. Yep. I had a letter to the editor published once. Boy, I've sure got some claims to fame now, don't I? Look out world. Not just anyone can say they've played the Nintendo Wii in Oprah. Ahem.

Red Carpet Recoup

So, last night was the "Red Carpet" Wii launch party at the new Boulevard3 in Hollywood. Yes, me and the hub were invited. I am a Nintendo Ambassador after all. Like how I throw that phrase around? I'm just trying to milk my gaming stardom for the next day or two because once the clock strikes twelve on Saturday night (and the Wii is available to the public) nobody and I mean nobody is going to give a doggone about my Ambassador status. Hell, nobody cares now, who am I kidding?

But, about last night...
I wish I had photos to share but I don't. I couldn't even find anything online. I wish I could drop names but I can't. Well, except Justin Timberlake (sans Cameron-damn!) and Mischa Barton (hubby swears he saw her) who count for two names. But hardly enough to mention. I wish I could tell you I fit right in, but I didn't. I wish I could tell you being surrounded by all that beautiful youth (in that bizarre twisted Hollywood way) didn't make me feel old, but it did. But I will tell you that it made me realize how perfectly content I am being who I am, young, old or otherwise. The "scene" is fun for about 10 minutes (OK, we stayed for 3 hours) but it's much more satisfying living my own scene; the chaos, creativity, challenges, and children that make my life rich and worthwhile. What am I telling you for? You already know because I'm certain that's how you all feel as well. We are in this Motherhood thing together and amidst all of it's absurdities, it's the best thing since Ms. Pac Man.

We did enjoy ourselves last night. Being invited to participate in Nintendo's master plan of the Wii System Launch has been nothing but a pleasure, as I have said a millions times before. And I think last night might have been the end of this zany, surreal, gaming story. But, um, I'll keep you posted.

Fit Photo Contest

Do you think you've got a photo that fits? If not, then nows the time to get clickin'.




Pop over to Shutter Sisters for a chance to win the Wii and the Wii Fit!

Cute Girl Stuff

My daughters have every little tiny girl toy known to the Universe. I’ve noticed that beyond an occasional Barbie boot or Polly Pocket accessory, most of their toys of choice are the non-human kind. If it’s not a Pretty Pony or Littlest Pet Shop, then it’s some sort of stuffed animal (beanie baby, Webkinz, whatevs. They’re not picky).

When I found out from The Parent Blogger Network that EA was coming out with the Littlest Pet Shop games for both the Nintendo Wii and the Nintendo DS Lite I was super-stoaked. That alone proves that I too am infatuated by all things Littlest Pet Shop. No, I’m not kidding. Those things are adorable! I would have LOVED this stuff as a kid just as I did all the little Hello Kitty loot I collected. Not much has changed. The tiny trinkets my girls love remind me of those days. It’s amazing that this many years later (I won’t give you specific years here) that this is still what many girls gravitate to. Now, toss in a little gaming action (the latest rage for girls) and you’ve got yourself a hit.

In other words, the girls love Littlest Pet Shop gone video game. We have both the DS Lite version for my 5 year old and the Wii for my 11 year old. You can never get enough, “Ah, look at how cuuuuuute!” delivered in high pitched squeal. I think it’s been really fun to see their furry little friends come to life and explore their happy little virtual homes. And I like kidding myself into thinking that maybe they won’t keep asking for a puppy for Christmas since they’ve got one on the TV. A mom can dream can’t she?

A Giveaway with Heart

Finally, the "story" that I mentioned in my last post. Ready?

OK. At this point, everyone knows I’m wild for Nintendo. My family loves the Wii, of course. And my girls have the DS Lite handheld numbers as well. More love. You’ve seen pictures and have heard stories already I know, but wait…there’s more.

Right before Christmas Nintendo threw my daughter and a bunch her friends an all girl, Dazzling Pokemon Spa Party. I know what you are thinking. How can Pokemon and Spa be used in the same sentence? Well, the answer to that makes perfect sense if you think about it from a clever marketing perspective. When gather a gaggle of 10-year-old girls together, hand them Pink DS Lites pre-loaded with dazzling games to play (the Pearl and the Diamond versions of Pokemon), sit them down comfortably on a big sofa and give them sparkle hair dos and ice cream pedicures well, then you‘ve got yourself a houseful of very happy (not to mention busy and beautiful) little girls. The moms we’re not overlooked either, oh no! We were encouraged to slip away to a quiet upstairs bedroom for a chair massage. Hello! Talk about needing to decompress--it was only a few days before Christmas so a little relaxation was welcomed, to say the least. The party was over the top awesome and everyone undisputedly had a blast.

The festivities of the evening were beyond generous enough but it gets better: Nintendo left us with an enormous goody bag full of party favors. And guess what I get to do with it? I get to GIVE AWAY THE GOODS!

So, here’s the deal—I’ve got a few Pink Pearl DS Lite systems and a handful and Pokemon games (some Diamond some Pearl) to give away and I would like you to help me put these gifts into the hands of kids that could really use them. In other words, this is not your ordinary random giveaway--this is more like a Random Act of Kindness Giveaway. I love the sound of that. I’m sure that there a whole lot of super kids out there that could use a little Nintendo glow to make their day! If we put our collective mother heads and hearts together we can make this giveaway count.

If you know of a child that would really benefit from some kindness, some distraction, some playtime, some generosity, some fun, please let me know. Of course, you are encouraged to post comments here and if you feel you have a worthy candidate for the Nintendo Kindness Giveaway, you can email me with the details at maypapers at yahoo dot com and put Kindness Giveaway in the subject line. The object would be to get these kids the games in time for Valentines Day because, it just seems fitting. And by all means spread the word because everyone loves a good giveaway and kindness is a good thing.

edited to add--

Thanks Jen Lemen for being an inspiration and a catalyst for kindness.