Brett’s mom came over yesterday to hang out with the girls for a bit while I got some things done. Every year, she buys the girls a Christmas keepsake and writes on the bottom a little message with the year. Lainey’s not really into collecting anything besides random junk she loses anyway (broken Happy Meal toys, loose playing cards, straws, caps to lotion bottles–you know, the usual), but these keepsake gifts? She knows where they are at all times. She shows them to her friends. She pushes the buttons that make them play “Away in a Manger” over and over…and over.
So yesterday, the girls and Grandma were enjoying their bonding time when I heard Lainey’s blood-curdling scream, the kind that makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up and prompts an instinctive reaction of Bolt and Get to my Kid. I expected blood. “I thought a poisonous snake bit her,” my mother-in-law admitted later. Lainey ran to me, tears streaming, gasping hysterically. I scanned for an open wound, kissed her forehead, felt her little stomach jerking against my chest.
“Grandma….Grandma….(gasp, gasp),” she couldn’t finish.
“Grandma what? Grandma WHAT?” I insisted.
“Grandma touched the elf.”
And this is the point I admit–having an elf might very well @*!# up your kid.
Meanwhile, Brett’s poor mom was hovering in the background with that “what did I do?” look on her face, and I frantically planned the appropriate response while my still-gasping daughter buried her head into my shoulder and grieved the loss of her elf’s magic–because that’s what the book says happens if you touch your elf, and I never thought twice to make up our own rules.
I responded quickly and (ir)rationally. I held my girl on my hip, consoling her while I called the fake North Pole, talked to a fake Santa and followed his fake blow-by-blow instructions that may or may not have included chanting the magic words “Gingerbread, Gingerbread, Christmas Tree, Happy Santa” with our eyes closed and our heads turned away from Elfitty to restore his magic. And all the while, my mother-in-law watching and smiling–“you’ve got to be kidding me” clearly evident from her face.
“This is ridiculous,” Brett mumbled and laughed. And I know he’s right, but I wanted to save the magic. I mean, you should have seen her face with those donuts the other day. She smiles that crooked shy smile every morning when she finds him in a new spot, and there’s something so beautiful about the power of imagination–the ability of a really good story to add wonder and magic and tradition to our Decembers. But I also don’t want my kid to end up in Christmas therapy someday.
So we made new rules. The elf is our friend who, yes, can be found hiding in new spots every morning. But a book doesn’t make the rules for our family, and the only thing that’s lost its magic in our home is the overuse of a word like “magic.” So there.
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Latte was gone for over a week, staying with Gary who finally went back to Michigan yesterday, and my girl was so happy to have her dog back last night.
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We made a quick mid-day trip to the beach yesterday to get a photo I needed for a project.
Ladies and Gentlemen, please steer your eyes from the upper left quandrant back to the subject in the middle. Thank you.
And that was nice of those girls to offer a view from behind as well.
Loving the excitement that is growing for my friend’s baby–the little tag-a-long she wanted so badly.
On the way home, we found a unicorn–rather, a Christmas trolley sittin’ by his lonesome in a parking lot. He was calling our name. He might as well have been wearing a sign: “Christmas cheer inside.”
All aboard the Polar Express.
Her hair looks likes we’re moving, but we weren’t. We only tresspass abandoned trolleys, we don’t steal them.
We finished off with a car wash before heading home.
Why, hello there cute red bug. Not ours. But how cool if it was.
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I have a love/hate relationship with this face. Hate to see her sad; love that that little lip hasn’t lost its ability to curl up just like it did almost two years ago.
Cheer up, Charlie. Show me a smile.
And that’s how Christmas magic is reinstated after a small elf disaster. The End.
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Dashing Bee, that fabulous little online consignment shop, is back to sponsor–perfect time to stretch your dollars and still score some sweet new duds, toys, etc. for your kids for Christmas.
There are lots of quality brand names to choose from and a great variety of unique styles. Boys, girls, clothes, shoes, toys, maternity, accessories–you’ll find it all at Dashing Bee (or sign up to be a consigner and make some money!).
Use Code HAPPY5 for 5% off your order.
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And finally–a reader favorite, Darlybird, is back just in time for holiday shipping. Blending whimsical and vintage with chic and unique, Darlybird is stocked with an impressive selection of accerories for you and your kids as well as home goods, arts and crafts or that perfect party item that will have everybody talking (Bonjour, mon nom est nametags? Love).
Left: Oliver the Owl purse (the leather smells heavenly), Right: Key Lime Double-Strand Necklace
I love the way gifts look with Darlybird paper tape.
And this fanciful felt cottage purse (made from 100% wool by Fair Trade artists in Nepal) is so adorable, I can’t decide if we’ll use it for a tote or hang it somewhere in Lainey’s rooms for decoration.
The best part? Darlybird gifts are so fairly priced and, as always, every item in the shop has a creative and thoughtful description, worth some clicking around some afternoon. Need a last minute gift for your mom, your daugter or your son’s adorable wife? Try the Earring of the Month Club. Use Code FREESHIP30 for Free Shipping on orders over $30.
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We have some gift making to attend to today.
Oh my goodness, I didn’t even know about touching the elf. Guess we better read the book before next year, when our little one will be more aware…Thanks for the head up! Love the pouting Nella pics. I know it’s not fun to see them upset, but those faces are too precious for words. LOVE the trolley….how perfect. Glad you were able to save the Magic!!!
I LOVE the elf story!! I think there are going to be a lot of kids from this generation in Christmas Therapy, lol!!
Yes me too
Ada hasn’t had the attention span for the book and at 2 and a half she wouldn’t remember it anyway. Good to know about making up my own rules and the fake north pole phone call!
The beach pictures are cracking me up! A view from both directions, how thoughtful of them 😉
I don’t think it was ridiculous at all! I think it’s so important to keep the “magic” in their lives as long as possible. 🙂
Yep, love that paper tape!
OMG Kelle I seriously died laughing out loud at the Elf story. So classic…the lengths we go to to preserve the magic of the season. I love it. Have fun shopping today!
We’re still waiting for our Elf to make it from the North Pole…only hope Santa helps out with his transit before Christmas!
I love love love that owl purse! Have magical pre-Christmas fun
Poor Grandma, not knowing about the rules of Elfity!
Nella’s face cracks me up, especially because it is 100% the same as when she was brand-new!
P.S. Thank you for the beach photos…I now must go to the gym and repent for the cookies and wine I had last night.
Mom and Dad have all the power to keep Christmas magical. My parents restored the magic to me when I was 15. Mom’s, Dad’s, use your power for GOOD. 🙂
http://beinghappygirl.blogspot.com/2011/12/christmas-memory.html
Good save!! I will have to use that call to the NP. We are having a blast with our Elf- Buddy. I love that when my Kingston wakes up and comes to, it’s the first thing he asks me. “Where’s Buddy?” And how I adore the shrieks of joy when he finds him.
Long live the magic! 🙂
I am so sorry but I couldn’t help but smile about the ELF story!! my family experienced the same thing so our rule was adults can touch ELF and he won’t lose his magic. But I am really sorry your baby was so heart broken.
The elf story is sooo cute! I can see my niece doing the same thing!
You should have stole the trolley. Nella looks perfect in it! 🙂
We have magic rules with our elf, Archie, too. If somebody accidentally touches him, or if we have to move him from a not-so-convenient location, we have to apologize three times and sing a Christmas song. Yesterday, our cat knocked him over — and my 6 year old sang and sang to Archie. She said she had to do double because she wasn’t the one that touched him 🙂 They grow up TOO fast — keep the magic alive as long as possible!
Oh no – don’t touch the elf. The elf first made an appearance in our home a couple of days ago so I’ll be sure to make up our own rules.
Love your daughters sandals in the picture with the bug.
My 6-year-old still completely believes that her elf cannot be touched. Her 13-year-old sister taunts her with it daily. As much as I would love to tell her and avoid all the screaming and crying, I can’t bring myself to take away any of that sweet innocence yet.
My husband jokes that he is going to touch the elf and it sends my five year old into a complete fit. Fast thinking on the call to the North Pole 🙂
So I cried when I saw the lip picture from Nella. I *hate* the little lip when it is pouty or sad!
Poor Lainey, her little elf… I am glad you made it better. Quick thinking, Mama!
I am laughing for real, seeing the kids washing the concrete floor at the car wash. That cracks me up!! Enjoy your day!! XOXO
I love that you find Christmas magic everywhere! Happy gift-making!
Aw, poor girl! I’ve read a number of bloggers who’ve been doing elf on a shelf, and I’ve been thinking, how fun! Wish I was a kid with an elf on the shelf! I never thought about that particular outcome! Great save though! Also… I’m super jealous that its december and there are people in bikinis on a beach in Florida!
Way to save the magic! Kids grow up way too fast to not preserve such a special moment. 🙂
I love the pouty face, by the way. Even if it does mean that Nella is sad for a moment.
Our poor Elf looks dirty because we decided sprinkling him with cinnamon and chanting Magic Magic Magic reinstates his magic. Needless to say there have been a few mishaps. It’s bound to happen with 6 kids…
oh my, those girls walking by on the beach are hilarious. As always, inspired by your way of reinstating the ‘magic’ of the elf. Merry Christmas!
Poor Grandma she didn’t know, good recovery for the Momma.
The chicks on the beach are funny and they dob’t even know it.
oh my goodness she TOUCHED THE ELF!! lol my family is doing the elf on a shelf also but we didnt buy the book with the elf or anything like that. i got the idea to buy my OWN elf and make our OWN little details to go with it. like a shipping box with my kids name on it, a passport and a letter from santa explaining how he works. we do have the dont touch the elf rule but i think because we didnt get the book – it was easier to make our own rules but i liked that one! i read another blog that their rule is ONLY MOM gets to touch the elf so their dog doesnt eat him! ha cute!
nella pouty face… SO adorable!
Quite possibly my favorite post of yours. Ever. I was so
Expecting you to say Lainey screamed because one of the precious momentos grandma gave her. When you said why it really was I laughed so hard I snorted! And it totally looks like Nella stole the trolley – makes me think of Thelma & Louise pictures. Don’t ask why. This was great.
Oh my. This story had me cracking up. It amazes me how quickly moms learn to think up stuff like this to end tears and distract the grumpies. And my husband would’ve said the same thing. Hilarious.
Love, love the pouty Nella picture.
poor grandma…
Ok.. So I forgot some words in my previous post. I meant I thought she was crying because her grandmas momentos broke. And I totally pulled the fake Santa call a few weeks ago cause Ethan forgot to tell Santa which particular Hit Wheel Mustang he wanted. He needed colors & where he saw it last.. Cause Lord knows this mama didn’t have a clue!
We made our own rules too. So many of my friends have had elf disasters so making the elf work for us, rather than the other way around.
Oh man! We have the Elf too. Last night we were plotting our next hiding spot and we wanted to put him in a barbie car with barbie. Well, we can’t figure a spot where our one year old won’t touch it and in fear of his safety (for accidentally touching the elf, his sister just may go after him, not that she ever has, but that elf really has powers.)
So to find your post the next day, was really funny. I sent this to my husband too. Ha, ha!
Poor Grandma!
I totally loved it that you went to the extreme to keep Elfitty’s magic alive for your girls! I love the magic of Christmas time and making it real for the little ones.
I love the pouty lip. It’s exactly the same as it was when she was so tiny.
Funny– We have the same thing going in our house.. My husband rolls his eyes sometimes with “Eddie our Elf” but is right there to move him to his new post on the nights I sometimes forget to do so. Thankfully, we haven’t had any “MISHAPS” but a quick funny story. The other Morning, Eddie landed on top of the entertainment center — extremely close to the remote. My daughter yells “PARENT MEETING” to make sure we knew not to get too close or touch him. I told my hubby, he will thank me later. Every morning is so much fun as they hunt for our little elf friend. (I also–took on your advent calendar tradition with the mittens, and Eddie fills them each night when he flies back in) Simply magical I tell ya…xoxoxo
Quote of the day: “I thought a poisonous snake bit her,” my mother-in-law admitted later. Love it. I’m still waiting patiently for Canada Post (bless them) to deliver my Elf on the Shelf, preferably prior to Christmas 2012…are you kidding me??? As I was typing this, the doorbell rang and it’s HERE!!!!! Game on. Shame of me for slagging off our postal system.)
Also very nice of you to insert that image of me in my purple bikini into your photos…really, (blush), you shouldn’t have…damn, I look good. Project Fat Ass complete.
Ella’s pout? I don’t want that to ever go away. Makes something in my heart break just a little, and makes me want to go out and hug her along with the world.
and that’s why you are a GREAT mom because you called the north pole and rocked it out to restore the magic, LOVE THAT!
my girls would have flipped just like laine did!
tara
Our “house” rule is…grown-ups can touch the elf when needed but not little hands!
I love the one where Nella looks like the trolley is moving. Even her face looks like you are traveling in it!
Oh my. That photo of Nella crying…that lip! Priceless!
one day i was playing with toys with my friends’ little girl & suddenly she goes crying to her mom … saying i had done something. still to this day i have no clue what i did or said that set her off… i felt terrible … my friend just told me that they both are so very sensitive … i’m still confused. the ones at their magic .. it’s priceless. love all the photos. perfect!! car wash, beach & all thoses cute faces. (:
I am sad that my kiddos are too old for the “elf on a shelf” fun…they are 13 and 16 and even though the gig is up I still won’t verbalize it…if you don’t “believe” he doesn’t come…is still the conversations around here. It still keeps the magic present to some degree…even if it is to please their mama. I love my kids and am going to be so sad when my nest is empty. Merry Christmas Kelle!
Sometimes I tell my 20-month-old daughter no just to elicit that same pouty face! I adore it!
And Christmas therapy … YES! I should just sign my children up now … get ’em on the waiting list.
The happiest of holidays to you!
~ Devon
Reading with Joey
you are awesome
Love, love and totally relate to the Magic that surrounds the elf, ours is Snitch. I woke in a panic last night at 3:45 so I could “check” to see that Snitch had found a new spot for today 🙂
see…this is why we don’t have an elf…..it’s too much, man! I am not caving – at least not this year….but for you it’s too late! Great call tho (pun intended) to “call Santa”….nice work.
Luv the trolley – love the bug – luv the pout! xoxo
I love the little jump back in time to see the pout. How fast our babies grow.
When my girl Sami’s bottom lip goes out like that, I stick mine out and give her a “pouty kiss”. It always cheers her up because you can’t pout like that when you are trying not to smile.
poor lainey, glad it was all fixed 🙂
my older sister made the rule that adults can touch the elf if need be (and little brother won’t ruin the magic either if he happens to touch the elf). covers the bases 🙂
The Elf story made me laugh so hard. thank you for that.
Don’t know if you did this, but I loved the idea! After baking cookies all day, my friend dumped some flour out on the counter and left the flour bag laying on its side and Tyler (her elf) made a “Flour angel” in it and was found there…right in the middle of his angel!! Her son loved it!!
Nella’s bottom lip curl…heart warming!!
Oh no! Well, I’m glad you were able to salvage the magic of the elf.
Speaking of elves, have you heard of the Inappropriate Elves contest going on? We don’t do the elf thing for our kids but I did just post photos on my blog of my elf acting up. You might want to check it out 😉
Oh the rules of the elf! We have one and we have some of our own rules too. One for instance is that an adult can touch him to “save” him – he has fallen from some of his “spots”. We have a dog and so finding enough spots that are out of reach can be very difficult.
Love that Lainey believes so whole heartedly!
Thank you for giving me a response for the inevitable moment when someone touches Mr. Marshmallow! She is like a hawk making sure nothing touches the elf! So funny. And I would have done the same thing but probably less convincingly.
Oh Kelle, have to laugh at your post. Our elf,named Buddy lost his magic last week. He was on a date with Barbie, wearing fancy clothes and having mini sandwiches and my kids found it way too tempting. Ate his snack and took his clothes! So he had to go away for a few days to get better and regain his magical strength. He’s all better now. ABC aired an elf on the shelf cartoon a couple of weeks ago and they did a great job of addressing what happens to an elf when they get touched… love Nella’s pouty face. cutest ever.
So wise to ring up Santa and straighten out the whole mess.
Girlfriend, you have given me the biggest laugh today! I can just picture Lainey screaming, but even more so, I can picture poor Grandma standing there like “What?”.
Also, I love that y’all don’t hi-jack trolleys. That made me giggle again. 🙂
Totally LOL’s about the Elf story. We have yet to had “Bernie” lose his magic around here, but with 3 curious littles, I am waiting for it to happen. Good thing I know to call the North Pole now 🙂 Poor Grandma, I can only imagine what she was thinking….
Poor Nella and that pouty face!
I agree you should watch The ELf on a Shelf special as the PP mentioned the did a great job showing what happens. My daughter was chatting with our elf this morning – she told him she would save some of her muffin for him and she gave him some toys. She loves finding him every morning and has to show everyone.
love the trolley- how fun!
That is too cute! I miss the Elf Magic Days. Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family.
I laughed out loud at the elf disaster. My son also is a HUGE believer in Christmas magic (courtesy of my wild imagination of course) and I also have wondered if maybe I should start saving for therapy now (haha)
We have not had a “someone touched my elf” disaster YET (I try to put our elf, Box Bear, up high) but we did have a “someone touched my magic, tiny tooth fairy door” incident a couple months back that resulted in mailed correspondence, back and forth, until the tooth fairy forgave the mistake and restored the door’s magic (with magic fairy glitter, of course)
Great post, and Merry Christmas 🙂
in our house. Mommy and Daddy are allowed to help the elf if he falls or such but the kiddos can not 🙂
I about died when you said the Elf may *&$# up your kid…SOOO true!!! My big girl (Addie’s 2) literally looks over at our elf “Buddy” (appropriate right) anytime she even thinks about doing something wrong….While I’m appreciative of her extra awareness of potential wrongdoings…I’m terrified she’ll forever be haunted by a little red elf peering over her shoulder!
I love seeing all your pics ~ your girls are adorable.
I have a RED bug like that ~ her name is Betsy the Bug!! 🙂
We have had a few close calls with our Elf’s magic as well! One time, he fell from his position on the shelf onto the floor… we stood there wondering what to do, and I said, “Probably Sammy’s magic won’t go if I help him back up. I’m sure Santa would understand. Right?” and my 4 year old agreed. And the other day, a young visitor at our house didn’t know the rules about the elf and touched him. My daughter lost it, but I reassured her that I was certain that Santa would know that it was a mistake and she didn’t know the rules.
The Elf is new to us this year and I had NO idea you weren’t supposed to touch it and neither did the kids … until after we read the book. They were worried “Scout” had lost his Christmas magic but I said no, we hadn’t even named him yet. Then came the night Scout didn’t move. Oh wow. I just told the kids he must have really liked that spot … he wanted to watch us work on the Christmas legos again the next day! Scout has fallen but I’ve just moved him quickly … thankfully, he’s in a different spot in the AM so his Christmas magic still exists! :o) I think it’s been such a fun addition to our already fun season!!! Quick thinking on your part to call Santa! That hadn’t occurred to me!
oh my!! love that little lip!!! shes the cutest
In my house, if we absolutely have to touch or move the elf, we do so only with “elf tongs.” (They have red plastic tips, and Nic, our elf, left a note saying he enjoys them except when they “pinch my little elf butt.” Also, does Lainey have the stuffed one that you’re allowed to cuddle? (He doesn’t travel to the NP, just stays put to play with the kid.)
I just love your blog. I cant stop reading and your pictures are brilliant.
LOVE LOVE that Nella pout!! Lulu still rocks hers out! I swear, we need to get them together to have a pout-off. Too cute!
How old is Latte and what breed is she?
Soo adorable! Reminds me of my maltipoo
Oh my goodness….love, love the photos of Nella’s little pout. She is so beautiful.
How I love the lip curl. And even though my little guy is 2 he still does the froggy legs in bed with his bum in the air – it kills me every time!
So glad you saved the magic!!
I so love your quick thinking and calling the North Pole, way to go mama, restore that magic! We just got back from our Florida vacation less than a week ago and your beach pics make me miss it already! I loved seeing my babes playing in the sand and splashing in the cold water while wearing their fall/winter hats, such great memories we have. My daughter now wants to move to Florida, she is only 7, but the girl is conviced that’s the best move for us, since she loves the beach so, haha! Happy Thursday!
I seriously busted out laughing when I read “Grandma touched the elf.” One of Santa’s others elves has had to come get ours and take him back to the North Pole to the Elf Hospital. My 2 yr old doesn’t quite understand not touching the elf, but my 4 year old on the other hand does. So yeah, that can has been fun.
Oh poor Lainey! And Nella’s pouty lip, she does look just like she did as a little newbie. This elf on a shelf looks like hard work, but I’m sure you’re storing away memories to laugh over together one day.
Oh I forgot, Nella’s stripey dress, just made my day and it’s only 6am!!
So weird that I went to check out the Dashing Bee site and I am in Baltimore right now….working!
I am laughing hysterically….My daughter Grace, 2 looks for George the elf every morning and has yet to touch him…but I’m sure that it’ll happen and the phone call to the north pole will be made. LOVE LOVE your stories. Cannot wait for the book and keep the posts coming. Merry Christmas.
Such a sweet post! I love seeing my daughter use her imagination and I am glad that Elfitty got his magic restored! Good ol’ Saint Nick!
LOVE the photo of Nella in the trolley! So super adorable. I also love the pouty face…my 19 month old daughter has a similar pouty look and it is so hard to keep a straight face sometimes…it is so cute!
Go Christmas! 🙂
Love the story.
Did you see this today….so creative…
http://www.iheartfaces.com/2011/12/elf-on-shelf-ideas/
oh girl i told you that elf was creepy. it will ^%$# up your kids;) that was hilarious. loved the pics. nella’s little pouty face was precious.
I know I’ve said it before but I LOVE your photos.
That Elf on a Shelf has always frightened me a little bit. His face looks sneaky…;)
Hilarious story. Your elf post reminded me of another blog post I read yesterday–it’s a slightly sarcastic take on this elf business. I was crying I was laughing so hard.
I think you’d be amused: http://peopleiwanttopunchinthethroat.blogspot.com/2011/12/over-achieving-elf-on-shelf-mommies.html
What kind of dog is Latte? I just love him!
Poor sweet Lainey. Glad the MAGIC has been restored! And baby girl’s sad face is just heartbreakingly beautiful!
darn, I thought that little red car was yours. It is so YOU!
I know I have crossed over into being ready for a child because crying babies and sad faces are somehow adorable to me now.
…and the call to teh North Pole? Genius.
I can’t get over the fact that Nella is almost 2!!
Lainey is so funny with the elf. Poor Grandma. LOL!
And, I totally NEED that purse! Merry Christmas to me!
OMG I would love to read your mother-in-law’s take the whole elf event! Great cover by the way :)… Also, I totally saw the picture of the bug and before I read the captions I said out loud “Oh, she would drive a cute red bug!” ….not in a snarky way in a totally she would rock it way!
Also, the beach pictures could totally be a great self-image campaign!
We had a similar touching of the elf story – but it was my NINE year old boy whose eyes filled with tears when I reached out to touch the elf who was sitting on our kitchen table. Silly mom was so used to touching it every night – I lost my head! I had to assure him that if we apologized and were sincere that he would heal (there’s a DVD that shows how he heals…) And thankfully, he did heal. Whew!
And the fact that my NINE year old BOY still believes in that magic, well, that’s alright.
I wish I had an elf…even my teenagers would love that.
Where do you get an elf like that with a book?
What a great story. She will laugh about it years from now. You dealt with it well I think!
Too funny! I think I had to re-adjust the elf and just told the kids mommy was allowed to touch him. Also, my kids can’t figure out why our elf never moves (maybe it’s because mommy has too many things going on to remember that silly Dean…maybe next year!).
I think you’re the coolest mom ever!
lol! oh the poor thing! GREAT story.
i love that pic of nella by the trolly!!!
Love the pouting Nella faces!!! So CUTE!!!
Kelle,
Those lips puckered are so so cute and heart breaking, My granddaughter has that same lip pout eveytime she can not get her own way. So Cute.
i just read the elf-on-the-shelf story aloud to my parents… i got to the chanting part and burst into tears because i was laughing so hard! it seriously took me forever to finish!
We have an elf, but he is not on the shelf. In fact, he’s still in the box in the bottom of a tub in the bottom of the closet. For now we think he’s incredibly creepy, but that may change as Baby gets bigger.
I am the worst mom in America because I never did the elf on the shelf : (
Great post, hilarious elf story! Love Nella’s red toes! As I was looking at the picture of Lainey on the beach with the two “bikinis” in the background I started down the post once again and saw your caption for that picture. Funny! My eyes were on the two girls, but all I kept thinking was that I live in Western PA and bikinis are strictly reserved for early June thru August(ish) and here they are walking down a beach in mid-December….how cool is that?!
Oh, poor Laniey! I love how much she cares about that sweet elf.. 🙂 And afternoon’s on the beach in December, consider yourself blessed 🙂
Rebekah
oh, my mother-in-law did the same thing. I told her that its only kids that can’t touch him…adults could, since the magic of santa is for children and not adults. They were ok with it, but are deathly afraid of “the touch” too.
This is the BEST blog in the entire Blog Universe. Period. I LOVE your blog. It’s my favorite blog. I love your photos. I love your munchkins. This is my “go-to” blog with a steamin’ cup of Java and my furry slippers. It’s my “feel-good” blog. You R-O-C-K
….Wishing you guys a very Merry & Happy Holiday! xo
We almost had the same disasterous elf story…My son thought he had touched the elf and was sick that he might not return the next day because he lost his magic. Luckily, the elf came back and his happiness restored. My son actually leaves treats out for him every night too because he think he gets hungry before he goes to the North Pole. It is amazing how this Elf can make all the difference in the world.
Nella is just too cute to handle. And I love Lainey’s passion. Merry Christmas, Kelle.
I laughed so hard, I cried. I can so relate!!!
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merry christmas to your mother-in-law. that’s hilarious. glad you were able to give santa a ring so he could bail you out. 🙂
Oh my gosh, that elf story is hilarious but poor Lainey!! My older daughter, Leila *freaked* out because I let my little one get close to touching our elf. It’s funny how they take some things straight to heart.
I ask you could that (sad) face get any sweeter?
I SOOO wish the Owl bag was a giveaway! I LITERALLY squealed when I saw it and jumped off my phone and onto my computer to open the website up fully and just stare at it! My boyfriend was worried something had happened I SQUEALED so loudly and enthusiastically!! My heart be still. Sigh.
nice save!
It’s still warm enough there for sundresses and bikinis??? Oh boy, do I ever want to move to Florida now!
You trolley tresspasser, you! LOL, I totally woke Sarah up laughing at your elf story! Great save! I say ditch the book, and make up your own rules! We do Elf Magic elves, which encourage children to pick up and play with the elves, so my kids were confused with all the “don’t touch the elves” and, “the elf is watching you” comments with the Elf on the Shelf. Since ours are elf children who’ve come for a vacation and fun once all their North Pole work is done, we decided that those elves must be the adults, because they have rules that must be followed and are still “working” and reporting back to Santa. We have “magic snowflakes” that the kids sprinkle on the elves at night if they want them to wake up and have some fun. They’re just tiny little paper punched holes with ruffled edges, you could find something similar in the scrapbooking paper punches, or come up with something easy (without a lot of mess) and just let her sprinkle her elf each night to restore his magic. <3
So the Elf thing happened to a friend of mine. Her 14 year old daughter went to help out in a 1st grade class. While she was there she decided to help the teacher clean up the room. She ended up picking up the elf and dusting him to her surprise the entire class of 6ish year olds swarmed around her and began yelling at her. One child even called her “SATAN”!!! My friend found her in tears hiding in the bathroom. She was devastated. The teacher was smart like you, she explained to the kids that if you don’t know the elf is magic then you can touch him and not steal his magic.
This post cracked me up. Thanks for starting my day with a smile.
That’s some great improv there! Hope you wrote that one down in a baby/childrens book because that is one you’re going to want to share while she’s pregnant or when her kids are young and you’re the grandma!!
Your improv is wonderful and love that you are making traditions new and passed down to you!
I thought of you when I saw these great creative ideas for the mischievous elves! My particular favorites are TPing part of the house, or the kids in their room. As well as the fishing in the sink!
http://www.iheartfaces.com/2011/12/elf-on-shelf-ideas/
I’ve done many ridiculous things to preserve the magic over the years. Now my oldest is 8 and she’s losing every inch of baby about her but she still believes in Santa and magic. I know it’s coming to an end so I treasure every moment of it. She’s defended Santa to a couple of her friends, always declaring that she saw him with her very eyes last year. Then she reiterates what we always say, “As long as you believe in Santa, he’ll bring you presents”.
We had a similar elf disaster in our house – we have two little ones and they don’t quite get the concept of “don’t touch or his magic is gone.” Needless to say, the first day he was here they touched and the 5 year old F.R.E.A.K.E.D. out – like blood curdling scream, gasping tears, full body drop to the ground and incoherent scrobbing (you know, scream sobbing) for the next few minutes.
We reminded him that Santa is very understanding of little kids and that Mommies and Daddies (and other grown-ups) can touch the elf if they need to be rescued (a precarious spot, an accidental fall from a perch, a crash landing that results in an uncomfortable place to be – yeah, sometimes Mommy forgets to move the elf and in rushing to do so has to end up hurling him across the room so the kids don’t see me moving him!)
It also helped that I have Santa’s e-mail address and was able to ask Santa if our elf could hitch a ride with our neighbor’s elf back to the North Pole. You know, so that he could get treated in the clinic and get his magic back. In fact, I have to go send that same e-mail right now since the baby girl has been carrying the elf around the house all morning. Must remember to put the elf (Winky Criddle Strawberry Cookies) in a higher hiding spot next time.
After reading your previous entry about nameing the elf I had to run out and buy one for my 2 year old. She LOVES it, his name is Ernest.
And we had to make up our own rules too, she wasnt having any of this “no touching” stuff.
My worrier had already asked about the issue of someone touching the elf and what we were to do since she knows her lil sis is likely to grab him if he sits to low. I had told her that we had to write a letter to Santa explaining what happened and asking for TJ’s magic back. She seemed satisfied and when someone or thing knocked him down the other day and we found him laying on the ground there was a long discussion about leaving him lay there b/c he was probably just sleeping like elves sometimes do. The lie just gets deeper. and cuter 🙂
I can 100% see myself calling the North Pole and making up a Gingerbread chant to restore magic with the children I used to nanny. hahaha I love it
Nothing wrong with a little elf magic!
I didn’t know about the errors of touching the elf. Our grandchildren are always so excited to show me where he has popped up every day. Clever little elf. As always, thank you or sharing with us. Hugs!
my Tis The Season giveaway ends tomorrow night, did you get your entry in?
Adorable pouty lip.
Oh my, Nella’s pouty face, that has got to be one of the cutest things ever!
TOO funny about the elf and Lainey’s reaction. That sounds like a fun tradition though, will have to get the book and elf someday for my future kiddos 🙂
those elf are messing christmas up everywhere!
lol.
and I can totally see your driving a sweet red bug 🙂
Too funny about the elf……….I was holding my breath about what had happened! Whew….you are a FAST thinking mama!! Could your girls get any cuter………seriously! I’m holding out hope I’ll meet you/them someday since my brother’s vacation condo in Naples is close by the Wiggly Wiggins beach!! I’ll be on “high alert” next time we are down there! If it happens, I hope I don’t freak you out!! 😀
My 22 month old son was standing here while I was going through your blog and when I came upon Nella’s sad face picture he immediately said, with a very concerned look on his face, “OK? OK?” 🙂
Our elf has had a few run-ins of his own. Luckily the magic is thick.
Nella is adorable.
Aw, shoot. What’d you do to me. This Darlybird just might break my bank because I want one of EVERYTHING!
Super cute lip! 😉
Our elf biggie just returned from a 2 day stay at the north pole. He now has a kleenex sling on his arm due to an injury. He was stuck in the crossfire of my 4 and 7 year old girls’ fight over a book. I told them he may not be coming back because he is either too hurt to fly or too scared to live in a house with little girls who fight. He returned this am. They were relieved to see him and felt bad about the sling. I can totally relate to *@#!ing up your kid over an elf. have a wonderful christmas. i love reading your blog.
I may not be able to convey my emotions and thoughts as eloquently as you do, but you have inspired me to start blogging about motherhood as well. Even if you never read it, it is always nice to know when you have inspired someone… and for that inspiration, I thank you!
http://katekranz.blogspot.com/2011/12/change-friendships-and-motherhood.html
I may not be able to convey my emotions and thoughts as eloquently as you do, but you have inspired me to start blogging about motherhood as well. Even if you never read it, it is always nice to know when you have inspired someone… and for that inspiration, I thank you!
http://katekranz.blogspot.com/2011/12/change-friendships-and-motherhood.html
We totally made our own rules for our elf. I read the book first before giving it to our boy and knew that whole no touching thing was going to be a disaster! LOL So in our house it is ok if we touch him on accident, or for mommy and daddy to touch, but as long as we are careful…Henry never loses his magic!!!
Best. story. ever.
I laughed and I cried because I remember what whole- heartedly believing in something and having the magic taken away. Heart breaking and then having it reinstated by someone. All of those emotions but such good memories because they help me relate better to my children’s emotions. You are amazing–so glad I’ve had some time to catch up on your blog. Merry Christmas!
oh the call to Santa was good..quick thinking momma! We had a similar breakdown with our elf only it was a total stranger who will forever think Gracee is a wretched child..she told the toucher of the elf that he had ruined Christmas…ugh. We packed ours up and sent him away for a few days so Santa could breathe magic back into him. We did make our own house rule..when the dogs get him (he has a slightly chewed on face) it does not count. They love that elf, not sure who puts more effort in finding him..Gracee or the dogs! Love to you friend! I am so excited about your book..each time I go to my Amazon I see the pre-order thing and I smile!♥
OMG (and I don’t use that phrase lightly or at all for that matter, usually) you had me laughing out loud with this whole post. My 3 year old apparently doesn’t remember the part of the book/movie that says “don’t touch your Elf” because poor Skippy is manhandled incessantly most days. How do you just run into an empty Christmas trolley? Merry Christmas Hamptoms!