It has been a busy last few weeks, hasn't it? I think everyone is dealing with the busyness of their lives, which seems to be especially ramped up at this time of the year, naturally. I have been in a race with myself to "get everything done" and taking little time to just enjoy things, which is always a recipe for disaster. I vow to change that (I hope!).
Sophie turned eleven on December 3rd, which left me feeling a teensy bit blue. There are not many toys on her list and I am having a little trouble swallowing that. She seems to be more interested in clothes lately, which is fun, but not FUN!
Her cake started out as a fail, when I ended up making the icing a weird orange instead of a pale pink. That will teach me to read labels. I salvaged it all with some pretty pale aqua thingamadoos that you put on top of cakes to cover up mistakes that real humans make. Those and a whole lot of pretty candles cover a slew of flaws, right?
We had a sundae bar, played the shopping game, and ate pizza. I kept it somewhat simple this year!
Well, I have hopped onto the Elf on the Shelf craze, although I have given mine a bit of a twist. Sophie, being 11, is a bit old for the book and too old smart to be entertained by my simply moving the little guy around. PLUS, I found (to quote my husband) a "wicked" deal on a little elf without the book. He is actually a tree ornament, almost the same size as the original, and just as bendable/fun! And he cost me under $10, compared to the $35 they were charging at the store (and including the book).
Okay. So here is my take on week one of The Elf on the Shelf!
(clockwise from top left: "elfing" the family, checking out what is in the fridge, cuddling with the cat, and making Sophie a birthday card.)
(Vacuuming the stairs and enjoying some milk)
Sophie is loving this; she bounds out of bed every morning to see what the elf has been up to. She gets a kick out of it and I think it has made the build-up to the big day more fun!
What are you doing to kick-start the holidays?
How fun is it that she loves it so even thiugh she is a big girl now!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to Sophie and I'm so glad that she's not too old to enjoy the fun you're having with the Elf on the Shelf. Love the milk bottle and straw one!
ReplyDeleteI had never seen elf on the shlf until this year. All the great ideas always seem to come over here from the States!
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of the book Elf on the Shelf but it sounds cute. Your elf reminds me of the type that were popular in the 60's and 70's. I'm glad Sophie is delighting in the elf. Merry Christmas to you!
ReplyDeleteMatthew could use some fun, maybe I'll find an elf for him.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to Sophie...looks like she had fun! I love what you did with your elf! These photos are adorable! I collect them and have them here and there in my decor...but nothing as cute as what you've done! Happy holidays! ♥
ReplyDeleteLovin the Elf! The cake is darling and I must look for candles just like those to Fun! Happy Birthday Miss Sophie~Cheers Kim
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to your sweet Sophie!! My Christmas shopping list has become mainly electronics that my teens want...I miss the toy days and the money stretched more! Your elf idea is so cute! I loved seeing all he was up to! Lol Have a wonderful week Linda!!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Victoria
Wow, a birthday right before Christmas, such a busy time! The cake looks like it was meant to be orange. I know what you mean about being sad that there aren't very many toys on the list. This is my first year without Barbie.... The Elf is hilarious and Pamela would love this idea too. I have a very old elf that my mother-in-law gave me so I must find it and see what will happen. LOVE that milk bottle.
ReplyDeleteWhen you have time check out what I have been up to after being inspired by you!
Happy birthday to your daughter! I love her vibrant cake and candles!
ReplyDeleteWe have a Christmas open house the first Sunday of December every year, so I've done all the decorating and cookie baking already. So great to have the house decorated by the first week of December. Now to get the gifts done! ~~Rhonda :)
I love your elf on the shelf ideas! So funny. My kids are jumping out of bed each morning as well to see where the elf is and open the advent calendars. It is so cute! I'm going to miss that after the holiday, although it is adding a good 10 minutes to the morning routine. :)
ReplyDeleteBirthday in December (before Christmas)wonderful.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to your girl..enjoy this month and celebrate New year..dress is lovely.
Linda, I love your version of the Elf. Keep the magic alive ;)
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