I also decided I was done with the white paper in my office and let the boys go to town on it. (You MUST download Camera+ ! Best iphone photo editor EVER.)
The only thing marring my weekend was how many people sent me this article from People I Want to Punch in the Face. With a disclaimer, OF COURSE, that they don't mean me, they mean other people who do the Elf thing. Seriously, I got this from at least 20 people last week.
From the very start of this holiday season, I have very publicly declared our focus was on experiences. I doubt my children will grow up remembering the things they received but they will remember the time we spent with them. They will remember what it was like to wake up with a little bit of magic in their house.
This season, I have spent about 1% of my mental energy on presents and gifts and what I can BUY and instead thought about how I can make MEMORIES.
And for that, I am proud.
Sunday Elfie got into the chocolate covered peanuts that were delivered this weekend.
This morning Nate and Alex couldn't find Elfie for a good 15 minutes. Elfie picked a really great hiding spot.
17 comments:
You should be proud, very proud. And ignore all those other people and articles. You do an amazing job creating memories for your boys, and we're only seeing an inkling (or an elfling :) of it. And you keep it real in all ways, so we also know that your life isn't perfect. You have great balance, and I know that I really appreciate the inspiration.
That's so dumb, why do people feel the need to crap on other people's fun? I don't get the elf thing, but it looks like fun and yes, you are making memories. That blog is one of the meanest things I've seen. I feel sorry for people who feel the need to put down others to make themselves feel better. They think they're being funny and sarcastic, but all it comes off as is bitter and pathetic.
I thought of you last night. Alaina wrote a note to our elf (Jeff) which read: "Dear Jeff, What is your real name? Not Jeff, but the one Santa calls you?"
Jeff wrote back: "Number 627. I like Jeff better."
Bring on the memory making!!
Ohhh - asshats. I will openly admit to being a bit grinch-y this year but your elfie posts are freaking awesome and hillarious! Our damn elf Noodles didn't move Saturday night and that caused some issues - then he didn't move AGAIN last night until like 6:40 this AM as I was frantically trying to distract some smalls from the dining room so I could snatch him. Pretty sure I was busted by DD#1 so any advice on recovery will be much appreciated...
And ADORE camera+ - I don't know nearly enough yet! I need a tutor!
I like watching Elfie''s antics. I wish I had the energy and creativity to put into a daily project like that. And yes, I think Nate and Alex will have great memories surrounding Elfie.
I saw that, too, and it just made me think of how SOME Mothers think we are all in some big competition (which we are not). Its your house, if the boys are happy, and memories is your goal-- you've succeeded.
That woman clearly has some insecurity issues, ja?
She is doing what so many do-bringing down those who are succeeding, and making amazing memories for their kids. It's too bad that she has missed the whole point of not only this time of year, buy also the premise that we should all be lifting each other up instead of tearing down. You are amazing, and your boys enjoy all of it.
*word verification- orsucks
I just wanted to publicly admit that I was one of the ones who sent the article but I am also one of the overachieving elf moms the article was referring to. I thought it was funny, but I didn't take it too seriously and I certainly didn't mean to offend anyone.
I love what you are trying to do with your kids and as you know I get a lot of great ideas from you. Forget anyone who really is being a grinch about it but be assured, I am not one of them.
I thought the article was funny, and also the only thing I really took away from it was thinking to myself: if Nina still believes in this stuff next year I will do an elf for the sole purpose of her elf knitting her a new toy!
On the other twenty-odd days, her elf will probably be very boring. But at least we can chalk it up to he/she conserving energy and antics so they could concentrate on knitting.
I like that your boys went crazy on the white paper. When we pulled out the walls in our family room, I let all the kids in the neighborhood do the same thing. The neighbor behind us came running over because she didn't realize I told them to do it. Funny pictures and fun memories!
I love seeing what your Elf is doing every day! I think your boys will remember all of his "tricks" very fondly as they grow up! I am jealous that I don't have the imagination to pull something like that off (I am just too forgetful!).
I think the article is funny, but I also think it's great that you are having so much fun with the elf.
Coloring on the "wall" is awesome!
I think what you are doing is awesome.
Actually, the whole elf debate is another one of those do what works for your family things.
A friend of mine tried to tell me last week that the elf was all negative x, y, z, and none it was the stuff you are doing. Elfie can be used to be positive as you have shown.
Finally, I think you are spot on with the experiences comment. In fact, my husband's family just today booked a family trip for next year instead of doing gifts. Yay!
Oh my gosh Cynthia!! The note back from "Jeff" was pure AWESOME!! Has me smiling a mile wide!!!
Sarah
Anyone who titles their blog "People I Want to Punch in the Face" is seriously lacking some holiday joy and not an attitude I like to bring into my day under any circumstances. Ick.
And a while back I decided someone else has already won best mother, baker, party thrower, etc. so I'm going to do my best and not compete.... well only compete against myself.
This must be the season for people sending outrageous stuff. (See my post from a few days ago...)
Too bad we can't push the "ignore" button on people, the same way we can on our phones!
Urgh!
Long live Elfie!
Chocolate-dipped peanuts? Wait, what? I can haz?
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