Reflections on an Elf

I gave in this year and jumped on the "Elf on the Shelf" bandwagon. Which is funny considering I started to see this little elf-thingy pop up on my social media feeds (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) a couple of years ago and had NO idea what it was. I actually thought it was a really old tradition that I had never heard of and while it looked cute, I moved on and didn't think much more about it.

Then there was last year. Oh my goodness. It. Was. Everywhere. Due to a severe case of FOMO (fear of missing out), I decided to do some investigating. I started asking around, trying to figure out what all the cool kids were doing.

A friend told me that it's a newer thing and it's a set you buy: a book (that explains the story) and an elf. She also warned me that it's a whole production. The elf watches the kids. Makes sure they are good and reports to Santa nightly. Then returns in a new spot in the house the next morning. (Oh, and the rules! Do NOT touch that elf...it will take away the magic!)

Well, I thought, that's cute enough. And I'm certainly not above using bribery to (attempt to) make my kids behave. 

So last year, on December 26, I took a little trip to Target. I thought maybe I could find one and maybe, just maybe, it would even be on sale since it was the day after Christmas.

But, no. It was not on sale and I was shocked to see the price. $29.95!

Before I continue, I am NOT judging you if you bought one at that price. I just had a hard time coming to terms with this new "tradition" I kept seeing pop up everywhere and the pressure I was feeling to participate (granted, of my own doing--certainly no one was forcing me to join in). Then, when I finally found this magical elf just to see the marketing machine hard at work, well, I felt a little disappointed. I decided it was just too expensive, for me.

So, that was that. We would not be participating. I was mostly ok with it. But I felt a little upset. Mainly because I really, really, really appreciate ANYTHING I can use to bribe my kids. ANY. LITTLE. THING.

Then a crazy thing happened! I went to a Barnes and Noble and there were the elves. For sale. $7. No book, but at least an elf.

I snatched one up, returned home and packed it away. Maybe I could make this work after all. 

Fast forward to a few weeks before Thanksgiving and on a whim I posted to some online garage sale sites that I was in search of an Elf on the Shelf book. Just the book, no elf. And a day later a woman posted that she had one and I could have it. $3.

$3! So, if you're keeping score, that means I got the Elf on the Shelf book and elf for $10, total. I was feeling pretty proud of myself.

Until 2 things happened.

1. My kids were absolutely petrified of her (Sparkles) at first.
2. I realized my elf wasn't the "official" elf and started to have some insecurities about that...which I quickly got over because, come on. $7. Winning.

My kids lost their fear by the next morning, but that first day was pretty funny. After they refused to walk or stand by where I had placed her she had landed for the day, my daughter asked, "Is it real or a stuffed animal? Will it stay in the living room?" At bedtime she added, "Make sure my door is closed." And my son kept saying, "I scared. It scary."

So I wrote a note Sparkles wrote a note (due to the wonderful advice of a good friend) and the next morning everything was forgotten. They were excited. It was a new thing--and they loved the hunt each morning. Where would she be? 
All was well in the world.

Until 2 more things happened.

1. I kept forgetting to find a new place before I went to bed and would wake up in a panic.
2. I started seeing all the "Why We Don't do the Elf on the Shelf" and "Participating in Elf on the Shelf is Ruining Your Child" or "Elf on the Shelf: The Worst Thing in the World and You Should be Angry About It" articles/blog posts. (*I may have embellished one, or more, of the titles.)

So, with any "cool new thing" the critics eventually enter with lots to say. I could link up to an article that explained all that is wrong with this "tradition" and do a point-counterpoint approach, but I don't have time for that. Because you know what?

Elf on the Shelf isn't for everyone. I have no desire to try to convince you that it is. You know your family, your kids. You know yourself. And trust me--if you have a hard time remembering to do something everyday, especially at night, then you might not want to do this. I wasn't joking when I wrote that I kept forgetting. I forgot more than I remembered.

Furthermore, I really don't think this is a topic that warrants a point-counterpoint article. 

Because, you know, it's a toy. 

But I will say this. My kids loved it. They jumped out of bed each morning saying "I wonder where Sparkles will be today? Let's see if we can find her!" And they'd go together on a great hunt.

It made me so happy to see them excited and working together to find the elf. When my daughter was at her sickest she still wanted to find Sparkles. Which caused me to do some quick thinking because I, of course, forgot to move her and she went right to the old spot before I could adjust. I improvised and said she was so worried about E that she stayed the whole night and will be reporting to Santa that night. I think it worked, she didn't ask again. But then again, she was really sick. I could have probably said anything & she wouldn't have cared.

The moral of the story: Elf on the Shelf was fun. I'll probably do it again--or be forced to, since I introduced this new tradition to them...and because Grandma got Sparkles a Christmas present: some new clothes and a pet (yes, apparently the little elf gets a reindeer) for next year. The kids are already talking about giving her the gifts.
But I'm not complaining. Seeing the joy on their faces each morning made any middle of the night scramble well worth it.

{P.S. If you like reading about my holiday craziness, check out the first time we visited a tree farm for our Christmas tree or all our picture-perfect visits to Santa over the years.}

xo Sara

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Friday Favorites

My current favorite thing is...

Spending New Year's Eve with my husband!

I'm really not a huge NYE party person. If I had it my way we would celebrate as a family, in our house, very low-key. But, you see, I'm married to a rock star (at least that's what he tells me) and if I want to spend NYE with my spouse I need to go where he is since he's working.

NYE is the biggest party night of the year so of course a working band in the Twin Cities would be booked. Marc's band (American Bootleg -- FB/Twitter/Instagram) has been lucky enough to have a recurring gig at Lord Fletcher's every year. I've spent more NYEs at Lord Fletcher's than I can remember (due to there being so many not because of other reasons...). 

I don't always love it but some years I really embrace it. The year before we got pregnant with Elena was a big year. The bandmates had all their friends there (some coming from out of town) and we had a pre-party and a post-party. It's amazing the energy you have pre-kids. And all of us were pre-kids in those days. Ahhhhh, youth. 

Last year the wives of the bandmates decided to get all fancied up. It was fun dressing up (especially with my endless supply of accessories) and going out. Plus, I was able to once again wear my most favorite little black lace dress I got in Vegas. I don't have very many reasons to wear a LBD (shocking as a stay-at-home-mom, I know) and this one is a really cute party dress. So my dressed up self had a good time ringing in the new year.

Then there are the years that I'm really not all that excited to be hanging in a bar. Specifically NYE 2009. Pregnant and tired. Not really a "party on" year.  Luckily in 2010, when I was once again pregnant AND had a 7 month at home, the band did not have a gig. A rarity for that crazy night, but couldn't have come at a more perfect time.

The older the kids get the more I want to celebrate with them...do the old "turn back the clocks a few hours" trick, have a little party and count down with them. Or host something--friends can come over and we can have a low-key night at our house with the kids and their friends celebrating in the basement. Oh the plans I'd make...

But, for now, I'll just settle for being with my husband when the clock strikes midnight no matter where he is. Whether it's at home or at a bar, I want to ring in the new year by the side of the man I'll travel that year with.

I'm content with this being my view on New Year's Eves going forward, as long as I get my kiss at midnight. Which I always do--get out of my way dancers. 
Happy 2015!

{P.S. In case you want more NYE fun, here's my post from last year--where you can see my most favorite little black dress!}

xo Sara

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'Twas the Night Before Christmas...

'Twas the night before Christmas 
when all through the house, 
all were acting crazy
and mommy turned on the mouse.

"Kids, please watch this cartoon
and be quiet for a few, 
so mommy and daddy
can see all we have to do."

Presents to be wrapped
and, well, I can't lie...
because along with cards to write,
we still have some gifts to buy. 

Cookies for Santa
and carrots for the deer;
don't forget mommy's wine
and for daddy, some beer.

And then mom starts to panic,
where will she put it today? 
That darn elf on a shelf--
Wait! Tonight she goes away!

So much chaos 
So much noise
It's time to stop
and count our joys.

So off with the cartoon,
throw out the lists;
let's all gather round
to recount why the day exists.

This season is about joy
and love and family;
not all that other stuff--
just those you hold dearly. 

Don't forget the true meaning 
and don't put up a fight. 
Merry Christmas to all--
And to all a good night.

xo Sara

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Friday Favorites

My current favorite thing is... 

Cookie decorating day! 

My love for traditions has been well documented. And this past weekend we got to partake in one of my favorite yearly activities--our annual cookie bake and decorating day. 

My sister and I grew up doing this with my grandma and aunt and my mom took up the tradition after they passed away. And I'm so grateful for that because now my kids get to enjoy this yearly event and hopefully have as many memories from it as I do.

Growing up the biggest thing I got out of this day was a mega tummy ache because I probably ate more decorations than I actually used for the cookies. We had basically everything we could ever want to put on our sugar cookies and gingerbread men: frosting, sprinkles, chocolate chips, coconuts strips, cherries, m&ms, mints, licorice, nuts... We spent hours decorating cookies that years later I wonder if anyone actually ate because they were loaded with all. the. stuff.

My kids, at 3 and 4, are just entering the age of enjoying this activity. Especially my daughter. "Painting" cookies, as she refers to it.  

So every year my sister and I, my kids, and any cousins that care to decorate make the short little trek to my mom's house. She has the perfect setting for this adventure...see below. This was taken before the madness started. I love her dining area; a perfect space for a day of decorating. Plus, beautiful scenery right outside the window. 
Some of our masterpieces...and goodness do I have talented family members.
My sister-in-law made that smurf on the top row out of an upside down stocking. How freakin' cool is that? I also like her liberty bell and the profile of Santa, also created out of a stocking shape.

We always make a stocking for every family member that will be at our annual Christmas Eve gathering. It was a fun tradition that started accidentally but has stuck over the years.
Some other snapshots of the day. 
I also wanted to share a couple of last year's creations. First of all, did you know that if you just flip over the gingerbread man you get a reindeer? Yeah, my mind was blown, too. Also, my mom got creative and found this idea online: melted snowmen.

One thing we haven't made in several years that I always remember having with my dad's family is krumkake. I need to find a good recipe (and get some tools?) and do that...I loved that growing up. 

Do you have a favorite sweet that you enjoy this time of year?

{P.S. Although I love decorating cookies they really aren't my favorite thing to eat...find out the food I could NOT live without and other random things about me here.}

xo Sara

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Friday Favorites

My current favorite thing is...

Santa Visits! 

What a fun few years of Santa visits we've had. 

We've had smiles. And laughter. Well, to be honest, we've probably dealt with more tears than smiles. With some screams thrown in, for fun. And we've had to change to family pictures instead of kid only pictures due to those tears and screams. 

But, most of all, there have been memories. 

Year one (2010). Just our little E. At 7 months old, she only had 4 more months before her buddy entered the world. She was most fascinated with Santa's beard. He was, hands down, the best Santa we've ever seen.

Year two (2011). E had no interest in hanging with Santa and B just wanted to play with the bells. This picture took about 2 seconds to take and was the maximum amount of time I could handle her screaming. I think my face, while smiling, speaks for what is going on in my mind... "Just hurry up. Hurry up. Hurry up."

Year three (2012). Our one and only kids only picture, but neither is very impressed. The attitude E is throwing...but, if you think that's bad, just wait until the 2014 picture. She was also still recovering from a nose injury; she tripped and fell flat on her face. We thought she broke her nose. Plus, this all happened two days after B ran into the corner of a wall and had a huge goose egg on his forehead. The doctor was not impressed with us. Needless to say, not the best holiday season for us. Perhaps their attitude had more to do with their convalescence than Santa. The only Santa picture that makes me a little sad.

Year four (2013). E was ready to sit on Santa's lap but not to smile for the camera. So very serious! And while this picture makes B look just a little tentative, I can assure you he let his opinion known. And he was not sitting on Santa's lap. Period. He's never gripped me so hard. He would not even let me switch sides that I was holding him on. That's how resistant he was. And I learned a valuable lesson from 2011. It's really not worth forcing it. If he wants me to hold him, is that so bad? It's funny how things I was so determined about early in parenthood (Santa pics where the kids MUST be sitting on his lap) change over time.

Year five (2014). E was all set to set on Santa's lap. She had been talking about it for weeks months. And oh my goodness does her face say it all. She's running this joint and don't you forget it. We thought we had B set to stand next to E and Santa (not sit on his lap, still a non-negotiable), but no dice. He once again had a firm grip on me and would not let me go. Another family picture was ordered.

I love our tradition of seeing Santa every year. Hopefully next year we'll have two happy, excited kids. But if we don't, that's ok, too. Santa pictures aren't for everyone. And what's so bad with a family picture? I did make a vow to get in the picture more so, really, this is a perfect opportunity. Did you grow up seeing Santa? Is it a tradition you are continuing with your kids (or will continue if you have kids)? Ever deal with a screamer? Share your story in the comments!

{P.S. If you like recaps of holidays past and present, here is my Halloween post. Costumes galore and a couple kid pics of yours truly!}

xo Sara

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The Inquisitive Child, the Tired Mommy and Frosty

I remember a time when I could put on "Frosty the Snowman" and the kids would silently watch while I enjoyed a 20 minute break. That is no longer the case considering the inquisitive daughter I have. Here are all the times E asked me "why?" during a recent viewing of this holiday favorite (with a couple of questions from her brother sprinkled in). 

My inner dialogue is in parenthesis below the questions. I did not say these things. I may have wanted to...but I resisted.

Why does he want the hat? 
(What's this? A question? Ok...I'm sure it's just one.)
Why does he say Karen is a naughty girl?
(Oh! Another one. Please, let this be it. This is supposed to be "momma's time.")
Why is the rabbit being quiet?
(Ok. We're doing this.)
Why is Frosty sad?
(Because you won't be quiet....)
Why did he fall down?
Why did the police officer say "Stop!"?
(I see. You're gonna jump in to this, too, B? I expect better from you.)
Why did he stamp all the papers?
Why didn't they get a ticket?
Why is she sneezing?
(Because she's allergic to trees and for some reason she insists on bringing a real tree into her house every Christmas... oh, Karen? Because she's cold.)
Why is she cold?
(If you're just going to ask why to the answer I give you in my head, then I'm going to stop answering...in my head.)
Why did the train stop?
Why did he jump off?
***At this point I stop attempting to answer in real life. I either say "I don't know" or "Keep watching, let's find out."***
Why did he say no?
Why did he say, "Give that hat back!"?
Why is Frosty on his belly?
Why can't he keep up?
Why is Santa flying?
Why is Karen crying?
(Because she just wanted a break. Just a little, itty-bitty, quiet break.)
Why did he run away?
(Because he didn't get a break.)

Disclaimer: I love my kids and love their inquisitive nature. I embrace it. Encourage it. But sometimes...

You just don't want to answer any more questions.

You failed me, DVD. But if you do better next time we can probably still be friends.

xo Sara

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Friday Favorites

My current favorite thing is...

Christmas music!

After Halloween passes I sneak in a few rounds of jingles and carols on the down low. However, once Thanksgiving is in the books it's full-on, no holds bar, constant loop of wonderful Christmastime sing-along madness. Christmas is all around us in the Mutchler household.

Since there's no denying it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas and Santa Claus is coming to town very soon, it's time to embrace the most wonderful time of year. And we are certainly going to have a white Christmas...these freezing temps aren't letting this winter wonderland go anywhere. But we can always use more, so it's like I always say (during this time of year only), "Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!"

My husband has accepted this joy to the world of Christmas attitude about me. He doesn't mind it for the first 12 days of Christmas or so, but I think by the time the o holy night actually rolls around he's ready for a silent night. 

From the first noel of jingle bells to the last beat of the little drummer boy, I'll be rockin' around the christmas tree with my silver bells if you need me.

Feliz Navidad my friends...you have yourself a merry little Christmas!

And a fun game: how many yuletide odes did you catch in this post? Leave your guess in the comments!

xo Sara

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