Elf Magic, What I Know For Sure & #iPPP

"Did you know Keith's brother has Celiac too?," JT asked me when I woke up one morning this past week. "He told me so in his note to me," he added smiling, maybe feeling a little less alone.

Keith has a brother, Todd.  Todd has Celiac disease.  This makes JT very happy because he has it too.  Keith is our elf, a former WWE wrestling action figure.  Todd doesn't live here.  Keith wrote a letter to JT, replying to a letter JT wrote to Keith.

Keith holding his letter for JT.

I love that the kids leave notes/letters and leave them for Keith. They leave suggestions about where to hide.  They ask questions.  They have a dialogue with him.  And Tim, the power behind the elf magic, uses his power for good. Being playful, helpful, inclusive. 

I used to feel bad about lying to the kids about Santa Claus.  It still sort of bothers me.  When Peyton found out that Santa wasn't real, he was pissed.  He couldn't believe we had lied to him for so many years.  But when I told him Santa was inspired by a real-life guy and adds to the magic of Christmas and being a little kid, he got less angry.  And when I told him he could help and be a part of the magic making, he got sort of into it.

He hasn't asked about the elf, he plays his part in keeping the magic alive for the little kids.  For some reason, I don't feel as bad about lying about Keith.  I sort of can't believe that they believe.  But I sort of also just kind of love it.

Keith and the power of the elf connection rule in our house and the magic of all of it is some kind of wonderful, I know that for sure this week.


Here's what else I know for sure (right now):

• Listen To Your Mother (LTYM) Metro Detroit is collaborating with Alternatives For Girls. And I couldn't be more proud and excited about it.  Click here to read more about our LTYM collaboration.

• I could be or find the next Eminem.  Yeah, that's right.  While searching for a LTYM venue, I got to stand in the spot where Eminem got his start and where the movie 8 Mile was filmed.  When I came home and told the kids, they acted like I told them I went to Target.  They looked annoyed that I was speaking.  They'll be sorry when I'm famous.

That's not Eminem, that's some random guy outside the famous spot.

• Pantene's ad from the Philippines is a powerful look at stereotypes and labels.  It's gone viral and I love it so much.  Watch it.

• Playdates are important for kids and grown ups. And um, isn't my pal Liane's playroom just the cutest?

• I am not loving the new season of Parenthood. Where are the sibling breakfasts? Where's the humor?  Where is Hattie?  And why is Christina ignoring Max and Nora? And why don't they have a Christmas episode? Ugh. I miss the old days.  I want to love one of my favorite shows, but I just don't right now.

• Trouble figuring out the difference between empathy and sympathy? Check out this beautiful, simple animation of a Brene Brown talk.

• Christmas caroling is really sweet.  Lucy's school choir went last night and sure it was only about 8 degrees, but it was cute and festive.  I had to reign in my enthusiasm a bit (Lucy didn't want me to do jazz hands, what?), but it definitely put me in a holiday mood.

What do you know for sure (this week)?  C'mon, we're friends, share what you know. 

Leave a comment here or on my Facebook page or on Twitter.

Please come play with me on Instagram @jumpingwithmyfingerscrossed. 

I'm linking up today with my friends Greta from  Gfunkified.com and Robin from FarewellStranger.com for the #iPPP link up.  They host a link up where they encourage people to share "your funny, your yummy, your heartfelt, your favorite photos of the week" from our phones. 

Elfing & Holiday Rules

I know there are lots of opinions about the old Elf on the Shelf.    Some people get sort of waaaaay too into it.  Some people think those people are dumb.  Some people get really angry about elfing.  

It seems that we either do too much or not enough, not just with the elf but with anything holiday-ish.  Everybody feels really strongly about what we all should be doing and saying during the holidays. I mean the outrage over stores being open on Thanksgiving was kind of nuts to me.  And saying Merry Christmas instead of Happy Holidays, don't get those folks started.  

I have strong feelings about things.  I feel very strongly that if it brings joy to your family and doesn't hurt anyone, do it.  If you listen to Christmas music in October, shop on Thanksgiving and meticulously plan the antics of the Elf on the Shelf every damn day in December and it doesn't make you mean and overstressed and hateful, do it.  It's not my jam, but that's cool.

Some people may be appalled that we knighted? anointed? nominated? well, anyway, we picked an old toy to be our Elf on the Shelf.  Last year, a random WWE wrestling action figure became our elf Keith Babu.  The kids got totally into it.  It was fun, funny and brought our family joy.

So we decided to do it again this year...

We shortened Keith's name to K.B. this year. Lucy made his outfit.  K.B. is wearing an old sock and a belt made of twine.

Last night, we had an elf evening.  There was a theme dinner based on the movie Elf.  

Lots of syrup, lots of sugar.  Don't worry I made them a veggie tray for their after school snack.

JT trying to be just like Buddy. 

Syrup in a fancy gravy boat thing? Yeah we got that.

After everyone was hyped up with a good sugar buzz, we performed our elf magic/naming ceremony. 

It's part Survivor elimination ceremony, part fish tank initiation in Nemo and part crazy loud kids and candles.  It's all goofy and fun and we love it.

I guess it's part National Honors Society too.  Doesn't it look like Tim is in one of those?  Or at least that's what I picture it like anyway, never made it to one. Waaaaa.

Even the stuffed animals get in on the ceremony.

Yeah this happened.(Lucy is on the drum in the background.)




Then we watched the movie Elf together.  

It was a perfect night, for us.  It's not everyone's jam, and that's cool.

Do what works for you and enjoy the holidays.  


I linked up with Mama Kat for my thoughts on the chaos of Christmas.  Check it out.

What about you guys?  What's your jam?  Do you elf?  What's your favorite Christmas tradition?

Christmas Eve Coping and Believing

I spent most of yesterday walking around on the verge of tears.  Okay, I went over the verge quite a few times.  Things just felt all wrong--nothing was working out the way it was supposed to work out.

The day and night before had been so promising and full of holiday happiness.

Lulu's impromptu holiday jam session on the piano interrupted by a streaker.  She had no idea and didn't miss a beat.

A busy, chaotic living room.  I love it like this.

Even though we had to cancel our grown up party plans because of sitter issues and Wade having an allergic reaction, we had a nice evening.  The family watched Elf and laughed at all the silliness and joy.  Who doesn't love when Buddy says "I just like to smile, smiling's my favorite."




But the next morning, yesterday, we woke up to discover Wade's allergy was more like a rash and was more like nobody is going to want this kid at a pageant or holiday dinner.

I am not good with change and no control.  That might surprise you because I certainly lack control a lot of times and have no real organizational skills or life plan.  But you see, this chaos that is my life is usually my doing.   I'm fine with no plan as long as I am the one controlling the fact that we have no plan.  Is that confusing?

Bottom line is this: I had an expectation of what Christmas Eve and Christmas was going to be like and the rash f@*&ed it up.  And I lack the coping skills to deal.


My children are so very excited about Christmas that they didn't notice how weepy I was.  They went about the business of being kids two days before Christmas--bickering a little bit, singing Jingle Bells, shaking presents already under the tree, counting the hours until Santa starts his journey across the world, etc.

Sweet JT watching his Santa video.  He's a total believer in the magic of Christmas.

Tim stayed home from church with Wade because of the baby's horrific and most likely terribly contagious rash.  While he was home he made videos with special messages from Santa on Portable North Pole.  It's a really fun site and the videos are amazing and can be personalized.  After church, the kids watched.  They all liked them, but JT LOVED his video.  He loved it like a kid that really believes.  He believes with every ounce of his little being.  He believes in the magic, the wonder, the possibility.  He believes in Santa.

It got me out of my funk for a few minutes.
Then we had a family game night, which was also pretty awesome.

By the end of the day, I was exhausted.  Exhausted from crying and being bummed out and then being happy and hopeful and then being sad that Wade will most likely miss out on the Christmas Eve celebration at the in-laws and I was going to miss out on being a co-Angel of the Lord with Lucy in the pageant.  Waaaa.

I was really ready for the kids to go to bed.  JT asked to sleep on the floor in Lucy's room and we said sure.  Shortly after they went up to bed, Lucy came down to get me.  "JT is crying because he's going to miss Keith Babu," she informed me.  "You better come up."

I found my little guy crying his heart out.  So sad because Keith Babu our homemade Elf-on-the-Shelf (an old wrestling action figure) was leaving to go back to the North Pole tomorrow.  

Turns out I'm not the only one who can't deal with change.  Wait, is that sad/embarrassing that I relate so well with a 6-year-old?

JT has been drawing pictures of his new best friend for the past two weeks.

Bottom line: holidays are emotional, change is hard and my little believer doesn't want his new best elf friend to leave.

Here's a note JT and Lucy left for Keith Babu:

Notice how we all spell Keith Babu's name differently? And how Lucy was trying to get her big brother on the naughty list? Nice.

I sat down next to JT and comforted him.
"Everything is going to be okay," I told him.  "Think about all the happy things that are happening right now," I told him, and myself.  "Don't worry about the things that make you upset, feel good about all the wonderful things."

After a good cry, JT and I will be fine.  
Just like JT, I'm a believer.  I believe that even though I lack coping skills, I will bounce back and feel good about all the wonderful things and make the best of it, for the whole family.

Bottom line: I believe it will be a merry Christmas, hideous rash and all.

Here's the note that Keith Babu (aka Mr. Christmas himself, my husband Tim) left for the kids in response to JT and Lucy's note:

That's pretty wonderful.

Speaking of wonderful things, here is the winner of the Joyful Giveaway sponsored by catching fireflies is Wendy.  
Her beautiful comment was selected by using Random.org.

Wendy

Joy... Hmmm at this very moment is Simplicity. Hugs, tears, giggles, snowdays (school just canceled for tomorrow), Legos, vhs tapes of my old favs that my kids have discovered, believing in Santa and 'elves' living all over the house each night, peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, board games and hot cocoa. Singing Silent night at mass on Christmas eve & holding hands with my husband and children while we recite the Our Father at mass. And Joy may be winning a prize on Monday! Lol

Check out some of the other inspiring comments about joyful moments here.


Merry Christmas Eve everyone!

Blue Christmas and What I Know For Sure (This Week)

It's going to be a blue Christmas.  No I'm not talking about all my melancholy, dark and twistiness.  I'm talking about something that makes me very happy.

Our new/old blue piano.

Last winter, my friend Amy (the amazing Pinterest NonPoser pal I told you about) mentioned she had a piano she wanted to give away.  She said she was GIVING it away and didn't know if anyone would wanted it because it was blue.  Um, I want it BECAUSE it is blue.  A blue piano in my green room?  With my loud, joyful family?  Yes! Yes! Yes!!!!!

Months later, we finally coordinated the movers and the piano arrived.  Just in time for Christmas. A blue Christmas.

I envision many family jams around this fabulous piano.  There will be sing-alongs galore. 

This blue piano fills me with joy.  It helps me paint the picture, fulfill the dream of the family/home I always wanted--noisy, happy, joyful, emotional, musical.

The piano is the best Christmas gift ever, that I know for sure.

Here's what else I know for sure (this week):

• Animal hats are adorable.  I used to be against the animal hat craze until Wade got one.  His awesome godmother got him one for an early Christmas gift and I am obsessed with the cuteness.

• Joy feels damn good.  I am a sensitive soul with low lows and high highs.  Possibly a bit borderline bipolar which is probably not so great.  But what I love about being borderline is that the joy is really f-ing joyful.  Here's a couple of my favorite joyful songs right now:

Adorable video. Love. It will make you smile, I promise.

• I'm a little behind on my chalk board/calendar.  I got stuck the week before Halloween. Uh-oh.

• I can't wait for these ladies to host the Golden Globes. Girl Power!

• Here's my favorite Christmas commercial this year.  With three boys who love baseball, I can relate.

• Our elf on the shelf, Keith Babu, is a hit.  Even though my husband and I are kind of half-ass elfers, the kids seem to eat it all up.  Early in the morning or right before bed, JT can be found having a talk with Keith.  Not sure if he is explaining himself and the things he might have done wrong or simply just saying hi.

• I HATE germs and viruses can suck it.  I have had a sick child home with me for 9 out of the last 10 school days. Yup.  We're all going a little crazy.

• Christmas is magical.  JT not only talks to our elf, Keith, he also talks to the Wise Men in our nativity set up.  It's pretty cute.

A quick chat before school.

• Winning a Wii U would quite possibly make you a very popular mom/dad/grandma/aunt/uncle/girlfriend---oh hell person, you'd be a popular person.  Click here to find out how to enter yet another amazingly rad giveaway.

• The reason for the season is baby Jason?  Yeah, that's what Wade said as we walked by a nativity set up on our way to the store yesterday.  "Happy Birthday baby Jason."  He also called the camel a cow.  He's the fourth child, whatever.

What do you know for sure (this week)? C'mon, we're friends, share what you know.  Leave a comment here or on the Facebook page.

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  Come play with me on Instagram @jumpingwithmyfingerscrossed.

Oh yeah, and come follow me on Twitter @AngelaYBlood and check out my YouTube channel here.

I'm linking up today with my friend Greta from  Gfunkified.com and her pal Mamamash.com for the #iPPP link up.

Keith Is Watching

Last night we had a naming ceremony for our elf "Keith."   

It resembled the scene in Nemo where they give the little fish the nickname "Shark bait" and he has to swim through the ring of fire.  It also kind of looked like what I imagine was going on in some of those sororities back in college--candles, chanting, giggling.

What? Your elf looks different than ours?

Last week, JT looked at me with his big blue eyes and asked "Mommy can we have an elf on our shelf?"

Supposedly all the kids in his class have very good moms who all had elves on their shelves already.  I looked at JT and wanted to say "Sweetie, that elf sure does sound like a lot of work and consistency and well, um, have you met me?" Followed up with a hearty laugh while shaking my head as in "absolutely no to the elf, sorry kid."  

But when I looked at sweet little JT it didn't quite go that way.  He's like the Tiny Tim character of our family--he's the kid that's a little smaller than the others, always seems to get a little sicker, has to work a little harder and just wants everyone to be together.   Those blue eyes, that face, the voice...I knew we were going to get an elf on our shelf.

We had a lot going on this past weekend. It was jam packed as the official kick off to the holiday party season began, with a few fun birthday parties thrown in the mix.  Seeing how I am the parent that usually gets the gifts for the parties on the way to the parties, it's not surprising that I didn't find time to pick up an elf for our shelf.

No elf for our shelf, what were we going to do?  Well, my husband, Tim, and I found the perfect elf fill in...a WWE wrestling action figure, of course.

When we showed the kids, they were a little confused but actually on board with our elf.  In a quirky, Amish-like move, two of my children stayed up late on Saturday night sewing clothes for the little WWE elf by hand.

While my kids were busy sewing late into the night, Tim was on the couch nursing his (still) sore shoulder from rotator cuff surgery last month and I was knocking back a few at our adult Sunday school holiday party.  

"Do you elf?," I asked the rowdy, somewhat drunk gang from church.

After what you can imagine are some inappropriate, yet hilarious, adult elfing jokes, the gang really came through with some great elf on the shelf ideas.  

So, last night at dinner we discussed the elf rules as we understand them--the elf is magic after he/she receives a name, he will report back to Santa any crap they try to pull and nobody, I mean nobody, can touch the damn elf. Then we brainstormed names and all voted for Keith.

Once dinner was done and the dishes were cleared, the ceremony began.  We lit as many Christmas candles as we could find.  Everyone grabbed jingle bells and we started ringing and chanting: "Jingle, jingle bells.  Jingle, jingle bells."

Tim with his booming voice proclaimed: "I hereby declare that this elf will be called Keith Babu and he now has the magic and the power to report back to the North Pole directly to Santa." (I forgot to mention Keith has a middle name which the kids also picked--Babu.)

The kids squealed with delight and now our very own elf on the shelf fun is about to begin.  Sure our elf may look a little different from the other first graders' elves, but JT is really excited and happy.  And that makes all of us happy. (Plus the fact that he didn't cost anything makes me even happier.)

As we said good night to the kids, we added, "Be good, Keith is watching."


The naming ceremony went something like this shark bait scene from Nemo:


This is the movie that inspired the kids to name the elf Keith, Hoodwinked.  We love this movie and especially this part: