The Elf on the Shelf!

This has got to be the best $28 I've spent, so far at least. We'll see how long the good behavior holds out. If you don't know what the Elf on the Shelf is, it's a little elf that sits on the shelf - ha, ha. Anyway, he comes with a book and usually arrives at your house around Thanksgiving. He sits high on a shelf watching for good and bad behavior. Every night he flies off to report to Santa on who was naughty and nice, and when he comes home he lands in a different spot. So the fun is that the kids can't wait to find him each morning. Plus, they're going to be on their best behavior b/c the elf is always watching!! And two of Ellie's friends have the elf, so it was exciting for her to hear that and find out their names and just to reaffirm that the elf is everywhere.

Ellie was horrible this morning. Well, not horrible, but just difficult to deal with. She can be perfectly fine, playing with me and Fisher having a good time, then BAM - different girl with an attitude. Told me this morning that she knew how to drive and knew how to get to Gam's and she could go if she wanted to! This sounds like a conversation I could be having with a 13-year-old, not a 5-year-old. Also said, "I wish I had a better mother!" The first time she said that to me I was devastated, now I'm just frustrated b/c I find her getting the best of me. I know I've got to get a handle on the Little Miss Priss attitude, but how? She's going to be impossible to deal with at 13! And particularly with this behavior, it's so sad that I see myself in her! It's so true that it comes back to you. I know I must have been this way with Mom, just maybe not at 5!

Thankfully, I guess I should say, she only exhibits this hateful behavior with me and sometimes with Gam and not out in public with other adults.

But, now that we've got the Elf on the Shelf, things are changing. He was here tonight when we got home from the parade downtown. We read the book and named him Caper. While we were reading the book, Ellie leaned over and whispered in my ear "oh, no, what about this morning," wondering if the elf saw how she acted. Then about five minutes later I got an apology for some bad behavior in the car this evening. Hmmmm......why didn't I think of this?

Anyway, just wanted to share with all who may not have heard of the elf. It's going to be a great tradition at the Bryden House. Thanks, Felicia and Gayle!!!