Our Elf on the Shelf: Days 1-11

Because it was graciously given to us as a gift last year we are participating in Elf on the Shelf.  I'm not sure if I would have purchased one myself because the idea of an Elf getting into trouble every night and then it appearing fun and silly didn't appeal to me.  I just didn't want to see my kids repeating those same silly "bad" actions that the Elf did...so I researched and got some ideas from The Elf on the Shelf-Jesus Style.

Our Elf arrived on December 1, 2013 and was cleverly named "Elfie" by Summer.

Day 2-Elfie was found reading Summer's new Children's Devotional book she won at church.

There was also a letter written from Santa explaining that every night Elfie will come visit me and I will send him back with a new activity that you can do together to help you learn and remember the true meaning behind Christmas.  Each morning, look for your new friend.  He will be in your home waiting for you to find him so you can do the activity together!

Each letter from Santa is intended to focus on these values:

It is better to give then to receive.

God loves you so much!

You can help others because you have Jesus in your heart.

We have Christmas to celebrate the birth of Baby Jesus.

 

By Day 3, Elfie provided some money and a reminder that it is better to Give than Receive.

We decided to go get a Star off the Angel Tree at Chick Fil A and give to another child in need.

Day 4,  Elfie was on top of the nativity scene reminding us that God loves us so much he sent his son, baby Jesus, to die for our sins.

Summer was so nervous when she saw Elfie on this side table because the one rule with Elfie is you can't touch him...rightfully so, as Zane sends the 3 wise men flying across the living room a few times a day.  However, on this day he actually didn't touch him...ok, while I was cooking dinner he did bring Elfie to me (I panicked to get him back without Summer seeing) but otherwise he didn't touch him.

 

Day 5, Elfie was encouraging the kids to help others (Mom, Brother/Sister, Friend/Teacher) with a cheerful heart!  Both kids were "helpful" to each other handing the other whatever it was they needed...lovey toy, drink cup.  Oh, and because Elfie had a paper towel and some cleaning solution she begged me to "let" her clean the windows before she left for school.  O.K. I have to admit, this was one of my favorite days! 

Day 6, Elfie celebrated with supplies to make a birthday cake for Jesus, after all that's why we have Christmas! 

Day 7, Surprise Surprise, Elfie made those cupcakes himself since Summer and Zane spent the night at Nana and Grandad's house (and they weren't all eaten at our Christmas party). 

Day 8, Elfie hung on a family photo letting us know that family is a precious gift from God.

He also reminded the kids of Colossians 3:20, "Children, obey your parents in everything for this pleases the Lord." 

Day 9, Elfie encouraged us to do something nice for our neighbors.

The Bible says, "Love your neighbor as yourself." Matthew 12:31

We took Elfie's big bag of M&Ms and Summer poured them in jars.  We wrapped them in burlap and tied with a red bow attaching the M&M Christmas Story about the "3" Wise Men following the star to the "E"ast where they found a "M"anger where Jesus was born and how we "W"orship the king. 

 

We are blessed with the best neighbors.  We also plan to give some to our trash men this Friday.  They have been purposefully waiving to Summer (and now Zane) for four years and it is about time we show them our appreciation. 

Day 10, Elfie rewarded Summer and Zane for obeying his only rule of NO TOUCHING by sending them 2 of his cousins who they CAN touch. 

They have been named Allie and Bama.

Day 11 Elfie was celebrating in the Christmas tree attached to a balloon. 

His letter reminded the kids that "Today is the day that the Lord has made. Let us REJOICE and be GLAD in it." Psalm 118:24 

These are some ways to use the Elf on the Shelf as an encouragement and to redirect the focus of the season back on Jesus's birth and sharing God's love with others. Hope you enjoy and feel free to leave me some ideas...25 days is a long time!

 

Sixth Nerve Palsy-Update

Just to update you, my now 20 month old son has a sixth nerve palsy in his left eye meaning it won't turn left past the mid line (in his case).  It was sudden onset at his one year old birthday party and came and went two times (once when he was sick, but second when he was healthy) yet it has been abnormal for the past six months.  The eye specialist has determined him to be in a league of his own and the cause is unknown as a MRI, CT scan and blood work showed no negative results.  It hasn't affected him in any way that we have noticed...not dizziness, no headaches or balance issues.  We have been diligently praying for his healing and God has given us peace in the meantime. 

This is a picture of Zane if you were to try to get him to look left (late September).

Two weeks ago, after battling a cold for five days I took him to the doctor and it turned out he had developed walking pneumonia.  He was put on antibiotics and breathing treatments.  Two days into the five day dosage he woke up from his morning nap and I thought I saw him look left!  I was in disbelief so I grabbed my phone and had to take a picture.  Praise the Lord! Zane looked left.  I felt like I could shout it from the rooftop and in fact I did text everyone I knew this picture of Zane looking left (late November).

I emailed this picture to Zane's eye specialist and he was very pleased.  Mostly I was thrilled that he responded to my email in 30 minutes! Anyways, he said that the antibiotics would not have affected the nerve in that short amount of time so the cure is also unknown.  Well, unknown to most but to us it is a result of faithful prayer and God's grace. 

Whether his eye is abnormal or normal this little guy has a grip on my heart!

A few things you should know about Zane:

His voice is really loud!

His response to almost any question is "Alright" (pronounced LOUD and SLOW)

He likes to tackle his sister.

He is a mama's boy and loves to be held at inconvenient times.

He is a big boy and loves to be independent at inconvenient times.

 

He has a follow up eye appointment in December where they will be dilating his eyes and checking vision.  So far, his vision is still good and no need for glasses.  I will let you know if there is any new information to share at that time.

Thanks for checking in!