Mischievous Elf (Our version of Elf on the Shelf)

Last year, after Christmas, our 10 year son figured out the ins/outs of Christmas. He was a little disappointed, but we assured him that it is just as special to be on "this" side of the fun. So together, we decided to join in on the Elf on the Shelf fun for his younger sister.

I set out to buy the elf, and then found this sweet little elf at Kirklands (love that place!), for $9.99. What a bargain! So one evening we snuggled up at Books A Million (love that place too!), and I read the story to our children.

The fun has begun! 

Day 1

Meet Jingles Bella! This was her first night with us. She roasted some marshmallows. 

Here is the letter she left. I found a similar one on Pinterest. 

Day 2

Jingles has a fun sense of humor. 

She "decorated" a photograph (dry erase marker on the glass that wipes off easily)! The kids loved it! 

Day 3

Jingles helping with the scarf I'm knitting. 

Day 4

Jingles made the kids' lunches! 

Day 5

Best way to get rid of leftover Halloween candy! 

Day 6

Sleepy Jingles...

Day 7

Snow Angel

 Day 8

Jingles brought the kids "fresh out of the oven" donuts!

Day 9

♫ Singing along with Frosty ♫

Splish-Splash Jingles

 Day 10

Jingles left the kids' a message, telling them how excited she was for Christmas to come!

(She used a bar of soap-which wipes off really easily.)

Day 11

Anyone up for a rousing board game and snacks?

Day 12

Fishing for Goldfish crackers.

 Day 13

 Ice-Skating in the Freezer

Day 14

Life-guarding Chair

Day 15

Reading a Christmas story

 Day 16

Jingles got a set of wheels!

Day 17

Jingles is a Wise Woman? 

Day 18**

**Ok, so we didn't actually do this one, as it appears, but it was too funny to not share! Jingles had been innocently looking into the fish bowl (chatting with our goldfish, named "Sushi"), and another elf in our house, who will remain nameless, came along and added some props, which were promptly put away (right after snapping a quick picture), and long before our little ones found Jingles in the morning! 

I still have a few pictures to upload for Days 19-22. :) 

Day 23

Santa reading to Jingles and all of the other Santa's (and to the donkey??) at Grandma & Grandpa's house. 

Day 24-Christmas Eve

She so desperately wanted to hold Jingles and wanted to know if her bell really rang, so on Christmas Eve, Jingles left a note to say goodbye to the kids, and to tell our daughter that she could hold and play with Jingles for 15 minutes that day. That sweet girl set the timer and danced, and played, talked to, sang to, and hugged Jingles for the full 15 minutes. She gave her a kiss and placed her back in her spot.

Until next year...