*Elf Magic*

This is from an email I sent to Lee and grandparents last night re: our new elf. I thought I'd share it here w/ the rest of you, too, so you could laugh along!

OK, y'all are going to love this.

If you've never heard of www.elf-magic.com you should check it out. It gives you instructions how to summon your own elf from the North Pole to come and stay w/ you and Santa takes it back on Xmas Eve. Anyway, the elf does all kinds of stuff around the house at night when everyone's asleep (read: I have to find funny, clever things and little messes for the elf to do when the boys are asleep). Anyway, we "summoned" ours on Saturday (via UPS from ATL) and he arrived tonight when the kids were downstairs. I made a mess w/ the fireplace coals to look like he came in that way w/ a trail leading to the table where his crackers and water were, as instructed, waiting for him. OH MY GOSH, what a total and utter FREAK OUT they both had when we made the discovery of the elf on the kitchen table, complete w/ his sack, a letter, and magic North Pole Snowflakes in a jar to be sprinkled on him at bedtime so he can come alive and play when the family is asleep. This same elf will come visit us each year around Christmastime. His name is Fairbanks. You will all be hearing more about him soon, I assure you. LOL

Tyler nearly passed out cold and that is no lie when he saw that elf. I cannot tell you how hard I've tried not to just burst out laughing tonight at the things they've talked about and reading the notes they've left for the elf (and the elf writes back). Tyler wanted to know how he got here exactly and if he has to use the bathroom. Naturally. Evan welcomed him to his new home and told him to have fun. Evan's cool with the elf now but at first he wasn't real keen on the idea of having this elf running around at night, and when he saw him, Ty ran to him and Ev backed up quickly to me across the room really unsure about what the elf might do. It's a little stuffed doll! But I'm telling you this night has been a classic and one I will never forget.

Well I've been to the doctor today miserable w/ sinus pressure that's causing my eyes to be sore and water like crazy so I'm about to pass out but am waiting for the boys to hush and fall asleep so I can do this elf magic business. (A mom's work is NEVER finished.) They get out of school tomorrow at 1 and are so excited and ready for Santa to come, although now, they're going to miss their elf when has to leave on Xmas Eve. But, he'll be back next year when he sees we have our Xmas tree and stuff out. ;-)

Love to all,
Stephanie