The whole idea has a creepy-stalker-tattling feel..

That freakin' elf is driving me nuts (no, not that person.)  It is Elf on the Shelf that is driving me insane. As if I (or any parent) don't have enough on their plate during this time of year to remember to move it every night.

In case you are not familiar with the Elf, let me explain.  It is a little boy elf doll about the size of a Barbie Doll.  A child believes that every night he zips up to the North Pole to report to Santa if they were good during the day.  Basically, he is a narc and he is teaching kids that it is all right to snitch.  When he returns (from the North) during the night, he finds a new spot to sit.  There lies the responsibility of the parent to find a "new spot" for this elf.  In the new spot he is there to watch you..all day with his big freakin' eyes..until the next trip to the north.

First of all, Laurel sleeps with her bedroom light on and hates bugs.  For some reason, she is okay with the thought of an elf prowler flying in and out of the house.  The whole idea has a creepy-stalker-tattling feel to it.  (Oh, by the way, our elf's name is Mike.  Very generic..apparently having parents named Ching and Jude makes her choices very plain.)

Secondly, she is an early riser and the first thing she does is look for this elf so if I forget to move it during the previous night, I am screwed.  What Elf on the Shelf has taught me is how to be quick and lie as convincingly as possible.  Thanks Mike..I already know my limits as a mom..you just helped me put another notch on the belt of awesome motherhood.  This morning Laurel noticed that Mike didn't move from his previous spot so I lied and told her that Daddy was up late, watching the Boise St/ASU game.  Because Daddy was up, Mike
didn't feel comfortable flying in front of him.  I told her it was very likely that Mike will make a special trip while she is at school.  As soon as I tell that lie, I have to haul ass upstairs to speak to Ching before he greets Laurel.  We have to make sure our stories are straight.

I know I just a few years of Laurel's belief (until she turns into a cynic like me).  Perhaps I will miss her innocent wonder down the road, but right now, not so much. Actually now that I think about it, Mike may disappear and I will lie about him just staying "up North."  Look who has the upper hand now..

(Merry Night before The Night Before Christmas..Laurel loves this day.)