Snow!

Since we live in Florida we won't have a real winter with snow.  The elves brought snow spray to put on the windows to give the wintery feeling!  The poem is very short but to the point!

The poem.....

Since winter time is here and you can't have snow.
We thought that you would like to give this one a go!

It's not the real thing but it's festive and it's fun!
Spray it on the windows and you'll have snow when you are done!


Love,
_________

P.S.Get help from an adult

 

The elves waiting in their new elf carrier!!!

 

Snow spray and poem!

Gingerbread house!

This is what the kids did today.  I've been working and didn't have the time to post this earlier.  A friend gave us the gingerbread house kit, so we used it to and added him in the poem!

The poem.......

The holidays are festive and lots of fun!
We think Christmas is the best one!

Kids smiling with joy from the toys that we make!
Fills us with pride that no one can ever take.

The best part though is family.
That is what we consider you to be!

Santa and the elves are our family too!
But we're the happiest being with you!

Friends are also what we consider you to be!
We have one more close friend, our pal Mikey!

He's not an elf but he's a great guy!
He gave us this gift, he thought you'd like to try!

A gingerbread house kit, you'll have to work as a team.
Making one's not as easy as it may seem.

With your creativity we know it will be neat!
We can't wait to see it when it's complete!

We know you'll work hard, we know you'll have fun!
We'll make sure to show Mikey a picture when it's done!

Love,

Surprise....wrapped up!

Today the elves have a surprise for the kids. Tomorrow is their last day of school before Christmas break from school.  The elves decided to wrap the snacks in their lunches!  The poem states the surprise but not when or where they will receive the surprise!

The Poem......

You are the best kids we've ever met!
We think you're as good as they get!

We want to thank you for being so great!
Today we have something exciting on the plate.

We have a surprise especially for you!
Though telling you is something we cannot do!

What's the surprise what will it be?
You'll just have to wait and see!

Try not to get "wrapped" up in figuring it out!
We promise you'll love it without a doubt!

So, have a good day, have lots of fun!
We'll be waiting for you, when school is done!

Love,

 

 

 

Kringle wrapped up while Holly is hiding the paper behind her back!

Responsibility #7 Recycling...Snowman Jugs!

This one I've been waiting to collect things and of course keep forgetting and taking out the recycling.  I originally saw this post on Facebook or Pinterest (maybe both).  Using empty water jugs to make snowmen.  Since I started the responsibility theme I decided to add a twist and have them make it out of recyclables (at least most of it).  I also bought small strands of lights to put inside ( I know, energy usage is not environmentally friendly but it makes it more fun)! 

I am doing this in advance and do not have it set up because it is for tonight/tomorrow but I will add pictures later!

The poem......

Here is something fun, that we think is likeable.
Make snowman jugs out of mostly things recyclable!

The empty water jugs we found and put aside.
The rest of the pieces are for you to decide!

Cut up empty boxes and old newspaper too.
We even brought lights, so they can shine through!

Recycling is important, to help keep the earth alive!
Every bit helps, if only more people would strive!

So work your magic, be creative, and have fun!
Just remember to recycle, even after this is done!

Love,

Pictures to come!!!!!!

Where I got the idea!

The elves waiting for morning!

Will post a pic of finished product when they're done!

Creative Fun.....What do you love?

My kids love to draw especially my girls so I thought I would give them free range...well for the most part!  This time they have to draw a picture of something they love.  The elves left paper for them to draw. Really simple I know I feel like I've been slacking but my kids seem to love simple!

If you've been following my post, my kids have been doing everything the elves ask and keeping up with the jobs!  They have been playing games fairly well together (still a few whines here and there), running to the stop sign and back for exercise the past two days and enjoying it, watering the plant.....even if they only focus on it for the month or until Christmas at least they are experiencing and attempting their tasks! Though I do hope they get more out of it....eventually anyway!

The poem....

It's time for some creative fun.
Something to do when your school day is done!

Draw a picture of something, that you love the best!
Something that means more than the rest!

You can draw anything,.....anything you wish!
A person, a flower, or even a fish!

Whatever is important to you, we want to see.
Draw us something that sets your heart free!

Love,

Our elves lounging in the tree writing the poem and drawing what they love on the paper too!

Candy Cane Hunt!!!!!

This idea I got from someone else.....Something fun for the kids to enjoy!  They get to have a candy cane hunt once they're ready for school!  Hopefully that will make them move!  I actually found soda flavored candy canes at Walmart, which they will love since they very rarely are allowed to drink soda.  It has A&W Root beer, Crush Orange, and Dr. Pepper!

Thanks for the idea Maryann!

Here's the Poem......

We have something really fun for you to do today!
First, you must get ready for school, and then it's time to play!

Root beer, Orange Crush, and Dr. Pepper too.
The flavors of the candy canes that we hid for you!

That's right! A candy cane hunt is what we have in store!
When it's time to start, you need to each find four!

We hope that you enjoy this, we think it's pretty cool!
You can eat the candy canes, when you get home from school!

No peeking until it's time, we want it to be fair.
Now go get ready for school, this includes your teeth and hair!

When you are all done, let your mom know.
She will count to three, then on your mark, get set, GO!

Love,

I really don't have anything to take a picture of on this one....Just randomly placed candy canes around the living and dining rooms!

Responsibility #6...Exercising...health is important!

I try to teach my kids health is important but unfortunately I fall in and out of the exercise routine myself and I'm not setting the best example.  I lose and gain quite often.  Trying to teach my kids about health, exercising, and eating right I find is hard to do at times.  I try to tell them but they're still young to really understand.  I thought a little "elf" influence might help!   This year I decided to give them an exercising task and hope they have fun with it!

The poem......

This next responsibility is another important one.
Exercising keeps you healthy and it really must be done.

There are many different exercises, they each help in different ways.
No matter what you choose, you'll be healthier in days!

We'll focus on building muscles and strengthening your heart!
Always keep things simple, in anything you start.

If you work real hard, your body can get sore.
That's why you should always, stretch real good before.

This next task we give you, we're hoping will be fun!
We want you every day to go for a short run.

To the stop sign and back, as many times as you can!
This will get you healthy, which is our ultimate plan!

Do this every day. Remember this is NOT a race.
Each one of you should go, at your own pace.

Longer legs go further, but doesn't mean little legs are slow.
Do what you can do, go as far as you can go!

Most importantly have fun and give it all you've got!
Your health is important and to us sure means a lot!

Love,


P.S. Don't forget to wear running shoes!

                                      Holly and Kringle stretching. Getting ready to exercise!

A phone call to Santa!

Something fun for the kids I found posted on facebook.  Santa's phone number that has a cute recording!  I of course wrote a poem to introduce the idea to the kids!!!

The poem....

We thought that we would share something that is not known.
We have the number to Santa Clause's phone!

You can call him up, listen to what he has to say.
Tell him what you want so he can put it on his sleigh!

You can each call him up,  do it on your own.
Type in the number when you hear the dial tone.

Just remember he is busy, he's got a lot to do.
Hope you enjoy your phone call!  He can't wait to hear from you!

Love,

Decoration time!!!

Another quick one!  Even the poem is short. I'm exhausted so even this post will be short!  Foam ornaments for the kids to decorate!

The poem....

Now it's time to decorate!
We can't wait to see what you create!

Have lots of fun decorate them all.
Hang them on the tree or hang them on the wall.

Be creative enjoy yourself.
Work your magic as if you were an elf!

While you work, Christmas music you must play!
Then it will feel like Christmas is really on its way!

Love,

Foam ornaments with glue and the poem In the mail box.

One my daughter made!

The elves are just hanging around today!

Sportsmanship.....

I don't know about you but my kids are not very good losers!  Well I have one child who is pretty good but the other two pitch a fit every time they lose.  Makes game time not much fun. So our elves brought a game...Jenga....for them to play and have fun.  No crying and whining if they lose.  I'm hoping that the elves have more of an impact because I can't seem to get through to them.

The poem......

Your job today will be sportsmanship.
If you don't win there's no need to flip!

Play a few games, have lots of fun!
There's no need to keep score on this one.

Winning is fun but it's okay to lose.
How you behave, it's you who gets to choose.

Crying and screaming isn't the best choice.
There's no need for anyone to raise their voice.

Remember we're reporting to Santa every day.
He's about to start, loading up his sleigh!

So, if you want Santa to bring toys for you.
Have fun without the fighting, is all you have to do!!!

Love,

The elves placed the mailbox with the poem and the Jenga game under our snowman tree.  They decided to hide in the snowman tree, while our pet reindeer Cinnamon is standing on the snowman's top hat !

Responsibility #5 Keeping Clean and Preventing Germs to Stay Healthy......

This one isn't so much fun but the prize they left is pretty cool!  It is what it says, teaching the kids to stay clean so they can stay healthy and not spread germs.  The elves left soap made in the North Pole ( Bath and Body Works)!  I actually got the idea from a co-worker who bought the soap for her elf to leave for her kids and I thought it was really cool and had to buy it!  The soap bottle actually lights up and plays a sleigh bell jingle when you use it!  Really neat the kids are going to love it (Thanks Heather)!

My kids are pretty good about washing their hands but everything sounds better when it comes from the elves!

Here's the poem.....

This next responsibility isn't loads of fun.
But it is a necessity. It needs to be done!

Keeping clean is important , so that you don't smell.
It also keeps you healthy, by killing germs as well!

We brought some Christmas soap, we think it's pretty neat!
Use it to wash your hands, especially before you eat!

Clean hands are the key, to keep from spreading germs.
That's all you need to do, those are our only terms,

This is a special soap, one you can't buy yourself.
It's made in the North Pole by our germaphobe, soap elf!

He made this bottle special, use it and you'll see!
Follow our instructions and healthy you will be!

Love,

So you can't tell in the pic but it really lights up and plays a jingle!  Kids are going to love it!

Family Responsibility and Movie time!

Another easy idea....My kids love having family time. Something that doesn't happen as much as we might like.  My husband works 6 days a week and I work retail and never have the same hours (especially this time of year).

The elves brought a movie(s) The Home Alone Collection. Something we can do as a family and spend the much needed time together! Again not my best work but it will mean a lot to them.  That's the funny thing parents (myself included) forget about kids.....they're easy.  They don't need fancy words or even fancy gifts (well, when they're older they might)!  At this age though.....simple things will impress them.   

I'm not creative this is the most creative I get and there is not an artistic bone in my body.  I write poems once in a while throughout the year but every day for the month of December.  My kids love when the elves visit and look forward to it. If you think an idea isn't very good so what, I bet the kids will love it!  Give it a shot....but be prepared once you start, you have to continue.  Believe me I didn't realize one poem would lead into one every day for a month, and then every December...but it's worth it!

The poem......


It's Christmas movie time, after dinner tonight!
I bet you're wondering how this is important. Right?

It's a persons responsibility to make time for family.
Sometimes, it is one that does not come easily.

With all the responsibilities and things most people have to do.
Unfortunately, sometimes family has to wait a time or two.

Family is important, they need to stick together!
Always love your family and take care of one another!

So, enjoy being together during family night!
Spending time with family will make your holidays more bright!

Love,

P.S. Maybe you can pick a day that can be family night every week!

Yeah not the best but they'll get the point!

The elves are hiding in our entertainment center cabinet with the movie.....was too hard to get a pic of the elves, so I just took a picture of the dvd.

A book with an important message! Sleeping by the fire!

The elves are really trying to teach the kids responsibility and values this year!  They're trying to help guide them to have fun but to be good kids, most importantly be who they are! 

The elves brought a book tonight. The book was found at Hallmark, There's Snowbody Like you!, It's about a little snowman who's smaller than the others and doesn't get to do what the others do, but saves the day in the end!  It's probably a little young for my kids but the lesson is an important one!

The poem.....

We brought you a book for reading. We did!
We know! It looks like a book for a little kid.

We want you to read it.  Tell us what you think when you're done.
The lesson it teaches is an important one!

Though sometimes, it's hard to be who you are.
Being just that is the best thing by far!

Everyone's different, but different is good!
If everyone was the same it would be boring, it would!

You'll learn and grow at your own pace.
It's the way you're suppose to it's not a race!

Some people are short and some people are tall.
Both have their ups and their downs we recall.

Some are good at reading, some are good at math.
Some aren't good at either and follow a different path!

Just know that if you struggle, it won't always be that way.
You're changing and you're growing every single day!!!!!

Love your elves,

 

the elves are sleeping by the fire in their sleeping bags  (literally brown paper bags).  They actually have cotton ball pillows!

When the work is done, make time for you!

This one was the quickest by far....I had to work until 1 a.m. and had not decided what to do, and did not have a poem written.  Luckily I've done some planning in advance so I had some things on hand, just not figured out. Finished just after 2, so it took about 30-40 minutes to figure out and write!

This time the elves brought a treat and told the kids they're what's important.  Always remember to take care of you and do something for yourself once in a while! 

The Poem......

We are proud of all of you!
You've done everything we've asked you to!

Being responsible is something everyone should do.
Just don't forget the most important thing.....YOU!

Treat yourself once in a while!
Do something, you like, that will make you smile!

Today you get a special treat!
Hot chocolate to drink and some Christmas candy to eat!

Have them separate or mix them up!
Try putting the candy in the cup!

All work and no play is never fun.
Do something for you, when the work is done!

Love,

 

They're minty Christmas candies, so it gives the hot chocolate a little minty taste.  The kids just love the idea of being able to put things in their drink!

Christmas Tree Snowman...Lasting Memories!

This is an idea I believe I found on Pinterest....bought the pieces I liked for the tree and decided to leave them for the kids to put together!  This one was a little pricey to do since I had to buy the tree too, but I believe it will be worth it!   I'm really hoping the kids enjoy themselves!

We live in Florida and though my husband and I grew up in the North, my children have not experienced a "real" winter.  No snow, or sledding, or snowmen.  My two girls when asked what they wanted for Christmas both said snow.  Unfortunately, I can't do that so the elves thought they would bring a different version of a snowman to them!

I have taken a "before" picture and will attach an "after" picture when they complete it!  Hopefully it comes out as planned! 

I've also of course included a poem.......


We know that you want snow, we're not sure it can be done.
We thought we'd find another way to bring some winter fun!

We found you this white tree and some decorations too!
We've tried really hard, to make this task fun for you!

So, you're going to build a snowman, in your house today!
A snowman that no matter what, will never melt away!

You need to work together, it's going to be a blast!
It's for sure to make a memory that will always last!

Love your elves,

This is just the picture of the elves by the tree with the different decorations. Finished product still to come!

Patience and Teamwork......

Another simple thing  to do.... Tonight the elves are leaving a puzzle for the kids!  I chose a fun Christmas puzzle!  A minion holding a candy cane!  The poem ties it all together with the values that I'm trying to teach them!  Quick and easy ...I'm saving the more complicated ones for when I don't have to work!  A few things coming up are a snowman tree, family movie night (easy but hard with work and school this time of year), and snowman crafts using recyclables (just to name a few)!!!!


The poem.......

This next task, will test you a bit.
Though the biggest challenge will be how long you can sit!

Patience and Teamwork, this one will test.
Two things to find, on your responsibility quest!

They're not responsibilities but things you will need.
With patience and teamwork, it's easier to succeed!

We brought a puzzle, for you to make!
Do it together without taking a break!

We can't wait to see it, when it is done!
Guess, we'll have to use our patience too, on this one!

Love your elves,

Responsibility #4 Being Helpful and Kind......

Tonight the elves kept it pretty simple.....put a table cloth on the table with some Santa hat decorations on the chairs! Along with a Santa centerpiece for the table!  They also left a box of donuts for breakfast! 

I'm trying to teach my children values in a fun way and they love the elves! They look forward to the poems, and crafts, and every morning in the month of December they are excited to see what the next task or activity is.  They enjoy some more than others but they have fun with them all!

The poem.....

We thought that you would like this, we did it just for you!
When you are kind and helpful, others will be too!

This next task should be easy, be helpful and be kind.
Caring and good manners can be very hard to find.

Throughout your day be helpful in any way you can.
It should just come natural, not something you can plan.

Good manners go a long way and show responsibility too.
Characteristics that should shine in everything you do.

Can't wait to hear how helpful and kind you are today!
When you get home from school, we'll listen to all you have to say!

Love your elves,

I couldn't get a good picture but the elves are hanging from the fan above the table!

Responsibility #3 Taking care of your pets....and yes your elf pets too!

Though my kids love their pets. I don't know if they understand that their pets rely on them to take care of them (because honestly, mom does most of it)!  Since they have made reindeer food previously and enjoy doing it every year. I decided to have them do it a little earlier so they could feed their new elf pet reindeer they named Cinnamon.  Usually we make it right before Christmas so they can sprinkle it on the lawn for the reindeer.  Another quick and easy, Besides the poem. I struggled tonight took me a while to write, I've been so tired. Well here it is.....

The Poem:

This responsibility is as important as it gets.
Feeding and taking care of your pets.

Treat them like family or your best friend!
Care for them and love them to no end!

They rely on you to give them what they need.
They're a big responsibility, yes, indeed.

Remember to feed them every day.
Without you they have no way.

The task today has been done before.
Except this time, you'll need to make more! 

 

Cinnamon's hungry and thought it would be neat.
If you could make her a special treat!

Reindeer food is what she would like you to make!
It's easy to do should be a piece of cake!

Mix the ingredients as much as you can.
It will make a lot but we have a plan!

Put some away, save it for Christmas Eve!
So, the reindeer can find you and eat before they leave!

Love your elves,

The ingredients and empty bowls with a letter in the mailbox.....While our elves hide behind the legs of the bench!

Responsibility #2 Waking up on time!

The ironic thing, I almost slept through my job today.  This job. My husband woke me up and asked if I had "the elf thing" done. So, just before 1:30 a.m. I try to decide which one of the responsibilities planned will be quick and easy to prepare!  I started the poem! Luckily I planned the month of elf tasks ahead of time...unfortunately the poems aren't pre-written but at least they only usually take 20 minutes or so to write!

I don't know about you but getting my kids up in the morning can be a job in itself.  For Responsibility #2 Waking up on Time...I'm hoping will be helpful! At least why the elves are here!

The poem.....

The next responsibility is an important one.
Waking up on time to get your job done.

Whether it's work, school, or somewhere to go.
Waking up late is a big No, No!

Especially for elves if we're late building toys.
Think of all the, sad girls and boys.

Each persons job is important in its own way.
So we brought you something to start your day!

One for each room to start each day on time.
It's time to wake up when you hear it chime!

There may be days you do not want to wake.
But what is Santa stayed in bed, so much would be at stake!

So, use this gift we bring to you!
Wake up, work hard, and complete each job you need to do!!!!

Love your elves,

 

The elves are warming by the fire. The quickest thing I could come up with! The clocks are on top of the fireplace with the letter in the mailbox!

Responsibility #1 Christmas Cactus with poem....

The first responsibility includes a Christmas Cactus and keeping it alive!  Simple but it will be the kids plant and watching it bloom will hopefully get them to enjoy it more!

The poem.......

This first responsibility is easy to do.
Maybe you can teach your mom a thing or two!

A Christmas Cactus is what we have here!
Just keep it alive and you'll pass free and clear!

It's not hard to do, even if mom disagrees.
Just give it water and light, and once in a while a breeze.

If the soil is dry, water it good.
With enough love, bloom this plant should!

We hope that you like it as much as we do!
Take good care and let your responsibility shine through!

Love your elves,
Holly and Kringle

Pictures to come....This is for tomorrow since I have to work tonight I'm getting it done now....short but sweet and to the point!  If you didn't guess...Mom (me of course) cannot keep a plant alive, let's see if they can do better!

Elf Pet and Fireplace......

It's that time of year again!  I do get some of my ideas from other posts, pins, and/or internet searches, I always try to make them my own in some way! 



 This year our elves introduced their elf pet!  The kids love it because the book tells them that they are allowed to hold and love the reindeer!




Last year our elves had a theme...elf jobs...the kids were given elf hats and jobs, which once learned they became honorary elves!  (previous posts will explain the activities from last year).


This year The elves decided to go with Responsibility...something a lot of people seem to lack nowadays.


Today Dec.1st was an introduction to what is in store!

Our elf Holly again wrote a poem related to their visit.

The Poem......

A couple of surprises this time around!
It was hard to do without making a sound.

We brought our pet reindeer with whom you can play!
We're hoping your parents will let her stay.

She's a big responsibility almost a chore.
Responsibility is what we chose to teach you all more!

Our tasks will be fun but a lesson they will teach!
Skills that will make nothing in life out of reach!

We'll teach patience and teamwork, plus other things too!
Things that some people struggle to do.

With teamwork we built you this fireplace!
Now go hang your stockings from its mantel face!

We hope you enjoy what the next 24 days have in store!
We love that we get to be here, with you, once more!

Love your elves,
Holly and Kringle

we live in Florida and do not have a fireplace so the kids loved it!  Our stockings are now hanging from our fireplace!......They named the reindeer Cinnamon!