We are minutes away from home. Chris swears we won't be doing that drive again, so start saving your change to contribute to next year's airfare fund I suppose.
It's 45 degrees and partly sunny, and I have to admit ready to be out of the car too. There's only so many times I can pretend to be amused at various things Baby Belle puts on her head....
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Home Stretch Home
A pleasant stay in Beckley, WV, we woke this morning to an unexpected snowfall. It was so peaceful and quiet as the huge flakes seem to soak up the sound as they blanketed everything. We made an earlier than planned exit before the snow built up even more, and had about a half hour of some dicey driving.
All turned out fine however, and we're due home shortly around 11:30. The rest of the trip looks like it could potentially be a bit wet, but I think we're clear of snow.
All turned out fine however, and we're due home shortly around 11:30. The rest of the trip looks like it could potentially be a bit wet, but I think we're clear of snow.
Friday, December 28, 2012
What I Saw
A hawk
Perches
In a tree
Unguarded
By leafless
Branches
Silhouette
Surveying
The cold world
Caring only
That food
Is a flight away
And the air
Is his only
Worry
Oh
To be
A hawk
Perches
In a tree
Unguarded
By leafless
Branches
Silhouette
Surveying
The cold world
Caring only
That food
Is a flight away
And the air
Is his only
Worry
Oh
To be
A hawk
Post-Lunch
Lunch at McDonald's -- one with a Playland -- 3 ridiculously wired kids in the car. At least they're squeals of laughter right now. Earlier we had the Late December Pinchfest of 2012, not to be confused with the pre-Christmas Pinchfest of course. And ClaraBle screaming that Big Belle "smells like a pooper"....and then, with eyes brimming with tears, pridefully announcing "nobody loves me".
Sigh.
The scenery is getting very pretty. Snowy foothills, cattle on hilly slopes, powdered sugar branches, and a thin layer of clouds protecting our eyes from the suns reflective rays.
Cue screams, pinching, and a bloody nose from a picker in the backseat to add a lovely melodic backdrop to the serene outdoors.
Okay. I love everything we received for Christmas...but here's something to consider for next year, or any other time before that: Someone to take these Belles. Just for a night, or two. Chris and I can run away and escape to a quiet hotel room and relish in the hush.
Cue Baby Belle sticking piece of licorice in her ear to judge its entertainment value. Yeah, she ate it too. Who am I to deny her fun after all....
To be continued....
Sigh.
The scenery is getting very pretty. Snowy foothills, cattle on hilly slopes, powdered sugar branches, and a thin layer of clouds protecting our eyes from the suns reflective rays.
Cue screams, pinching, and a bloody nose from a picker in the backseat to add a lovely melodic backdrop to the serene outdoors.
Okay. I love everything we received for Christmas...but here's something to consider for next year, or any other time before that: Someone to take these Belles. Just for a night, or two. Chris and I can run away and escape to a quiet hotel room and relish in the hush.
Cue Baby Belle sticking piece of licorice in her ear to judge its entertainment value. Yeah, she ate it too. Who am I to deny her fun after all....
To be continued....
O, Bye-O
We had a cold send off this morning as the temperature was a chilling 12 degrees as we pulled out. Otherwise it's been uneventful thus far. I love morning travel, and there's been no traffic issues either. Clara Elle was thoroughly disgusted with the industrial smells of the city, and made it well known until we were out of range of the acidic haze. Big Belle settled comfortably with a snuggly small dog on her lap. Baby Belle is pretty settled as well. If I could breathe from this cold I'd be a lot happier, but glad the Tamiflu has helped Chris immensely! We've finished morning snacks, and crossed over the state line into Ohio about 7 minutes ago.
This cold seems to be clogging my brain, so forgive anything more intellie, but I'll keep you posted throughout the day.
This cold seems to be clogging my brain, so forgive anything more intellie, but I'll keep you posted throughout the day.
Thursday, December 20, 2012
O-HI-O
History lesson anyone? While we were passing Marietta, I saw on the history app that it has one of the oldest burial grounds WEST of the Appalachians, and one of the largest cemeteries for Revolutionary War officers.
Also, might I give a cheer for the AaAA TripTik App. Very similar to the hand held paper trip tiks you know and live, but on your phone! The only thing is that it doesn't highlight construction areas.
It's still overcast, but no rain yet. We're staying on target time-wise. See you soon mitten state!
Also, might I give a cheer for the AaAA TripTik App. Very similar to the hand held paper trip tiks you know and live, but on your phone! The only thing is that it doesn't highlight construction areas.
It's still overcast, but no rain yet. We're staying on target time-wise. See you soon mitten state!
Home Stretch
A soft coral pink is coloring the low slung clouds. It's not at all ominous, though the day is supposed to turn rainy. We had an early start, but a sect night's sleep. I can't speak for Chris, but I only received one kid-foot karate chop to the side of my head, the rest of it was nice and snuggly.
We stayed in a town outside of Parkersburg, WV -- a town best visited when you can't see it. Parkersburg itself was quite shady, or so it seemed. Might have been great, no offense West Va. In spite of a small mental challenge to find our way back to the freeway --no thank you Garmin or iPhone, road signs were the only help this morning-- and passing some sort of establishment with a sign that read "fleas navi dude" (seriously, I can't make this up), we are well on our way. Is it too much to ask for some serious car napping by children today?
We stayed in a town outside of Parkersburg, WV -- a town best visited when you can't see it. Parkersburg itself was quite shady, or so it seemed. Might have been great, no offense West Va. In spite of a small mental challenge to find our way back to the freeway --no thank you Garmin or iPhone, road signs were the only help this morning-- and passing some sort of establishment with a sign that read "fleas navi dude" (seriously, I can't make this up), we are well on our way. Is it too much to ask for some serious car napping by children today?
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Good Thing...
Good thing we are stopping soon. The Belles are getting restless.... And one Belle in particular is extra ornery. (Those who know them, I'll let you guess which one. This won't be hard.)
Looks like tomorrow will be a rainy drive; as long as its not difficult, I love rain. Looks like we may even see some snow in a few days.
Here's hoping the hotel pool is decent enough to provide an evening reward.
Looks like tomorrow will be a rainy drive; as long as its not difficult, I love rain. Looks like we may even see some snow in a few days.
Here's hoping the hotel pool is decent enough to provide an evening reward.
Moving Right Along
Elevation 3,252
Toll road--Big Belle is laughing that we have to pay money to drive on a road.
Kids eating candy.
Not nearly enough napping going on, I fully suspect it will occur 20 mo utes before we reach our destination.
Christmas music on
Toll road--Big Belle is laughing that we have to pay money to drive on a road.
Kids eating candy.
Not nearly enough napping going on, I fully suspect it will occur 20 mo utes before we reach our destination.
Christmas music on
Out of NC
We are fed, one asleep, and only on our first DVD. Not too bad considering screaming started before we were a quarter if a mile away from the driveway.
Baby Belle is screeching with delight as she sees the mountains in the distance. (I just might be squealing inside too. Oh how we love the mountains!). My popping ears are telling me we're close.
Highlights so far? A gun store we passed called Guns Out The Ying Yang. As much as I hate guns, it was pretty funny. And, thanks to my handy dandy History Here App, I have learned that we drove right near the grave sight of Chang and Eng Bunker: the "original" Siamese twins from Siam aka Thailand currently. Fascinating! Evidently they bought a plantation, married sisters (not connected ones) and, though joined at the chest somehow managed to father 21 children between the two of them. Don't say I never share anything useful.
Baby Belle is screeching with delight as she sees the mountains in the distance. (I just might be squealing inside too. Oh how we love the mountains!). My popping ears are telling me we're close.
Highlights so far? A gun store we passed called Guns Out The Ying Yang. As much as I hate guns, it was pretty funny. And, thanks to my handy dandy History Here App, I have learned that we drove right near the grave sight of Chang and Eng Bunker: the "original" Siamese twins from Siam aka Thailand currently. Fascinating! Evidently they bought a plantation, married sisters (not connected ones) and, though joined at the chest somehow managed to father 21 children between the two of them. Don't say I never share anything useful.
On our way
We took an even earlier start than usual. Looking forward to taking the drive in 2 days. All are well, ready to drive, and then ready for family!
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Friday, December 14, 2012
For the Love of Children....
Doctors hold their patients' lives in their hands often.
Police officers, firefighters have chances to see tragedy, as well as to triumph in safety.
As a mother, I would protect my children with my life.
When I chose to become a teacher, the thought that I would be in charge of the lives' of other people's children never came to mind. I know plenty of teachers who walk in the path of righteousness in their teaching careers believing that they can and will "make a difference". But who are they wanting that for...to truly change the world, or to feel the sense of accomplishment that comes with whatever they measure the 'difference' they made by.
As teachers, we are not super heroes. Often times, we are berated, ignored, and blamed. We are accused, judged, 'given too much credit', scoffed at (because look at our vacation time after all); yet rarely are we reminded that each day we hold children's lives in our room. The lives of many families are in our wellbeing. As I read comments on Facebook about the atrocities of violence that involve children in our schools, in our country, I am amazed at the number of teachers I see commenting. There are so many people who are reminding us all that they 'hugged their child a little longer today', and how picking their child up from school just wasn't as routine as it usually was. Which is only a fraction of the intense emotions running through all parents' minds. But what blows me away are the comments from the teachers. Some relatives, some colleagues, many friends: and what they are saying is about their intense devotion not only to their profession, but to each and every child. For these people remember, that each day parents send their children, their world -- our future -- to school to learn, and be safe. If children can't feel safe in our schools, how will they learn. For some children -- yes, even in the United States -- schools are the safest place they have.
I just want to say how proud I am that of all teachers. While we don't set out each day to save the world, or save the children, or make the world a better place, please take a moment to hug the children in your world a little tighter, and a little longer. And then remember, that your child's teacher most likely would take your child into their hands, and into their hearts, just as your child may do for them.
This post is dedicated to the staff, students and families of the latest tragedy in our world. It didn't have to happen.
Police officers, firefighters have chances to see tragedy, as well as to triumph in safety.
As a mother, I would protect my children with my life.
When I chose to become a teacher, the thought that I would be in charge of the lives' of other people's children never came to mind. I know plenty of teachers who walk in the path of righteousness in their teaching careers believing that they can and will "make a difference". But who are they wanting that for...to truly change the world, or to feel the sense of accomplishment that comes with whatever they measure the 'difference' they made by.
As teachers, we are not super heroes. Often times, we are berated, ignored, and blamed. We are accused, judged, 'given too much credit', scoffed at (because look at our vacation time after all); yet rarely are we reminded that each day we hold children's lives in our room. The lives of many families are in our wellbeing. As I read comments on Facebook about the atrocities of violence that involve children in our schools, in our country, I am amazed at the number of teachers I see commenting. There are so many people who are reminding us all that they 'hugged their child a little longer today', and how picking their child up from school just wasn't as routine as it usually was. Which is only a fraction of the intense emotions running through all parents' minds. But what blows me away are the comments from the teachers. Some relatives, some colleagues, many friends: and what they are saying is about their intense devotion not only to their profession, but to each and every child. For these people remember, that each day parents send their children, their world -- our future -- to school to learn, and be safe. If children can't feel safe in our schools, how will they learn. For some children -- yes, even in the United States -- schools are the safest place they have.
I just want to say how proud I am that of all teachers. While we don't set out each day to save the world, or save the children, or make the world a better place, please take a moment to hug the children in your world a little tighter, and a little longer. And then remember, that your child's teacher most likely would take your child into their hands, and into their hearts, just as your child may do for them.
This post is dedicated to the staff, students and families of the latest tragedy in our world. It didn't have to happen.
Not at My Brightest
File this in the "what were you thinking category"... But a homemade dark chocolate covered pretzel did indeed seem like a good idea at the time.
Thursday, December 13, 2012
War Paint
Warning to all of you with a little girl --or three. Sure all of those snazzy lip glosses look fun; sure your own little belle loves to play grown up and carry them around, and hey they really satisfy the sweet tooth too.
But then, boundaries are lost. And before you know it your very own Belle will cross sacred ground and desecrate your lipstick stash. Your favorite--because why would it be any other--lipstick will be smeared and pressed into its lid in silent sin.
Not once, but twice in one day, your Clinique Berry Berry and All Heart have met their match, as have 2 shirts, a baby doll, and a corner of the car seat.
Remember, if its quiet, it can't be good. Lock up your lipsticks and run--dont walk--away from the Tinkerbell gloss.
But then, boundaries are lost. And before you know it your very own Belle will cross sacred ground and desecrate your lipstick stash. Your favorite--because why would it be any other--lipstick will be smeared and pressed into its lid in silent sin.
Not once, but twice in one day, your Clinique Berry Berry and All Heart have met their match, as have 2 shirts, a baby doll, and a corner of the car seat.
Remember, if its quiet, it can't be good. Lock up your lipsticks and run--dont walk--away from the Tinkerbell gloss.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Fur Family
Those with pets, understand.
The unspoken bond.
The soul you can read through the eyes, and who read you without you knowing it.
The forgiveness afforded to you unselfishly.
The way your you can almost see your heart filling up with love and happiness when they are near, no matter what has happened in other areas of your life throughout the day.
That there are no need for words, but if you want to talk they listen with wild abandon.
The connection.
The common lifeline you share -- each other.
The unconditional love.
We almost lost one of our fur babies this week due to a sudden, surprising, and uncontrollable illness. If I had not been home to take him to the vet, he would not have made it through the day. If our vet had not been so willing to have him in for observation until they could see him later in the day, he would not have made it. If our veterinarian had not followed through and looked at him sooner than scheduled, he would not have made it. With the crossing this summer of our dear old George, it was much to soon to have to watch another member of our fur family head to the Rainbow Bridge, but we are glad Scooby didn't have to cross at this time. We look forward to this Christmas with our families, those with fur as well as those without.
Monday, December 10, 2012
Daily Grind
I've been a SAHM (that's Stay At Home Mom) for a good 3 weeks now. (By the way, does any one else think that is the stupidest term ever? I sense a venting post just on that alone in my future....) It's very interesting to see the other side of the coin, where the grass was supposed to be greener. Where rainbows and unicorns would dance and sing, and I would gleefully prance about the house in comfortable clothes merrily vacuuming, dusting, and folding clothes as the hours passed.
Well, let me tell you something....
IT'S EVERYTHING I COULD HAVE HOPED FOR!!!! Well, unicorns and rainbows are eluding me, but I've never been a big fan of either anyways, so I'm cool with that. Now, I'm not saying I've developed some new found love for cleaning, organizing, cooking (actually that has not improved one bit and Chris still helps out with that everyday. What a guy!) I don't enjoy doing the housework, it's just that it can happen a bit more at my own pace, and if I want to take a nap in the middle of matching a pile of socks roughly the same height as the bed, then that is okay.
One thing that has been very interesting, is the amount of FREE time we have each evening and on the weekends. It's ridiculous! With the cleaning and chores out of the way, or knowing that I can work on something during the day rather than having to rush to fit it in during the evening hours, we have an enormous amount of time to just...be. We can lay around and be vegetables, we can play outside -- hello 75 degrees (again, another future post) -- we can be together without the idea of projects and chores looming over us in guilt. It's not like there aren't projects to be done, there are plenty, it's just that there is time now.
We have even noticed that this has had a great impact on the kids. They watch less television on the weekends and during the week, and they are playing with their toys, playing on the trampoline, and playing together without having to be asked, or threatened. It's not like they're really getting along or showing great improvement in their behavior, but I guess everything is much more relaxed.
It can't stay this way forever, eventually I will be headed back to the world of the working mom. I am not sure when that will happen, it could be a month; it could be more, it could be less. So I savor each day, I savor the morning cartoons; I savor folding clothes while I watch the Today Show. I savor the laundry (gulp), the kitchen sink (ew, not really), and all of the other tasks and chores throughout the days. Though at times it feels like that is all. I. do. is. clean. I savor it. Because I know that it means when Big Belle gets home from school, and Chris gets home from work, we can be together and relax.
In the meantime, the laundry is ready to go in the dryer, Clara Belle is hungry, the dishwasher needs some relief, and because I didn't do any picking up this weekend, I have to do the great Monday morning pickup. Perhaps the unicorn can help....
Well, let me tell you something....
IT'S EVERYTHING I COULD HAVE HOPED FOR!!!! Well, unicorns and rainbows are eluding me, but I've never been a big fan of either anyways, so I'm cool with that. Now, I'm not saying I've developed some new found love for cleaning, organizing, cooking (actually that has not improved one bit and Chris still helps out with that everyday. What a guy!) I don't enjoy doing the housework, it's just that it can happen a bit more at my own pace, and if I want to take a nap in the middle of matching a pile of socks roughly the same height as the bed, then that is okay.
One thing that has been very interesting, is the amount of FREE time we have each evening and on the weekends. It's ridiculous! With the cleaning and chores out of the way, or knowing that I can work on something during the day rather than having to rush to fit it in during the evening hours, we have an enormous amount of time to just...be. We can lay around and be vegetables, we can play outside -- hello 75 degrees (again, another future post) -- we can be together without the idea of projects and chores looming over us in guilt. It's not like there aren't projects to be done, there are plenty, it's just that there is time now.
We have even noticed that this has had a great impact on the kids. They watch less television on the weekends and during the week, and they are playing with their toys, playing on the trampoline, and playing together without having to be asked, or threatened. It's not like they're really getting along or showing great improvement in their behavior, but I guess everything is much more relaxed.
It can't stay this way forever, eventually I will be headed back to the world of the working mom. I am not sure when that will happen, it could be a month; it could be more, it could be less. So I savor each day, I savor the morning cartoons; I savor folding clothes while I watch the Today Show. I savor the laundry (gulp), the kitchen sink (ew, not really), and all of the other tasks and chores throughout the days. Though at times it feels like that is all. I. do. is. clean. I savor it. Because I know that it means when Big Belle gets home from school, and Chris gets home from work, we can be together and relax.
In the meantime, the laundry is ready to go in the dryer, Clara Belle is hungry, the dishwasher needs some relief, and because I didn't do any picking up this weekend, I have to do the great Monday morning pickup. Perhaps the unicorn can help....
Friday, December 7, 2012
Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time....
We have an Elf on the Shelf. Have you seen them? I've tried to ignore them for several years now, not one to jump into pop culture or the latest holiday fad...and yet, here I am. Knee deep in elf and trolling on Pinterest for inspiration. (Thanks to the internet, there are times I feel like I can't think up my own ideas. Have you ever noticed how much easier it is to do an internet search and use someone else's? Lazy, yes.)
So. This year, it seemed like it was time to try the elf. The idea is, that this elf comes to visit during this holiday season. During the day he watches you, and at night he goes back to Santa and reports your behavior. In the morning, he (or she, you can pick the gender before you purchase) is usually "caught" in some completed mischief pose. (Cue needed inspiration for creativity, and something else to remember to do before bed.)
Yesterday our elf arrived. We read the story that accompanies him; reviewed the rules -- no touching the elf or he loses his magic -- and sat him on the shelf. Big Belle was very excited. Her classroom has one, and so she is all caught up in the magic that is "Christmas". Being good. I'm all for it. ClaraBelle...skeptic. Naturally, of course. But I believe the skepticism arose more out of nervousness and the hope of disbelief than anything else. In typical ClaraBelle fashion, a million and one questions that could possibly cast any shadow of a doubt that this could be true arose...until she finally accepted it. And, when he was in a different place than we left him after we returned from running an errand -- her eyes widened. Not in excitement, she still wanted to remain aloof, but oh her mind was turning.
And then she was up 3 times at night. She was scared. She didn't mention the elf was the reason, but I know it was. Although whether she was scared of the elf coming and going from her house, or what the elf was telling Santa -- which hey, she SHOULD be scared of -- I don't know. All I know, is I was up 3 times, and then woken up again at 6:00 am to let me know where the elf was.
We named him Happy by the way. But I was anything but.
Chris and I said that if this continued, Happy would be anything but. In fact, Happy might make an unexpected departure to the North Pole.
Has it helped behavior? Marginally. It hasn't hurt though, that's for certain.
I'll be sure to keep you posted, as I'm sure Happy will have many exciting antics to keep us all entertained for the next 19 days.
So. This year, it seemed like it was time to try the elf. The idea is, that this elf comes to visit during this holiday season. During the day he watches you, and at night he goes back to Santa and reports your behavior. In the morning, he (or she, you can pick the gender before you purchase) is usually "caught" in some completed mischief pose. (Cue needed inspiration for creativity, and something else to remember to do before bed.)
Yesterday our elf arrived. We read the story that accompanies him; reviewed the rules -- no touching the elf or he loses his magic -- and sat him on the shelf. Big Belle was very excited. Her classroom has one, and so she is all caught up in the magic that is "Christmas". Being good. I'm all for it. ClaraBelle...skeptic. Naturally, of course. But I believe the skepticism arose more out of nervousness and the hope of disbelief than anything else. In typical ClaraBelle fashion, a million and one questions that could possibly cast any shadow of a doubt that this could be true arose...until she finally accepted it. And, when he was in a different place than we left him after we returned from running an errand -- her eyes widened. Not in excitement, she still wanted to remain aloof, but oh her mind was turning.
And then she was up 3 times at night. She was scared. She didn't mention the elf was the reason, but I know it was. Although whether she was scared of the elf coming and going from her house, or what the elf was telling Santa -- which hey, she SHOULD be scared of -- I don't know. All I know, is I was up 3 times, and then woken up again at 6:00 am to let me know where the elf was.
We named him Happy by the way. But I was anything but.
Chris and I said that if this continued, Happy would be anything but. In fact, Happy might make an unexpected departure to the North Pole.
Has it helped behavior? Marginally. It hasn't hurt though, that's for certain.
I'll be sure to keep you posted, as I'm sure Happy will have many exciting antics to keep us all entertained for the next 19 days.
Sunday, December 2, 2012
What Comes Next....
True Conversation:
Setting: the car, of course
Baby Belle: "Stop touching me, no touching me, stop, no, no, no, no...." Amidst screams of exaggerated agony.
Naturally, this continues. And continues.
Mom: "ClaraBelle stop touching her right now" (of course this is AFTER I've used my nice, calm voice. Many times.)
Clara Belle: (without missing so much as a beat) "I just want to feel how soft her skin is".
So, we've been discussing Santa for a while now. Definitely since Thanksgiving, we may have even brought up his name a little before. We've even seen him several times, and the Belles have sat on his lap twice. The other night there was an older gentleman with a long beard, wearing an elf hat with ears. Baby Belle's eyes just about popped out of her head when she saw him and whispered "It's Santa Mommy". The girls didn't want to believe that there was an elf...a real elf in their midst. They tried to deny it, Big Belle tried to rationalize, but in the end realized it must be real. He even made his hat do a dance and jingle while on his head. It was just a regular old citizen getting in the spirit, which made it even more 'magical' for the girls. No line to wait in, no gimmick or promotion...just an elf. I think that bought us about an hour or more of pretty darn good behavior.
We've discussed the naughty and nice list. Until we're blue in the face. SOME Belles around here just don't seem to care. And by some, I mean mostly, one. Actually Big Belle has had a mini-epiphany of her own, that being good has more merits than getting into trouble. It's not to say she doesn't cause a small amount of issues around here, but no where near what she was capable of even a few weeks ago. Whether or not this has anything to do with acquiring the maximum amount of presents possible, I do not know. Frankly, at this point, I don't care.
Baby Belle has definitely turned into Toddler-Belle, in that she has turned to the dark side. Her sweet innocent side has tasted the delight of causing trouble, and she seems to enjoy it. Right now it is fairly manageable, and a reminder about being "naughty" is enough to get her mildly upset enough to stop whatever it was she was doing. Unless of course, it means extracting her from the race car shopping cart of a grocery store on a day she did not take a nap. Then, it's all over. But really, shouldn't we know better....
So, once again, this year I ask. What comes next? What about when the threat of Santa is gone, when the soon-to-arrive Elf on the Shelf has worked his magic and headed back? December 26th is far too early to even think about the Easter Bunny. Perhaps the ghost of Martin Luther King Jr. could watch over them.... After all, wasn't he for peace? And that's what we all want out of this. Just a little peace. And quiet.
Setting: the car, of course
Baby Belle: "Stop touching me, no touching me, stop, no, no, no, no...." Amidst screams of exaggerated agony.
Naturally, this continues. And continues.
Mom: "ClaraBelle stop touching her right now" (of course this is AFTER I've used my nice, calm voice. Many times.)
Clara Belle: (without missing so much as a beat) "I just want to feel how soft her skin is".
So, we've been discussing Santa for a while now. Definitely since Thanksgiving, we may have even brought up his name a little before. We've even seen him several times, and the Belles have sat on his lap twice. The other night there was an older gentleman with a long beard, wearing an elf hat with ears. Baby Belle's eyes just about popped out of her head when she saw him and whispered "It's Santa Mommy". The girls didn't want to believe that there was an elf...a real elf in their midst. They tried to deny it, Big Belle tried to rationalize, but in the end realized it must be real. He even made his hat do a dance and jingle while on his head. It was just a regular old citizen getting in the spirit, which made it even more 'magical' for the girls. No line to wait in, no gimmick or promotion...just an elf. I think that bought us about an hour or more of pretty darn good behavior.
We've discussed the naughty and nice list. Until we're blue in the face. SOME Belles around here just don't seem to care. And by some, I mean mostly, one. Actually Big Belle has had a mini-epiphany of her own, that being good has more merits than getting into trouble. It's not to say she doesn't cause a small amount of issues around here, but no where near what she was capable of even a few weeks ago. Whether or not this has anything to do with acquiring the maximum amount of presents possible, I do not know. Frankly, at this point, I don't care.
Baby Belle has definitely turned into Toddler-Belle, in that she has turned to the dark side. Her sweet innocent side has tasted the delight of causing trouble, and she seems to enjoy it. Right now it is fairly manageable, and a reminder about being "naughty" is enough to get her mildly upset enough to stop whatever it was she was doing. Unless of course, it means extracting her from the race car shopping cart of a grocery store on a day she did not take a nap. Then, it's all over. But really, shouldn't we know better....
So, once again, this year I ask. What comes next? What about when the threat of Santa is gone, when the soon-to-arrive Elf on the Shelf has worked his magic and headed back? December 26th is far too early to even think about the Easter Bunny. Perhaps the ghost of Martin Luther King Jr. could watch over them.... After all, wasn't he for peace? And that's what we all want out of this. Just a little peace. And quiet.
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