Elf on the Shelf!

I made our Elf on the Shelf calendar today. As I was filling in the days I began to run out of ideas. I am fairly creative and did not think that this task would be that hard. I had to look for a bit of inspiration about halfway through. I do not like to take other people's ideas and claim them as my own, but I needed to get the brain fluid flowing.

After about 15 minutes of surfing the web the ideas started coming to me. Luckily I did not have to copy anyone's ideas. I am sure that some of my ideas are similar to others, but that is because great minds think alike. A few naughty ideas came to mind, but I had to remind myself that this is for the children.

I have decided to share my calendar with you incase you need some ideas too. Feel free to use any of these ideas or print and use my entire calendar. 

I would like to see your Elf in action. Send your mischievous elf pictures to hoppyshow@gmail.com. By submitting your pictures you are consenting to me posting them on the Hoppy Show blog, Vlog and Facebook fan page.
 



Click the calendar to see the full size image

Have fun and good luck. Please let me know if you come up with some really good Elf ideas.



 

I'm tired of being an elephant!

Ever since we went to the circus Charlie has been in love with elephants. They are big and cool and they make an awesome sound. Stuffed, plastic, on television or in a picture, it does not matter. When Charlie sees it, he instantly loves it and lets out his perfect elephant trumpet. 

As soon as I come home from work Charlie tries to pull me onto the floor so that he can jump on my back and imagine that I am an elephant. He jumps on me like he is a trick rider and throws his arms in the air and waves to the audience. The only audience is typically Jamie, but Charlie acts like he is really in the circus. That kid has one huge imagination. He grabs my shirt and pulls up in an effort to make me do tricks. A simple raise of my arm is usually enough for him to let out a screechy giggle.

After several minutes of crawling around on the floor with a two year old on my back my knees get sore and my back begins to hurt. I am too old for this stuff, but how do I tell my son no. He would not listen anyway. He is the most persistent child in the world. I try flying him around over my head, but that hurts my shoulders. I don't have the most healthy joints after years of football and wrestling.

Thank goodness Paw-Paw has come to the rescue. No, Paw-Paw does not get in the floor and pretend to be an elephant. He bought a great substitute though.

This little guy has saved me from sore muscles and bruised knees. Charlie can sit on it, flip over it and make him do tricks. He is also light enough that Charlie can take him anywhere. It is a tight squeeze trying to get him in the crib though. Don't worry, I don't shove this thing in the bed with him. He would love to sleep on it though. 

I always wondered what kids dream about. Now I know. My child dreams about feeding apples to elephants. How do I know? Charlie rolled over the other night while sleeping, trumpeted like an elephant, said "Apple!" and giggled. I just hope that he does not start sleep walking like an elephant. That would be freaky to wake up to in the middle of the night.

Pregnancy Update!

Saturday marked week 13 of our pregnancy. We found out very early which makes the time pass very slowly.

At our last ultrasound (10 weeks) we were lucky enough to capture a little action. Watch closely. This baby is quick. Like Jackie Chan quick.

This child is going to be in the UFC or a great soccer player. 

Jamie was feeling terrible through the first trimester, but she is much better now. The morning sickness has subsided and she has a bit more energy. This pregnancy has been the complete opposite of her pregnancy with Charlie. Could she be carrying Daddy's little girl?

We will be finding out the sex around Thanksgiving. I sure hope that it is a girl because we still can not agree on a boy name. Any suggestions?

Everyone seems to love the girl name. It is very rare. We are naming a girl after Jamie's great grandma. Any guesses before the reveal?