More on that Naughty Elf

I didn't dare to believe in the power of the elf that other moms raved about.

Our elf has been busy since we first welcomed him into our home. After his nightly visits to the North Pole to report back to Santa on the kids' behavior, he's settled back in every corner of the house. The kids race around the house first thing every morning to see where he's chosen to hide out for the day. I wake up to peels of delight when they finally discover him. And as Steve and I are usually half-asleep when we move him, even I am somewhat surprised by where he turns up.

For the most part, he's been pretty mellow on the mischief category, but he has had his moments. The other morning I was shampooing my head when I spotted him high in the corner of my shower, the little peeping elf. I guess even an old mom like me is more action than he's seen up in the North Pole. The other night, he barricaded Bella in her room with a mountain of pillows. And then tonight, he took down all the candy canes the kids had hung up on the Christmas tree and made himself a little bouquet.

But to me, the most amazing piece of magic he's worked has been seeing all the jaded toughness melt away from Bella's face every time she recounts one of his exploits. For a few minutes she looks like an eight-year old should, bright eyed and full of wonder over the magic of Christmas.

Only three more nights for this little guy to shine... I have a feeling he's going to be kicking it up into high gear.

Tonight's Sunday Scribblings prompt is DARE. My little elf helper inspired me. See how others used the prompt.