Sunday, December 14, 2008

My name is...
Punchinello


It's been a LONG week of waiting and hoping we would get another elf. The kids were pretty much convinced they had been too bad this year--so who was I to argue? But, as you see...Mr. C softened in the end. I was feeling guilty after a very moody day (on my part) so it was simply magical that he appeared at day's end, thus leaving the family dynamic on a rather high note before Nick and I left for the night. Strategy is everything.



Natalie was thrilled that this one has wings, proving obviously (to Mitchell's disgust) that fairies do exist. They immediately got busy writing him notes, since he gave them no information except,

"Dear Children, It was a looong journey. My name is Punchinello."

Mitchell refused to write and told the guest to his face he hated the wings. Nicholas apologized in a side note for his naughty little brother, and encouraged our new friend to stay. No comments from my brothers, please. Middle school's looming, so we're making the most of the make-believe.


Maybe he can encourage her to lose the binky. Elves are magic you know.

For more on this wonderful tradition click here.

15 comments:

Ann Marie said...

Yay First!
This is such a DARLING tradition that you have. I'm glad your going to make the most of it.

You can see the happiness in Natalie's face as she looks at the new friend. I love the name, and I'm guessing you have read the darling Childrens book " You are special". I love that book.

Thanks for sharing a little bit of your Christmas magic..

Dayna said...

I absolutely LOVE this tradition!!! I couldn't get over the older post when the elves came in June. How funny. I love reading the letters your kids wrote, it is so cute. I may have to steal this tradition as my own some day.

Anonymous said...

i am throuroughly impressed with your mothering capabilities- and also inspired! Where do you get all the energy is my only questions- I'm exhausted as soon as the little ones are in bed!!

Lauralee said...

love that you do this... what fun memories you are making for your kiddos!

carey said...

I can only imagine how great your house must look this time of year! Please post pictures when you get a chance! ;) I'm trying to get back in the saddle again after a long break...(I'm trying to not be a facebook addict either btw!).

Suzanne said...

Yay! This one is actually really darling and not creepy to me!! And the name makes my heart melt and I had a "ahh.." moment. We are elfless here at my home, and debating whether to follow your lead or let it go! You will have to keep us posted on what the letters say this year! -Suzanne

Jek said...

ALexis is LOVING our families elf, Hantzl. SHe beams when she finds him and loves to ask him questions. We forget to move him for hours on end. She is too little though for the details.

Jayne Layne said...

What can you do Punchinello, Punchinello, What can you do Punchinello from the zoo... (shout out to Grandma's class)

I want this tradition so bad, I am not sure I can wait another 4 years til my kid gets it. I love it love it love it.

That is too funny about Mitchell.

JENNIFRO said...

Yeah Jayne! That is what I was thinking of. I don't know why that was running through my mind...love gma.

Ann--I have read that book, but totally forgot that was his name. I'm going to order that tomorrow on Amazon!

Christian said...

I would have been a complete sucker for those little elves when I was a kid. Funny that Nicholas age is threatening the tradition.

You should consider elf sponsorships. If so, Brooke and I would like to sponsor an Argentine/Danish elf to make a visit sometime...

JENNIFRO said...

Christian, please! Send the little mutt our way!!

Unknown said...

If I were 25 years younger, I'd have to beat Nicolas up. C'mon, give the kid a fightin' chance.

JENNIFRO said...

Rob--bah humbug!

Ann Marie said...

Where's the Decorations Jen??
I'm trying to wait patiently...

Me said...

I love hearing Christmas traditions. Thanks for sharing this one. You are very creative too, I would never in a million years come up with this kind of idea. I hope it does last until your kids are in college too.

And I love the name. That is one of my favorite books. We read it all the time to our kids.