Let's decorate!

Daniel & Arianna~ We thought your tree was a little bare, so we found these ornaments for you to make. We aren't allowed to use the spray paint, so you'll have to ask your Mama to help! Hope you have fun with these!! Have a good day!
~DJ & Tinkerbell



Today was unusual...the Elves made an appearance during nap time!

Daniel & Arianna~ You did so good with the ornaments and helping your Mama wrap presents that we thought you would like to decorate a rice krispy house!! Make sure you give your Daddy the leftover scraps...but don't eat too much and spoil your appetite for dinner!!! Have fun and stay warm!
~DJ & Tinkerbell

Party at the Mata House!

Apparently there was a lot of activity in our household last night!!

Daniel & Arianna~ We hope that we didn't wake you up last night with all of our fun! We had a lot of energy last night and couldn't settle down!! First we decided to work on some of your activity books and cut up some paper- do you think that you could help clean up our mess today?


We noticed that you are running low on snickerdoodle cookies, so we left a note on the oven for your Mama...maybe you can help her make some more cookies today!!


We made it up to the playroom and had a lot of fun with Mickey and the gang!! We got a little crazy and made another big mess! We hope you don't mind helping your Mama clean up there today!


Finally, we decided to wind down a little playing some video games! That new Wall-E game is really fun- we're sure that you will like it..even if you only watch Mama and Daddy play!!


We had a lot of fun tonight! Thanks for cleaning up after us!! We hope that you and Arianna have a fun day today with your parents! Be extra good and have lots of fun!!

~DJ & Tinkerbell


Daniel had so much fun finding the Elves and seeing what they did last night. He thought them doing his activity books was silly, but he didn't like cleaning up after them. He laughed about the writing on the oven and then asked for snickerdoodle and peanut butter cookies...I'm sure we'll be making cookies later today! About mid morning, he made it upstairs to the playroom. He turned on the light and boy was he quiet!! I think he was debating on whether he should tell us or clean it up. I heard "Ummmmm... Mama, can you come up here and see what my Elves did?" While he thought is was very funny and silly, he wasn't too thrilled about cleaning up after them- especially since he cleaned up after himself before bed!! He said that they should really have to clean up after themselves next time! After we got that cleaned up, we went back downstairs and he saw them playing the new Wall-E game on the Playstation. He slapped his forehead with his hand and shook his head and said "those silly Elves!". What a night....

Mmmmm...cake!

Looks like the Elves had a quiet night...

Daniel & Arianna~ Thanks for our snack! We were a little hungry though and found some cupcakes..they were yummy! We thought about icing your sisters cake, but we didn't know how to make icing!! We'll have to leave that up to you and your Mama!

We know how much you liked Meet the Robinson's, so we found this activity book for you- we hope you like it!! So, was the zoo a lot of fun yesterday? What was your favorite animal to see? We like the monkeys! Did you get to see our Penguin friends? They are so funny!! Have a great weekend with your family!!

To Infinity and Beyond!

Apparently Buzz Lightyear was running the show last night...

Daniel & Arianna~ Thank you for the snacks last night! Those cookies your Mama got are really yummy!! It sure did get warmer here the last few days- it doesn't even feel like December! We hope that you get some cooler weather soon...you would have so much fun if it snowed! I hear that you are waiting for snow to get your Mama back with snowballs!!

Last night, we ran into Buzz Lightyear and he was teaching us how to fly into space. I think we need to work on it a little more! It was fun trying, but we didn't get very far at all!! Have a good day today and be super good!! Make sure your Daddy gets some work done since he's working from home today!!
~DJ & Tinkerbell





Daniel found Buzz and Tinkerbell easily, but he kept saying he couldn't find DJ. I told him to look up a few times and when he finally saw him, he fell on the floor laughing! He said that silly elf thought he could fly!! It was cute!

Go Fish!

Daniel & Arianna~ Hope you are having a good week! Looked like you all had a good time for your Mama's birthday! We could tell that she loved the gifts and spending time with you all! We hear that you are taking her out to eat this weekend- that should be fun!!

You've been really helpful to your Mama this week, so we thought you could use something fun today! Your Mama told us that you have been wanting a fishing game to play with. We first got you a fishing pole for the bathtub, but we realized it was a toy for little kids like Arianna. So, your Mama can keep this toy for when Arianna gets a little bigger.


We thought you would like this a little better- we hope that you have fun playing this game with your family! Remember to take turns and play nicely!!


Keep helping around the house and learning lots of things! We'll be watching you and taking notes!! Have a great day!
~DJ & Tinkerbell

Yummy...cookies!

Daniel & Arianna~ Thanks for the yummy crackers and candy! It sure did get cold- too bad it didn't snow here in Texas...maybe another day! We thought we would help your Daddy out by wrapping your Mama's present but we don't think he would be happy if we got all the credit for buying the gift! We were just the helpful wrapping Elves! All that wrapping made us tired so we thought we would try out some of the cookies your Mama got from her friend. Boy...were they YUMMY!!

We hope that you have a great day in class and that you all have fun tonight! I think your Mama would like to go somewhere other than Burger King or Wendy's though- take her somewhere nice!! Stay warm!

~DJ & Tinkerbell

Let's color!

Daniel & Arianna~ Hope you stayed nice and warm last night! After we enjoyed our snacks, we were in the mood for coloring. What do you think of this new Potato Head coloring and activity book? We thought it looked pretty neat!! Hope you enjoy coloring and completing the activities! We hope you don't mind cleaning up our crayon mess- we were a little tired last night!!

You did a great job helping your Mama clean up yesterday! We know that she really appreciated the help! It looked like you also had a lot of fun with your little sister. You are a really good big brother to her!! Stay warm today and learn lots of things!! Oh and have fun in class too!!
~DJ & Tinkerbell

Play Time!

Well, Saturday was busy and we got home late on Saturday night. We forgot to put out snacks and sprinkle the Elves with snowflakes. So, they didn't come to life that night. Last night, we made sure to remember and they were back to their antics this morning!

Daniel & Arianna~ We have been really tired lately, so thank you for the extra sleeping time! We were all rested and ready to go last night after our snack!! We decided to try out your playroom upstairs and it was fun! It looks like a mini Toys R Us store!!! It looks like you and your Mama are going to have to make room for your new toys after Christmas!! My favorite thing upstairs was the basketball hoop on the playhouse and Tinkerbell liked the swing most of all!! It was all so much fun!

Wow- it got really cold here last night after a warm day yesterday!! Hope you all stay nice and warm and have a great day!!
~DJ & Tinkerbell

Story Time!

The Elves must know how much Daniel loves books!

Daniel & Arianna~ Thank you for the snack and candy! We gathered up some of your Mickey's and Minnie's for story time! They sure did like it! They especially liked these two new Christmas books- we hope you like them too! Reading is so much fun and you need to do it every day! Make sure your Mama and Daddy read with you every day! Be really good today~we're watching you!

Oh and tell your Mama we're sorry about the markers on the mirror- we didn't know it would be hard to clean!

~DJ & Tinkerbelle

I didn't do it!!

When Daniel went into the bathroom this morning and saw what his Elves had done, he was shocked! He was adamant that it wasn't him and was quick to point out that DJ and Tinkerbelle were holding the markers. His Daddy is working from home today and is not happy about the writing on the mirror ;-).

Daniel & Arianna~ Thank you for the snack last night- it hit the spot! Thank you also for the pieces of candy you left us! We found some markers last night and decided to have a little fun- we hope you like it!!

Sounds like you all have a lot to do today, so be good and help your Mama! You did a great job cleaning up on your own yesterday- you should be very proud of yourself! We'll be sure to tell Santa how good you are!! Have a great day!

~DJ & Tinkerbelle

Brrrr.....

You are probably thinking that we forgot about our Elves today..we didn't. It just took awhile to find them this time!

Daniel & Arianna~ We were a little disappointed that it didn't snow here like they forecasted. So, we decided to climb in the freezer for awhile! It sure did feel like the North Pole in there!! The only problem was that we couldn't get back out!! So make sure you and your sister never try that on your own!!

We're glad you enjoyed your new shoes! We got a pair for Santa for Christmas...sshhh don't tell him!! We hope you like the new coloring book we left you today! Have a great day and be good!
~DJ & Tinkerbelle

Warm fuzzies!

Daniel & Arianna~ That was so exciting that you got to see Mr. & Mrs. Santa Claus last night! We hope that you were able to tell him everything that you want for Christmas! Arianna, we know that he was a little scary to you this time, but I'm sure next time will be better! While you were taking pictures, we were able to go see the reindeer waiting on the roof! That was fun to see Rudolph and all the others! We'll be sad to leave you all on Christmas Eve, but we sure do miss our friends in the North Pole!

Speaking of the North Pole....wow, it got COLD here yesterday, didn't it?? We know how much you like wearing your Mickey Crocs to Wednesday gym classes. So, we got you a pair of Mammoth lined Crocs for class today! That way you can slip them off easily, but keep your feet warm at the same time!! Hope that you like them! Since your sister won't even keep her socks on these days, we didn't think she would wear shoes!! She'll get some when she starts walking! We hope you have a great day and stay warm!!
~DJ & Tinkerbelle




Daniel loves the shoes- he has had them on since he got up this morning! Sure is making me wish I had a pair. Well, maybe not...I'm not fond of the Crocs on me~ I'll just take a pair of nice fuzzy socks instead!!

Score!

Looks like the Elves got around last night. They got into Daniel's Snickerdoodle cookies and made a mess. Looks like they may have felt bad about that and left him a magazine on Penguins.



Then they were found here...




Daniel & Arianna~ Thank you for the crackers last night! We were really hungry though and we ate the rest of your cookies. The crumbs were reminding us of snow in the North Pole. We're sorry we made a mess and ate all of the cookies...maybe you can ask your Mama to make more for you today! We know how much you like "Penguls" (Penguins) so we knew you would like this magazine!! After all that sugar, we were wide awake and decided to do a little bowling! Did you put a bowling set on your Christmas list this year? If you didn't maybe we can add it to your list for you! It's ok to use bottles and a soccer ball, but you would probably like the real thing a little better! We're really tired from all that playing last night so we're off to get some rest!! We hope that you have a great day! Be good and learn lots of things!!!

~DJ & Tinkerbelle

Vrooom...vroooom

When I stumbled into the kitchen in the dark this morning, I didn't expect to find this...



Daniel & Arianna~ Thank you for the snack last night! We watched you play with your Batman vehicles with your parents last night and it looked like so much fun! We hope you don't mind that we tried them out for ourselves. Wow- that Batmobile is super cool and FAST!! Now we understand why these Batman toys are so popular with the kids this year- they are really fun!! Tinkerbelle was being a little bit of a daredevil riding the motorcycle and had a little accident. She didn't get hurt, but you should always remember safety first...helmets are important!!

Do us a favor and be really good today! If you can help your Mama clean up today, then you all will have time to decorate the gingerbread house when your Daddy comes home from work! Can't wait to see how you decorate it!! Also, learn lots of things in your Preschool time today~ we'll be watching you!! Have a great day!

Oh, we almost forgot.... we have a neat video for you to check out . Enjoy!

DJ & Tinkerbelle~

Gingerbread Time!

Daniel is thrilled with the Elves antics this morning!! He has been asking to make the house for days!

Daniel & Arianna~ We're feeling a little home sick right now, so thank you for the yummy snacks! Wow- you did a great job on your tree! That was smart of you to only decorate the top half so that your little sister doesn't pull the ornaments off and get hurt! That Batman ornament is really cool- that's our favorite too!

We heard that you are anxious to make a gingerbread house! We know putting it together takes a little time, so we thought we would help you by putting the house together! Now, all you and your family have to do is decorate the house! That will be a lot of fun!! Don't eat too much of the candy~ we tried it and it wasn't very good! We can't wait to see how you decorate the house!

We're concerned that you might be getting a cold...make sure to get lots of rest and drink lots of water today to help you! Hopefully whatever you have will pass really soon and no one else will get sick! It's no fun being sick at all!! Have a great day today with your family!!

DJ & Tinkerbelle

Yummm...Candy!

Well as soon as we got home from dinner last night, Daniel made sure to put out their snack and sprinkle them with snowflakes! He was afraid that they might leave us if he forgot again!

Daniel & Arianna~ Thank you so much for the extra crackers and water tonight- we were really hungry! Last night we found a huge bag of Lifesaver Gummies...wow were those good! My favorite was Apple and Tinkerbelle liked the Cherry ones- but they were all good! We were just going to eat one package, but they were so good that we couldn't stop. I'm afraid that we ate all of your candy!! We can add that to your Santa list so maybe you can get more in your stocking!!

We heard that you all are decorating your tree today- that's good because we were afraid we were going to have to do it ourselves! We hope that you and your parents have a great weekend doing fun stuff together! We'll be watching, so make sure you are extra good! We want to give a good report to Santa!!

Ooops...

So, you're wondering what happens if you forget to put out the snacks and sprinkle the Elves with snowflakes at night? I can answer that! NOTHING happens...they are in the same spot that you left them in the night before! We got home late last night and completely forgot to get their snack ready. But we will definitely not let that happen again tonight as Daniel is upset over this!! I wonder if they have a 3 strike policy? If we forget 3 times, do they pack up and go back to the North Pole early? Well, let's not find out!!

Swinging!

Sounds like the Elves enjoyed a little bit of cake last night!!

Daniel & Arianna~ We enjoyed watching Arianna's first birthday party last night- it looked like you all had some fun! Maybe we'll try out that Zebra some time! After you went to bed, we tasted a little cake and it was very yummy!!! I think that we had what you call a "sugar rush" after eating it and we decided to do some climbing...
Please don't try this yourself or your Mama will not be happy with us and might ask us to leave!! We heard that Arianna has to go to the doctor today for her 1 year checkup. Be a good big brother and hold her hand so she won't be scared! Have a great day today! ~DJ & Tinkerbelle

Happy Birthday from the Elves!

Looks like the Elves knew how busy I am this week so they tried to help out!

Daniel & Arianna~ Happy Birthday Arianna! We found your Mama's "To Do" list and it's almost as long as your toy wish list! We have a lot of experience in present wrapping, so we thought we would help out! The only problem was that we ran out of birthday wrapping paper. We did find some Christmas paper, but we know that is one of your Mama's pet peeves....no Christmas paper for Birthday presents!! So, we did what we could and you can get some more paper after your tumbling class today to help your Mama. Hopefully you won't get all wrapped up in the tape like I did- boy was that a sticky mess!!

We know you are sad that your Daddy had to go back to work today, but the weekend isn't too far away! Today is a big day for your sister and you all will have fun celebrating tonight!! We hope that you all have a lot of fun~ we'll be watching!! Give Arianna a special hug and kiss from us! Be good and have a great day!!

Cookies anyone??

Well, those Elves were very busy last night! Before bed, Daniel got to eat the last Snickerdoodle cookie. Homemade Snickerdoodle cookies (or "Cinnamon cookies" as he calls them) are by far his favorite dessert. Whenever we are running low, he reminds me that we need to make more! So, making cookies was on the agenda for today!


Daniel & Arianna~ Good morning! It was another chilly night here! We heard that it is snowing in the North Pole right now. Do you like the snow? Does it snow much here in Texas? We get lots of snow at the North Pole and we love having snowball fights and making snow Angels! After playing in the snow, Mrs. Clause always makes us cookies and hot cocoa to warm up!

We know that Snickerdoodle cookies are your favorite (ours too!) and we found your Mama's recipe written on a piece of paper hidden in her cookbook. Since we ate some of your cookies the other night and you are running low, we decided to help out and make you some more. Making cookies with Mrs. Clause is one of our favorite things to do! We hope your Mama won't be too upset that we made a mess in the kitchen. But we were just so tired after all of the baking that we couldn't clean it all up! Don't you think that spilled flour looks like snow? It made the perfect snow Angels, don't you think??

We heard how much you liked the movie Bolt yesterday and we found this book that we thought you would like! Reading is very important and fun so make sure your parents read to you every night! Remember to be extra good- we're telling Santa all about you! Enjoy your book and cookies! Have a great day!
~DJ and Tinkerbelle

Daniel was thrilled and grinning ear to ear this morning...what could be better than a new book and some yummy cookies (and yes, he got to eat one before breakfast)! Now to clean up that mess those Elves made!

Tree decorating

Those silly Elves!! They got into the laundry basket that I left in the living room last night and helped "decorate" the tree!! Read below for their letter..

Good Morning Daniel & Arianna~ It's getting pretty chilly here, isn't it? We heard that you visited our friends the Penguins at the zoo yesterday- they are so fun to watch, aren't they? Maybe next time you can take us with you so we can say Hi to them ourselves!

We noticed that it is taking your Mama a long time to decorate the tree, so we thought we would help out tonight! We found some very colorful things in the laundry basket (clean of course!) and thought that they would look great on the tree. What do you think about the tree today??? Pretty, huh?

How do you like the paper chain for counting down the days to Christmas? We love those chains! But remember that you can only take off one ring a day. We know it's tempting to take off more than one, but it really won't make Christmas come any sooner!!

Can you do us a favor today? Can you do a little better job eating your lunch and dinner for your parents? Eating a healthy meal will help you grow big and strong and keep you healthy!! We heard that you are going to the movies with your family today- that sounds like lots of fun!! Do you think you have room to take us along too? We've never been to a movie before and we heard that Disney movies are the best!! Have a great day and remember to be good!!
~DJ & Tinkerbelle

Daniel thought it was funny and embarrassing all at once! First, he just looked at the tree. Then he put his hand to his forehead and shook his head saying "Now it's an underwear tree". Of course he had to call his Daddy in to see the tree as well!

edited to add... when I came back into the living room after getting ready this morning, all of the underwear was on the floor. I asked what happened and he said "Mama, that's a little embarrassing!"

A little countdown fun

Once again, our Elves scurried around the house while we slept last night! Here is the letter they left for the kids...

Daniel & Arianna- We were starting to wonder if you were ever going to go to sleep last night. As much as we would like to play with you and your sister, we can only come to life when you are asleep!. Thank you again for the crackers and water- it really hit the spot and reminded us of the North Pole. We love being here with you, but we do miss Santa and the others! We noticed that your parents haven't turned the heater on yet this year- do you think if it gets really cold inside that it will snow??? Last night, we found your Snickerdoodle cookies that you helped your Mama make! Those are the best Snickerdoodle cookies we've ever tasted! Do you think your Mama can send the recipe to Mrs. Claus?

Do you have a hard time waiting for things that you want? When we are really excited about something coming up, Mrs. Clause helps us by making a paper chain! Last night, we found the construction paper your Mama bought and we had fun making you a paper chain of your own! Each ring stands for one day and at the end of each day, you get to remove one ring. Then you can count the remaining rings to see how many days are left until Christmas! Since Arianna can't count yet, you'll have to count for her. We're sorry that it's a little messy- we had to tear the paper because we aren't allowed to use scissors without adult supervision!!

Daniel- you and Arianna be super good today and have a great time with your Mama and Daddy! ~DJ & Tinkerbelle

Daniel thought that was really silly of them to climb in the tree. He liked the idea of the paper chain...although once he counted all of the rings, he said "wow...that's A LOT". He also said that I can't send the cookie recipe because that's our special recipe! And then of course he asked for "cinnamon" cookies for breakfast...breakfast of champs!

The Mischief has begun!

Well, our Elves were busy on their first full night with us! When Daniel got up, he looked around and said he couldn't find his Elf. He went to the kitchen to check the table and what did he find? It seems that DJ and Tinkerbelle were well rested and ready to explore. Apparently they found his Indiana whip on the floor and found a new use for it! They decided to use it to climb up the pendant lights over the kitchen island and swing around. Such silly Elves! Daniel found this very amusing to say the least! He had to bring his Daddy (who is still a little puzzled at this point) in to see what the Elves had done. They left a note as well....

Daniel & Arianna- Thank you so much for the snack and snowflakes...you made us feel very welcome and happy! When we woke up, it was quiet in here and we decided to explore our surroundings. We found this cool (although noisy) rope and thought it would be fun to swing from the lights! We sure could see a lot of things from up there...but you shouldn't try it yourself- your parents probably wouldn't like that! Remember that we're watching you and reporting back to Santa...so make sure you are extra good!! Love, DJ & Tinkerbelle

Elf Introductions!

As soon as Daniel got up this morning, he said "What is taking my Elf so long to get here?" I asked him if he had looked to see if the crackers were still there. When he went to the table and saw his Elf, his eyes got as big as his smile! We didn't just get one Elf though... we got TWO! I can't imagine how much trouble two of them can get into!


I'm sure Santa is going to have fun with that long list of things from Daniel. He left this letter along with bags of snowflakes for each of the kids...

Listen, my little friend so dear,
And you will understand why I'm here.
For the story that follows tells you why
I am here to love you, to play and to hide!

"My goodness", said Santa, "you're not looking yourself.
You're not looking at all like my jolly ole Elf".
"Well, Santa," said the Elf, with a drop of a tear.
"There's a little friend out there I'd like to be near.
I've worked so hard. I've checked the list twice,
And my special friend Daniel/Arianna has been so very nice!"

Santa sat and he thought by the night's candle glow.
And he said, "My dear Elf, I don't want to see you go.
I love having you right here by me to hug,
To see you leave gives my heart such a tug.
But you'll share kindness and goodness, and have lots of fun.
And you'll let your friend know that God brought love through His Son.
Baby Jesus was born on Christmas Day,
A gift more precious than any in my sleigh."

So Santa made up his mind and said, "I have a plan.
Gather all of the elves as fast as you can!"
When the elves were all gathered, Santa scooped up some snow.
"We will call it Elf Magic," he said with a blow.
The slow glistened and sparkled and lit up the night,
And the elves began dancing, what an incredible sight!!!

Santa began to laugh with a hearty "Ho-Ho"
And said, "There's one last thing that you all must know.
There is one special snowflake and on your heart it will stay-
A reminder of my love while you are away.
The snowflake on your heart will be the key,
A signal to all that you were sent by me.
Your friends will all know that you are the one
Who has real Elf Magic and makes mischief and fun.
So, go visit for Christmas and teach what I've taught;
That the best gifts are those that can never be bought!
That Christmas is brighter and dreams will come true
If you share love and kindness in all that you do."

With permission to visit year after year,
The little Elf beamed from big ear to big ear.
Santa gave him a smile and with the touch of his hand said,
"Go, my dear Elf, share this magical land.
Go, my dear Elf, share Christmas delight.
And come back with me on Christmas Eve night."

So, here I am to visit with you.
I want to share Christmas and all that you do.
I brought special snowflakes from my home far away;
Sprinkle me nightly during my Elf Magical stay!

I love crackers and water when the day is all done.
It gives me strength 'til the next morning sun!
At the North Pole, as you know, there is snow all around,
The crackers remind me of that crunching snow sound!
And the water I drink comes from snowflakes that melt.
On my face and my hands, oh, how cold they felt!

This Christmas will be special; I'm so happy to be here.
I've watched you from afar and in my heart you've grown dear.
I made my way here with you as my guide;
I am here to love you, to play and to hide!


DJ and Tinkerbelle are very exhausted from their long journey so they will get caught up on their sleep today. Check back daily to see what kind of Elf mischief and fun is going on in our house!!

Please Santa....send an Elf our way!!

I'm sure you all are aware of this already, but the day after Thanksgiving isn't just "Black Friday", but it's a HUGE day for Santa's many Elves. This is the day that the Elves are rewarded for all of their hard work during the year- it's an "Elf Vacation" if you will. On Thanksgiving night, Santa looks for houses with children to send his Elves to as their reward. How does Santa pick the houses? Well, let me tell you.... first the children let Santa know that they would like an Elf visit when they write their "Letter to Santa". It is certainly a long journey from the North Pole to Texas, so before bed the children leave a cup of water and crackers out to lure the Elves. I'm sure you are wondering why water and crackers...why not Diet Coke and Hershey Kisses? Well, as much as the Elves want to travel and explore, it's hard to leave the comfort of the North Pole. The crackers remind them of the crunching of the snow and the water reminds them of melted snowflakes.

So, tonight we have written our letter to Santa (boy is that thing long!!!) and placed our crackers and water on the table in hopes that Santa will send a friend our way!