::The elf gets an assistant::

Years ago, I started strong with our elf on the shelf.  He was bad and he was funny.  He did crazy things every night.  I LOVED helping the elf come up with crazy things for my Lily to see.  But time has passed and I have to confess that I have grown to dislike the elf.  He is one more thing on my list - Husband, kids, work full time, school full time, farm, house, and then the stupid elf.  He was burning me out.  One night Lily was walking around hinting strongly that she really hoped that the elf did something crazy that night.  I calmly turned to her and said - "I have been the one moving the elf the whole time.  I am out of ideas.  I need your help.  Will you take the lead on the elf this year?"  She acted a little sad.  She said she knew I was the elf but she likes all the cool things I cam up with for him.  It took her about one hour to get interested - then by that night she was beyond excited.  She started writing me lists about items she needed for the elf to do his magic.  She was inspired and ready.  She is 12 years old and I such an amazing future mama in that girl.  She has always been so maternal.  She has taken to being in charge of the elf with gusto and it is getting me excited about the elf again.  I'm so glad that we get to do this together.