Elbert the Elf Day 1 and the Bake Sale

It's true-- my kids have never believed in Santa, although I wanted to do the whole Santa thing, it just wasn't happening.... So that means I could join in the fun and craziness of Elf on the Shelf.  I continually got more jealous as I would see all the crazy antics of some elves and the excitement of kids via the facebook world.  Then last week I saw Kindness Elves.  That concept would totally work, We erase all Santa and imagination aspects, add some treats from our Elf and treats for others and the fact the Dollar Tree sold me a stuffed Elf for $1 (yes I admit I am a proud cheapskate!).  Each day our Elf will bring the kids an ornament to put on the tree and leave us any needed props to do a community service project of some variety.  We are doing 12 days of Christmas.  That means it will end Dec 23rd for us.  After all we have plenty to do the 24th and 25th without an elf.  Technically I wanted to start it tomorrow, but Anthony's class had the perfect kick off to it today at school.  Our elf doesn't do mornings so he magfically appears while the kids are at school :-)

The 3rd and 4th grade had a bake sale and everyone was excited with money in hand

Dylan was a great cashier

Mackenzie, Anthony, Aubrey, DJ, Dylan and Mrs. Kelly are on duty-- they had multiple shifts and this was their shift.

In Mrs. Kelly's class they have been reading the book Yuki.  It's the story of an Inuit boy who learns about God and the adventures he has in the Land of the Midnight Sun.  They had the bake sale to raise money to send to missionaries in Alaska for their mission work in bringing salvation to the people in N. Alaska.  Many people there haven't heard about Jesus.  One of their current mission projects there is to put radio stations in these remote Alaskan villages.  Each one costs $5000.  Plus the villages need basic funds to do things like vacation bible school for the children there. 
Mrs. Kelly's class started off on Tuesday by icing cookies.  They asked parents to help provide additional goodies.  We took in 50 chocolate chip cookies.  Their class ate lunch early so they could run the bake sale during everyone else's lunch time.  Then after school the kids sold the remainder of the goodies at pick up time. 

The 1st and 2nd graders, Mikey, Michael and Jett hug-attacking Anthony

Our elf arrived just before I headed to crossing guard in the afternoon.  He came baring a special pencil and Santa hat for each kidlet, a nativity activity set and a letter to introduce himself all hiding in the tree.... that magically got put up 5 mins before I walked out the door--- yes again for our 2nd year, placed on top of the brand new never yet installed toilet the hubs "needed".... note top wise women- never allow your spouse to go to the home improvement store alone!

Very quickly rigged tree, with our new friend and his gifts

Meet our ELF:

Elbert

Lancelot

Flake

Oyr letter from Elbert said:

"Hi!  I'm so glad to meet you!  My name is Elbert Lancelot Flake.  Get it? E.L.F.!   I've come to teach you the real meaning of Christmas over the next 12 days.  Mrs. Kelly helped you start today at the bake sale to raise money for others!

Today your task is to sort your clothes and donate what doesn't fit or you don't want to others who need more clothes.  Everyday we will do something to bring true Joy by putting

Jesus 1st

Others 2nd

Yourself last.

Much Love,

Elbert"

After some initial complaining, the kids sorted all their clothes and we ended up with a large full laundry basket to donate to some friends who have trouble affording new clothes.