You better watch out, you better not cry…

I hope I’m not the only one who’s kids are bouncing off the walls.  ‘Tis the season, right?  As a friend says, I’ll give ’em a mulligan here and there because of our fall, but really.  Boot camp has begun.  I’m almost 100% back (or at least trying to be).  Something’s gotta change around these parts.

We have an “Elf on the Shelf” here at our house, Sparkly, who reports back to Santa each night regarding the kids’ behavior.  I love that elf.  Recently, though, not even he could tame the ever livin, ever lovin, compound, complex, bickering, yelling, non-sharing, whining, hitting, procrastinating, lying, tattle-telling, getting every toy out of the toy closet then refusing to clean it up 5 kids we’ve come to love.

Yesterday morning, Sparkly appeared, along with this note:

Dear Will, John Paul, Anna-Laura, Clare and Luke:

Sparkly tells me that you have been good boys and girls for the most part.  He also tells me that you are hitting each other, lying, screaming and causing trouble.  I hope your good behavior is better.  Don’t be naughty this year or I am afraid I won’t be able to stop by your house and bring your toys.  Remember the reason for Christmas is not the toys but Jesus.  Make sure you pray everyday.

Be good,

Santa Claus

Seems as if ‘ol Santa isn’t above bribery and Catholic guilt.  Huh.  How ’bout them apples?