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Original Elf on A Shelf Before It Was Popular

December 25, 2015 by info@3QuartersToday.com

The Elf on a Shelf Craze

Original Elf on a ShelfThe Elf on A Shelf craze seems to be everywhere, but Santa’s little helper isn’t new.

My grandmother gave me a small knee hugger elf to hang on the tree in the 1960’s, it is one of the few things I have from my Dads’ Mom and I don’t even remember meeting her. All I know is the little pixie with the bell on top was one of my favorite ornaments.

My Mother in law really gets into the Christmas elves. About 20 knee-hugger Christmas elves in various poses sit around miniature Christmas trees in her window.

These little guys don’t get into mischief and they don’t tattle to Santa. They are just cute and whimsical.

Large Elf on a Shelf

They came in various sizes, the large ones were 14″ and designed to sit on a shelf, but the small ones were meant to hide on the Christmas tree and sometimes they moved around.

I love the faces on these vintage Elves, the new ones just don’t have the same personality. You can almost see the mischief in his eyes below.

Start an Elf on a Shelf Tradition in Your House

If you don’t have vintage knee-hugger Christmas elves in your house you can start a new tradition with your kids at Christmas. You can create your own story, your own version of Santa and how his elves help Santa with Christmas. Here are just a few options for the modern and up to date Elf on a Shelf Dolls.

Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition (blue-eyed girl scout elf)Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition (blue-eyed girl scout elf)Elf on the Shelf Pets ReindeerElf on the Shelf Pets ReindeerElf on the Shelf Scout Elves At Play KitElf on the Shelf Scout Elves At Play KitElf on the Shelf Pet Pack - Reindeer and Saint Bernard Elf Pets - Direct From North Pole in Official Santa Gift BoxElf on the Shelf Pet Pack – Reindeer and Saint Bernard Elf Pets – Direct From North Pole in Official Santa Gift Box

Red Elf on a Shelf

Elf on a Shelf Craze

Cute Elf on a Shelf

Retro is in, what is old is new again.

The famous fairy became popular again with the 2004 Elf on a Shelf book. The posable and posable red and white elf now reports to Santa if the kids in the house have been naughty or nice. All the time the Elf is creating mischief. Maybe its to show the kids what they “should not” do.

It’s more of the elf being naughty when he’s away from Santa. The internet is full of the pixie making a mess with cereal, unrolling the bathroom tissue, and getting in compromising positions.

The Real Life Elf on a Shelf

My friend Andrew gets into the holiday spirit not just during Christmas but his costumes are famous all year round on airplanes, hotels and out and about in Omaha Nebraska.

In December he dresses as a life-size Elf on the Shelf and greets by kids young and old at the airport as he flies around the country as a photographer. Parents take pictures of him with their kids, and he loves to hear the whispers and giggles as he hames it up.

Andrew takes selfies of himself as the naughty elf pushing all the buttons on the elevator and getting trouble with bubble wrap.  But mostly he’s just bringing smiles to people from the photo lab, to those in his condo. I really believe he just has fun dressing as an Elf and enjoys every day to it’s fullest.

Andrew also dresses as Cupid on Valentine’s day and is the Breast Cancer Awareness “Pink Man” on Delta flights during October.

Life size Elf on a Shelf played by Andrew Dean

I don’t know how popular this new craze of dressing as a life-size elf will become.

I’ve seen a post about “renting an Elf on a Shelf” for your party (I’m sure Andrew would do that), and I’ve seen the baby Elf posed in various places by his Father who is a photographer, but there will be only one true live Elf on a Shelf for me and that’s the one above with the oversized imagination and love of life.

Elf on a Shelf Costume

If you or your friends want to bring the Elf on the Shelf magic and fun to your Holiday season the costume can be found on Amazon. I would love to see pictures of your adventures, or even photos of a vintage elf from your childhood.

Filed Under: Christmas Tagged With: christmas, elf, elf on the shelf, elf on the shelf story, fairy, fun, Holiday, tradition, vintage, winter

Celebrating Independence Day in Small Town America

July 4, 2014 by info@3QuartersToday.com

Across the United States millions of Americans are celebrating Independence Day with parades, picnics, barbecues and fireworks. The town of Murdock Nebraska is no different. However, our story is a little unique because you see it is a village of under 400 people. The town is joined by Elmwood Nebraska just six miles south and we form the community of Elmwood-Murdock joined together by our schools and with a total population of around a thousand people.

The day starts off with a 5K Dillon Synovec Memorial Run at 7:30 am and then continues with a parade, lunch hosted by the Lions Club, pie at the church, firemans water fight, tractor pull, softball games, and fireworks at the end of the night.

Patriotic pride on Independence Day

Honor guard during the 4th of July Parade
Honor guard during the 4th of July Parade

However during the 4th of July parade and Independence Day parade we grow to probably close to a thousand people. That is no joke. Our parade is one of the best around and over an hour long. You can see the sidewalks packed with people and this goes on for an amazing three blocks of main street. Well actually people are also sitting in their yards on the parade route also, but the announcers stand is on Main St (3rd Ave).

Online Stores 12-Pack US Stick Flag Standard, Wood Stick with Spear Tip, 8 by 12-InchNo-Fray Parade Flags, Set of 12

My friends always bring their donkeys and throw candy from the home made barrels on the side. Chris dresses up in his red and white “Husker” coveralls which double for the 4th of July.

Patriotic Spirit celebrating Independence Day
Patriotic Spirit celebrating Independence Day

Game Day Red and White Adult Bib Overalls

There wouldn’t be a country Independence Day parade without some antique tractors decked out in 4th of July bunting, and this one is an oldie. I’ve never even heard of a Rumley tractor before, obviously this brand is no longer made and was built before inflatable tires.

Tractor in the 4th of July parade
Tractor in the 4th of July parade

The marching band from Elmwood-Murdock high school marches, and because it’s the 4th and not a competition they are allowed to wear shorts and an school T-shirt. My daughter played the drums in school and during her senior year she moved up to the quads which is a coveted position. She felt like a “beast” when she played the quads.

Bass drum and the quads marching during the parade
My daughter on quads marching during the parade

After the parade one of the local 4-H clubs gives out free watermelon. It’s a favorite with the crowds and a good appetizer to the lunch served after the parade put on by the Lions Club.

Watermelon on the 4th of July
Watermelon on the 4th of July

Can’t go wrong with watermelon on the 4th of July, it’s a holiday tradition.

Watermelon Napkins and Plates for Summer Decorating and Picnics

The day continues with a tractor pull and one of my favorite activities the Fireman’s water fight. The local volunteer fire departments from about 8-10 towns in the area compete for bragging rights (and I’m sure a few beers) in water fights. The object of the game is to push the 55 gal barrel down the wire using the force from the water hose. If it’s hot the spray from the fire hoses are a welcome relief to the hot sun. It’s so much fun watching the little kids play in the water. (My daughter is sitting with our dog Leah to the left of the picture)

Celebrating the 4th of July with Fireman water fights
Fire Department Water Fights

For most kids the favorite part of celebrating Independence Day is the fireworks. This year my husbands family took a cross country trip from New York to tour the Western United States. They stopped by our house and the teenagers were so excited to light fireworks. Fireworks aren’t legal for the “regular” person to light in Buffalo. There are kid safe fireworks that are legal in all 50 states and small kids really don’t know the difference.

Pow Pow Party Snaps, a Super Noisemaker, 50 BoxesSmoke Balls – Assorted Colors, 72 Pieces

Celebrating Independence Day with Fireworks
Celebrating Independence Day with Fireworks

However you celebrate Independence Day, have a safe one, hug your families, salute the flag and remember we are celebrating our freedom, the birth of our country and all that we hold dear and take for granted: freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom to bear arms, and freedom from tyranny. Our military fought for our freedom from the British in the 1700’s and continues to fight for those who suppress freedom around the world.

How Are You Celebrating Independence Day This Year?

Leave me a note below, I’d love to hear your traditions.

 

Filed Under: Small Town Living Tagged With: 4th of July, celebrating independence day, celebration, Elmwood-Murdock, fun, Holiday, Independence Day, murdock, Nebraska, parade, Photography, small town, summer

Day 222/365: Ding, Ding, Ding, It’s the Ice Cream Truck

August 3, 2011 by info@3QuartersToday.com

Summer and the Ice Cream Truck, Perfect Match
Summer and the Ice Cream Truck, Perfect Match

Ding, Ding, Ding, yup I hear it. In the distance some where is an ice cream truck. Doesn’t matter that I spent twelve hours in 100F garage cataloging the left over contents of my Mom’s house. I can find the energy to run to the road for the ice cream truck. I do believe it’s the fastest I moved that whole week.

Thanks Steve by the way for supper and treating us for ice cream. I was so excited that I forgot to grab my wallet.

Instant Childhood with Orange Creamsicles
Instant Childhood with Orange Creamsicles

One last photo, (Can I really call this a 365 project anymore, or a photo of the day? Don’t think so) Orange Cream Popsicle are my favorite, what is yours?

Filed Under: Food, Project 365, Travel Adventures Tagged With: 365project, fond memories, Food, friends, fun, good humour, ice cream, ice cream truck, memories, project365, snacks, travel, west hartford

Day 175/365: Memorial Day, Small Town Style

May 30, 2011 by info@3QuartersToday.com

Small Town America Celebrates Memorial Day

In small towns all over America people come together to celebrate Memorial Day. Its a day that typically starts with a ceremony at the cemetery honoring our military veterans who served in the various branches of the Armed Services and then continues throughout the day.

American Flag Ready to fly on Memorial Day
American Flag Ready to fly

Elmwood, Nebraska is no exception. The American Legion and color guard hold a ceremony, speeches are made, and veterans are honored. The boy scouts and local high school students are called upon to participate, raise flags and in this way they become part of history, part of the ceremony and part of a tradition of respect and patriotism to pass along to their children.

Elmwood Memorial Day Birthday Celebration
Elmwood, Nebraska 125th Birthday  Celebration

American Flag Centerpiece Party Accessory (1 count) (1/Pkg)American Flag Centerpiece Party Accessory (1 count) (1/Pkg)Lot Of 12 Assorted Patriotic Theme Mini Metal Bucket Party FavorsLot Of 12 Assorted Patriotic Theme Mini Metal Bucket Party FavorsOTC - Patriotic Inflatable Buffet Cooler for Indoor/OutdoorOTC – Patriotic Inflatable Buffet Cooler for Indoor/OutdoorPatriotic Bunting 2-Sided Pleated Flag 58Patriotic Bunting 2-Sided Pleated Flag 58

&

The Saturday of Memorial Day weekend kicked off with the celebration of the 125th Birthday of Elmwood Nebraska and a town BBQ. Over 300 people attended, ate lunch, played games and socialized with family and friends. The theme of the day was “125 Years of Progress” and included a fun run/walk in the morning, museum tours, quilt show, Legion baseball game, and ended with a dance in the evening.

4-H Petting Zoo
4-H Petting Zoo

The local 4-H club brought various animals, piglets, rabbits, goats,  a cat, and a guinea pig, and two ponies for the kids to pet.  It was a popular area.

See the Bunny, Pet the Bunny...
See the Bunny, Pet the Bunny…

The theme of the game section was Minute-to-Win-It after the popular game show. It was so much fun to watch I didn’t get pictures of the contestants, but this girl was having fun with the random hula hoops on the side. Had to capture her tenacity. Something I couldn’t do.

Hulu Hoops
Hula Hoops

The American legion baseballs teams played during the afternoon and it’s a good excuse to hang out with friends, soak in the sun and visit the concession stand.

Baseball Concession Stand
Baseball Concession Stand

So however you spend Memorial weekend don’t forget the real meaning of the day. Take time to honor our veterans and military. Then have the picnic, barbeque and spend time with family.

Memorial Day History

Memorial Day – Holidays – HISTORY.com

Find out more about the history of Memorial Day, including videos, interesting articles, pictures, historical features and more. Get all the facts on HISTORY.com.

The Meaning of Memorial Day

The Constitution Center has programs to celebrate Memorial Day history from May 24-26. The museum will be offering arts and crafts activities for children, flag etiquette workshops and a main exhibition on the nation’s memorials as well as Memorial Day …

Memorial Day – Holidays – HISTORY.com

Find out more about the history of Memorial Day, including videos, interesting articles, pictures, historical features and more. Get all the facts on HISTORY.com.

Little Known Memorial Day History Fact | Magic 106.3 FM

A little known fact about how Memorial Day started.

Memorial Day Poems And Prayers Story Short History 2014 …

Also Read : Memorial Day History Facts 2014 USA Parade Massacre And Activities. Related Searchs memorial day blessing inspirational memorial day stories memorial day soldiers prayer memorial day prayers our troops

 

Filed Under: Project 365, Small Town Living Tagged With: 365project, Americana, celebration, country, Elmwood-Murdock, fun, memorial day, midwest, Nebraska, park, postaday, project365, rural america, small town

Day 84/365: Look Out It’s a Pink Pig

February 25, 2011 by info@3QuartersToday.com

Day 84: Pink Pig

It’s a giant pink inflatable pig! He lives in my living room and is used as a bouncy chair, similar to how an large 3 foot exercise ball is used. Not for exercise, but to sit on. This carnival prize was won for my daughter at the Cass County Fair several years ago and I really do think it’s an exercise ball inside considering how sturdy it’s been. Pig doesn’t have a name and he’s starting to deflate, notice the saggy bottom, but keeps getting blown up because he’s a favorite.

The boys have a deal, whoever get’s “pig” has to use the corded Xbox remote, the person with the seat gets the cordless. See getting to sit on “Pig” is a privilege and that means you don’t get the good remote. First thing that I hear before an Xbox game is started with a group of boys is, “Where’s the pig?”

Now excuse me while I bounce on pig.

 

Filed Under: Project 365 Tagged With: 365project, fun, pig, pink, project365, quirky, stuffed animal, toy

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