Our tree has been up for almost two weeks now, our wreath is hanging on the door, the stockings are hanging in front of the fireplace, and thanks to a wonderful suggestion from a friend from nursery school, the Elf is on it’s way to check on Bebe E daily, and report back to Santa – naughty or nice.
At first Bebe E was very scared about our Little Elf Girl visiting us, when I told her that she would be watching over her each day. She expected the Elf to be a life-sized human, and she made some interesting statements and asked cute questions such as:
1. Is she going to eat with us, Mommy? (No, she only eats special Elf food at the North Pole.)
2. Are Mommy and Daddy going to still be at home if she’s watching me? Note: When we have a baby sitter, she often “watches” Bebe E while we are out, hence the confusion about the term “watching”. (Of course, Mommy and Daddy will still be at home.)
3. I’m scared…. (There’s nothing to fear. The Elf is kind and Mommy and Daddy would never put you in harms way.)
4. Why doesn’t she talk? (Because she’s magical and only talks to Santa.)
5. Is she going to talk to Santa, though? (Yes, of course – to report back whether you are being naughty or nice. She will also relay any messages you have for Santa such as gifts you hope for.)
6. I’m going to tell her what Baby (her pride and joy doll) wants for Christmas: a tiny playground just for Baby. (That’s a wonderful idea, because the Elf will surely tell Santa what Baby wants for Christmas. I haven’t seen a tiny playground for a baby doll at either Target or Toys R Us… this presents a problem…)
7. Is she going to take Baby? (No, of course not. The Elf doesn’t take anyone or anything. She is good. Sometimes I warn Bebe E about strangers and how they might want to take her, a.k.a. kidnap her. Hey, it’s a parent’s worst fear so I’m just keeping things real and making sure she’s aware. Never too early to start.)
8. Is she going stay right here? (Yes! For the day anyway. Our Elf was sitting on the mantel, and yes, she stayed in that position all day.)
9. Does she walk? (Unfortunately, she only walks in the North Pole. Her favorite mode of transportation is flying magically. Who needs to walk when you can fly and pop in and out everywhere.)
10. She’s not going to Nene’s (her big sister) room? No? Ok, then I’m going to hide Baby in there. (Apparently, Bebe E was very concerned for her Baby’s safety from the Elf. :( I reassured her that the Elf was good and kind and didn’t take anyone or anything. Yet, she still left Baby in Nene’s room?)
11. Mommy, will you clean up my toys so she can’t see? Me: See what? Bebe E: My toys messy. (Apparently, Bebe E is a smart one – - – she knows that part of being good is making sure her toys are cleaned up.)
If you’re thinking what I’m thinking… Yes, it is quite possible that the appearance of our little Elf has largely been for Mommy’s entertainment. But no – no, it’s all about the magic of Christmas and making this month memorable and special for Bebe E.
Aside from our friend, the Elf, holiday shopping is done, gifts are wrapped, and holiday greeting cards are mailed. With all that’s been going on, it’s hard for me at times to update my blog. A few people (mostly other full-time moms and fully employed friends) have asked me how I even have time to update my blog at all, and honestly, there are times where I ask myself the same exact question. I find that I tend to blog most during what little quiet time I have, before 7 AM or after 10 PM, which, doesn’t leave me with a whole lot of time on days when I value sleep or couch potato time, more than I value sitting at my desk. Yet, I always tell folks that this blog is my labor of love, my favorite past time, and my hobby of choice. So here we are with yet another post about a day in our life.
That being said, I am taking easy street for this post and the next, as I follow-up on my last post, “Our Favorite Red Enchilada Sauce” and I share with you the super easy and really yummy cilantro lime brown rice that often accompanies our enchiladas, tacos and burritos.
This cilantro lime brown rice is inspired by our local Chipotle Mexican Restaurant and can be made within 5 minutes if you already have leftover brown rice in the fridge or sitting in warming mode in your Zojirushi rice cooker (love this).
Enjoy, and may the spirit of the holiday be with you!
Cilantro Lime Brown RiceAuthor: Judy | Bebe Love OkazuRecipe type: Side DishCuisine: Mexican Ingredients- 3 cups cooked brown rice
- 1 lime
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro, add more to taste
- Salt
- Black pepper
- While brown rice is warm, squeeze juice of one lime over the rice. Toss gently.
- Add chopped cilantro and season with salt and black pepper. Mix all ingredients gently until incorporated.
- Serve as a side dish to enchiladas, or other favorite Mexican dish.