Tooth Fairy Pillows

Now they need to lose teeth….

During our amazing family get-together, my DIL mentioned she had been thinking of making Tooth Fairy pillows for the girls.   She’s a busy gal, between keeping track of 4 and 6 year-old girls and their Japanese lessons, swim lessons, social lives, etc., in addition to her new part-time career as a nurse practitioner (we’re so proud of her), where would she find time?   Oh, a project for Super Grammy!

I found two iron-on initial monograms, sweet pink chenille and other fabrics and decided to give the pillows a whirl.   They were so quick and easy.   I reinforced all the fabric with iron-on interfacing, and used washable stuffing.  I used a dinner plate to make T’s pillow and based K’s pillow on a simple square.  I cut out small pieces of the chenille, reinforced with interfacing, ironed on the monograms, and embroidered them on to the chenille side of the pillow to make a small pocket for the tooth and, of course, the $$ that comes after the pain!  The back sides of the pillows coordinate with the shape of the pillow and, ironically, the fabrics kind of match the girls’ personalities!  The pillows are super soft on one side so they should be perfect to snuggle up with while the girls await the Tooth Fairy’s appearance.

Sweet dreams little ones. . . .

Saturday Snapshot

My three loves….

 

Are You Mom or Mommy?

Mommy loves Lovely Daughter!

I try to be Mommy even though Lovely Daughter is now 21.  Sometimes I’m Mom, but I don’t think I’ve ever been Mother.  My mother:  Mother.  Long story, but as the saying goes, “You can’t always get what you want.”  Lord knows I’ve made mistakes along the way, but there is no doubting my love for my children.

I have three children: one biological and two older stepsons in their early 30s.  I love my kids with all my heart because love doesn’t come from a cord.  When asked how many kids I have, I say, “Three.”  Also, my stepsons’ three children are MY grandbabies (even though I am NOT old enough to have given birth to these two stepsons–repeat, I am NOT old enough!); they know me as Grammy and will always know me as Grammy.  How lucky are they to have three grandmommies?!

This Mother’s Day I was fortunate that Lovely Daughter came home from college to cook me Eggs Benedict with fresh fruit and Mimosas.  Lovely Daughter is finally, I do believe, exhibiting signs of inheriting my love of cooking-—check out that beautiful homemade Hollandaise!  Egads, it was amazing!

On my friend Kim’s blog, she had a wonderful poem which I would love to share with you.  I so, so love this:

Not flesh of my flesh,
nor bone of my bone,
but still miraculously my own.
Never forget for a single minute,
you didn’t grow under my heart – but in it.

And yes, when I talk to my boys, I refer to myself as Stepmommy!

21 ~ A Love Note to My Daughter

Mom, we’re not the Gilmore Girls.

Knife in the chest.  You uttered those words to me about four years ago and my heart sunk.  You adored the Gilmore Girls and were enthralled by the close mother/daughter television relationship.  I wanted us to be the Gilmore Girls.  I tried too hard, eh?  Or maybe I didn’t try hard enough. . . .

Remember when I bought you the sewing machine because I thought it would be so cute for us to sew together?  Remember the mother/daughter knitting lessons?  Remember the “fun” canoe and fishing trips?  Sorry, so very sorry. . . .  To say I’m thrilled you asked for knives and cookbooks for this special 21st birthday is an understatement.  Finally, a hobby we have in common!

From the moment I held you in my arms 21 years ago, I have never wanted to let you go.   I’m your biggest fan and you are my Pink Warrior.  Recently, while stalking you on the internet (yes, I am guilty!) I found your high school newspaper and your bio said, “[her] most life changing experience was when her mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. ”  You never shared that with me; my dream is that a good life changing experience replaces that one.

I hope you feel we did a good job.  I look at you and realize what a strong, sensitive, independent, march-to-the-beat-of-your-own-drum child we raised.  I know we were strict and ran a tight ship but it was all done with love and concern.  You’re blossoming before our eyes into a lovely young woman.  It’s amazing and scary all at the same time, isn’t it?

I know you are making decisions in your life now that will determine your future.  We’re trying hard to understand and respect your choices.  We’re so proud of you.  You’re scary smart, amazing, funny, and have a bright future ahead of you.  I know your future will include being an advocate for those who need help and that makes me so happy.  I would also love to see you back acting because I know you miss it—I regret discouraging you from majoring in theatre.  You, my dear, are Oscar-worthy, and I know acting is one of your passions.  Don’t ever let go of your dreams and passions.  Our chameleon child, changing all the times.

Itty Bitty, there’s so much more I want to say to you, but I’d rather say the rest while holding on tightly to you, okay?

You are my sunshine.

Saturday Snapshot

Have a Happy 2nd Birthday Today!