TOYS FOR TOTS

Jake & his friend Paul had a joint b-day party last weekend at the UNI pool (Paul's b-day is in October & Jake's in January). They were allowed to invite about 40-50 kids (capacity of the pool). They opted to donate their gifts to Toys for Tots. I was pretty proud of them!

Jake & a couple of the guys.
Jake & Paul with their donations.

The whole group!

PERSUASIVE LETTER

Jake had to write a persuasive letter to me. Here it is:

Dear Mom and Dad,

I know you think I'm a very cool third grader. Do you know what would make me even cooler? An i-pod.

I need an i-pod, do you know why? Do you know how loud my CD player is? An i-pod is silent. It comes with headphones so I can only hear my music. I can also download my music for less money than buying a CD. Did you know you can put math games on an i-pod? I can get better at math facts. An i-pod can keep me busy in the car on long trips. Don't forget, my MP3 player is broken, an i-pod can replace it.

If you buy me an i-pod, I will take good care of it. I'll share it with my sister. I will always ask permission to use my i-pod. I will keep the volume low so I don't ruin my hearing. I will help pay for the music and games we download.

Thank you for considering this. I would really like an i-pod.

Love,
Jacob Grinstead

SANTA LETTERS

The kids wrote their Santa letters today. Here they are...copied JUST like they wrote them. If you think like a 1st grader, you will be able to read Allie's...also HSM stands for High School Musical and HM stands for Hannah Montana...again think like a 1st grader.:


Dear Santa,

I would like for christmis:

1. an esill
2. blendy pens
3. HSM prom dalls
4. the pink flying pone
5. HM been bags
6. my famlly to have a good christmis

Love,

Allie

Dear Santa,

I would like an i-pod nano or a i-pod touch and I would like Madden 09, NCAA 09, FIFA 09 and NHL 09. I sometimes treated people unfairly, but I've been fine.

Love,

Jacob T. Grinstead

HALF WAY THERE

Jake & I were talking this morning about his upcoming 9th birthday in January. He was talking about how soon he'll be a teenager (GOD) and about how when he's 10, he won't be 1 number anymore. Out of no where, he looked at me and said "When I turn 9, I'm half way to being a grown up". OUCH!! He's right, he'll be halfway to 18 years old! Where did the time go??? And why can't it slow down????

DEAR SANTA

I got this from my sister in law & think it is too funny not to share!

Dear Santa,

I've been a good mom all year. I've fed, cleaned and cuddled my children on demand, visited the doctor's office more than my own doctor, sold sixty-two cases of candy bars to raise money to plant a shade tree on the school playground. I was hoping you could spread my list out -- over several Christmases. Since I had to write this letter with my son's red crayon, on the back of a receipt in the laundry room between cycles; and who knows when I'll find any more free time in the next 18 years, so now - - *** Here are my Christmas wishes ***

* I'd like a pair of legs that don't ache (-in any color, except purple, which I already have) and arms that don't hurt or flap in the breeze; but are strong enough to pull my screaming child out of the candy aisle in the grocery store.

* I'd also like a waist, since I lost mine somewhere in the seventh month of my last pregnancy.

* If you're hauling big-ticket items this year, I'd like fingerprint resistant windows and a radio that only plays adult music; a television that doesn't broadcast any programs containing talking animals; and a refrigerator with a secret compartment behind the crisper where I can hide to talk on the phone.

* On the practical side, I could use a talking doll that says, 'Yes, Mommy' to boost my parental confidence, along with two kids who don't fight and three pairs of jeans that will zip all the way up without the use of power tools.

* I could also use a recording of Tibetan monks chanting, 'Don't eat in the living room' and 'Take your hands off your brother,' because my voice seems to be just out of my children's hearing range and can only be heard by the dog.

*If it's too late to find any of these products, I'd settle for enough time to brush my teeth and comb my hair in the same morning, or the luxury of eating food warmer than room temperature without it being served in a Styrofoam container.

*If you don't mind, I could also use a few miracles to brighten the holiday season. Would it be too much trouble to declare ketchup a vegetable? It will clear my conscience immensely.

*It would be helpful if you could coerce my children to help around the house without demanding payment as if they were the bosses of an organized crime family.

Well, the buzzer on the dryer is ringing, and my son saw my feet under the laundry room door. I think he wants his red crayon back.

Have a safe trip Santa, and remember to leave your wet boots by the door, and come in and dry off, so you don't catch cold. Help yourself to cookies on the table, but don't eat too many or leave crumbs on the carpet.

Yours always with love and appreciation,
A Mom

P.S. One more thing . . You can cancel all my requests, if you can keep my children 'young' enough to believe in Santa. . . .

TURKEY, SHOPPING & FAMILY

Another turkey day has come & gone. We spent a wonderful day at home enjoying our small little family. We had a wonderful feast of turkey, ham, potatoes, corn, green bean casserole, stuffing, biscuits and pies. Scott ate & ate until we were all pretty sure that he'd explode. He loved every second of his dinner & didn't mind his misery following dinner.

The kids & I were on the road to visit my family by 6 a.m. on Friday. Since Scott always has a long work weekend, we get on the road early & spend some QT with my fam. The kids stayed with Uncle Michael while Kim, Mandy & I shopped 'til we dropped. We had another awesome year of bargains & a day full of laughter as well.

Friday evening, we celebrated my dad's birthday. Everyone but Scott was able to be there & we had a ball. We had munchies & pizza for dinner. We watched a video of old pictures that my mom made for my dad as part of his gift. It was a riot seeing all of us over the years. Allie went home with Nana & Papa for a sleepover, Jake & I stayed at Michael & Kim's house.

We decided to do another shopping trip on Saturday, just grabbing a few things we missed on Friday. Once we got back to Kim & Michael's, we decided to head home. There were snow warning posted for almost the entire state & I didn't want to drive in a mess. Good thing we decided to come home, we woke to 2.3 inches of snow & it hasn't stopped snowing yet today!

All in all we had a wonderful holiday!


Me & my kiddos
Mandy, Drew & Kim

Jake, Ben & Allie
Papa, Maddie, Nana & Drew

Drew & Jake

Michael & Jake

THINGS I AM THANKFUL FOR:

In honor of Thanksgiving I thought I'd share with you the things that I am thankful for. I'm going to mention in passing the obvious things that I am thankful for, but go into more detail about the not-so-obvious things that I am thankful for. Obviously, I am thankful for my beautiful children, loving husband, wonderful parents, my siblings, my nieces/nephews, aunts/uncles/cousins & my friends. I am thankful for my home, my husband's job, our family's good health and so on. I'm thankful that I can sub rather than work full time so that I can be a part of my kid's school days when needed. I'm thankful my kids are able to try any sport or activity they want to try. I'm thankful for so, so much.

Here are the not-so-obvious things that I am thankful for:

• Diet Dr. Pepper: it is my pick me up in the morning...without it my day just isn't right. Catch me on a day I didn't get my Pepper & you'll know why I'm thankful that I have it!


• Flannel pants: I love my flannel pants. I own several pairs. I typically slip into them as soon as I arrive home from school or the kid's activities. They are warm & comfy & I love them.


• Email/text messaging: when you don't have time (or want to) talk on the phone, I turn to email/texting.


• TJ Maxx: a bargain shopper's paradise. I find great t-shirts for Jake, purses & shoes for me & dresses for Allie. Others cringe at the thought of being in TJ Maxx, I can't wait for my next trip!


• The Weather Channel: how else would I know how to dress myself & the kids??


• Pop Tarts: I personally don't eat them, but I am thankful that they are in my house on a morning when we are all running late. No cooking, just grab and go!


• Pizza Delivery: who doesn't love a warm, cheesy pizza brought right to your doorstep??


• School: sending my kids to school every day keeps me sane.


• Facebook: I've become a junkie. I love reconnecting with old friends & messing around online with new ones. If you join Facebook, look me up...I'll be your friend!


• Columbia fleece jackets: I own several and love the soft, warm jackets on a brisk fall day or on a chilly morning.


• Michelob Ultra: my favorite beer, yum!


• Stay at Home Socks: they are those warm, fuzzy socks that keep your feet toasty warm. I have very cold feet & sometimes these socks even make my feet too warm.


• Carmex: every night before I go to bed, I use Carmex. I can't sleep without putting it on my lips.


• Sticky notes: I am a list maker & I use sticky notes all of the time, they stay put & keep me on task.


• Washable markers: my daughter wants to be an artist...enough said.


• Label Maker: I like things organized & a label maker is an organizer's dream tool. Come snoop around sometime & you'll find lots of labels in my house.


• Clorax Wipes: someone stops by unexpectedly & your bathroom is a mess...these will save you a lot of embarrassment.


• Hats: bad hair day??? A hat is your best friend.


• Flip Flops: I hope these NEVER go out of style. I live in my flip flops in the summer. They are comfy & cute.


• Microwaves: when we were waiting for our new microwave to be delivered, I had to go about a week without a microwave. I had to warm things up in the oven. What a pain.


• Debit cards/online bill pay: I can't tell you the last time I wrote a check.


• Crayons at restaurants: anyone with a child is nodding their head right now.


• Ranch Dressing: it is great on almost anything & I love, love, love it.


• Gift Cards: don't know what to get someone for their b-day or a holiday??? This is the perfect gift to give AND receive.


• Chocolate: another little pick me up on a bad day. There is something about a piece of chocolate that makes your day a bit better.


• Black Friday: I love the bargains, the crowds, the fun & the time spent with my sister & sister in law. I love being with my family after our long shopping day.


• Born shoes: they are like a little slice of heaven on winter feet...when I can't be in flip flops, give me my Borns.


• Caller ID: no more answering telemarketers or political calls.

I am quite the lucky lady, I have so much to be thankful for.

MORE VISITORS

Yep, we had more visitors this weekend. My sister & her kids came to spend the weekend with us. We had a great time, as always. They arrived on Saturday morning & made it up in time to see Jake's basketball game. Allie's was cancelled, so they won't see one of her games this season. We had Alishia come babysit Maddie & took the older kids to see Madagascar 2, which was cute. Other than that, we just hung out & gabbed. Alishia hung with us too & we have definitely decided that my brother Will needs to marry her (neither of them are willing, but we'd love her for a sister in law). Anyway, after a quick shopping trip to Target this morning, they left for home.

I have most of my Christmas shopping done. Just a few things left & I'm not even sure what those are...I need ideas! I baked the afternoon away & froze more cookies for Christmas. I was going to cut back this year, but the kids wouldn't hear of it. They love to help with the baking & of course the sampling! Jake even had a few additional requests this year!

Scott & Allie put up our outside decorations today since it wasn't too chilly. Everything looks great! I pulled out my tubs full of inside decorations this afternoon & will slowly start putting those up. I have to do it in "shifts" because I have WAY TOO MUCH STUFF!

Scott & I are really looking forward to a quiet Thanksgiving Day at home. Scott can hardly wait for Thanksgiving, it is his favorite holiday & he loves picking out what we eat & helping to prepare most of it. He can't wait to sample everything & eat pretty much all day long. The kids & I love to laugh at him enjoying HIS day! He loves being at home & getting to do NOTHING all day long. He works so much & we definitely make it all about him!

It is a slower week...I sub the next 2 days, Allie has dance...that's it other than Thanksgiving stuff starting on Thursday and my dad's b-day celebration on Friday.

LIFE CYCLE OF A CRAYFISH

Jake's class is studying the life cycle of a crayfish in science. The classroom had 13 crayfish in their tank. Last Thursday night, some science books slipped off of a shelf & into the tank. The crayfish used the books like a ramp & escaped. Jake's teacher arrived at school on Friday morning & was greeted by a crayfish hanging out in the doorway of her classroom. She swore it was staring at her & wiggling it's pincher's at her. She freaked & found upon entering her classroom that they had all escaped. A school-wide hunt began & several crayfish were found in the classroom. Another was discovered in a different 3rd grade classroom (2 doors down) and near the art room (3 doors away & down the ramp) another one was located. Several crayfish died & 1 is still missing, but presumed to have died.

Fortunately, a parent was able to locate some more crayfish & has replenished the tank so that the kids can study the life cycle of the crayfish! The new crayfish are much larger than the old ones & some are even expecting baby crayfish. It should be an interesting science unit!

VISITORS

We had a busy weekend filled with visitors.

On Friday, Papa Walt came to CF for a visit. We weren't 100% sure he was coming, so we didn't tell the kids. They were shocked when we picked them up after school & Papa Walt was there. Both kids were thrilled to see him & so surprised. We put Papa to work helping us load up $8400 in Scout popcorn from the distribution center. He also helped unload it at another Scout's house to be given out to the dens that night. Papa also got to go with Scott, Jake & Jake's friend Paul to see CF in the semi-finals at the Dome. CF won & it sounds like it was a great game. Papa spent the night & left early on Saturday morning.

Nana Terri arrived shortly after Papa Walt left. Nana watched Jake play basketball before heading out to meet up with her sisters for lunch & shopping. We met Nana back at our house later that afternoon (after another ball game & rehearsal). Nana babysat the kids so that Scott & I could have dinner alone. What a treat! Sunday morning, Nana & I went to coffee & shopping before heading out to Allie's dance recital.

Last week also brought: dance class, basketball, religion, a Scout meeting, rehearsal, recital, playdates, volunteering & subbing.

This week brings: dance class, PTA meeting, brownie meeting, volunteering in both kid's classrooms, popcorn deadlines, basketball for both kids, religion class, CF game & my sister & her family will visit this weekend too. I hope to get some holiday baking done & a few gifts wrapped.



Nana & Allie

Allie before the recital


Allie & friend Olivia

The kids at dress rehearsal.

Allie at Festival of Trees after her rehearsal.

ANSWER TO 5th GRADE MATH PROBLEM

Here's the question:

There are 7 girls on a bus (only the girls, no driver, which is kinda scary).

Each girl has 7 backpacks.

In each backpack, there are 7 big cats.

For every big cat there are 7 little cats.

Question: How many legs are there in the bus?



Here's the answer:

7 girls x 7 backpacks each= 49 backpacks

49 backpacks x 7 big cats= 343 big cats

343 big cats x 7 little cats= 2401

2401 little cats + 343 big cats= 2744 cats total

2744 total cats x 4 legs each= 10976 cat legs

7 girls x 2 legs each= 14 legs

10976 cat legs + 14 girl legs= 10990 total legs

5th GRADE MATH PROBLEM

Can you solve this problem that was given several weeks ago in a 5th grade math class I subbed in. My brother sent it to me too, which made me remember the fun we had that day in 5th grade!

There are 7 girls on a bus (only the girls, no driver, which is kinda scary).
Each girl has 7 backpacks.
In each backpack, there are 7 big cats.
For every big cat there are 7 little cats.

Question: How many legs are there in the bus?

Drop me a note with your guess...I'll post the answer next week!

TEA & OTHER STUFF

So, the teddy bear tea is finally over. It was a huge success. We were sold out, sold tons of raffle tickets, the kids had a fantastic time & there were only a couple of small issues. I can breathe easy now. I am planning to co-chair the event again next year, one last time before possibly moving on to another Festival of Trees event.

Jake started taking ITBS tests this week. He seems to be handling it fine. He did mention to me that "no one has EVER gotten these tests all right, so I probably won't either mom". I had to chuckle. My child wants 100% on everything & can be very hard on himself if he doesn't get that score. I'm guessing the teacher told him that so that he wouldn't put too much pressure on himself!

I have had a quiet week. I subbed on Monday & Thursday. I volunteering on Tuesday morning. I babysat on Wednesday after school, like usual. I've caught up on a ton of little things around here the other days. I have just few more things to buy for Christmas & will start wrapping gifts next week. I also hope to start my holiday baking next week, depending on how much I work. I'm really in the holiday spirit, I better run with it.

The kid's week has been quiet as well, a nice change! Allie had dance, both kids had religion & that is it. The weekend appears to be full. Popcorn delivery begins on Friday, CF plays in the Dome on Friday, both kids have basketball on Saturday, my mom is visiting over the weekend, Allie has dress rehearsal, Jake has a Scout event and Allie's dance recital is Sunday.



Allie & Jordyn by the tree


Makenna, Allie & Jordyn with Santa



Allie with Mr. & Mrs. Claus

Me & Allie

Our tables were set up like this.

10 WAYS TO KNOW IF YOU HAVE ESTROGEN ISSUES

1. Everyone around you has an attitude problem.
2. You're adding chocolate chips to your cheese omelet.
3. The dryer has shrunk every last pair of your jeans.
4. Your husband is suddenly agreeing to everything you say.
5. You 're using your cellular phone to dial up every bumper sticker that says: 'How's my driving-call 1- 800-'.
6. Everyone's head looks like an invitation to batting practice.
7. Everyone seems to have just landed here from 'outer space.'
9. You're sure that everyone is scheming to drive you crazy.
10. The ibuprofen bottle is empty and you bought it yesterday.

Got this from my sister in law Kim. Since I feel this way often, I thought I'd share!

POLITICS

Most of you know that I am NOT a political person. I try to avoid political talk with others because I don't like people trying to change my opinion. I respect their opinion, please respect mine. This goes for home too. Scott & I don't talk politics much. I respect his opinion & he respects mine. In fact, I have no idea who he voted for & don't care! We also have made it a point to NOT be openly pro one party/candidate or another in front of the kids & we certainly don't say negative things about them in front of our children. We truly want them to make their own choices.

Rewind about a year, Jake has been following the election since the beginning. He was a Hilary fan. He watched & liked her. I found it fun to see his excitement & knowledge of those in both parties trying to become the candidate. He watched as McCain & Obama got the nod to run for prez. He was bummed about Hilary, but moved on & watched more. He chose his favorite & has stuck by him since he made his decision. Now, remember Jake is in 3rd grade, he's 8. He doesn't understand most of the issues. He gets the basics & his choice is his. I respect it!

Jake learned a hard lesson at school over the past 2 weeks. A child in his class was VERY pro McCain, which Jake was fine with. However, this child kept bothering Jake about his choice for president. Jake simply told him he liked Obama & thought that would be the end of it. WRONG! This 3rd grader went on to tell him that "if Obama wins the world will come to an end" & "Obama is a baby killer" & "Obama lets guys marry guys, that's wrong" & "Obama is an idiot" (who's thoughts do you suppose those are???). Jake tried walking away & the kid would follow Jake & his friends around saying these things & many other things. Jake tried to tell this child HIS reasons for liking Obama & Jake says he didn't trash talk McCain, but this child kept at him.

Jake was bummed about the comments & didn't understand why they couldn't like different people & why nasty things had to be said. He didn't want to play that game. I had a long talk with Jake about avoiding political talk at all costs. I explained, not everyone agrees & everyone is entitled to their own opinions. Your choice of a candidate is YOUR choice & it can be as public or as private as you'd like. He was still bummed that a friend would act this way...welcome to adulthood Jake!

So, yesterday, Jake went to school & this child proceeds to tell him "troops are coming to CF to kill us because Obama is the president". Say what?? Jake's response was beyond his years when he kept his mouth shut & said nothing...he walked away! Go Jake!

4 MORE DAYS

Four more days until the Teddy Bear Tea is upon us. Four more hectic, crazy days. What am I forgetting? Who am I forgetting? How will I ever get the seating chart right & not piss people off? Will Santa show up? Will our entertainment show up? Did I order enough food or too much? Will we have enough room? Are my raffle prizes in order? Did I get all of the tags off of the 200 bears? When can I pick up the programs, coloring sheets & name tags from the hospital? What if my volunteers don't show? How many more reservations will come in last minute? When will these questions stop waking me up in the middle of the night?

Seriously, this is the biggest event I've planned. Sure, I have done things on a smaller scale, the talent show, coin drives, the carnival, the giving tree, Scout meetings and so on. This is big. This is the kick off event for the entire Festival of Trees for our community! What if it bombs?? I guess I will cross that bridge when I come to it. Maybe...

On a different note, just to make my life easier, Scout popcorn time is in full swing. So, once I am through with the tea, I am thrust into the middle of the popcorn mess! That starts up again next Friday. I need to try to say NO...I already said NO to popcorn for next year. Good Girl!!

We've had a great week. I volunteered at Hansen on Monday morning & worked at Hansen in the afternoon, Allie had dance that evening. We used the kid's Book It coupons for dinner. On Tuesday, I went to dentist, voted & ran errands. I also volunteered at the Book Fair that afternoon. Yesterday, I spent the whole day at Hansen volunteering at the Book Fair. The kids had religion last night & I ran to Kohl's ALONE! I had a 30% coupon & got some much needed items (or maybe it was much wanted). Today, there is no school & the kids have friends over. Jake is playing with Nick & Allie with Jordyn. I'm hoping to finish up some Teddy Bear Tea stuff & relax. Tomorrow I hope to clean this mess of a house! The weekend brings basketball, a b-day party for Allie & of course the Teddy Bear Tea.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

Halloween was busier than ever this year! The kids had fun, got tons of candy & were pooped when it was all over (so was I).


I went trick or treating at the hospital with the 2nd grade class I was working with. It was fun & the kids loved it. I went last year with Jake's class & will go with Allie's next year too.


The kids had a parade at school with all of the kids in their costumes. Everyone looked adorable. They had parties after the parade & then home they went.


After school, we trekked to Main Street to trick or treat there. The merchants hand out candy & you typically see tons of friends there. Since it was SO nice, there were TONS & TONS of people there. We waiting in line & then decided to skip it & hit McDonald's instead. We met up with other friends there & ate before trick or treating around our neighborhood.


We hit all of the houses in our neighborhood. Allie pooped out early...her feet hurt & her bag was WAY too heavy. Scott came & picked her up on the way home from work. She sat on the porch & handed out candy after that.


Once the kids were sent home, I went out with some friends. We went to 2 haunted houses & had a ball. I bet it has been 20 years since I went through a haunted house. I used to go every Halloween with my dad & loved it. I still love them! I don't think I've laughed that hard in a long, long time!


Allie, Maddie & Riley

Allie, Madison & Madison


Nick & Jake

Hunter, Allie & Andrea

Jake & Allie

Jake & Allie

Allie handing out candy

Jake (hippie), Ben (Joe the Plumber), Adam (baby), Paul (hippie)

The kids & their friends at McDonald's

LAST WEEK

It was a crazier week than normal.

Subbing: I worked all week in a 2nd grade classroom. I worked one on one with a student & also got to help out the teacher & other kids in the class. The days flew by & I kept busy, which was great. I also was able to see Mr. Wagner in action & knew he was a good teacher (Jake had him), but now I am really hoping Allie gets him. He'd be great for her dramatic/needy personality...he might actually break her of the whining!!

Kid of Character: Jake was voted "Kid of Character" in his class. He got to sit in a special desk all week. Apparently, you get nominated & voted for by your classmates, he's been hoping he'd get picked & it happened!




Jake at the Kid of Character desk

UNI Camp: Jake went to a basketball camp sponsored by the UNI Men's Basketball team. He tried out to be a ball boy, but didn't make it. He got autographs of the team & will participate in a half time show next week.


Friends: The kids had friends over to play this week. Jake had Paul & Nick over. Allie had Olivia play. They all kept busy & I was able to get some things tackled around the house.


Basketball: Both kids had ball games over the weekend. Jake looked pretty good. If he'd actually pass the ball once in awhile, he'd look better! Allie is still learning & improving each time.


Conferences: Both kids had conferences this week. Jake got all 3's & 4's. Allie got all 3's. That was exactly what I thought they'd end up with, so I was pleased. Allie needs to work on NOT talking to her neighbor. Jake needs to re-check his work for silly errors & some of his 3's will become 4's.

Party: Jake went to his friend Carter's party at the UNI Wellness Center's gym. They played lost of games & sounds like had a fun time. His 15 best friends were there. Allie went to her friend Lauryn's house during the party. I ran to Target with NO kids!

Other things: Allie also had dance this week. Jake & I went to Soho for a snack & homework time while Allie was at class. Religion was cancelled this week due to CF playing in the Dome for HS playoffs. They won, Yea! I made cupcakes & Rice Krispie treats for the kid's Halloween parties...I was sick of black & orange by the time it was all over!

Our Upcoming Week:
Today: bowling with the Scouts & a PTA budget meeting
Monday: dance for Allie, volunteer in both kid's classrooms, Festival of Trees meeting, popcorn orders ready & turned in
Tuesday: dentist appt. for me, UNI basketball game, VOTE
Wednesday: work at book fair, religion
Thursday: no school, playdates with Nick & Jordyn, final Teddy Bear Tea meeting
Friday: no school, be sure Teddy Bear Tea is ready
Saturday: basketball for both kids
Sunday: Teddy Bear Tea

CUB SCOUT PARTY
Jake's Scout Pack had a Halloween party on Monday night. The kids played games, decorated cookies & just had a lot of fun hanging out.

Derek, Wyatt & Allie

Grace & Allie



Jake & Paul
Will, Sam, Sam, Will & Aidan


Jake & Will


Allie stirring the pot...note the dry ice making the steam

FORGETFUL FAIRY

Allie lost her 7th tooth last week. Mrs. Cummings at school yanked it out for her since her mother won't pull teeth. Allie was very excited & found me at recess to hold her precious tooth until Mrs. Wyckoff could get her a tooth necklace. I kept it safe the entire recess & followed Miss Allie into her classroom. She got the beloved necklace & a sticker that says "I lost a tooth" to wear on her shirt.

That night right at bedtime, my daughter puts her tooth into her tooth pillow that Nana made for her & propped it up next to her bed. I got both kids to sleep & went about my night. Let me say, it was a very busy week & I was really tired myself.

Fast forward to the next morning. I'm sitting in Jake's room talking to him when a VERY dramatic Allie walks in, eyes filled with tears...she exclaimed "the tooth fairy forgot me". UGH! I'd done it again (last time it was Jake). So, I told her to look under her bed, in her closet etc. I was buying time to find a dollar & figure out where to hide it so Allie could find it. I ventured back into Al's room & sat on her bed. I asked her to look under the OTHER side of her bed & while she was doing that, I slipped the cash into her bed pillow. I advised her to look in a variety of other places & finally suggested the bed pillow. She was relieved to know that the tooth fairy didn't forget her. She even told me that since it was Halloween, she was certain that they fairy played a TRICK on her. Whatever! In the end, the tooth fairy was funny & still loved my little Allie.