February 19, 2009

Because that's what moms do...

Today I was supposed to sub but Jordy came into my bed with a tummy ache. It wasn't long after that the puking began. The flu. Dang. More puking. Double dang.

But you suck it up and go into mom mode......holding pony tails while your sweet little one heaves over the toilet.....bringing cold wash cloths and soda crackers...calling Grandma for 7 Up...fixing hot jello and serving it with ice cubes and a straw(my kids always loved that)....fixing potato soup (she can't eat it but it makes me feel better to make it).....washing every towel in the house and wiping down door knobs. I wouldn't have it any other way. It's what we moms do for our children.

I did find a little time to work in my stamp room today. I'm kinda tired of making plain ol' cards but I've been loving the tiny little size of the smaller cards I've been making lately. So I shuffled through some sketches I made and found a little coupon/ticket type idea I got from the 2009 Hero Arts catalog. I thought about what to make and then the idea popped into my head.

I wanted to make some little love coupons for my girls. They've been coming home lately, telling me stories of the mean girls at school. Jordan's especially been having a hard time. There is this one girl that always gets to her...saying mean things, ignoring her, whispering behind her back. And she plays Jordan's other friends too which doesn't help. As much as I want to shield my girls from kids like this, it still happens. Girl drama is not good. So all you can do is listen and let your kids know that you are there for them. It's what moms do.

So onto my little projects. I came across a box of old cards and found some little cards and notes that my mom sent to me while I was in college. I loved getting mail from home, it was the best! So I thought that my girls might like a little note from me. I'm going to slip these into their book bags so they'll find them at school. Here's the details. I used Spellbinders Label and Scalloped Rectangle dies(in PTI Aqua Mist) to make my coupons. The notched corners on the Label die remind me of ticket stubs. And they nestle perfectly onto the scalloped rectangles. For my patterned paper, I used some new My Mind's Eye paper called Penny Lane. I rounded the corners to fit onto the coupon layers. Then I stamped a sentiment from Pine's Papertrey set called Beyond Basic Borders onto Aqua Mist card stock.

For the main image, I used Karen Lockhart's adorable little Itty Bitty Mushrooms. Mushrooms are so popular right now. I colored them with Copic Sketch markers to match my patterned paper colors. I punched out the mushrooms with a circle punch and adhered them to the coupons with pop dots. I think these little coupons are SO adorable!! Finished coupon size is about 2-1/4" x 3".
For the back of the coupons, I cut another white label layer. I stamped lines from Pines Journaling Lines stamp set in Aqua Mist. Then I wrote my messages to my girls.
I'm hoping that the girls will find a special little spot to keep their love coupons. Maybe in the front of a notebook...or stuck in the back of their locker....or in their agenda. Just somewhere that they can be reminded that their mom is always thinking of them. Maybe I'll make them more from time to time and they can add them to a little metal ring, like trading cards.

On another note, my mom is with my brother today. Earlier this week he had 4 major blocked arteries and was life flighted to a hospital. He got home today and my mom is sitting with him while my sister-in-law goes to pick up prescriptions in town. So it doesn't matter how old your children are, moms do what they need to take care of their children. It's what moms do.

So I hope that today you give your kids big giant hugs. Be there for them and listen to what they have to say. Just listen. Make them something cute. They'll love you forever. Jordan is calling for Jello now so I gotta run.

47 comments:

Simon Ovidiu said...

It's really great to make someone smile especially if that person is you're child!

By Arcadia

Suzanne J Dean said...

Great post today! Its so hard as a mom to hear your kids are dealing with meanness at school--breaks my heart but like you I know its going to happen & they have to learn too. Hope your brother is on the road to recovery and your little "Jordy" too! I make lil notes like this on occassion too for my kids lunchboxes--always brings a little smile to their faces :o)

hugz,
Suzanne Dean

Anonymous said...

Your post brought tears to my eyes. I love the little love notes you made for your girls today. Before my little girl could read, I would make ATCs for her and draw little pictures for her and hide them in her lunchbox. It never ocurred to me to drink the Jell-O with a straw before it congeals. Fabulous!

Anonymous said...

What a great mom you are!!! I found a book at the library from Max Lucado (my kids are 5 and 2 1/2)and the moral of the story is that people will says things about you, good and bad, but it really doesn't matter what others think about you except what God thinks. My boys love to read it and I think its starting to sinking in with my 5 yo. It is always hard to hear that others are being meant to your children... I hope your daughter is feeling better soon!

Yvonne..... said...

Hope Jordy feels better soon! I love the sweet coupons you made. I am really loving aqua right now. These will be perfect for those bad pre-teen days we all went through.

Anonymous said...

Hope your family is all on the road to recovery soon Mish. You're right about the Mom thing never ending....my 19 year old had to have her appendix out in the fall, then caught strep and then mono, all within a month! She was so appreciative of all the cups of tea, fresh sheets, magazines, etc. Your girls are so lucky to have you as their caring, creative Mom.

Love your blog!
Pamela

Anonymous said...

I always visit your blog...but, I never leave you a comment. Today, I had to leave a comment because your post was SO touching! Reading about what moms do...everything you said is so true! I will keep your whole family in my prayers. Thank you for inspiring me to make little notes for my kids.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry to hear your little one is sick! But your story about what moms do, is right on target! No matter how old your kids are, you still feel the need to take care of them. I love the little cards and that mushroom stamp is adorable. I've had a thing for mushrooms lately, so I better snatch one of these up. TFS, Mish!

Anonymous said...

Oh goodness Mish. You've been having a time of it lately, girl. Hope everyone gets better real soon. With all that's been going on in your life lately, I'm amazed how "calm" you appear to be. That trait alone is inspiring.

These little tickets are the best. You know, you should consider giving parenting classes. You really have a handle on what it means to be a great parent! God bless you, Mish.

Anonymous said...

Mish!!! these coupons are so stinkin' cute! Thanks for sharing!

Pam Davis said...

My day has gone much like yours today. My 11 year old told me she got sick last evening and stayed home from school today. We started with the ice chips, then tea, crackers and 7 Up. It is nice to be able to stay home with them. I hope Jordy feels better soon.
Have you seen the new American Girl movie, Chrissa? It has a good message about bullying. Girls can be so mean!!
Now I am off to stamp some notes for my girls. You are a great inspiration!

Anonymous said...

With all that you have going on........you found time to post! You are SUPER MOM!!
Those growing up years can be hellish for girls. I found junior high years to be the worst with our daughter.
Hope your family is over the flu soon.

Unknown said...

Oh I do feel for you - we have a little of this at the mo with my bigger girlie - you want to wrap them up in cotton and you can't!! but those wee notes will bring a smile for sure!! I used to make notes for her and put them in her lunch till she started getting ribbed about it in school because none of the other mums did it - I thought that was so sad. Hope your brother is on the mend too!!

Anonymous said...

You're a great mom!! Sounds like the "mean girls" at school could use a few coupons of their own. Their mother's obviously don't create like you do!!

Brooke said...

What a great Mum (sorry I'm in Oz, so have to go with the "u" instead of "o") you are!

Girls can be so cruel. All us older ones though realise it's their own insecurties that make them mean.

Hope your girls love the notes and sounds like they are liking the jello = )

Linda w said...

Having had just boys, although they go through the mean thing also, it is different I'm sure with girls. I hope things get better and I love your idea of the love coupons. How do you fix this hot jello thing? I would love to pass this on for when my grand kids get sick.

Thanks much

Julia said...

That was such touching, loving post!...I have 5 girls and I think that I need to remind them of how much I love them. Sometimes, having so many kids (10) you don't think about the fact that sometimes THEY don't feel special as an individual because there are so many. What a great way to make them feel good.
I hope your brother feels better. And good job on the Mommyness.

Anonymous said...

Oh Mish, sounds like someone needs to make YOU a little "love note" coupon! So sorry to hear about your brother's illness - hope he's on the mend soon. No doubt Jordan is feeling better with some lovin' from Mum (I'm from Australia too)!
Hugs across the miles,
Jo

Anonymous said...

Loved your post! You're so right that as Mom's we just do what needs to be done! I'm going to make my girls some of these cards too! Lots of girl drama around here too! Blessings and hugs!

cardsandacuppa said...

You are so swet, your girls have one cool mum ! Hope everyone gets better soon, Hugs from England ! Sarah-Jane xx

Jenn said...

I want you to be my mom!!!

loriaj61 said...

Thank Mish for the idea! I have from time to time sent hand written little notes to school in my daughter's lunch box, but haven't for a long time. I think it is time to do it again only a cute one (she's in 6th grade now and will like it better, I think). God bless your brother and hope all is well with your dd, too. Lori in Southern CA.

Anonymous said...

what a sweet mommy you are! i will be praying for speedy recoveries...both for your 'baby girl' and your brother! i love this idea and think i will make some for my chicka (she had a really bad day today!)...thank you for the inspiration!
chelle

Dana said...

It is amazing the "mode" we go into when we're needed, isn't it. This virus/cold/flu bug season has been awful to everyone. I love the ideas of coupons in their bags. I can't wait until my girls are old enough to read!

Debbie Fisher (debbiedee) said...

I hope Jordan gets to feeling better and that the rest of you don't get it.

What sweet love tickets! I do this for my kids and they are boys. They love getting notes just as well. My 16 yr old will act like he doesn't, but others tell me about the proud look on his face when he gets something like this. Ü

But even more precious is when I don't feel so good and my sweet boys will go in my stamp room and make me a card, or my favorite cookies or just some tea.

So even though this is "what mom's do", by doing this we are passing on a wonderful heritage to our kids who will do the same thing when they have kids...as moms (probably more so), but also as dads.

MichelleY said...

Mishie, you are the BESTEST!!!! Your adorable notes are going to mean the WORLD to Jordan and Josie. Someday, they will be doing the same thing with their children.....and the love legacy will envelop another generation.

maryps said...

I'm so sorry Jordan is 'icky sicky'. As moms it's stressful to see our children suffer - whether from illness or mean girls. Your girls are lucky to have a devoted mom like you. I wish all children could have that advantage. The world would definitely be a better place.

I love the little note cards and will probably HAVE to copy them. Those little KL mushrooms have been calling my name for a while now.

I truly hope your brother and Jordan recover soon.

Anonymous said...

Yikes, what a day you're having, girl. Not to mention Jordan. Awww...why do girls have to be so dang mean? I was on the receiving end of some of that meaness back in the day and it ain't pretty...but it will make Jordan a strong woman, like her mom.

Cute cards (what's new).

Sorry about the bro..hope he has a full and speedy recovery.

Hang in there, sister, we're all thinking about ya and sending good vibes your way.

wanda50 said...

Hugs to the girls and you. What a Mom!!! Doing all of your motherly duties and still find time to post. You are a very special lady. I so enjoy your creations and I feel the love that you put into each one. Thanks for sharing and for being a blessing to us.

DeeDee said...

LOVE this post! You are such a good Mama...I hope Jordan feels better real soon and I have your brother in my prayers! HUGS!

Anonymous said...

I enjoyed your post today. The 7- Up reminded me of how my Mom would take care of my sister and I when we were sick. I will keep your brother in my prayers!

Virginia said...

I love your little love coupons, what a sweet idea and what lucky girls you have! I have 2 boys but am expecting my a girl in May. Being a mommy to boys is fun but I can't wait to experience being a mommy to a girl! Thanks for the reminder to give some extra love to our kiddos!

Glad your brother has his mommy be by his side to help him through his recovery.

Hope Jordan is feeling better soon.

Anonymous said...

I LOVE, LOVE I MEAN LOVE YOUR POST TODAY!!!!! That is soooooo sweet, I am inspired to do that for my daughter. Although I tell her many many times a day I love her, there is nothing like surprising her with this love note at school. Thanks soooo much for the inspiration :)

Maylee said...

I hope your children will feel better soon. You are a great Mom! Thank you for the love coupon idea. I will have to borrow it.

snarflemarfle said...

What a great post! I have never heard about drinking hot jello with ice. That sounds like fun when you're sick and icky.

And the first time my husband got sick, he said that all he really wanted was potato soup. I had to call his mom and get the recipe! It was super bland for me to eat, but it was perfect for him. MIL and I still laugh about that!

Anonymous said...

I can relate to the girl drama. I feel like it starts earlier every generation. We pulled our oldest out of catholic school because of the girl drama (1 class per grade and hers had 19 girls and only 5 boys). I am sorry to hear Jordan has to deal with it too. Hope your brother is feeling better.

Carol W. said...

What a great idea!! I don't have children, but I have a husband and he would absolutely LOVE that!! I wish your brother all the best and a speedy recovery.

Busym1 said...

I hope your child feels better! I feel for her, I have the same thing right now! Love your little cards, what a nice mom you are! Have a great day!

Michelle said...

Oh Michelle - that is a great idea to make a little note to put in the kids' backpacks; very special indeed. Not sure what I'll make for my son that's not so girly like the rest of them, but I'll find something - thanks so much for the little nudge!

Anonymous said...

I'm a 12yearold boy - love reading your blog and think it's so inspirational. Just to let you know that any of you out there with boys - we love and NEED you to fuss around us [even more than girls!], just we don't wanna show it. Oh, and don't forget, love YOUR mom too!

Tina said...

OMG I have tears in my eyes.. you are an amazing mom and your girls are so lucky to have you... my heart and prayers go out to your brother... you had a bad week...boy... i am wishing you a very happy weekend... sending crafty hugs Tina xx

Scrappin Cheryl said...

You poor thing! You need a love note, too!

Why do girls do that to each other? It's so sad, and the hardest part is that some of them never out-grow it and still behave in those hateful ways. I agree with an earlier post about the new American Girl movie - it hits on this with a great message!

I hope everyone is feeling better!

Anonymous said...

Oh, what a great mom you are! Loved reading today...and of course, always love to see your creations! My DH and I love to put notes to each other, so this is particularly great. Hope you all are better soon! Thanks!

Anonymous said...

You are a great Mom. I have 2 daughters (in their teens now). I so remember a similar period they went through. Girls can be SO awful to each other. I don't know why that is so, but I guess it makes them stronger. I used to make little notes to put in their lunches - I thought of them as a small hug from Mom during the day when I could not actually be there. Some kids thought it was cool - some made fun of them and they hid them. Again, that being mean thing. Just remember, it does pass and they sometimes end up being BFF's with the meanest one! Go figure!

Kirsten Alicia said...

Hi Michelle, these are wonderful & such a sweet idea. Hope your brother is doing better.

Anonymous said...

Just love these littel note cards! You have done them so nicely, and with a lot of 'love'! I have just made one to try them out and I have decided to make 120 to take to a friends wedding in less than a weeks time and will get each guest to sign one. I will then make a box to put them in and give to my friends. Thank you for such a neat idea!
Hugs from Sunshine
www.ihearttostamp.blogspot.com

reeree62 said...

I so enjoyed this post. It's amazing what we Moms do, and love it all the while. I was endeared to read how you found enjoyment & fulfillment in even the tough stuff you went thru that day/night. It makes me proud to be a Mom, and makes me feel like, "yeah, we do do all those things and more on a daily basis, and we do it cause we love it". Thanks 4 reminding me of that!
{Hugs}

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