But once and a while, they like to throw certain activities into the mix that I'm sure are designed to make us parents feel like twats. It's like a test: "If we say jump...... will you say how high?" And for most of us parents, there's no choice but to heave a deep sigh and nod agreement.
That big sigh happened for me last night. I opened her backpack and saw a paper plate with a note attached that said "Girls, please take this paper plate and turn it into the most beautiful Easter Bonnet you can imagine. Use ribbons, glitter, tissue paper, whatever you have! Don't be afraid to stand out!"
The boys had to color a measly tie.
Where's the Y chromosome when you need one?
So, after heaving my big sigh, I picked up the paper plate and examined it. How was I suppose to turn this into a bonnet? I ran to the mirror and tried positioning the plate in various places on my head. PG saved the day by walking in and announcing that someone had turned their bonnet in early. Upon hearing that news, I promptly dragged her to the table, sat her down, and proceeded to drill her for info. What did it look like? What materials were used? Who was it exactly who turned it in? (Cuz if it was the little girl who walks on her tiptoes and still carries her security blanket, then all info may as well be considered null and void).
PG helpfully provided the following info: the bonnet had lots of silky ribbons, artificial flowers, and fake birds. (BIRDS!) It apparently tied under her chin with streams of lace.
Oh, this was bad.
So we went out to the garage where I dug through boxes of old craft supplies. We managed to come up with some tulle, blue and yellow ribbons, feathers, and paint. Now, it's taken me the better part of 30 years to learn this about myself: I have creative visions, but no talent whatsoever to see the visions through. I knew going into it that this bonnet was going to be a mess.
This is what we ended up making (2 hours later):
Yes, I know that salmon and aqua feathers don't go with baby blue ribbons. And glitter stars don't exactly work with the yellow painted base. Though if you look towards the front, there's a tired looking artificial red rose right above the tulle veil. That was a touch PG added that I thought held a hint of class.
Still, the next morning as I was at the preschool with J doing an Easter Egg Hunt and Mr. C was uploading mobile pics of the class parade, my heart felt heavy as I saw the wonderful creations other little girls were wearing on their heads. Seriously, some of these parents took this on like they were contenders for Project Runway.
Losers.
Kidding. That was totally said that out of jealousy. And also out of the fact that I felt like a bad mom. Going to school that day, PG had felt so good about her hat. She was convinced it was going to be the best in her class, (bless her ghetto fabulous little heart). And my heart just ached imagining how let down and small she must've felt once she saw the beautiful things the other parents created for their kids. I spent the morning thinking of a pep talk for her. I also bought a carton of Rocky Road for backup.
So, the hour came for pickup from school. She seemed in good spirits. I asked her about her day (her words,"sugary"), about the parade ("short"), and finally I tentatively asked her about the other girls hats. She spoke at length about how beautiful they were and described many of them to me in detail. Then I asked the million dollar question, "So, how do you feel about your hat today?"
And she said, with the upmost confidence, "Oh. I'm pretty sure I had the best one there."
Man, I love this kid.
You all have a good night!
I love Grace too! Her confidence is the best! I hope she can rub some off on Haylee girl. BTW...I laughed hard reading this. Hope the mom of the girl on her tiptoes with the security blanket isn't on facebook.
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