Occasionally the littlest Freemans have bad dreams. Upon inquiry, it seems that varying degrees of "bad" are subject to interpretation.
"Bad" runs the gamut from Lulu (who is partially toothless in reality) trying to bite someone, to someone not getting any candy from a pinata at a party.
The former is far more upsetting than the latter.
I respect my girls, and so I take these fears seriously.
As a prophylactic measure against such horrific episodes, we invented the Dream Maker and incorporated it into our bed time routine.
Once jammies are on and teeth are brushed and books are read and lights are dim ... we fill our dream makers for the night.
First, I put my hand (open palm) on the wee subject's forehead and slowly draw it back closing my fingers - making a slurping sound to effectively vacuum all of last night's dream remnants from the mind.
Then, I ask her (in a low and serious voice), "What shall you dream about tonight?"
Answers always include up to ten of the following: rainbows, flowers, hearts, Dorthy, Toto, Mommy kisses, Daddy kisses, Lulu licks, Grandma/Grandpa kisses, Holly kisses, my whole family, Felicity, McKenna, Saige, going to Frell, swimming, campfires, s'mores, painting, dress up stuff, going outside, lollipops ..."
With each item, I point to to them middle of the forehead, repeat the request, make a noise like a "click" and press the dream material right in.
When we have ten or so items, I "seal it in" by planting a big smooch on her forehead. She then closes her eyes and takes three big, deep breaths to swirl the dreams around and activate them for a pleasant slumber.
We've been doing this long enough that it's expected. Mairin likes to fill my dream maker with items like, "spending time as a family, bountiful harvest, clean laundry, vacations, daddy hugs, Leighton and Mairin kisses and so forth."
My dreams are less inclined to look like a sheet of Lisa Frank stickers, but are no less exciting in my mind. And, honestly, I can't remember the last time any of us actually had a bad dream.
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