Editor’s note: Spoiler alert re: the Tooth Fairy and Santa Claus.

I found it wrapped in tissue and tucked within the zippered pocket of my purse. The small pearly white gem had been there for a month and we’d all forgotten about it – even the Tooth Fairy. Sam, 11, has been losing the last of his baby teeth at a rapid rate. Evidently, our pastor preaches tooth-rattling sermons, because lately the teeth have come out during church on Sunday morning. At some point during the service Sam scoots past us in the pew with his hand clasped over his mouth. He eventually returns with bloody paper towels protruding from his lips. I can only imagine what the people who sit behind us must think. Alas, this rite of passage has caused some tension in our home. One of Sam’s parents is unwilling to part with the magic and mystery of the Tooth Fairy. The other has been there, done that and moved on/Cindy Hval, Washington Voices. More here.

• Also, by Cindy: Earthman a serial celebrant at 102
  

Question: Did/do your children believe in the Tooth Fairy and Santa Claus?

On Facebook, Christa Hazel said her son is upset this morning because the Tooth Fairy missed his/her appointed round last night — and stiffed him a reward for a tooth that’s gone missing. One Facebook friend suggest that Christa help Junior look for the missing money today … and find it somewhere under the bed. But Christa reported that he’d made a thorough search before reporting the problem. Christa promised HucksOnline that Junior would get a double bonus when he checks under his pillow tomorrow.

Question: Do (did) you play Tooth Fairy and leave money under pillows for missing teeth?

What’s the going rate for a tooth these days? Is it a sliding scale or flat rate? According to this WebMD article, the Tooth Fairy is feeling the effects of the bad economy and our children are taking the hit. According to WebMD, the average payout for a tooth by the Tooth Fairy is $1.88. I believe the Tooth Fairy that visits the JD household has been possibly paying out too much. I’m confused and I need to figure this out. The Dude Ha has another loose tooth and he’s eating apples like crazy. When I was a little girl, my Tooth Fairy gave me $5 for my first tooth/MamaJD. More here.

Question: How much does the tooth fairy leave under pillows @ your house?