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A Mother's Work  by Dreamflower 14 Review(s)
Queen GaladrielReviewed Chapter: 2 on 4/7/2013
Oh my...oh dear...Poor Bell! LOL! Somehow, I'm really glad we have electric or gas stoves now instead of fireplaces that produce soot... But the incident with the cupboard would be truly terrifying.

Author Reply: Soot is a hassle to deal with!

The incident with the cupboard is based on an incident that happened to me when I was about six--my little sister tried to climb up a chest of drawers, and it began to topple. I was able to catch it from hitting the floor with her (like Frodo did) but I had to scream bloody murder for my mom to come in to help lift it back up so she could crawl out without being hurt! Trust me, it *was* terrifying!

GamgeeFestReviewed Chapter: 2 on 5/14/2007
LOL! Life is never boring at Number Three, or whenever Merry's around! First Mari, then Sam, then all three girls! This is one day she'll be happy to see end. Wonder if she'll tell Hamfast about Sam's close call?

Author Reply: No, not with all those kids! And Merry is *so* helpful! (*rolls eyes*). I'm sure Bell's had less hectic days.

Will she tell the Gaffer? I'm quite sure--though her version is likely to be very watered down! After all, the danger's over and done, no need to scare him.

KittyReviewed Chapter: 2 on 5/13/2007
Poor Bell! As soon as she is turning her back ... I’m not sure whose „help“ was worse – Sam’s or Mari’s! And the last line got me *rotfl*

But now I am wondering – how on earth did Sam and Rosie survive *thirteen* children and keep their sanity? In your AU they have at least Frodo, too, to keep an eye on them, but in canon ...*shakes head*

Author Reply: Children "helping"--every mother's nightmare, LOL!

Yep--13! Of course, by the time little Tolman came along, Elanor was 21, so I'd imagine that the older kids helped mind the younger ones. Still, I think Sam and Rose had excellent examples of dealing with large broods from their own families: 6 little Gamgees and 5 little Cottons, LOL!

BodkinReviewed Chapter: 2 on 5/13/2007
Bell can hardly get too disapproving of Frodo's efforts in childcare, while Marigold is busily spreading soot throughout her whole smial! She's a good mother - it's not surprising her kids turned out pretty well balanced.

Author Reply: No, she knows it's not easy to keep track of kids all the time! And she knows Frodo is a responsible lad, and will be even more vigilant after this.

I like to think she was a nice motherly influence on both Sam *and* Frodo for several years. Although it's clear that the Gaffer must have been widowed before the Quest, we're not given an exact date, so I have her live right up until the winter before Bilbo leaves.

AntaneReviewed Chapter: 2 on 5/12/2007
A sweet story and I know very true since my sister has eight children here herself and things can get a bit hectic. :)

Namarie, God bless, Antane

Author Reply: Eight?!?

God bless your sister! Goodness!

And I'm glad you liked the story, LOL!

Queen GaladrielReviewed Chapter: 2 on 5/12/2007
*chuckles* Poor Bell! Yes, what a day. Marigold is so cute! Haha! Reminds me of the time my little sister tried to *eat* soot. Scared us to death. I just love seeing Bell mothering all these youngsters!
God bless,
Galadriel

Author Reply: Isn't Marigold a cutie? I picture her as being a little bit like Pippin--not quite so much so, as she's not a Took--but very active and inquisitive and imaginativer compared to her older brothers and sisters (except, possibly for Sam, but he's a lad and older, and spends more time with the Gaffer, so he has less time for mischief).

I think Bell must have been a splendid mother, calm and reassuring, but also firm as well.

elanor winterflowersReviewed Chapter: 2 on 5/11/2007
Wonderful characters and dialogue--and I learned a new word: mort!

You do a great job on Bell Gamgee--I like that lady!

Author Reply: Yes, as used in that fashion, it means "much" or "a great many". I like the old-fashioned rustic sound of it.

I like Bell very much. I think she was a motherly influence on Frodo during his early years with Bilbo.

PIppinfan1988Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 5/11/2007
I just love your Bell Gamgee. Strong, loving, knowing just how to handle a situation, how to admonish children without damaging their spirit. Wait...I just described most mothers! ;-) I truly enjoyed reading this sweet story.

PF

Author Reply: Yes, you did describe a great many mothers. I'm glad you liked it--I enjoy writing Bell, and seldom have an opportunity to do so.

Baggins BabeReviewed Chapter: 2 on 5/11/2007
Oh poor Bell! Yes, that's the kind of help every mother can do without! No wonder she is growing older by the minute! LOL!
Absolutely brilliant - and she didn't yell at any of them.

Author Reply: Yes, I think one of those phrases Moms most dread is "I just wanted to help!" (Along with "I didn't think it would do *that*!" and "I didn't mean to"!) LOL!

I don't much think yelling's her style--she knows it would just wear her out.

harrowcatReviewed Chapter: 2 on 5/11/2007
Now is it going to be any better having both Sam and Mari together for the rest of the week? *g*

Author Reply: Probably not, LOL! But I would bet she sends Sam off with the Gaffer when he gets back! (He'd be back up at Bag End, but not allowed to *play*!)

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