Moms . . . The Toughest Job!

On a recent trip while waiting at the gate to board the plane, a young mom with her two small children came and sat next to me. I began chatting with the mom and learned the girls were  2 and 5.  The mom was prepared with books, toys and plenty of snacks but as we know, sometimes that isn't enough for a two year old.  Prior to boarding the plane the two year old had a small meltdown and as all moms know, sometimes there just aren't enough words to calm down a two year old.  Once on the plane, I noticed they were sitting across the aisle from me. I commented to the mom how well prepared she was with all the "tools" to keep the kids occupied. She smiled and and seemed to appreciate that I had noticed.  The 2 year old was definitely getting tired and in a matter of seconds she started crying and then sceaming, refused to get in the seatbelt and threw herself down on the floor. The poor mom stayed calm and tried to reason with her but, as moms know, there is no reasoning with a 2 year old!  I noticed the people around us were rolling their eyes and all I wanted to do was wave a magic wand to help her. I wanted to tell the people that were annoyed by this that sometimes a child,  a really tired child can't be reasoned with. Long story short, after about 30 min the little girl finally calmed down, and fell asleep.  The mom was looking lovingly at her and gently rubbing her face when she caught my eye. I was smiling and I again told how patient she was and what a great job she did with the situation. A few simple words that can make another feel so good!  And I was glad I was there to say them :-) So, I guess the moral to this story is, next time you see a mom with a sceaming child, try not to judge as she may be doing the best that she can.

Garden Club at the "Young People's Home"

I got in very late last night from Las Vegas after attending my cousin's daughter's wedding.  However this is not what I am slicing about today because my pictures aren't ready so, it will have to wait.  Today I write about another volunteer day?  Garden Club at the "young people's home".  . .  There is a lovely patio we sit on most days we visit with my aunt, however it needed a bit of color . . . Soooo The Garden Club was born!  Although we had a huge crowd, a lot of the residents chose to be the observers.  The worker bees were amazing!  We put on the garden gloves, a few sun hats, handed them a pot, some dirt and flowers and off they went! Watching them was so fun, and listening to the stories of the gardens they had, I really learned a lot from them!  Again, I love the feeling of giving because what I get back is priceless!  Enjoy a couple photos!

Let the planting begin!

A few finished beauties!

Mani Day

Once a month on a Tuesday it's nail day at the "young people's home". The ladies are gathered in the activity room anxiously awaiting a manicure.  I try to volunteer at the nursing home as often as I can and nail day is one of my favorite events!  I just love the chit chat about what color they will choose- Turquoise blue seems to be a favorite as of late.  Sometimes for fun I try to talk a few ladies . . . My aunt included to paint one nail a different color like sparkly gold or multi-color sparkles.  I only had one lady take the suggestion this day :-)  It is such a good, heart warming feeling spending the morning with these ladies. So appreciative, so complimentary of the job I do even when they smudge a few nails before they dry!  (Amazing what a little top, coat can do.).  Ramona, the lovely lady  on the right in the picture below, has taken my aunt under her wing which is an amazing thing to see.  The time I spend at the nursing home is definitely good for the soul.

My aunt and her good friend Ramona! Showing off their new painted nails :-)

Reflection on March 31.

This is my 4th year of participating in the slicing challenge and every March 1, I think "how am I going to find something to write about for 31 days?"  And . . . will each of my slices be "worthy" of a post.  But each day I write, and each day wonderful people make comments even on the slices I don't think are really "worthy"  :-).  It's amazing the inspiration I find reading fellow slicers.  Also, more amazing is the connection I feel to people I have never met face to face.  The connection comes through the stories I read as well through the stories I write.  And for this I am very grateful! It's wonderful that so many people participate, but then it's hard to reach out to everyone's slice.  I guess that's the "good news/ bad news" of this writing community.  Now the Tuesday slice of life will again begin and I can almost guarantee that next Tuesday I will be wracking my brain for something to slice about.  But as always, I can look to others for inspiration! Thanks!

7 Things That Made Last Week Great!

I needed inspiration so what did I do?  Yes, I read some slices and I found inspiration!  Here are 7 things I loved about last week! My list is in no particular order.

1.  My friend came to visit and I loved sharing a few of my favorite things here in New Mexico with her!

2.  I saw the first hummingbird of the season on Friday.  I ran and made some food for the feeder, but he/she hasn't retuned as of yet.  But I know it will!

3.  We planted some flowers, as well as a few herbs and got the yard ready to relax and enjoy.

4.  After numerous trips back and forth to the mall, I finally found a shirt and shoes for my husband for a wedding we have coming up.

5.  My niece called and said she's coming for a visit and bringing a few of her girlfriends!  We love hanging with the girls.

6.  After going back and forth in my mind for months . . . I finally ordered a new laptop and it came on Friday.

7.  We made definite plans and purchased tickets to fly out to Los Angeles to celebrate with my nephew for his 30th birthday in May!

As I look at my list, I am thankful for all the wonderful things that made last week wonderful!  Here's to another great one :-)