The Unhappy Mama Duck

I've had this conversation with Mom's many times. Is it Ok to correct other peoples children? Friends have told me, absolutely not. "I'll take care of my own." But what if a child is doing something mean, hurtful or illegal and NO Mom steps up to the plate to correct that child? Guess what? There's been times I've felt obligated. Just sitting back and watching isn't an option for me. Especially if something or someone is being hurt by the actions. I'm willing to take the heat.

It's a beautiful Spring day at the park. The sun is warm and their is a cool breeze. Lots of families enjoying the day. Turtles sunning, ducks swimming, kids playing on the play set and skipping rocks in the pond.

A group of kids gather by the water. One by one they start picking up rocks and throwing them at the ducks. I look around to see if any parents are heading in the direction of the children but I don't see any. I watch and wait. The mentality is getting worse. More kids pick up rocks and throw them at ducks and baby ducklings. Some kids are just skipping rocks. I can't wait any longer for someone else to stop this. As I head that way a rock hits a baby duckling. The duckling sinks for just a second. The little boy cheers like he just threw a strike. Other children, caught up with the excitement, cheer also. Still no parents come. There's a group of 12 to 15 kids now ages 4 to 11. A little sick to my stomach at this point. They aren't my kids but I can't stand back and watch this.

It doesn't take much to get them to stop.
Simple words.
"The ducks are living creatures, please don't throw rocks at them, would you like rocks thrown at you?"
A boy says "Oh? No I wouldn't want that" as if he hadn't thought of it in that way. The younger children need a little more persuading. I'm not mean. I believe the children only need a little bit of guidance. Kids don't always realize what they are doing is wrong. They need to be guided and taught. Maybe, the Mom's were somewhere close by but didn't see what was happening. I can't imagine ANY Mama thinking it was Ok for their children to through rocks at baby ducklings. They way I look at it. These kids were lucky they got me to correct them.
That MAMA DUCK didn't look to happy! She was ready to Take care of her own.

Precious Life

Recently, a little Brownie Girl came to my door. She was collecting donations for the Precious Life Shelter. I never heard of it. So, I did a little research.
Precious Life has a shelter and thrift shop. The Precious Life Shelter organization helps women that are pregnant, have no where to go, and are seeking to have their children in a safe and healthy environment. This organization then provides programs and services for these Moms to help them develop self worth and to become self reliant.

Do you like to thrift shop? Well Precious Life Thrift Shop is a fun one to visit. Two of my daughters and I went and checked it out. After speaking to some of the volunteers I learned that the shelter was receiving so many wonderful donations that they created a thrift shop with the overflow. The thrift shops proceeds in return go to help the women and the shelter.

Are you looking for a deal and want to help a good cause? The thrift shop has Super Saturday "Blow Out" the 2nd Saturday of each month. Doors Open from 8:00am to 3:00pm.

The shelter does accept volunteers and will be holding an orientation for volunteers on Wednesday May 12th from 10:00am to 6:00pm.

The Thrift Shop is always in need of volunteers and donations are accepted.
Precious Life Thrift and Gift shop is located at
3622 Florista Street
Los Alamitos, CA

Girl Scouts Give

A little girl came to my doorstep today asking for paper goods. She wanted TP, paper towels, plates etc. Her brownie troop was collecting these goods for Precious Life Shelter in Los Alamitos. I've never heard of this Precious Life place. I think I'll educate myself.

Brownies and Girl Scouts I've heard of. Girl Scouts USA is a program that was developed to help girls build courage, confidence and character. The membership of Girl Scouts in Orange County has grown to nearly 25,000 girls and 13,000 adult. Girls get together to do activities that help them develop qualities like leadership, strong values and self worth.

Usually the Girls Scouts will have a meeting at the beginning of the school year, around September. At this time you can find out how to get involve. Or you can visit the local Girl Scout Council site by following the link:
Girl Scout USA
Girl Scout Council of Orange County

Good Morning

Hubby had coffee made for me this morning. After my rough waking yesterday he must have figured I needed it.

Shamrock Shakes a New Tradition

Today my little girl asked what St Patrick's Day is for. "It's become a day to celebrate the Irish Culture" I explained. "We wear green, have corn beef and cabbage and drink Shamrock shakes from Mcdonalds." Being 5 years old she's never had a green shake. Her eyes lit up at the idea. Would she like it? I didn't want her to be disappointed. I had to try.
"This is the best! It's minty like the mint cookies. I love it." She said.

A new tradition has begun.

Happy St Patrick's Day

May love and laughter light your days,
and warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours,
wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world
with joy that long endures.
May all life's passing seasons
bring the best to you and yours!

Promise Kept

Back in October we switched our girls rooms around. Having (our eldest girl) share with (our youngest girl). We just believed it would work out better. (My middle girl) has a very STRONG personality and needs alone time. So, she got her own room.

At that time I promised to redecorate the two girls room. Yes, I said "I" because my wonderful hubby doesn't like to paint. I figured a new coat of paint, window coverings and I'm good. HA. That little bit is A LOT of work when it's solo me.

The eldest picked out a pretty lavender color. She also requested some teal or aqua and polka dots.

At this time we chose not to buy new furniture. Our youngest is growing up fast and we want to wait to buy her a big kid bed.

Starved for space. I took the closet doors off to fit in a dresser. Will have to work on organizing the closet later. One project at a time.

If you've ever painted, you know what's involved. Moved kids out, packed up the room, took off light switches, electric covers, taped off windows and door frames etc. Then painted. Then touch ups and more touch ups. Seriously though, I love a freshly painted room.

Now the fun part!!!! Shopping and decorating. We're on a budget as are most people. So, I shop clearance, use coupons and always try to find a good deal. Found some great window coverings at Marshals in the clearance section. A little measuring, cutting and sewing and voila a valance.
Curtain rods were purchased at Joanne's 50% off. Window seat fabric found in mark down section at Joanne's and used 40% off coupon. Polka dots on wall were at Target- No Discount. ( I know it kills me too). Polka Dot rug clearance at Walmart. Puppy poster-Walmart-no discount (but it's so adorable). Peace art- Marshall's- clearance. Ceiling fan-Home depot-clearance. Closet beads-www.beaded-curtain-store.com. Oldest girl had to have these.(They glow in the dark.)
So here's the before and afters.



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My girls were very happy with the results. They felt special having all this done for them. Keeping my promise was cool too. The whole project was great fun. My hubby did help. He hung curtain rods, shelves, anchored dressers and moved furniture. Thank you for all your help.
Luvs, xo