A Hot Sauce Morning is Quite the Adventure

So I got a call from my grandgirl this morning and she was in a bit of a panic. She is a single mom with a recently became one year old and a two and a half year old. The two year old is all boy, all over the place with energy that never seems to wane. Her need for advice this morning was one I never encountered with my four. What do you do when your little guy has poured hot sauce all over himself and is burning especially on his penis. Yikes! That will get your morning started. I advised her to pour milk on him and hopefully that will calm it down a bit. Little Caleb was shrieking in the background. Talk about having your hands full. This mama definitely is juggling school, kids, and life every moment of everyday. She just finished finals and is packing to head across country so their dad can see these littles. What a strong lady my grandgirl has become. 

Ironically, this morning’s Bible study was on being part of a community that has people going through similar seasons as you are. Elissa needs more young moms in her life who can relate to mornings like these. I am so thankful that Leah has moved into the same apartment complex as Lis. Already they are relating as single moms and sharing one another’s burdens. Leah is the director at the kids daycare and has an eleven year old with her own challenges. Leah is able to take the kids home if school runs late for Lis. Last night was hard for Leah’s girl so Lis took her for the evening. Perfect. 

I am a firm believer in babysitting coops. It gets too expensive to pay for babysitters when you just need a couple of hours of me time. But with a coop you are trading sitting for sitting. Your kids get to know the other kiddos and become friends. It provides moms with a support group not only for babysitting but sharing the stories and daily challenges of raising wee ones. When I got to New Mexico there was not a coop in place. I couldn’t imagine not having one since I was so involved in California. So I started one and it became a lifeline not only for me but for so many others. Everything you need to get started is online. Start with a mom you know and tell others you meet at the park or a friendly neighbor. You never know what other moms need a break but don’t have the funds to pay a sitter. The truth is that when you have those extra kids at your house you get more done because your own kiddos are entertained by them. Win-win all around. 

Most of you are older ladies but could share with the young moms that you know. I hope Elissa’s day improves. She finally got the kids to school and is currently cleaning pounds of dropped food from her car. Who knows? It may even help with gas mileage. Hopefully, there will be time for a nap tucked into her too busy day. 

In Him,

Joyful

5-14-25