Hello, My Sweet Friends!
A few years ago, PC and I were on a Toddlers and Tiaras TV show kick.
Yes, I admitted that publicly.
No, PC doesn’t know that I am sharing that dirty little secret with you.
But you won’t tell anyone, will you?
And this is a judgement free zone, just like Planet Fitness, right?
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One of my favorite toddlers was MaKenzie, a little firecracker with a southern drawl and too much sass for her britches. But I loved her. Couldn’t help myself. As PC would say, MaKenzie was like a train wreck, you just couldn’t look away.
Well, something MaKenzie used to say has always stuck with me.
Here she is with my favorite MaKenzie-ism.
Her nini is her pacifier or, as it was called at our house, a paci.
Brennyn was my paci-sucker and Lauren was my thumb-sucker.
I say this phrase all of the time now days in regards to myself.
Cady calls me Mimi and this Mimi is a hard-workin’ lady, lately.
I have been hired to work as a long-term sub in an elementary school library!!
Because I am retired, I can only work so many hours a month, varying between 84 and 92 hours, depending on the number of work days in the month.
Waaaaay too much math for me!
So in order to stay under my limit, I am going to work two and a half days, 20 hours a week.
I am in heaven.
Back among books and babies.
In a beautiful library that has so much potential just needs a little TLC.
But my happiness is bittersweet. The dear librarian at this campus retired suddenly the first days of school upon the tragic death of her young adult daughter. I cannot imagine. Cannot imagine how a mommy goes on after that. My heart goes out to my former colleague and friend. And I feel so guilty, so sad that through her devastating heart-break, my life has been enriched.
I am working very hard…a hard working, Mimi, if you will, getting the library in tip-top shape for the babies that loved and were loved by Mary.
Giving a face-lift to the collection and space that Mary loved and put so much of herself into.
A little cleaning, a little weeding of the old to make more room for the new materials.
I am blessed that God has given me this opportunity.
And I pray that sometime in the future Mary can return, if only for a visit, to read to the children of Guerrero Elementary one more time. To allow them to comfort and love her again.
Hugs and kisses,
Sharon
You are a wonderful friend and a very hard worker. The library is looking wonderful. Praying for your friend Mary. Can’t imagine what
she is going through either. Get some rest tonight!
Leslie Roberts Clingan
Thank you for your prayers for Mary. She certainly loved the children at school. She will be missed.
Lorena
I have a lot of catching up to do on your blog. I’m sooo happy for you!! I’m glad you have this opportunity. 🙂 I hope all is well with the librarian; how terrible for that to have happened to her. Sending prayers her way.
Leslie Roberts Clingan
You have been busy making an exciting new life for yourself – that leaves little extra time! I am enjoying being at Guerrero but sooo out of practice working three days in a row. Oh, my feet!!! How are you?
Thank you for your prayers for Mary. She is missed terribly on her campus.
Katie
Awww Leslie!! Good Luck!! Hugs and prayers for Mary!!
Leslie Roberts Clingan
Thank you, sweets!
deena
What a lovely project and for such a great reason…you are one great lady.
Leslie Roberts Clingan
Thank you, Deena. I am glad to be back at work and 20 hours a week is perfect. Hitting my 10K steps everyday lately! I am glad to be able to step in for my friend, Mary. I cannot imagine the pain she is enduring. Hope that someday she can return to the library and school she loved and enjoy some hugs from her former students.
Lana
I’m so sorry for Mary. You are a wonderful friend, and I’m so glad you’re getting to enjoy what you love!
Leslie Roberts Clingan
I am so glad to be back in a library but so sad that it is because of Mary’s tremendous loss. Hope someday she can return for a visit and allow the children to help heal her heart just a bit.
Mary
So happy for your opportunity! Wishing Mary lots of healing.
(I closet watched that MaKenzie also-what a spitfire is right!)
Leslie Roberts Clingan
A Toddlers and Tiara and Bachelor fan? No wonder I love you!!! How is second grade?
Jill
You are such a hard worker and so inspiring! Sending thoughts and prayers to Mary!
Jill
Doused In Pink
Leslie Roberts Clingan
Thank you so much, Jill. Mary needs all of the prayers and comfort we can ask for on her behalf. Sweet lady. I am glad to be able to try to continue her good library work.