5 Minutes, Mommy

A few days ago I had one of those days. By that I mean I needed to conquer the world, and I didn't have enough time to do it. I warned my Sweet Ava when we woke up that I had so much to do. She knows how I get when I go into crazy mom cleaning mode.

My list of things to do went on and on in my head as I started cleaning the baseboards. It seemed like the more I thought about it, the longer the list grew.

An hour and a half into my cleaning, I hear "Mommy, can you please paint my fingernails".

Paint her fingernails? I don't have time for that! I have mounds of laundry, dirty baseboards, dusty floors, macaroni all over the rug, a leaf-covered porch, a second load of dishes waiting to be put in the dishwasher, and toys scattered throughout the house. Once I finish all of that, I need to go to the grocery story so I can start preparing dinner. Oh, and I can't forget to get milk. Carson needs milk. While I'm out I'll also get my car washed.. it's been way too long since I've done that. I also need to get gas. I'll head to post where the gas prices are cheaper, and I need to stop at the PX while I'm there to get some socks for the kids. OH, and Carson needs some diapers...

My mind kept going but that sweet little voice stopped me again. "Mommy, just 5 minutes". My heart sank. Yes. I had a lot to do but I had been going and going and going, not even realizing that Ava had been following me around with a broom (bless her heart.. she was trying to help me finish cleaning so she could have some pretty nails). Ava needed me for just 5 minutes and I almost missed out on an unforgettable memory-making opportunity. Instead of listing off all of the excuses I had prepared, I grabbed that (non-toxic) nail polish,

and went to town on those sweet little fingers. She literally never stopped smiling. I made her whole day in under 5 minutes.

This experience was such a good and humbling reminder that I need to slow down and absorb all the love around me when I have the opportunity, then get back to my cleaning. It was almost effortless, and it changed my little girl's perspective on "crazy mom cleaning day". The cleaning still all got done, just 5 minutes later that I planned.

Here is the nail polish I use-- non-toxic! We've got it in every color :)