Lily Poppins

A couple months ago my best friend from childhood had a second precious baby. Her baby's daddy sucks, so she went from single mom of one, to single mom of two. She has the housing and support of her momma, but grandparents raising grandkids is hard on everyone, so I tried to set up a situation. My niece Lilypons is quite the nurturing type. She loves babies, is really good with kids, and was in dire need of extracurricular activities. I volunteered her to my friend and her mom to help with all the chaos that happens on a daily basis. In addition to taking care of her newest two grandchildren, my friends mom also helps care for her older two granddaughters whose parents live in Juarez. Her day usually goes like this: wake up the girls, make them breakfast, get them ready, pack them up, take them to school, return home to take care of 3 year old and newborn until afternoon, pick up girls, make them dinner, help with homework, bathtime (hopefully mommy is home by this time), bedtime, sleep, wake up and do it all over again. So I volunteered my niece, who got my old car in January, to help them out. She works an average of 40 hours a month and has reportedly been quite the help.
I grew up in their household and it's such a warm environment. My friends mom takes in everybody, feeds them, talks to them, she's the neighborhood go-to woman and she always has been. I hope that Lily picks up some of the good family energy and grows to appreciate the truly important things in life: family, kindness, and love.
The girls naturally love her and the baby is quite calm in her arms. Lily enjoys the company of the children and the adults and I think she's found a good niche. A few Tuesdays ago, the day we usually have our fun auntie niece time, I decided we would make bracelets.

At first it was a fail, but then the girls got into it and we ended having a good time. I'm slowly segueing into my next profession, crafts and vintage and all things creative.

I have El Paso to thank for this journey and all the confidence it has granted me, but most of all for the time it has allowed me with my family and connections from those of my past. Thanks El Paso.
Lily decided to make some bracelets in dedication of her newly adopted children: