It is common place in the flower shop to have the little Chapples visit. This can be a really fun thing and sometimes a very stressful thing. The babies, as we call the three youngest, are allowed to come over to the flower shop and hang out. My flower shop girls are amazingly patient and kind about this and help endlessly with keeping them safe, occupied or out of the flowers. These are duties beyond what would be expected in a normal flower shop. Perhaps you have guessed there is nothing normal or simple about anything that we do here. I am sure being kind and patient with the babies should not be part of the job requirement, but it has become a big part of what we all do to make this work: "It takes a Village" is very true in this family and home-based business. 

Today was one of those unbelievable parent days; we of course have a huge work load ahead of us. Elijah, the four year old, had a mega melt down: a completely out of control, inconsolable, freak out. Dear Mrs. Dill who is one of my upcoming MOB's happened to come by at just the right time to witness the scene. In truth, knowing that she is a great mom and a kid expert, I allowed her to see the situation. I thought seeing someone new would help Elijah come out of his temper tantrum coma. Much to my surprise, Mrs. Dill suggested she could read to Elijah. Now, really, can you believe this? Just so it is very clear, I am no where near Wonder-Mom, and we have some really tough days. Taking help when it is offered is a must. Much to my surprise Elijah wanted very much to go read with Mrs. Dill. I offered to read to Elijah myself, for a good 20 minutes, but he was not interested.

Honestly maybe some super professional would have ran and hid so their customer did not see the melt down. Perhaps I am crazy, but I believe in fate, and if Mrs. Dill was willing to help, it was for a reason. Dear Mrs. Dill sat down in the big red chair and actually read to my child. Is this amazing or what? She is my client's mom, and she is helping me tend to my kids. It worked too; in probably 10 minutes she had him to sleep, and she was on her way. I am always learning every day to take help when it is offered, and I'm not afraid to show the world that every day is not a bed of roses.  You can also bet when her daughter walks down the aisle I won't be holding back on any of my precious petals.  Thank you Mrs. Dill. You loved my baby today, and I am going to love yours right back with my beautiful flowers. Bad day turned great. Love it. Here is a long overdue thank you to all of the people that help me raise this amazing group of kids. 

Holly