Just what I needed.

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From the moment I made the appointment I was looking forward to two blissful hours at my favorite salon, while the tips of my toes and fingers could be transformed into pieces of art. With giddy anticipation I was imagining this time that I didn’t have to spend answering questions, repeating myself three times, or acting the referee.

But, this afternoon, there was one mom who sat at the station next to me who didn’t have the same thing in mind. Or maybe she did, but was sorely disappointed. She had her young boys with her. They were five and three, I think I heard her say.

As this woman walked in, her two adorable boys following behind her, with action figures in their little hands, I couldn’t help but think she was nuts. I may have even whispered, “Wow, she’s brave.”

Now, if you know me at all, you know that I love my kids. So much. Enough to spend almost every waking moment (and many, many sleeping moments) with all six of them. Sure, I go on a short trip or spend an afternoon away, every once in a while, but for the most part I spend all day of every day with my kids.

No matter what your circumstances, I truly think that every mom deserves some alone time. Time to spend with girlfriends or get your nails done, take a long walk or enjoy a date night with your hubby. It’s healthy and necessary.

There will come a time when I will bring Julia with me, but getting my nails done today was my time. {Does that sound selfish?} There were several other women enjoying the pampering, while relaxing peacefully.

All of this was interrupted, however, by noisy chatter and the battle cries of young boys. Beautiful sounds. Sounds that the owner didn’t think belonged in his salon.

The first time this woman was asked to keep her kids quiet, she sternly looked at her boys and told them to keep their voices down. Then came the sounds of their toys, at which point she was politely asked if she would like to come back another time. Perhaps a time when she would not have to bring her boys.

She quietly declined the offer, stating that when she walks out the door she will never come back. She held both boys in her lap for a while. Later she gave her older son her phone on which to play, while her younger son fell asleep in her lap and her nails were finished.

To her credit, I did not hear one more peep out of her children. But, she had to be the most relaxed and laid-back mom to consider this a relaxing and peaceful time. Surely it had to be nerve-racking.

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