How to Help Series #2: 7 Ways to Help a Nurse

Have you been to a doctor’s office or hospital lately? Then chances are you’ve come in contact with a nurse. Have you ever thought about what that nurse does all day? Have you ever wondered what simple things you could do to help him/her? Yes? No? Maybe? Well, I have thought about it. But it didn’t happen until I was in the hospital after giving birth to my twin girls. It felt like the nurses did EVERYTHING! I was shocked, and I actually felt a little guilty about what they were doing for me. Every time a nurse came in … Continue reading

The “In Between” – Monday Mourning Widow Series

As I’m sure you can imagine, wedding anniversaries as a widow are extremely difficult days to endure. Last year, our wedding anniversary was actually the first “holiday” I had to go through after Chaz passed away. Needless to say, It. Was. Horrible. Now I’m on to the “seconds.” The second wedding anniversary without Chaz was actually a few weeks ago, on September 16. I wanted to write about it sooner, but I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to say about it. But I finally decided that I could use the reflections I had on that day as a reminder, … Continue reading

Where Were You on September 11, 2001?

Where were you on September 11, 2001? The answer to that question is often a status update on social media on each anniversary of that horrific day. In fact, I’m sure it’s been my Facebook status at least once over the years. For a lot of us, we were in our homes, in our car, at school, at work, hundreds of miles away… And it really is something we will never forget. While all our lives were changed that day, we were also probably still able to quickly resume a “normal” life. But I want to take a moment to … Continue reading

Good Quote, Bad Quote – Monday Mourning Widow Series

In the days, weeks, and months after my husband, Chaz, died, I would spend my lonely evenings browsing Pinterest. I would search for and read an endless amount of poems and quotes about grief and loss. And I would cry my eyes out the entire time. It was almost therapeutic for me. Disclosure: For your convenience, this post contains affiliate links. I suddenly found that I could so easily relate to these heartbreaking words. It seemed as if each one illustrated exactly what I was feeling. They opened me up, and allowed the grief and sadness to come pouring out. While I … Continue reading

7 Ideas to Help Your Child’s Teacher

7 Ideas to Help Your Child's Teacher - Real answers from real teachers that will REALLY make a difference! - How to Help Series - www.MePlus3Today.com

I’ve been thinking a lot about teachers lately. They put in a lot of work and resources to help children learn and succeed. Often, their efforts aren’t always recognized. So let’s change that! Why not help your child’s teacher provide a wonderful learning experience to your children? I have several friends who are teachers. They love what they do, and they are amazing at it too! Plus, I can remember the impression my teachers made on me when I was in school. The majority of them were really great, and I think they made a big impact in who I am today. From my … Continue reading

31 Acts of Kindness – Part 5 – 60 Supporting Acts!

If you’ve been following along in this series, you are aware that I am doing 31 Acts of Kindness in memory of my husband, Chaz, for his 31st birthday.  I did this in order to get through the emotionally difficult weeks around his birthday.  And it really did ease some of the pain! I described all 31 acts in Parts 1 through 4 of this series, which you can read by clicking the links below: Part 1 – The First 5 Part 2 – The Next 12 Part 3 – 5 More! Part 4 – The Final 9 You’re probably … Continue reading

Build Your Own Village

Have you seen this article titled “I Miss the Village” published on The Huffington Post pop up in your social media feeds lately? It seemed like an article I would try to avoid, but again, the frequency of seeing it lead me to read it. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, click here to read the article before you go on, otherwise this post probably won’t make much sense to you. I know I’m in a very small minority with my thoughts, but I’m not entirely sold on this article. And this is coming from me, who needs a … Continue reading

31 Acts of Kindness – Part 4 – The Final 9

I have FINALLY completed all 31 Acts of Kindness in memory of Chaz for his 31st birthday! And I feel so good about it! I found this quote from Booker T. Washington that totally fits with what I have been doing over the past few weeks. What he said is so true!  Performing these acts of kindness definitely raised my spirits during an incredibly difficult time.  It gave me something to focus on and work towards.  And it has really inspired me to continue on this journey of kindness. Well, if you missed the first 3 posts of my 31 … Continue reading

Why I’m Making “Me” Time a Priority

*Post may contain affiliate links.  Please read disclaimer here. If you’re a mom, I’m sure you’ve heard all about how you need to take care of yourself, in order to take care of your children. Raise your hand if you think “Easier said than done!” when you hear that. I seriously hope I’m not the only person with my hand high in the air… Since Chaz died, it’s been all about my kids.  They are my priority.  So my needs almost always take a backseat to them. I do my best to make sure my kids are fed healthy food, … Continue reading

I’m Only Human…

Is it just me, or is life insanely busy? How does it get that way?  How do we become consumed with SO MUCH that needs to be done? There’s work, cleaning, paying bills, grocery shopping, spending time with kids, appointments, yard work, and the list could go on and on and on… I really want to set aside time for leisure, working on hobbies, and just straight up rest and relaxation, but there just does not seem to be enough hours in the day! I know I’m not stating anything new here.  I think a huge majority of everyone out … Continue reading