I am Thankful...Day 13: I really AM thankful...

I PROMISE!  I seriously had every intention of getting a post up every day this month.  Unfortunately though I had no Internet access at home for a week and a half after we moved in to our new house.  I can write posts on my phone, but they really still need edited and pictures added through the actual computer.  I do plan to catch up since I think it is important to take the time to remember all you have to be thankful for.  I will work on getting them up the rest of this week, but they will be post dated for the right day.

Today I am thankful to live in a state that allows us to enjoy the great outdoors in the middle of November without freezing our tushes off.  I took the girls to play at the park this morning for nearly 2 hours.  I was such a beautiful fall morning!  I enjoyed my first Peppermint Mocha of the season while they played.

I finally remembered to bring some toys with us!  She sat in this exact same spot and played for 90 minutes!

For the Love of Children

Ever since I was a small child I have loved children.  Growing up I wanted to be a teacher and would set up a classroom and "teach" my dolls in my bedroom.  I remember continuing to play with my babies long after my friends had left theirs behind for more grown up activities.  

I started babysitting in middle school and never looked back!  I took my first "real" childcare job in a daycare while still in high school.  I LOVED spending my afternoons caring for those 1 and 2 year old kids.  As I grew older I decided working in the medical field, but still with children, was my calling.  I decided to attend college for a nursing degree.  College was not for me and after my first term I went to work FT at the daycare.  

After a couple job switches I decided to try out being a Nanny.  I fell in LOVE with it right away.  It has been about 13 years and I still love it.  I enjoy being there for all the "firsts" and watching as children learn and grow and discover the world around them.  My favorite days at work are when I can sit on the floor building with blocks or driving cars.  Who wouldn't love to play all day and get paid for it?

I am very fortunate to have worked for some amazing families over the years and still be in contact with several of them.  My children have been welcomed in to numerous homes by these great families.  So not only do I get to do a job I enjoy, but I've been able to have my own children with me while I do it.

I'm not sure I want to Nanny for my entire working career though.  Lily has 4 more years at home before starting Kindergarten.  I hope to go back to school and earn that Nursing degree I started so long ago so that when the time comes that I no longer need to be her full time caregiver I can enter into a new and equally fulfilling career as a pediatric nurse.  

Until that time I will continue to crunch in the leaves and build colorful towers.

This post was inspired by The Cartographer of No Man’s Land by P.S. Duffy. Angus enlists in the Nova Scotia WWI regiment and travels Europe to search for his missing in action best friend and brother-in-law. Along the way Angus discovers more than he ever wanted to know.  Join From Left to Write on November 14 as we discuss The Cartographer of No Man’s Land.  As a member, I received a copy of the book for review purposes.

I Am Thankful...Day 2

*I am committing to writing every day this month about something I am thankful for.*

Day 2 - Today I am thankful for the Brandon family.

I have worked as a Nanny for the Brandon family since early 2007, when Noelle was just a few months old.  Bianca was getting ready to turn 9 years old and is now 15.  Bianca has taught me so much over these 6 1/2 years and I am eternally thankful to her.  The Brandons really are my second family and home.  It's where I relax, destress, and rejuvenate, all while earning a second income to help support my family.  They have welcomed my entire family into their lives and, at times, home.

Thank you Jill, Lorin, Zach, Logan, and Bianca for being you!  

You all have taught me so much about life and love.

Beautiful Bianca!

I Am Thankful...Day 1

*I am committing to writing every day this month about something I am thankful for.*

Day 1 - Today I am thankful for amazing friends who stepped up to help move my family on Halloween evening!  Especially since it allowed me to spend the holiday with my children and take them Trick-or-Treating.

Alex - Thank you for your help getting the ball rolling and taking Justin to pick up the truck!

Loren - Thank you for spending so many hours on your day off moving boxes and furniture!

Mike - Thank you for not only helping on Halloween, but for coming to help finish the following day AND for giving up your own Halloween with your boys.

Chris - Thank you for the countless boxes and pieces of furniture you helped move and for also giving up your Halloween with your precious little girl.  I *think* you also made the dinner run.

Lorien - Thank you for allowing us to have your husband for the night!

Martha - THANK YOU!  You not only gave up your husband for the night, but after celebrating the holiday with your boys you came to help out as well!  You are awesome!

We love you all and have something very special planned as a thank you.

Our new home!