Former Nanny Family {Family Photoshoot}

Do you guys remember when I used to nanny these kids?  Wow… every time I'm around them I think I miss them more.  We only live 15 miles apart, but it is SO hard to find time {especially with their schedule!!} to get together.  I just love this family so incredibly much!  I hope you enjoy these photos as much as I do! 

We Have A Summer Nanny!

A few of you kindly reminded me that I left you hanging with this post...forgive me, we have been BUSY! :)

Okay, not a real nanny, but my sister is staying with us this summer and she's better than having a real nanny.  She watches Jordyn whenever we ask her to.  She loves her to to pieces and is constantly talking to her, playing with her or reading her books.  Plus she empties the dishwasher, cleans the kitchen and does laundry!  But most of all, we are enjoying our summer taking runs walks together, going to the pool, having picnics and even running errands.  Auntie Isha's make life awesome!  We're going to miss her when she goes back to school this fall! :(

I Take It Back..

..for every time I said 'just a second'

..I Take It Back..

..for every time I said 'quick bath today'

..I Take It Back..

..for every time I said 'shut the TV off'

..I Take It Back..

..for every time I said 'you can do it'

..I Take It Back..

..for every time I said 'mall walk'

..I Take It Back..

..for every time I said 'more books after naptime'

..I Take It Back..

..for every time I said 'you had a friend over yesterday'

..I Take It Back..

..for every time I said 'indoor voices'

..I Take It Back..

I should be feeding you..

I should be helping you brush your teeth..

I should be bathing you..

I should be teaching you new things..

I should be playing with you..

I should be taking you new places..

I miss you all so much

You grew up so much the last year

I don't want you to change without me

All your hugs..all your kiss

All your smiles..all your giggles

That's what I'm going to miss

Grow big..grow strong

Be kind

Open your wings

Don't look back

& Now It Hits Me..

Like A Ton Of Bricks..

In less than 30 days I will wake up and be jobless!  

Right now I am freaking the heck out! just thankful to have the extensive warning that I do, however I don't think I realized that I am now joining the almost 15 million other Americans looking for a job in this recession.  Yes..we will be able to live without me working but No..we will not be able to do it without making some sacrifices.  We were with one 1 income for a brief time in 2006 and it defiantly made our relationship stronger, however I don't really want to go through it again.  I don't want to be stronger right now..I just want to be the same! :)  

So what will I do?  I have no clue at this point.  I would love to nanny again, however I don't know that I would be able to find a family willing to offer me what I make now.  I could substitute teach [I loved that] but I don't really like having to call in each morning at 5am to find out which school I'm going to.  So what will I most likely do?  Attempt to find another sales or marketing job with a structure, reliability, & benefits.  Easier said than done at this point..

The Life Of A Nanny

If you missed my guest post from last Saturday on Jessica's Blog you can read it here today...

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The Life Of A Nanny

People seem to have lots of questions about nannies so I'm going to format this Q&A style in case you're just looking for a specific topic.  I'll talk about the most commonly asked questions but feel free to ask any that I miss.

How Many Children Do You Nanny?

4

Girl 8 [M]

Boy 5 [C]

Girl 3 [M] & Girl 3 [B] TWINS! :)

How Did You Get Started Nannying?

My mom has had an in-home daycare for 25 years & I have TONS of experience but in the end I always find my jobs by word-of-mouth.  For those of you interested there are several websites you can list profiles with & I believe families call & set up interviews with you.

What Is The Best Part Of Your Job?

Raising little ones!  Seeing children grow up & mature is the best miracle in life!

What Is The Most Challenging Part Of Your Job?

I would have to say discipline.  When it comes down to it these children aren't your own so sometimes you have to handle certain situations differently than you want to/would do for your own children.

What Are Your Normal Nanny Duties?

These vary depending on your contract.  Right now I cook [breakfast & lunch], clean, & do laundry & dishes daily.  I also do things like change bedding each week & give the kids their baths.

Do You Travel With The Children?

Yes!  I would go crazy if I couldn't!  We go to several Parks & Pools, the Zoo, the Museum, the Botanical Center, the Science Center, Garage Sales, Jumpin' Jacks, Pump It Up!, Chuck-e-Cheese, Ice Creams Shops, the Library, Farmer's Markets, Living History Farms, Incredible Pizza, Malls, Garage Sales, Wee Read/Story Times & walk/bike rides!  We LOVE to be busy!

Oh..We also go to dentist & doctor's appointments!

What Is A Normal Day Like For A Nanny?

Ha!  Well any 'parent' knows that there is no normal day!  Here is a general schedule we run by but no day is the same!  With 4 kids you HAVE to be flexible!!

7:45 - arrive

7:45 - 8:15 - Breakfast, dressing, brushing teeth etc.

8:20 - Mack gets on bus

8:30-10:00 - Kids play - I clean up house & start laundry - We read a lots in the mornings too

10:00 - Morning snack [always fruit or yogurt with water]

10:15 - 12:00 - Park or Library time

Noon - 1:00 - Lunch [flip laundry]

1:00 - 1:30 - Bath time & Brush Teeth

1:30 - 3:30 - Girls take a nap - Carter & I play.  I also finish laundry & clean in the afternoons.

3:30 - Girls get up & start to play [lately outside]

4:00 - Mack gets home

4:15 - 4:30 - Snack time 

4:30-5:30 - More play time [outside!]

5:30 - I go home

Do You Live With Your Family?

I do not.  For the most part one parent or the other is home each evening with the children.

Do You Do Anything Differently Than The Parents?

I do not allow the TV to be turned on.  I know it sounds harsh but we have plenty of toys to play with & creative children's imaginations.  

*My only exception to that is if we all sit down to watch a movie together in the afternoon for a 'special treat' [like a storm outside].

How Much Money Do Nannies Make?

This varies heavily depending the the city you live in, number of children, if they provide housing/car, & the hours per week.  I live in Iowa, nanny 4 children, have my own home & car, & work an average of 50 hours a week & make more than $30k a year.

Well..That's a wrap.  Thanks for reading my fist guest post & please check out my blog if you have any questions!