All things come to an end.

Well after two years I am leaving my job as a nanny August 13th. It was one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make. I have been with these kids for a long time and have been with Jacob since he was born. I love them, but as I prayed and sought the Lord He made it clear it was time to go. I knew it would have to happen sometime, I can't stay with them forever. God has really opened the door to my photography and I am very excited about it. I will be doing some part time work babysitting and hopefully working a bit at my favorite coffee shop in Gloucester but most importantly be able to devote 2 whole days a week to Photography and weekends. I am so excited. Josh has been so supportive in this. I also will be able to FINALLY take some classes at The New England School of Photography a dream I have been dreaming for the last 2 years. This was a big move of faith for me. But the Lord has been just dropping photography jobs in my lap since I gave my notice, confirming that this is the plan He has for me right now. I am so blessed to be able to pursue something I love and really have some time to do that before we start trying to have kids.
One thing is for sure this is no office job I am leaving, and these kids will always hold a place in my heart. And actually they have been my first models and published work. Good thing they are so darn cute.

Fight Face

So Lately some friends of mine have posted some of their trouble will bullies at playgrounds/playgroups. I too have has some issues with this. I take Caleb to Soccer Tots every Wednesday. It is a crazy gathering of 3-4 year old's who attempt to learn soccer skills with out killing each other. There are a ton of Wealthy "North Shore Mom's" who pay no attention to their kids, and chat with each other the whole time. Well there is this one kid (Who will remain un-named) who is just plain spoiled, bratty and a bully. He says mean comments to all the kids, pushes and punches, and steals other people's soccer balls. One time he was trying to hit Caleb's ball out of his hands down in the net. He punched Caleb in the tummy. I have had it at this point. I rush over with Jacob in my arms. "HEY, leave him alone get your own ball and keep your hands to yourself!" He looked at me in shock as if no one has ever told him no, or corrected his behavior. He glared at me as if he wanted to challenge me. I glared back. His mom sat with her coffee in had chatting, oblivious to his behaviour. It ticks me off. I can't explain it its like this heat boils up in me when someone is seeking to harm one of these kiddos'. I can't imagine how I will be with my own kids. He steered clear of my glaring looks and Caleb the rest of the day. We have soccer tots again today and let's just say I've got my fight face ready!

Where the Incident happened....in the net.

Worst Day Ever.

Well a week ago today I had the worst day I've had in a long time. It started out well, but went down hill fast.
Jacob the little guy I nanny got his finger stuck in the shower drain. We were in the bathroom, I was on the phone with his mom discussing the plans for the day while standing right beside him. He went to play with some toys on the edge of the shower. I stood there while he played and went to pick him up to leave. I didn't see he had his finger stuck in the shower drain. I lifted him up and well you can guess what happened next. Blood. Lots of Blood. It was awful. He had cut his little finger on both sides. I wrapped his finger in a paper towel and lifted it above his head and walked around the house trying to get the bleeding to stop while waiting for his dad to circle back home (it happened about 15 minutes after he left). I started crying because I felt so bad. Jacob who was screaming. Stopped to laugh at my crying face. I was relived he was able to still laugh, and forget about his shredded finger. I felt awful! SO AWFUL! Mike and Noelle were great about it. Reminding me this sort of stuff has happened to them, and its part of kids being kids. But I still felt AWFUL! I think your first trauma with kids is pretty hard to just get over. I guess I have been here 2 years and nothing has happened yet, so I guess thats a good thing. Poor Jacob had a mammoth hand wrapped up when returning from the emergency room. We had to wrap it in a baggie while he ate.


Of course he ripped that off fast in his crib and we had to resort to mittens to keep him from picking at it.


Well He figured out how to get his mittens off in his crib (with his teeth prob) and we had to resort to taping a sock on his hand to his shirt! What a rascal!
Then later that day a cat hair got in my eye which resulted in this pretty picture


We also found out that day that my Stepmom's brother in law was found crushed in Haiti under the rubble of his building he was staying in. He was an RCMP there on peace keeping efforts. It is a sad tradgedy and my heart goes out to my stepmom and family. I love them and wish I could be there with them during this time. Please pray for them. The body is being shipped back to Canada sometime this weekend.

Needless to say it was a bad Thursday. So far this one has been much better!

I work with a bunch of Clowns

Little Ham's they are. But they keep me laughing

Caleb asked if he could show the camera his laugh:


Ahh Children.

We're Not Related.....

Took the kids I nanny to play outside in the Snow the other day. Now if you know me I love snow. I think my love for it grew even bigger moving back to the North. Needless to say I hope my children take after their mother and her love for snow one day. (Josh is not that fond of it and prefers the warm and is know to be Perturbed about it often.)

First getting children ready to play in the snow is quite an ordeal. I mean those baby snowpants are sure cute. But it just so happens that the little booger wearing them tends to do this every time I turn to get his hat/boots/jacket/gloves/and other million objects needed to step foot out in the white stuff.

In fact as soon as I got one boot on and went to put the other one on he would kick it off. This was very frusterating...ahem I mean cute. Well we finally made it ouside. We went sledding. Jacob was not a fan.

Unlike hIs brother.


He just kept his mouth in a hard line. No giggles or smiles. Just seriously annoyed.
Until I put him in his good old swing.



Some kids just don't like the snow! He prefers to swing. (notice missing boot he again kicked off)

Im Pretty Fond of These Kids

My Christmas Present to the Faris Family

CLick on it to see a bigger version

It's the Teeth

When teething one can be found like this:


And quickly change to this:


And Eventually move on to this:


Poor gums. Poor Jacob. Poor Amanda.

I just wanna chew.

Jacob is pretty advanced.
He is 4 months and his little bottom teeth are starting to push there way in.
What does this mean you say?
A little fussy.
Wants to be held at all times.
and....
He's only happy when he chews.
On me to be exact.

Ahh this feels good.

Best snack I've ever had.

Hey...where did it go? Can't you see my constant drool? I need something to chew on!

I'm going in for the kill.

Childlike....

Ah the mind of children such a beautiful thing.

The way they see life always makes me think about how adults need to see things from their perspective a little more.


Childlike:
A dandylion is the most beautiful flower. And look I picked 20 of them for you! Aren't they beautiful?

Adultlike: A bunch of ugly weeds I have to rid my lawn of.



Childlike: An old kite string with the handle still on it! What a treasure that I can now argue with my sister about who gets to hold it.

Adultlike: What garbage. Who left that lying around on the road?


Childlike: Seeing a Robin outside the window is truly a magical thing that requires all activity to immidately stop to observe and rejoice in its appearance.

Adultlike: Robin? who has time to look at birds when I have all these money, marriage and personal problems to deal with.

Childlike: Rolling down a big grassy hill is one of the most fantastic things to do. In fact I think I am actually going to drag my bum down it this time and get dirt all up my shorts.

Adultlike: Grass stains, dirt, more laundry to do.

Childlike: God loves me. He is big and strong and I am safe with Him. His love is good enough for me.
Adultlike: Lets argue and fight about theology and I am not going to be happy until I have it all figured out.

Let's stop acting like such grown up's and spend a little time picking flowers, rolling down hills, and relishing in God's amazing love.

What a great Imagination

We played movie theater yesterday. Basically we set up chairs in front of the TV, I make tickets, we eat popcorn and jelly beans. I pretend I am the movie theater person. It's a good time. The kids love it. Yesterday while we were playing (I just finished taking their orders for snacks) Caleb came up to me and said "Um extuse me, do you have a bafroom here?" We were standing in the living room. I laughed out loud and said "Why yes we do sir, it's right through here." I led him to the potty he uses 10 times a day. You gotta love that Imagination.

He's Got My Back

We were at Monkey Joe's (picture a ton of inflatables kids and candy)
We had to go potty. I went first. Caleb said "Don't worry Mana I'll stand on the door, You don't want anyone to see your bum!!!"

No I don't. Thanks buddy.

Just a bunch of Turkeys

So seeing as I got such a great response from the other post I did with crafts and ideas I have done with the kids, I have decided to make it a regular post series. (Thanks Christie!)

So here are some Turkey day fun crafts!!!!!


Paper Plate Turkeys! Just cut out the shape of the turkey's body and feet and a double triangle to make the beak. Its easy for them to glue the pieces to the plate after they have decorated their turkey.






Turkey Crowns! They had a blast with these! I ahem....even made one for my self. We ran around and played "Duck Duck, Turkey!" All you need to do is cut out a long strip for the crown , measure their heads to make sure it fits. Cut out feathers from different colour construction paper. Also the head and double triangles for the beak. Oh and don't forget the little red thing that hangs down. What the heck is that called anyway?

We were at the mall the other day and there was a Salvation Army lady standing outside. Kennedy asked why she was ringing a bell. I really want to help encourage the kids the real meaning of these holidays. Obviously the birth of Christ, but also giving to others in need. So I explained how some people don't have any food or a home and that we can help them and gave them each some money to put in the pot. They were so cute walking over and putting it in.
That brought on a conversation about what they are thankful for.
Kennedy - "I am thankful for babies, because they are cute, and for the new baby coming and mommy and daddy"
Caleb - Mana I santhkful (hee hee) for Dolphins! Mana I love dem!"
Me- yes yes Dolphins are pretty great! (got to love kids)

What an awesome job I have, helping to shape young minds. What a responsibility! I am learning so much for when I am a parent some day! I some times joke that I will just make all the mistakes with Kennedy and Caleb and then be perfect with my own :) hehe well maybe........I am learning though! :) And soon I will have a new born to learn with too! YIKES!

Lessons from the Little One.

So In my many adventures with these kiddos, I often come across object lessons that
help me understand my Saviour a bit more.
One such lesson happened yesterday. I was putting Caleb down for a nap, which was quite an ordeal. He fidgeted, he moved his blankie around 20 different ways. I left. He got up. Proceeded to put his pillow and pillow case on his head. I put him back down. He fidgeted. I waited. He was fighting it so hard. His eyes were half shut, but he proceeded to tap his leg on the edge of the bed to test me. I was like "Buddy you are so tired, just give in! You need this rest! You will be so grumpy later if you don't" It hit me. How often do I do this with the Lord. I try to do things my own way, I disobey, I fidget. I fight Him even when he is doing something for my own good. It reminded me of Matt 11:28-30

"Come to me all who are weary and heavy-laden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, you will find rest for your souls. For my Yoke is easy and My burden is light."

Jesus is calling for me to rest in Him. How often I fight it and think I know what is best for me. He wants me to rest in Him and give Him my burdens. I desire not to wrestle with this God that I adore, but so often I do.

Turn again, thou trembling Reed
To thine everlasting Rest,
Lean on Christ thy languid head,
Sink on the Beloved breast;
Lifting there the streaming eye,
Tell Christ all thy wants and fears:
He shall all thy wants supply,
He shall dry up all thy tears.
-From the Unpublished Poetry of Charles Wesley,

There's just something about little boys....

So my whole life I have wanted a little girl. I still do. I love little girls. You can dress them up all cute, they love all things pink. You know sugar and spice and everything nice. But now I can honestly say I would love to have a little boy. A little Truck lovin, mess makin, trouble startin, little boy.


Since working with my family I nanny for I have fallen in love with a little boy. I love Kennedy and believe me we have tons of dress up, nail painting, doll holding, twirling, pink times. But there is just something about little boys. Caleb and I have 1/2 of the day together alone now that Kennedy is in Kindergarten and we thoroughly enjoy our time. He is so sweet. One of my favorite parts of the day is when he wakes up from nap and wants to sit on my lap while he wakes up. "Manna I want to sit on your lap" he says. His little feet always cross and he sits there nice and content and let's me kiss his head as many times as I want!

Cool Crafts

So now that it is officially FREEZING on the North Shore of New England, the summer fun outside has ceased. Which leaves me with 2 children full of energy with no where to put it. I still take them to the park on a regular basis, we are just all bundled up in sweaters, coats, scarves and hats. But Fall up here sure is beautiful. I just love waking up in the cold and getting dressed in my slippers, sweaters and sipping hot cider with Josh, (or expresso from our new expresso maker!)

So anyway I have come across some great craft and fun ideas to keep the kids busy:

This is a way cool thing! I think I had more fun than they did! Making little people and things from your thumbprint! Check out Ed. Emberly's books to get some ideas for yourself! Very creative.


Gathering leaves and making a tree picture! I came up with this one myself! What a fun craft to enjoy fall!

Seeing as I work with a couple of monkey's I thought it would be fun to do a Monkey skit! We make masks and then put on a "3 Little Monkey's" skit for Mom when she got home! This was so much fun!



I love my job! I get paid to play!!!!

Funfetti Fun

Yummy Thursday

Well one of my favorite treats is a good ol' cupcake. A Funfetti cupcake to be quite honest. (This is probably one of the reasons my job in life is playing with children, I like to eat the same things they do. Don't get me started on Chuck E. Cheese...my favorite place!)

So grab a box and the matching icing and watch what fun will conspire!

Check out the fun we had!

Conversations with Caleb

Me- Have you thought of any names for your new baby brother?
Kennedy - Ummm I like Mikey!!!
Me- Like your dad's name?
Caleb- NO I MONKEY...HEEE HEE HAH HOOO (Him doing a monkey sound and laughing)

Me- Not Monkey Caleb MIKEY....
Caleb - NO I A MONKEY!!! HEEHEHE HAH HOOO

Me - Your a goofball!
Caleb - I NOT A JUICE BOX

Hmmm.... time to get the hearing checked?

Noelle- Caleb do you want orange juice?

Caleb- not in that cup that's impossible!

Just when I got your hopes up....

So I just realized on my profile my industry said Accounting.
PAH!!! So far from the truth. I know I know....you were marveling at my math skills and hoping you could come to me for some advice. Well I was living a lie my friends. I am no where close to being an Accountant! I can't even add up prices at the grocery store with out a calculator. (I have other gifts just not Math.)
SO I changed it...to Nanny....but really I could say:
I AM A
Taxi driver
Park/playground of the North Shore Specialist
Swimming Instructor
Fashion Coordinator
Chef
Nurse/First Aid/ Band-aid/ kisses administrator
Teacher
Professional story reader
Treasure map / scavenger hunt maker
Potty Trainer
Dj (in the car for the kids ever changing music interests)
Cheerleader
Laundry Mat worker
Wife
House cleaner
Interior Decorator
Personal Shopper
Ministry supporter extraordinaire
I have come to appreciate stay at home moms even more.

So here's and Ode to moms, wives and nannies everywhere! Your job really doesn't have a label. You are amazing!

Um.....What is that smell?

So, sometimes I take Caleb and Kennedy to play at the Seminary park. It's fun and usually there are other kids there for them to frolic with. On this particular day Kennedy had to go pee. So a nice lady offered for her to go pee in her apartment (on campus). So we walked in and as soon as I stepped in I knew something was wrong. The Smell. I couldn't put my finger on it. Weird food smell? No... Garbage???? No.... As I got closer to the bathroom it all made sense. "Sorry about the cloth diapers, I have had a hard time keeping up with the wash." Ah yes that's it. The smell of a pile of cloth diapers sitting on her bathroom floor. Used cloth diapers.... Caleb looked at me with a strange look on his face. I about gagged. "Hurry Caleb go pee!!!"(he had to go too)

It was seriously the worst smell of my life. I don't think using cloth Diapers really gives you the option to "not keep up with the wash". Or at least wash them out, and soak them...or something.

So after that experience three things to note:

1. Another reason I am glad I don't live on campus....strange smells EVERYWHERE.
2. I will never in my life use cloth diapers. (After cleaning up Caleb's undies almost everyday....No...NO...NOOO Cloth Diapers)
3. From now on we will just pee in the woods...outside...

A few things to note.

You can not have a proper conversation with someone while both of you have your ipod's plugged in to one ear while walking down the street.

Sometimes Dad's in Gloucester who drop off there kids at 7:30 in the morning at the Catholic school down the road have a beer in there hand. At 7:30? Really?

According to Kennedy you can not get hugs from your little brother while you have a Back pack on.

Converstations with Caleb are the best:

Me -"All the ladies think you are so cute."
Caleb- "They love me"

Pam - "Caleb does Daddy ever give you a spanking?"
Caleb- "Not Daddy, He's my best friend."

Me- "Don't run in to those girls!"
Caleb - "I love girls"

Me "You are so cute"
Caleb " Yes I am!"

Me- "Do you want to watch Polar Express or not really?"
Caleb "Yes Really with YOU!"