Take Me Out to the Ballgame!

Treats are always good bribes for not running away!

Going To The Park

My Kids... at home

So I know this won't mean much to you... but according to tradition, you have to check out the rockin' good pictures of 'my kids', Sophie and Dawsyn.  Now that I've seen how much they've grown up over four weeks, I have an overwhelming urge to come home.  (Thanks Rodney and Jodi.)

* * *

Hang on kiddos... I'm almost home.  Don't change too much more.  I love you all and miss you so much!

My (little) Man

This ismy little man that is always willing to give out hugs and kisses. Isn't he just the strongest and bestest?! *smile*

Luv ya Jackson!!!

Potty Training....

Rodney and Jodi are in Mexico all this week shooting a wedding, so I have the kids the entire week.  I decided last night that it's high time Alana is potty trained... I'm tired of changing diapers on a 27 month old... so this morning I stepped out onto unchartered waters and we're not lookin' back!  It should be a good surprise for mom and dad when they get home!  (And a good learning experience for me... it's hard to be a 'mom'!)

Anyway, the day has been going pretty good.  She's only had one accident and almost half a dozen successful trips to the potty chair.  I'm just praying to God that she gets it... 

The potty book that we've read about fifty-zillion times so far today!

We've been eating lots of salty snacks...

... which makes us drink lots of juice and pop!

Alana and Madeline her potty-training partner!

The coveted treats that reward every success!!!

Growing in cuterness and cuterness...

There's been lots of really awesome pictures of the people I spend a lot of my time with on this awesome blog...  you should check it out.

Ok, ok, so un-original.  But Jared, Mandi and the kids are over at Rodney and Jodi's blog and since the little ones are growing so much and getting cuter everyday, I knew you want to see it! 

*smile*

(In case you are wondering... I am always at Jared and Mandi's every Monday, with their kids Dawsyn, Grady and Sophie.  The first picture on the post is of Mandi's family... the two babies are her daughter, Sophie - on the right- with her cousin, Aravis... and then the next family is Jared, Mandi and their three way-too-cute-for-words-kids.  Enjoy!

Goin' to the Museum

Two of the cutest kids ever and our day together at the Children's Museum

Checking out groceries

Yummy fruits

Real apple juice at lunch!

Real pizza for lunch

Feeding Peter, The Turtle

... and the fish!

Shopping at the grocery store

The little cabin on the farmstead

Thomas and Friends are every little boys best friends!

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PS. In case you didn't notice the improved photo quality... you might like to know that I have a new love, my brand-new Canon Rebel XTI!!!

Jackson... Alana..

Ok.  So I've started a tradition that I send you to my employer's blog when they post about the kids.  They had a really fun Memorial Day and have pictures up to show.

So...please indulge me once again, and click here to see some of the cutest kids ever! 

*smile*

ALSO...

I know that you are probably tired of all my 'link posts'... but I just was compelled to do one more for the day! *smile*  So bear with me...

You all really, really, really need to go over the Rodney and Jodi's blog to check out this 

HUGE announcement 

that was just made today to all you reading public.  I am sooo excited about this and thought you might like to know also!  Please check it out and please, please leave them a comment to tell them what you think about it... it just may make them decide to give me a raise because I sent so many people to their blog to comment! *smile*

I can't wait!!!

A Hug From God

As I was leaving the Gehman's this afternoon after work, Jackson opened the door just before I got into my car.

"Nicole! Did you get your purse?!" I held it up to show it was in my hands. "I love you to the Milky Way!!"

(You have to understand that we describe our love by how far it goes. Starting with loving you to the sun, then the moon, the stars, and ultimately, the Milky Way!)

So of course I hollared back, "I love you to the Milky Way too, Jackson!"

Thank you God for that hug from you today!

* * *

If you want to see how the kiddos are at other times, click here!

Alana Takes Glow Baby For A Walk.

*This is the first of a series I am going to be doing on 'a day in our life'.  Stay tuned! *

The Other Cutest Kids...

Just couldn't let this pass without directing your attention to another post on my employers blog, of their kids... 'my' Jackson and Alana. There are about a dozen pics of them and they are so adorable you'll wanna reach thro' the screen and just squeeze 'em! Thankfully I get to do that everyday!
Along these lines, when I was leaving work today, Jackson almost started crying while asking about a half dozen times, "Why do you have to leave?" It was so cute! When my attempts at explaining that I miss my family and need to go see them didn't seem to be making a point, I finally said "Ask your mom." *smile*

*Note: You will need to scroll down the blog about three posts to find the one titled 'Our Kids, Finally'

Enjoy!!

Introducing the Rest of My 'Family'

I have been really blessed the past seven months to work for some amazing people; nannying their kids. I have talked about them occasionally, but thought I should formally introduce them so you know who I hang out with everyday!

So here they are!!

* * *

I am at the Gehmans Tuesday thro' Friday. I can't say for sure, but I attempt the keep their domestic life in order. (I guess they would be the best judge of that!) I love these kids so much... they almost feel like my own.

We do everything together... eating, cleaning, reading, library trips, scouting around the local children's museum, making cookies, and everything else.

Jackson - 3

Alana - 2 on Friday

This is the very beautiful and talented, Jodi. My boss. *smile* I really appreciate her spirit of flexibility and happiness. She's one of four reasons I love my job!
* * *
Mondays, I spend the day at the Millers. This is really fun because I have been babysitting for Dawsyn and Grady for about a year. It's been fun watching them grow since then and also the cutest addition to their family, Sophie.

Dawsyn - 3

Grady - 2

Sophie - 7 months

(Sandwiched between Dawsyn and I with their cousin, Aravis on the right.)

Mandi is such an amazing, adorable dear and has become a great friend. We have had many days to connect hearts. I have been so blessed with her gift of encouragement. Amazingly, we have had some of the same struggles and her advice and encouragement is uplifting! Love ya, dear!

* * *

What a blessing it has been to work for people of like belief. It's amazing what a difference it makes. Thanks to all you guys for opening your hearts and homes to me. I have made so many great memories and I love you and your kids so much!

I look forward to many more good times to come!

Dawsyn + Grady Make Cookies

When you make a kid a cookie...

They'll probably wanna help...

And if they help, they'll wanna mix...
(note to self: don't ask a 3 year old to turn on the electric mixer! They don't know the difference between high and low.)

Then they'll wanna pour...

And when it's all put together, they'll wanna lick...

And chances are by this time, they'll be bathing in it!

But it's never quite enough!

Then they'll wanna help put them on the pans...
(kids and cookie dough are magentic!)

And they'll always need one more bite!

***

Sorry there are no pictures of us eating them... I guess somebody was enjoying them too much! *grin*