I love my job!

I think that since I have to work, I have the best job in the world. I am a daycare provider in my home, and currently I care for 4 children. I have Tyler (age 10) and Shelby (age 6) (my nephew and niece) before and after school, Andrew (almost 2) part time (3 days one week, 2 days the next), and JoAnn (age 4) (full time, but she's at preschool 3 mornings a week). Throw into the mix my own kids Jeremy and Carrie, and there's never a dull moment around here! Honestly, though, they are all terrific kids! They keep me busy, that's for sure.


Today I took JoAnn swimming at my parents' pool. She is a little fish! Her daddy says that one day she's going to beat Michael Phelp's record for the olympics, and watching her in the pool, I believe him! Today JoAnn was doing flips around the pool noodle, jumping off the side of the pool and swimming to the steps, and swimming the width of the pool without her swimmies. She's amazing!
This is JoAnn... the pic was taken in June




Yesterday I had Andrew by himself for a while, since JoAnn was in preschool. He is a little love-bug, as long as it's what HE wants. Actually, everything is good, as long as it's what HE wants. LOL! We spent part of the morning just cuddling and watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Then, he decided that he was hungry, and boy, did he eat! He had his granola bar, a kid-size container of yogurt, half of a banana, a slice of bread, and a cup of juice! He ate more than I did!
Andrew is also beginning to say actual words, instead of baby babble. He'll try to repeat almost anything (again, as long as it's what He wants to do!) I was changing his stinky diaper and said "Ooh Yuck!" ... Andrew says "Ooh GUCK!" He calls for Ricky "Icky!" and the cats are both "Hattie!" He's such a cutie pie!
Here's Andrew, happy that he will soon be getting up from his nap.




Shelby is a miniature version of Carrie at that age. She's very smart and happy, and always has a smile on her face. She has very long blonde, curly hair and big blue eyes. She is in first grade now, and reads very well. She likes to play with JoAnn in the afternoons, which is fun for both of them. They like to play with Brats most of all, but they also enjoy playing with the toy animals, too.

Shelby on the first day of school

Tyler is like a little man. He just turned 10, and for as long as I've known him, he's always enjoyed the company of adults much more than that of kids. He will sit down and talk to me for hours, rather than going to play. It's amazing! He is really good at jigsaw puzzles and is playing football for the first time. He's the smallest guy on his team, but that doesn't seem to phase him. He's very strong-willed which comes in handy when he's with his brother and sisters!

Tyler, on the first day of school

Being with kids has always been one of my favorite things, even though they can try my patience from time to time. I guess that's normal, though!
So, thank you Robin, Valerie, and Tammy for loaning your kids to me during the day! They are truly gifts from God!