Joyfully Ever After

Today concludes 2 and a half weeks of my new position as a nanny for the picture-perfect Cali family.  When I am "at work", it is spent with the little precious Butterfly and Snoopy (privacy nick names for the one year old girl and three year old boy).  Unless you absolutely can't stand being around cute kids, then I don't see how you would feel like you're working.  Why did I ever feel like I had to exhaust myself working, again? If you're doing what you love, especially when it's helping other people, I think no matter how easy it feels to you or how few the work hours may be, then there is absolutely no reason to feel like you're not living up to your potential.  It may just be a pure heaven-sent blessing... and the more you have, the more you can give.  (especially if it means being able to spend more time with your family)

Her favorite song: Old MacDonald

Observing the little ones in their child's work, aka play, I am in awe at the way they perceive and discover things about the world and themselves.  It's insane how much influence I feel like I have on them, especially when I see them repeat a phrase I have used or mimic an action that I do.  It's unbelievable how much of an understanding an almost 4 year old boy can have on the world.. it's apparent through his extensive vocabulary and ways he expresses himself, but most of all through his imagination.  As he often tells me, "I only like SCARY stories!" and then goes to get his big "Jack and the Beanstalk" book.  It's almost like he copes with his fears through his play.  I've known for awhile now how crucial it is to give young children exposure to academics, but now I fully understand why it's equally important to give them opportunities to explore the world of make believe.  (even if his greatest fear is currently of a "green-eyed" jealous monster, an evil queen from Snow White, or getting really sick from chewing too much "gum" and then going on a ride... yes, he has seen Sandlot).  We act out these scenarios a million times over until he comforts his stuffed animals (who are now the ones scared of being left alone at night) by telling them, "it's okay, the evil queen isn't really real, she's just make-believe, don't worry!"

footprint painting!

 Last week I was with both kids all day (normally Snoopy has preschool T/Th mornings) and it was a great way to really get to know both of them better. This week was mostly spent with my little Butterfly, though.  She has loved the attention, singing all her favorite songs, "reading" any story she can get her hands on, splashing toys around in her little pool, and even trying out some art projects.
My view of teaching had been skewed slightly the last couple years, but I've been quickly reminded that learning should be more about discovering, it should not feel forced and it should be fun.  Oh, and let me tell you, we have fun! Even eating lunch turns into casting spells on food so after you've chewed it up it will make you be able to have special powers.  Kinda makes you miss your own childhood, doesn't it?

Today Chris and I are going to try out our new wet suits in the ocean and go body boarding! We haven't done this yet, but if you're going to live this close to the ocean there is no excuse for not getting out there (unless the weather is not cooperating).  We have been able to do so much more together than we were before we moved and I hope it only continues to get better.  We feel so blessed and I hope the same for you.

 "I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." Ephesians 3:16-19