High5 Friday: Super Powers of a Positive Nanny

Have I ever mentioned that I am NOT a morning person or that I start my workday at 7:00 a.m.? Yeah, I am the opposite of my husband who wakes up instantly and leaps from bed. I snarl at his enthusiasm and roll back over, thankful for my 30 minutes left.

When I was a 13, my mom started giving me coffee because I would drag in the morning. She would mix 1/2 hot chocolate and 1/2 coffee and set it on my night table, in the dark..."Must tame the beast"... I don't think that I was or am THAT bad, but my husband would disagree. He says I need an hour to wake up. It seems like every Saturday he jokingly says, "I'll get back to you in an hour."

Every morning at work after the boys are dressed, fed, and our morning is off to a start, I have "coffee time" (or "caupee time" as the boys say it). I even have a song to the tune of "Business Time" from the TV show Flight of the Concords.... "It's coffee, it's coffee time".

[Definition of "coffee time": The time of the day, usually about 8:30 a.m. when I will sit in a chair with my sweet, french vanilla flavored, wide-mugged delight. The boys know this is MY time. A boy may be allowed to sit with me as long as they are still. They may smell the coffee carefully, feel the hot cup, and point out whatever picture is on the cup of the day, but then it's MY time. I will usually check the weather. If it's Friday, I may see if there is a music guest on GMA. The boys love music and they will dance, point to instruments, and cheer along with the crowds in Central Park. They rocked out to Miley Cyrus this morning.]

"Coffee Time" helps me start my day in a positive way. The warmth of the coffee, the settling of my mind (what should we do today?) and the caffeine all work together to kick me in gear. I need it everyday with three 2 year olds.

There is no doubt in my mind that my attitude and demeanor will set the tone for the kids.

Isn't it like that in all of our relationships? I have a family member that will call me and I will know in the first 10 seconds (by the tone of their voice) if this will be a fun, positive conversation or a heavy, negative one. I always hope it's the first.

We cannot always choose what each day will give us, we can only choose how we will respond. When life gives you lemons, make lemonade... What if life gives you a toddler with two fistfuls of poo? Then what should I make?.... OK, sorry I went there, but it is a true story.

There are moments daily when I have the choice to make. How will I respond? I cannot get it back. I feel guilty sometimes, as I'm sure all nannies and parents must feel on occasion. I am helping to shape this child's identity! What a responsibility.... why was I not more patient?

The High5 today came about because I recently found the notes from a workshop at the INA conference. The concept of "being positive" wasn't something new to me, but was a great encouragement and reminder to use in my relationships with the kids; I do spend so much of my time with them. This is a brief summary - the italicized words are from Karol Ladd, herself, and the rest are my two cents.

High5: Super Powers of a Positive Nanny

"Few things in the world are more powerful that a positive push. A smile. A word of optimism and hope. A "you can do it" when things are tough." ~Richard. M Devos

5. Attitude

Your attitude will set the tone of the day. Three words to get rid of - "can't", "never", "always". If you hear these words coming from the kids' mouths that you care for, check yourself. How often are you using them?

Two questions to ask yourself - "how can I make this work?", "what do I need to do differently?". Model the challenge of problem-solving to your kids. They are always watching, and learning too.

4. Focus

It's important to be specific and purposeful with our actions and words. Train and discipline the negative behavior. It is always a good idea to be consistent with each disciplinarian on the family team. There are certain our team responds to certain behavior - such as "biting".

Intentionally love for the right things they are doing. We have to be careful to encourage the good behavior before, after, and during the bad behavior. Pick up on the child's cues and encourage that path of the good choice they are making or even stepping toward. Give them good attention before they have to get the bad attention.

3. Communication

Never underestimate the power of your words. Consider what you say and how you say it. Positive reinforcement statements like, "try again" and "you can do it!" for example, sound simplistic, but the repetitive vocal challenges will soon be mental encouragement to the kids. They will hear the encouragement, even when you are not there. Words - tone, inflection, & volume - have great power.

I remember working with T with a shape sorter. You know the classic one that is a red & blue ball that opens and has something like a dozen different yellow shapes. Back in the day it was very challenging. I must have used the phrase "oops, try again" a million times. One day I came in to find him shrieking in frustration. Without seeing me, he stopped himself and said out loud "oops, try again" in a lovely tone. The million times paid off!

Be sincere and specific, keep the communication open with families. This advice speaks for itself but is not always the easiest to do. If you are having a hard time, consider a different method like keeping a nanny log or giving a hand-written note. Communication is essential for long-term successful positions.

2. Creative Fun

Be creative! Make the best use of stuff you have. Create new stories and games with the toys that you have played with for months. Change location and method for using them. Take the favorites form their world and pretend! Some of our favorites have been pretending the "Step 2 Roller Coaster" was a car wash and pretending the changing table knobs were elevator buttons. Why?...because the boys are very into the car wash and elevators. That is their world, their fun. They have joy in their faces when I create these silly games.

One thing that I would like to do in the future is create "Theme Weeks". These would be a teaching tool focused on the boys enjoying learning through exploration and experience. As they are getting ready to start pre-school one day a week, we may have our first theme week to help transition them to "school", "teacher", and other new experiences that they have no clue about yet. Music, crafts, games, field trips, and lots of conversation - all to reinforce the new lesson. I also want to hang pictures of their teachers and talk about the specifics with the use of a poster, because they love to point to things on the walls. (I'll let you know how it goes)

1. A healthy well-being

Last, but certainly the most important, is to be more deliberate about your own well-being. Taking the time to make sure that you rest, rejuvenate, exercise, eat right, etc. Rather than put yourself last, put yourself first. Listen to the flight attendant and make sure you can breathe yourself before helping your children. Lessen the stress, pray, let go of failures, forgive others, forgive yourself. Get healthy - mind, body, soul, and spirit. And, if you like coffee, feel free to have "coffee time"!

For a deeper dive check out Karol Ladd's website www.positivelifeprinciples.com

New Positions & New Nannies POSTED!!

New Positions & New Nannies posted on cincynanny.com

Hopefully this new set up will make it easier to see the positions and nannies! There has been a lot of interest on both sides. If you are looking for a local position or for a Nanny email gretaschraer@mac.com and have your add listed on the appropriate page. Site will be updated regularly!

More to come!

Nurturing Nanny Seeking Family (#107-AM)

Nurturing, Fun, & Caring Nanny seeking full or part-time position. She is currently caring for twins who are 19 mos. and 4 year-old. She has just completed an Associate Degree of Arts & Education. Besides her experience as a Nanny, she has also been a lead pre-school teacher. She created monthly lesson plans including crafts, circle time, and etc. Communication with parents was a necessity at this position. She was also a trusted supervisor, scheduling over 50 employees. With a caring attitude and strong desire to work with children, this Nurturing Nanny may be a fit for your family. 

Please email gretaschraer(at)mac(dot)com for a copy of her resume. References are also available upon request.  

Nannypalooza Training Conference. It's not too late!!

So the buzz in Nanny Blogland today has been all about Nannypalooza! Since there are a lot of new Nannies following www.cincynanny.com, I decided to jump in on all the action and make sure that everyone had the information!!
Here are the NANNYPALOOZA Basics...WHO: Nannies from all over the U.S. and Industry ProfessionalsWHAT: Training, Community, Fun! WHY: Connect with Professional Nannies and Business Industry Professionals. Grow in your skills. Receive encouragement, respect and validation. Make new friends. Get your questions answered... and so much more!WHEN: October 3-4, 2009WHERE: Washington D.C. (this year)HOW MUCH: $85 for NANC Members (Join for $15) or $120 for non-members. First-time attendees can register for the early bird rate at any time before September 28th. Other costs include: food, hotel, and flight.DEADLINE: SEPT 28TH! 
All Things Nanny, is a great Nanny Blog and in today's post Sue Downey (Co-creator of Nannypalooza) shares her answers to these questions: 

• Why was Nannypalooza created?
  
• Why do you feel Nannypalooza is the success that it is?
  
• What is your greatest accomplishment associated with Nannypalooza?
  
• What would you say to nannies that feel Nannypalooza or conferences in general are not for them - they don't feel they need to attend these types of venues?
  

If you are seriously interested in going, let me know. I have a room reserved. Register for the Conference at www.nannycredential.org. 

Email me at gretaschraer(at)mac(dot)com. 

Fun-loving Nanny Seeking Family (#106-BS)

Fun-loving. caring and personable nanny seeking a full-time position and family to love. CPR-certified, expereinced and educated! Just married, and jut moved to Cincinnati! She holds a degree in Music Therapy and minor in Pyschology, soon to be certified to do therapy with children through music. While attending school full-time, she worked part-time as a Nanny. She has experience will infants, toddlers, and school-aged children. She also has Mulitples in both her and husband's families...she is used to seeing kids by the twos and threes! Seeking a 40-hour position during the Monday-Friday work week, she may be just the one you are looking for!

For a copy of her resume and references, please email gretaschare(at)mac(dot)com and reference #106-BS.

High5: My Must Have "Nanny-Car" Items

As family members and friends look in my back seat they usually gasp, as if in that second they finally realize the challenge of my job...3 CAR SEATS!? I admit, they can look a little overwhelming all lined up in the center row, but I wouldn't have it any other way. We love our little learning mobile and have a blast while driving! In fact the boys screech and squeal as the run to "Greta's car". Sometimes I feel like I'm herding cattle through the house door, through the garage and into the car..."mooove it out, everybody in".

The fun doesn't just happen spontaneously, but through strategy. My "Nanny-Car" is READY for the 2.5 year old BBB's! [Side note: If you are not a multiples Nanny, BBB is the symbol for all-boy triplets, as GGG would be all-girl and so on. I digress....] Any adventure that we decide to take takes preparation.

You know your kidlets! A little personal thought and preparation can make your car rides a fun, stress-free place to be. Oh and don't get me wrong, I am not saying let the toys take over your car - if you are like me that can add more stress than help! A little planning can calm chaotic moments from ever happening! Yours may be very different, but here are some of our "Must Haves"! (I'd love to hear your "Must Haves" and comments!) 

High5: My Must Have "Nanny-Car" Items

5. First Aid Kit

I'll be honest that I haven't had to use this yet in my current position, and hopefully that day doesn't come. With three busy boys it's a nice to know that it is there. Ice pack, band-aids, tweezers and other basic essentials that will assist in the time of need. 

4. Towel & Bottled Water

Never know when a mud puddle will find bare feet. Or sand will find a mouth.....three times. Mother nature can be crazy with kids, so enticing! I started keeping a junk towel and water bottle after having the "I wish I had a...." thought. And since my "Nanny-Car" is also my "Personal-Car", I try my best manage the dirt. (My heavy-duty plastic floor mats placed 6th on this list. Wonderful. Get them and you will love yourself and me, ha ha. ) 

3. Jr. Sunglasses

So I am pretty much a sunglass fein. You'll find me some days without my wedding ring or any jewelry, but rarely will you find me without my D&G's. At the dollar store one day I saw these kids plastic pairs so I bought them. It was hilarious watching the boys maneuver them on their faces for the first time. N wore his upside-down, H had trouble getting them over both ears so he wore them lop-sided, and although T could get them on perfectly, he opted to push them atop his head like I wear mine when there is no sun. (You should see the pictures!) So they started out as a toy/distraction, but now HTN will request, "sunglasses please" when the sun shines in the window - - rather than whine or hide their eyes. Score. 

2. Matchbox Cars

Once again one of those "impulse buys" by the register at Target with the boys. A special treat since they don't really have any at home yet.  This is now my "save the moment" distraction, because once in awhile I need to hear my own thoughts. A small item to keep their hands and thoughts busy can go a long way. "Who wants to hold a car?"..."I do!" I used to use little Scooby-doo stuffed animals, but they are done with the dog. They've matured. Cars. Trucks. Choo-Choos. Anything on wheels. I'm sure someday it will be something else, but right now, Ah....Matchbox is genius! *Disclaimer: I told them, "If you drop the car, it's gone." They learned quickly. 

1. Good Tunes

We are a musical bunch. The boys have their own playlist on my iPhone. I know that I must look crazy sitting at lights, but that's my chance to join in on the dancing and singing. We play everything from your 'Kids Classics' to 70's disco. It all goes back to the day when H was learning to talk and was babbling "BAH BAH BAH"...in my head I heard ..."BAH BAH BAH BARBARA ANN". We sang it constantly and when the boys heard it on iTunes for the first time you should have seen their faces. From then on out we have discovered lots of music together. (Someday I will post our current playlist). The boys will request songs and take turns choosing what we sing. They will do dance moves - finger pointing and fist rolling that Travolta would be proud of. Raise the roof. Clap your hands. Pretend to snap. "Air guitar" and "air violin" (long story on the latter). N does a nice head bang. H has perfect the "Charlie Brown". T-man likes an easy sway. Music is where they heard a lot of their first words. In fact this week I was pointing and explaining to H what a baseball stadium was and I referenced "Take me out to the Ballgame" - one of his favorites. They now sing multiple lines of the songs. They love it. I love it. Music adds so much to our car rides! 

 

Anderson Family seeking Nanny (#105-LL)

Anderson Family seeking a dependable, fun-loving, honest nanny! This would be a temporary position (for the next 4-5 months). The position will be for 2 weekdays with hours 7:00 a.m.-4:45 p.m. The hours would remain the same, but the days of the week will change. Family has a son who is 6 yrs old. He starts first grade this year. The bus picks him up at 8:40 a.m. and returns at 4:00 p.m. The family also has twin girls who are 4 yrs old. They are in pre-school on M,T, & W, from 9:00-11:30 a.m.  They are home Th & F. Nanny would need to provide transportation to pre-school if the days they worked fell on those days. This is a non-smoking family with no pets. 

If you are interested in applying for this position, please email gretaschraer(at)mac(dot)com and reference #105-LL.

Hyde Park Family Seeking Multiples-Nanny (#104-JS)

Hyde Park Family with a daughter in school, 20-month old triplet girls, and baby boy on the way! Looking for Multiples-experienced Nanny to fill in the gaps with their busy family! They have an employed Au Pair, and mom and dad are both spending time at home as the family will be adjusting to the wonderful new addition. Weekly Wednesday mornings 7:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. beginning Aug. 28th is the immediate need, but more hours may be available in the future. 

If you are interested in this position, please email your resume to gretaschraer(at)mac(dot)com and reference #104-JS.

Artistic Nanny Seeking Family (#103-NH)

Artistic, educated, and responsible Nanny who wants to share her love with kids. She is looking for a part-time position and is available weekdays anytime before 2:00 p.m. in the afternoon. This artistic nanny has Undergraduate Degree in Elementary Education and Master's Degree in Art Education. She has been teaching Art to kids of all ages in a local arts center for five years. This nanny is not only educated but experienced. She received her 1st CPR certification at age 12 and now has over 20 years of experience with kids. Infants, multiples, school-aged kids have all been under her care and tutelage. This nanny is sure to be a wonderful addition to your family team! 

If you would like to receive her resume, please email a request to gretaschraer(at)mac(dot)com and reference #103-NH. 

16 Reasons to Join INA (International Nanny Association)

I have only been a member of INA since April, but I have seen the great benefits in that short time. The following has been copied straight from their website at www.nanny.org. Click the link to read it on their site. If you'd like more information about getting involved, I'd love to tell you all about it! ~ Greta :) 

Top 16 Reasons to Join INA: Membership Benefits

click here to read it on the site 

If you are involved in the in-home child care industry, consider joining INA today. We need your help to continue making a difference. As an INA member, you'll have access to valuable industry information and tools you can use immediately to enhance your business and professional development. Here are 16 top reasons to join INA today.

• You Can Help to Impact the In-home Child Care Industry. We believe there is strength in numbers and that together, we can make a difference. As an INA member, you're partnering with us to professionalize our industry, to promote quality in-home child care, to increase awareness about the nanny profession, and to educate parents about the benefits of hiring a qualified nanny to care for their children.
• Inside Track to Professional Networking Opportunities. Network with industry professionals from all over the world to develop valuable relationships.
• Team up with INA Members. As an INA member, you have the opportunity to join or head a committee, become a mentor, influence programs and processes or serve on the board of directors.
• Access to INA Publications, Forms and Tools. INA offers a wide range of informative publications, employment forms, handouts and tools developed by industry experts—you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. INA publications include: Steps for a Successful Start (for start-up industry businesses), Family and Nanny Agreement document, Quality In-home Child Care: Professional Standards for Nannies, A Nanny for Your Family, So You want to be a Nanny, Recommended Practices for Nannies, Recommended Practices for Placement Agencies, Recommended Competencies for the Education of Nannies, and more. Click here for more INA publications.
• Annual Conference—Reduced Registration Fees. Our annual conference offers networking opportunities and educational workshops for business owners and nannies. Receive conference registration discounts (includes discounts for staff members). Take advantage of conference sponsorship opportunities (your logo/link will appear on the conference web page) and program advertising opportunities. The annual conference is held in a different city each year and is typically scheduled in early or mid May. Click here for more information.
• Members Only Page. A section made expressly for you. Educators, nannies, nanny employers and business owners have unrestricted access to with a world of online resources. Business owners can access toinsider tips, business-building solutions, sample documents, educational information and more. Nannies have access to professional and personal development information—early childhood development, special needs, nutrition, health and safety, tips on communicating well, how to start a nanny support group and more. Gain insider tips from seasoned nannies and agency recruiters.
• INA Membership Directory. This annual publication features the name and contact information for INA members and is ideal for networking and locating industry professionals. There is an opportunity for supporting member companies to have multiple directory listings.
• Annual Directory of Nanny Training Programs, Nanny Placement Agencies and Industry Services. A valuable quick reference guide of industry companies available for sale to nonmembers, free to standard and supporting members, and at a discounted price to individual-level members. A company’s membership level determines how many company listings will be featured and the number of free directories the company will receive. Click here for more details.
• Discounted Advertising Opportunities. Reach INA members through advertising in our annual conference program, and the Annual Directory of Nanny Training Programs, Nanny Placement Agencies and Industry Services (available for sale to nonmembers). Members receive a 15% discount on display ads. Click Here for more information about how to promote your business.
• Web Site Membership Listing. Gain added exposure via INA’s full member listing featured on our web site. Nanny agencies are listed by state, and national agencies and international agencies are listed under specific categories. Nannies are listed under their city and state (no contact information is featured). Training programs, nanny consultants and industry services are listed under specific categories. Verify your membership!
• Promote your Business via Web Links. INA’s web site is a leading information resource for nannies seeking jobs or training, parents seeking nannies and browsers seeking in-home child care related information and services. We offer member companies the opportunity to have their company’s web site link appear on the “links section” of www.nanny.org. This is a members' only offer and is available for a fee.
• Legislative Awareness of Child Care Issues at State and Federal Levels. INA’s Governmental Affairs committee has a grassroots effort in the legislative arena that monitors legislation and activities related to our industry—both at the state and federal level. Stay informed!
• INA-Membership Designation/Verification. Help professionalize the industry by letting the world know you abide by the INA Commitment to Professional Excellence. Member companies receive a high resolution INA logo that can be posted on their web site and printed on their advertising literature. Nannies can feature the INA member designation in their portfolio or on their resume.
• Nanny of the Year Award. An opportunity to recognize the positive impact an INA nanny member has made in the lives of the children in her or his care. Only INA members can be considered for this honor. The nanny of the year (NOTY) is selected annually and is announced during the annual conference. A special luncheon is held in the NOTY’s honor. Companies have the opportunity to sponsor the luncheon and gain added exposure. Click here for nomination information and forms. Click here for conference sponsorship opportunities.
• Nanny Credential Exam—Member Discount. A multiple choice exam developed by INA, in consultation with child care educators to test a nanny's practical knowledge of child care. Click here for more information.
• INA Nanny Mentor Program. This members-only program fosters nanny development and career enhancements by pairing seasoned INA member nannies with nannies who are new to INA or the industry.Click here for details.
  

High5 Friday: Professional Industry Sites to Follow

As a Nanny, there are so many great resources out there for us! A year ago, I had no idea! Here are a few sites that I rely on for my profession. I think that they each have a lot to offer. Click on the name to link to the website. I'd love to hear your feedback!

5. Breedlove & Associates
This is a comapny that handles payroll and taxes for household employees. If you have any questions about the legal side of our profession, find your answers here. They are specifically knowledgable about the Nanny industry and there are valuable resources on their site: payroll calculator, employer's legal responsilities (overtime, vacation, worker's comp., etc) and employer's tax responsibilites (taxes paid or withheld). There is a wealth of information that you should know.

4. Nanny Island
A social forum made up of over 700 Nannies in the U.S.! A great place to stop for advice or read other's expereinces. You must be a Nanny to join and will have a login/password. Their tagline: "Nanny Island is a beautiful place where nannies can come to visit with friends and relax. No diapers, runny noses or tantrums need tending on Nanny Island."

3. Regarding Nannies
This is a relatively new Blog that is a collaboration of three professional Nannies: Glenda Propst, Kellie Geres, and Alice Shaffer. They have a lot of information to share about the industry, and do it in a delgihtful, fun, professional way! A usual week will include "Moxie Monday, Tuesday Tips, Wednesday Creative Nanny, Thursday Table Talk, and Financial Friday". I had the honor of meeting these women at the INA Conference in April and let me tell you then are quality!

2. The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
"NAEYC is dedicated to improving the well-being of all young children, with particular focus on the quality of educational and developmental services for all children from birth through age 8." Started in 1926 they now have over 90,000 members that all share the same "desire to serve and act on behalf of the needs and rights of all young children." What a powerhouse organization that offers affiliation and education.

1. International Nanny Association
By far my favorite Nanny site is INA. It opened me up to the world of this profession. I realized how many Nannies there are that see their job as an important career. The standards that INA expects of their Nannies and Industry Members are high. If you are not a member, think about becoming one, there are many, many benefits (I'll have to blog about this another time). Also join me next year at the 25th Annual INA Conference!

High5 Friday: Using Your "Voice of Authority"

Have you ever been laughed at during a timeout? Run laps to chase a kid down? My all-time worst (and favorite) was being flirted with to try to ease out of discipline - batting eyes, head tilt, and coy grin! Kids are smart. Kids can be manipulative. Kids will be kids. As much as they look to be independent, they are really relying on us for structure, boundaries, and consistency. 

So much of what we actually say is HOW we say it. I once heard someone say that communication is only 10%  words and 90% tone, articulation, & facial expression. Add that to the context of guiding and teaching children at their level, and it takes careful thought to method to get the attention of an energetic kid. 

Many times "in the moment" of discipline my thoughts go to the Supernanny episodes I have watched. Each child  shared a common "deer in headlights" look as they encountered her authoritative presence. Jo Frost has a quality that she teaches in her book, Supernanny: How to Get the Best of Your Children. Below is my adaption from the principles in the above mentioned book. 

High5 Friday: Using Your "Voice of Authority" 

When in a moment of teaching/discipline....

5. Talk close to the child. Do not raise your voice from another room. 

4. Get down at eye level. Your height can be threatening and overwhelming for a small child. Kneel or sit so that you are able to establish direct eye contact.  Ask the child to look in your eyes. Use "please" as to not command respect but ask for it. Sometimes holding their hands or arms will encourage them to be still and listen. 

3. Speak clearly. Use short, simple phrases that are not above their vocabulary or understanding. Refrain from long, emotional lectures. State the facts and move on. 

2. Use a low, firm, authoritative tone. Do not be angry. Do not threaten or belittle them. Communicate displeasure and that you mean business. 

1. Change your tone appropriately. At the end of the discipline (sealed with an apology and hug from the child) your tone should change. The situation is over. Forgiven. Your tone and presence should communicate that.

The Nanny Balance - Impossible?

Do you ever forget you are at WORK sometimes? The comfort of my sweats, daily dish washing, and taking out the garbage are behaviors that mess with my mind sometimes when I come HOME to repeat the drill in a different kitchen. Didn't I just do this? Cooking breakfast and lunch at one house for the little boys and then home to cook dinner for my big boy. It can start to feel a little confusing. 

Like many Professional Nannies, I work 10-hour days and come home pretty exhausted. The "I'm gonna get your belly" and "I'm a roaring tiger trying to get into your playhouse" games do get the best of me.... so much that the most important boy, my husband,  gets my leftovers. But, I have learned over our four years of marriage that if I cook him dinner, I am filling his "Love Tank" (The Five Love Languages).  So when I walk my worn-out body in the door about 5:20 p.m., I do not sit down...in fact, I try not to go past the kitchen. I start to cook a home-made meal. The dwindling energy is harnessed not because I LOoooove to cook, but because to Doug, this is an act of love. So another meal, more dishes, sometimes brownies and it is usually 7:00 p.m. before I can think about my own needs. Shower. Sleep. (And people ask when we are going to have kids of our own! Please?!)

Do I sound like I am complaining? I know that I have it good. In fact, I am rewarded for all my silly games (work-outs) and meals (love) with smiles and laughs from all the boys. Plus, I have a break in my week. Wednesdays off! Wow, how did I luck out with this? I am so grateful to sleep in, run errands, help at my church - - and more importantly SEE ADULTS and have ADULT CONVERSATION! [Side note: It is a miracle of God that I made it 9 months with triplets stuck in the house before I had transportation for field trips.]

So that brings me to the topic of "Balance". We all have physical, social, emotional and spiritual needs, would a perfect life be the discovery of that perfect balance? Impossible? 

As women - mothers, nannies, employees, friends - we are hard-wired to multi-task. (Isn't a good thing?) It is rare when I am NOT doing two things at the same time. Cutting fruit while singing "The ABCs". Driving the chaotic Beechmont Ave. while pointing out mail trucks. Helping one boy learn to climb a ladder while watching two others conquer the rest of the playground. Or what I'm doing now, writing my BLOG and watching the best show on TV, So You Think You Can Dance. Through all this, if you are like me, we are making mental notes on our to-do list: appointments to schedule, home design planning, meal-creating, dance venue managing, and even Christmas listing in July. It's exhausting to think about. Our minds are so busy, and they can get the best of us. Unfortunately, I spend a lot of my day responding to my mental cues, rather than focusing on the priorities in their appropriate order, time, and place. 

How do we harness our multi-tasking skills and yet give complete focus to our priorities? Impossible?

I don't know that I have the answer, except to realize it. If you have the internal promptings telling you are failing something or someone in your life, take some time to think about why and how to change it. 

My husband and I just recently bought a house. Not only has it sucked up all of our money, but it's consumed our time. We decided we shouldn't skip our vacation this year; we needed a break from the house. We just didn't really have the money we wanted to put towards a beach house or flight. This ended up being such a blessing in our summer because a family member offered their lake house to us! 

On vacation we were able to relax, play games, canoe, read, dream together, and remember each other as the priority.  Even more than my relationship connection with Doug, I was able to reconnect in my spiritual relationship with God. Prayer, Proverbs and coffee started each morning - - 3 hours later than my normal start! I journaled my latest hopes and dreams and spent time thinking about my life. I read two books, played with dogs, cooked and was cooked for! I learned new card games and played a 4-day Risk game. Without TV, wifi, or cell phones, we were forced to quiet our life and even those mental cues. It was glorious! 

I came home hoping to bring the vacation way of life into my crazy, multi-tasking, exhausting days. Impossible? 

One simple way to start project "bring vacation home" was to change my Sundays. Doug and I attend church weekly and our spiritual application of the Bible's truths to our life is a glue in our marriage. We met at church and bonded early on in our relationship over spiritual matters. One thing that he has been trying to get me to understand is the concept of resting on Sunday. I have a hard time stopping my multi-tasking brain to just do one lazy thing. I hate feeling unproductive. Why just watch a movie when you could also be doing laundry and paying bills WHILE watching the movie? But, after vacation and that peace that came by choosing to slow down, I FINALLY GOT IT. I have moved laundry day from Sunday to Monday or Tuesday. House projects will have to happen on Saturdays or through the week. I got it, and Doug is so excited. He grew up with this mentality. He has been trying to live this rest on Sundays for four years, but busy me kept going!  I am destined to honor him and the biblical principle by adjusting my life to this new way. Simple but revolutionary. 

One other place in my life that I am lacking is my other relationships....you know with people over the age of 3!   Why am I singing about Elmo's Potty in my sleep? And, where did my 3, 4 & 5-syllable words go? (I swear I had them.) Well, there are girl friends that I need to call for breakfast. A date that needs some romantic thought. As for my job, play dates will become more of a priority this year. The isolation can get to moms and nannies alike. Fight it. 

The cheapest vacation I ever took, has given back to me a wealth of new vision for my life. Balance. Rest. Taking the time to build into my passions. Deleting items from my agenda because they are not worth the time and energy. Focusing on the priorities and therefore fulfilling the calling on my life. I am here for a reason.  

"The purpose of life is a life of purpose." - Robert Byrne

Balance. It's possible!