Love n’ Birthdays
The kids that I watch are like extended members of my family. And in my family, birthdays are very special. We have a party, eat lots of food, and enjoy being with each other. My nanny families are no different. I was honored to be invited to Jare Bear’s birthday last spring. He had a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle meets basketball party with the kids from his basketball team.
The cake I made for Jare Bear’s b-day.
So fun! Now its August, and I-yo’s birthday is coming up. I feel horrible that I can’t be there since I have moved but hope her birthday note will brighten her day.
So it got me thinking, how do other nannies celebrate birthday’s with their charges? Are they invited to family parties? What about after you are done being their nanny, do you still send cards and presents..and for how long do you keep in the traditions?
What about nanny’s birthday?
For my birthday, which happened last year only a couple weeks after starting with I-yo and Jare Bear’s family, we had a fun movie night together complete with spaghetti and a birthday cake decorating competition. I made little cakes and we each got to decorate one, then ate it for dessert! So cute! Couldn’t have asked for a better party đ I-yo made me a cute handmade necklace and they both made really awesome cards.
Send me your thoughts on birthday celebrations and traditions!
~Kelsey
G.O.R.P
It’s summertime! Get outside and explore! But don’t forget your healthy and delicious GORP đ
Ok let me explain. In Girl Scouts we used to make our own food on camp outs. That included making trail mix for our hikes and late night snacks. For those of you who don’t know, GORP stands for Good Ol’ Raisins and Peanuts. Now I have created a similar treat that can make a simple walk to the park turn into a grand adventure (with a little imagination).
Step one: Create a buffet type bar in the kitchen complete with healthy snacks like nuts, dried fruits, pretzels, yogurt covered berries, fruit snacks, seeds, granola, etc.
Step two: Let the kids fill sandwich size bags with these yummy treats. Have them get creative and make their own mix. Can they name it? My kids came up with MCGOOP-Marshmallows, coconut, granola, orange slices (dried), and Obviously Peanuts. I like ALAMODE- Apple chips, Lemonheads, Almonds, Marshmallows, Oat balls, Dates, and chocolate covered Espresso beans.
Step three: Add a few sweet treats like M&M’s, carob chips, coconut, marshmallows, their favorite cereal etc to make the snack extra special.
Step four: Set out on your grand adventure. I have taken kids the long way to the park then had a “picnic” when we got there, eaten GORP on camping trips, put it in field trip lunches, and always make it when I take kids on day trips. It is an easy snack that can be made with leftovers in the kitchen.
Enjoy!
My Nanny McPhee Moment
I am going to preface this post by explaining my title. Nanny McPhee is a movie about a bunch of unruly children who get a nanny. She teaches them “lessons” about patience, appreciation, being courteous, respecting authority etc throughout the movie without them knowing it. After her five lessons are unknowingly put into action, she disappears.  I was beginning to think I had not made an impact like this on the children I had been watching for nine months but on my last day I was proven wrong, in a very good way.
Wednesday was my last day with the kids I have been watching since last fall. While it may not seem like a long time, I have grown so attached to this family, it was VERY hard to say goodbye. The kids and I have been dreading it for the last month. But I didn’t want to go out on a bad or sad note so we planned the most super awesome week together.
Tuesday we went to Pinkberry, our favorite yogurt hangout. The kids love this place! After our healthy treat we went home for a night of relaxing while watching a movie.
Wednesday came. As usual I woke up at 4 am, got to work at 6 am.. but to my surprise, I-yo answered the door! Dressed and ALL! As I walked in she gave me a BIG hug and told me lunches were already packed, she was dressed, her room was clean and her horseback riding clothes were ready to go! Jare Bear came down shortly after, already dressed and with his riding gear on. They walked me into the kitchen where a bag was sitting by my chair. I handed them their gifts (a picture frame with pictures of us together and a special note to remember me by) and opened mine. They had gone to Starbucks (my favorite mid day hangout and gotten my favorite VIA drinks, a mug and gift card along with the sweetest card and pictures đ Whew..keep it together man!
Lesson 1: Responsibility for oneself
Lesson 2: Appreciation for those around you
After I said my goodbyes to MomBoss, (who was working late and I wouldn’t see again) the kids and I started playing. We turned on a movie, played games and talked about where I was going and why.
I dropped them off at school at their usual time, said “goodbye, have a great day!” like I had every day for the past nine months.. but just as Jare Bear got out of the car he turned around and said “Miss Kelsey, this is the last time you will ever drop us off at school… Have a good day.” (tear jerker instance #2)
Lesson 3: Kindness and Well Wishing
I went back to school mid day to watch Jare Bear get his much earned Honor Roll award. PROUD NANNY IN THE HOUSE! He was so excited and I was honored to get to see him earn this accomplishment. He started spring semester with not so great grades but pulled through and worked hard. AMAZING what effort and hard work add up too!
Lesson 4: Hard work, dedication, self control
The end of school was fast approaching so I left a little early to get in the front of the pick up line. The kids raced out and hurriedly got in the car. We were off to the races, well.. the ranch! It seemed like forever before we got there but we did. I made a call to the owner of the ranch asking specifically for a white horse for I-yo (who LOVES white horses)! Pattie pulled through and the kids got to ride Sophie, a gentle white mare with soft eyes and gentle manor.
I-yo was first. My little cowgirl was fearless in the arena, so much so that she got to ride solo. Around she went, gliding effortlessly. Jare Bear was next. He was a little nervous at the beginning but quickly picked up the hang of things. The kids had fun playing with Yum Yum the donkey, Ernie and Hershey the pigs, Mack the cow who thought he was a dog, and the farm dog Jake. After their lessons, the kiddos got to brush down and feed Sophie her favorite treat, carrots!
The ride home was bittersweet, happy from the fun day we had experienced together but knowing it was almost over at the same time. Not even a Happy Meal could help the ride home. Before we got out of the car I-yo said something she has never said before on her own. “Thank you Miss Kelsey. Not just for today, which was totally awesome, but for everything you have done for Jare Bear and me.” (OK if I wasn’t crying before this sent me over the edge..composure… whew!)
Lesson 5: Appreciation, Respect, Gratitude
The kids said goodbye and raced upstairs to change while I talked to DadBoss. Little did I know they had raced off to cry without me seeing them. Eventually Jare Bear came back down with red puffy eyes, asking me not to go. (ahh these kids and their ability to make a grown woman cry…which I guess isn’t that hard since we are pretty much the most emotional beings on the Earth..regardless, I got choked up yet again)
I really hope I stay in touch with this family for a long time. They are forever a part of my life.
In the words of Nanny McPhee:
Tuesday Tips with Jare Bear and I-yo
Thank you for all the questions and participating in Jare Bear and I-yo’s last post as my charges! Here are their responses:
Jare Bear:
What do you recommend nanny’s make for lunch?
I recommend doritos, yogurt, goober sandwich, soft cookies, carrots and broccoli and green apples!
What is your best tip for dealing with temper tantrums? What should we do if you have one?
Try changing the subject or just leave me alone!
What is your favorite subject in school?
Science and math.
Who is your best friend and why?
Seth, Thomas, Andy and Jayden. Seth is my best friend because we randomly started hanging out and had a lot in common. Thomas is my best friend because I was lonely and he asked me to be his friend. Andy is my best friend from second and third grade because again we just started hanging out and became friends. Last but not least, Jayden became one of my best friends because he and I played the same game at recess.
Do you like having a sibling?
I wish my younger sibling was a lot younger. We are close in age so we don’t always get along or hang out. She is into ponies and drawing. I like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and foreign money!
What is your pet peeve?
I hate it when my sister purposely annoys me. Or when she makes noises while I am doing homework.
Do you like having a nanny?
Ya! They are fun because they play games, they are always there for you, they try to fix bad days and reward good days with stuff like going to the park or having Pinkberry.
What is your favorite thing to do with your nanny?
I like going to the local mall and hanging out by the lake. We chase birds and make up plays in the outdoor stage.
If you could go anywhere in the world where would it be?
New Zealand because their money is awesome!
What is your favorite color?
Pink
Do you do chores at home? Which ones?
Yes, I clean my bathroom, dust my room, feed my fish (I have lots of fish), and filling up water bottles.
What is your favorite tv show?
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and How is Money Made.
Do you have a special talent?
I can jump on a pogo stick more than 500 jumps! I can do awesome tricks in the pool.
What would you suggest nannies do to be more fun?
Just be who you are because you are already fun! đ
I-yo:
What do you recommend nanny’s make for lunch?
No peanut butter because some people are allergic to it. I like pizza Lunchables, Chewy bars, Capri Sun Super V, and last but not least a surprise treat like candy or popcorn!
What is your best tip for dealing with temper tantrums? What should we do if you have one?
Put me in the calm down corner so I can relax.
Who is your best friend and why?
Alexis, because she always helps me with my problems.
Do you like having a sibling?
No, I would like a sister though
What is your pet peeve?
When my brother goes in my room
Do you like having a nanny?
Sometimes, because I like when she takes us to the park or out for a treat, but I don’t see my parent’s that much.
What is your favorite thing to do with your nanny?
Going to Pinkberry or the lake!
If you could go anywhere in the world where would it be?
Hollywood and Paris because Hollywood is where acting camps are and Paris because it is so beautiful there and the Effel Tower lights up at night!
What is your favorite color?
Magenta and purple and pink!
Do you do chores at home? Which ones?
Yes, my favorite one is cleaning my mom’s makeup brushes.
What is your favorite tv show/movie?
Harry Potter and Judy Moody
Do you have a special talent?
YES! but its a secret!
What would you suggest nannies do to be more fun?
Take us to a carnival!
Well there you have it, Jare Bear and I-yo’s final interview! Have a Terrific Tuesday đ
~Jare Bear and I-yo and Miss Kelsey
Exclusive Q&A with Jare Bear and I-yo!
Send me the questions you’ve been itching to know about being a kid, having a nanny, having a sibling, going to school or chore questions. Jare Bear and I-yo will answer them all on next Tuesdays “Tuesday Tips” post!
It is my last week with these kiddos! đŚ Enjoying the last few days with them!
Wacky Wednesday Activities with I-yo and Jare Bear
Since school is winding down and the kids  no longer have homework, they have been very interested in my blog. Their stardom continues with a look at their favorite activities, activities they want to do and not so fun activities. Here is a look at my “interview” with the young-soon to be “celebrities”.
Jare Bear:
What is your favorite activity to do with your nanny?
Play board games like Candyland and Headbandz and umm… drawing contest.
What is your favorite way to spend afternoons when you don’t have homework?
watch t.v., play wii or riding my bike and scooter with neighbors. (Jare bear can jump more than 500 jumps on the pogo stick!)
Do you have a favorite game?
Probably basketball (I am really good!) and Headbandz (Disney edition)
Are there any games you want to try that you have never played before?
Operation!
If you could go on any day trip with your nanny, where would you go?Â
Panning for gold at Knott’s Berry Farm (I love gold and foreign money!)
I-yo:
What is your favorite activity to do with your nanny?
I like to go to Pinkberry and do arts and crafts like drawing and cutting out designs and stuff.
What is your favorite way to spend afternoons when you don’t have homework?
I like doing drawing contests with my nanny and brother. And I also like swimming!
Do you have a favorite game?
My favorite games are Monopoly, freeze tag, duck duck goose, Minecraft and I like freeze dance!
Are there any games you want to try that you have never played before?
Pop the Pig, we have it but it is broken so I haven’t played it before.. And infection (kind of like tag but the person that is it is the infection..)
If you could go on any day trip with your nanny, where would you go?Â
I would want to go to Seaworld or the movies (if Pinkberry is included) or the aquarium because I love animals! I really want to go Horseback riding with Kelsey because we both love horses! I want to ride a white horse and Kelsey likes the butterscotch and spotted ones đ
I Need Your Help!
Hey everyone,
I am going back and forth with what article to submit to Nanny Magazine for submission. So who better to ask then my amazing followers! Has there been an article that I wrote that really captured your attention? Been inspirational? or taught you something about being a nanny? Let me know! I will send the top two picks to Nanny Magazine Friday Morning!
Happy Hump Day! Friday is coming đ
Tuesday Treats: A look at I-yo and Jare Bear’s Favorite Eats
Jare Bear’s Picks
Favorite food: Mexican Steak
Favorite Snack: Doritos
Favorite Cookie: soft big chocolate chip cookies!!!
Favorite Fruit: green apples
Favorite lunch meal: goober sandwich (PB & J all mixed up)
Favorite place to Dine Out: Chili’s
I-yo Picks:
Favorite food: Pizza
Favorite Snack: Popcorn
Favorite Cookie: chocolate chip cookies with marshmallows
Favorite Fruit: grapes
Favorite lunch meal: homemade lunchables
Favorite place to Dine Out: Claim Jumper
That’s All Folks đ Have a terrific Tuesday!
P.s. Did you know dogs are colorblind? ~ Tip from I-yo
So, you (maybe) want to be a nanny …
These are the perfect questions to ask/ answer on a nanny interview! Puts our job description in perspective đ
One of the most common interview questions (whether it be for a position or from friends & family) I get asked is, âWhy do you want to be a nanny?â It is so important to know the answer to this ⌠not only to score some extra points during the interview process, but more importantly to know if being a nanny is something you really want. Unlike most part time (and some full time too!) jobs you can get, you really have to love what you are doing. You might not have to love other jobs, and yet you are still fully capable of doing what is expected of you and even doing it well. As a nanny, if you donât love it, and I mean genuinely, really love it (screaming kids and all!), it shows. The kids feel it. The parents feel it. And when the parents feel itâŚ
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