Chapters

I grew up as a reader. I absolutely love to read. In fact, I loved to read so much as a young person that my parents actually limited the amount of reading I could do each day! That being said, I have a bittersweet relationship with chapters. Chapters signify the end of something. They also signify a beginning. I am almost always excited about new things: new chapters. I love to look forward to new things and anticipate change with excitement. However, I dread the end of chapters. (This is probably due in large part to the fact that my mom always said, "When you finish that chapter, you're done reading for the day!") I don't like to see good things come to an end. If I could, I would go back and relive certain chapters in my life.
I believe that our lives are often lived in chapters. They are all part of one big book and our gracious Heavenly Father has carefully written each word, each line, each chapter. And so, while the end of chapters often makes me sad, I love looking forward to the new chapters that will reveal just a little more of His amazing plan for my life!
My husband and I seem to be entering a time in life where many chapters are coming to an end while at the same time many new chapters. We are so excited to watch God continue to perfectly lead us through His story in a way that brings the most glory to Him! There is one chapter, though, that was extremely difficult to choose to close, and even more difficult to follow through on.
One year ago, I resigned from my day job and moved my career home - I became a full-time mommy and I absolutely love that. I consider it a great blessing to be able to stay at home with my kiddos. However, we still needed for me to generate a bit of income and so we decided that we would endeavor to help out other mommy's who didn't have the same luxury that I did of staying at home.
I became a nanny. Throughout this past year, I have fallen in love with these little ones. They became my little buddies and friends, and I count their parents among my dear friends as well.
I just wanted to take a moment and relive this little chapter. To show you some of the reasons that I will miss that season of life very much. There are so many pictures and memories that I could share with you, but I'll try to just stick with a few.
I love you, Adelaide, Louis, and Ahnaliyah! Thank you for blessing me with your presence in my home!

This little peanut is just the cutest thing. Her facial expressions and gorgeous blue eyes melted my heart from the very first day.

This little hunk was the only boy in the household and quickly caught up to the size/weight of my youngest who is about 8 months older. He has always been a charmer. Just look at that smile!

Miss Ahnaliyah was just in my home for a few months, but quickly became my oldest daughter's best friend. She often stayed with me when my oldest was at preschool, and helped me not to miss her as much.