Nanny Life: Top 25 Reasons Why I Have the Best Job

1. Tiny fingers and toes

2. Sticky smiles

3. Sidewalk chalk

4. Backyard adventures

5. Snack time

6. Puzzles

7. Little laughs

8. Pre-kindergarten crushes

9. Play-doh

10. Disney-Pixar movies

11. Forts

12. Coloring pages and stickers

13. Walks in the neighborhood

14. Comfy clothes all day

15. Nap time

16. Innocence

17. Sesame Street and other kid shows

18. Wonderful chats with wonderful mothers

19. Sprinklers

20. Creative imaginations

21. Picture books

22. Hands on Museum

23. Pots and pans musical parades

24. Playing a small part in while children learn and grow

25. Learning huge lessons from little people

 

xoxo, Hannah

Party in the USA (olympic highlights)

From the well knowns to underdogs the Olympians have once again captivated the hearts of millions around the world.  These Olympians are genetically gifted in every sense of the word. Who doesn't want to watch someone who not only looks amazing but has amazing talent?

   Throughout the Olympics we saw world records broken, our favorites fall, became fans of young men and woman who are still in high school, learned about new sports, cried when we saw a medal around the neck of favorite Olympian,remembered what it felt like to be American, and got a glimpse of world peace.
Here are few of my favorite Team USA  highlights from the Olympics.

 

*The fierce 5 winning the gold, brought back so many memories of when the magnificent 7 won the gold back in '96. Seeing these young talented teens achieve such a high honor was a magical experience.(not to mention Gabby Douglas winning the all around, and Aly & McKayla picking up an extra few medals)The name fierce doesn't do justice this remarkable group of talent. How can you not love sweet little gymnistas ? (i made up the gymnista because I don't like word gymnast)

*Missy Franklin may be my favorite olympian this year. This sweet 17 year old girl won 4 gold and 1 bronze medal at the London games. The High school senior turned down endorsement deals so she could swim at the collegite level! What a gem! I loved watching her on the podium for 100 backstroke crying while national anthem played.

 * I am always in awe of swimmers who swim the 400IM , its not an easy race and to be able to swim it fast and gracefully is definitely something to brag about.Watching Ry Guy win this race against Phelps was the Olympics at it finest, such intense competition. Plus seeing Ryan in a speedo is always a highlight anyway.

*

 *I am not a huge Tennis Fan, but I am when I watch Serena & Venus Williams. At this years Olympics games Serena became the second woman to win all four major tennis titles and win Olympic gold in both singles and doubles (with sister Venus)!

The U.S. Women's Water Polo Team is very near and dear to my heart. Betsey Armstrong the goalie for the U.S. team was someone I idolized as a kid. Betsey was a good friend of my neighbor and I thought she was just the bees knee. I would follow her and my neighbor everyhwere  and go to as many of their high school water polo games as I could. I remember watching them,thinking someday I am gonna be as good as them.I remember thinking they were so cool. Betsey is such a sweet girl, and watching her win Olympic gold, felt just the same as watching her beat our rival team in highschool. I am still in awe of Betsey and her cool factor. It is amazing to see her achieving dream.

* I am not a Phelps phan, but I still consider him a remarkable athlete becoming worlds most decorated athlete with 22 olympic medals was a great historical moment witness.

*Aries Merrit and Jason Richardson going 1-2 for the 110 m hurdles and beating a new Olympic record was extremely exciting to watch. Their victory lap around the track wearing american flags was quite the Olympic experience.

* I don't think the energy could be matched at the Women's soccer Olympic final. The crowd was out of control with excitement. Everyone cheering wondering if the USA was going to have their 3rd consecutive win of Olympic gold. The USA beat Japan 2-1. Major creds go out the USA goalie Hope Solo who made an awesome dive to keep the Japanese from tying up the game.

*Last but certainly not least of my favorite Olympic moments, was watching Misty May & Kerri Walsh win Olympic gold together one last time(Misty is retiring) in beach volley ball. I just love these two. They kick butt on the beach. I was so happy to hear they were coming to the Olympic games once again. What was even more exciting is that they played against fellow USA team members for the gold. They have such a tight bond and love for each other and the sport. You can't not love the two of them.

There are many more Olympic moments I could put into this post but these are the top ones for me. I am really going to miss the Olympics. I love being American, and I couldn't think of a better group of athletes to represent us.

USA USA USA

-Kimmy

Happy birthday J.K. Rowling & Harry!

Dear, the boy who lived
Thank you for teaching me how to be strong in a time of darkness. Thank you (along with Hermione and Ron) for proving that good friends can get you through anything. And thank you for being a friend to generations of children for so many years. I loved growing up with you.
Happy birthday friend!

Dear J.K. Rowling,
Words cannot describe how thankful I am to you. You inspired me to be strong and fight for what's right. You taught me more life lessons than I can put into a simple letter. Thank you for creating books that changed my life!Thank you for bringing magic to so many people around the world.and most of all thank you for creating world that will continue to captivate children for years to come.
Happy Birthday Jo!
Love,
A muggle who thanks you more than you will ever know.
-Kimmy
P.s. still waiting on that hogwarts letter!

Your official London Olympics correspondent.

The Royals, The former athletes and the torch.

 {From: Friday July 27th}
  To say that I am excited for the Olympics would be a huge understatement. I have been obsessed with the Olympics for as long as I can remember. As a 6 year old I was convinced I Would be going to Olympics when I was 16 for ice skating (and if not for ice skating swimming when i was 18).My ice skating career didn't last long but my Olympic obsession never has left me. I get more emotionally involved with the Olympics than probably the average person should.I know the athletes names,standings and competitors from other countries.I live and breathe the Olympics, I often get so immersed in the Olympic magic that I feel like I am right there with athletes.Sometimes, I even cry when I see someone win medal.
    I am not sure why I love the Olympics so much. Maybes it is because its one of the few things the world can agree on, maybe it's because it's inspirational to watch someone achieve their dream right before your eyes or maybe it's because the Olympians are not only extremely talented and genetically gifted. (hello Ryan Lochte)
    This year however i am even more excited than usual.Not only is it Olympic season, but the olympics take place in LONDON. You know who lives in London? Harry Potter, The Queen,Prince Harry, Prince Wills & KATE MIDDLETON. I still can't decide what I am more excited for, the Olympic games or the outfits Kate Middy will be sporting. I cannot think of a better place for the Olympics to take place. Two of my favorite things colliding the Olympics & the royal family. This is not only going to be a good few weeks for show casing athletic talent but also for fashion.

I will keep you posted on all things Kate & All things Olympics during the next few weeks!

-Kimmy

The Top Ten Questions I've Asked Since College Graduation in 2011

1) Now what?
2) Wasn't I supposed to find out who I was while in college?
3) Why doesn't it get easier after I have a B.S.?
4) Do I really have to go to grad school?
5) What do I actually want to do with my life?
6) Where is that hot doctor that is my perfect match and future husband? Or would I even be ready for him if he showed up today?
7) How long could I live at my parents place without them noticing there's an extra person lurking in their basement?
8) Is there anyway to skip to age 25 where I have this all figured out?
9) What if I don't have it all figured out at age 25?!
10) Why am I wasting my time asking about all these questions when I could be finding all the answers?

Happy Hunger Games!

Good Morning World!

Last night at midnight marked the official release of the Hunger Games movie! Naturally, NNG purchased our tickets on the first day they became available and were fully prepared for our wonderful night, or so I thought. Here is the synopsis for the events of yesterday from my (Hannah's) point of view:

I woke up and went for a run with a dear friend. While running I was reminded of Katniss hunting in the early mornings with Gale, thus extreme excitement for the movie ensued. Throughout my errands and work yesterday, I was simply elated! Finally, the movie would be here! Somewhere after the dinner hour, my excitement became overwhelming and turned into crazy anxiety. I realized I had broken through the threshold of normal when I headed to our pre-Hunger Games meeting spot around 9pm and could not hold back the tears! Katniss' story came flooding into my thoughts, turning me into a basket case! I knew the movie would be fantastic, but I also knew how emotional the plot is. The entire evening from that point I was re-living my time reading the series. I could hardly speak. Literally, I was NUTS! My three besties (obviously my Nearly Normal counterpart was among these) who attended the movie with me couldn't help but laugh at my emotional wreck of a composure. Once the movie began, I settled into a silent sob that didn't end until I was in bed for the night. Without giving any details away, THE MOVIE WAS FANTASTIC! Of course the book came first, so I am naturally more attached, however the movie can definitely stand alone. I really enjoyed how well it was casted, and the way they made it understandable for those people who hadn't read the books. I was also impressed with the set of District 12; it was devastating. I missed Katniss' thoughts and so many of the other details in the books that were bound to get lost when taken on screen. Overall, though, the movie captivated the aspects of the book that truly moved me as a reader. I loved it... clearly! After a few hours of sleep, my roller coaster of emotions has come to a halt. I would like to take this moment to apologize to the people I interacted with in the last 13 hours. Last night, I was possibly a bit farther away from normal than usual!!

Happy Hunger Games!
xoxo, Hannah

24 things to do with your extra 24 hours.

24 things to do with your extra 24 hours.
Here are few things to help you maximize your leap day. Are you gonna make the LEAP and try something new?

 (in no particular order.)
24. Organize something/Deep Clean. Is there a project that is always on your to do list, but you never seem to get to it!? Take advantage of your time and do it. You will feel so much better after it is done.

23. Call/Contact Someone You Miss. If you are like me and hate the phone, maybe since it's leap day and it only happens every four years you can pick up the phone and call someone you haven't had the time to catch up with.

22. Work on Your Fitness. Go for a walk with your dogs, go to a yoga class, or try a work out on TV. Anything to get that blood pumping! Being active is good for body and good for your spirit.

21. Cook/Bake a Recipe You Have Never Tried Before. Dust off an old cook book or look up a recipe on pinterest and create something delicious.

20. Donate Clothes. Get rid of some old clothes that you never wear, if you haven't worn it in the last 6 moths you most likely won't. Donate your clothes, or give them away to a friend. I use to have a hard time doing this but now I just think of it as making room for new clothes ; )

19. Write a Letter. Nothing beats a letter. Nothing. An email doesn't even come close to getting a letter. I love getting snail mail that isn't a bill or a magazine full of clothes I can't afford.

18. Watch Some Television. Sometimes life gets too busy and we don't even time to sit on the couch and watch our favorite tv show. Why not put in disc of your favorite television show or pop in an old movie that makes you feel good.

17. Be Creative. I find being creative very theraputic.Why not finish that scrap book that's half done, sew something,or maybe start a new project you have been wanting to do.

16.Take a Picture. People don't take pictures nearly enough. With how easy it is take a picture, take a moment and capture something in your life. You don't get those moments back, so why don't you record them?

15.Read. Reading is one of my favorite hobbies. I love the characters you meet in books and how much a book can impact your life. If books aren't something you fancy read a magazine and get lost in the font for a little while.

14. Make A Mix Tape. I know I used the the word "tape" but make a mix CD just doesn't sound as good as mix tape. Mix tapes are essential for enjoyment in the car. Take a minute and make a new one to listen to on the way to work. Or maybe even put in an old one from a few years ago.

13. Try a New Hairstyle. I change my hair almost everyday, but with that said I usually fall into the same patterns.I have a pinterest board filled with new dos I want to try. I am sure there is something you want to do with your hair that you usually don't have time for. 

12.Take Time to Relax. Take a moment and soak everything in. I usually do this on saturday mornings and sit at the kitchen table while sipping coffee just gazing at the world around me. 

11. Hangout with a Friend/Family Member. Schedule a coffee/lunch/dinner/drinks with a friend, or family member. Do something special with them. It doesn't have to be big or expensive.Have a real conversation and discuss eachother's lives. Quality time is one of the best gifts you can give someone, what is a relationship without quality time?

10.  Write Something. ANYTHING. I cannot express enough how important it is to write.  Whether you perfer a pen and parchment paper or a screen and a keyboard, take this extra time to write something. Maybe a poem, a goal list or even a journal entry.

9. Buy Something. Everyone needs a little impulse buy every once in awhile. Why not buy those new shoes you have been eyeing for the last 2 months?

8. Pray. Some days I get so busy "I don't have time" to pray. I pray everyday, but I don't really pray every day... does that make sense? Sometimes my prayers are short and rushed. Take the time to have thoughtful prayers and reflect.

7. Go through old Photos. Something people rarely sit down and do. Grab an old photo album and finger through the pages or creep on yourself on facebook. I love seeing how I have changed/stayed the same over the years.

6. Pet your Dog/Cat/Animal. Going through the daily grind we often forget about the creatures that love us most. My childhood dog is still alive. He is 17 and has the sweetest brown eyes I have ever seen. He lives with my mom and I rarely see him. Your animals aren't gonna be around forever. Give them an extra hug or scratch behind the ears.

5. Expand Your Vocabulary. The English language has tons of beautiful and unusal words, yet the average person never even uses 50% of them! Pick up a dictionary or use a word of the day app on your smart phone and then try to use that word in a sentence.

4.Dance. I am fairly certain  a dance party could change your life. I am without a doubt the WORST dancer on the planet. I have no rhythm ( i can't even stay on beat when I clap in church...) but that never stops me from dancing.  Let yourself go for just one day and dance around your house or with a friend to a song that you love. Can't you spare three minutes of your busy day to just stop and dance?

3. Sing. With Dancing, I have to include singing. Singing is something I  am not the best at either. I mean I am not a train-wreck , but I am no Aretha. My favorite place to sing is the car. I have no problem rolling down the windows (turning on the heat if necessary. Since it is winter.) and belting out one of my favorite jamz. If the car is too much for you, grab a hair brush (it's the best microphone) and sing at your house.

2. Laugh. Laughter is one the best joys in the world! Laughter can solve pretty much every problem you will ever encounter. People don't laugh enough, it is such an easy thing to do , but why don't we do it? Because we are too stressed and too busy. Spend one of your extra minutes (if not hours) laughing. Watch one of your favorite TV shows, read a funny blog, talk to someone who makes you laugh. Let your guard down and laugh.

1.Smile. This day only happens every four years, why not make the best of it and smile and be happy. Life is too short not to be happy. I try to start every day with a smile.





I hope you all enjoy your day.
xxoo
-Kimmy

Dear Anna,

Three years ago today I lost a Friend, If I can even call her that we didn't know each other that well but she did make impact on me, and not just with her shocking death but by the way she lived her life. Everyone deals with death, it is a part of life,but most people don't deal with murder. Having someone you know have their life taking away by someone else is the worst feeling in the world. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. domestic violence is a serious issue. No one deserves to have their life taken away. In honor of my friend I wrote her a letter, of all the things I would like to say her.

Dear Anna,                                                                                                                                                                     

      It has officially been three years since anyone has heard from you. I can’t say that past few years have been easy without you. But I can tell you that I finally feel better. I don’t hate the world around me and I no longer cry  everyday. Instead of crying I try to smile. I know we didn’t know eachother well, but I wanted you to know that you made an impact on my life. I have never met anyone with as much spirit as you. You were such a wonderful blessing from god, you knew how to brighten anyone’s day just by making them laugh. You had this glow around you that made people gravitate towards you and you welcomed them with your kind smile and warm heart. I wanted to thank you for making me a better person, I wouldn’t be the person I am today with out you. Because of you I remember to cherish the people around me and be thankful that god gave me another day to be here and make an impact on the world. I learned that your life is a gift and it can be taken away at any moment.

 

    I wish I could hear you play music again or see a picture you drew hanging up in the hallways of Huron. I am sure if you were here now you would be flourishing in your junior year of college (wherever that may be,since you couldn’t decide!) with a Beaners which is now Big B (so weird right?) coffee in your hand, and your violin case on your back on your way to jam with some other musicians. Maybe you would be helping to paint a mural at college,maybe even leading a campaign to help animals. Whatever you would be up to now, I am sure it would be helping someone one way or another.

    Sometimes I get really upset because I feel like your time here with your family and friends was too short, and I get selfish and want you back but then I remember that you gave your life to save others and I know you wouldn’t want it any other way. Thinking of all the lives you save by giving your organs  makes me remember just why you had to leave. I hope I can learn to be more selfless like you someday.

I am thinking of you today and always.

Oxox

-Kimmy 

"Gods knows how I've missed you,and all the hell that I've been through, just knowing no one can take your place, sometimes I wonder who you'd be today." -Kenny Chesney

If you know anyone who is suffering from domestic violence please contact this hotline: 
http://www.thehotline.org/
Phone: 1-800-799-SAFE

Information about Anna
http://obits.mlive.com/obituaries/annarbor/obituary.aspx?n=anna-maria-list&pid=123178636 

It "Felt" Like a Crafty Day

Greetings from Hannah and Kimmy!

We just wanted to keep you updated, and possibly inspire you to get a little crafty! Hannah found an idea from Pinterest and has adored the quick and simple craft idea. 

 First, we cut out two great colored felt circles.

Second, we stacked them to ready them for sewing.

 Thirdly, we sewed some fun zig-zag lines to secure the two circles. Kimmy did a great job on the Singer for the first time!

Clearly, we're loving them! YEAH PINTEREST CRAFTS!!

Merry DIYing folks! xoxo, Hannah and Kimmy

Goals, Plans, Lists, Resolutions! :)

Oh hi...

Let me take this opportunity to ignore the fact that I haven't been blogger active lately, but instead wish anyone who stumbles upon this a happy thanksgiving and holiday and new year! I've been busy, which brings me to this wonderful lists.

The first list was developed with my good'ol friend, Elijah. He decided that the we should make a list of "ten little things to make a huge difference in our little lives." Together we plan to conquer our list on a daily basis. I am very excited about this, because many of these items are also part of my new year's resolutions. It breaks down into 3 categories: personal, physical and Jesus. Here's a photo of our list:

My next list is my new years resolutions. I have created detailed plans to carry out all of these lovely things, but for a pretty and colorful visual reminder, my friend Susie helped create this in illustrator:

As I mentioned, lots of happy repeats. I am absolutely ecstatic for 2012! I'll be blogging all the while, so get ready for an earful, mysterious cyber abyss.

WOO-to the-HOO!!
Love, Hannah