from the mouths of babes

My baby cousin Katelynn turned 10 yesterday.
She wanted to invite a boy to her birthday party. Her parents axed that idea. She knew it was for the best.
Apparently, she said to my uncle recently,

"True love is so hard."

Amen sister, A.MEN.

xoxo,
April

bigger isn't always better

It's been a crazy day in room 118.

So today's nap time is particularly quiet, as our fussy babies get some much needed rest.

4 kids are out, seems no one wants to get out in this weather.

I ran in it this morning. As we left the house, the rooms said "We are those people." We are.

A new student visited with their mother. She said, "I wouldn't call myself a helicopter parent per say..."

at which point I tuned out, because, well, she just gave herself away.

Then, I suddenly wished I was a nanny again. That's happened a few times recently. I miss dealing with one set of kids (& one set of helicopter parents). Not 20. There is a sense of control that comes with nannying, which you will not find in any other child care setting. There's a deeper investment, a true relationship. Even when nanny families are frustrating- and maybe you feel like you're not trusted, it's just 1 set.

The root of my current feelings:

- Sorry she didn't eat ALL her lunch, I was watching TWENTY kids.

- No, I don't know why he took his hat off, there were 2 classes, FORTY 3yr olds, on the playground

- Well, if you had labeled their extra set if clothes then maybe they wouldn't be missing

- Yes, in fact, we do provide hours worth of individual instruction, that's completely possible with 20 students.

- Sorry about those vacation days when you have to find alternative care...I know, it's silly, why would teachers need a break?!

These people clearly need nannies...

viva italia

This girl (another Haiti travel friend) leaves for FLORENCE, Italy today.
I haven't been able to tell her in person, but I think a semester abroad is the single most important thing you can do for yourself in college (eh, maybe go to class). Nothing beats it (take me back to London town, please).

Follow her journey here.

So proud of you Britt!!!

xoxo,
April

the darndest things

Sometimes I just need to share the things I hear (or say myself). As a teacher or 3yr olds- there's quit a collection. My favorite from today was rather sweet.

"Ms. Lambiotte, you're so brave."
We were sitting down eating snack, nothing that took much bravery (aside from opening goldfish) led her to this sweet conclusion.

Then I made a stop at the grocery store and saw a student. She was amazed. I mean, I don't live at school?? As her mom pulled her wide eyes away and I said I'd see her in the morning, all she could muster was,

"I saw you..."

also-

If I had a penny for every time I said
" _____ put your shoes back on!"
...and
"______ pull your pants up!"
I'd be a rich woman. Bet YOU don't say those phrases very often ;).

xoxo,
April

P.S. In other news, check out this from The 410 Bridge.

change

Well friends, the inevitable has happened.
This nanny is taking a break. (a nanny break that is.) Life is going an unexpected direction.

Wait, pause.

Ok, let's be honest, me wanting to pick up and move to Haiti is not totally unexpected. My second trip to Haiti went like this. Now I'm just waiting to see what God does. He's moving. In big ways I never knew He could. Oh ye of little faith!
So, I'm still writing. I mean, I love writing as much as I love talking. I'm changing venues though. I figure I might as well embrace change, so I'm trying tumblr (plus, I'll admit, it's trendy, sue me). If you happen to be interested in my little journey, you can follow it here, on an anchored heart and wandering feet.
I'll stick around here too. There are sure to be a plethora of nanny and teacher stories to tell in the coming months.
Thanks for the support and love friends. I am so blessed.
xoxo,
April

from one belle to another

I've had a hard time getting back on the blogging train since the holidays/Haiti.
Considering I'm reaching snow day number 3 I should be doing a ton of blogging, but my heart just isn't it. (Pause: I did write THIS, that counts, right?) This is a last ditch effort- either way I'm thinking about a blog change in the future- but more about that later.
Should be like riding a bike, yea?
Here it goes, this GEM of a girl tagged me in a post (she was tagged by this belle). We all happen to share a love for Blair Waldorf and bows.

Your favorite qualities in a woman:

The ability to be venerable to love, the way God has intended it. The ability to let go and let HIM lead you.

Your chief characteristic:

I'm a doer. I like to get things done. In an orderly fashion. God is challenging me in this in every way possible.

What you appreciate the most in your friends:

They support (& put up with) me to a fault.

Your idea of happiness:

The sunshine of Haiti and playing hand games with sweet Haitian children.
Like this one:

Ensesca, the most beautiful and smart 2 yr old you'll ever know.

Your idea of misery:

another snow day. (someone get me OUT of here)

If not yourself, who would you be:

Well that's just silly.

Where would you like to live:

Haiti.

Your favourite colour and flower.

Blue. and gerber daises.

Your favorite heroines in fiction:

I don't think I have a favorite- Elizabeth Darcy is certainly up there though.

Your favorite painters and composers:

Degas, hands down.

Your heroes/heroines in real life:

There are a lot. Right now, these precious people are on my heart.

What characters in history do you most dislike:

Well obviously Hitler comes to mind.

Your favorite food and drink:

Chick-fil-a and sweet tea. Georgia girl born and raised.

What I hate the most:

Waiting.

World history characters I hate the most:

Hitler comes to mind again and I think Castro would make that list.

The military event I admire the most:

Like Angela, I find the French Revolution fascinating to study. I also get really into ww2 history.

The natural talent I’d like to be gifted with:

The ability to speak and easily pick up other languages.

What is your present state of mind:

2 things:
1) this cabin fever has got to go.
2) Sadness and hope are engulfing my heart and mind simultaneously as we approach the year anniversary of the January 12th Haiti earthquake. It changed the life of so many.
Keep praying for Haiti.

I tag 2 of my favorite people in the world
Lindsey, of musings on life, love, and all of the above

&

Mallory, another belle of course, of sweet georgia belle

xoxo,
April

...in like a lion

Christmas has come and gone (a white Christmas at that), a new year has begun, God has completely turned my heart inside out through a second trip to Haiti, I have done zero nannying and I am completely behind on blog posts.
Forgive me?
For now, I'll share my prayer (courtesy of sara groves):

‎"I won't pretend to know what's next
but what I have I've offered
and I pray for a vision and a way I cannot see,
it's too heavy to carry and impossible to leave..."

More to come. I (pinky) promise.
xoxo,
April