de temps en temps

Alright, I'm going to write this really quickly because I have to finish my homework for tomorrow and then go to bed.

So, AM and Chloe went to the doctor this afternoon, which meant that I had the two boys all to myself. It wasn't so bad and I enjoyed hanging out with them, though sometimes when the two of them are together they love to hit and fight and jump on each other until either one of them cries or I have had enough and give them timeouts and/or both. I don't mind if they roughhouse, but they always start doing it when I want them to clean their room or get dressed. Well, today it was the timeout. In the past, I put Elliot in his mom's room and Pablo downstairs on the bed. Today was going to be the same thing, but it turned out better than I could have hoped. Elliot did what I asked before it got to the timeout because he said he didn't want one and Pablo sat quietly for 5 minutes and also did what I asked after the timeout instead of crying and being angry like he had been in the past. I couldn't believe it. It was only a little victory, but it felt really good. Later on in the afternoon I could tell they needed to run around outside for a bit, so I sent them out with waterguns. A bit of a bold move I know, but I figured it was warm out, they didn't have anything else going on this afternoon, and hell, they needed to take a shower tonight anyway. The guns kept them occupied for a while until they needed to refill. Long story short, the hose was discovered. I was being attacked. Since they were mostly drenched anyway, I decided to finish the job. The kids thought it was the greatest thing ever until Anne-Marie came home. She wasn't happy because appearanly we're not supposed to use the hose. I was dry (mostly), but the kids were drenched. As soon as they saw that she wasn't happy, they both started crying trying to make it look like I made them cry. I couldn't believe it! Such little punks! They can blame me for it, I'm not sorry, I thought it was pretty funny. Anyway, I had a good time and I know they did too.

I finally feel more confident in my role here. It only took 4 months! I am feeling more relaxed these days partly because I am more confident in what I can and can't do and partly because I don't invest myself in the outcomes as much. What I mean is, I realize that yes, I am living with the family which means I have to dicipline more than the average babysitter, but I also don't put all my energy and emotions into having things go my way. I am also feeling a bit better about picking up more babysitting hours. I started babysitting for an Australian family a couple times a week. She has 4 kids: 18months, 4, 5, and 7 years old. I only sit for her for a couple hours and usually only have the two youngest to look after. It's a nice change of pace and it's nice to get a few extra euros too! We'll see how long this somewhat more relaxed feeling lasts though!

Yesterday I taught the kids how to make duct tape wallets. Tonight we did friendship bracelates. Pretty soon I'm going to run out of arts and crafts. Nah, probably not, I love doing that kind of stuff and I'm sure we'll find some new stuff to play with. Next project is making communicating devices with tin cans and string. I rescued the olive can from the trash today and now I just have to find another one.

Oh, I forgot to write about the school fete and Mother's day. The fete (party) was last Saturday and Mother's Day was Sunday. The fete was great because I got to see the kids sing and dance. Oh, they were so cute. I have to say that getting to do family things like these and things like getting to be the tooth fairy just make this gig totally worth it. I really enjoyed hanging out with them for Mother's day too and going to the science museum. Despite Elliot's behavior issues and Chloe's constant need to have everything perfect, I think things are progressing well. Pablo specifically I think is acting older than when I first met him and they can all be really sweet sometimes. It warms my little heart. Alright, enough rambling. On to the next adventure...