So in the aftermath of the work cuts, there’s to be a sort of goodbye/vent party on Friday night; it was scheduled yesterday. Finding a babysitter with a week’s notice is extremely difficult; doing it with only two days to spare was probably going to be impossible. I left a message on one babysitter’s cell phone, feeling pessimistic; we love her, but she’s becoming an older teenager, with tons of extracurricular activities and a part-time job. In other words, her availability is tanking.
We went to church last night, and I stood with Gabe for a minute in the nursery before heading to choir. One of the attendants had her baby girl with her, and I was cooing at the baby and chatting with the mom. In the course of the conversation, I vented that I was about to the point of running upstairs into the middle of the teen room and throwing myself to the floor, begging for anyone who was willing to watch my kids to take pity on me. “I could babysit,” said a young girl in the doorway. 
She’s on the young side, but she seems quite bright, and she’s done the “mother’s helper” thing in the past. I talked with her and her mother for a bit, and we decided that she’ll start by watching the kids at her house, with her mom there. If this works out, man, I’ll be in heaven; she’s young enough that she could be our sitter for years! 
I’m mixed in my feelings of anticipation and dread for the party itself. On one hand, I love the people, and I love spending time with all of them. On the other hand, it’s likely to be an evening mixed with acrimony – feelings of anger toward the company, toward those who had to make the tough decisions, toward the economy, perhaps even toward those who some would feel should have been fired instead. Anger is a natural emotion in these circumstances, but it’s tough to navigate a situation where so many people will be feeling it, alongside sadness and despair.
To lighten things up…
Gabe is one of my favorite little persons.
Wow, haven’t seen Gabe since he was talking so much and so well! He is a great kid.
I ♥ little Gabe
The “party” sounds, uh. . .maybe draining. not really like it will be a happy bash.
as for sitters. . . I think so long as they are capable and trained, the younger ones (old enough, not too young) make for better sitters. They are at the age where they adore kids and want to play with them and be with them. Very attentive. Unlike older teens, imo.
(growing my *own* sitter? That was freakin genius).
Who may do ok, but who are not as enthusiastic
hope she works out well. My daughter works really well for us
Hi Carrie,
I’m late in replying to this post. My 6 yo Max was watching it with me and he kept wanting me to play it over and over. He was laughing so hard at Gabe’s Knock Knock joke. So for the past couple of days every once in a while I’ll catch him saying some part of it and laughing to himself. He also had to tell everyone he came in contact with the joke.
To answer your question about whether I have a blog or not, no I don’t. Maybe one day. I don’t know how you find the time to do all that you do and blog too.
Enjoy your day,
Debra