Im A CNA Baby!!!!!

Yes, it's official! As of Saturday, yours truly is a Certified Nursing Assistant!!! I was soooo nervous about taking the State test, but I did GREAT! In 2 weeks I will have a license number but I can work now as long as I show my pass results to an employer.  Yipeeeee! Hopefully this certification will make job hunting a tad bit easier......


School starts in January. Registration is on the 11 of this month..or the 10th??? (guess I better double check!) Im super excited!! In a way, I am really grateful for this separation. Most of it I dont like, but I dont think I would have ever gotten to this point in my head had Michael and I stayed together without taking a break. I was in MOM MODE totally. I didnt know who I was anymore, let alone a wife. I had a big part in the crappy-ness of our marriage as well as Michael did.

We have decide that we will work things out. Divorce is not an option. We both have agreed to try to see each other as allies, not someone who is out to get the other. We both get defensive wayyy too easily and thats when the walls go up and the communication goes down.....

6 weeks and he will be down here visiting again for Xmas. 3-5 MONTHS and he will be out for good! Then he is coming down here and we are going to determine whats going to happen from there.....we both don't want to spend forever in FL (we LOVE fall) so we are exploring our options as to where our forever home may be.

This thing called life is a crazy journey. Im trying to soak in all the learning. Man, its crazy. I look forward to the day when God explains it all.....and it will make perfect sense.

Till next time------------

The Job search is ON, Like Donkey Kong!

So I was browsing job ads in FL {because I reallylove having my ducks in a row and being proactive!} and stumbled upon this site called Go Nannies. It matches potential nannies with the families who need them! How cool is that??? I registered with the site and even found a family who is needing nanny care for the hours I would be available. How exciting! I emailed the mom and hopefully will hear back from her soon!{offering a job! hehe.} 

I dont want to make a habit of tuting my own horn, but sometimes I forget just how GREAT I am and need a little reminding, so I am going to write out a list of the qualitites I have that make me perfect for being a nanny!!

1. I am trustworthy.
2. I love kids
3. I am hardworking
4. I am reliable
5. I care about helping people
6. Doing things the right way is important to me
7. I'm a clean freak!{and pay attention to detail}
8. I feel that raising kids is a majorly important job. Im not just shaping who they are now but Im essentially raising adults. How they are taught and treated will be engrained in who they are as adults.
9. I dont smoke and only drink occasionally { 1-2 drinks amonth if that} and would never drink on the job.
10. I am a good,safe driver
11. I will do my best everyday. I am motivated to succeed.

Ok---I think thats enough..bwhahahaha.
So, we will see how it goes.I will keep you all updated because I know you are waiting on pins and needles! {not!}

FCC---To Be or Not to be. That is the question!

Hello all you lovely bloggers out there! How is your Tuesday gong so far. Ok here, I suppose. Just boring. LOL. Ive been doing a lot of pondering lately about getting a job. Here on post, the people at ACS (Army Community Service) recommend to volunteer first because most of the positions that are available or will become available will hire from within first. Soooooooooooo, a few years ago, I was thinking about becoming an FCC (Family Childcare) Provider.


This when when we were stationed back in Kansas at Fort Riley.

I went with my friend Aubrey ( HEY AUBS BIG SHOUTOUT to you!) to the orientation meeting. They told us the requirements and I even went as far as having a home interview set up with the head on the Fcc department.(she wanted to see my home and meet my hub and kids)

Then I went over all the rules and regulations again in my head and thought that it was way too much for me to deal with just to watch kids. What would be too much to deal with you ask?? Well.....youre in luck.

It's show in tell day.

*I would have to subject myself to unannounced visits/inspections of my home
*I would have to make charts for weekly activities and meals to be served
*my house my pass fire/health/safety inspections
*plan fire drills with the kids and practice them
* house must be PRISTINE all the time.

Those are just the ones I remember off the top of my head (because I threw the paperwork away in Kansas!) I wish I hadn't done that now!

Now before you all get on me and say "thats not to much to do", just remember Mikey was 4 and Zach was 2. Add 3-4 kids on top of that and NO THANKS!

You make pretty good money per kid and you are backed by CYS (Child, Youth Services) if any potential problems arrive.(i.e. payments/fees etc)

Here is an example of one providers area...



The part that Im stressing about is this....well actually two parts.

Here is what the Army FCC Website says:

The Baumholder Family Child Care (FCC) program offers a variety of flexible care options that meet regular and mission-related child care needs to include full day, hourly, before/ after school, extended care (overnight and weekend), and special needs.

FCC homes serve children 4 weeks to 12 years of age in a homelike environment that allows siblings to be in care together. Parent fees are based on total family income and follow DoD fee guidance.

FCC providers participate in the subsidy program designed to increase the availability of care and to offset their business costs.

Only the best qualified applicants are selected to become certified providers. FCC applicants must complete a screening process (Background checks) before certification. Background clearances are performed on applicants, spouses, and children 12 years of age and older. They attend 40 hours of orientation training, which includes child abuse, CPR and First Aid, medications/communicable diseases, child abuse, business practices, nutrition and developmentally appropriate practices. An in-home family interview is conducted by the FCC Director. The homes are inspected by fire, health, and safety officials to ensure all operational requirements are met. After certification, providers receive on-going training, technical support, and unannounced inspections by the FCC Director, Training and Curriculum Specialist, and other proponents. Training and educational opportunities can lead to a Child Development Associate (CDA) or Home Accreditation by the National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC).

A lending library is available to providers to check out materials, equipment and age appropriate toys and books for lesson planning and training requirements. FCC Providers are required to plan and post a weekly Activity schedule.

FCC Providers must meet and follow the USDA guidelines for food and nutrition. Providers will post their weekly Menus for Parents; so Parents can see what will be served during the day to their child.

Parents are always welcome to visit their provider’s home during business hours and to participate in field trips and other program events. There is a Parent Advisory Board that meets quarterly. Opportunities for parents to attend sessions on parenting skills are offered. Topics address children birth through 12 years in FCC and older ages at other CYS programs.

FCC providers are private contractors. They will set up an Interview with the parents to go over the contract and requirements/ policies (health, outdoor, fieldtrips, child abuse reporting etc.). A monthly fee is charged according to the DoD Fee Policy, which can be paid once a month or bi-weekly.

An important goal of our FCC program is to help parents select the FCC home that will meet the needs of both the child and the family. This way the child feels “at home” even when he/she is not a home. Parents can go to work without to worrying “how their child is doing”.

Wow, right?!?! At the time (back in Kansas) I didn't really want to work, but the hubs was pressuring me to work(dual income is much much better, obviously) but I am stubborn and since he was going about it in a not so nice way, I fought to not work. Now, it's different. Well, maybe the only thing that's different is my mindset. My Zachy ( who I am not ready to let go of) is off to KINDERGARTEN the end of next month. Mikey will be in SECOND grade. That leaves only me and my Toodie. Why wouldn't I want to do this?? I was struggling with the idea of putting Hailey in daycare ( not b/c of the care itself, but because I wouldn't get to be with her) when I first started thinking and looking around for a job.

This, to me is the perfect soultion.

Anyone who knows me, knows I love kids. I LOVE to clean and I am very organized. (ask the hubs...he can attest to my list and chart making capabilities!)

It's a perfect fit in my book. I am not worried about all the surprize inspections and and that stuff.

What I am worried about (which I am finally getting out after going off my original point) is two things.

1. The Schooling
In order to become provisionally certified, I must complete 40 hours of training.CPR, child abuse, tec.
Then throughout the year complete more classes and modules to help me with the daycare.

I just need to know I am going to be super duper busy, which will be fine. I am a worry wart about things I don't know about, and because I have no clue what to expect, Im worried. but I know that once I get in and get going. all will fall into place.

2.My house
I love decorating and all that comes with it. I know that my house will need to be "baby-proofed" in order to run the daycare. I know that I will have to move my things. Here's where my problem lies. I love the look and FEEL of my house and I am afraid that in order for me to run this daycare, I will have to get rid of the things that make my place feel cozy.

Boo Hoo, right?!?!?! Will someone please just tell me to shut the heck up and stop whining already!?!?!

Im sure it will all fall into place.

Im super excited and cannot wait to get going.

Are any of you FCC providers out there? Do you know of any personally? Got any tips or inside stuff you wanna share???

Anyways, thanks for stopping by and reading this super duper long post!

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Job UPDATE!

         So I got an email today stating that I have been accepted for consideration for the secetary job! WOOOHOOOOOOOO! Now I know this doesn't mean that i got the job, but it's definatley a step in the right direction!!! I mean they could have declined my app. altogether! Im excited and hope to hear something very soon!!! I will keep you all updated, of course !

Hope you all have a stellar weekend!                                                    



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More Job Hunting

Well, the secetary job posting offically closed this morning at 6 a.m my time! I am hoping to hear from them MAYBE by tonight.( I think that may be wishful thinking though)

I was browsing the listing again and stumbled upon a posting for a CYS Program Assistant. It's an entry level position, which is good for me LOL. Plus, its a the CDC so thats cool. I sorta wanted to stay away from anything invovling kids, but the pay is good for an entry level job(much more then I expected) and lets be honest, I do have experience with kids LOL.

I "self nominated" for the job and since my resume is already in the Armys database, Im good. This posting closes tomorrow morning at 6 a.m.

I will be sure to keep you all updated...Im sure you are just dying to know what the outcome is!!!

Anyways, have a great rest of your Thursday and thanks for stopping by!!!

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A Hunting We Will Go.

                                            Well, a hunting I will go. And I should say did.

Ive known I have been needing to get a job. Financially, the hubs has been carrying us for the past.....gulp....ten years! Don't get me wrong. He's done a fabolous job at it! I have always been spoiled by  him ( as well as our kids) However, with our goal of buying our "forever house" when we get back to the States, any additional income would only be a benefit to us!

I got a web address from CYS ( child, youth services) for an Army civilian website for job vacancies. I checked it out and found a good job.

Now most of you wont be thinking "Wow, she scored a GREAT job!!!" In fact, most of you will probably be thinking I've lost my marbles.

What job did I apply for, you ask? You might want to take a seat.

Are you sitting? Holding onto the table or arm rest?

I applied to be.......a..........

stripper!!!


HA! You thought I was serious, didn't you? Nah, the Army wouldn't advertise for those kinds of jobs.(at least I hope not!)

I have applied to be a secretary at the local Dental Clinic. Now I know for most of you, you have probaly did secretary jobs like wayy back in highschool or something. In HS, I worked for my Dad's janitorial business cleaning office buildings. My last job (where I met my hubs) I was a maid for the Adam's Mark Hotel in Daytona Beach FL.(its now been bought out by the Hilton)

All my life I have been a manual worker. I have not so secretly always wanted the job where I dress up pretty and always have my hair did. The glamorous job. HA! Now dont get me wrong, I know being a secretary isn't all  bling bling, but it does allow me to dress up. And because its an Army job, I would get great benefits.

What kind of benefits, you ask?

These.

Time Off

Vacation / Leave – Begin with 13 days paid vacation during your first year of federal employment. Your leave allowance increases to 19.5 days per year after 3 years and to 26 days per year after 15 years.

Ten Paid Holidays
Leave of absence for –
Family Care
New born/newly adopted child
Disability or serious illness

Flexible work environments

Flex Time

Job Sharing

Onsite Day Care (at specific locations)

Telecommuting (approved schedules)

Fitness Facilities (at specific locations)

Now I think that is pretty pretty amazing! I am also hoping I get this job for my sanity! Now don't get me wrong, my husband and kids are my EVERYTHING, but I feel like I need to be an "adult" now. Ya know, talk to other adults about something other then whos kid is sick or what they ate for dinner. Whos potty training and whos kid is the brattiest.

I remember what it feels like to work...and get paid for it. I work my boooty off as a SAHM, but there is something as equally rewarding about being a part of the workforce.My Zachary will start Kindergarten (ahhhh!) in August. Mikey will be in Second Grade.(ahhh again!) Hailey will benefit while in Daycare because she will be able to play with (and learn with and from) kids her own age.

In my head, I have already gotten the job. LOL! I have no skills, except that I can type 40 WPM(thanks to blogging and web surfing) I am always always early where-ever  I go. I am friendly and patient. I know how to answer phones and fax/copy things. I can pull files and interact with customers. I AM qualified for this job. Lucky for me, there were NO minimum qualifications for this job. Kinda scary. Is that good or bad? Wednesday is the close date for applications so I will not know one way or another until then. I hope I get it. I decided NOT to use my Military Spouse Emplyoment Preference for Employment (which would give a heads up over the other applicants) Once you use it once, you cannot use it again for his tour here in Germany. Three years is a long time to not have that preference. So, I tried doing it on my own.

Scary. Yet exciting.

The plus side to this also, is that I will have to go shopping. Shopping for work clothes! Awww thats such a shame! HAHAHHA!

Any of you lovely bloggers out there ever been in my situation or one similar? Id love to hear about it and the outcome!

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On another note, my LOVE comes home from the field tonight!!!!! YAY! I just realized that means he will be able to go on the trip to Trier with us on May 28th!!!! WOOOOO! My poor love hasn't gotten to explore even one place since he's been here. freaking training!
 The kids are all doing great.Zachary is turning a new leaf. Whenever I ask him to do something his answer is "yes, mommy." in the sweetest most loveable voice ever! I think its helps that I totally gush over it! Im like"on my goodness Zachy you are the best little listener EVER!" or "thank you sooooo much Z. You make my heart sooooo happy when you listen to me!"

He eats it right up!

Mikey man got six compliment cards from his teacher last week. SIX! They were for following the rules.

Um, duh! He is the best behaved kid in school.(no really, Im not just sayng that cuz Im his mama. He really is a well behaved kid. His school record proves it. I will have to show you proof another day though because I have no clue where the heck it is right now and frankly do not feel like looking for it!

He got a pop up book of Animals as his reward. He's soooo happy. I am too. I m happy by boy loves loves loves to read!!! He amazes me with the vocabulary he has at 7!

As for the Diva, she's getting so big too! She has been sicky lately and  has a runny nose. I was in the bathroom (cleaning it) when she came barreling in and headed straight for the T.P. I was about to tell her to back the heck up  move out of the way when she got the T.P and wiped her nose! AHHH! She then proceeded to throw it in the potty(whose lid happened to be up already!) I about died! I can't believe how smart she is. And so verbal too.

Hmmmm what are some of her new words.....

*Ugh oh Toodie
*DVD
*Thank you Toodie
*She folds her hands when we say prayer at dinner
*cup
*down
*up
*good girl Toodie

The girl amazes me! It will be so hard to leave  her and work though. She's my pretty baby girl! Booo! But, it must be done!

Anyways, Im going to get going.

Pot roast in the crock pot for dinner.(and it smells divine already!)
MMMMM MMMM MMMM!

Hope you all have a lovely Monday!

Thanks for stopping by!
                                                                
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