I like it. I promise.

I started this post 4 days ago, but I haven't been able to finish it for some reason. Perhaps it is the 5 children in my house? Nah, it's probably that I've just been excited about the LOST finale:)
I mentioned a few weeks ago that I am doing babysitting in my home. Since then I have become aware that several of my friends and family are concerned for my well-being. Or maybe it is my sanity. Either way, I wanted to put their fears to rest.

We are not destitute, and I am not bored. Likewise, I have not lost my mind, and my own children are not being neglected. In fact, my kids actually like it. Kate's first question every morning is, "Who is coming to play today?" Will doesn't want to go to school because he misses the babies while he is gone. Ben is probably the least affected because he goes to school before they get here, but when he steps off the bus, he gives the kids hugs before he gives me one. The kids have learned great lessons about sharing, empathy, and helping because we are caring for others on a daily basis, and they have to help me do it.

And yes, we have had our moments where they are tired and want to be alone, but for the most part, they are really enjoying it.

As for me, my days are definitely more hectic. Don't be surprised if I don't return your phone calls immediately, or if I can't remember what I did yesterday. Or what my kids' names are;) But truth be told, I have always loved taking care of kids. When I was in middle school I used to sneak out of church so I could rock the babies in the nursery. Once I had a license, I spent every summer hauling other people's children to basketball practice and swimming and whatever else, basically earning peanuts.

I like kids. I just do.

So surely it's not too surprising that I have chosen to earn a little extra income babysitting. (Or providing in-home child care, as I call it when I want to remind myself that I'm not in high school anymore.)

The kids I watch are really great kids. They are funny, smart, and sweet. They love to be cuddled and read to and play peek-a-boo. (OK, well maybe not the 7 year old boy, but Ben keeps him entertained.) Their parents are great, which makes my job a whole lot easier. Most of them are toddlers, and I never have more than three at a time. Usually it's just two. I work 4-5 days a week.

And I feel like I am good at what I do. I don't mean to sound boastful. Really, I don't. But I have been doing this for 20 years. And I have parented 3 great kids for the last 7 years. Even though I am not a perfect parent (who is?) or a perfect babysitter (let's not talk about the bed-jumping or the incident involving stairs), kids generally like and listen to me. A careful balancing act.

And when I don't want to do it anymore, I will stop. I am not a martyr. I am doing this because I want to do it.

So, please don't worry for me. Don't worry about my kids. I am a big girl. A grown-up. Well, most of the time:)