I am reflecting on 2010, whats it been like for you?

[MUM2BLESS]

Hi Everyone 2010 is almost finished. Can you believe it?

It been by far a busy year.

Really greatfule to the man upstairs for the work that has been coming in. I am also really thankful for the QUITE TIMES.

I said goodbye to one of my little ones who moved on to private nursey.

Took on a 12 mth old (already cared for her siblings)

Took on a NVQ3 course (online) due to complete March next year..

Childmind FIVE. Got FOUR of my own.

2nd son started senior school in Sept.

Had so many late nights (early mornings should I say) trying to do work for course taking and also preparing for the assessor who was coming.

This is just some of the things thats happened.

How was it for you?

Big changes for me this year. DH started minding with me in January. Had a few months stressing about the lack of income while he waited for children. Some hiccups while he tried to implement his 'new' 'brilliant' ideas . Fabulous Summer running through the woods and generally getting muddy (also lovely that he saw soooo much of our DD which he hasn't done before). Now have 15 lovely children on our books, some part time, a couple full time. DD started Secondary School and that has gone unbelievably well.

A good year in the HSMM household :) (Just don't ask the bank manager if he agrees)

2010 has been an amazing year. At the begin of the year my DH and I wasn't even CM's! I didn't even know that he would be!

I had been considering being a CM and in March I committed to it. It was only when I looked into numbers/ratio's of the people from Church who wanted me to look after their children that I realised I would need an assistant. First I thought maybe my daughters Fiancee as he wasn't working at the time but when I mentioned it to my husband he reaction was "why don't I be your assistant." or words to that affect. He hated his job so this was a chance for him to change it.

We went to the first briefing and he realised because training was at the weekend and the work he was doing at the time wouldn't allow weekend time off that he would have to quit his work sooner than we thought. But we had some savings and without telling family about our plans an uncle sent us a £2,000 cheque! When most of our money ran out on living and refurbing the house we recieved another £2,000 from his dad! He didn't know at the time that the money we had had almost gone! We got our registration through on my birthday! We had got our first family who the youngest was mon - Thurs for a week until Mum had to change it to part time.She used to be a childminder too! We got another mindee who does flexi time with us. DH found some short time council work for us too that was looking after children while the mums did a basic maths and english course once a week. We have been offered more work come the new year if we want it. (church children haven't happened but that is just as well really)

My health has improved so much that I am no longer on DLA and dad was able to help with a loan so we could buy a second hand car (we used to have a moterbillity car).

My oldest is now living in a supported living flat with another lady (she's special needs). The place is beautiful and not too far from us!

My middle girl started Uni and youngest is doing much better at school than she had been.

I know it's been God helping us get this far. Our life really has turned around. It's not what it used to be but we are far more happier now. As for the money we know that will improve but we have enough for the bills and food. Thats the main thing :)

Thanks HSMM your business seems very warm and caring. All the best for the new year may it be a very enjoyable one for you too. Enjoy your Christmas.

Sandym3g from what I can see you are a christian childminder. Me too.

As i reflect somethings were great some were challenging.

Great:-

Seeming the children develop throughout the year.

Getting good feedback from the assessor when I have done the work right.

Attending my childminding group etc with the great activities.

Being able to pay the bills.

Challenges

Late payment, late collection, dealing with challenging behaviour,

May 2011 be a great one for you sandy...

what a lovely idea, Mum2

I have had an Outstanding year

The children I care for are adorable, my parents are wonderful, so so supportive and engaged and interested in their children's time with me

I love my job

Challenges : Waiting SIX months for my inspection, being on tenterhooks for so long was so very sapping (due in Jan, inspected in June)

I have been minding for nearly a year now, my overall impression of 2010 is that it was extremely tiring! I have never been this worn out with any office job that's for sure!

I've definitely had some lows, I was ready to jack it all in a month ago as my only full-time mindee had cried solidly for 3 months ... yes, 3 months!!! Thankfully she is back to her old self again now and I definitely want to carry on being a CM!

My DD (2y) has made her first ever 'best friend' and they are lovely together, randomly hugging and kissing each other and having an excellent time - CMing is worth it just to see my DD have so many friends to play with.

Would love to hear from some more people please, or would you prefer not to talk about it.

Well its been non descript really as far as years go...until this last month.

Fighting for my job (the job i absolutely LOVE, look forward to going in everyday, love it)

Got an appointment this month for Liverpool womens hospital to investigate my miscariages and failure to concieve.

DS has settled and really found his feet at school after 3 years of misery for him poor
little chappy.

We have enjoyed good health,

Went on an amazing holiday to Florida (with the outlaws which sealed our dislike for each other after years of wondering.

Quite looking forward to next year, think it holds many possibilities.

oh and i turned 40

Brokeoven

I send you a BIG HUG and trust that all will be well for 2011.

May all go well during your hospital visit and that you will oneday hold your precious little baby in your arms.

That ds will continue to be happy at school.

You will have a good relationship with your inlaws.

About being 40, its wonderful being in your 40's. I will be 46 next Feb. Its just a number. I am well and in my right mind. What are your dreams for 2011? Excuse me if I sound like a doctor...

May 2011 bring your all things WONDERFUL!!!!!!