Friday, October 13, 2006

Sam and Mike

It's hard to believe that I haven't posted about Sam and Mike before, because they play such a huge part in the lives of my kids. 'Mrs. Sam' has been my babysitter, nanny, daycare provider, since Anna was a wee tot back in 1995. She keeps children in her home. 'Mr. Mike' is her husband who has been there helping all along. He just retired a few months ago, so he's home more often now and they pretty much co-sit the kids.

Mike and Sam both have a 'way' with children. Do you know what I mean? A 'way' that many of us simply don't have. Sam has been able to get all 3 of my kids to do things that they would never do at home. Case in point; taking a nap at a regular time, on cue. Also, eating all kinds of non-kid-friendly vegetables, like broccoli, cauliflower, and okra. Mr. Mike has a garden across the street from their house where he grows amazing vegetables and is nice enough to share with us 'moms.'

Did I mention Sam is an incredible cook who makes the best eggplant lasagna and gumbo I've ever tasted? The kids she keeps actually request different meals on her 'menu' when they're off for the holidays.

I've found that Sam and Mike are akin to an extra set of grandparents for my kids. They've been there for them through every stage of their lives thusfar, and have never failed to give them just what they need. They are a permanent part of my 'thank-you' list in my prayers, because I do realize how incredibly blessed we all are to have found them.

(Here's a shot of Mr. Mike hanging up the clothes last week on Mrs. Sam's birthday, when he promised to take over all the chores.)

12 comments:

Amanda said...

Isn't it great to have people around that you totally trust. The fact that they are so good to your kids makes it even better.

Martie said...

Wow, a grandma and grandpa pair of nannies that aren't even blood related.....how lucky is that! They sound like a lovely couple and just what the kiddies need(ed)!

Anonymous said...

That is awesome!

I need to find some adoptive grandparents for my daughter.

Anonymous said...

wow! you are so blessed to have a couple like that in your life. i'm sure your kids adore them!

Tiffany said...

You are blessed and very lucky to have such nice people in your life; I'm sure your kids love visiting. They sound like great people to know!

chesneygirl said...

I think I've told you before my husband's aunt watches Adam in her home 4 days a week.
Sam and Mike sound just like Alice Jean and Jerry. They can get him to eat and do things he won't do for us. And he asks about her occasionally on the 3 days he's not with her. She's like a third, or an 'extra' grandma. :)
Adam and AJ adore each other and I couldn't be more grateful and blessed!! :)

Beth said...

That is so neat...they sound like special people!!

Suzanne said...

How wonderful you have such special people in your lives. Now, if Mr. Mike wants to come to my house on MY birthday for chores, I won't stop him...

Greta Adams said...

i'm back!!!

kids are always better for other people..isn't that amazing??

Lisa M. said...

I love, really love people like that. What would we do ... with out... people who can help us, that way. I love Alexis, one of Ethan's caretakes. I CAN NOT imagine this experience, with out her.

Krisco said...

That is so cute. And so KEY!!!

Lucky you! (and the kids)

Nicki said...

That's wonderful that they have this couple as just another support system in their lives. :)