Better at blogging!

I must apologize to myself and everyone who still believes that I am going to blog more than once a quarter. Here I am done with college and yet, I am not blogging near as often as I should. Starting now, I need to keep up on this blog for myself, my friends and family and more importantly...for my children to read. So with out further delay, let's begin the process of what I like to call "catch-up blogging!"

My last blog was about my brother's wedding that took place three months ago tomorrow, wow time flies. The Summer came and went faster than I could blink an eye. I focused a lot of my time on getting my photography business going. I am passionate about photography, and I love when people get their pictures back and have that speechless reaction. I really hope this goes somewhere for me because so I can continue to create exciting, priceless and memorable moments for many families to come. I finally have my website up and running and I will be adding my logo shortly.

The biggest thing that happened to me over the summer was looking for a new job. I had been a nanny for the Atkinson Family for nearly two years, but I realized I just graduated from college with my bachelors degree in Mass Communication with an emphasis in Broadcast Journalism and I needed to start thinking about moving forward. So I began the job hunt. I found a job posting on ABC 4's website. They had an entry level position open for Advertising and Sales. I had been doing some thinking about sales, especially pharmaceutical sales, so I needed to get sale experience some how. I applied...thinking I would not be called because I didn't have any sales experience. The next day I got a phone call from channel 4 asking me to come down the next day for an interview. I could not believe it. So I went to the interview, it went great! Then I went home with a pit in my stomach, knowing I would have to tell the Atkinson Family I got a new job. I was not scared to tell them, I was sad to tell them because I knew they were going to be so sad. This was not some ordinary family...they were like my second family. I have never been treated with so much love and respect, not to mention I adored their two boys and they adored me. I told myself I would not say anything to the family unless I knew I had the job, but the family already new I was putting my resume out, so I know they were expecting phone calls. Anyway, the next day channel 4 calls and left me a message saying I did not get the job. I was bumbed, but I wasn't going to let one no get me down. I called channel 4 and thanked them for taking time to interview me. I also told them to keep me in mind for the future. The next day I got a phone call from channel 4. Tthey wanted me to come in for a second interview! What!!! I could not believe it. I went in the next day for the second interview and was offered the job the next day. I was so excited, but so sad too. Now I had to tell the Atkinson Family. I started to cry just thinking about having to tell them. I got on the phone and told Amy (the mom) the news. She was so excited for me but began to cry and then I started crying. It was a sad day. Then, when I went to work the week I told them, Destry (the dad) tried to bribe me with a check in my name for $10,000, plus a 20% raise, plus they would pay for my health insurance and I would have to sign a one year contract. WOW...what was I to do. I had the entire weekend to make a decision. I felt sick. I had to choose between a family I love and adore or an opportunity to grow in the business world. Well I took the job at ABC 4 because I knew I needed to start using my college degree. It wasn't easy turning down that amazing offer the Atkinson Family offered me.

The first week of August was my last week and it was a difficult week for me. The kids were extra sweet and loving, as if they knew what was going on. The boys were 3 and 1. My last day I cried a ton, and Jack the 3-year-old came up to me, put his two little hands on my cheeks and said, "don't be sad Tanelle, it's ok." Then he gave me a big hug. I love that boy!!! I have watched Jack grow up right before my eyes. I started watching Jack when he was 15-months. I remember he could say my name perfectly from the day I met him. He is my Bud for life!!!
One thing I was able to give the Atkinson Family was scrapbooks of the boys. I had started making Jack's scrapbook from day one. Adding pictures of our daily activities and adventures. Then when Charlie was born, I started making his too. The family loved the scrapbooks and so did Jack and Charlie. I still see my boys about once a month. They are still as sweet and loving as ever! Not to mention, Jack and my niece Sydnie are boyfriend and girlfriend, and they are in the same preschool class. They are so cute together!
As for the Atkinson Family today...I forgot to mention that before I left I help them find an amazing nanny to take my place. It happens to be Jack's teacher from the two's class. So it all worked out! I had to find someone that would treat this family like gold, just like they treated me. They are all doing great! I can't wait to visit them soon.

More blogging to come tomorrow night, I promise! For those of you who are still interested in my blog. ;)