The New Year
The New Year.
Those words have a bit more meaning for the Brutton family this year. There will be a lot of ‘new’ for the Happy Little Family 2.0 in 2011.
The first ‘new’ begins on January 4th when our nanny reports for duty.
Yep. I hired a full time nanny. Her name is Candy.
Waiting . . .for . . .that . . .to. . .sink . . .in.
Ok, now, I know what you are thinking, but just stick with me for a minute.
I met Candy through a local placement service here in St. Louis. She is a career nanny who has been in the business for over 20 years. She has experience with kids of all ages and is well qualified for what we need.
So that’s the professional resume, but here’s the cool part. Candy is an active member of her church. She is a Sunday School teacher. She is an AWANA leader. She shares the same beliefs and values that we do. She has been without a full time family for almost a year. In that time, she turned down several offers, which caused her a significant financial burden. But you see, she was waiting for the right family. She didn’t know it at the time, but she was waiting for a family that really needed her. A family that is both healing and hurting. A family that shared her faith, and like her, had been sustained and provided for through so many difficult days in 2010.
She was waiting for us.
She was the only person the placement agency had available that fit my criteria.
Does anybody want to still question whether there is a plan in place? Really? Seriously?
Now don’t you feel bad about what you were thinking when you heard her name was Candy?
One last thing before I go. In the next couple of weeks, I am going to be working on getting the house cleaned up and de-cluttered. A lot of stuff has accumulated here in the last few months. Today, I was going through some stuff when I found a little purple cardboard box wrapped in plastic. I figured it was something the kids brought home from school or church, and I was about to throw it away, but I figured I better look at it first.
I turned it over. I smiled. I decided to keep it.
Thanks for reading and Happy New Year!
frugalchristianliving said,
December 30, 2010 at 3:57 pm
How awesome that the Lord has provided such an awesome nanny! (And yes, I do feel bad…..thank you very much!)
Shannon Wilson said,
December 30, 2010 at 4:34 pm
I read this with the kids and Brooke said it better than I can. Simply “God Rocks!”
And the kids didn’t understand the question about the name they loved it! Matthew did ask if her last name was Cane?
Trina Stephens said,
December 30, 2010 at 4:36 pm
Thrilled, but not surprised that God has provided the perfect nanny for you guys.
Definitely keep the box!! I had to laugh out loud when I looked at the photo. The reminders of our wonderful friend keep coming!
Shannon Houston said,
December 30, 2010 at 4:38 pm
How AWESOME is that. Sounds like you all are going good. I hope you all have a Happy and Blessed New Year’s. May 2011 bring you all joy and happyness.
The Houston’s
Linda said,
December 30, 2010 at 6:23 pm
It never fails to amaze me how God is taking care of you and the kids. Ok, I admit when I read her name was Candy, I thought hum….. How can people not believe there is a God? God’s greatest blessings to you in 2011..
Vivian said,
December 30, 2010 at 10:11 pm
this is how God works…in his time. it is wonderful too!!
Sherry Blankenship said,
December 31, 2010 at 3:01 pm
Mike, you’re the champion head of your home, providing, defending, teaching, etc.
You never fail to warm my heart. Prayed for you many times in this tender season.
Please know Dwight and I care. Candy sounds perfect!
Sherry B.
Debra Gleason said,
January 1, 2011 at 8:36 am
Wow. I know we shouldn’t be amazed when God does what he does. His awesomeness never ceases to rock me. Happy New Year.
Julie said,
January 2, 2011 at 12:48 am
This is great! It’s really hard to laugh and cry at the same time! I wish your family and Candy the best of luck, not that any of you will need it. You have God on your side! Have a great year!
Joy Booth said,
January 2, 2011 at 8:44 am
God is good and sweet!!!!!
Leona Hong said,
January 6, 2011 at 11:50 am
You are a beauitful family and your strong faith in God has really touched my heart. I can see God in every word you write in this brog. I wish you all the very best in this New Year, because you deserve it. Kathy is in our hearts and I know that I will never forget the way she touched my heart and my life just the short time I knew her. Some day I know that I will see her again Her picture will always be in my mind of the beautiful person she was and her shine will always be there to light up my life. Thank you for sharing her life with all of us.
Rose Bruemmer said,
January 14, 2011 at 10:09 am
Mike, You, Kathy and the children have been in our thoughts and prayers many times these past few months. Your Mom would be so proud of you. You are a wonderful man of faith and love. I know you and the children will be fine because of that. Love and blessings this year and all the years ahead. John & Rose
Gretchen Reese said,
January 19, 2011 at 12:15 pm
Hi Mike, As always I find myself crying happy tears that you and the kids are thriving at this time. I am so glad that Candy was waiting for your family. I have to admit you are right the name made me smile a little when I read it. I hope she fits in perfect with you and the kids. Have a great New Year and keep us all posted.
Laura West said,
January 20, 2011 at 6:09 pm
Candy was one of the first babysitters we used for our children when they were very young. I can vouch for her credibility, her love of children and attention to so much detail. Our children loved her! There were times we just wanted to get out at the last minute and she would make herself available. You have an awesome woman for your children!
Laura West (Howes)
Glenda Propst said,
January 22, 2011 at 10:05 am
I am so glad to know that you found a wonderful nanny for your children. As a professional nanny with 26 years of experience, I know first hand what a blessing a wonderful nanny can be to a family, I also know that waiting for the right family is one of the most important aspects of what we nannies do.
I believe with all my heart that God led me to the nanny profession and I also believe that he led me to each family that I have had the privilege to work with.
Gods timing is always perfect.
Candy sounds like she will be a wonderful addition to your “Happy Little Family”