Hey-Diddle-Diddle Day Care Janesville

Thank you for all these lovely gifts and more that are not pictured. I appreciate your thoughtfulness so much!!

HDDDC is CLOSED as of Dec 24, 2021.

More Christmas fun

Last week fun

Today marks the last day of family child care for me after 18 years. We finished up strong with this crew Mon-Thurs with lots of holiday fun. I'll be posting pictures on the FB page in the next few days. I had no idea all I was signing up for when I started in 2004, but I've loved it.

Mostly I wanted to be home with Brett so the influence on his life would be mine. He soon went to school but I was here always when he got home. Being an only child, having kids around all the time has been a benefit to him in many ways.

In the meantime I had 60 some kids, maybe more? come and go. Some bonds are extra strong but they have all been special. I don't think most parents realize how much child care providers love their kids. Like really care and bond with them. Three of my first kids are graduating this year!

I only had one child of my own but I've changed 1000's of diapers, held lots of babies, been through all the stages - and still learning! I've done all the arts and crafts and crazy messy ideas that sounded fun. No regrets. Glitter, paint, playdough will always be my favorite! Sensory, STEAM and dramatic play too.

Please understand there are many excellent child care providers out there who do an amazing job and give so much of themselves. They often have a bad reputation (generally speaking) and we do need more but these ladies work so hard and are so selfless.. I'm not the only one doing this important work every day.

I accomplished all I set out to do and so much more. I know I've grown as a person in general and child care provider. I've made lots of mistakes and haven't been perfect but I've always tried to be the best at it. Honestly, I've always have felt it wasn't enough.

Parents have been so kind and generous over the years. I feel so grateful for the wonderful families I had to work with.

Earlier in the year I started making two lists. Things I will miss and things I will not. I won't share those lists but I know I will think about all the things I miss often.

I have an amazing future ahead of me, one that's just perfect for me. I'm looking forward to less cleaning, more time to focus on my health and less stuff in my house. Damon and Brett are excited too. They have done and sacrificed a lot for my business.

Thank you to so many who have supported me - all the awesome providers in our community, Michelle R. Weirich at BTC too! And I enjoyed all my students over the years!

Thank you for sharing your little ones with and my family. This group the last few years (not all pictured) has been extra special. I know what's going to happen...they are all going to keep growing!! Visit any time!

Look what we did today. It was fun making cookies, kids!

Fun with friends on Tuesday

Yesterday was one of those beautiful fall days while we waited for the bus. Cool and crisp with leaves falling and a little sun.

Brett got us Culver's for lunch. ☺

We had a spooky breakfast (oatmeal too) this morning since there's no school tomorrow. M made a handprint monster this afternoon. 🎃

Interesting discoveries today. Willow lost a tooth and we found a katydid!

These two talked to me right into pizza for lunch! 😄