Needle in a Haystack

I have recently volunteered to help my family find a new nanny, so far we've been unsuccessful, here is my new post:

My family is looking for a very special individual. We have had many inquiries. Most individuals who have chosen not to pursue the opportunity realize that it is much to far from the city, and are looking for a different kind of position.

We are seeking a person who loves children who can help watch over my six year old brother.

My step-father is in a public elected position and must travel often to see constituents (very boring for a six year old) and my mother works days for the state, but that changes in the winter due to weather. They have a large home in a small town, located just three miles from a cattle ranch that they also run. It is on a river, located less than an hour from Winter Park, Sol Vista, and for an additional hour of driving you can find yourself in Steamboat Springs or Summit County. The town is small, there is no "scene", you won't find an abundance of Democrats, birkenstocks, bars, vegetarians, or "spiritual" people. They are a Christian, Republican, gun-owning, cattle ranching family seeking someone who wants to integrate into their family.

They are not seeking a maid, but rather an active participant to help with my brother and clean up after themselves. There are two rooms that you can choose from depending on whether you prefer a second floor or basement apartment. You will have your own bathroom and access to an office where there is high speed internet. Also, you will be welcome to use the rest of the house as if it were your own. That being said, we expect that this individual has pride of ownership, and keeps their space clean and respectable. My family needs help, they do not need someone to clean up after.

As Christians, we live by the motto "Let your yes be yes, and your no be no", we expect disclosure, honesty, and integrity. You will receive these things in reciprocated kind from us. I live in the city, and cannot move due to my career, but can say that the opportunity is unlike any that you will find, with potential for a long-term home. My family is extremely loving, and they have a close group of friends. There is even a little girl next door who might need occasional sitting, which would provide additional income if you are interested in taking on extra tasks. There might even be opportunity to help on the Ranch, but this is not a ranch hand position.

This is not a position where we are seeking a house manager. We do not need an educator, a chef, a handyman (though any skills you possess that would be of benefit would be very helpful), or any young girls that are escaping bad situations or leaving home for the first time. We are seeking an individual who knows who they are, knows what they want and enjoys the outdoors and has a passion for children. You will not become rich from this position, as we are not rich. We can afford to house and feed an active family participant, and afford a stipend for your work in addition to working with part-time schedules (should you want to find a local job for other stimulation) and as mentioned previously- opportunity to help with Ranch tasks, or babysitting the neighbor girl. First priority, however, should be my brother.

Maybe this is impossible, and there isn't anyone out there that would be a good fit- but faith tells me that just isn't the case. We have come close a couple of times, but just haven't found the right one yet. If you are on the fence, or looking for a too-good-to-be-true situation, this is not for you. We cannot sell this position, we can only tell you what we have to offer. I hope the tone of this ad does not distract from the actual need that my family has. There has been a trail of girls using my family to re-locate and dumping them with airline bills, leaving them without someone to help with my sweet little brother who asks "Why did she leave? What's wrong with me?" Truth be told, he could use some consistency, and we are not looking to save anyone, but rather meet someone who might be in need of a place to call home, who loves children, and respects life.

Neat things about my family: My mother makes wine and soda. She loves to renovate, redecorate and upgrade the house. She is very skilled when it comes to upholstering and re-finishing furniture, she has even made a handful of pieces of furniture in the house. My Step-dad is very funny, and a real old-school cowboy. They all love horses, and can teach you to fish and take you on cattle drives (2x a year). One of the nannies was even purchased a season pass to Winter Park to ski with my little brother.

Neat things about the area: There are multiple rivers, ski resorts, hiking/biking/snowmobiling trails, fishing areas, rafting outfits, rodeos, natural hot springs right in town, tubing areas, frisbee golf course, and even a resort with a swimming pool only a 30 minute drive from the house.

About you: You are coming alone, we cannot house any additional children, or spouses, grandchildren or large animals. If you have one dog or cat that is open to discussion. You'd likely want meet their two dogs and two cats to see about compatibility. You are not seeking full time employment elsewhere and a landing space. You are not escaping anything. You are not looking for someone to pay off a current lease. Quite frankly: you are not looking to gain something for nothing.

Please send an email if you would like to discuss this further. I have tried negotiating wages before on my mother's behalf, and have found it to be less problematic if I write the ad, and do the preliminary sifting. I will forward your information to her, so that you may talk directly about the stipend.

Thank you for your time, and we look forward to hearing from you.

I have yet to hear from anyone...