Au Pairs Nominate Their Host Mums in Smartaupairs Mother's Day Special

Mother's day is a great chance to say thank you to all our lovely mums! This year, we continued our tradition of asking au pairs to nominate their host mums in our Mother's Day competition. In the nomination, we simply asked au pairs why their host mum is special/why they should win the above Waitrose mother's day hamper.  The winning entry this year was submitted by Mikaela, an Australian au pair currently placed with a host family in London.  The winner was chosen by a vote in which all our au pairs could take part. We did not want to publish this until after Mother's Day to keep the prize (and the runner up thank you cards) as a surprise :)  Here is what Mikaela said about her host mum: "Nicola is a part time cook, teacher, carer, superwoman, nurse, comedian, writer, business woman, councillor and a full time mum!  From first day I arrived she welcomed me with open arms and made me feel right at home. She goes above and beyond what a mother should do, not only for her own son but for me as well! She is always on the go, taking us out to things and making sure we have a great time. Even if she is having a bad day she won’t let it effect her mood and keeps up a happy, encouraging attitude AND energy to run around with a 2 year old.  I would love her to receive this mothers day gift, just as a little thank you for all the hard work that she does. Hopefully she’ll be able to use this gift to relax a bit before baby no. 2 arrives!  So here’s a massive thank you and happy mothers day to my beautiful English Mumma!  Mikaela xx" Runners Up: Letter by Laura for her host mum Rachel (Kent) "When I saw the post about Mother’s day, I knew straight away that my host mum, was the exact right person to get this special treat! Since my first day here, she has made sure I always felt welcome and a part of the family, and definitely made sure that I never felt left out. She has introduced me to their family members, but also to friends of the family. My host mum has been an absolute delight to work for, and problems have never occurred between the two of us. She has always reached out with a helping hand, and given me very useful advice when needed. I think my host mum, Rachel, deserves this, because she is such a hard working, loving mother to both of her children and I really admire her! She has taught me that even though you have a busy life, packed with work, there will always be time to smile! I know she appreciates my work in the house and with the kids, and now I want to tell her how much I appreciate, all of the things she does and has done for me, too. She wrote me an absolutely fantastic reference for my UNI application (which made my dad cry, when he read it… a bit embarrassing I know, haha!), and for that I am ever so grateful. It’s time to give back, and therefore I think Rachel deserves this for being the perfect host mum, who is actually also a very lovely friend of mine now, and even though I’ll leave in six months time, I’m sure our friendship will last! Rachel has definitely been a big part of making my two years as an au pair, as wonderful as they have been! I am so grateful for all of the time we’ve spend together, and hope we have many more good times coming in the future. Thank you so, so much, Rachel!  -Laura xx" Nomination by Nele for her host mum Tanja (London) "To describe my hostmum in three words: helpful, considerately, amicable. I would be so glad if you could send the waitrose Hamper to my lovely hostmum. Tanja is the best hostmum I could ever imagine! She makes me feel like home, helps me in every Situation and is still there for me. She organises lots of things for me, even if it's difficult like finding the best language school. I want to say Thank you to her for all the things she had done in that short time. I can imagine that it's difficult to manage everything especially when you are pregnant. Whereas I was totally frustated about finding no Language school, she still went on searching the right one. Abig thank you to her! Nele x Nomination by Anne for her host mum Joanne (Halifax) My lovely host mum J is the best host mum in the world for me. She picked me up from the airport, she prepared me a lovely and cosy room, she showed me where to go shopping and she introduced me to family, friends and teachers. But there's more to it: J and I spend time together cooking or baking, sometimes we are just talking. It's J whom I go to whenever I need an advice, an opinion or some help and she gladly gives it to me. My host mum trusts me and she says that she knows that I will do my work very well without her asking for it. She is always very kind to me, she asks my very politely when she would like me to do something and she is very grateful when I do. She appreciates what I do for her as much as I appreciate her taking care of me. J makes me feel like I am actually part of her family. She always gives me choices, e.g. whether to spend the evening with the family or on my own. I can't put into words what she has done for me to make me feel welcome and at home in her house. Even though I am J's first Au Pair and it was a big change of her life to have me living in her house, she is doing everything to help and support me. It doesn't really matter if my host mum wins this competition. Because to me, she is simply the best host mum and the best friend I could have asked for. That's what I'll tell her on Mother's Day because I have not had a proper chance to tell her how much it means to me to be a part of her family. I hope we will have a lovely time together but I know we will and I know that it will be too short in the end! Take care, Anne :-) Nomination by Julia for her host mum Gemma (London) I love the idea of the mother’s day hamper and that you can nominate your host mums to win it. While I was writing the nomination more and more things came to my mind, why I have the perfect host mum and I hope my nomination is not too long ;) I want to nominate my host mum Gemma. She is such a lovely and kind person and I couldn’t think of a better host mum! Even if she is really busy with her job and other things to organise, she has always an open ear for me. When I first read the letter she wrote in her Au-Pair profile I knew that I really want to live in that family and that I want to have her as a host mum. After our first Skype call I didn’t even wanted to have conversations with other potential families. We started writing e-mails really often and when she told me that they want me as an au-pair I was the happiest person on earth. Unfortunately their old Au-Pair had to go back to Germany two months earlier so they needed someone immediately and I still had exams to write, so I couldn’t start earlier.  I was really sad but she said that she really want to meet me in London for a cup of coffee and wished me luck for my family search. We still wrote a lot of e-mails with each other and we both were so sad that I couldn’t be their Au-pair. After a week she mailed me again that she found a solution and I could actually come. I was so excited in the first place and when the day actually came and I stood in front of her house she welcomed me with a big hug and a self-made chocolate cake, because she knew I loved chocolate. Even if she says herself that she is not good at baking, it was the most amazing chocolate cake I’ve ever had (it looked really funny but the taste was amazing ;) ). She asked her first Au-Pair Veronika to come over to London after my arriving, so she can show me everything. Veronika helped me with the girls in the holidays and how to use the tube and bus. It helped me so much to integrate in the family and to bond with the girls and I am so thankful that my host mum organised this for me because I think a lot of Au-Pairs were a bit lost in their first weeks in London. After 7 months here I can say that I am so so glad that Gemma is my host mum because she makes me feel that I have a second home here in London. Not only that she asks me every time before shopping if there is something missing I want to eat, she also agreed that my boyfriend could stay here two times and she offered my friend a place to sleep here with the argument “I want to make you feel like home here”.  When I wanted to fly home on my birthday or when I booked other flights home she always offered me free days or that she can change workdays for me which is really nice. I can talk with her about everything not only about the day with the children, also about personal things or gossip. I think she really deserves this hamper because she is always so busy but she always makes time for her children or for me and she treats me like a family member and makes me feel like home here every day. Julia X Nomination by Torii for her host mum Rebecca (London) I would like to nominate my host Mum, Rebecca simply because she is amazing. Since the moment I arrived in London she has been so kind, supportive and helpful to me. She has been a shoulder to cry on when I've missed home, many times and a friend to laugh with. Rebecca has welcomed me into her family with open arms and I honestly feel like I am apart of her family now, (I don't know how I am ever going to leave) it really feels like my second home. Thanks to her and the rest of my host family my first  year in London has been incredible.  She has shown me around London and other parts of the U.K. (Eg. The New Forest and Isle of Wight). When I first got to London she was always ready to answer the phone to me saying, "I'm lost again, HELP!" Even after drawing me a map and going through the directions a million times. Thanks to her my eyes have been opened to plenty more romcoms (films) and great music that we usually karaoke to in the kitchen. I always feels like my work and my ideas are appreciated.b I could go on forever about why my host mum is so deserving of the Mother's Day gift but I think you can see how great she is by now. Thank you for the opportunity to show Rebecca she is not only a wonderful, loving mother to her two boys but to me as well. I couldn't  be more grateful to her. I have the best host mum ever. Torii xxx Nomination by Lotte for her host mum Nadia  (London) When I read about the mothersday competition, I wanted to join immediately, because I think my hostmum definitely deserves a special 'thank you'. Already before the date I would fly to England, I was really grateful. She said these words to my 'real' mother in an e-mail: 'Thanks for sharing your daughter with the family, she's in good hands´. These words really made me relaxed in that stressy week before leaving. The first week was very exciting, but my hostmum worked from home that week. So she could show me everything and we did everything with the two of is. This was amazing, because she prepared me on the upcoming days and weeks. And when the second week started, I knew most of the things and that gave me a really confident feeling, a very good start... She really gave me the time and space to learn and accept the new things in this new life :) She's working really hard and when she comes home there is a lot of attention to the children obviosly, but when they are sleeping I can see that she really makes time and tries to bond with me.Last week, we had another conversation about that it feels all so natural and she said te words: it's meant to be like this Lotte'. Those words I wrote down, because it's just beautiful that the possibility was there to find this lovely family where I'm really a part of in only 4 weeks! An happy mothersday! X Lotte Nomination by Erika for her host mum Harriet (Winchester) Hi! My name is Erika.  My host mum is called Harriet. I would like to nominate her because I think that she is the best host mum you can have. She is always asking me if I got everything I need, she asks me about my free time, about my holidays, and about everything about my life, which is important when you are not in your house and you don't have your family to to talk with. I'm lucky because she makes me feel like I'm part of the family and not only like a employee. I've never had any problems with her and I think that is very easy to talk with her and if I have a problem or I need and advice she is always happy helping me. These and more are the reasons that make me nominate her to the best host mum, but I don't have enough time to Tell you about each moment that she made me feel good and comfortable in her house from the first day. Nomination by Lisa for her host mum Puja (Surrey) Dear Puja, I think mother's day is a great day to say ´Thank you´ to you for all the things you do ! I was so happy as you decided that I would be your Aupair :) For me it was a long search for a great family and I was so pleased that the family's would be my hostfamily, you Puja – my hostmum :)As I arrived you gave me a hug :) It was such a great atmosphere from the beginning :) I know, how much you are doing for your family. You are doing your best to be a good wife, a good housewife and especially a good mother. And just for the fact youcaring for all the people around you, I want to support you and want to give you something back – even if I make you a sandwich for work because we both definitely know that you haven't got the time for that in the morning ^^ It's nice for me to help and it's great to feel that you need me and that you are grateful. I am grateful to have you – Puja. You support me as well and take care of me. As I was a little bit sad on my birthday – sure, because I didn't celebrated it with my family -You comforted me right now :) I felt very comfortable and I knew you are now there for me while I am in England. And it feels so good to know that I am like a family member :) It is the biggest gift to give all your trust and even love to a completely new person. I appreciate it so much! I cannot imagine having a better hostmum :) Today is your day :) Let's celebrate what you are doing for all your sweethearts around you :) Lots of Love XXX Lisa Nomination by Franzi for her host mum Juliana (London) I would like to nominate my host mum Juliana for the mothers day gift. From my first day she made me feel welcome and a part of her family. Since she's from Brazil and studied in Germany (where I am from) the cultural exchange is really amazing. I learn a lot of things about Brazil and we sometimes speak German so she doesn't forget it. Besides being an amazing mum she also goes to college and even when she's stressed she always makes sure that I'm alright and she makes me feel that my work is appreciated. For me she is like a mixture of a second mum and a best friend. I know that I can go to her if I have a problem and she's even giving me advice about what I can study after my au pair year. She is just the best host mum ever and she really deserves a little treat and a big thank you for everything she has done and is still doing for me!! Franzi   Nomination by Tessa for her host mum Mariske (London) I would like to nominate my host mum, Mariske, for the Mother's day gift. She is a great woman who is loving and kind and who is definitely there for me. A few months ago I lost my wallet and she helped me with everything to trace it back. Unfortunately, last night I lost my phone as well and it's impossible to get it back, but she told me the main point was that I was still okay and nothing had happened to me. I enjoy talking with her or just make jokes and whenever I am not feeling well or when I have got sore muscles after a gym session, she gives me advice.  That's why I am nominating Mariske. :) Nomination by Celina for her host mum Lorraine (Kent) The reasons I want to nominate my host mum Lorraine for the Waitros Mother's Day hamper ❀ are: From the beginning she has welcomed me warmly into her family and took me in her arms. She gives me lots of attention and she cares about how I am feeling each day. She is very tolerant with me as I am learning English and any problems I have. She is interested in me and what I've been doing at the weekend and always asks how my school was. She always lets me know when she is going out and what time she will be home. She also respects my private time when I am in my room. She is a lovely open-minded person. I feel very happy and feel a part of her family she is just like my mum back in Germany. When I‘m older and meet young girls or maybe have a daughter who make second thoughts to go abroad as an au pair, I can share my positive and my negative experiences with them. It shows that you shouldn‘t give up after a negative experience if it don‘t work out with the first family immediately. Take a second chance! ツ Now I also will take this wonderful experience home. I really hope she wins as I would like to give her something back for been so lovely to me. She will really deserve it so much. xx Celina Nomination by Serenaja for her host mum Lisa (London) My host mum is great for so many reasons. From the first day on she made sure that I have the best experience I could possibly have, she is showing me around, taking me to great places and making sure that I am becoming a “real Londoner”, which includes a lot of things. She really cares about my wellbeing, she always makes sure that I am okay and I can talk to her about personal matters, struggels and concerns. I had great conversations with her and it feels very good being able to talk to her about things like that. Lisa is a lovely, generous, intelligent and caring woman and a great mum. I am very greaful that I met her and that I became a part of this amazing and lovely family, and that in such a short period of time. They really are like my second family, which is wonderful and crazy at the same time, and more than I ever expected. We’ve been on holidays and weekend trips together and I had so much fun whilst spending time with her and the rest of the family.She is working so hard and so much but she still takes the time to talk to me and spends time with me every day, also explaining the right use of the oven for the umpteenth time. I appreciate all of that so much! These are only a few reasons why Lisa is the best host mum I could’ve ever wished for and why I think she deserves the Waitrose Hamper.I know that there are so many great host mums out there who deserve it just as much and I hope that they know how important they are to their au pairs! :) Best wishes, Serenaja Nomination by Denise for her host mum Dee (Midlands) It would be amazing to win that lovely Waitrose Mother's Day Hamper for my host mum Dee! It's not easy to explain her in words. She is such a loving and kind person. The first days in England wasn't easy for me, but she told me if I would need somebody to talk or just someone to hug, she would be there for me. She wants to show me every typical britsh food and it's really funny to discover all this with her!:) She treats me like her real daughter and that's the reason I am feeling like in my own family! We talk alot and I am so grateful when she corrects me or helps me with my pronunciation. I know that she has to work and study alot...you can really say that she works 7 days a week, but she always finds a way to spend time with me and the kids! I could say so much more about my host mum and how thankful I am! She would really deserve that gift as a sign of my gratitude and love! X Denise Nomination by Maria for her host mum Lisa (Buckinghamshire) I would like to nominate my hostmum Lisa for the amazing Waitrose hamper! I feel so lucky that I got her as my house mom. Apart from her just being a lovely, kind and caring person in general, she make me feel like part of the family.  Even though my family is a busy family, she still finds the time to talk with me and take an interest in me. She invited me to defect events. For example, we have a girl-tour to London with Esther, (her daughter) where we ate at oxo restaurant and saw River Dance. When I explore England, she always has a good idea, to places I need to visit and she always know small funny restaurant, or active to visit while I’m there. When I arrived to England, she was a big help to finding good places in the local area to go - which can be quite hard when you come to a new country to do by yourself.  She is incredibly flexible and has given me the day off for special events. When my local Danish team was playing against Manchester she suggested that I should go, even if it means she should collect three kids, cook and put them to bed by he selves. She knows me so well. She can see how I feel. So if I feel homesick or ill, she is ready to talk or a cuddle.  We have a lot of good conversations and she makes me feel important for her and her family. My host mum is the best! Her family is lucky to have her! She is a lovely mum, stepmom and wife and she has now become a lovely friend of mine… I would love to give Lisa the Waitrose Mother’s day Hamper, she really deserves it! Have a nice day! Best regards Maria