October challenges

The month of October brought lots of new exciting challenges. 

Evie took a month a swimming lessons at the Y and she loved it!  She can really swim now.  I was amazed at how she developed into a real swimmer over the month.  Evie loves the water, but before then most of her 'swimming' involved her face underwater while she walked along the bottom of the pool.  Not so any more!  She can swim with a front crawl and a backstroke, as well as float on her belly and her back, all in water 5 feet deep.  Evie is very proud of herself and can't wait to take another round of lessons after Christmas. 

 Evie waiting to jump in! 

Speaking of lessons at the Y, I'm now considering enrolling my boys in some lessons.  No, not just swimming lessons but perhaps dance lessons!  One day, Evie brought the boys upstairs and they decided to play dress up.  They all came downstairs ready to dance in their dresses and tutus.  I've always said that I want my children to have well-rounded childhoods.  So here is the proof that there is no such thing as 'boy' toys or 'girl' toys in my house.  Zevon and Guthrie really love these tutus.  In fact, the day these pictures were taken, Guthrie didn't even want to take his off for snack and was upset when he realized he couldn't fit in his chair with the tutu on.  Zevon loves to borrow Evie's uke and pretend to play guitar while his sister and brother dance.  Perhaps I have a performing troupe on my hands!

 Guthrie (notice the heart bracelet, too)

 Zevon with his 'guitar'

Zevon, Evie and Guthrie, for your entertainment!

My new exciting challenge was taking my first teaching job.  I took a long term subbing assignment for a chemistry teacher in the area.  It was hard for all of us, but rewarding too.  I enjoyed the chance to use my teaching degree (finally!), especially in my area of expertise.  The boys spent their days in a wonderful daycare and did so well there.  They came home talking a lot more and I think even slept better due to all the activity during the day.  They couldn't rely just on their parents' ability to read their minds or their sister to talk for them.  As a result, their language has exploded.  Unfortunately, 'Mine!' and 'No!' and especially the combination 'No! Mine!' are their favorites.  We are thankful to have found such a great place for them.  Unfortunately (for me, good for the teacher I subbed for), my assignment came to an end and I'll be back to my usual stay-at-home mom gig.  I do miss my boys and spending more time with my kids in general so its okay.  But now we know how adaptable our family can be to changing situations.