October

Autumn,
My sweet girl! Yesterday was a Monday and on a whim, we went to a 6pm showing of Abominable. It was such a sweet movie, with a strong message about the importance of family and perseverance. We shared a popcorn and you put your head on my lap as I stroked your hair and whispered "When things get tough, keep going!" That Cold Play song always gets to me, and I shed a few tears thinking of Mom, thankful that you didn't notice.   

You thought it was so funny when I told you I wanted a Yeti toy for Christmas, because "grown-ups don't play with toys, Mommmmmy!" Well I do was my response and you said "You're so silly Mommy!"  When we got home, you excitedly ran upstairs and told Dad "Mommy wants an Eddie for Christmas!" and he didn't know what on earth you were talking about. We had fun filling him in. 

You fall asleep on your own now after I read you a book. But on special nights (when I'm really tired and need to go to bed early!) I go to sleep when you do and we snuggle.
We had your first parent-teacher conference last week and your dad and I are just so proud of you!! Mrs. V said that you are "really blossoming" and mentioned how sweet you are. In just one month, you've gone from writing the 'A' in your name to being able to write your whole name without copying or tracing. You recently started walking Elsa all by yourself on our nightly walks and are signed up for your first 2K! You are so good about playing with your brother, and sharing with younger kids like rRglan who come to play. 

We have so many events coming up between now and New Year's that I'm excited about! Our annual Halloween Party, a play at SCR with the Clarks, Great Wolf Lodge for one night, front row at Disney on Ice, bunch with Santa at the American Girl store at the Grove in LA and another trip to Oregon! 

It is impossible to put into words just how much your Dad and I love you and your brother.
I love you eternally,
Mom

This month started off with me being on jury duty, which I loved. disappointingly, we were not able to reach a verdict. When I returned to work after being out for a few days, I was a bit behind. Teachers have subs when they're out, but counselors do not. However, I am proud that after 14 years, I still continue to maintain my work-life balance by never checking my email unless I'm at work. I may stay a little later once in awhile to catch up, but my evenings always belong to my family.

Well, unless I'm working on my side-hustle. Have I told you that I started doing event photography on the side? Children's birthday parties, baptisms and most recently, a wedding. It's something I really enjoy, and although I have to be away for the events, I can edit the photos at home. I'm loving what I'm learning, and taking my own photos of our kids rather than paying someone else. I'm even going to do our Christmas portraits this year!

Because I find myself busier than ever before, I try to make time for spontaneous fun, like going to the movies on a whim, or saying "yes!" when she asks to go swimming, although there is a never-ending pile of clean laundry. This month, I applied for, and was accepted to a Doctor of Education in Educational Psychology program. Hold your congratulations! First off, I'm pretty sure they accept anyone who meets the requirements and will pay. Secondly, let's see if I can actually do it. Then, in a few years, you can congratulate me!

With all of these different things competing for my time, I make sure that I still run by doing it on my lunch break. I run 3 miles 2-3 times per week, while I'm at work, and also try to 1-2 times in the evening or weekend. I also try to walk on 1-2 more days on my lunch, and evenings with the dogs and kids. I do this even (especially?) when work is hectic and emotional. I run for the feeling I get when I'm done, and I always have a new, more positive perspective on things when I get back. I think its good for my students to know that running is

C is continuing to love his daycare. His first word was "Woah." To that, he has added "Uh-oh" which he says in the softest voice, and also "Baba." He is taking his time walking, and finds crawling around much more efficient. He will walk all around the kitchen while holding on to the cupboards and walls, and loves to sit and take everything out of the drawers. He stands independently and has taken a step or two. He also loves standing to open the closet doors and now, and can even open the front door!

We had close to a hundred people at our now annual Halloween party! Our theme was Haunted Mansion. It was nice that some families from A's school came.

Much to my husband's dismay, A and I adopted a very old Chihuahua on the day of the party. We named him Coco-Sozo. Sozo means saved in ancient Greek, and he was in red on the euthinasia list.

Halloween was so much fun! We had the Saints' Day Parade at A's school and a little parade at C's daycare. I love being close enough to see them both! It was also Grandparent's day, and my Dad made the drive to be there for her too. They had lunch together before the parade.

We had an early dinner with the Kelly's and Cassandra before heading out to trick-or -treat. Cassandra stayed behind and helped pass out candy while we were gone.