End of the school year activities, various Zumba workshops, Lola visiting for 10 days and karate/gymnastics have kept us busy these days. It's great to be busy, but when you need the down time you cherish it! We've had days where we had nothing to do and it was great! We didn't have to be somewhere at some point in time; no appointments, no classes to teach... Once the day is over we get back into the daily grind.
The end of the school year brought upon us a huge leap in our parenting lives. Lily finished her last year of pre-K and will be going to Kindergarden next year. Sophie will now be entering the exciting life of a preschooler. I will be driving all around town carting the kids to school and their various activities as well as to my Zumba classes. I never thought the day would come where both the kids would be in school and I would actually have a little free time to myself. It's unreal! So I am enjoying this Summer with the kids, so that when this short break comes to an end we will be refreshed and ready to take on a new schedule.
If there is anything I have learned in becoming a Zumba instructor, it is discipline. I think with any job you learn how to adjust and enjoy. In the past couple of months, I have stepped up and received certificates in Zumba Basics 2, Zumba Gold and Zumba Toning. I am very proud of myself for having completed these workshops and I'm pleased to be able to share those programs with my students. Teaching fitness classes (or any class) is more than throwing together some good music and dancing. Every time I put together a playlist, I think of the people that come to my class and make sure that the music suits everyone from beginner to advanced. I learn the appropriate moves that go with the music and I make sure I can instruct new things the best I can. But I also make sure that Zumba doesn't intrude on my family life. This takes discipline and a lot of it! As much as I'm anxious to learn new music and moves, I also need to know when to stop and spend time with my family.
Lola was so wonderful and came to visit for 10 days while I used 2 of those weekend days to attend 2 different Zumba workshops. I am thankful to have such a supportive mother who would take time off to visit and take care of the kids, while I "did my thing!" We were able to show Lola our home church as well as where the kids take karate and gymnastics. For 3 of the days Lola was here the kids went to Vacation Bible School and I was happy to be able to spend time with my mom. Just the two of us and some coffee! It had been such a long time since I was able to just be with my mom without the kids interrupting or cleaning or dishes or laundry to do. It was fun and I was able to reconnect with my mom and really enjoy conversation. My mom is also a very bust lady, but I love the fact that she's involved in her work, community and church. I hope to be just like my mom when I'm her age!
We finally took the plunge and let Lily take karate classes. She's been begging for almost a year and from what her coaches say, she's a great listener and very strong. I'm hoping that this activity will stick because not only will it give her confidence, she will be able to take care of herself and the problems around her with thought. She is a very active kid and she need to move around.
Sophie is in a tumbling program and she's learning to enjoy it. She often times feels lost without her sister to guide her, but she does well. I've found that she's a bit scared to do things without guidance and will tell you straight out if she doesn't want to participate in something. She's very determined and strong willed, but it's time for her to start following directions and not get away with her "cuteness" all the time!!
Well, we're looking forward to what the rest of Summer has in store! If you don't hear from me in a couple of months, chalk it up to having FUN!!
