Fun Friday



The kids and I got up and began our normal routine of watering the garden, and checking on our stuff that is growing.  Our first surprise was that one of our lizard eggs that we gathered out of some of my potting soil had hatched.  It is so fun to have babies, so we admired him for a bit then released him in the garden.  He was so tiny and cute.  



Black Widow living in my lavender

We checked on our “pet” banana spider that has spun a beautiful web on our side window.  Then when watering my lavender plant I noticed what I thought was a cocoon, so I pulled the branches apart to show the kids and out crawled a black widow spider.  I caught her in a net then put her in a clear bag, and got on google to make sure I was correct.  What I though was a cocoon was actually her egg sacs.  Next was the teaching moment with the kids…. the difference between our banana spider and the black widow, and how it is best not to touch any spiders or wildlife without an adult.

Pet banana spider

Lexy also found a big grasshopper (about 2 inches long) in her room today.  She was not happy about it either.  We have had a lot of exciting life lessons today.

We met a couple of girlfriends for lunch this afternoon, and then brought them home with us to show off all of our creatures.  Robena could not get enough of our nature, but Jennifer was less than thrilled about our spider population. It was a lovely afternoon with lots of bonding, and the kids were very well behaved.  They made me proud as usual.

I am also over due for a general family update…..

Since turning off the tube (and electronics) and getting past the first week of withdraws, I have noticed big changes in the kids.  The first week was more fighting, because they had to interact.  Now they are using their imagination, problem solving and just simply playing more.  It is so fun to listen to them.  I only wish I had cut it off sooner!

Walk Team!

My first ever lupus walk last week was amazing!  I way exceeded my original goal of $250 with $1025.  I placed 5^th place in personal fundraising, and my support group team placed first.  All of my team members also had lupus and despite our pain and challenges we showed everyone that we are “Colorful & Courageous” which was our team name.  We had a brightly colored table with butterfly nick-knacks, hand-made crafts and snacks that made an additional $100 for the cause. We had fun, made new friends and raised a lot of money.

The kids and I also spent an afternoon at Orange Blossom Jamboree Music Festival this past weekend.  It is a fun, family friendly festival, which we enjoy!!  We saw lots of friends and played in nature.  We did not have long so we did not see much music, but it was a fun afternoon no less.  There is lots of love under those oak trees.

For my children

I blog for many reasons….. it’s become very therapeutic, I hope it may help someone else, to keep family and friends “in the loop” but mostly for my children.  The truth is most everything I do now is for my children, and how blessed am I to have them to give me such a wonderful, meaningful, purpose to my life. 

As a mother myself I now understand the sacrifices my mother made to raise me and my brother.  I am so blessed to have her as an example of what a good mother is. Being a mom is hard work, but is the most amazing job I have ever had.  The rewards outweigh any amount of money, and could never be put in to words.  

Yesterday for mother’s day mom gave me a very personal book about mothers and daughters, that she added our own story to every page. She is such a beautiful and inspiring spirit.  As I was reading and reflecting on our relationship, it made me think about my children.  In all of my flaws and mistakes my wish is that they know my heart, just like I know my moms.

My Sweet Lexy Rose, and Rayne Michael,

I know often get it wrong and do not make all the right choices or have the right reactions, but my hope is that you will see my heart. I love you and I ALWAYS will.   

As I watch you grow I am also learning and growing.  You are my teachers and you are doing a fabulous job.  Keep leading me and I will follow.  I can not promise that I will always get it right, but please don’t give up on me. 

So many days I want to slow down the process (and have more time with you at each stage), yet I can’t wait to see the amazing people you become.   Don’t allow any of your past, or my fears and mistakes stop you from being anything you want to be.  Dream big and please don’t be afraid.  Be yourself and be proud of who you are. 

You are strong, talented, beautiful and worthy of so much love.  Remember we are all connected, do what is natural and this is to love.  Take care of yourselves, others and the earth.  Be still and listen to your heart, God often speaks in a whisper.

Thank you for all the color, light, and meaning you have brought into my life.  I pray I never take you and your gifts for granted. 

All of my love!!

Family Gardens

The kids and I have spent most of our time outside this week.  We can’t seem to drag ourselves in until just before dark every night.  Our garden is growing, the weather is warm and sunny just like we like it.  We have been playing with the new tree swings and zip line (yes I said zip line) Monty made for the kids.  Chasing, observing and removing bugs from the garden takes a lot of our time. Spraying everything in sight with a special mix of onion, and garlic juice and soap to keep the bugs and mildew away.  We have gathered and are watching several lizard eggs waiting for them to hatch.  Lexy and I put together a fairy garden and check everyday to see if any fairies have moved in.  Lexy seems to think they only hang out there at night while we are sleeping.

Lexy's Fairy Garden

The kids very own garden!

The kids decided they wanted their on garden, so they pulled all the weeds, carried the pavers and dirt and planted the seeds they picked out all by themselves.  It was hard work and they were troopers!  They have lots of veggies and flowers not all are in season, but that’s okay.  I really wanted it to be theirs, and they will learn from the experience.  They tend to it and water it everyday, and already have sprouts coming up.

Kids Garden

I have had to come inside a little bit to continue purging my house and preparing for my garage sale Friday and Saturday.  This is just the beginning of this process of simplifying, but it is going to feel great to get rid of all this round junk and hopefully I will make a little cash. 

Turning the TV off has been difficult and fun.  The kids have been fighting more, but they have also been playing and creating more.  I love to hear their imaginative play.  I think we are past the worst part of the withdraws and I know they will grow up better people because of it.

I am still having trouble keeping up with everything I want to do, and it is emotionally and physically draining.  Tonight was the Lupus Walk Kick off Party, and I was not able to attend.  I have to pick and choose what is most important, and right now my number one priority is at home, my kids, my husband and our health.  I still believe I am going to have a full recovery, and visualize remission.  Everything just takes time.

Next weekend we will be camping at Orange Blossom Jamboree and Saturday we will drive over from Brooksville to The Lupus Walk. I love camping and I love my lupus friends, I just hope I can balance it all.

 https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1014606&supId=353731936



http://www.orangeblossomjamboree.com/