Scribbles 'n Scraps

I mentioned the other day that we have an entire aquarium devoted to several species of caterpillars. Our Monarchs of course are our favorite, since they seem to be the quickest to go into a cocoon and the fastest to emerge.

Last night before I went to bed, I checked on our three Chrysalis and was bummed to see they were all still as green as the day they formed. Well, not this morning. One of them is  jet black which indicates in most cases it will emerge today. The chrysalis is not actually black. It is actually clear and you can see through to the wings and body formed inside. Using a flash you can actually see how clear it is.

This is the photograph I captured this morning. I absolutely love this. She should be coming out in the next very short while. My two youngest are home for Cycle Break (year-round school) so they are waiting in anticipation. You can click on the image to see it bigger.

It’s been awhile, so thought I’d hop in and join this week.

10 Great Things That Happened This Summer

1) We got our new puppy, Maggie. That has been a blessing – I’m so glad we did it.
2) We went on an AWESOME camping trip with some of our very closest friends. It not only rocked, but brought us all closer. We had so much fun!
3) I turned 35 with the best friends anyone could ask for.
4) My future sister in law asked my daughter to be her flower girl and asked me to do a reading at their wedding – I am so honored and excited to have such an awesome sis in law!
5) As a family we healed from the loss of Jacque (she moved – that’s all) my daughter’s former trainer and while we are still sad, the emotions are not nearly as painful and we are even more excited for Jacque now. Lots of tears shed together, we are all good!
6) Our Shih-tzu pup turned one and we celebrated having him for a year!
7) Jessica turned nine and Ryan turned fourteen. I grew closer to not only my two best friends, but obtained a new one in the process. (Love ya Jodi!)
9) We had a blast at Grant’s Farm with my new bff’s family. We also go to enjoy several BBQs, Pool Parties and Picnics!
10) We also really enjoyed the Nascar Go Kart track – that is a must do again!! and soon!

Next week: 10 Things that Scare You/Freak You Out

Join Ten on Tuesday.

Do you ever have one of those days? Mine has been like a handful of them actually. Little things are annoying me lately, and I figure it’s just stress. I feel tons better today.

But in the middle of a “stressful” conversation with my best friend (no we were not fighting – we were talking about something that stresses me the heck out) – the mail arrived. I usually get bills and magazines, but yesterday was a pleasant surprise. First, I got the brochure for the Close to My Heart Western Caribbean Cruise, that I would SO like to earn – except I’m picking New Zealand first. It was fun to flip through it and check it out. I love this company – now if I can just do my part and earn it.

ANYWAY – lost in all the crud we receive everyday was a smaller envelope hand addressed to me. And the interesting part of it – it was all the way from Canada. I kept thinking – “Who do I know in Canada?” and the only thing I could come up with – is a handful of CTMH reps live in Canada but I don’t actually know any of them. So after I spent like 5 minutes holding the envelope and contemplating who it could be from – I tore it open. Wanna see what was inside?

Thank you Laurel, for the very sweet card for my birthday. Honestly it caught me off guard and I was thrilled. (and a little sentimental and emotional LOL)
I ran straight to my ‘puter to type in Laurel’s website and got caught up for about an hour checking out all her different cards. She is SO talented.  She also just enabled me to purchase several stamps from Whipper Snapper Designs – so cute! If her cards weren’t so darn good!
I wound up finding this card on her site, so the picture above is actually taken by her and is of the actual card I am holding!
Go check out all her fabulous, creative work and tell her I sent you.
Again Laurel, thank you! You made a stressful day end in smiles

Because my five kids aren’t enough, I have to go and “adopt” another one. Ya know cause I’m not already crazy enough! Then again, a half dozen is better than some odd number, right?

This is Lexi and she is actually my friends daughter but for many reasons she has become like a surrogate daughter to me (because you know, I don’t already have four).  Lexi is almost 17 and in 11th grade and probably one of the most beautiful girls I’ve met in a long time. We’re working on making her beautiful from the inside out though, as she has had a rough life and lots of damage done. I am hoping she can celebrate the woman she is becoming and separate the past, allowing her a release. She is making huge strides this year. Her grades are up which says a lot because this was one girl who probably never would have come close to graduating if the positive influences had never entered her life. She started running cross country this year which is also huge because not only does it show the effort she is putting forth, but the commitment and dedication to something has been astounding to watch. Her main focus for joining cross country is that in 2 years she’d like to join the Navy. I pray that God will help her seek out that goal.   Never fear though, she still complains about courses and running daily. She’s loud and obnoxious as any teenager is, but she is one of the most loving young ladies I’ve ever met and if the people in her life would allow it, they would see something so unique and special.

Lexi, I love you. There is no hill I wouldn’t climb, no mountain I wouldn’t move to help you on your path to letting go. No matter what last name you hold, or who you live with, you’ll always be my daughter. You will always have a place in my heart. Perhaps not born b’neath it, but into it. Keep doing everything right and your wings will allow you to lift and fly. Remember that we have faith in you.

There are three strong and loving women in your life who love you very very much and you need to remember that, even when the times are tough.  Look deep inside of yourself and you will see a beautiful young lady emerging – you just have to believe that you can change the things you don’t like and know that we will all stand beside you as you do. My door will forever be open to you. My 6th and final child.