Back At It

It's been three months since my brain surgery.  I had my first vertebrae, part of my skull, and the herniated cerebellum removed.  The neurosurgeon also opened the dura and placed a patch from my own skin.  I have a small leak that gives me issues some days but overall I feel much better. 

My energy and stamina are slowly returning back and I am back at my normal routine.  I go to physical therapy twice a week when possible.  I've taken over the majority of the household duties and the kid care at this point.  

Now I'm tackling exercise and better eating.  I gained 15 of my 40 lbs lost and I want to lose it again.  I know I can with some effort and motivation.  It just takes healthier habits and I can do it! 

It's also time to plan my bucket list of adventures for the upcoming year.  The kids are back in school on August 10th and that's right around the corner.  Let the adventures begin! 

Followers Wanted

Hey Mom! Take our photo and post it on Facebook.  I look cool with my belt.  Let's see how many followers we can get   - said nine year old Alex.  

I took several photos, some were finally approved by Alex and 11 year old Gabriel.  

Later Alex asked me, "what are followers any way?"   

Young Scholars

Lane was invited to attend the Young Scholars camp this year.  It's a week long program offered by the county for bright and gifted students.  Alex was invited in the past but the transition would have been too difficult for him so I didn't send him. 

Lane's teacher taught her class which made it extra special for her.  She was lucky to get to spend more time with her after the school year. 

The week was based on Goldilocks and the Three Bears.  Science, math, reading, and writing all centered around the book as far as I can tell.  She had a great time and didn't know she was learning the entire time. 

The week ended with a play for parents with a different ending to the book.  Lane was thrilled to be Goldilocks. The kids made their own costumes as well.  Super cute! 

Lane was adamant that she wear blue.  When I goggled Goldilocks images, there she was in blue! 

Groom the dog

Many tasks need to be accomplished before Lane's birthday party tomorrow. Four - seven year olds will be spending the night to celebrate her arrive seven years ago.  What was I thinking when I agreed to this activity? 

Lane offered to groom the dogs.  They look rather shaggy.  I asked her to brush them but she's taking baby wipes to clean them instead.  Doesn't Eddie look thrilled?  Poor old boy is still patient with the kids.  

Fairies

Lane is fascinated by fairies.  It's really fun to watch her eyes light up when she talks about them. My friends older daughter brought art supplies over and made a fairy house with her.  Lane was over the moon excited.  

When they were done decorating the coolest fairy house ever - it's a posh mansion really.  The girls placed the fairy house outside. 

Fairies have visited twice and show up when there is a full moon.  Lane has recieved letters from Purpley the fairy, telling Lane about her life and love of summer.   Gems were also with the note and Lane sleeps with the purple one every night.  

Her love of fairies began with the fairy chapter books.  She flew through a book in a day or two and comprehended it well, as soon through her test scores at school.  I'm quite proud of my six year old     

Art Room Reorganized

It's that time of the year to go through school papers and decide what to keep. I decided to reorganize the kids art room.  It didn't look bad when I started, part of my procrastination, but once I dug in, it took most of the day.  Five bag of garbage later and the room is all set for musical and artistic creativity. 

I made sure I completed the organization while the kids were at camp, otherwise every little cap and scap paper needs to be saved.  Apparently they all hold sentimental value until I toss them behind their backs. Sorry kids but I need you to be able to create in that room too.