Monarch Mama

Daddy found a chrysalis in the back of his truck this week.  We cared for it and this morning it "hatched" eclose is the actual word.  Unfortunately our little friend was unable to get her wings unfurled before they dried.   This means that she will never fly.  Sadly there is nothing that can be done.  She will not make it.  I agonized over the reality of this all afternoon.  After much soul searching I decided to withhold that information from my sweet  girl.  I want her to keep her sense of wonder and magic a little longer.  There is time to learn about the harsh realities of nature later

We found a nice spot in a butterfly garden near her school to release our baby.  We told her that she would be with her family and friends and that she might see her flying around tomorrow.  I hope our little beauty meets a safe and peaceful passing.  I hope I never have to break the spell.

dinner like a family

"What do you want for dinner?" I ask.  "P'sketty" of course.  We rearranged the downstairs.  Living room into dining room and dining room into living room.  It is proving to be a much more functional arrangement.  With the change came a decision to start eating at the table.  Now being a Ragamama I have to admit that our family dinners have been few and far between.  So when I told my big girl about plans to eat in the "new" dining room she lit up and swooned "like a REAL family?"  I

 wanted to bust into tears.  "Yes baby like a real family."  She delighted in decorating and setting the table, a first for her.  She went upstairs and put on one of her pretty outfits and announced that she had dressed for dinner.  And she got to say Grace which was barely audible due to being shy and feeling so special.  Our conversation was full of new insight

s about school and friends and halloween costume plans.  The baby who is a very picky minimalist eater ate like a pig.  It was so classic, like dinners from my childhood.  I felt like June Cleaver.  The world outside and inside stood still for us.  We are a real family having P'sketty by candle light, checking in, laughing, stopping to appreciate the beauty of these girls in this moment.   The secret formula for family unity:  1 part table, 4 parts food,  4+ parts family members on time,  throw in dash of Grace and candle light,  mix together love and attention for each other and voila!  Instant Real Family!