A trio of Terrariums and other ponderings....

When I think back to the Easter holidays last year I shudder. I was really quite unwell, my husband was mostly away on business, and I was coping with side effects of medications plus all the symptoms of my illness - I could only concentrate on getting through each day at a time. If we made it through the day without any serious injuries I considered it an achievement! And I'm sorry to admit that childcare consisted of lot of telly plus other screens, pizza and sandwiches! I just wasn't able to be in the moment and enjoy the time off school that the children had. Things this year I'm glad to say are very different, medication is controlling my illness and other than weight gain (at least I have an excuse to make/buy new clothes - as if I needed any!) I have very few significant side effects.

  I have been able to enjoy precious time with my little people, we have a 'going out' activity most mornings, followed by some imagination play (my kids are especially good at this!), some home school work (one of my little people is really struggling at the moment so we all do some home school together so he doesn't feel left out), we take the dog out for walks, and usually fit in a movie/or screen time too! I have been able to cook wholesome meals (as well as some pizza!). I have loads of 'work' that I should be doing but have been able to put it to the back of my mind (not an easy task for me!) and just enjoy what each day brings!

  This morning it was rainy so our going out activity was limited to a garden center to buy supplies. I was given these huge sweet jars a few months ago, at the time I had no idea what I would use them for and then last week I read an article about making Terrariums.

  I guided the little people with what order to put the layers in and just let their imaginations take over. (I think I may have to do some sneaky night time replanting for the sake of plant survival).

Step 1: Pebbles (supposed to be grit but we didn't have any).

Step 2: Moss

Step 3: compost plus activated charcoal

Step 4: planting - this was tricky as I really struggled to find a) the right sort of plants and b)small enough plants. They also added old drift wood and the boys added toy soldiers (because theirs were army bases of course!)

All things considered there wasn't really too much mess!

  This activity has spiked their imaginations and they have all been story writing and building 'real life' dens inside ever since we made the terrariums.

  I have been enjoying spending this time with them and will be sad once the holidays end.

  I read this post from Enjoying the small things yesterday and it has made me think even more about how important time is, and how everything changes no matter how much we don't want it to. She quotes part of a Mary Oliver poem - 'Have you ever tried to enter the long black branches?'  I love poems and song lyrics - one of my favorites that always makes me think of the little people is Bob Dylans Forever Young, I know they can't stay young forever but I hope that one day they grow up to be strong and happy adults.

"Forever Young"

May God bless and keep you always 
May your wishes all come true
May you always do for others 
And let others do for you
May you build a ladder to the stars 
And climb on every rung
May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young 
May you stay forever young.

May you grow up to be righteous 
May you grow up to be true
May you always know the truth 
And see the lights surrounding you
May you always be courageous 
Stand upright and be strong
May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young 
May you stay forever young.

May your hands always be busy 
May your feet always be swift
May you have a strong foundation 
When the winds of changes shift
May your heart always be joyful 
And may your song always be sung
May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young 
May you stay forever young.

  If you have made it this far - thanks for sticking with all my ramblings!

      Su xx