Over the holidays, Antonio asked if he could spend the money he had saved up, on a lizard. We have never had a lizard before as a pet. I am not fond of snakes or spiders for sure and am pretty sure I would never let my children have a rat or mouse. But lizard was right there behind that list of "I don't think I want one in my house" pets. We all try to please Antonio here. If you knew him in person you would see why. He is such a precious, sweet soul. So I did a lot of research on the easiest to care for lizard and time and time again the leopard gecko kept coming up. Tim and I talked about it and then showed Antonio what they were. He was very excited about the prospect. We then spent the next many weeks watching Youtube videos about them and reading as much about them as we could. We thought and planned and spent a lot of time slowly buying all Antonio needed to give his pet the best possible home. I built a background for him and last week we finally went and picked up the Leopard Gecko he wanted. One with spots and was striped. He named it Franklin. :)
At first I was not so sure about feeding the little guy. As they eat only live food. But I will be the first to admit it...this little Leopard Gecko is a very interesting and entertaining pet to watch. We all even like to watch him eat his insects. He is even cute when he sleeps. Really. I mean it. I never thought anything without fur or feathers could be cute. But this little guy curls up and puts his little hands under his chin and looks very sweet when he sleeps.
I knew from our research that leopard Geckos are nocturnal and are not awake a lot during the day. So when I made his "moist hide box" or den they spend most of their time in. (out of an upside down tupperware container with a hole cut in the top) I made a window in it so Antonio could watch it sleep and move around in its "den". It has been a huge hit. We call it Geckovision. Like television but where we can watch the gecko all day long thru the little window. Sorry, all the pictures are red, since they are nocturnal we use a red bulb for heat and as it is not as bright as a daylight bulb.
Tupperware hide box with hole in the top.
We have the tank set up right in front of Antonio's desk so he can watch it all day long. It comes out a few time during the day to climb around and eat and drink. Antonio loves it and calls everyone to come and see.
So here's Franklin.
Climbing on our fake rock background.
Exploring the other little rock den we made for him.
On a different note, we went to visit Stephen last weekend. We ate at Steak and Shake all together and then went to his apartment for a visit.
On Thursday we took Antonio in for his circulation test that the "not so nice to us" doctor ordered. I leave all the results and surgery on Antonio's toe, he needs, in Gods hands and pray it will all come together in the way that is best.
We also went yesterday to watch a ballet recital of our friend "A". She is the young lady that got my girls interested in ballet many years ago and also gives riding lessons to Carolyn. (picture taken last spring)
"A" has taken ballet for many years and is very good. My children all love going to the recitals she is in. She was in many of the numbers preformed and we all enjoyed the recital very much. Great job "A"! I don't see how you do it but every year you get better and better. Makes my girls want to work even harder!
The weather here is still uncommonly cold for our area and this time of year. We are having to keep on top of the frozen water buckets so the farm animals all have something to drink every day.
Here are a few pictures of the sky that I took over the last few days.
We are keeping warm in the house by using our wood stove. There really is nothing like the deep heat you get from being by a wood stove. We are so very blessed!
May God be meeting your needs every day in every way. May we give Him glory for all things in our life and may He lead and guide us down the paths in life that He has set before us to travel.
2 Corinthians 9:8-11 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.
God be with you, blessings,
susan
I agree with you on all the reptile pets.... a lizard is the "one" thing I MIGHT allow in the house..... he's a cute little thing though. What a blessing for all of you to spend the day with your oldest, Im sure he was blessed by it too. You have a precious family.
ReplyDeleteAntonio has had turtles for years and we have had tortoises before as well. But those turtly type reptiles are very cute. I guess I am a lizard fan now as well. I find myself just going over and watching him often. It is almost as relaxing as watching a fish tank. Which used to be a great hobby of mine. I once had at least six different tanks in my home at one time! I miss my reef tank but it was an expensive hobby. Blessings on you and your family! Give the kids a hug from me here in Georgia.
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