Saturday, July 02, 2016

June ~ Just Plain Hot

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So, this is my 10th summer back in Arizona, and I think it's been the hottest one yet. Usually, June is still pretty bearable, but this year we've already had temps near the record-breaking point. Ugh.

I always look forward to summer, but I quickly realize that getting off schedule can throw me for a loop. I feel busier somehow, too. Probably because I'm spending so much time preparing for next year's homeschool. And THIS summer I'm busier than ever dealing with a large, active puppy!

It gets fiery hot here, and so we end up staying inside a lot. I try not to pine for my own private pool, but that's difficult for this sun lover who says no thanks to public pools. I'm also more broke than ever during summer after buying all those homeschool books and supplies, but, thankfully, since my kids are getting older and getting jobs, they have their own fun money to spend. :)

I'm thankful for air conditioning that makes staying inside so comfortable. I'm thankful my kids are mature and entertain themselves. And I'm thankful for the internet, so I can blog. ;)

Still Consumed With All Things Puppy



Kylo loves to find new sticks on the golf course behind our house. I think this one's just a bit too big to take home. ;) That stick makes him appear so tiny. He's not even 6 months old yet, though, and he already weighs about 50 lbs.

I've shed fewer tears these last couple of weeks, so maybe I'm getting better about the things I don't like about having a pet? I sure hope so. Looking forward to July and starting some puppy training classes. Kylo has definitely learned a lot already.

Consumed With Homeschool Prep


With another child entering high school and my baby girl entering middle school, I'm trying to be more prepared than ever. I can't even count the hours I've spent at this desk in our little upstairs nook copying, printing, and three-hole punching. And those hours don't count the ones I've spent researching and buying. Homeschooling is definitely a FULL-time job!!!!

Indulging In Some Fun Stuff, Too


I love me some Plants vs Zombies, so I indulge when I have some free time to relax. I'm not into politics much, but the one thing I remember about Ted Cruz is that he ALSO loves this game! If you are interested in wasting time playing this game, you can download the app for free on your smartphone. ;)

Our family goes way back with this game - we even had a Plants vs Zombie family party in 2016!


I also like to read fiction for fun, and here's what I've read so far this summer. On my quest to find "decent" fiction for my boys, I read  Mark of the Thief (Mark of the Thief 1) and
Rise of the Wolf (Mark of the Thief, Book 2) by Jennifer Nielsen.

I know "decent" means something different to everyone, but I do plan to write a short review of these two books soon. I also plan to include some other books as well. So, stay tuned.

Historical fiction holds a soft spot in my heart, so for my "just-for-me books" I've read To Win Her Heart by Karen Witemeyer and A Lady at Willowgrove Hall (Whispers On The Moors) by Sarah E. Ladd.

I had the privilege of reading Witemeyer's debut novel, A Tailor-Made Bride when I was a product reviewer for The Old Schoolhouse. I loved that book! I found the other book I read from someone posting about the author on social media. I've since reserved more of Ladd's books at my local library. :)

Oldest's Oregon Trip


Once again our oldest took a trip up to Oregon sans the rest of the family. Of course, to see the girl with whom he's cultivated quite a strong relationship via modern technology. This beautiful girl's mom took this gorgeous photo in front of the family's barn. Can't wait for Liz to come down to the desert hopefully soon! These two are proof of how positive things can come from kids being online these days.

Father's Day 


Celebrated this guy by unplanned blue-matching and BLT & coconut cream pie eating. :) Crazy how fast these kids are getting taller than us.

Shiloh's 11th Birthday


Her requested birthday breakfast: waffles & cotton candy ice cream. Doesn't look appetizing to me, but she sure enjoyed it!


Surprise birthday balloon and flowers from friends.


Birthday lunch with Grandpa: they ate at Chick-fil-a.


Birthday dinner: Taco Ring in the shape of an 11 and homemade salsa.


Birthday dessert: red velvet cupcakes. I'm not a fan of this flavor (or all that food coloring!), but that's what my girl wanted. ;) She helped make the cake batter, and I made the cream cheese frosting which helped the cupcakes taste better!


Birthday presents: All she wanted was $, but I added a little something extra: Kylo's paw print and a cute pic of her and and Kylo right after we got him. They will fit perfectly in her frame/cork board that still has two 4x6 vacancies. :)


After dinner birthday game: Pandemic Board Game - her big brother bought it recently and taught the family how to play. (Well, I have yet to learn.)



Birthday treat at Starbucks with Grandma.



Another birthday lunch with a friend at Chick-fil-a.



Letting go of one of the birthday balloons. Kylo wanted to hold on. ;)

New Fairy Garden Jewels


I recently added some little blue stones to represent water, and my mom gave Shiloh the red & pink fairy mushroom that she bought in California. Now I want a bridge. :) Maybe that will be next!

Well, I guess that about wraps up our June in pictures. How has your June been?

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