five reads for friday, plus summer with a purpose

Two blog-this-on-this-day-of-the-week combined into one post?! Can it be done? Is it breaking the unspoken laws of blogging 101? Who knows, but I'm not letting it stop me...
First of all, this Five Reads For Friday installment is the Summer with a Purpose edition. What's SWAP? Well, I'm glad you asked! Emily at My Life Belongs to Him decided that she needed to break the pattern that so many of us adopt once school is over: becoming a couch potato. I'm so guilty of spending way too much time in front of a screen, whether it be computer, TV, or anything else, so I really thought hard about it, and told Mama about my decision, and guess what? She decided to join me also! Pretty cool, huh?
Since I missed the first week of this particular blog carnival, I'm combined both weeks, so brace yourselves...

• I know this is on most everyone's list, but finishing school, namely math, is really high on the priority list. In order to keep up with other homeschoolers in my grade, I need to get cracking on it. Mama isn't pushing really hard, and I do have some days where I don't do a lesson, but there's the days where everything clicks and I do two lessons instead of one. It's touch and go, but I'm getting there.

• Getting in some sewing practice. I know this is one that is on a lot of other people's list also, but I have some dresses that are currently being held together by pins...and some that just plain need to be made a little more modest. Mama and I are going to make some tote bags out of old t-shirts, so be sure to check back each installment to see how they look. 
• Finding (and completing) a do-it-yourself devotional. I'm not sure what the deal is, but it seems like all the bible studies end when you have the most free time. Plus, summer is when you can get really out of touch with God, so I'm determined not to be a victim. Anyone have a good, inspiring book and/or devotional that they really liked? Leave your suggestions in the comments, please!
• Setting goals/ time limits on the computer. I struggle in that area, but this week was different since we were in town a lot. I know there are going to be days where I'm stuck at home, so I really need to keep myself accountable. Ya'll, help me with it, okay?
• Finding more baby-sitting jobs. Seems like the offers slowed down in summer, when you'd think they'd pick up. Oh well, maybe I'll even look for a part-time job at a local nursery! Who knows what I could land in the job field?
• Last, but not least since I know I'm forgetting something :), keeping up with my regular and summertime chores. I've done pretty well with them, but there's always room for improvement, right?

Switching gears...

I had a pretty productive couple of days this week, which is pretty exciting. On Friday, I tackled dusting and vacuuming my room, along with putting away my clean clothes that sat in my chair way too long (pic below!)

I also helped Mama get a head start on CBS things. I never knew how hard it was, so it was a little of a rude awakening. Yes, I have the hard time of coloring this sheets for a display. :)

Lastly, I practiced my ironing skills, and did a pretty good job! 

Mama demonstrated how to properly iron white denim, and I've since figured out that I really dislike ironing. Oh well, better get used to it!

Now for the Five Reads For Friday part of the post...
Go HERE to see all the links, and to grab some ideas if you're brain just isn't thinking hard enough. Also, go HERE to see the most recent posts that all the participants have linked to.
I'll be back to my regular FRFF post next week, so check back then! Hope to see your blog on that list of links...

fix it friday

Sorry for my absense in the blogging world this week. Between watching the pastor's kids twice this week and volunteering at our church's VBS, things have been just a bit...busy. And tiring, but mostly just busy. Oh, and another things that happened this week? I was stung by my first yellow jacket, that was in my hair. Beforwe you think that I have a stinger in my skull, let me say this: when Clark told me I had one in my hair, I subsequently reached back and shook my hair. Turns out those little suckers can hang on for dear life! When I reached up again, then I was stung. Right on the hand, but at least it wasn't my right hand. I jumped and screamed and cried...then cried some more. Poor Sam and Caleb...they had to witness my ugly cry. :)
And that concludes my totally unnecessary story, but hey...I've updated you on my life so far. You can thank me later. Also? Here's the real reason for my post!
This week's photo (original):

My edit:

Popped the colors a little bit and cropped the mailbox out of the frame. I wish I could blur out the light pole thing because I'd have totally done that by now. By the way, boy in the picture...I love how you're going for that I'm too cool for you attitude!

worship music wednesday

Side note: this post was backtracked. It might be because I'm so OCD about some things, or maybe...yeah, I can't think of another reason. :)
On to the good, musical stuff...
Fist pump to you, Casting Crowns. Another winner, and apparently our local radio station loves you too, because your latest song is on at least twice a day. Bravo, but we really can't expect anything less, because you always crank out songs that are so appropriate and hit close to home.

Hear our cry, Lord we pray,
Our faces down, our hands are raised,
You called us out, we turned away, we’ve turned away.

With ship wrecked faith, idols rise,
We do what is right, in our own eyes,
Our children now, will pay the price,
We need Your light, Lord, shine Your light.

If we’ve ever needed You, Lord, it’s now, Lord, it’s now,
We are desperate for Your hand, we’re reachin’ out, we’re reachin’ out.

All our hearts, all our strength,
With all our minds, we’re at Your fate,
May Your Kingdom come, in our hearts and lives,
Let Your Church arise, let Your Church arise!

If we’ve ever needed You, Lord, it’s now, Lord, it’s now,
We are desperate for Your hand, we’re reachin’ out, we’re reachin’ out, we’re reachin’ out

If we’ve ever needed You, Lord, it’s now, Lord, it’s now,
We’re are desperate for Your hand, we’re reachin’ out, we’re reachin’ out,
If we’ve ever needed You, Lord, it’s now, Lord, it’s now,
We are desperate for Your hand, we’re reachin’ out, we’re reachin’ out

We need You now
Revive us now
We need You now

almost wordless wednesday: a new camera

First off, thanks for all the input on my new profile picture! But I'm afraid it all wasn't any good, because, well...

That's right; I finally got my beloved camera for my birthday!! I am beyond excited, and this post is truly an AAW. Now, if you'd be so kind as to vote on these pictures, a million bonus points to you. :)

simple woman's daybook for june 21st

Alright, guys, you know the drill! Another Monday means another Simple Woman's Daybook, so head on over to Peggy's to read up on all the rules and regulations, then come back and type up your own post, link up and...volia! You've just particapted in the blog carnival that is known as The Simple Woman's Daybook. I don't care if spell check thinks that "Daybook" isn't really a word; I'm still going with it.

For today...June 21st, 2010. The first day of summer, and let me tell you something, okay? It's felt like summer for over a month now, and I almost pass out when I think that this is what it should be like in August. That's two months away, folks, and to think we have even hotter temps in store...I can't think about that right now. 
Outside my window...The sun is, well, doing it's job and heating up the earth. Hey, sun? You can slack off on your job now, okay; the earth's getting a tad too hot here lately.
I am thinking...About my birthday post. Goes hand in hand with this one, really.
From the learning rooms...I struggled though math this morning, and ended up not finishing until after lunch. Oh well, I'm doing it at my own pace, and that's what homeschooling is all about!
From the kitchen...I put in my request for a grilled supper, but I'm not sure it will be granted. I even offered to do most of the chopping, but no dice, so we'll see what's on the menu tonight.
I am wearing...I've already been in the pool this afternoon, so I'm typing this in my bathing suit. What? That's not normal? Hate to break it to you, but I'm generally a abnormal person. :)
I am creating...I created a Father's Day card yesterday, so I'm just a little proud of myself. Thank you, thank you!
I am going...To upload some, er, a lot of pictures in the near future. As in, like, after I click the publish button on this post. 
I am reading...I just got a new summertime book by Beverly Lewis, and I'm already done with the first mini-book (it's 5 volumes in one). Perfect for sitting by the pool, like I did this afternoon. 
I am hoping...To finish this post, along with a bunch of others today. I promises you guys a birthday post, right? Can't back out now. 
I am hearing...Mama and Dad talking about the mower. If you know anything about our family, it's that we literally live on the riding mower in the summer, and now it's broken. Again. Happens every other time we crank it up, and it's a easy fix, but man...is it annoying!
Around the house...Everyone's laying low and gearing up for another trip outside to the pool. 
One of my favorite things...Birthdays. No duh! Actually, I don't like everyone making a big fuss, but I do like the part where I get to sleep in and Clark do my chores. :)
A few plans for the rest of the week...Hanging out with the pastor's kids tomorrow morning, coupled with some errands and a visit to a friend from CBS. Thursday might be a repeat of Tuesday, and that's pretty much it! Not much, like usual. 
A picture for thought I am sharing...This pretty much sums of my weekend!

Off to put the finishing touches on my birthday post. It's full of surprises, so hang on to your britches. Yes, I just said britches. :)