happy fourth, ya'll!

(some pictures from last 4th.)

Just wanted to hop on real quick and wish all my readers (yes, all ten of you.) a happy 4th. We've got some guests coming over this afternoon, and I'm sure the cameras will have a dead battery when all is said and done, so make sure you check back on Tuesday for some awesome fireworks pictures. If I could take some decent pictures on my little Sony, then imagine what kind of pictures I'll get this year! The thought of it just makes me giddy...

july issue of CF

It's the beginning of the month, and you know what that means...the new issue of Challegning Femininity hits stands, er, the FF website. As always, it's filled with awesome articles and short stories. Jocelyn really knows how to attract readers, I'll tell you that!
Speaking of a new CF issue...
If you're a follower of the Feelin Feminine website, you know that a new issue of CF brings along a new host for the Challenge. This month's host is none other than Miss Emmylou, and when I heard that, it was like icing on the cake. You know, a big, feminine cake! And, best of all, Mama said she'd join in on all the fun, so look out blogging world, here comes my Mama, in a good way of course.
Have a great 4th, everyone. Oh, and FYI, just so you don't freak out...I do have a post scheduled for tomorrow. Obviously not the first challenge day, but just a little something about the holiday.

summer with a purpose: week 3

**UPDATE**
So far today, I've read my Bible (before coming downstairs!), excerised for 25 minutes, unloaded the dishwasher, cleaned up the kitchen after lunch, cleaned the downstairs bathroom for the guests tomorrow, and mowed for 30 mins. Seems like I've broken my unproductive streak, huh? By the way, I'm not naming names or anything, but someone has to use my sparkly clean toliet tomorrow...or else! :)
It's really week two for me, but whatever. A mere technicality, the date is...
Just like Emily, I'm afraid I wasn't very productive. Sure, I did a lot of odd jobs this week, like scrubbing the kitchen counters and my bathroom floor, along with finishing up the CBS task Mama and I were working on, but I didn't knock out any big tasks. Oh well, I still have most of the summer to complete my summer bucket list, if you will.
What have I worked on concerning my list of...stuff? Well, I've made great leaps and bounds in my math. In fact, I did so much math this week, I was able to take off for the holiday weekend. Virtual high five, bloggy peeps! I also cut back on my computer time, but not by much. My bad. Oh, one more thing; I have kept up with my regular chores, daily and weekly. I never really had a problem with that, but never hurts to have it written out that you need to improve on something. Motivation, you know?
Can't wait to see what things you've improved on this week! I'm off to spend a Friday night with the family...and maybe eat a ice cream cone. Hey, it's summer after all!

five reads for friday

Since the Fix It Friday post, along with the picture, isn't up on the website yet, I've decided to skip this week's edit and do it along with next week's picture. Make sense? Not really? Yeah, I'm a little bit confused myself...
"Between Two Worlds" by Tiffany. Ya'll I almost cried when I read this, but I held myself together, thankfully. Never have I been able to express my thoughts on being a homeschooler, and having non-homeschooling friends, so well. Bravo, Tiffany!
"The Dog Days of Summer" by Lauren. I laughed really hard at this post, mostly because I've found my cat doing the same thing. And I may or may not have sat on the vent a couple days back myself while no one was looking. :)
"Wild Rice Salad" by Joy. This looks right up my alley, although I'm not too hot on the idea of putting yogurt on my salad. Joy's a little more adventurous for me, but that's okay. She stills has to-die-for recipes, and I can thank her for introducing me to pumpkin cookies. Seriously, those things are addicting.
"Christians on the Bible" by Davene. Ah, to be a child. Well, technically, I still am, but to see the world from a child's perspective? Sounds pretty good to me! And that picture of Santa, er, Josiah? Cute beyond words.
"The Oil Spill" by Mckmama. Um, pure photographic genius at it's finest, ya'll. Props to Sami, Mckmama's friend who took the pictures.
"I Didn't Hear Her Until Last Night" by Gussy aka Maggie. Ever hear someone say something about you over and over, but then it hits you like a brick after the 50 millionth time they've said it? Yeah, I've been there.
"I Get By With A Little Help From My Friends" by Linsday. They happen to be my friends also, and, let me tell you...Phillip (the little blond headed boy in the photos) is one of the funniest guys I know. Great job, Linds!
"Girl Time" by Davene. Oh, second mention, Davene! You must be special or something. :) By the way, I totally relate to her after I've had a good, long chat with my friends.
"I'm Beyond Excited" by Emily. I'm beyond excited for her, too! Way to go, Em. I know you waited and waited for enough money to come rolling in, and it all paid off. Why don't you readers go and tell her congrats? It'll mean a lot to her, I'm sure.
Huh. Seems like I couldn't stop at just five reads! I'm not going to change the title, though, because, really...Nine Reads for Friday doesn't have the same ring to it.

monthly makeover 6

I had the best time looking googling "blog backgrounds" and looking at the choices they gave me, unlike the past months. Google, you are my best friend right now, and I'm sure Swagbucks would be my best friend, too, if I could convince Dad to let me register.
Back to my background, because, really...that story is neither here nor there.
Since I'm not a fan of leaving holiday themed backgrounds up for the whole month, I decided to opt out of having one that had words plastered all over it, or little stars...stuff like that. I think this month's background meets my criteria, don't you? Of course I do; I wouldn't have picked it if I didn't!
Click on over to Hot Bliggty Blog via this link, or the button below...

...and have fun viewing all their bloggy bling. Oh, and while I have your attention, can I direct you to my new and improved profile picture? Thanks to all who voted, and for being such I great sport when I asked you to re-vote on a profile picture, even though you had done it a week ago. Virtual hugs all around!
I'll be back after I recover from all the swimming/eating/picture taking I'm sure to do this weekend. Make sure to check your readers later next week, okay?