Summer Hibernation...

It's July in Oklahoma, so I've gone into my summer hibernation. Today's high is supposed to reach 106 F with an evening low of 80 F. This type of heat began in June, we set a record number of days at or above 100 F for the month. July hasn't had a day below that 100 mark, and the extended 10 day forecast doesn't have it changing anytime soon. Added to the high heat is no rain, and let my tell you it's miserable here!

I don't like heat...I was born up North and I prefer cold weather to the hot, so I usually hibernate in the summer instead of the winter. It helps that the kids don't have to go to school like they do in the winter so I am not forced out of the house everyday. I usually begin my summer hibernation in June, but having an extended baseball season and swim lessons and running my Oldest to his volunteer time at the library has pushed it back to July.

July is actually my least favorite month of the year...mostly because of the heat. My theory about the summer months is: June isn't so bad, I'm usually too busy to notice the heat; July is awful, because it's hot with no end in sight; and August (although hotter than July) is a relief, because I know the temperatures are going to peak and start falling toward...FALL (probably my favoritist season of all!)

Anyway...wherever you are I hope you're staying cool!

T-ball Tournament Mohawks!

June in our house means baseball tournament season. This year my Oldest didn't have one (most of the boys are now off playing High school baseball, a fate I hope my Oldest has next summer), but my Youngest is still in the middle of his T-ball Tournament. Ball tournaments mean mohawks...the only time of year I let the boys go wild on their hair. This is the result:

The brothers, one with a real mohawk and the other with a faux-hawk. They also discovered colored gel!
Real hawk with gold gel.

Green with a faux-hawk.

GO COBRAS!

Happy June!

Can't believe it's already June! I thought things would calm down once school was out, but we are busier than ever right now. My plan is to start posting more often than once a month now that school is out...I have a lot of stuff to share from the last month, but have been way too busy to post. Check back next week and hopefully I can start sharing my photos again. HAPPY JUNE!

Mini Oreo Apple Pops

I've been searching for great Teacher Appreciation gifts/Last day of school gifts and came across this post on Skip to My Lou (found on my list of blogs that I follow) and which was posted on her blog by Brooke from The Crafting Chicks Blog:


Mini Oreo Pops

• mini oreos


• red candy melts


• green airheads


• pretzel sticks


• toothpicks


• styrofoam (for drying) and a container for giving

Gently stick the toothpick into the cream part of the oreo, dip into red candy melts (that you've melted in the microwave according to package directions), then place in styrofoam to harden. While the candy is still wet, break the pretzel sticks into small pieces and stick into the top of the oreo. Cut the green airheads into small pieces and shape into leaf shapes before attaching it to the oreo with a little dab of melted candy.

Let everything dry before removing used toothpicks. Place in container for the Teacher and show him or her your appreciation.

The Edward Everett Dale Society Reception

My husband and I were invited to a reception yesterday hosted by the Edward Everett Dale Society in the Western History Collection featuring new books published by The University of Oklahoma Press. It was a great reception and something I've never been too before...it made me feel like an adult. Of course I found half a dozen books I wanted to purchase, but I settled on these three:
A comprehensive history of the Sooner state from it's tectonic formation to it's centennial birthday. A dual choice, my Husband and I think it will be a good book for our boys when they study Oklahoma history in high school.

A fictional account that brings to life the Oklahoma Land Run of 1889. This one was my husband's choice, but looks interesting nonetheless.

A book based on the diaries and letters of 8 women who traversed the wagon trails on our countries westward migration during the 19th century. I knew I wanted this book the minute I picked it up. It's going to be a great read.

We were put on the permanent invite list for this event, and I'm looking forward to next years reception!

Something to think about...

I may be crazy, but I've seriously been thinking about homeschooling my Youngest next year when he starts 1st grade. Don't get me wrong, but I LOVE the school, LOVE the teachers, Like the district, but I've still been thinking about it.

As a substitute teacher this year I've been able to see how much time a teacher must spend getting the class to settle down, get to work, to line up for music/PE/lunch, and how much time they really spend one on one with each child and I know I can give my child at least that amount of attention each day with school work. Socialization isn't an issue because he will be starting Cub Scouts and sports are not an issue, because wrestling and baseball are in his future.

What really stops me is the fact that I know myself and I'm not sure I have the patience to teach him and not do his work myself, and I'm afraid that his education will be neglected in some vital way with me as his teacher.

Anyway that is just something I've been thinking about this crazy April in Oklahoma!

A new recipe...

I discovered a new recipe in my Food & Family magazine and my family loves it...Roasted New Potatoes! Potatoes and bacon...Yum!!!

Roasted New Potatoes

from Food & Family magazine

2 lb. new potato, cut in halves or quarters

6 slices bacon, chopped small

3 Tbsp. Italian dressing

1/3 c. Kraft mayo with olive oil

1 Tbsp. lemon juice

1 clove garlic, minced

2 Tbsp. shredded Parmesan cheese

2 tsp. chopped fresh parsley

1. 
   
   Heat oven to 400 degrees F


2. 
   
   Combine potatoes, bacon & dressing; spread on a sheet pan & bake for 45 minutes. Stir after 25 minutes.


3. 
   
   Mix mayo, lemon juice and garlic...set aside.


4. 
   
   Place potatoes on a plate, top with mayo, cheese and parsley and serve.

This is one of our new favorite recipes. I usually make it without the garlic, but follow the rest of the directions exactly. We had it last night with Shake-N-bake pork chops and roasted broccoli and it was all gone by the time we finished dinner last night. Please enjoy!