We are back in the summer heat of the deep South and I am enjoying seeing all the life bursting around the farm. Our blueberry bushes are heavily laden with fruit, the tomatoes and other vegetables are growing (we got a late start), apples are already shaping up to be a good season. The bees are busy. I thought they all absconded over the cold winter, but there is definitely hive activity in a few of the hives, so I will suit up and go check it out soon.
Many people I know are traveling right now since here in the States we are coming up on the Fourth of July. We can’t travel this summer as my health isn’t permitting it right now, but I am making plans in my head for next July. My husband and I are talking about going to Alaska – suggestions are welcome! I am also busy looking ahead to harvesting our garden and then also what I will be planting for fall since I love cabbage and kale!
Our oldest daughter and I were talking this morning about the joys of being content at home and being busy in the home. What a blessing to be joyful in all circumstances and within our own place. So, this July, here are the things we are celebrating:
4- Independence Day
22- Feast Day of St. Mary Magdalene
25- Feast Day of St. James the Apostle
26- Feast Day of St. Anne and St. Joachim, Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Are you thinking about summer menu planning? I have a back post on July Menu Planning to grab!
I am looking forward to sunflowers, catching fireflies, and the possibility of a new little kitten to join our household!
Things to Do With Children:
- Fourth of July decorating; patriotic crafts
- Find traditional patriotic American music to listen to!
- Go to Independence Day parades!
- Sunflower crafts
- Drying herbs and making things from herbs
- Picking produce; canning and preserving
- Earth looms and weaving could be lovely; see my summer Pinterest board for even more craft ideas
Here are a few of my favorite things for small children:
Here are a few of my favorite things for older children/teens:
- Swimming and sliding on rocks in creeks; maybe even venturing to a water park or splash pad
- Catching fireflies
- Gazing at stars
- The Magic of Boredom
Things for the Home:
- Going through the school room or school area and cleaning out
- Ordering art supplies and new resources for the next school year
- Making new seasonal things for the home
- Changing out toys if you are on a toy rotation for smaller children
- I am going to be working in our basement this month – so much to clean up down there and I want it neat and tidy
Homeschooling Fun!:
First of all, a HUGE thank you to all the readers I had consultations with this June! It was incredible to talk to people from all over North America! I love you all and it was my pleasure to talk to everyone! I hope everyone is pulling together their planning!
Our children are finishing and beginning! Our oldest is finishing up her nursing degree and will graduate in December. Our middle child will be beginning university for Equine Studies out of state. And our youngest will be beginning eighth grade this year. It’s hard to believe!
My main goal for our eighth grader this year, outside of academics and all the work that goes into our farm, is to help facilitate a close group of friends and to help him identify areas of outside interests.
Inner Work:
I feel like being on the farm has brought me back around to the inner work of the family life. Here is a back post that I am working off of: https://theparentingpassageway.com/2009/12/10/my-plan-for-personal-development-as-a-homemaker/
I hope you have a blessed July!
Warmly and with many blessings,
Carrie
