It was quite the month of up and downs! I think I may have whiplash. It started with my social media account getting hacked and not having access to them. But it ended on a high with some great swim meets, a Blonde Squad meet up, and getting my instagram back (although I had to get a new username). Here is our life lately July 2024 and what we have been up to.
Books I’ve Read
- The Christmas Pig by J.K. Rowling- When Jack loses his most treasured thing, he is determined to get it back and goes on quite the adventure on the way. Claire got this and recommended it to me. It is the sweetest book for young and old. I love the message about moving on. It would be good for those going through grief. 5/5
- The Square of Sevens by Laura Shepherd-Robinson– Red is an orphaned fortune teller in 18th-century England one of few who knows the Square of Sevens technique. She uses her gift as she searches for answers about her long-dead mother. The twists in this story are incredible! I was on the edge of my seat for most of the second half. 5/5
- It Was Always You by Sarah Stephens- On the way to a romantic weekend with her boyfriend Justin, he runs the car off the road into a tree, killing himself and hurting Morgan. Detectives believe Morgan is responsible for Justin’s death, Morgan must unlock the secrets of her past to prove her innocence. The last section was rushed with everything so tenuously linked together that an initial good plot line became completely implausible and hard to follow. 2/5
- Grace by Beverley Watts- Reverend Augustus Shackleford’s mission in life is to secure advantageous marriages for each of his eight daughters although they are far from ladylike. Grace’s first impression of Duke Nicholas Sinclair is not good. How will they ever get along?! Absolutely predictable and mediocre, but still somewhat entertaining when you are looking for something to read/listen to you don’t have to think about. 3/5
- Temperance by Beverly Watts- Reverend Shackleford believed his prayers were finally answered when he found the very person to take Temperance in hand. I loved Tempy’s fiery personality. This was the perfect book to listen to on a long run. 3/5
- Faith By Beverly Watts– Faith Shackleford accompanies her father to convalesce in the genteel seaside town of Torquay. While there they stumble upon a mystery and romance. Somewhat less predictable than 1 & 2. A cute, summer read. 3/5
Recipes I’ve Made
- Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart Bars– These have ruined Pop Tarts for me. They are far more flavorful and tasty than the bland store bought option.
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Gooey Butter Bars– Although there are 3 layers to these, they do come together fairly quickly and easily. The gooey cookie dough texture is so good! We all highly recommend them and liked them even more than the Pop Tart bars.
- Monster Cookie Oatmeal Creme Pie– These were delicious. I ended up making them in bar form and then frosting them instead of making them into sandwiches. It saved time and I’m sure they taste good either way.
- Brisket Street Corn Tacos– Matt made these and we all enjoyed them. The girls and I have been eating the leftovers all week. The brisket, sauce, and elote are perfect together.
- Peanut Butter Mississippi Mud Blondies- I’m not sure if I am qualified to review this recipe. Avie accidentally poured the entire carton of whipping cream instead of the measuring cup I had pre-measured out for her. Haha! It didn’t turn out quite right, but they were still good. Very sweet though so I’m not sure if I will make them again.
Currently
- Loving– Since the girls love swimming so much they have been loving watching all the Olympic events lately. It’s hilarious to hear a 6 year old tell you the swimming recap at the end of the day.
- Looking forward to– This is an easy one! I’m really looking forward to seeing Yellowstone and some of its incredible natural beauty on our trip this week.
- Dreading- Is it just my kids or all kids that have to share a bed? Whenever we are in a hotel room and my girls have to share a bed they purposely annoy each other for at least 30 min. I keep praying they will grow out of it. (cue eye roll)
- Eating– It is watermelon and sweet corn season and we have been enjoying them both!
- Buying- We have been buying all the school supplies! Both kids need quite the list for school this coming year.
- Family Update-
- Me- I finally broke a 7 minute pace during a 5K early in July. That was the high of my month. Then my facebook and instagram were hacked and it went downhill from there. Thankfully the month ended on a high note. I got my instagram back (although the algorithm is against me since it was suspended/unused for a month). I did have to change my name to idodeclaire13 from lbambrick. I also got to spend a few days with the Blonde Squad in Michigan. It was great!
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- Matt– Matt is officially certified to be a judge for USA swimming now. We are really hopeful both Claire and Aveline will be on the same club team this winter. Matt also won July meals by making smoked brisket tacos. So. Good.
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- Claire– It was a bit of a hard swim season for Claire and she was struggling with her times. But she finished with a 100IM and took off 5 seconds at the end of season meet and got 8th place with a medal! Her first! She competed in a biatholon, too and rocked it. I’m so proud of her 8:52 pace for her run! Claire got her first phone (a highly restricted Gabb phone) and has been pretty excited about that. She bridged from Juniors to Cadets in Girl Scouts after earning her Bronze award, too. What a summer!
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- Avie- Avie has been so active this summer with swim team and riding her bike while Claire trains for the running portion of her race. She tried out for the swim club team Claire is on and made it. She is so excited to start in September.
JULY GOALS
- Clean bedroom and dining room chandelier- Oops! I did not have a chance to get these done. But hopefully I have time this month.
- Get gardening done- Done. I was able to move 2 hydrangea bushes that were being choked out by other plants and 2 hasta plants. Hopefully they like their new locations.
- Get my work physical done- Done
August Goals
- Arrange calendar– I have so many things I need to organize and put on the calendar for this coming school year.
- Sign up for fall races- Along with organizing our calendar it would be great to plan out some fall races.
- Get a haircut and highlight- I love to get one around this time of year and it would be a nice treat to myself for my birthday.
- Clean chandeliers– They would sparkle so much more if I was able to give them a good clean.
Favorite Blog Posts
- What to Wear When Feeling Bloated
- I Got Hacked! – How hackers got access, and hopefully how you can avoid it happening to you.
- 5 Pieces, 5 Summer Outfits
LINKING UP WITH WHAT’S UP WEDNESDAY, OVERFLOWING WITH THANKFULNESS
