Ladybugs and other Creepy-crawlies

Summer is upon us. The panhandle of Oklahoma is hot & humid. (Well, more humid than we've been use to... I'm sure people in Southeastern OK would argue the point.) I've been neglecting the internet & blog lately. I wish I could say I have been busy in the garden, but we didn't plant one this year. I have helped my dad on the farm some. I love plowing fields, especially when I have air-ride, AC & stereo... I also enjoy swathing Alfalfa. The gorgeous green and lovely purple flowers and the smell are wonderful. Mostly though, I've been inside avoiding the heat, fighting allergies & enjoying our children. I homeschool more in the heat of summer since we're stuck inside anyway.

I've also been planning. I'm really enjoying my Hey Mama! Planner from The Old Schoolhouse. I like to reevaluate & plan twice a year. I've added some things to our schedule that will be keeping us a bit busier than our normal. My health has limited our participation in outside activities for a number of years. Now that I'm feeling better, I'm really looking forward to doing some fun things in our community.

This year we are getting more involved in 4-H club. We'll be having summer workshops soon. The children are looking forward to making fun crafts for the county fair. Our club is also planning to join some fun activities that will compliment our homeschool nicely this year. Hopefully I'll be posting more about them as the year unfolds.

Summer is an excellent time to study bugs. Here are some great books to help study creepy-crawlies:

There are thousands and thousands of different types of bugs in the world. Find out all kinds of creepy-crawly things about them in this fascinating book.

From an amazing stick insect longer than your arm to gigantic spiders as big as a dinner plate, this book's huge fold-out pages let readers discover how big some of the biggest bugs in the world really are.

Spot beetles scurrying across desert dunes, butterflies flitting through the jungle, caterpillars munching on cabbage leaves, and many, many more bugs. Little spotters can keep track of all their finds using the stickers in the middle of the book.

Watch as the bug whizzes around the tracks in this delightful interactive book. Wind up the bug by pulling it backward, place it on the tracks and watch it wiggle around the garden.

I've joined a different Home & Community Education club this year which I'm really enjoying. Most of the members have known me all my life and are very supportive. This group is very involved and dedicated. I'm hosting the meeting this month which is about (free printable information from OKstate) Beneficial Insects & Conserving Beneficial Anthropods. I'm NOT a bug person. I can count the bugs I like on one hand. But I'm planning some fun snacks and an informational video:

While I'm sharing bugs, I'd like to share some of my favorite hair accessories. Lilla Rose flexi-clips and bobby-pins are so strong and durable. I use them all the time. The ladybugs are some of my favorite designs. I wear a lot of red and these accent great. The clips come in SEVEN sizes, so even if you have very fine or very thick hair, there is a size that will fit. They are made with flexible wire and a heavy duty notched rod which makes them adjustable. The bobby-pins are the best I've ever used. I can put them in our 10 year old's hair and never worry about her losing them. They HOLD! If you have a summer birthday girl, these are a delightful gift. Stop in my little Hair Pretties shop or let me know if you'd like to host a party.

While I'm looking forward to more activities this year, I also know I need to continue to pace myself carefully. Please help me pray for guidance in this area. I tend to get very excited and then end up exhausted. Is there anything you'd like me to pray for you about? I'd love to add you to my prayer list.

The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the Lord. All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the spirits. Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established. ... Proverbs 16 (KJV)

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