Dear friend,
I feel like I’ve been MIA lately. Oops.
I probably feel that way because I didn’t post on Monday, like I’ve been trying to do this summer, and because I didn’t send out an email newsletter last week…
But it’s summer, and I have a gazillion things floating around in my head, and so I’m trying to give myself grace.
What have I been up to this summer?
Well, let’s see now…
Recuperating from my mission trip to England
I LOVED my time in England. The two weeks I was there went by way too fast. I loved getting to know the people at the church at which we were serving, and seeing how they relate to God.
My relationship with God definetly grew whilst I was in England.
I miss England so much, and can’t wait to go back in May 2017!
Nannying
Lots and lots of nannying :)
On Mondays I nanny for three girls, named Anna Catherine (who will be in 6th grade), Lulu (who will be in 4th grade), and Joy (who is 4). I’ve known their family for years, and took piano lessons with their two elder siblings in the past.
I’ve absolutely adored getting to know these girls. We have so much fun playing and laughing together. We go swimming in their grandparents pool quite often, and like to go to local playgrounds.
I also babysit for another family who have 4 boys semi-consistently. That job is *slightly* more exhausting than my job with the 3 girls, but we still have fun. The boys are 11, 5, 2, and 10 months, so I have my hands full!
Both of the families I’ve been sitting for have adopted, and I absolutely love that. I want to adopt someday, so I’ve really enjoyed seeing the sibling dynamic among the kids. They’re super sweet to each other… most times ;)
VBS
I love, love, LOVE Vacation Bible School. It’s one of my favorite weeks of the year.
This year I was a part of the music team, and I really enjoyed getting to know all of the 1st-4th graders when they came to their music rotation.
We did LifeWay’s Submerged VBS, and I loved the music and the skits that came with it.
Spanish Camp
I led a Spanish camp at the school I teach at, and I had a blast!
I held 2 camps, one for kindergarten-2nd graders and one for 3rd-5th graders.
We had so much fun playing Spanish games and learning new concepts. We also “traveled” to a different country each day and learned fun and interesting facts about them.
Psych
Oh my goodness, have you heard of this TV show?
I discovered it about 2 weeks ago, and I’m totally addicted LOL! I love a good mystery, and the plethora of puns crack me up!
Chatbooks
Another new addiction of mine.
Have you heard of Chatbooks before?
It’s a photo book subscription service that turns your Instagram photos, Facebook photos, or just photos from your phone’s photo roll and turns them into adorable 6in x 6in books.
Best part– each book is only $8!
I discovered Chatbooks by seeing them on the bookshelves of each of the families I nanny for. I love flipping through them and seeing the kids when they were much younger. :)
I have about 6 “volumes” now from my personal Instagram feed, and love the fact that I can add pictures straight from my camera roll, so if I don’t want to post a pic to IG, or if I don’t want to post too much on IG, I can still document the moment forever by Chatbooking it.
It’s definetly inspired me to take more pictures.
Want to start Chatbooking? You can use the code HAQ7VYPH to get your first book free when you start an ongoing series (I get a dollar of credit each time someone uses my code).
PLUS, now is a great time to sign up, because they’re having a big sale! Use the code STAYCOOL to get 20% off an order! (Sale ends July 31, 2016.) Chatbooks only go on sale twice a year, so don’t miss this opportunity. :)
Musicals
I’ve seen so many musicals this summer, y’all! I’m quite musical-ed out.
- First, my brother was Curly in Oklahoma at his high school, so I saw that right when my summer started.
- Then I saw Phantom of the Opera while I was in London. (One of the happiest moments of my life!)
- Then my brother participated in a local summer musical camp where he was the Sultan in Aladdin. So I saw him perform in that.
- Then my family and I saw 42nd Street on a Broadway tour when it came to Dallas.
- Then we saw Singin’ in the Rain at a local theater (the fact that said local theater was about 2 hours away made it much more exciting lol!).
- Lastly, we saw Mary Poppins at a local theater (which is actually near our town haha!).
Whew! So many musicals in such a short amount of time!
Don’t get me wrong… I love musicals! I’m just a little tired of them for now. I’m sure that will change when my family and I go to see Newsies on tour this fall lol! ;)
Declare
Well, Declare hasn’t happened yet, but it’s tomorrow and I’m super excited (and kinda nervous) for it.
It’s a Christian blogging conference and it’s my first blogging conference ever! I’m really looking forward to it! I can’t believe it’s finally here!
Well, that’s about it!
I’m off to pack for Declare and print off my ticket! *Squeals!*
I’m also off to find a new audio book to download from audible.com. I finished the book I was listening today (The Ugly Stepsister) and am in need of a new book.
And I’ll probably watch an episode of Psych later. But anywho…
Much love,
Kara Beth
P.S. What have you been up to this summer? Comment below and let me know :)
