Life in the Desert: Part One

Monsoon Season is here!! Those of you that know me know that I really love a good thunderstorm. Unfortunately those are a rare sight about 10 months of the year in Arizona. However, come July and August, the desert puts on quite a show! I always thought it was strange when I use to visit Phoenix and everyone was so excited when it rained here. Of course I was coming from Ohio where it rained all the time. I was kind of sick of the rain. But after living here for three years, I understand their enthusiasm. I loved the smell of rain today!

Of course not everyone shares my excitement!

Another thing that is just part of the Arizona territory especially in the summer...

My parents have had six in the last few weeks. Fortunately we have had none! I'm not sure what I would do if I found one besides freak out. I definitely don't go bare foot when I'm at their house!! I'm hoping we live to far "in the city" that they couldn't find us!! It's probably wishful thinking!



It's time for bed. I will be back tomorrow for Life in the Desert: Part Two.

Cheri

Errands

It has been a busy day of running errands. My mom and I always have a list.

We started our day here. I was not really looking for anything in particular, but it's always fun to look around here. A few months ago, I found a shower curtain that I kind of liked, but I didn't get it. I saw it there today and was glad I had not bought it. I guess I change my mind too much. My mom found a couple of things though.

I love this store! We always go here to get our fresh fruits and vegetables. I bought some peaches and strawberries that I can't wait to eat. I found a new peach and angel food cake recipe from another blog that I want to try. I can remember years ago, picking our own peaches back in Kansas. I must say this way is a whole lot easier and cooler!




We met my dad for lunch here. I'm so glad Arizona has one of these!





Next on the list was a visit to this wonderful store. I happily left with a cute shirt and some equally cute Steve Madden black patent flats. It is always so hard to find shoes with heels that I don't walk out of.


And finally...



What shopping trip would be complete without a visit here!!!


Have a great night!

Cheri

Cheri's Five

5 Things I'm Looking Forward To...


1. Teaching 2nd grade
2. Fall (my favorite season)
3. Getting back to hiking
4. Working at the back to school clothing drive
5. Pumpkin Spice Latte's from Starbucks


5 Things I Did Yesterday...


1. Lunch with a friend
2. Cleaned house
3. Dinner with my family
4. Went to Target
5. Finished my blog design


5 Things I Wish I Could Do...


1. Sing a solo
2. Ski
3. Ride in a boat without getting motion sick
4. Sew or at least do monogramming (don't tell my mom)
5. Enjoy really hot or spicy food (I don't understand eating food that you have to drink water in between bites)

Five Shows I Enjoy...

1. NCIS
2. House Hunters
3. History Channel ( I couldn't pick only one, so I went with the whole channel)
4. Gilmore Girls
5. Dancing With the Stars

Have a good night!

Cheri

It's Monday!

I have been working on a blog makeover the last few days. I'm really excited with the final product. I have finally figured out after 1 1/2 years of blogging how to add certain applications and details. It looks like a real blog now!! With all the time that I have spent, I don't think I will be changing it any time soon.

We enjoyed a nice, but busy 4th of July. It was fun to spend some time celebrating Lola's first birthday. She was so cute dressed in her holiday attire. I think the 4th of July is a perfect holiday for a birthday. You always get the day off. Lots of fireworks. Afterwards, we went to church. It was a small crowd, but considering if was a holiday it was a good turnout. Finally we made our way to my parents for dinner and a fireworks show. Of course, the best part for me was the homemade ice cream! It was nice sitting on the patio watching the fireworks. Sure beats fighting all the crowds! I think the Chinese students also enjoyed their first July 4th. They seemed to really like the hot dogs and hamburgers. One of them made the comment that the hamburgers sure tasted better than Burger King's!

I met a friend for lunch today at Paradise Bakery. I had their Asian salad which is always so good. For some reason I thought I needed the large salad. It was so big, I brought half of it home. We are getting spoiled in our area as several new restaurants have come in. Tonight we had Chipotle with my parents. I think they realized why we like it so much. My dad went through the line twice!!!

I guess this is my random news for today. Time to read my Karen Kingsbury book.

Cheri

Well, it has been a pretty nice Saturday here in hot Arizona. We have been experiencing very intense heat for the last few day, but have no fear there is a cool down coming. It should only be around 104 for the next few days!! As long as the air conditioner keeps running, I should be okay.

I don't usually spend a lot of time in the kitchen, but today was the opposite. I made my July 4th cupcakes to take to my parent's house tomorrow. I am very proud of myself that I have only eaten one all day. I have also enjoyed watching "Revolution" on the history channel. It presented a very detailed account of the American Revolution. It gave me goose bumps watching the struggle and finally victory those earlier Americans faced for independence. I love history! I think if I was not an elementary school teacher, I would have been a history teacher.

Tomorrow we have a busy day. I have Miss Lola's first birthday party to attend, Sunday night church and then dinner at my parents. They have invited some students from China to our little July 4th celebration. It should be fun! And best of all, I get some homemade ice cream!

I hope everyone has a wonderful 4th of July!

Cheri

Camping Trip to Sitgreaves National Forest

We just returned from a camping trip northeast of Payson this weekend. It was my first time sleeping in a tent. It was a lot of fun. There were things I wished came with camping, namely a real bathroom, but I survived. The temperatures ranged from the 50's-80's, so it was nice change from the heat in Phoenix. The scenery was really awesome there. Since Payson was close to our campsite, we came in town on Saturday for a little lunch. I found a neat antique store in town. I am starting a collection of antique silverware, so I was excited to find a fork from 1945. It was nice to get home to a comfortable bed even though the laundry was stacked high.

It is VBX week!! (They call it VBX for Vacation Bible Extreme). I will be working with about twenty 3 year olds which should keep things popping. I finished decorating my room on Friday and I'm pleased on how it turned out. The room is also used for Sunday School, so I had to staple things down pretty good. Let's just say my camel is not going anywhere. I am anticipating being pretty tired each day, but it should be a lot of fun. I always enjoyed VBS growing up, so I hope these kids do too. They are planning on having a camel, hissing beetles, rabbits, and snakes (all in appropriate containers except of course for the camel). The camel's name is Elvis and supposedly he doesn't spit, but gives kisses.

It is very, very hot in Arizona!! (I guess that is appropriate since the setting for VBX is Egypt). There is a big difference between 95 and 105!! Usually you can find some relief in the shade when the temperatures are in the 90's, but not so much above 100. I'm just glad I don't have to wear a costume this week at VBX. Shorts sound a lot cooler! It was even a little too warm shopping at some of the outside malls yesterday. I can't believe I said that!!

I also can't believe week one of summer is already over. Things should slow down a little in a few weeks. August 9th will be here before you know it! Hope everyone has a great week!

Cheri