Living in the countryside means we have lots of places to explore, beautiful places at that! The weather hasn't been great so far this summer so when it IS sunny (rare!) we always try to make the most of it. One day after school, we went for a lovely walk, exploring our area and there were so many pretty views.







We did actually sport what we think, was a baby deer but it was too fast for us to get close enough to have a proper look! I actually saw a deer right by our back fence a few weeks ago.


We could see right over the river as it was so clear and warm. We had a wonderful walk, I hope we have more sunny days, we'd quite like to go on a picnic on top of the hills!

How have you been enjoying the weather?

Linked up with:
#CountryKids

Negatives:

• My anxiety has been horrendous. I think last Thursday and Friday were probably the worst days. It was really bad. However, it's a bit better now. Anxiety is so hard to figure out because I don't know why I was anxious. It was everything and nothing (and if you suffer with anxiety, you may be able to relate to that!). Thank goodness it's not that bad now (touch wood). 
• My laptop no longer gives me a warning when the battery is going flat. It just switches itself off. I figure that this is a sign the battery is probably on it's way out. I can't replace it myself because the battery is inside the actual laptop. What a pain. I just need to remember to plug the charger in after an hour or so. It's not the end of the world - at least it still works (again, touch wood!)
• Sports day was cancelled last week because it was pouring with rain  but it's been rescheduled so that's something to look forward to :) 

Positives:

• Charlie had his induction days at high school! I am SO incredibly proud of him. He happily went with Harry on the bus Monday morning and came home with Harry on the bus. I'm so pleased they're back in the same school even if I am in denial that Charlie is old enough for high school. On the second induction day all the teachers were on strike but Charlie got a lift to school with my step dad. He happily went and was super confident about the second day! 
• Ellie also enjoyed two days being introduced to year 4! She's got Charlie's (current) teacher in September, which she is excited about and he is a very good teacher. 
• So far in July, I've read two books! Well, one I started in June but couldn't finish because the stupid brain disease flared up and it effects my vision, I finished that a couple of days ago. I read 'The girl with no name' by Diney Costeloe and 'If I stay' I'll review those over on my book blog at some point. My July 'To Be Read' list can be found here 
• Having good friends and a lovely fella has made me truly happy this week! Being a in a long distance relationship isn't easy but when we do see each other, we really appreciate our time together. Also having a really good friend. We message every day and we talk about everything and anything which is lovely.
• The weather seems to have taken a turn for the better! Hoorah! Finally. I feel much more motivated when it's sunny. Although not a fan of the heat/humidity but it's nice to see the sun! 

I'm looking forward to... 

• The fact that it's July is a positive! Honestly, can not wait for the summer holidays and to have a break from the school routine. I know the kids are excited too!
• C & E's sports day! I can't wait to watch them in there races. They're both super excited about it. My mum is also coming to watch, which will be nice. Harry isn't taking part in his sports day this year, which is surprising because he loves sports. Mind, he did take part in a sponsored walk last week, which he enjoyed! He got to come home from school early, which always makes him happy, haha. I'm proud of him for taking part in that.
• Charlies birthday - He's going to be eleven! I know, I can't believe it either.
• The weekend. I need to do some gardening/weeding. My front garden is starting to resemble a jungle. It's only a little patch of garden, so it won't take too long. I'm sure the kids will help me, they like gardening.
• I am also really looking forward to the end of the school term. I think we all need a break from the school routine! Only another couple of weeks or so. 
• So that's basically been our week this week! There's been a lot going on but mostly all good. The positives defiantly out weight the negatives.  

What are your best and worst bits this week? Or what are you most looking forward to?

I hope you all have a lovely rest of the week!


P.s I also have a giveaway running to win a copy of the children's book 'The Lost Smile' 

June, for some reason, was a really hard month for me. I don't know why but I was just so anxious and at the end of June I got to the point where I didn't even want to step outside the front door. I felt panicky and really shaky. I think it was a lot of things that had just built up and anxiety was the result. A lot of anxiety. I also had an IIH (brain condition) flare up which played a huge part in the above. However, the kids still had a good month! We still did a few fun things. The start of June wasn't so bad.

The month started off really well. My new baby nephew was born! He is just adorable, so precious. I'm so excited to have another little nephew. I love newborn cuddles!

We celebrated the queens 90th Birthday but attending a British themed fete (everything was red, white and blue - The colours of the union jack). The kids all won some fab prizes on the tombola and lucky dip type stalls and there were bouncy castles etc! It was a fun afternoon :)
The boys went fishing with there dad a couple of times which gave Ellie and I some time on our own. We spent the afternoon along the river and treated ourselves to some fish and chips which was yummy!


We went to another summer fair! Local to us, about five minutes walk away which was very handy! There were rides and inflatables for the kids to go on! It was SO cheap, wrist bands were £3 each for the whole day. The kids had an absolute blast.



I read a fair bit (before the IIH flare up). Reading really helps me to relax and just unwind. I love getting lost in a book. I found a few good books in charity shops! I do love looking for books in charity shops and giving pre loved books a good home, hehe. I started a book blog and instagram dedicated especially to books! Yay! You can read my reviews and bookish posts over on my book blog aka Sarah's Book Hub


There was a lot of proud mummy moments in June, too! With Charlie preparing for high school and how well all the kids are doing at school. I am so proud of them all. Harry started swimming at school, he honestly hates deep water so I am truly proud of him for giving swimming a whirl at school. He's overcoming his fear.

 We have lots to look forward to in July. You can see our bucket list here. Charlie turns eleven years old and has induction days at high school. We also have a parents open evening at the high school, too! We have sports days and end of the year assemblies. School plays and concerts etc. I'm looking forward to all those things and we're very excited about the six weeks holidays! It'll be nice to have the kids home and a break from the school routine :)

How was your June? What are you most looking forward to in July? Let me know in the comments :)