Weekly Rewind 8/28-9/3/11

"They who have been monuments of God's mercies, 

will be trumpets of His praise."

~Thomas Watson, All Things for Good

****

The mornings are changing around here. There's actually the faint smell of autumn's arrival, and it's refreshing to feel that cooler breeze in the morning.

As much as I love autumn, I'd like to hold onto summer a bit longer. Where did it go?

We finally finished up the school year this past week. 

Done.

Not done with learning, of course, because that happens everyday, most of the day. But we're done with certain books and moving onto others. I think this past year was our hardest year, yet, and the one that seems the foggiest to me. After a short break, we celebrate the start of another year of learning sometime in October.

This lovely piece of laminated scrapbook paper infused much sanity into my brain this week and lots of peace into our days. It was filled out completely last Sunday evening. It was such a wonder to me that I pulled it off of the fridge and did a brief show and tell with the children. I was excited to have in front of me everything we were going to be eating, knowing the food was on hand.

I think most women have a menu-planning gene. We want to do it. We know it's good planning for our families, but we argue that we don't really have the time. It's not that I don't plan our meals, but too often I wing part of the week, filling in things as I go and making myself think over and over about the same decisions. 

It's a ridiculous thing to do to oneself.

Instead, it's much wiser to invest a couple of hours in planning and then start the week by seeing God's provision so boldly displayed. 

Sweet Ella brought me this lovely flower one morning this week.

However, it came with a price.

The dreaded Cactus injury. 

I have a feeling she'd do it all over again for me. :)

Cap'n decided to nap AFTER he finished his food this time. Even this experienced Mama often wonders..."Do I leave him or move him?" 

I decided to check for damaging binky imprints, adjust his head a bit, and let him enjoy an upright snooze. Isn't he simply adorable?

Emma and Elisabeth found these horned lizard twins. So tiny. So cute.

I think we should have kept them, come up with names for them, and made them famous in some way. Twin Lizards Hot Sauce or Twin Lizards Fly Removal. Something like that.

And I've always heard about things like this, and I know those blessed ones to whom it happens. Finding insane deals.

Finally, the person was ME!  Why don't I think more often to look at the thrift stores for books? As I dropped off my three bags of clothing (such a weight lifted!), I couldn't pass by the 10 books for a dollar offering. Yippee! (Because everyone knows our family needs a few more books, and yes, I'd trade clothes for books any day.

And Cap'n did something very exciting this week, but his accomplishment deserves a post of its own.

God has provided over and over this week, just as always. What a blessing it was to watch Mountain Man drive away to work each day without hearing metal against metal. Those repairs have made a big difference!

Now we're off to tackle some yard and house chores and then enjoy our children's new favorite past time, Ultimate Frisbee. :)

Much love,