All of the Windows are Open!

I love, love this time of year! It gives me so much energy!

I have had two good days in a row, and today looks pretty good as well. I try and try to not let my circumstances rule my attitude, but when I get an encouragement like this, I realize how much I failed when discouraged.
Heavenly Father, please help me to be more faithful to you when discouraged and to show that I trust in you. Give me a sweetness of disposition in trial that your own son demonstrated at the cross. Help me to continue to strive to be more like Jesus. Amen!

Yesterday the kids got right down to chores and schoolwork because I had promised to take Shayna out to shop for dress shoes and for Isaac to be able to hang out with Steven in the afternoon if they were done. On Mondays, they have tons of reading assignments and they did really well with not daydreaming and getting side tracked.

Shayna and I found some cute Mary Janes at Kohl's...I'm so glad that they are in style right now for women- her feet are growing so much! Then we spent about an hour and a half in the thrift store and as is often the case, God went before me there. As I often do, I waited to go until we were desperate for clothes for Shayna, I hate breaking up the routine at home to go out! So, we finally went to the thrift store, praying for atleast a black skirt and a couple more pairs of shoes as all of hers are too small. We found 5 skirts, 7 tops and two pairs of name brand, new, shoes. For holiday presents, I found 5 sets of Little Bear Wheeler's Historical Devotional tapes and a G.A.Henty book on tape! I kept thinking about the homeschooler who must have dejunked and gotten rid of things her boys have outgrown... (well, that's my scenario!). So, the trip was a success and we left just as I was feeling I really had to go home.

Conrad took us all out to dinner at Chili's to celebrate his and Gaelan's birthday, as well as Isaac's placement day. They all fall within nine days of each other. It was nice, it has been a very long time since we went to a restaurant, since my birthday in February. We all said that we were glad that it occurs so seldom because it was such a treat!

Today is another school and chores day, as well as LAUNDRY!! Yes, we attack Mt. Never-Rest today! Tomorrow I go to see the Dr. for my final exam. Please pray that I get the all clear to get back to normal life and that my iron levels are back to normal.

What's for dinner?: chilly day soup, buttermilk (keifer) cheesebread and salad. (Conrad won't be home for supper as he is working late and then going right on to the Crisis Pregnancy Center board meeting.) Isaac also has soccer practice soon after dinner.

Things I'm thankful for: All of the new families at church. We have outgrown the building we are renting, but it is such a joy to meet so many new families! For this wonderful weather. For God's faithful provision in meeting our every need.

Things we are looking forward to: The church campout! Woohoo! Our Reformation Celebration. My favorite holiday, Thanksgiving.

Praying for my family: Getting back to the routine of this...Just going to pray Psalm 15 for everyone!
Concentrating in prayer today for: Micah and his family as well as the Murnion family.

We are using Tapestry of Grace this year and we are in week two. We are studying Exodus.
Have a blessed day, everyone!