Ready or not....

I seriously cannot believe that school is starting on Monday. It seems as though it just let out, but I am very thankful for the wonderful summer that we had! Spending time with the kids is the best. We have had fun just hanging out playing wii, playing outside, water fun, and our favorite summer past time has been frequent visits to "Chateau Snow", our local snow cone stand. I have made it my mission to get a new flavor everytime, but I still haven't come close to trying them all. Anything with sweetened condensed milk is a winner in my book. Maddie loves pineapple upside-down cake and Landon loves spiderman (blueberry & strawberry) I think it is the name that he really likes....it could be any flavors in there!

I am determined to be more organized this year in our daily routines, such as waking up in time to read my bible and exercise & get the kids breakfasts & lunches prepared. Justin usually is on kitchen duty and this week he has done an excellent job of making our lunches yummy! I pray for this school year to filled with positive attitudes and open minds, including my own. Sometimes it is hard to see why certain things happen & it is hard to see eye to eye, but I plan on keeping the lines of communication open (with each other and with God) and I won't let things fester up inside!

This week has been a challenging one, but I can say there have been praises through them all...One has been the praise of Justin and I being very devoted to our envelope system with the Dave Ramsey plan. We had $85 in the food envelope (grocery & eating out) and we finished the week with $10 left! That even included a snow cone run!! :) It has forced us to think about every purchase and made us question, "Now do we really need that?". God always takes care of us and sends reassurance when he knows we need it. For example, Justin took our change jar and cashed it in and he brought home $120!! The words "TRUST IN GOD" rang through my ears...

Besides becoming a first grader on Monday, Maddie has some exciting news. She begins violin lessons! We are so excited and can't wait to get fitted for her violin. We will be renting one until she grows up enough to have a full size, but plan on purchasing if she is still dedicated by that time. Madeline has been talking about playing violin since she was 3. Her time is finally here...

Well, I am off to make some lasanga to put in the freezer for a meal this week. May your week be filled with blessings!

Alanna