{around here} Week of 8.11.14

Can you believe we’re halfway through August already?  This summer has been wonderful in so many ways, but I’m anxious for what fall has to offer too.  I keep reminding myself to take it one day at a time and enjoy every day to the fullest (sometimes easier said than done!).  Here’s a snapshot of what we’ve been up to this week:


We’ve been easing into homeschooling for a few weeks now and it’s been going better than I could have imagined.  The boys love it!  We’re starting to fall into a routine, while at the same time, being really flexible…I’m sure that doesn’t make any sense, but it’s been the perfect practice for when the new baby arrives.  Our favorite activities this week: making rainbows and robots with the little boys (and Sophie too!) and starting our study of ancient history with M by making a loom just like early settlers.     


Mark and I have both had long, exhausting days, so we had a little at-home date one night after the kids went to bed.  It’s so good to talk together, catch up about our day and laugh.  Oh, laughter.  The best balm for this tired mamma’s soul.  


A few updates at the halfway point for my August goals:

• I found a cross-stitch project from my stash and have been faithfully working on a few stitches everyday.  It’s a simple project with only two colors, so I’m not sure why I ever put it down!  Pictures to come next week.
• Surprise package “just because” to a friend who needed some sunshine: check!
• We’re one step closer to preparing Big White Farmhouse for Christmas with the addition of Gift Certificates!  I love that it’s a physical product vs. an e-mail (just personal preference) and that it will be filled out by hand.  Another little detail where we hope to keep our store personal. (And little side note if you’re interested: gift certificates will always ship for free, either to you or directly to your recipient.  We’re working out a few kinks on the website, so for now, if you enter “GCFREESHIP” at checkout, it will cancel out the default shipping charges.  Sorry for the inconvenience!)  
• Almost done with my walking challenge!  Just a few more days to go, but I think this has become a habit I’ll continue daily.
• Make a designated prayer request book: check!
• I’m in the middle of reading Another Man’s War: The True Story of One Man’s Battle to Save Children in the Sudan.  It’s hard to read about horrible things that happen in our fallen world, but I also don’t want to keep my head in the sand.  
• Some progress on the baby checklist: the car seat has been purchased and a freezer meal plan has begun.  I hope to get a few meals assembled this weekend!