Could she BE any cuter??

Sophia's 9 month pictures

And whatever you do...

Just a little thought for my mom blog readers. I found a card where I had written down a verse today and it really encouraged me, so I wanted to share.

"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Colossians 3:17

A verse we've heard a thousand times, but when I feel like pretty much all I do is wash dishes and clothes and babies bottoms, it's good to be reminded that it doesn't really matter what we are doing, as long as we're doing it for His glory. It's sometimes a stretch to think of how my monotonous tasks bring Him glory. But today it hit me that it's not the task, but the attitude I have while doing it. I've not been "excelling" in that area of attitude lately, so this was a good reminder for me! I am thankful for the family that I serve and for the health God gives me to do it. That's all. Just a thought.

Life in Tuscaloosa is going quite well. Last weekend our sweet cousins came to visit. It was great to have Brian and Tara and the kids here, even if just for one night. I'm just thankful that we are not so far away that one night is a reasonable trip. We are getting more settled in to our house, but we still have a bit of work to do. I am so blessed to have a hard working husband who doesn't mind taking on projects one right after another. Last night the church gave us a "welcome" party. We were overwhelmed by the gifts (many of them very Alabama-ish) and encouragement. We are so happy to be here.

Sophia is 9 months old now! She's crawling and pulling up. Where did the time go??? She is so precious. I just can't seem to squeeze her tight enough.

Noah still loves it here. He's an instant UA fan. He's reading better and better, just in time for school to start soon!

Micah spends most of his time in the corner. I love him, but he still spends most of his time in the corner. I promise he deserves it. Better to be in the corner than in the hospital, right?

peace

July 4th in Tuscaloosa was a "blast" :). Mom and Dad came to spend the weekend and check out the new house/town/church/life! As always, we love having them around and the kids received their usual spoiling. July 4th was a full day. We had lunch with our friend Chuck E. (Cheese that is), dinner at Dreamland, and then went out to the lake to swim and watch the fireworks. Noah LOVES the lake and the pool and the friends. He is settling in to life in Tuscaloosa even better and more quickly than I could've imagined. That's a major praise and answer to prayer. Hope everyone had a great holiday weekend. Back to life as normal tomorrow. Who am I kidding? We don't know what normal is yet.

Sophia watching her first fireworks!