Mombo Visit

Mombo came to visit, and the time just flew by. Don't worry, it wasn't all fun and games. She made four curtains for me the last day she was here. Isabella was thoroughly entertained and educated by Mombo. (Joseph and I were as well.) Come again soon please!


Here is Isabella's kiss. Sometimes it is accompanied by an "aaaahhh" noise.


Please note the butt ruffles below. One of my favorite things.

Autumn Leaves

Fall!

This fall we have enjoyed:
A visit from James and Anna Swanson
Fun late nights with Reed and Toni (and soon Abel!)
An especially beautiful hardwood outside our house that is showering red and yellow leaves down
Watching Bella get cuter by the minute (and more independent!!)
Isabella's conversations. These started at 9 months
Isabella following us around the house
Lydia Keeton being born (pictures will be posted later)
A house that is closer to being finished
A washer and dryer, (woo hoo Nana & Papa!)
A new camera to capture it all!
I was denying fall for awhile because I was so sad to see summer leave, but I have now embraced the pumpkin. One key motivation to the embrace was a pumpkin spice coffee I purchased at Joe Beans. When you come visit, we will go get some. Yum!
I never really enjoyed Fall until I lived in Lynchburg. It is so beautiful here. God truly is magnified by His creation!

Have you ever noticed that Elijah's Mom is Crazy?

Have a Grandma who just won't use her electric wheelchair??
All you have to do is show her how fun it is! Just grab your kid and show her how it's done. She'll be scooting along in no time!

Work Out with Maw Maw

Count Your Blessings

Some more things I am currently especially thankful for.

*I fit in my clothes.
*Two used free cell phones!!
*Joseph's 20/20 vision.
*Money Saving Mom website.
*John & Heather's upcoming SC visit.
*Theology-accurate music. (Few things are better.)
*Little overalls for my little girl. (Few things are cuter.)
*A wonderful marriage.
*New Friends that we have prayed for God to bring into our lives.
*Joseph lets me buy things to decorate the house.
*Windows open weather.

Joseph recently purchased the album "To Be Like Jesus" (Sorry my italics aren't working.) We got it for Isabella, but it has already made me cry and convicted me multiple times. I praise God for giving these musicians the ability to creatively communicate God's truth.

Here are a few excerpts that I have benefited from.

Self-Control

Your word tells me I have a need to watch out for my soul.
And everyday it's clear to me, I need your self-control.
My hands and feet are quick to move, before I even know,
So Jesus make me more like you, and give me self-control.

When I say words I should not speak, and hurt the ones I know,
On the mornings when I'd rather sleep,
I need your self-control...

Lord I'm needy, so I'm pleading,
Come and fill me,
Help me to be self-controlled.

Peace

Peace, you give me peace.
When the storms come, and I'm afraid.
Peace, you give me peace.
When I trust in the words You say.
You give me peace.

If you can calm the sea,
Then you can comfort me.
If winds obey Your voice,
Why should I fear their noise?

And though my eyes can't see, I know You're with me.

ShAke It Up BaBY!!

What a sweet girl. (I am sorry about my horrible voice. I can't help it.)

Elijah Sings in Georgia.

Elijah treated us to a musical snack. He had some assistance from a butter churn, vacuum attachment, and an Uncle Dwight as backup. (U.D. is famous for the old classic "I've been workin on the railroad" and the beloved "Dudolph da bred dose waindeer"

My Little Indian

July Fun

July was a fun month. I feel I have been robbed of my summer as the days, although "longer" have flown by very quickly. This is the first summer in years that I haven't been able to get a tan. (I know my life is so hard.) I am anxious to get the house completed so I can have a routine for my life. Of course, then something else will happen that won't allow it and such is life.
Things I Am Thankful For:
Small Group. I look forward to becoming closer to our friends and seeing how the Lord will use us to glorify Himself. "they will know Me by your love for one another..."
Garage Sales. I have probably annoyed all of my friends talking about my great deals, but it is so exciting to be able to afford fun things for Bella, the house, etc.
Sermons. I really should listen to them daily as they really motivate me to be holy and I learn so much from them! I recommend John Piper & Paul Washer especially.
Extras. Some people don't have clean water, I worry about finding curtains I like on sale.
Missions at Redeeming Grace. I am so excited to see the direction our church is headed! The unity in the desire for God to be glorified is beautiful. I saw this clearly at a recent missions meeting.
Telephones. It really is amazing how they work. I am so glad to be able to have frequent conversations with people I love so dearly.
Hope. That he who began a good work in me will be faithful to complete it. I am a failure, but the One who showed mercy and grace to me is not. In this I hope.