Two Down One To Go

After having to wait for weeks after Holly got her braces off, Abbie now has a brand new, shiny, braces free smile. 

No rest for mom and dad's wallet.

Gracie's smile is now a work in progress. 

I love my beautiful smiley girls!

Finished!

We finished the wood floors.

What do you think?

Floating On Air

For 2011 we decided to make birthdays about making memories.  Gracie has been on a hot air balloon kick for over a year.  To her surprise, she got to go up in one for her 12th birthday.  You've never seen a happier kid!

She was thrilled to be allowed to help with the balloon set up.

Daddy was the brave one to go up with her.

He claims that I would have loved it.  Truthfully, I was as happy as I could be with both feet on the ground taking pictures.

Up, up and away!

Now our girl is hooked and cannot wait until she gets to go again!

A.W. Tozer

I just read the most amazing prayer written by A.W Tozer in a book called The Pursuit of God. It is at the end of a chapter where the author talks about us (the created) being in a proper relationship with the Creator.  I would love to be able to pray this prayer with sincerity of heart.  I believe that I will make doing just that my goal.

O God, be Thou exalted over my possessions. Nothing of earth's treasures shall seem dear unto me if only Thou art glorified in my life.   

Be Thou exalted over my friendships. I am determined that Thou shalt be above all, though I must stand deserted and alone in the midst of the earth.  

Be Thou exalted above my comforts. Though it means the loss of bodily comfort and the carrying of heavy crosses, I shall keep my vow I made this day before Thee.  

Be thou exalted over my reputation. Make me ambitious to please Thee even if as a result I must sink into obscurity and my name be forgotten as a dream.

Rise O Lord into Thy proper place of honor, above my ambitions, above my likes and dislikes, above my family, my health and even my life itself.  Let me sink that thou my rise above. Ride forth upon me as Thou did ride into Jerusalem mounted upon a humble little beast, and let me hear the children cry unto Thee "Hosannah in the Highest!"