Daily Christian living is daily Christian dying!

Daily Christian living is daily Christian dying.The dying I have in mind is the dying of comfort and security and reputation and health and family and friends and wealth and homeland. Theses may be taken from us at any time in the path of Christ-exalting obedience. To die daily the way Paul did and to take up our cross daily the way Jesus commanded, is to embrace this life of loss for Christ's sake and count it gain. ~John Piper

Ricky recently recommended a book to me called Don't Waste Your Life by John Piper. I am really enjoying it and am absolutely challenged to think rightly about the short life the Lord has trusted me with. Just thought I would share this quote from the book since I thought it was so great. Hope you do too!

Teddy Bears for the Road

Granny never shows up without a new bear or doll. Usually she buys matching stuffed animals for the girls. Last time we were in Florida she gave the girls these two bears and they just had to have them ride along in the car that day. I thought it was funny how the ride ended with two sleeping girls and of course the bears.

Sweet Time with Grandma Joy

We had the oppurtunity to take some pictures together with Uncle Kenny, Uncle Matt, and Aunt Kaitlyn. Mom likes us to take a family picture each year a Christmas and here are a few we took this year.

Nail Salon with Mimi

Now this is more my kind of a tradition! Mimi likes to take the girls and have a girls day at the nail salon. I like this tradition because I usually go too. The girls usually just get polish, but it is great fun for them because I let them pick whatever color they would like. At home, I only let them pick toenail color so that their fingernails are not crazy blue or gold. Dana and I usually go too, and it is just a fun time together. Not to mention it feels wonderful too, thanks Mimi and hope you enjoy the pictures.

O's with Pa

Ever since Bailee was little she has enjoyed having Oreo's (or O's as she first called them) with her Pa whenever they are together. Annika is now in on the tradition and for them it is probably one of the highlights of any vacation time we spend together. This is the three of them at Christmas time sharing this tradition.

Playing the Wii with Uncle Brian

Christmas Lights with the Coolest Dad Ever

Each year we drive through this neighborhood that really goes all out when it comes to Christmas lights. Some of the homes pass out candy canes and one actually has an orchestra playing Christmas music from their garage. It has become a tradition in our family, and this year we drove Ricky's car. Ricky opened the sun roof and let the girls stand up and look out the top of the car. Everyone drives really slow and the girls had a blast.

Christmas services at Lake Hills Community church

These were taken at the ladies Christmas fellowship and on Sunday morning when the children sang for the Christmas service.

Bible Study Christmas Party

Posting this makes me realize just how behind on the blog I have gotten, but better late then never. This party was so much fun, we did a gift exchange and some people brought gag gifts. It's always funny until you are the one that gets the gag gift. Ricky got a nice pair of chop sticks, and our gag gift (a coffee cup warmer) actually became a hot item....go figure. Pretty much the pictures say it all!

Bailee get's Glasses

We took Bailee in for an eye exam, only because she had turned five and we thought it was time. We never thought that she was having any problems and we were so glad we went. The doctor said she really needed glasses and that since your eyes are still developing until around eight years old that maybe her prescription would better with time. I was so thankful that she really liked them, and has taken such good care of them. They took a little getting used to though, when she first put them on her eyes began to water and I became concerned. She said "don't worry mom, it's just bright" the Doctor said that is how many children explain being able to see clear and sharp for the first time. I just about cried. She does look pretty cute in them!