today is our 13th wedding anniversary. its been a wild ride and one i can happily say has only just begun.  we had a lovely afternoon browsing my favorite antique mall and came home with some vintage ornaments and other goodies. i have as much fun watching what captures david's attention as i do finding little treasures.

now i'm off to cook his favorite meal, chicken and dumplings.  happy monday. 

our advent calendar includes candy and a simple gift for our spirit.

Balance is the hardest part of the holidays for me.  I have this struggle every year about how to handle Christmas with the girls.  I want them to have magical memories of the holidays as a child as well as a deep connection to Christmas that goes well beyond the decorations, gifts and dreams of Santa.  I want them to understand not only the power of Christ but the great gifts of family, love, forgiveness, peace, joy, and the wonders of nature.