Love is in the house...

... is one of my favorite TobyMac songs.

It summarizes how we're feeling right now.  Today is our 23rd wedding anniversary.  I love Jimmy wayyy more than I did 23 years ago, and I am confident that 23 years from now I will love him wayyy more than I do today.  I am amazed at how our Lord knits hearts to Him and to each other.  It is one of the miracles of Love.

We didn't have a chance to go away for the whole weekend as we had planned earlier in the year.  The weather forecast as a little iffy for wintry weather.  So instead last night we had a romantic late-night dinner at one of our favorite restaurants near home.  Then today (our actual anniversary) we drove to CB and spent the day there, just the two of us.  We watched the sun set and the moon rise.  We walked over to the freezing cold beach and shared a few sweet minutes under the full moon before we had to jump in the car and head home.  On the way out, we toured the Islands of Light.  So us, don't you think?

Confession...

Snow day here.  Hooray!

The first thing I always think when the power goes out is:  Hey, let's watch movies in the dark.

The first thing I thought when I found out school was canceled today:  Hey, now I can run to the mall and finish up Christmas shopping. 

This being the South, I'm about as likely to get in a car and drive somewhere during a "wintry mix event" as I would be to get the TV to work during a power outage.

I love flawed logic.  It usually means I'm going to get to take a nap.

Second Sunday in Advent: Thursday Edition...

For to us a child is born,
   to us a son is given,
   and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
   Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

   Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 

 

Isaiah 9:6

It doesn't have to be perfect.  It just has to be.  Jimmy traveled to corporate HQ on Sunday for a business meeting, so we had to find the perfect night when everyone was back home to light the second candle.  That night was tonight.  Still sweet to read God's Word together as we ponder the immensity of God sending His only Son.  Incarnation.  Amazing.  Grace.  Amazing Grace.

Lecrae...

Snow lights...

Pumpkin spice all-stars...

I do love some pumpkin spice anything from October through December.  I love it enough to have a list.  Here are my top five pumpkin spice favorites:

#5:  Pumpkin spice cream cheese.

I know; I know.  Sounds like the grossest thing you could imagine, and I thought it would be.  I was pleasantly surprised that it was actually good.  Pair it with a nice whole wheat bagel.  Mmmmm...

#4:  Pumpkin Pie Spice creamer by International Delight

There's also a Pumpkin Spice creamer by Coffeemate, and it will do if there's nothing else around; but Pumpkin Pie Spice is truer to pumpkin pie flavor without tasting so chemically.

 #3:  Pumpkin spice trail mix

Who would've dreamed that they could make trail mix flavored with pumpkin spices, but they do and it works.  Very well.  Go ahead on over to Target and get you some. 

#2: Pumpkin muffins

Yeah, I'm noticing a trend too.  All these pumpkin goodies are available at Target.  My world is small.  Yet Target's pumpkin muffins are incredible.  After the Pumpkin Czar announced that the pumpkin dearth of '09 might continue into '10, I was a little scared the muffins might disappear.  Thankfully, the supply increased and everything was fine.  Breathe deeply.  It's OK.

#1:  St. Arbucks' Pumpkin Spice Latte

If you know me at all, you know PSL's from St. Arbucks taste like sipping a pumpkin pie through the little hole in the lid.  It is my favorite of the season.  I love PSL's.  Somebody needs to make me a t-shirt that says that.  Add to PSL season the times I get to have one with a friend and you have my #1 favorite favorite. 

It's a most wonderful time of the year...

Sunday evening we lit the first candle of the season. I love our family Advent devotions.  We talked about hope, and each of us shared some things we're hoping for.  Then we paused to thank Jesus for laying down heaven for a time to rescue us so that we can have genuine hope.  Amazing.

Wednesday we started our Advent calendar for daily family devotions.  This year we're using an Advent garland that Zack made in school.  I was still looking for the perfect Advent calendar over the weekend; I found one in the Advent box in the attic, but I had a feeling that it probably wasn't as gospel-centered as I'd hoped.  I even posted as one of my 10 things to do this season that I wanted to find a gospel-centered Advent calendar.  I figured I'd hit all the bookstores on Tuesday afternoon when I had some time.

And then... guess what?  (You know God is in the details, right?) Zack came home with a craft he had done in school: a green and red and white paper chain printed with Old Testament and New Testament verses that "demonstrate how the prophecies of old came true with Jesus' birth."

I love the directions that follow:  "You may want to allow your child to find and read the verses, being ready to offer assistance on how each verse fits into the traditional Christmas story.  May God bless your family's time together as you prepare for this season of Advent."

After devotions, Zack heads to bed and we sing 3, okay 4, Christmas songs.  Meanwhile downstairs, we hang out with Kelsey and Zane.  What a blessing, indeed!