Steve and Jenny Valentine

After I took this picture and saw it on the computer, I was reminded that sometimes I want too much. Many times, it's things that don't really even matter. When I took this picture, I just wanted one where all three kids are smiling, but we all know that can be a tall order. However, as you see, success...all it took was Steve doing a silly dance and there you have it! So you may be wondering what the problem is then, why did I find myself wanting "too much" when I looked at this picture later on. If you look closer, you will notice that we don't have a tree skirt (as evidenced by all the wires sticking everywhere) and barely any ornaments on our tree (maybe soon we will have our things from the States). Then I glance at their sweet faces and think, we have three of the cutest little humans alive, what is wrong with me to think about tree skirts and ornaments!? I get frustrated with myself for swinging from one side to the next of want vs. contentment. I can ...

Advent is a time between Thanksgiving and Christmas where we celebrate the birth of Christ.  A time of remembering, to be thankful and ponder the many fulfilled promises that came through the birth and life of Christ.  We are enjoying this family devotional so far for this Advent season (published by our former church in Dallas): http://www.thevillagechurch.net/mediafiles/advent-guide.pdf Having time together as a family is a great way for us to talk and reflect about things that matter most during the holiday season.  Check it out!