The Centre of our Joy.

Yesterday we attended Toronto's annual Santa Claus Parade. It was fantastic. My favourite were the drummers in the marching bands. Thump thump thump...

We sat on the curb of Avenue Road for about 4 hours in total. Sure, the floats were a bit tacky and silly...and of course whenever the Mounties passed by their horses made a big stink. Amidst all the commercialism and Santa-craze the atmosphere was hopeful and thousands of children looked really really happy. My heart was full watching the parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts and uncles surrounding me act like...well, like children. *One day I have to write a post about what happens to parents when they become grandparents*.

Mark had never been to a Christmas event like this, and while it was verging on what he'd coin as, 'American', he spent most of the day enjoying the music as well as the free coffee and treats.



We don't mind Santa. He isn't like Satan to us. He doesn't come close to stealing the glory of Christmas in our home, he's simply another character in a lot of Christmas movies and on wrapping paper, etc. Addie won't grow up to worship him or write to him around this time of year, but she certainly likes the 'idea' of him at the moment. Can you blame her?

On November 11th we put our lovely red, white, and silver-themed tree up. I know, I know. Don't even say it. Last week we spent a morning sneakily shopping without Adelaide so that we could start to grab a few pressies for her. We both felt an overwhelming desire to bless her this year. The older she gets, the more fun present-buying is.

Now, I LOVE presents. Gifts are certainly one of my main love languages. I SO enjoy planning them, buying them (Mark is constantly amazed) and of course receiving them, but this year it is all about our Addie. I finally get why my parents had barely any presents under the tree for themselves...

As we continue to get ready for Advent and Christmas - hanging stockings, having people round for yummy things to eat and drink almost every night, and (hopefully) enjoying a bit of snow-we are reminded to unashamedly make Jesus the centre of our joy, our fun, and our gladness.
He IS the good news.
He is our reason to be merry.
He gave us beauty for ashes.
He is our eternal present,
our highest prize.

Look for Him, especially in this season...He is right here in our midst.

Snails eat chicken

Mark loves the smell of playdough. We manage to make most of the things that Adelaide requests. The only thing I didn't even try was Snow White. There was just no way...

We also think she said that she wanted a 'little sister' the other day (as she shows us the baby character from her doll house). Of course that would be the ultimate toy, right?
Oh, Addie...you make us laugh.