In search of Santa

On our daughter's 16th birthday, my Sweet Hubby and I started her on a "Santa collection." We only shopped for those "one of a kind, crafted by American artists" pieces and each year since then, she's received a new Santa on her birthday. To say she eagerly awaits her new addition is an understatement! Her 31st birthday is this Tuesday...and with everything that has happened the latter half of this year, no Santa shopping took place.

The Virginia Beach Christmas Market opened this morning at the Pavilion. This craft show runs all weekend long and is a longstanding tradition here. I say "craft show" but over the last few years, there's less and less "crafts" and more food/specialty items. Either way - a good time.

And something my Sweet Hubby and I did together every year. We looked forward to it...wandering around, checking things out. Picking up a little something here and there if it caught our fancy...sometimes coming away empty-handed. It didn't matter - we loved it! So many memories!

I knew I had to go because it was my opportunity to find a Santa for our daughter. No way could I disappoint her this year. So..another "first" for me today. I went with my friend Kimberly. She did a wonderful job of keeping me occupied and it wasn't as hard as it certainly could have been.

And look what I found:



I think she'll like him...what do you think? And I had the artist sign and date his "bottom" (sorry Santa!). Mission accomplished. And I think my Sweet Hubby is smiling...

"Jesus said to her, 'Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?'" John 11:40

Thank you, Father, for continuing to meet my every need.