Aaron, we want to post some pictures of what we're doing today (we're at home all day), so that you can see us while you are at work. We are praying for you, that things go as smoothly as possible with the snow.
Here is our photo diary! Make sure you check throughout the day, because you never know when I'll add new pictures. You'll need to start at the bottom of the post each time, since the most recent pictures appear first when I upload.
We are thinking about you!
I just finished preparing our dinner for tonight...sausage and egg casserole. Breakfast for dinner! Hope you are looking forward to it! Mine doesn't have such a great presentation as this picture shows (got it online), but I'm sure it will taste just as good.

This was taken during lunch while we were waiting for the macaroni to cool off. They had a big lunch. I had a Klondike bar for lunch :)

Vivian took time during lunch to tell me about the Gingerbread house she made at church last night. They had a huge birthday party for Jesus with the kids. She has talked about it a lot today, and all day has carried around her "God is Faithful" book that Mrs. Jill gave as Christmas presents.

While they napped, I also took some time to check up on your anniversary gift online. Can't wait (it's Saturday, by the way...I'm sure you already knew that though, right?)!

We just watched an episode of Sid the Science Kid and now we're going downstairs to eat lunch.

We've been playing upstairs for about an hour. Kate wanted to swing like a baby, so Vivian pushed her in it.

They played in their rooms while I took a shower. Instead of playing in her bed like she usually does, Vivian played in the whole room and made a big mess.

We played hide and seek. Vivian loved it but couldn't understand that she needed to wait and give me some time to hide before she came to find me. Kate loved their hiding place (they hid in the same place every time).I gave Kate another dose of Benadryl to try and dry her up. Her eye looks much better today and she is acting more like herself...not so pitiful like last night.
I didn't look when I set the bottle down, and I guess I smashed this stink bug's head. Ha! Victory!We made a snowman together.

Ta-da! Look at my snowman, Daddy!

The field out back is almost covered, and it's still coming down strong

This past weekend Aaron and I sang in the Christmas program for our church, "Is There Any Wonder?" It was a blast! We have been preparing for a while, and I've let the girls listen to the CD for the last two months, so I knew they would be very excited to see it in action. My parents said they really enjoyed it (especially the beautiful dancers!).
The program was built around the three gifts that the wise men presented to Jesus after their long journey to come worship him. Gold signified the kingship of Christ. Frankincense represented the deity of Christ (it was a fragrance that was often offered to God in the Old Testament as worship and sacrifice). Myrrh was to prophesy about the coming death of Christ in the place of sinners (at that time it was burned as an incense at funerals, or for embalming). We pray that it was Christ-exalting. It was an encouragement to both of us. We couldn't get a great picture, but I will try again soon to get them in their Christmas dresses that Gramme bought.

Uncle Joey and Vivian made a card together tonight. Goodnight sister kiss! After Kate went to bed, they made a lot more progress on the card :)

Stencils, glue, stamps, and markers...pretty serious crafting!

Try this recipe from a Paula Deen cookbook (notice the first ingredient haha)!! We love it!

Slow-Cooker Italian Chicken

1/4 cup butter
1 (0.7 ounce) package Italian salad dressing mix
2 (10.75 ounce) cans golden mushroom soup
1 (8 ounce) container cream cheese with chive and onion
1 cup dry white wine
6 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Hot cooked angel hair pasta
garnish: chopped fresh parsley

In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add dressing mix, stirring to combine. Stir in soup, cream cheese, and wine; cook, stirring occasionally, until cream cheese is melted and smooth.
In a 6-quart crock pot, add chicken. Pour butter mixture over chicken. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until chicken is tender.
Serve over pasta. Garnish with parsley, if desired.

Vivian and Kate have 2 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse DVDs and really love all the characters. My dear friend Kari just got married and moved to the beach in NC (we'll miss her!), but on her way out, she left us this awesome wall hanging that her son had that has velcro attachments to play with! They enjoy playing with it, especially the apple numbers. Thanks so much, Kari and Boston!

It has become a beloved part of our playroom! I like it because they can both stand together to play without getting in each other's way :)

Yesterday we finally got our Christmas tree and decorated it. We were so ready to get it put up that we kind of just threw the lights on it, hope you don't notice it too much!

We decorated it while they were napping, but Vivian did get a chance to help decorate Papa and Gramme's tree this weekend. She is getting really excited about all the Christmas fun! We're praying her affections are also stirred for the glory of the birth of Christ in the coming Christmas seasons.

Today we had a great thrill at the Salem Civic Center...we went to see Sesame Street Live! They did a 1-2-3 Imagine show and the girls realllllyyyy loved it. Vivian was so excited when the characters first came on stage that I thought she was going to cry (happy, can't-contain-myself tears). Kate danced the entire show. At one point, she was head-banging, swinging her arms, and kicking her legs to the beat all at the same time. :)
They got a snowcone and an extremely overpriced Elmo balloon.

We were so glad that Papa went with us. It made the whole thing 100% more fun for them. Is it just me, or are they starting to look more alike?

Kristin gave us both of these hair accessories!

Time for a snack at intercession :)

Papa took us out for lunch afterwards. It was an eventful morning! They both fell asleep within seconds when I put them down for a nap.

On Tuesday night, the babies had a special surprise for their bath...bubblebath and blue water! They were so intrigued and excited. Vivian asked for a red bath for tonight and I would love to oblige. It's fun to see kids be thrilled about such small things :) I went down an aisle at Kroger that I normally skip (toiletries), and saw the Cinderella bubblebath and Elmo color tablets. Awesome, everyday fun!