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 :)
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.
Advent started yesterday. Well actually, I found out that some start it on Dec. 1, and some start on the 4th Sunday before Christmas, but we started yesterday because we didn't know any other option. A couple of weeks ago, I began to re-read a book that I've had, in hopes that I could find some good ideas for Christ-centered traditions for our family. There was a very helpful, insightful section on Advent (read it even if you don't think you have time!):
"We are a people of promise. For centuries God prepared people for the coming of his Son, our only hope for life. At Christmas we celebrate the fulfillment of the promises God made- that he would make a way to draw near to him...
First Peter 1:10-12 is a clear description of what we look back to during Advent. For four weeks, it's as if we'r reenacting, remembering the thousands of years during which God's people were anticipating and longing for the coming of God's salvation, for Jesus. That's what advent means--"coming." Even God's me who foretold the grace that was to come didn't know "what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating" (v. 11). They were waiting, but they didn't know what God's salvation would look like.
In fact, God revealed to them that they were not the ones who would see the sufferings and glory of God's Christ. "They were serving not themselves, but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven" (v 12) They were serving us. We Christians on this side of Jesus' birth are a God-blessed, happy people because we know God's plan. The centuries of waiting are over. We have the greatest reason to celebrate.
And yet we are still waiting. Our spiritual redemption came to us with the baby of Bethlehem. Nonetheless, as Romans 8 says, "we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoptions as sons, the redemption of our bodies" (v 23). There is suffering and tragedy still, even for Christians. Someone we love is dying. We may be in pain. Sometimes we have trouble believing God's promises. In other words, our redemption is not complete. We are waiting for the redemption of our bodies- waiting for Jesus' second advent, for him to come again.
So here we stand in the middle. Advent is a season of looking back, thinking how it must have been, waiting for the promised salvation of God, not knowing what to expect. And at the same time, Advent is a season of looking ahead, preparing ourselves to meet Jesus at his Second Coming."
-Noel Piper, Treasuring God in our Traditions pg. 76
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!
On Friday after Thanksgiving, we left Spring Hope and headed for Raleigh. We stayed there at my Grandma's (Mama Dot's) house until Sunday afternoon. We did lots of things, but mostly relaxed and ate a lot.
On Friday afternoon Aaron and I left the girls there so that we could meet up with the Fernandez family at Southpoint for lunch and a movie. Then that night, we went out to dinner with Stephen and Michael at one of my favorite Raleigh restaurants...Piccola Italia (in Cameron Village...have you been there, Kristin?). Thanks to Gramme and Mama Dot for watching the girls for the day/night!
We took several walks around the neighborhood while we were there. Vivian loved to take Angel for walks.
We saw more family on Saturday. They came over for a huge Thanksgiving lunch. Grandma Carolyn and Aunt Nancy were there, along with Granddaddy and Marie.
We played a lot of games and tried to keep the girls entertained.She's happy in this picture, but in general Kate was pretty fussy the whole time we were in Raleigh. I don't know if it was the difference in our schedule, or the fact that two teeth were coming in (which means she is DONE for a long while...she has them all!).
We had a visit from Santa! I think Michael may have caused some damage to Santa's knee :)
Michael was trying to show Vivian that it was okay to sit on Santa's lap, but it didn't work. She stayed right where she was with me.
Santa sang a rap for us!
We tickled and wrestled Kate a lot. She loves it.
We were able to spend a lot of time with Daddy. It was a treat! The whole weekend was an encouragement to us all. Thanks for hosting us, Grandma! Can't wait to see everyone again for Christmas!
We had a visit from Santa! I think Michael may have caused some damage to Santa's knee :)Michael was trying to show Vivian that it was okay to sit on Santa's lap, but it didn't work. She stayed right where she was with me.
Santa sang a rap for us!
We tickled and wrestled Kate a lot. She loves it.
We were able to spend a lot of time with Daddy. It was a treat! The whole weekend was an encouragement to us all. Thanks for hosting us, Grandma! Can't wait to see everyone again for Christmas!That evening we had more food and dessert and family time at Granny and Gene's. 
She ordered bbq from Bill's and it was awesome. She also served her infamous Chewies, which we all love. She is a great hostess, year after year.
Cousins!
And a really great part of the evening was that my Aunt Vickie, who has been in and out of the hospital recently, came as a surprise to everyone! She was released from the hospital just in time to make a grand entrance at our Thanksgiving. Wonderful surprise!
She ordered bbq from Bill's and it was awesome. She also served her infamous Chewies, which we all love. She is a great hostess, year after year.
Cousins!
And a really great part of the evening was that my Aunt Vickie, who has been in and out of the hospital recently, came as a surprise to everyone! She was released from the hospital just in time to make a grand entrance at our Thanksgiving. Wonderful surprise!On Thursday morning we drove down to Spring Hope, NC to get there just in time for lunch. We were with the Fernandez family for most of the day...praying, eating, dessert-ing, playing volleyball and corn hole, catching up with aunts, uncles, and cousins, and being very thankful.
Vivian with her 2nd cousin Caitlin (Uncle Charles and Angie's daughter)
Kate sat with me to cheer on her dad,
who was trying hard to dominate in the corn hole game (not sure if he did well or not).
Chairs are a favorite for her!
playing with Grandma!
I think they were singing a fun song
Both girls got the royal treatment that day. Vivian got lots of cobbler and ice cream from Grandma, and here Kate is being spoon-fed some coconut cream pie.
Their piano was a big hit.
Gray and Pam stopped by with baby Judah (who is now a toddler!), but this is the best picture I got :(We left around 4:30 to head to Lucama for Granny's Thanksgiving dinner. It was a full day!
Thanksgiving is tomorrow, and we are leaving for NC this evening. Hopefully I will be able to post pictures of our trip on Friday. In the meantime, be encouraged as I was to read this prayer of thanksgiving. As Pastor Nick mentioned last night, let's remember that we aren't just thankful in general, and to no one in particular. We are thankful to God, our sovereign Creator and King.
"Praise and Thanksgiving" from Valley of Vision collection of Puritan prayers
O my God,
Thou fairest, greatest, first of all objects,
my heart admires, adores, loves thee,
for my little vessel is as full as it can be,
and I would pour out all that fullness before thee in ceaseless flow.
When I think upon and converse with thee
ten thousand delightful thoughts spring up,
ten thousand sources of pleasure are unsealed,
ten thousand refreshing joys spread over my heart,
crowding into every moment of happiness.
I bless thee for the soul thou hast created,
for adorning it, sanctifying it,though it is fixed in barren soil;
for the body thou hast given me,
for preserving its strength and vigour,
for providing senses to enjoy delights,
for the ease and freedom of my limbs,
for hands, eyes, ears that do thy bidding;
for thy royal bounty providing my daily support,
for a full table and overflowing cup,
for appetite, taste, sweetness,
for social joys of relatives and friends,
for ability to serve others,
for a heart that feels sorrows and necessities,
for a mind to care for my fellow-men,
for opportunities of spreading happiness around,
for loved ones in the joys of heaven,
for my own expectation of seeing thee clearly,
I love thee above the powers of language to express,
for what thou art to thy creatures.
Increase my love, O my God, through time and eternity.
Yesterday I took the girls to the mall to ride the train that's in their Christmas display. When I told Vivian about it in the morning, she jumped up and down and squealed. She was very excited and told everyone in Bojangles that we were going to the mall to ride the train (we had breakfast with Daddy). 
Kate wouldn't take her eyes off the giant Christmas tree in the middle.
Then we walked over to the kid's area for them to play on other rides.
Fun and cheap entertainment for them! Although I was tempted to shop a little bit, so it might not have been so cheap after all... :)Shutterfly is offering a promotion for 50 free Christmas cards to bloggers! Click here to find out how to be eligible for the promotion code. This is great news for me today!
The following three posts are about babies. We are having a baby boom at church and I am very excited for my mommy friends!
Fernandez Family
About
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This blog is a way for us to journal about the fun events and milestones of our days as husband and wife and new parents. Enjoy catching up with what's going on in the Fernandez family!
Aaron and Lisa
Married December 18, 2004
Vivian Gray: born June 18, 2008
Kate Leigh: born August 5, 2009
Hank Michael: born August 8, 2012
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