An Ebenezer Weekend

People use that term a lot. But really, what is an Ebenezer anyway? I looked it up, so I could tell you something a little more concrete than the definition I have floating around in my head. I found this little explanation that sums it up pretty well:

Literally speaking, an Ebenezer is a "stone of help," or a reminder of God’s Real, Holy Presence and Divine aid....an Ebenezer can be nearly anything that reminds us of God’s presence and help: the Bible, the Sacramental Elements, a cross, a picture, a fellow believer, a hymn – those things which serve as reminders of God’s love, God’s Real Presence, and God’s assistance.

This past weekend the girls were dedicated at their Grandfather Blanco's church in Hendersonville. It was a really tender ceremony, performed by their grandfather, and thanks to the kind folks who translated it all into English for all of us "gringo's" I was able to hear the prayers, the sermon (all about raising children - don't worry Rafael, I took notes!) and worship in song with my brothers and sisters in Christ there. 

To see those two precious little souls, surrounded by their parents, aunts, grandparents, and friends who have loved and prayed for them from the very beginning, I was (and am) reminded that my God is Real, Holy, so very Present in our lives, and that He has been our very great Help &  Shelter in a time of storm. I looked around going, "how are we this loved?" Back when the girls first arrived, we had nothing. The future looked somewhere in between bleak and dark, especially for little Ava Gray. And now we are here...rich in family, in friendships, in health. We are loved, because we are Loved. All praise to a Heavenly Father who adores His children and loves to lavish them with good gifts - the most precious being the gift of Himself! 

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So, about these pics: we don't usually "twin it up," but this occasion called for some matching apparel. Abuelita (Grandma Blanco) & Laura & Ana & the girls & I went out last Thursday & found some pink sailor-type dresses on sale. It was really fun doing that together. I think there's some hilarious pictures of that outing floating around somewhere. I'll try to find them and post em soon. : ) 

Getting ready....(Little pieces of paper towel make great earplugs-Thanks Papi!)

 

Havster getting the lay of the land....

Ava Gray hiding out between some pews. Just love her sweet "I'm mad" face! : ) 

The ceremony:

Pastor & Grandfather ("Abuelito"), Rafael Blanco:

 

And just when you think you've got your twins figured out....We were expecting to have some trouble with Havyn having to be held/hold still throughout the dedication. Weren't too worried about Ava Gray. They faked us out: Havyn fell asleep in my arms within a minute of us being up there: Ava Gray on the other hand, squirmed, planked, bucked, put her fingers up her fathers' mouth and nose, and worked herself (and her Papi) into a total sweat. Although lil' Havster is no joke to hold for 10-15 minutes at a stretch (the girl loves to eat, just like her mama), I definitely got the better end of this deal. (Sorry Jonathan!)

After the dedication of the girls, Jonathan & Ana & Ava Gray escaped into the nursery to cool off. Havyn slept through the rest of the service. (Perrr-fect) : ) Thanks so much for being there Laura, Jina & Andrew!

A cooled-off & much happier Ava Gray:

"So we're done, right?"

Another thing that made this a truly memorable weekend was that we got to spend it with Jonathan's sister, Lily. For those of you who don't know her, she is a fun, spirited, gentle lady who is beautiful inside & out. The girls warmed up to her immediately and all three of us can't wait for her (& Uncle Jeremy) to come visit again!

 Look, Mama, don't I look awesome in my new duds from Tia Lily?

You'll see here documentation of Ava Gray almost giggling in the arms of her aunt, and Havyn contentedly cuddling up to her. Within minutes of meeting her. This. Never. Happens. : ) 

I hope it's okay: just had to share this precious shot of Lily at the dedication. We are so excited about meeting Ava Gray & Havyn's new little cousin (due January). I know that Lily will be a wonderful mama!!

And a few more shots of our Ebenezer weekend: (Ava Gray also loves her Abuelita - can you tell?)

 This was hilarious to watch. Havyn pretended to ignore her Papi kissing her face, but whenever he stopped she would look straight ahead and tilt her head over towards his for more. Love it.

 And there's always some kisses to spare for Abuelito!

 Here's us hanging out at Musicians Corner. Havyn was in heaven. Doggy-heaven, that is. (I'm pretty sure we met every. single. dog. that was there. And there were a lot!)

Check out the tongue & the tongue : ) And Laura's face is classic too...

And from the "after-party" on Sunday:

 No, it is not some weird new greeting. It's Havyn's sign for "elephant" - her new favorite animal this week.

And lastly, another Ebenezer from this weekend: a high chair. Long story, short: our double jogging stroller was stolen last week. Friends decided to raise money for us to get a new one. They raised so much money that we were able to buy a brand new stroller (from Essex - cheaper than Craigslist!) and this amazing high chair for Havyn (she didn't have one & was running around during mealtimes like a banshee). Havyn loves the chair. (I love that its all wood & so easy to clean!) The girls also love their new stroller (much more comfortable than their old one). Thank you, Father, for such strange and wonderful and perfect gifts. ; ) The gift of a stolen stroller. Just one of a zillion. perfect. gifts. from. You. Ebenezer's, all!