The Nativity Story, part 2

Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." 

Matthew 1:18-21 (ESV)

The Nativity Story, part 1

[Mary's Song of Praise: The Magnificat]

And Mary said,

“My soul magnifies the Lord,

and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.

For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;

for he who is mighty has done great things for me,

and holy is his name.

And his mercy is for those who fear him

from generation to generation.

He has shown strength with his arm;

he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;

he has brought down the mighty from their thrones

and exalted those of humble estate;

he has filled the hungry with good things,

and the rich he has sent away empty.

He has helped his servant Israel,

in remembrance of his mercy,

as he spoke to our fathers,

to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”

(Luke 1:46-55 ESV)

I Love the Blakley Boys!

Christmas Shopping on a Budget

Today, over at Momfessions, the Christmas shopping topic is for "something different."  I don't really have any more gift ideas, (I'm hoping to gain a few myself this week), but I can share "something different" about where you can look for gifts. 

I've been doing my shopping in consignment shops lately, and I've been surprised at the amount of brand new items you can find.  I really shouldn't be surprised because I've consigned a few brand new items myself.  (You know...clothes I just knew I would be motivated to fit into one day if I bought them on sale or the candle holders I just had to have when I saw them but couldn't ever find a place for them at home!) 

In the same way it's smart to shop for a "slightly used" car whose first owner has paid the initial full price, it's not a bad idea to check out consignment shops where you can find some previously owned, but still in the package, brand new items.  I've found some great frames this way.  Just the other day I saw lots of brand new, boxed Hallmark ornaments at a local consignment shop.  It's worth checking out, if you're shopping on a budget.  I hope you find some good stuff!

Here's another Christmas tip:  Check out Vistaprint if you are interested in personalizing stationary/notecards/notepads/etc. for Christmas gifts.  There are always items for free (+ shipping) that can make great gifts.  Personalized Christmas cards aren't cheap!  So here's what we're planning to do this year...We'll create our Christmas Card picture/message as a photo, then upload it for a postcard here at Vistaprint.  You can get 100 postcards for free, upload your picture for a few bucks, then spend just a few more for envelopes.  While you're there...create your own return address labels for free and your Christmas cards are well on their way to being done.  (I wish they would stamp & lick them, too, but it looks like that's up to me!)  But be careful...it's easy to get hooked on this website!

Be sure to check out Momfessions for more Christmas gift ideas for "something different" today!

Gifts for Her!

My friend Sheila is hosting a blog carnival this week to share Christmas gift ideas.  If you're like her (and me), the gift ideas/shopping/wrapping are all up to you.  And I know I could use some help this year!  So check out her carnival this week at Momfessions for the different people/children in your lives.  (And if you need help on what to get me this year....just ask!)  ...kidding!

Today's focus is on "gifts for her".  One of the items on my "gifts for her" list this year is definitely going to be a great piece of silver jewelry, handmade from my friend Casey.  (And I'm not telling you who's getting it or exactly what it is, so don't ask!)  Casey is incredibly talented and you'll want to check out her hand-crafted silver jewelry from Silver Shed Studio.  Here's a taste of what you will see...

Now head on over to Sheila's blog to find a few more gift ideas.  Be sure to check the rest of the week, too!

joy has dawned...

"Joy Has Dawned upon the World"
Words and Music by Keith Getty & Stuart

Joy has dawned upon the world,
Promised from creation—
God's salvation now unfurled,
Hope for ev'ry nation.
Not with fanfares from above,
Not with scenes of glory,
But a humble gift of love—
Jesus born of Mary.

Sounds of wonder fill the sky
With the songs of angels
As the mighty Prince of Life
Shelters in a stable.
Hands that set each star in place,
Shaped the earth in darkness,
Cling now to a mother's breast,
Vuln'rable and helpless.

Shepherds bow before the Lamb,
Gazing at the glory;
Gifts of men from distant lands
Prophesy the story.
Gold—a King is born today,
Incense—God is with us,
Myrrh—His death will make a way,
And by His blood He'll win us.

Son of Adam, Son of heaven,
Given as a ransom;
Reconciling God and man,
Christ, our mighty champion!
What a Savior! What a Friend!
What a glorious myst'ry!
Once a babe in Bethlehem,
Now the Lord of hist'ry.

monthly update!

So...my blogging has been pathetic lately!! (to say the least) But, I just haven't been on the computer much at all. Ok...I take that back...when I have been on the computer lately, I've just been focusing on doing some online shopping for Christmas and for Baby Blakley (yes, we still do not have a name).

In my usual spirit of blogging updates, here goes...

• I just got in my starter pack order of small cloth diapers...I went with fuzzibunz and was excited to have a 25% off coupon to lessen the blow of the purchase. I can't wait for our son to be in them...they are so cute and soft!...any advice on the best thing to use for a diaper pail?...I've gotta get that next.
• I also got our bedding in for Baby Blakley...next purchase, I guess, needs to be a crib! With no surprise to anyone who knows me, it is teal and brown gingham. I love it! I went with something fairly plain so Justin can put his artistic skills to work on the nursery walls...
• ...nursery walls that will be in our very own house!!!! It looks like we will probably be closing on our first (owned) home sometime next week! I can't believe it. Justin has been awesome, handling all the details, so I guess this is kind of sneaking up on me. I've been slowly packing up books, choosing things to give away, and getting myself mentally prepared for another move at Christmas. I'm so excited that we will be in our home before Baby Blakley comes.
• As for some house details...it's an open floor plan, 3 bedroom, 2 bath, with a garage and a (drumroll please)....dishwasher! Merry Christmas to me! I am also pretty excited about the washer and dryer being in the hallway and not on a cold back porch! Can I just say...I'm so excited.
• God has just continually been reminding us how blessed we are lately. If it were up to me, I probably would have not been so patient...for this perfect house. We thought our final option was going to be building a house, so we were so amazed when God led us to this 10 year old home that is so similar to what we would have built. Not to mention the sudden drop in interest rates. God is so good!
• We will soon be living in the town of Jonesville..."across the river" from Elkin! You're all invited over!

productive week! ...with correction!

So...my week in review...

• I turned 27! Monday (can't believe it) and got some great scrapbooking stuff from Justin that I can't wait to check out and these beautiful flowers!
• We had a great Ladies Fellowship meeting on Tuesday night at church...now on to planning for December
• We went with our parents on Monday to look at a house Justin found last week. They love it and we love it!...plans are in the works!
• Two of my closest clients at work had their babies! Praise the Lord!
• I had a great OB appointment...it's hard to believe I only have three weeks left! (Um...hello I must have had a "pregnancy moment!"...I have three MONTHS left! Glad you girls read and commented...no...with three weeks left I doubt I'll even have the patience to bullet everything!) I was told I was measuring "perfectly," so I liked hearing that :) ...It would've really been a productive week if we had decided on a name... but Baby Blakley is still doing great!
• I baked a pumpkin pie...from real pumpkins...tastes pretty good, too!
  

From decorations.......to dessert!!

• Justin has been back and forth on the phone with banks and mortgage companies and the owner of the house we're looking at...things are looking good...I'm so glad he's doing the dirty work, though!


• I decorated for Christmas!! And I'm so glad...it's minimal, because we're hoping to move very soon, but I'm just glad to have my manger scene up and all the beautiful Christmas things. I can't believe we might be moving around Christmas again! Oh well!
  
• We saw Fireproof today - finally! And I cried almost the ENTIRE time ...I should have been warned as the pregnant, already emotional woman that I needed to take plenty of tissues. But, I loved it!