I didn't want to see it.

The "For Sale" sign staked in front of her house.  Making it all too official.  She's moving.  My best friend here.  To a really far away place.  For forever.  She's my hang-out friend.  The friend with cute kids close to the same ages as mine. The friend I can call up spontaneously to meet us at the park.  The friend who carpools to preschool with me.  The friend I call to watch the kids for the couple of hours.  The friend whose laid-back personality helps balance me out.  The friend who has adorable style that inspires me.   The friend I can borrow sugar from.  The friend who is an awesome cook and always has goodies to share.  The friend with a super generous heart who is always there, always understands, always willing to help.  And now... she's moving. 

And I... am a sad mess.

The theology of the star.

After I posted my Christmas version of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star I got an anonymous comment saying the following:

...I thought you may be interested to know, though, that the wise men (astrologers actually) did not visit Jesus when he was a baby. By the time they reached him he was a young child. (Matthew 2:1-12) Also, the star that lead them to Jesus was not sent by God. If you read the account closely you will find that the star lead them first to King Herod who wanted Jesus killed. It would not be logical to think that God would use astrology, something the Bible warns against and that God abhors to announce the birth of Jesus. (Isaiah 47:13-15; Deuteronomy 18:10-12) It was only because God intervened by means of a divine dream that stopped them from returning to Herod. These facts point to the star coming from an evil source, most likely Satan. The Bible describes him as using “lying signs and portents.” (2 Thessalonians 2:9). It is also noteworthy that God did announce Jesus' birth by miraculous means by sending an angel to appear to a group of shepherds and announce the birth and provide directions so they could go and see Jesus. Then a multitude of angels appeared and praised God. (Luke 2:8-4)...

I knew that  the wise men didn't finally arrive until much later, certainly not appearing in the manger scene as often depicted, but the idea that the star is of the devil is far from what I've ever heard!  I dug in my Bible today, reading all these verses, but just didn't pick up the same idea.  I'm no good when it comes to theology so I wanted to put this out there to see what YOU know/believe about the star that led the wise men to Bethlehem.  I don't want this to be an attack or debate really of any sorts, just trying to get some information because I'm curious!

Photoshoot with Claire!

I got to take newborn pictures of my niece Claire yesterday!  I gotta admit, I was sooo nervous!  I've never done pictures on "assignment" before, besides someone telling me to take pictures at a baby shower, but that wasn't anything posed!  Posing had me nervous.  I didn't know if Claire would stay sleeping as I moved her around or if she'd not even fall asleep without clothes on.  And when I left in the morning and it was cloudy I was worried about not having enough light.  I pretty much only use natural light all the time and find the most-lit room and pay attention to what time of day is best according to the sun's position. But along the drive the sun came out and

In the end...

Claire was FANTASTIC!!  When she first fell asleep I left her a bit to make sure she got into a good, deep sleep before messing with her, and in the meantime Holly and I were chatting.  I think we left her a little too long, because she did wake all up when we tried moving her.  It was almost feeding time again so they gave her a bottle and she fell right back to sleep and was set to go!  I moved her all over the place and she never woke up!  She'd stir every once in a while but I'd hold a blanket to her for just a second and then she was fine.  Perfect!  

I'd read up on several tips beforehand.  Newborn pics are easiest in the first 8-10 days (2 weeks for sure) when baby is most sleepy all the time.  If you want to undress baby make sure it's really warm in the room.  And maybe even have white noise running.  So I tried all that.  And we came out with some really great pictures.  I took a TON but here are some of my faves from the day...

I caught a dreamy smile!

On my way to Paul and Holly's house I stopped at Hobby Lobby for 2 yds of black fabric ($3!) and I'm sooo glad I did!  Then I could keep the baby's flesh colors in the picture and I, personally, love how this next set looks!!

I love the bubbles in this one!

and a last favorite!!

Okay, so that turned out to be a million favorites--it's sooo hard to choose!  But you know me, I'm sure you're used to that by now.  =)  ENJOY!

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star (Christmas Version)

I made this up this morning.  Please excuse my voice, it's really embarrassing to hear myself sing, but there's no other way for you to hear how the words fit with the music.  So here it is...

Twinkle twinkle little star

Wise men trav'ling from afar

Following the star so bright

Walking 'cross the land all night

Baby Jesus there you are

What a wonder that You are.

The headless horseman wisemen

 

These poor guys only lasted 2 days in our house.  It's really a bummer because it's such a CUTE set! Maybe they'll glue back together??

Have you made room??

* Note: I make and send postcards to my Moppet workers to remind them of our upcoming meeting, so when I post things like this one or this, that's what they are.  It's just fun to share here too.  =)

Monday Meanderings - Dec. 6

Alrighty, peeps, I don't really feel like doing Monday Meanderings today!  I just want to get off the computer and get to work!  I was lazy with the house last week (seems to be a trend when Kevin's on nights) so this week I need to get a LOT done, from catching up on laundry to putting clothes bins away to mailing out Christmas letters to preparing for next week's MOPS meeting.  But I WILL tell you what fun things are coming up this week!!

* Tuesday is our MOPS planning meeting.

* Tuesday night is a ladies night out for dinner!  It's been sooo long, I can't wait!

* Thursday I'm headed up to Omaha to take Claire's baby pictures/family pictures and maybe run a few quick errands while I'm there.

* Friday evening is Eli's preschool Christmas program, and at some point my mom/parents(?) are coming for Saturday's event...

* Saturday the MOPS mommas are getting together and heading to the city for Christmas shopping together!  We had a blast last year, so I'm super excited for this year!!

So that's my great week!  But for now I need to get to business around here!!!  Kevin's coming off of nights today (only sleeping a half-sleep) so I would love if things were in order again before he gets up for the day!!

Have a great week!  And if you want to join in, leave your link below!

What it's really about.

I'm an aunt!!

Yesterday morning my SIL Holly was officially induced (though she'd gone in Wednesday night for the starter stuff, or whatever) and around 3:30pm Claire Katherine was born!!  She was taken via urgent C-section but in the end all was well, and for that we are very thankful!!!  I got to visit briefly (I could've stayed forever!) this afternoon and she's such a darling!  See???

I actually didn't get very many pictures this first visit.  I was too busy enjoying holding her!  =)  But next week I'll be taking her official baby pics, so I'm excited for that!  I can't believe I have to wait a whole week to see her again though!!!!!

Giveaway winners!

Thanks so much, you guys, for participating in my first-ever giveaway for adorable items from the Etsy shop Already Love You.  I'm so excited to support my friend Katie and her family in their funds toward adopting a child from Ethiopia! (or wherever God leads them to)

And NOW.... I present to you the winners of Sarah's very first giveaway ever, to the wonderful shop called Already Love You....

shaking the basket...

 drawing...

 and the winners are...

Rae Lynne!

and...

Cathcart!

Congratulations!!  Please email me sometime in the next week with your address information where I can send your gift!  If I don't hear from you by next Friday then I will draw another winner.

If you didn't win this giveaway, I do encourage you to head back to the shop {I see there are a few new holiday items!} and pick out something for your children or someone else to support this dear family in their mission!  Thanks so much!  What a fun way to kick off this holiday season!