Can you tell I LOVE nativity sets???

Every year I am on the hunt for the perfect nativity set. I really want to get the Fisher Price Little People nativity set (that one NEVER goes on sale). Last year I got the one where the kids play in the sand. This year I found a nativity set from Ethiopia carved out of wood (in the middle). And one of my favorite ones is the simple one made out of flower pots.

Tristen has been spending Tuesday afternoons at Grammy's house. She goes there before her art class. Each week they work on a different project. Sometimes they cook or bake. Often they will make an art project together. A few weeks ago I sent her with some supplies I had saved up to make a nativity set. I have had these ideas to make this set for years but never got around to it. Good thing Grammy was willing to help her out.

When Tissy came home with her project, I just about melted. I LOVE it. It turned out so cute. They did a great job. I am hopeful that this will keep for years and years.

living nativity

Chuck built a beautiful (but very simple) creche for our churches living nativity. I am always so proud of how he works at each of his sets that he has built. This one looked really big in our garage, but once he got it out on the location, it didn't look so huge.

We woke up on Saturday to a surprise snow and he bundled up to move his creche and manger to the church. With a few decorations the set looked quite authentic. About every 5 weeks, the church offers "Bethlehem Marketplace". They set up a biblical marketplace for the kids to experience some food, crafts and story in a historical setting.

The kids LOVED the animals. Tissy spend an hour walking the horse around and Tate finally warmed up to the goats. He was sure they were going to EAT him. And Tyce...well, let's just say he is in his element running around outside with friends and animals.

around the house at CHRISTmas time