This week we were able to take part in salvation Army’s stocking stuffing. We had each kid stuff a stocking with essentials and a little fun. My kids were a little confused to why a kid would want toothpaste in a stocking, I think it was eye opening that they realized we have so much compared to much of the world.
I helped prepare for our Ward’s Christmas party this Friday. I made the invitation, bought four hams, prepared two of them, and helped set up. Here is the nativity room:
Here are my collection of nativities. I didn’t have to bring any of mine to the ward party because so many shared there’s (and I was a little worried about losing some of the wood pieces to my Chinese nativity). In the captions of each pic is the story behind the nativity.
Andy and I got this when we visited his parents in China. We had to go to the back of the store, behind a bunch of cardboard boxes, up a stair case and behind a wall to find this Christian woodwork art store. I loved everything, but we had to leave with this Nativity. It has been my favorite all along. Christianity is frowned upon in China, so it was pretty special to be able to find this (thanks to Juliet’s shopping prowess). 
This is a glass-made nativity from DollyWood 
I had to get one of their hand blown glass bulbs. 
I did a rush ceramic coating of this Nativity so it didn’t turn out quite as I’d planned, but it has its own unique rustic look. 
ok, not a nativity, but this is Andy’s Christmas Nativity. Anyone have a baby Yoda (Grogu) that could play the part of Jesus? 
Love the willow tree nativity! 
Andy’s Grandma and Grandpa Jackson sent this one to us. 
This is another recent addition my Mother-in-law gave me. These Smokey mountain bears are so cute! 
Andy’s Grandma and Grandpa Jackson sent this one to us. 
Andy’s Grandma and Grandpa Jackson sent this one to us. 
Andy’s Grandma and Grandpa Jackson sent this one to us. 
We ended the week with Harvey catching yet another bug! Poor guy. This one really kicked his butt. He spent most of Friday night asleep on my chest with sporadic spasms and bursts of crying and screaming. He had quite the fever, but it seemed to pass and he slept much better last night and was like himself again by the end of today. I am so ready for this fall full of sickness to be over!
Ok… ok… last but not least, gotta include these two cute little bugs. Beverly is so lucky! (ok I am too) we both have our best friends living right next door! These two usually get play time every day and *usually don’t tire of each other.
This is awesome Elise! I love all your nativities. I might like the Star Wars one the most 😆