A Glorious Nativity!

I thought I'd share this with everyone as it has brought a lot of joy to many this year.  This is the creche sitting on the altar of our church. Here is the story:

Many years ago I asked my mother, an artist/retired art teacher, to make me a nativity set.  Most years I receive a character as a Christmas present.  I say most, because, as an artist, if the character does not meet my mother's expectations I will not get it until the following year (hence the reason why there are only two wise men at the present time-Gold did not meet her expectations; I joked that he made a wrong turn in Albuquerque).  My mother's thought was that these should be set up in three vignettes-the manger scene in one place of a room, the shepherds in another, and the wise men in a third location.  As we have cats that pose a dangerous threat to the fragile pottery pieces, these characters have never left the safety of their glass doored hutch.  That is until this year.  I asked our pastor if she would like to display them on the altar and here they are.  I set the two wise men today after church to mark Epiphany Sunday next week (Epiphany is the celebration of the three wise men coming to the Christ child).  I have received many compliments on my mother's work including someone commenting that they should be placed in a folk art museum.  They are precious and, to me, priceless.  I hope you can enjoy them as much as the members of our church have.  Below are more detailed photos of the vignettes.

Luke 2: 8-19

Luke 2:1-7

Matthew 2:1-12

The Baby's Quilt

Sewing on the Binding

I have been waiting on the U.S. Postal Service to post this blog.  In what seems like a lifetime ago, Ross and I were neighbors with two sisters.  They gardened and we gardened.  They liked to cook and Ross cooked (and I like(d) to eat). They liked to make drinks and we liked to sit outside, talk, and imbibe (remember the red roofies anyone?).  There was chemistry there.

Well time moves on and so did the sisters, and then we eventually moved to Connecticut.  Ross has kept contact over the years.  We were excited when the one sister got pregnant with her first child.  She had a girl, and Ross made her a baby quilt. She is about ready to give birth to her second child, and lo and behold, a second quilt was sent.  Of course I could not release this blog until we had confirmation that the blanket was delivered by the U.S. Postal Service, or else I would ruin the surprise.

Ross does a great job making his quilts.  When we were at the Post Office, a gentleman had overheard the conversation between us and the postal worker about the blanket. He stopped and complimented Ross on his work.  It's nice to get such positive feedback (I never get tired of that small town feel).  Maybe one day Ross can sell his quilts too!

The Talented Mrs. Hull

When I got home from work today there was a little package waiting for me.  Inside I found the most adorable chicken that my sister had made for myself and Ross.  Our little hen pumpkin makes a great companion for the original pumpkin that my sister gifted us last year.  I can't quite remember, but I believe they are made out of paper mache or a material of similar quality.  My sister then paints them.  They are simply adorable and beautifully crafted.  My sis is definitely talented!

It's always nice to receive an unexpected gift.  Especially one that is as unique and thoughtful as the chick-o-lantern.  It will be a wonderful reminder of all the highs and lows we have experienced in our first year with chickens.  Thanks sis!