We only lack the tree...

I realized that I have never really taken pictures of our Christmas decorations!

I re-stressed the importance of this nativity set to my kids this year.  It was made by my Grandmother and me and is irreplaceable (sentimentally, at least).  My Grandma made ceramics, and every year, I always loved visiting her to make something new.  We both had a hand in making this set.  But she passed away when Natalie was only a few months old.  So, I am always a bit nervous to put it out each year with all my little crazies running around.  But I do anyway.  Because it is beautiful  And no matter how sentimental, I can't enjoy it from the inside of a box.

I bought these shelves (unfinished) a several years ago and painted them for our stockings.  The stuffed animals are actually from our wedding reception centerpeices.  Our stockings were made by Nate's grandma, who passed away maybe two years ago.  Damon actually has her stocking.  She wanted for one of the kids to have it, so it became Damon's.  Last Christmas, I took her name off and put Damon's on.  And notice the enormous size of Kelton's compared to the other kids.  We joke that it is due to a severe case of favoritism.  Nate's grandma's maiden name was... Kelton.