Saturday, December 01, 2007

Christmas and the Very Grand Kids

The Countdown to Kona has slipped below a week! I can't believe it - one week from now we will be eating dinner in Hawaii. Lots to do before then!

If you have children in your home, children or grandchildren, you might be interested in the Fisher-Price Little People Nativity Set. I bought it 3 years ago for the kids to use when they were at my house. This set took center stage on my living room coffee table because I didn't want to have my ceramic set broken. I wanted them to be able to have a hands-on experience with Baby Jesus. When you press on the angel on the stable, it plays "Away in a Manger."


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Then I found this one, which plays the whole Christmas story when you press the button:
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This one looks like it is made from dough. All the figures could be hung on the tree, but it also makes a great hands-on play experience.
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Yesterday, the girls were so involved in playing with all of these things that I just sat back, watched, listened, smiled to myself, and took a few pictures. They are very creative little players.
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Even with all of these things especially bought and set up for them, they found it more fun to play with something that was not a toy. It's not expensive, nor is it an heirloom, but it is breakable and I've had it for quite a few years.
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I heard some clanking and clicking and discovered that Care Bear was taking all the little cups out and stacking them up. I warned her to be very careful and to put them back. Oops -- too late!
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But - Grandma can't say too much - the day before, I decided to wash one of them in the dishwasher because somehow it had gotten sticky and dirty. Not a good idea! Turns out it wasn't colored glass after all, but covered glass - with plastic!
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One final picture with a cute story, unrelated to the kiddoes. I have a small collection of snowmen, with quite a few on the tree, but the beginning of a collection for the shelf.
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DC brought me the large one standing on the left. When I asked him where it came from, he told me this great story - one of the ladies he works with spends a lot of time on the phone with customers of their company. One of her clients brought her this snowman last year. It seems that she had some sort of falling out with this gentleman and she is mad at him. This little guy laid on the floor by her desk all year. DC asked her today if she wanted it - she said no, she didn't want it because of her frustration with this guy. So he brought it home for me. I don't know why she didn't throw it away, but I'm glad she didn't!


Have a wonderful and blessed week-end!

20 comments:

Mommy said...

LOL about the snow man!! How funny is that. Thanks for making me smile.

The nativity sets are great. I have thought about getting my kids one. Still debating on it. They have so much stuff as it already is now.

Judith said...

You just never know what God's going to do, to put a snow man in your life, lol.

My favorite part of the entire post is the close ups of the girls
checking out the Nativity scene.

I was at Bev's one Christmas when her children were little, and noticed that her Nativity Scene was made of rubber. The kids could bend and stretch all the parts, and they kept their shapes.

Congratulations on your fabulous trip. I hope you have a really good time.

Karen H. said...

Good Morning Dawn,
Your Nativity Sets are just adorabale. Unfortunetly,my girls have outgrown the Fisher-Price things. I do have a couple of Nativity Sets tho. I have one of them out and I'm not sure where I'm going to put the other one. But, I just love yours. I love that Snowman as well. I have quiet a few homemade Snowmen that my Mom has made for me. Isn't if fun just to sit back and watch the kids do things? I used to do that when mine were smaller. I know you are getting excited about your trip. I'm excited for you. Well, take care my friend and have a great weekend. May God Bless You and Yours.

Hugs,
Karen H.

Diane Viere said...

Somehow, a child playing with a nativity scene....is even more special!

Excited for you....as you await your Hawaiian trip! How exciting!!!

Diane

Nadine said...

What fun for kids to be able to play and touch Christmas decorations. So often they are told "no." What a fabulous idea you have.

Carole Burant said...

I wish they had those types of Nativity sets when my boys were little...my Joseph's head and the donkey's leg were forever having to be glued back on! lol Oh dear, what a shame about your candle holders, especially since you've had them for such a long time!! That is quite the funny story of how DC got to bring that snowman home! lol xox

Sharon Lynne said...

I love nativity scenes too! I have one of painted rubber. I bought it so the boys could play with it. Of course, they've outgrown it now, but its in good shape and I still love it.

The grandkids must love coming to your house. They're going to miss you when you're gone!

I can't wait to hear what December is like in Hawaii. I wonder what Christmas decorations in Hawaii will look like?

Cheryl said...

I like snowmen too. I didn't even know Fisher Price made a nativity set! Have a wonderful week...blessings.

Susan said...

What cute kids nativity sets. Didn't know you were going to Kona!!! What fun for you!! Enjoy.
Susan

Unknown said...

The kids are darling, & so intent with what they are doing, good idea to let them have their own nativity sets. I like snowmen too.

Diane@Diane's Place said...

I loved seeing the girls playing with the nativity scenes. How Christmasy!

I've the same experience with the colored plastic film on the glass that peels off when you try to wash the item. That's how you know you have a genuine quality show piece in your collection, LOL! ;o)

Less than a week until you leave for Hawaii, eh? Better get busy packing and preparing, girl!

Love and hugs,

Diane

Sherry said...

Yeah for Hawaii. So so so jealous. I love the nativity sets you have...last year, when we moved-ours was left behind; I plan to find a great set after the season is complete (on clearance:).

Fresh Girl said...

We got that Little People Nativity set for my nine and a half month old nephew for Christmas this year! I can't wait to see him open it. :)

Oh, and hi, Dawn! I'm here from a comment you left on Barb's (A Chelsea Morning) blog...you recognized that was Clay Aiken singing in her video and said he was one of your favorites, so I had to come see who's claiming my pretend boyfriend for her own. ;)

You obviously have very good taste in music! ;)

Barb said...

I really need to get the Fischer Price nativity. Cameron is fascinated with my Willow Tree nativity and that's just off limits to a two year old of course.

You must be so excited about the trip to Hawaii. I can't wait to see all your photos and hear all about it when you return.

If I don't connect with you again before then, and that's possible because I'm simply buried in Christmas crafts and baking, I hope you two have a truly wonderful time.

How on earth could you not!

Ms. Kathleen said...

How adorable! I just love nativity sets. Enjoy Hawaii. I so want to return. I told hubby I could easily live there again but ministry has us here for now. Take lots of photos! Hugs!

Mary said...

Dawn,

The Fish*er Price nativity set is wonderful. I wish I had of found one of them when the boys were little. The boys were asking me all kinds of questions the other day about the Christmas story. What kids ask. LOL

Your snowmen are wonderful. I'm glad that lady didn't throw that beautiful snowman out. He's gorgeous.

Take care, Dawn. I enjoyed my visit, as always.

Blessings,
Mary

Midlife Mom said...

I love all your nativity sets that the kids can play with. I have the Fisher Price one but can't find all the pieces. That's what I get for leaving it on a shelf in the playroom. I'll have to pick up another one and keep it packed when not in use for Christmas. I love the pictures of the kids on the table! That's something I let my grands do here too! ha! They love it!

Have you finished the Father Tim book yet? I am getting there and have decided I like it due to all the twists and turns. I agree with you I see lots of stuff to have a series again! I was sure surprised with some of the things that have happened, would never have guessed......can't spoil it for anyone else! heehee!

We are getting lots of snow here today and tonight. I hope it clears up by tomorrow as Hubby has to go to Massachusetts and that's a long haul!

Love your Christmasy decorations, I guess I've told you that before, Kristen does a wonderful job!

groovyoldlady said...

Many, many moons ago, my Aunt bought me a a kit of preprinted nativity figures on cloth. I cut them out, sewed them, stuffed them and lines the stable and the bottoms of the figures with very stiff cardboard.

They are WONDERFUL.

Scout and Funsocksgirl played with them for years and now Girly-Girl and Silly-Head love having them in their room.

Having at least one set that the kids can handle without being scolded and warned is a brilliant idea.

LOVE the big snow dude!

Chris said...

Loved your blog. I just bought the Fisher Price Nativity to set up with my grandchildren vist during Christmas. I haven't decorated yet, but have the tree and lights up. It all looks great.

Looney Mom™ said...

I totally LOVE that Fisher-Price Little People Nativity Set. I'm going to have to go look for one right now - online of course! Thanks for sharing your wonderful collections.