Thursday, January 28, 2010

Nativities From Around The World


I have had the wonderful experience of being part of our stake's Nativities From Around the World for the past two years. We had gone our first year here, thought it was beautiful, but didn't really imagine what could be involved. One of our dear friends was in charge last year and asked me to help out a little bit. I found that I loved being involved and felt blessed to be part of it again this past year. I am beginning to realize how much really goes into putting it together. The annual event is accomplished by hundreds of hours of service by many wonderful people, as well as many donations/things lent by many. Without everyone it wouldn't be what it is, a great gift to the community, a beautiful reminder of what the Christmas season is all about. Even Sasha and Braden were able to help out this year. We stopped by one of the last afternoons, there was final touch work happening, and they were able to help set up the poinsettias. They absolutely loved being part of it. While I was helping with some of the things our friend who was in charge of the children's area let Sasha and Braden spend time in there. It was one of our highlights of the season, they talk about it often. Sasha loved being Mary, and Braden now loves being the cow when they are acting out the Christmas Story. Here are a few pictures from our experience this year. Sasha wanted to take pictures of some of the displays - enjoy.

She loved the "purple" table, I think I have over 10 pictures of it.

Friday, January 01, 2010

We need your help

Our friend Misty is offering a contest on her blog, she said that she has been looking for something fun to do for her clients. She came across another blog that was offering a contest and has decided that is what she wants to do. She has chosen 25 of her favorite shots from this past year's photo shoots (ours is one of them, #8) and is asking for votes. The photo with the most votes by Friday January 8, 2010 by 11:59pm (PST - I'm guessing) will win a free photo shoot. She is also going to give away a free photo shoot to one of the commenter's (chosen by random.org), which can be used by yourself or given to someone else if you don't live close. Misty is our good friend who has been helping me improve my photography skills, and we were lucky enough to have her take our pictures this year as well. We are asking that you might be willing to take a moment and go to http://www.mistyalger.com/blog/ and vote for our photo - #8 Castle Kisses. Thank you for your help in advance.

edit - the link has been fixed