The Nativity Project

Walking into my garage two nights ago, I was greeted by this sight.  I have worked on this secret project for a year, and every time I see the finished project I am moved to tears.  I've always loved the story of Mary and Joseph and the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. I have sought for years to find a way give to my children a remembrance of my feelings for this story.  So, when my neighbor Willa Cahill put out a Christmas display in her front yard, several years ago of a huge 5 foot by 8 foot Nativity painted on wood, I asked her about it.  

I love her story so much!

It seems that she is a child from in a large, devoted Catholic family. In the evenings, after dinner, the children would become restless...especially when they were cooped up in the house for a long period of time.  And the winter months have long dark days with nasty weather patterns that do keep children inside.  So on those especially trying evenings for the parents,Willa's mother would give each of her children a paint brush and paints and say, "Here, go paint a wall."

They must have had the most interesting walls in the neighborhood!

And because of her childhood experiences, Willa has no fear of painting large spaces or of any painting project.  In fact she has painted free hand murals in offices and homes.  (You should see the walls of her children's rooms! Wow and Double WOW!)

But for today. The story is that I taught two of her children piano for a year and she agreed to freehand paint 6 Nativities for me to give my children.  Pictured here are 4 of the finished projects.  To me, they are joyfully beautiful!

And to the hundreds of you, who have seen these wood sets and inquired about obtaining one for yourself, Yes,Willa has agreed to freehand a personal project for you. Luckily, my husband has also agreed to work with us. He and our son, Michael, are creating an online store for you. But for right now, we are still getting everything priced and set up. We have so much to learn and do. I'll let you know when we have a final price and where you can place your order.  I'm so sorry that this is taking so long. I can only say that these one of a kind heirloom pieces are very special and we want to give the very best attention to the details and shipping.  But, for today I hope your enjoy the pictures.