Deck the Walls!

Merry Christmas, come on in and have a tour of my home, actually it's not my home it's God's, because he provided if for my husband and I back in 1996, when we moved into this log cabin, with no doors, no windows, and we even hung our clothes from the rafters. We were able to finish it in 1998 and it was completely paid for, only by the grace of God! You see my husband and I are founders and program directors of a non - profit boys ranch for at - risk boys and we said we would only expand when money came in, so we would not ever borrow money. I had to give you a little background before I take you on the tour, because of some of the things you will see. So here we go hope you enjoy, would you like a cup of french vanilla coffee? The first treasure we stop to see is kind of wierd. Years ago, I read about a christmas tradition I wanted to start with our three children and we didn't have a whole lot of money so I bought this little baby Jesus at the dollar store, and I agree it is ugly, but what we do with this baby Jesus is hide it early Christmas morning then before the Christmas story is read the kids have to find Baby Jesus. Then we read the story.... then they get to open up presents!

It is a fun tradition!

See what I mean by a little wierd?

Now let me take you to the beautiful tree that our 4 at - risk boys decorated after I read them One Incredible Moment by Max Lucado. We cranked the tunes up and listened to Mercy Me Christmas CD and had a lot of fun. Then we had hot chocolate together. One of the boys shared with me that one christmas his dad didn't put up a tree so he drew one on paper, cut it out and put it on the wall. Did that make me feel guilty as we were putting up this beautiful tree!

Now let's take a look at this wooden set of trees that the boys made this christmas, they made 30 of them, cut them out, and painted them. We gave them away as gifts to a volunteer group, who comes out to the ranch once a month. Aren't they just so cute?

They really look nice in a log cabin!

You're probably wondering why, did she name this deck the walls, well here it is. My husband doesn't like it too much when I have the boys decorate his pride and joy, but he loves me so he let's me do it, anyway. They usually have red noses on, but I keep forgetting to pick two up at the dollar store when I'm out and about, maybe next year they can be rudolph again.

My daughter and I about 9 years ago took old christmas cards that I had been saving for a couple years and made this collage to cover a deer mural, and we also made a back groud for the fish tank. Enjoy!

I have some more things I want to show you in my home, but I'm running out of time. I hate to be a rude hostess and all but my daughter, son-in-law, 7 month old grandson and my son are coming home Monday from Texas, they all work at a children's home there for girls and boys. So I will walk you through the rest of the house without saying a whole lot. Sorry to be so rude, but hey I have to get all my wrapping done, so I can just sit and hold that grandbaby. I can't wait! Have a Merry Christmas and remember Jesus is the Reason why we celebrate this time of year. Thanks Boomama for setting up this Christmas Tour of Homes, it was great fun to share with everyone. Hope you all enjoyed.