Nativity

O, come let us adore Him...

Our Jesus Tree

Last year, my sister-in-law had these tags hanging on the garland that was wrapped around her banister. Each tag has a different name for Jesus (Messiah, Savior, Lamb of God, Friend, Lover of Children, Hope, Peace, etc.) and the scripture reference underneath.

Well this year, I bought myself a set and made a miniature Jesus tree that sits in our master bedroom. I love that sweet little tree and the reminder it brings that Christmas is first and foremost about Him.

Mirabelle Shines for Christmas

Earlier this year, we were invited to participate in the Old Southwest Holiday Parlor Tour. We have dreamed of having our home on the neighborhood tour since we first bought this ol' girl. And after six years of ongoing renovations and loving life back into Mirabelle, we finally felt like she was ready.

I get a little teary thinking about how far she's come since we first laid eyes on her. We looked at this house twice before buying and said, "No way! Too much work." But God laid her on our hearts, and we knew we were being called to rebuild and restore her. And that's just what we've done.

She was all decked out in her Christmas finest for the tour, and, boy, did she shine! I'm sharing her here today – before-and-after style – so come on in, pull up a chair, and stay a while. ;-)

EXTERIOR
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FOYER
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LIVING ROOM
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DINING ROOM
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OFFICE/PLAYROOM
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DOWNSTAIRS BATHROOM
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MUDROOM
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KITCHEN
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STAIRWAY
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UPSTAIRS HALLWAY
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UPSTAIRS BATH
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THE BOYS' ROOM
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SPARE BEDROOM
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MASTER BEDROOM
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MASTER BATH
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MASTER CLOSET
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And there she is. Looking at all of these pictures makes me appreciate so much how far this house has come. She was once sad and neglected, but now she is loved. One tour visitor stopped me and said, "I feel like your home just wrapped me up in a great big hug!" I feel that way every single day. I love this ol' girl. =)